Premium hikes fail to fortify health plans

Article Abstract:

A total of 100 health insurers fell short of financial reserves required to meet their obligations suggested by the National Assn of Insurance Commissioners. In Oct 1999, Florida-based Weiss Ratings, a group that evaluates the financial conditions of insurers, reported that ten health plans in New York, California, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas are in danger of financial collapse. Among these include Harvard Pilgrim and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.

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Minnesota insurers issue care guidelines

Article Abstract:

Major health insurance companies serving Minnesota have issued care guidelines for the treatment of about 50 medical conditions. Health insurers that adopted the guidelines include HealthPartners, Media, BlueCross/BlueShield, PreferredOne and UCare Minnesota. In addition, 21 medical groups representing about 3,200 physicians have adopted the guidelines. However, the guidelines are expected to meet acceptance hurdles among community doctors.

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Employers hold line on health costs

Article Abstract:

Employers are expected to pay 7.5% more to insurers in 2000, the third consecutive year of significant increases. However, only 25% if employers are planning to ask their workers to pay more in monthly contributions, annual deductibles or office visit payments. A survey if 3,166 companies also showed that insurance premium increased by 7.3% in 1999 to $4,097 per employee, while workers' contributions to their insurance coverage declined from 24% of the total premium in 1998 to 20% in 1999.

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