Every Spring, Congress sets aside Health Care Week to try to pass health care legislation, and this year, all eyes are on the Senate. It is working toward a floor debate, possibly as early as next week, on a bill that Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming has been working feverishly to complete. Sen. Enzi's Small Business Health Plans bill (S.1955) is the new version of the Association Health Plans … [Read more...] about The Hopes of Spring
Archives for April 2006
Delaware Leads Nation in Part D Enrollment
The new Medicare drug benefit has been criticized as too expensive, too risky, and too complicated. But that hasn't kept Delaware's seniors from signing up. The state leads the nation in voluntary enrollments. As of last month, 42 percent of the state's eligible seniors have signed up for coverage. The national average is just 24 percent. What have Delaware's seniors figured out that so many … [Read more...] about Delaware Leads Nation in Part D Enrollment
Delaware Leads Nation in Part D Enrollment
The new Medicare drug benefit has been criticized as too expensive, too risky, and too complicated. But that hasn't kept Delaware's seniors from signing up. The state leads the nation in voluntary enrollments. As of last month, 42 percent of the state's eligible seniors have signed up for coverage. The national average is just 24 percent. What have Delaware's seniors figured out that so many … [Read more...] about Delaware Leads Nation in Part D Enrollment
Proceed with Caution
The new Massachusetts health plan has dominated the policy conversation over the past week, causing more division among conservatives than liberals. The law, designed to make the state the first in the nation to achieve universal health coverage, was signed on Wednesday by Gov. Mitt Romney. He was flanked at the invitation-only ceremony by the Democratic leaders of the Massachusetts legislature … [Read more...] about Proceed with Caution
Health Advisors Will Facilitate Consumer Decision-Making
As we move toward a health care system that gives people more power and control over health care decisions, many experts worry that consumers will be bewildered by so many complex financial and medical choices. Some argue against consumer-directed health care because they don't believe that people can or should be left to make these difficult decisions. But these concerns should not … [Read more...] about Health Advisors Will Facilitate Consumer Decision-Making
Health Advisors Will Facilitate Consumer Decision-Making
As we move toward a health care system that gives people more power and control over health care decisions, many experts worry that consumers will be bewildered by so many complex financial and medical choices. Some argue against consumer-directed health care because they don't believe that people can or should be left to make these difficult decisions. But these concerns should not … [Read more...] about Health Advisors Will Facilitate Consumer Decision-Making
Don't Get Caught in the Last-Minute Chaos
The final days leading up to May 15 will almost certainly be chaotic at Medicare offices. That's the deadline for seniors to enroll in the new prescription drug benefit without paying a penalty of higher premiums. Phone lines will be jammed and websites will be clogged. The organizations now helping seniors sign up will be overwhelmed by the last-minute rush to enroll. That's why … [Read more...] about Don't Get Caught in the Last-Minute Chaos
Don’t Get Caught in the Last-Minute Chaos
The final days leading up to May 15 will almost certainly be chaotic at Medicare offices. That's the deadline for seniors to enroll in the new prescription drug benefit without paying a penalty of higher premiums. Phone lines will be jammed and websites will be clogged. The organizations now helping seniors sign up will be overwhelmed by the last-minute rush to enroll. That's why … [Read more...] about Don’t Get Caught in the Last-Minute Chaos