Fla. purchasing pools grow, but small employers balk

Article Abstract:

Community health purchasing alliances in Florida are helping small businesses to buy health insurance policies and offer competitive rates to their employees. The alliances, which function as cooperative purchasing groups for health insurance, can save 20% to 40% off regular premiums. However, the alliances require that employers pay half of the premiums for each employee; thus some very small businesses and poor employees cannot afford the health insurance. Some people believe that government subsidies or employer mandates are needed to achieve universal health coverage.

Florida, Health insurance industry, Group purchasing organizations

---

Bipartisan bill boosts odds for insurance reform; Senate plan offers modest changes to fix worst problems only

Article Abstract:

A bill proposed in the Senate would guarantee health insurance coverage to many persons now excluded. Both Democrats and Republicans favor the bill, which changes the insurers' right to deny coverage or charge exorbitant rates to persons with health risks. The law would also regulate health plans offered by self-insured employers and unions. Republicans in the House plan to introduce more controversial reforms, and Pres Clinton sponsors a different plan that includes health insurance subsidies for the unemployed.

Health Programs, Laws, regulations and rules, Insurance industry, Public health, United States. Congress. Senate

---

La. doctors propose Medicaid vouchers

Article Abstract:

The Louisiana state legislature has rejected a plan by the state's governor to establish a state-owned health maintenance organization (HMO) in favor of testing a plan by the Louisiana State Medical Society to give vouchers to Medicaid patients for use at HMOs of their choice. The voucher model, which will be tested on a small scale, involves distribution of an annual $2,500 voucher to buy a state-approved health care policy.

Medicaid, Health Programs-State, Health care industry, Health policy, Louisiana, Louisiana State Medical Society

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Surgeons share the burden. Kentucky doctors probed in alleged Medicaid boycott. Limiting IMGs won't affect most hospitals in serving poor
• Abstracts: Fraud changing with market; government expands probes, enforcement efforts. Medical market correction; employer pressure holds prices; access woes grow
• Abstracts: Change necessary, but more study needed on 'how.'(reform of the American Medical Association)(Column) Notice to physicians: the American Medical Assn. is you
• Abstracts: Who made medical specialists the bad guys in reform? MGMA embraces the 'accountability continuum.'(group medical practices)(Column)

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.