The Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace is open for enrollment until January 15, 2022. The federal Health Insurance Marketplace offers affordable options for Arkansas residents looking for health insurance. [Read more…]
Health Insurance Coverage News
Health insurance coverage determines what a patient pays, which doctors a patient can see, and whether a claim is paid or denied. This section of Health Plan News covers the plans themselves: individual and family coverage sold on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, employer-sponsored health benefits, short-term plans, and the premium, deductible and out-of-pocket changes that arrive every plan year.
What We Cover
This section tracks rate filings and premium increases, open enrollment deadlines, changes to marketplace subsidies (the premium tax credits that lower monthly costs for qualifying households), and the rules that govern prior authorization and claim denials. We also report on employer benefit trends, including high-deductible health plans paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA), a tax-advantaged account for medical expenses.
Coverage news rarely stays in one lane. Federal and state rules shape every plan, so this section works alongside our Healthcare Policy and Law coverage. Carrier decisions drive what is available in each market, which is why we also follow the health insurance companies and the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans by name.
Guides to Health Insurance Plan Types
For readers comparing options, our reference guides explain how each type of plan works: choosing a health insurance plan, individual health insurance plans, family health insurance plans, high-deductible health plans, short-term health insurance, catastrophic coverage, health sharing plans and low-income health insurance. Readers aged 65 and older should start with our Medicare section, and lower-income families should review our Medicaid and CHIP coverage.
The latest health insurance coverage news appears below, newest first.
Survey: 45% of Insured Americans are Considering Health Insurance Changes During Open Enrollment
Open enrollment is rapidly approaching, and many Americans want to make changes to their insurance policies. While the pandemic is the most important factor for many, some are also considering the cost of their insurance policies. [Read more…]
Bend Financial Adds New Board Member Kenneth Burdick
Bend Financial (Bend), a leading provider of HSAs (health savings accounts) in the industry. Today, the official announcement was made about the addition of existing WellCare Health Plans To its board of directors, Kenneth “Ken” Burdick, CEO. As the first Burdick, an independent director on board, will provide strategic advice direction for Bend’s continued expansion and a focus in the future Health plan space. [Read more…]
Geisinger expands Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage
Geisinger Health Plan expanded its Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage (CHIP), GHP Kids to eight additional Pennsylvania counties. This provides parents with an alternative option for children who are not insured for any reason. [Read more…]
eHealth Releases Environmental, Social, and Governance Report
Today http://c212.net/c/link/ “>eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH), the leading private online marketplace for health insurance It announced the publication its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG report), which details the company’s ESG strategy. Performance for 2020 Calendar Year. You can find the complete report here accessed via the eHealth Investor Relations Website. [Read more…]
Thomas Sass Joins Gravie
Gravie, the leader in defined contribution health benefits, today announced the hiring of Thomas Sass as vice president of business development. [Read more…]
Food Recall Warning – The People’s brand Meadilicious taste of Pina Colada flavoured fortified wine
Minhas Sask Ventures Inc. is recalling The People’s brand Meadilicious taste of Pina Colada flavoured fortified wine from the marketplace because it contains milk which is not declared on the label. [Read more…]
Minnesota Health Plans Extend Coverage
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Minnesota-based nonprofit health programs are willingly extending cost-sharing waivers for in-patient COVID-19 therapy through March 31, 2021. The expansion coincides with a number of different steps taken to assist individuals, suppliers and the community weather the pandemic. [Read more…]
QualChoice Health Insurance Hires Chris O’Dwyer
QualChoice Health Insurance has announced that Chris O’Dwyer has joined the company as Director of Sales, effective Nov. 23. [Read more…]
Cigna Affordable Care Act Health Plans to Expand
Cigna is expanding access to health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in 63 counties across North Carolina for 2021. Cigna’s plans on the individual exchange will include a number of features that increase access to quality health care – all while holding down out-of-pocket costs. [Read more…]
Coalition of America’s Premier Health Organizations and Many States Join Together with Get Covered 2021 in Push to Promote COVID-19 Safety and Health Insurance Enrollment
As COVID-19 surges across the nation, a new coalition of America’s leading provider and health advocacy organizations and states are launching an unprecedented, unified effort to help people stay safe from COVID-19 and increase awareness about financial help to enroll in coverage under the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid. Increased awareness is critical to protect people during our nation’s worst health crisis. [Read more…]
Americans Will Spend An Average of $5,952/Year for Health Insurance in 2021
NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — With Open Enrollment underway, a new ValuePenguin.com analysis has found that in 2021, Americans will spend an average of $496 per month, or $5,952 per year on health insurance, if they purchase a Health Insurance Marketplace plan. There was a slight 1.59% decrease in premiums from the 2020 plan year, but analysts found significant variations across states, and health insurance plan type:
— West Virginia, New York, Wyoming, Vermont and Louisiana residents pay the highest health insurance premiums in the country — premiums here are 43.14%, 41%, 34.73%, 30.50% and 26.45% above the national average.
— New Hampshire, Maryland, New Mexico, Minnesota and Washington residents pay the lowest health insurance premiums in the country — premiums here are 32.55%, 30.19%, 29.68%, 27.26% and 20.66% below the national average.
— Indiana, New Jersey and Delaware had the largest increase in health insurance costs year over year — 10%, 9% and 8% respectively ($42, $43 and $37).
— Iowa, Maryland and Maine had the largest decrease in health insurance costs year over year — 20%, 17%, and 15% respectively ($110, $69 and $78).
— Notably, New Jersey saw rates increase 9% from 2020, after the introduction of their new state run health insurance marketplace. Pennsylvania, which also introduced a state run health insurance marketplace, saw health insurance costs decrease 8% from 2020.
— The most restrictive health insurance policies – namely HMO (health maintenance organization) and POS (point of service) saw the biggest drop in premiums, compared to other types of plans, falling close to 10.67% and 9.04% compared to 2020. By metal tier, Bronze tier health plans saw the sharpest decrease in premiums, falling 6.86% compared to the 2020 plan year.
According to ValuePenguin.com Health Insurance expert Sterling Price, “Despite decreases in average premiums nationally, most Americans will see their premiums increase slightly for the 2021 plan year, due to COVID-19.” He adds, “Insurers are anticipating a surge in medical claims from the many Americans who delayed surgeries or medical procedures in 2020 due to the pandemic, and the COVID-19 Vaccination. These factors have led to some insurers adding a slight bump to premiums for the 2021 plan year.”
ValuePenguin.com analysts looked at the thousands of Health Insurance plans available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Using the rates and premiums for each plan, averages were calculated for a variety of variables such as metal tier, family size, county and state. To view the full report, visit: https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-of-health-insurance
About ValuePenguin.com: ValuePenguin.com, part of LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE), is a personal finance website that conducts in-depth research and provides objective analysis to help guide consumers to the best financial decisions. ValuePenguin focuses on value, assessing whether the return of a particular decision is worth the cost or risk of that option, and how this stacks up with the other possible choices they may have. For more information, please visit www.valuepenguin.com, like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @ValuePenguin.
Additional Information: https://www.valuepenguin.com/health-insurance
SOURCE ValuePenguin.com
Related Coverage
- Survey: 45% of Insured Americans are Considering Health Insurance Changes During Open Enrollment
- Best and Worst States for Group Health Insurance
- Highest Health Insurance Costs Are in New York and South Carolina
For more reporting on this topic, see our Health Insurance Coverage news hub.
Inland Empire Health Plan Receives Health Equity Award
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) received the 2020 Health Equity Award for their ability to engage and connect with members via text message during Governor Newsom’s social isolation order this year. The award was given by mPulse Mobile, a leader in conversational AI solutions for healthcare, during their annual Activate Awards.
mPulse Mobile awarded IEHP the 2020 Health Equity Award for their ability to engage and connect with members via text message during Governor Newsom’s social isolation order this year. [Read more…]
HealthWell Opens Insurance Premium Payment Fund for Workers Who Have Been Furloughed or Laid Off
GERMANTOWN, Md., April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The HealthWell Foundation®, an independent non-profit that provides a financial lifeline for inadequately insured Americans, has opened a new fund to assist individuals who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Through this unique fund, HealthWell will provide up to $6,000 in financial assistance for 3 months following grant approval to eligible households which had annual incomes up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level prior to being laid off or furloughed. [Read more…]
Aflac Puts People First
COLUMBUS, Ga., April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac, a leader in supplemental insurance sales at U.S. worksites, today announced its new, people-centric “Not Alone” marketing campaign. Developed in partnership with Dagger, Aflac’s new advertising agency of record, the campaign reflects the insurer’s commitment to being there for consumers when help is needed most. The new campaign focuses on the wide range of emotions Americans experience when they are hit with unexpected health care costs, emphasizing that Aflac helps pay out-of-pocket expenses health insurance does not cover and giving consumers more control over what otherwise might be uncontrollable situations. [Read more…]
Nonstop Wellness Program Now Offered through Health Insurance Brokers
CONCORD, Calif., April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nonstop Administration and Insurance Services, Inc. (Nonstop) has announced that they will now sell their flagship product through a channel program to health benefits brokers nationally. Nonstop Wellness is a proprietary employer-sponsored health insurance product that combines an ACA-approved high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a Medical Expense Reimbursement Program (MERP), which eliminates or reduces employee out-of-pocket costs, and potentially reduces health insurance premiums 8-10% on renewal. The results are better employee health benefits for less than a traditional health insurance plan. [Read more…]
Most Health Insurers Are Waiving Costs for COVID-19 but Few Expect to Raise Premiums
According to a new survey of health insurance companies released today by eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) (eHealth.com), nearly all are making changes to help consumers impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus. A strong majority (97%) say they are waiving out-of-pocket costs associated with testing. Sixty percent of insurer respondents say they are currently offering some form of premium deferral program for those impacted by the coronavirus. [Read more…]
Centivo Launches New Health Plan Solution
NEW YORK, April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Centivo today launched its new self-funded health plan solution, which is built to save 15 percent or more compared to traditional health plans and is easy to use for the employer and the employee. The solution provides plan options for employees, including low-cost, primary care-based models to help them navigate the health care system and guide patients to the right specialists and facilities. Centivo does this by using advanced analytics to build cost-effective networks directly with high-quality health systems and independent practice partners. The solution will initially be available in three markets — Metro New York, Orlando, and Jacksonville — with additional markets to be added over the course of the year. Centivo also partners with employers and their advisors to implement custom local network solutions in other markets. [Read more…]
TriNet Webinar: Bridging the Health Coverage Gap–Facilitating Access to Alternative Offerings for Small and Medium Size Businesses
DUBLIN, Calif., March 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —
WHAT
Webinar: Bridging the Health Coverage Gap
With COVID-19 delivering the U.S. economy a hard hit, along with employees at risk of losing their health coverage, small and medium size businesses need to understand the range of health coverage offerings available to them. TriNet is responding to the growing coverage gap by facilitating access to alternative health plan options in addition to COBRA.
Topics to be discussed include:
Who might be at risk of losing health coverage as a result of the current crisis?
Health plan options for employees who lose coverage
Determining which option might be right for SMB owners and their employees
TriNet resources that can help SMBs navigate their options
WHO
Ed Griese, Senior Vice President of Insurance Services, TriNet
Jeff Smedsrud, Co-Founder Healthcare.com, Founder and CEO Pivot Health
WHEN
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 | 10 – 11 a.m. PT/ 1 – 2 p.m. ET
WHERE
Register here to join TriNet’s continuing conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on SMBs. If unable to attend, register here and TriNet will email a link to the recording
About TriNet
TriNet (NYSE: TNET) provides small and medium size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry. To free SMBs from HR complexities, TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll and real-time technology. From Main Street to Wall Street, TriNet empowers SMBs to focus on what matters most-growing their business. TriNet, incredible starts here. For more information, visit TriNet.com or follow us on Twitter.
TriNet and the TriNet logo are registered trademarks of TriNet. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE TriNet
Related Coverage
- Coalition of America’s Premier Health Organizations and Many States Join Together with Get Covered 2021 in Push to Promote COVID-19 Safety and Health Insurance Enrollment
- Affordable Health Insurance For The Self Employed
- Equifax Achieves Milestone in Helping Employers Manage the Affordable Care Act
For more reporting on this topic, see our Health Insurance Coverage news hub.
Short-Term Health Plans Leave Patients Vulnerable to Major Medical Bills
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) released today new research which shows the significant financial costs facing consumers treated for five serious conditions while enrolled in short-term health plans: lymphoma, heart attack, lung cancer, diabetes and mental health hospitalizations. [Read more…]
Small Business Health Insurance
Is Small Business Health Insurance Plans Difficult to Understand? Dangers
Many entrepreneurs think small business health insurance plans are complicated and expensive. But is this really true? Let’s have a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with them. [Read more…]
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Hosted First Inclusivity-focused Emergency Preparedness Academy
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) partnered with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Earthquake Country Alliance, PrepItForward and the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative to host the first public Disability & Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) Preparedness Academy on November 6, 2019. The preparedness academy aimed to meet a state initiative to improve inclusivity of preparedness, response and recovery capabilities for all throughout the Inland Empire, regardless of ability. [Read more…]
Survey: 80 Percent Intend to Review their ACA Health Insurance Options During Open Enrollment
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Results from a new survey released today by eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) (eHealth.com) show that consumers not receiving government subsidies to lower their premiums are more likely to switch health plans during the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) current open enrollment period. [Read more…]
Chubb Expands Insurance Solution in Canada to Address Exposures Faced by Today’s Private Equity Firms
TORONTO, April 3, 2019 /CNW/ — Chubb is now providing expanded insurance coverage through its Private Equity+SM offering to address the unique risks of Canadian private equity firms. Designed as a comprehensive solution, these extended offerings help transfer and mitigate many of the private equity firms’ most significant liabilities by combining four management liability coverages including management (Directors and Officers), outside directorship, professional services (Errors and Omissions), and Employment Practices Liability in one policy. [Read more…]
Infinisource Benefit Services Showcases Lineup of Benefits Administration Services
Infinisource Benefit Services will be on display with its innovative benefits administration products at the upcoming Coastal Empire Association of Health Underwriters Symposium & Exhibitor Fair. The event will take place at The Hyatt Regency Savannah in Savannah, Georgia on April 25. The 14th annual occurrence of this event offers health insurance professionals in Georgia with the opportunity to participate in continuing education, receive updates on the industry, and meet carrier partners. [Read more…]
Baptist Health joins CareSource Health Plan Network
CareSource and Baptist Health have reached an agreement to provide quality access to health care for consumers in Kentucky and southern Indiana through the Health Insurance Marketplace. [Read more…]
Tufts Health Plan receives the highest rating possible
Tufts Health Plan today announced it is rated 5 out of 5 – the highest rating possible – by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) on its annual rating of private health insurance plans.* It is the only health plan in the nation to receive the 5 out of 5 rating for both its HMO and PPO products.* Only three other plans in the country, from a pool of nearly 500 -earned a rating of “5.” Its Massachusetts PPO is the only PPO plan in the country to receive a 5 out of 5 rating. [Read more…]
Hixme Announces Employer Health Cost Simulation Tool
Using real care and cost data over an extended period of time that mimics real world experiences and shows optimization across health care markets. What if workers and dependents could right-fit their own benefits using the power of such analytics? It would revolutionize shopping for health coverage – especially for large companies with up to several thousand workers. [Read more…]
Sempre Health launches health plan partnerships
Sempre Health, the leading solution for behavior-based healthcare pricing, officially launched health plan partnerships today to empower consumers to lower their own medication costs. Sempre works with health plans and pharma manufacturers to dynamically adjust a patient’s co-payment based on individual adherence and behavior, seamlessly at the point of fill. [Read more…]
Nation’s Emergency Physicians: Senate’s Alternative to Affordable Care Act Is a Huge Disappointment
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has issued a statement deeply critical of the draft health care legislation introduced yesterday in the Senate, known as the Better Care Reconciliation Act, or BCRA. ACEP’s president, Dr. Rebecca Parker, said: [Read more…]