Insurance Archives - Page 6 of 7 - DR News

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, …

Health Insurance Enrollment Surges in California Under Affordable Care Act

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – A surge of Californians and Americans across the country has enrolled in health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act, according to local and state officials. California alone has seen a record number of 1,784,653 residents selecting ACA health coverage through Covered California for 2024, including 306,382 new enrollees and 1,478,271 renewing their existing plans. The increase in enrollment has been attributed to enhanced federal subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act …

Medical Tourism Sees Decline as American Insurance Companies Limit Procedure Coverage in Tijuana

TIJUANA, Baja California – The number of patients traveling to Tijuana, Baja California for medical care has significantly decreased as American insurance companies restrict the procedures they can cover in Mexico. According to Juan Coronado Ruiz, the director of the city’s Convention and Tourism Committee, new rules implemented by insurance carriers are negatively impacting both patients and the medical industry in Tijuana. Coronado Ruiz expressed concern about the impact of these restrictions, citing a 50% …

Vision for Health Care: Conversation with Economist Amy Finkelstein and Local Experts on Health Insurance Reform

Salt Lake City, UT – Accessing and affording health care in the United States remains a challenge, with many Utahns still lacking health insurance coverage. Even for those with insurance, high premiums and costly health care expenses can create financial burdens, especially in the face of medical emergencies or chronic conditions. Addressing these issues has been a longstanding struggle for national and state policy leaders, but finding effective solutions has proven to be a complex …

Federal Regulatory Tug of War: Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance Regulations Under Scrutiny

Nashville, Tennessee – The debate over short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI) continues to spark controversy as federal regulations are constantly changing, prompting discussions on the benefits and risks of this type of coverage. Introduced in 1997, STLDI was designed to offer temporary coverage during transitional periods, such as job loss or change. However, varying opinions on the value of STLDI have led to a regulatory tug of war. Proponents argue that this type of insurance …

Car Insurance Costs Spike 42% for D.C.-Area Drivers, Outpacing National Average

Drivers in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas are facing a significant increase in the cost of car insurance, with a 42% jump in annual premiums according to a recent study by Bankrate. This rise is much higher than the national average, signaling a potential financial burden for car owners in the region. Nationally, the average annual premium for car insurance has increased by 26% in 2024 to reach $2,543, as reported by Bankrate. In the …

Insurance Scheme: Man Receives 12-Year Prison Sentence for Posing as Patients, Including NBA Player

Indianapolis, IN – A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in an insurance scheme where he posed as multiple patients, including an NBA player. The man’s actions were described as a scam that manipulated the insurance system. The man obtained personal information from various individuals and used it to create fictitious medical bills and insurance claims. He even went as far as to impersonate an NBA player to carry …

Insurance Companies to Speed Up Prior Authorization Process Under Biden Administration’s Finalized Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Biden administration has announced new regulations aimed at curbing the practice of prior authorization by private health insurance companies. Prior authorization often leads to delayed care and opaque appeals processes for patients seeking medication or surgery. Under the newly finalized rules, insurance companies working with federal programs will be required to expedite the approval process for urgent requests and make decisions within 72 hours. Additionally, these companies must provide a specific …

Proposed Legislation Proposes Expanding Health Insurance to Florida Faculty and Employees

Florida legislators are considering a proposal that would allow faculty and other employees at the state’s 28 colleges to join the health insurance program used by rank-and-file state workers. Currently, faculty and employees at state universities are part of the state group health insurance program, but those at state colleges are not included. The proposed spending plan for fiscal year 2024-2025, backed by the Senate, includes this provision. The move was approved by the Senate …

Pennsylvania Launches Independent Review Program for Insurance Denials: What You Need to Know

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Denied insurance coverage for a medical procedure or medication can often leave people feeling helpless. However, a new program in Pennsylvania aims to provide a lifeline for those in this situation. The Independent Review Program, launched by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, offers a second chance for individuals to appeal their insurance company’s decision. This program assigns eligible cases to teams of doctors, specialists, and experts to determine the correctness of the insurance …