Question by Bobby Lee: What happens to Medicare or MediCal, if you cancel it because you make money now and can have your insurance.?
Does medicare make you pay your medical expenses from the past when they covered you? Is there any problems, fines, or surcharge?
Best answer:
What do you think? Answer below!
Week of January 25, 2010
The sudden halt to health care reform’s steady march forward came as a shock to many who saw an upset win by Republican Senator-elect Scott Brown in Massachusetts as all but impossible. But if many took delight in the election outcome’s impact on health reform legislation, Aetna Chairman Ronald A. Williams made it clear in a New York Times story last week that the country still needs meaningful health care reform – reform that addresses access as well as affordability. Everyone benefits by health reform that gets at the factors driving soaring health care costs and the loss of coverage for so many Americans. While Congress thinks carefully about its next steps, Aetna will continue to support meaningful health care reform and continue to offer responsible solutions to legislative leaders.
Federal
The election of Republican Scott Brown as the new senator from Massachusetts has derailed the Congressional health care reform train, less because Brown denies Democrats the 60th filibuster-proof vote, though that is certainly a major result, and more because it collapsed the Democratic political house of cards by highlighting the power of independent voters and the frustrated anti-incumbent mood of the electorate. Whether Democrats can regroup from this wake-up call will consume their leadership from now until the November off-year elections. How Democrats handle, and how Republicans respond to, health care reform in the short term and other key priorities – such as jobs, the economy, energy and security – over the rest of the session will underscore all Congressional decisions from now until the first Tuesday in November. In short, the 2010 elections started in earnest with Brown’s victory.
Once Democrats get past the shock of losing Kennedy’s seat, they will have to grapple with health care reform, one way or the other. The early favorites, including passing the Senate bill “as is” in the House, have been dropped for now as Democrats recognize the political cost of ramming through something unpopular propelled by political muscle only. Passing a smaller, less invasive and mostly Democratic bill has only a slightly better chance, as Republicans are not too likely to “crossover” quite yet. There is a growing interest in using reconciliation (the 51-vote tactic) down the road to pass a Democratic-only bill, once the House and Senate Democratic leadership can agree to a single bill. And, there is the outside chance that Democrats will see the Massachusetts election as an imperative to craft a bipartisan bill with Republicans that can secure 70-plus votes in the Senate. Wednesday’s State of the Union speech, followed by the party issues retreats later in the week, will go a long way toward determining which path will be pursued.
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Below are a few insurance companies that have done a great job setting up specific health insurance plans that will fit the needs of health_insuranceresidents within the State of Ohio.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ohio:-The (BCBSA), Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association, is the national federation of thirty-nine independent, locally operated Blue Cross / Blue Shield companies.The (BCBS) of Ohio online resource offers loads of information including the ability to obtain quotes, physician searches and information packed webinars. This company is also one of the top 100 employers in Ohio. With this being said the Blue Cross and Blue Shield has made a significant employment impact in Surrounding Ohio cities including Akron, Cincinnati, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton and Youngstown. With well over 6,000 insurance Agents in the state of Ohio, you will have no problem finding answers to any health coverage related questions you may have.
Humana One Insurance:-Humana One’s online resource has a user friendly interface with the, “Plan Pointer”, a tool to help you locate the right health insurance plan for you. Humana One has networked physicians statewide.
Golden Rule of Ohio:-Health Insurance by Golden Rule of Ohio provides both health and dental health plans available to residents within the State of Ohio. Golden Rule in Ohio also offers (HSA’s) health saving accounts. Golden Rule also has health agents and a wide variety of networked physicians Statewide as well as nationwide.
Other Health Option for Ohio Residents:-Sometimes existing conditions can be a pain when searching for a health insurance plan that can fit your personal needs. There are State subsidized programs available for uninsurable individuals. In June 2005, Ohio completed their high-risk pool feasibility study. While these particular health plans to develop the high-risk pool are still in an active state, the pool itself may not be fully completed until 2011 or later.
The New York Times Book of Health by Jane E. Brody, ... | US $1.99 End Date: Friday Sep-03-2010 22:58:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
The New York Times Book of Health by Jane E. Brody, ...
| US $1.99 End Date: Friday Sep-03-2010 22:58:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Scott P. Brown’s win yesterday may be a harbinger of things to come for Obama’s health care reform plan; the idea of universal health insurance first touted in Obama’s platform for change seems to be on the verge of severe change itself. One question Republicans will likely concentrate on at present is whether mandatory private insurance violates the constitution or not.
The shock of a Republican winner in Massachusetts, a traditionally very, blue, very Democratic state is just beginning to be felt. One thing, however, is sure – voters are angry. The Obama administration’s focus on passing health care reform to make affordable health insurance more accessible to masses seems to have caused ire in his constituency. With the effects of the recession still on everyone’s mind, the concentration on health care has hampered Obama’s plans. Now Republicans have the power to impede those exact plans.
Republicans have plenty to discuss. Many Republicans have seen the health care plan from the get-go as a travesty to local governments. It would put a tax burden on small businesses, the rich, as well as unions. The cost of these new taxes may be more of a hindrance than a blessing. Furthermore, Republicans fear it would put Big Brother at the helm.
The big question remains: is mandatory private health insurance constitutional? Democrats cite the case of Social Security, which was approved by the Supreme Court in 1937 as a tax and spending program to provide insurance for the retired. No doubt, Social Security is not the most perfect plan, but has thus far worked.
The only problem with the Social Security argument is that Social Security remains a federal insurance, whereas the proposed Obama insurance is a private affair. American citizens, would essentially, be forced to buy their own private health insurance.
Republicans fear large government interference in the private lives of its citizens. Too much regulation takes away the freedoms of Americans as stated in the Constitution itself. Democrats would argue that it counts as economic activity, which can be regulated by Congress. Others find that argument to be rather flimsy. Where exactly does the Federal government have the authority to force its citizens to buy private insurance? What will the Supreme Court have to say? States already regulate car insurance, but that is on a state-to-state basis.
This is, by no means, a new issue. In November, Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oregon and Representative John Shadegg of Arizona began a push to force Congress to have to consider the authority of any legislation put forth. The legislation entitled “The Enumerated Powers Act”, has brought with it a large amount of discussion, however not much action.
Senator Obama has many challenges ahead. The Republican win last night indicates that people want a change. The question of the constitutionality of mandatory private health insurance looms. Republicans are expected to press the issue. However, many liberals and progressives have also questioned it. This may prove difficult for any health care reform – at least as it exists now – to succeed. Health care talks in the Senate are expected to come to a close soon.
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The federal health care reform legislation, known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed by the President on March 23, 2010, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act approved by Congress, signed by the President today, will expand the availability of health care coverage to millions of Americans. While some of the measures will be implemented this year, many do not take effect until 2014 and some extend out to 2020.
Below is a high-level overview of the timeline. It is important to note that many of these reforms and their effective dates are subject to the rules and regulations process both at the state and federal levels – which could alter the intended timing of implementation.
2010
New Programs:
* Temporary retiree reinsurance program is established
* National risk pool is created, small business tax credit is established
* $250 rebate for Medicare members who reach the “doughnut hole”
Insurance Reforms:
* Prohibits lifetime benefit limits – based on dollar amounts
* Allows restricted annual limits on the dollar value of certain benefits
* Coverage rescissions/cancellations are prohibited (except for fraud or intentional misrepresentation)
* Cost-sharing obligations for preventive services are prohibited
* Dependent coverage up to age 26 is mandated
* Internal and external appeal processes must be established
* Pre-existing condition exclusions for dependent children (under 19 years of age) are prohibited
* New health plan disclosure and transparency requirements are created
2011
Insurance Reforms:
* Uniform coverage documents and standard definitions are developed
* Minimum medical loss ratios are mandated
Medicare Reforms:
* Medicare Advantage cost sharing limits effective
* Medicare beneficiaries who reach the doughnut hole will receive a 50% discount on brand name drugs
* A 10% Medicare bonus will be provided to primary care physicians and general surgeons practicing in underserved areas, such as inner cities and rural communities.
* Medicare Advantage plans would begin to have their payments frozen.
Other:
* Employers are required to report the value of health care benefits on employees’ W2 tax statements.
* Annual industry fee for pharmaceutical manufacturers of brand name drugs.
* Voluntary long term care insurance program would be made available to provide cash benefit for assisting disabled individuals to stay in their homes or cover nursing home costs. Benefits would start five years after people begin paying a fee for coverage.
* Funding for community health centers would be increased to provide care for many low income and uninsured people.
2012
* Hospitals, physicians, and payers would be encouraged to band together in “accountable care organizations.”
* Hospitals with high rates of preventable readmissions would face reduced Medicare payments.
2013
* Individuals making $200,000 a year or couples making $250,000 would have a higher Medicare payroll tax of 2.35% on earned income —up from the current 1.45%. A new tax of 3.8% on unearned income, such as dividends and interest, is also added.
* Medical expense contributions to flexible spending accounts (FSAs) limited to $2,500 a year—indexed for inflation. In addition, the thresholds for claiming itemized tax deduction for medical expenses rise from 7.5% to 10% of income.
* Medical device manufacturers would have a 2.9% sales tax on medical devices; devices such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids would be exempt.
* Eliminates deduction for expenses allocable to Medicare Part D subsidy for employers who maintain prescription drug plans for their Medicare Part D eligible retirees.
2014
Coverage Mandates & Subsidies:
* Individual and employer coverage responsibilities are effective.
* Individual affordability tax credits are created and small business tax credits are expanded.
Health Insurance Exchange & Insurance Reforms:
* State individual and small group health insurance exchanges operational.
* Guaranteed issue, guaranteed renewability, modified community rating and minimum benefit standards (“essential benefits” plan) effective.
* Lifetime and annual dollar limits are prohibited for essential benefits.
* Pre-existing condition exclusions are prohibited.
Taxes & Fees:
* Addition of new taxes on health insurers
Medicaid and Medicare Reform:
* Medicaid expanded to cover low income individuals under age 65 up to 133% of the federal poverty level—about $28,300 for a family of four.
* Minimum medical loss ratio of 85% required for Medicare Advantage plans
2018
Taxes & Fees:
* Tax (“Cadillac tax”) imposed on employer sponsored health insurance plans that offer policies with generous levels of coverage.
2020
Medicare Reform:
* Doughnut hole coverage gap in Medicare prescription benefit is fully phased out. Seniors continue to pay the standard 25% of their drug costs until they reach the threshold for Medicare catastrophic coverage.
Author Resource: Easy To Insure ME http://www.easytoinsureme.com/
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Involving a health care change that affects all Americans, questions arise about what is going to happen next in America. With the new laws evolving everyday, many changes are occurring. Also, every state now varies on specific changes due to some states denying Obama Care and suing the federal government to protect residents. The states suing the federal government include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Washington.
In the midst of confusion, health insurance shoppers need guidance on the recent changes and the medical plans available. The internet is a great source for knowledge and education regarding these issues. One specific site stands out amongst the rest on providing guidance and helping with purchases for individual health insurance.
Shopping online for health insurance quotes is much easier by using the free tools presented at the Easy To Insure ME website.
The National online health insurance brokerage recently improved the free tools available to make it easier for shoppers to compare and purchase health insurance online. In addition to the improvement, Easy To Insure ME offers a toll free hotline for assistance with purchases and questions about health care reform changes.
The site stands out because of the personal assistance offered in an online environment. To compare every plan instantly and decide amongst three hundred different choices a consumer would usually need the expert knowledge and help of a local broker to narrow down the options available. Easy To Insure ME automatically sends out a recommendation through email of four plans with the best benefits and lowest rates. This instantly narrows down three hundred plans down to only four and saves shoppers a car ride to a local broker and a lot of time.
In addition to emailing client specific recommendations, a friendly health expert will call to review the health insurance quotes and explain the benefits in an understandable fashion.
Visit http://www.EasyToInsureME.com/ today to meet a friendly advisor regarding recommended health insurance quotes.
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