Florida Health | Insurance In Florida Blog

Any assessment of today’s health care system could best be described as playing the old party game “hot potato.” For those not old enough to recall the rules, it involved multiple players arranged in a circle passing an object to the next person while music was playing. When it stopped, the person holding the hot potato loses, and is thus eliminated. In the present game of health care reform, no one is really talking about fixing the underlying problems. Instead, they want to “tweak” certain parts so the game continues and the hot potato gets tossed along to another generation. Somehow, the common American will be left holding the bag again.

Many industry experts believe the root cause of today’s health care crisis is that market incentives are not aligned. Instead of competitive forces bringing about change and innovation to lower costs and improve the quality of care, the current health structure produces cost shifting, inexcusable medical errors, soaring utilization, and government intervention. Problems and skyrocketing costs get passed from generation to generation in an upward spiral of complication. This process is dooming future generations of Americans.

“If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.”
~ Thomas Paine

In decades past, many attempts have been made to control inflationary health care pressures. Wage and price controls were instituted in the 1970’s; Voluntary restraints were tried in the 1980’s; Managed-care was initially thought to be our savior in the 1990’s. All failed because they proved to be little more than foolish financial engineering. Now the Obama administration, along with House and Senate leaders, are proposing new government legislation aimed at fixing the system.

However, unless we correct the misaligned economic incentives, the financial burden on our country will continue. All sides (insurance companies, consumers and government) are out of balance. For example, the attitude of most health insurance companies needs to change. Ask any of their executives how long a typical insured stays with their company and they will likely snap a figure off the top of their head. To them, customers are transitory and simply move onto the next carrier in a few short years. This reduces their incentive to invest time, effort, and money to encourage healthy lifestyles or to build a long-term client relationship.

Conversely, the same broken incentives apply on the consumer side. Ask any American how they would want their health benefits to work and the response might be, “I want it to pay 100% of everything all the time.” As it is, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimated that in 2007 employers paid nearly 73% of their employees’ health insurance premiums. First-dollar insurance coverage and employer funded plans have encouraged the overuse of health care services. Over time, people have become accustomed to the small amount they pay out of pocket while the actual costs for care are ignored. Noted MIT economist Amy Finkelstien has studied how America’s third-party insurance system has impacted the market and become the driving force behind our health care spending trends.

Government officials involved in drafting the new health care legislation have yet to discuss their failures. A glaring case in point is the government’s lack of accountability for their past health care cost projections. For example, in 1966 Medicare expenditures were $3 billion. In that same year, the House Ways and Means Committee had projected that costs would rise to $12 billion by 1990. However, ACTUAL Medicare spending in 1990 was $107 billion. That is a whopping miscalculation by 791%!

Although everyone agrees that some health care restructuring is needed, and support remains high for change, Americans should not allow for a redesigned system to emerge that is as bad as the existing one (or worse). Individuals should contact their representatives in Washington DC, in order to help shape the final health care bill. President Obama has put “shared sacrifice” on the table and that is what all parities should accept to ensure that the health care hot potato game ends. This will allow for meaningful market reforms to improve quality, bring about innovation, and reduce long-term costs.

Ask any American how they would want their health insurance benefits to work (if given a choice) and the answer might be, “It should pay 100% of everything all the time.” With that kind of consumer response, one might hesitate to suggest that what they really need is to set up an HSA (Health Savings Account) policy with a large deductible.

I too would want health insurance that pays 100% of everything all the time if I were absolutely certain that my plan would pay for everything I was prescribed. However, the opposite is more likely to happen. Whatever plan coverage you have today, is not likely to be the plan coverage you will have ten years from today. Worse yet, health plans are rapidly reducing coverage, raising premiums, restricting benefits, and shifting costs onto the insured.

President Obama has already made it known that his healthcare reforms will involve cost controls. In part, his program will rank the effectiveness of various medications and medical procedures so that the “less worthy” (as compared to their cost) can be eliminated! This all sounds good in theory but the end-result could be that many Americans will have to pay out-of-pocket for medications and procedures that might otherwise have been covered by their health insurance.

If you are not a wealthy person, or a Washington big-wheel, then your quality of care could be at risk because you will not have access to the latest or best medical technologies. An easy defense that consumers can employ is to switch their coverage to a high-deductible HSA health plan and start setting aside extra monies to help cover the cost of their future medical care.

Simply put, an HSA is a health insurance policy with lower premiums because it carries a high plan deductible. What is more, the premium savings can be deposited into a special tax-advantaged account that can be used for “qualified” healthcare expenses or for retirement. These accumulated funds can help provide an added degree of treatment flexibility in the case of an illness. This could become especially important in the event that your health insurance plan denies important treatments.

As an example, look at the recent controversy surrounding Pfizer’s cancer medication Sutent. Britian’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) decides which treatments are cost effective, and thus worth paying for under their “free” national healthcare system. Originally, they denied coverage for this Rx because they said it was too costly for the relatively short period of time it could extend a patient’s life. After unprecedented pressure from a number of sources, they moderated their position so that select patients could receive it.

Unfortunately, the number of insurance payment denials (under the auspices of “cost containment”) will undoubtedly rise in the future. Consumers who have accumulated an HSA nest egg will have more flexibility with their care. As a patient in the aforementioned example, you could simply have used your HSA monies to pay the Sutent Rx costs.

Having a serious illness (like cancer) is traumatic enough. Having money set aside to help control your own medical care at a tumultuous time can provide real peace of mind. Without it, you may be left to the devices of an insurance company bean counter or one of the government bureaucrats tasked with running health care.

For those of us who cannot write a check at the drop-of-the-hat to cover expensive therapies, a tax-deductible, and tax-advantage savings nest egg is our best defense. We should all prepare for the day when government penny pinchers get more involved in our healthcare decisions as the effort gets underway to reduce our free-wheeling medical expenditures.

The business world methodically concentrates on numbers, creating revenue, and attracting new clients. When health care is your business, you should remember to take a step back from the “time to make the donuts” mentality and consider the other side of your company (i.e., the human side). Although the iconic Dunkin’ Donuts advertisement featuring Fred the Baker was a catchy way to sell a morning treat with your coffee, too much of this “by the numbers” assembly line attitude permeates our current health care system. If President Obama and the Democratic leaders in the United States House and Senate proceed with their plans, government could simply be replacing the business bean counters and creating new areas of patient concern.

Day after day, we at Peoples Health Insurance focus on the importance of health care and how to reach millions of uninsured Floridians. We take pride in our easy to use Web site and feel confident that the quality of information you will find is an asset when searching for a Florida Health Insurance quote. However, I have recently found myself looking at the other side of the insurance industry. That is, a noticeably growing number of people have become ill and are in the throws of a life changing medical development. As an aging Baby Boomer myself, I am certain that others have made this observation. More troublesome, are the ghoulish stories featuring the icons of our era (like Farrah Fawcett) as headliners on the evening news retorting the facts of their deadly condition. This only serves to heighten our anxiety about our own mortality.

The grim reality is that even larger-than-life Hollywood heavyweights, who somehow appear to be untouchable, are subject to the same ailments that all Americans face. Their glamorously led lifestyles and financial success is not enough to ward off real, serious, and fatal illnesses such as cancer. Paul Newman for example died in September of 2008 after a long battle with cancer; Patrick Swayze is currently fighting pancreatic cancer; more recently, Farrah Fawcett has appeared in the media with updates on her brush with anal cancer, which has brought new attention to this rarely discussed disease.

As we all know, purchasing a Florida Medical Insurance plan is designed to defray the financial costs of fighting disease and illness. For wealthy celebrities, they are blessed with a certain amount of added financial backing that can be used to enhance their treatment, especially in the event that their health insurance policy contains coverage gaps. For those of us who are mere mortals, the reality of a serious illness would mean financial devastation without some form of quality coverage. Nevertheless, no matter whom you are or your status in the world, at some point you will realize that you can no longer extend your life any farther. As I watch Farrah Fawcett struggle, I cannot seem to clear this thought from my mind.

Sickness and dying are subjects that most Americans would rather not discuss. After all, we get up in the morning and look forward to the day. Just as easy, we could consider that same day as just one closer to our own demise! As the health care debates continues to rage in Washington, DC, we should demand that our legislators and business leaders remember what they are debating; the future of an industry that touches the lives of everyone in our country. Somehow, we should all strive to keep the human side of the debate on the table as we carve up the numbers to determine who wins and who loses in the warfare called health care reform.

The H1N1 - Swine flu panic that swept through our country has fortunately turned out to be much less harsh than originally anticipated. The death of any American is not a statistic to be taken lightly, but what was lost in the discussion is that the “run of the mill” seasonal flu is actually very destructive. According to government sources, the “garden-variety” flu kills up to 36,000 people each year. In comparison, more of citizens die in one day from the regular strain of flu than the H1N1 - Swine flu has killed in total

If you are one of the millions of Floridians who remain uninsured, even after the H1N1 scare hit the nation, hopefully this is your wake-up call. Having a Florida Medical Insurance plan in place to handle pandemic diseases, in addition to the other typical illnesses that plague our lives on a regular basis, could literally mean life and death for you or your family. With any sickness, in this case the flu, complications arise as a result of the viral symptoms. For example, severe dehydration. Worse yet, any flu can intensify underlying conditions such as heart disease or cause pneumonia and other respiratory complications. Individuals who are uninsured may ignore their symptoms out of financial fears (for example, the cost of being hospitalized) until it is too late for proper treatment.

In today’s fast-paced society, it is easier than ever to anonymously shop, compare, quote, and apply for a Florida Health Insurance plan. Importantly, a variety of affordable plan choices can help meet the needs of those who are uninsured. Click on our Web site at www.peopleshealthinsurance.com and take a no obligation look at your choices. Although we all wanted to see the threat from the H1N1 - Swine flu subside, there is no assurance that it will stay contained. Worse yet, other known illnesses, such as the seasonal flu, are a real danger that we constantly face. Everyone should take the pro-active step of being covered by a Florida health care plan that fits their budget.

When it comes to shopping for quality Florida health insurance, you can either apply directly with each individual insurance carrier, or use an independent on-line agent for quotes.  Whichever way you go, both will yield the exact same benefits, premium rates, and chance of being approved for a policy.  However, only one choice will allow a fast and simple side-by-side plan comparison from a number of competing insurance carriers and that is by going with an on-line independent agent.

Shop around if you need to satisfy your curiosity.  Why not save yourself a lot of time, hard work and headache by using the Peoples Health Insurance Web site. Keep it simple, healthcare is confusing enough.

The United States declared a public health emergency in response to the recent reports of swine flu. UnitedHealthcare and Peoples Health Insurance, LLC wants to help you understand some important facts about swine flu is so you may take appropriate actions to help protect yourself and your family. We also recommend the CDC Web site or contacting a medical professional for more information.

What is Swine Flu?
The virus involved in the current outbreak of swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by a type of influenza A (H1N1). It is a disease typically found in pigs (also called swine).
How Do You Catch It?
Although people do not normally get the swine flu, the virus is contagious and humans can be infected. The virus is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Humans are typically contagious anywhere from one day before the start of the illness to 7 days after onset. Note: Swine flu CANNOT be contracted from eating pork and pork products.
Who is at Risk of Getting the Swine Flu?
Since this is a new flu strain, it is likely there is no existing immunity to the virus. It is believed that everyone is at risk.
What are the Symptoms?
Swine flu symptoms are very similar to seasonal influenza and generally include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing, although some people also develop a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
How Can I Avoid Catching It?
People can take action to help prevent the spread of the virus.

• Frequent hand washing. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful.
• Avoid contact with those who are ill.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (or your elbow) when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

How is It Treated?
The CDC suggests the anti-viral medicines called Tamiflu and Relenza for the treatment and prevention of the swine flu virus. These medications work best if taken within two days of the development of symptoms. IMPORTANT: Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should not be given to anyone age 18 or younger, including confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu due to the chance of Reye syndrome. Non-steroidal medicines, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used to treat the symptoms.
What Should I Do If I Become Ill?
If you are ill, you should stay home and avoid being with others to help control spread of the disease.
You should also contact a doctor or nurse for urgent or emergency evaluation if you have:

• Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or frequent vomiting

In children, additional symptoms that may happen and need urgent care are:

• Inability to drink enough liquids to stay hydrated
• Fever with a rash
• Getting better, followed by a return of fever and worsening cough

Symptoms which require calling Emergency Medical Services (911) include:

• Skin color turning blue
• Not able to wake up your child
• Extreme irritability. For example, a fussy child who does not want to be held.

Does the flu shot I received earlier this year protect me? What if I got a flu shot now – would that protect me?
No. There is no vaccine for this strain of flu at this time. People living in affected areas should take steps to prevent spreading the virus to others.
If I am traveling to Mexico, should I take medicines to prevent me from getting the flu?
The CDC and WHO (World Health Organization) suggest that people avoid travel to Mexico at this time. If you are planning travel to Mexico, follow the suggestions on the CDC Web site to lower the chance of infection.
When I should I get medicines from my doctor?
Antiviral medicines are available for people 1 year or older. You should ask your doctor whether you need antiviral medicines. The CDC’s recommendations for treatment are as follows:

Suspected cases: “Treatment is recommended for any ill person suspected to have swine flu.” Five days of medication are usually recommended if symptoms have been present for no more than two days. Since some suspected cases may turn out to have other strains of flu, a doctor may prescribe other drugs in addition to Tamiflu and Relenza.
Confirmed cases: Either Tamiflu or Relenza may be administered for five days, provided symptoms have been present for no more than two days.
Pregnant women: The safety of Tamiflu and Relenza during pregnancy has not been tested. These drugs should only be used in pregnant women if it is felt the benefit outweighs the chance of harm to the embryo or fetus.
Preventive drug treatment in people who are not ill: Effective care requires a person to take the drugs for at least seven days. Preventive treatment is recommended for:

• Household members who are close to other people who are at high risk for flu complications
• School children who are close to other people with a confirmed or suspected case of swine flu
• Travelers to Mexico who are at high risk of flu complications
• Workers at the Mexican border who are at high risk of flu complications
• Health care or public health workers who have had unprotected close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of swine flu during the infectious period
• Preventive care can be considered for any health care worker who is working in an area with confirmed swine flu cases and who is likely to have problems, and non-high risk persons who are traveling to Mexico, first responders, or border workers who are working in areas with confirmed cases.

Flu infections can lead to or occur with bacterial infections. In that case, people will likely need to also take antibiotics. A long or severe case of the flu that seems to get better, but then gets worse again, may be a sign of a bacterial infection. People with concerns about the course of their symptoms should check with their doctor.
How quickly can they make a vaccine against this flu?
The answer to this question is unknown, but it may take many months to make and test a new vaccine. The current seasonal flu vaccine does not fight the swine flu virus.
How long can the virus live on surfaces?
It is known that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
What about the use of facemasks and respirators?
There is extensive information on use of facemasks and respirators on the CDC Web site.
What advice is there for the care of a person sick with known or suspected swine flu at home?
The CDC has just updated information on the home care of a person who is ill with the swine flu at home. Things to think about:

• The sick person should not have visitors at home other than caregivers. A phone call is safer than a visit.
• If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person.
• Avoid having pregnant women care for the sick person. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of flu-related problems and resistance may be lower during pregnancy.
• Everyone in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, including after EVERY contact with the sick person or the sick person’s room or bathroom.
• Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or use cloth towels for each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person.
• Caregivers might catch flu from the person they are caring for and then the caregiver might be able to spread the flu to others before the caregiver shows symptoms. Therefore, the caregiver should wear a mask when they leave their home to keep from spreading the disease to others, in case they are in the early stages of infection.
• Caregivers should talk to their doctor about taking anti-viral medicine to stop them from getting the illness.
• Caregivers should check themselves and household members for flu symptoms and call a telephone hotline or a doctor if they feel sick.

If I or a member of my family is ill with a flu-like illness, what can we do to prevent spread of the disease?
People who get a flu-like illness should stay at home for 7 days after they feel sick or 24 hours after the symptoms have gone away, whichever is longer. If a person wishes to seek doctor’s care, they should call their doctor before traveling to their office. Those with severe symptoms (for example, trouble breathing) should seek immediate medical attention. If someone must leave their home, he should wear a facemask to lower the chance of spreading the virus. If a face mask is not available, they using a handkerchief to cove a cough or sneeze is advised. Of course, those in home isolation should wash their hands often or use alcohol-based hand gels. As a rule, hand washing should be performed for at least 15 to 20 seconds. If others at home are likely to be within 6 feet of the ill person, the ill person should wear a face mask. More information is available from CDC.

More and more, doctors and other health practitioners are asking patients – even those with insurance – to pay their share of the costs up front, either before they are treated or before they leave the office.

Providers say the practice isn’t entirely new. But with patients now shouldering a greater share of health costs, through insurance plans with higher deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance, they acknowledge a bigger push to collect fees at the time of service. The providers say that it becomes more difficult to collect from patients after they walk out the door.

Some worry that up-front costs could affect patients’ relationships with their doctors. Other worry they could lead to people delaying or avoiding treatment and care. They also say that dealing with up-front costs in the midst of an illness or health crisis adds stress to an already stressful situation.

We, at Peoples Health Insurance, say that if you have health insurance, you should always ask the provider to bill your insurance carrier so that you can receive the “negotiated” rate for that service. Not unless the office is willing to negotiate a usual, customary, and reasonable rate; also known as UCR.

Finally, we think that cost shifting is going to continue, and therefore, patients must become more savvy about the health care system and learn know how it works. That is one reason why our agency stands taller than other organizations; our agents have a diverse back ground in the health care industry!

Hello and Welcome,

This is a blog devoted to Florida Health Insurance, and everything that is involved with it from: Quotes, Rates, Issues, Regulations and what they mean to you, and many other interesting topics. I look forward to having an open discussion with any one that is interested.  I live in Florida myself and have been working in the health insurance quote industry for more time than I’d like to acknowledge  : ] I have a good pal named Aaron though some call him Dubs and my sister Holly who is also a certified insurance agent, and a real cool lady. Aaron says I’m pretty cool, but what does he know about that -lol

Well I do hope you’ll come back and visit, and if you need a Health Insurance Quote or Health Insurance in Florida right NOW…..Head on over to my: Made for you Quote Engine ; ]  at:  Peoples Health Insurance

Chat Soon,

P

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