Insurance

Immigrants in Maryland may soon access health insurance through state exchange

Annapolis, Maryland – The Maryland House has passed a legislation to allow individuals to purchase health insurance through the state’s health care exchange regardless of their immigration status, pending federal approval. The bill, which received a 101-34 vote in favor, now moves to the Senate for further consideration. The proposed measure mandates the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange to submit a federal waiver application by July 1, 2025, to institute the program. Currently, federal restrictions prevent …

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Consequences of Waiting to Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance

NEW YORK – Planning for long-term care and how to afford it is a major concern for many Americans as they age. According to experts, delaying the purchase of long-term care insurance can have serious consequences, and it is advisable to consider coverage sooner rather than later. With the majority of older Americans expected to need some form of long-term care, it is crucial to plan for these expenses to avoid a detrimental impact on …

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Surprise Billing Ban Leads to Spike in In-Network Insurance Claims

As insurance claims in Houston, Texas skyrocketed after the ban on surprise medical billing took effect, a new analysis reveals. The No Surprises Act, which aimed to protect patients from unexpected and potentially high medical bills, has had unintended consequences. According to data, in-network insurance claims have sharply increased since the ban went into place, as providers now have less incentive to negotiate lower rates with insurers. The ban on surprise medical billing has sparked …

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Insurance Impact: Premera Seen as Threat After Alaska’s 80th Percentile Rule is Repealed

Anchorage, Alaska – A recent move by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, the dominant insurance company in Alaska, has sparked controversy. The company has successfully lobbied to repeal the 80th percentile rule, a long-standing consumer protection measure. This rule required insurers to pay the going rate for medical bills in the community, rather than a lower arbitrary amount, safeguarding Alaskans from being burdened with excessive medical costs. The repeal of this rule has raised concerns …

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Critical Legislation: Indiana EMS Faces Financial Crisis Due to Insurance Stinginess & Ambulance Service Losses

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The state of Indiana is facing a critical shortage of paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and ambulances, leaving many Hoosiers in a precarious position when in need of emergency medical care. According to a 2023 study by the federally funded Rural Health Research and Policy Centers, half of Indiana’s 92 counties are considered “ambulance deserts,” where residents are more than 25 minutes away from an ambulance station. This shortage has been exacerbated …

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Purchasing Discounted Health Insurance at 26: My Personal Experience

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Turning 26 means losing health insurance coverage under your parents’ plan, which was the case for one young adult in California. After aging out of their parents’ policy, the individual faced the daunting task of finding affordable health insurance in a complicated market. Fortunately, the state offers a health insurance marketplace, providing options for those in need of coverage. In this particular case, the individual opted for a Kaiser Minimum Coverage …

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Insurance Network Instability Leads to Break in Mental Care for North Carolinians

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A study released by the National Library of Medicine in October 2021 revealed that 21 percent of participants reported that at least one practitioner had left their insurance plan’s network in the past three years. This disruption in care can greatly impact an individual’s everyday life, according to UNC senior Nyami Aghedo, who experienced a loss of access to mental health care when she transitioned to her school’s insurance plan. For …

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California Providers Push Back Against Soaring Health Insurance Deductibles

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Health care costs have been on the rise in California, with deductibles for single-person plans increasing by 380% and family plans by 332% between 2002 and 2022, according to a recent study. This average yearly increase of 8.7% and 7.8%, respectively, has caused concern among consumers and experts alike. While the state’s plan is aimed at slowing the growth of health spending, it may not have an immediate impact on consumers. However, …

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