Smarter, More Confident Consumers Could Spell Relief
HealthSMART tip: Consumers can act responsibly to save money and reduce pressure on the health care systems by focusing on self-care efforts that prevent illness and promote general good health. When a minor illness or ailment arises, such as congestion from a cold, sleeplessness, minor sunburn or skin irritation, learn about how you may be able to effectively relieve symptoms with an over-the-counter medication. If you are not sure, consider a visit to a retail or worksite clinic where you can talk with a health care professional. Check with your health plan or employers about what resources are available to you to make HealthSMART decisions.
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As an update to our post below on insurance companies’ offers to extend health insurance coverage to 23- to 26-year olds earlier than January 2011, a May 31 article in The New York Times points out that some employers may choose not to offer the advantage to their employees until the January 2011 compliance date. When asking for details from their employers about how to keep their children on a family health plan, some parents have learned that employers have different approaches to the extension of coverage issue. Many said they will wait until the January 2011 deadline. While this provision of the health care reform legislation officially takes effect September 23, 2010, employers don’t have to comply until January 2011, according to The New York Times article.
For generous insurers, it means more revenue, the article notes, but for employers it just means more costs. Some families may have to consider COBRA or other insurance coverage for their children who fall into the June-December 2010 gap. The COBRA law permits children who are currently ineligible for their family’s plan to extend their current coverage for up to three years.
HealthSMART tip: Don’t assume your 23- to 26-year old has received automatic extended coverage. Check with your employer and your insurance company to be sure your son or daughter is properly covered during the crucial gap period between now and January 2011.
Consumers can count calories in chain food restaurants…Beginning in 2011, a provision in the new health care reform legislation requires all chain food restaurants with more than 20 locations to post the calorie and nutrition data for all choices on their menus and drive thru signs to better inform consumers.
This practice may provide a wake-up call for consumers who had adopted the “ignorance is bliss” approach to fast food. It also may provide the impetus for a food revolution in restaurants, as restaurant owners are forced to offer well-informed consumers healthier options on their menus.
Whether the new standards will do anything to curb obesity levels in the U.S. remains to be seen. Critics of the measure say it will drive up the cost of restaurant food, but it is likely that many consumers who are already diet conscious, will make the effort to read the menu labels and adjust their intake accordingly.
We can all become actively engaged consumers by reading the calorie/nutrition information before placing our orders and by selecting the healthier nutritional choices.
For more information, go to “Health Care Reform in Action — Calorie Labeling Goes National”. The New England Journal of Medicine, April 7, 2010.
More Lives Covered. Now that the new health care reform bill has become law (P.L. 111-148), we are all wondering what changes we will experience and when. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law by the President on March 23, 2010. This legislation includes a combination of mandates, controls and subsidies expected to overhaul the nation’s health care system. A major goal of the legislation is to increase the number of Americans covered by health insurance. By 2014, the goal is to have 95% of all Americans participating in a health insurance program.
26 is the new 23! In the next few months, you will see some changes to the way health insurance works in this country. In particular, our system will now require that children be given the opportunity to continue on their parents’ health insurance policy until they turn 26 years of age. Prior to health reform, child dependents were required to carry their own plan after the age of 23. The new regulation does not go into effect until September, 2010, but already many major insurance companies are offering continuation for those turning 23.
Ahead of Schedule. Many health plans, including WellPoint, Inc., Humana Inc., United Healthcare Group, Cigna, Aetna, Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross Blue Shield are implementing the continuation for those who would otherwise “age out” as of June 1st. According to Health Reform Week, some self-funded employers may choose not to offer the extended coverage, so check with your carrier to be certain your children are covered. The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance saying employees would not be taxed on insurance coverage that is granted to children between the ages of 23-26 before the effective date of the new requirement.
For more information, call your insurance carrier or visit their website.
Written by The Foundation for HealthSMART Consumers
Last Updated: April 22, 2010
Self-care has the potential to reduce the demand for unnecessary health care expenditures, lowering overall costs within the health care system.
Self-care eases the burden on primary care physicians and emergency rooms. It encourages consumers to avoid unnecessary medical treatment instead of overburdening our current health system with non-life threatening illnesses, while patients with serious problems are forced to wait longer for care.
Self-care moves consumers away from a “demand for service” culture toward a sensible approach to managing options for both the individual and health care funders.
Self-care offers insurers an organized process for reducing health care expenditures before costs increase significantly, further driving up insurance premiums.
Employers can benefit from an organized self-care plan for employees that would engage employees to monitor their health, to act quickly on minor ailments and as a result, to increase overall productivity.
Self-care programs have the potential to provide the tools consumers need to understand their health challenges and to make informed decisions that will save time, money and preserve personal choice.
For more information, click here. Thoughts On Self-Care
