SHOUT OUT on healthcare
Not only is healthcare the hot topic in Congress, it’s also the big discussion in workplaces everywhere. That’s because it’s open enrollment time when businesses select insurance policies for the year ahead. The decisions are harder than ever because premiums are skyrocketing–rising an average of more than ten percent from this year. This comes at a time when employees and workers are both looking to trim expenses, not grow them.
Where do you stand on the healthcare debate? Should employers be required to provide coverage to employees regardless of size? Should the government provide an option that covers all Americans? Or is there another solution you favor? Share your thoughts.
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I was working via contractual agreement with full medical/health benefits. The contract ended and I pressed that employer to quickly process the papers for COBRA. That was not done and now, 3.5 wks late I am informed that the company has decided to not participate in a group medical policy…..no group = no COBRA and I have pre-existing conditions. I am forced to take a “guaranteed issue” individual policy at highly expensive rates. This is a gap in the health insurance programs that needs to be addressed.
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I have worked for the same international company for over 10 years. We have just been notified that our copays (about double)are increasing as well as our employee contributions. I have not received a raise for the past 2 years nor our normal year end bonus, now I’m going to be taking home even less money. I’m going to be forced to reduce our coverage of either no dental or no vision in order to afford the medical premiums. I don’t think another government run plan is the answer. The answer lies in tort reform, Medicare and Medicaid fraud by doctors, and not letting everyone sue a doctor for malpractice on a whim, as those malpractice insurance premiums are passed on to us.
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WHY THE NEED FOR COMPANY WELLNESS PROGRAMS?
Research journals show that the obese worker costs a company $1432 each year in healthcare costs. Obesity is strongly linked to chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke, as well as lower back injuries. Ironically, cancer, heart disease, and back injuries are the highest costing medical claims. This tied in with rise of stress-related illnesses occurring due to hardships from the economic downturn can further increase claims for heart disease and other stress-related conditions. The best ways to assist in lowering health claims is to get employees/families on exercises programs, teach them how to maintain their desired weight, and follow proper nutrition guidelines by establishing a company wellness program. The first step of educating employees on proper nutrition and exercise is through e-mails, articles, and seminars. But a very important second step is to follow-up and make sure that employees understand and are following the information provided, but also encourage them, if needed, to work with their physicians. This can be accomplished by working with resources already at hand, such as, health insurance providers, and employee assistance programs. These resources can assist in educating employees through their websites, on-site seminars, and possibly their own unique wellness program geared toward employees. Statistics show that healthy employees miss work less often and have increased morale therefore increased productivity. Increased productivity increases a company’s bottom line which is so desperately needed in today’s economy! -
My husband is on medical disability until age 65, he is 62. He will then go on Medicare but I am only 53 and have pre-existing conditions. I am hopeful that Congress will have a health care bill that has a public option that I can purchase until I get to Medicare age. Otherwise, I will be paying over $700 a month for health care and is not sustainable with my employment. So, to keep me from going bankrupt from medical bills I am hopeful that we get a bill that keeps the insurance companies honest. I am only one of millions in this predicament and it is time for the madness to stop. The previous email stated that even their companies health insurance co-pays will go up again and it is horrible because their salaries do not sustain the costs. It is time for reform and hope the politicians do the right thing for Americans and not just themselves.
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I have worked in Health Care and in the Insurance Field and the only answer to lower the cost of Health Care & Insurance is put a limit on greed. Greed of the CEO’s of hospitals and insurance companies, million dollar bonus & lavish vacations totally paid for. For that matter greed is probably at the root of medicare and medicaid fraud as well. We would not need government rules and regulations if everyone followed the rules & law, if they were fair and honest in all their dealings. I am 100% for the “public option”, it is the only way to keep the playing field level for those who do not have insurance. The insurance companies, hospitals and doctors have had several years to figure out and come up with a better system for making sure that everyone can afford health care. They have done NOTHING other than to progressively raise their salaries. Please what does giving million dollar bonuses and 6 figure raises have to do with lawsuits. The hospital administrators hope you believe that lawsuits are the cause of the high cost of health care, so you do not take a look at the REAL causes of the exorbitant cost.
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I worry about the Healthcare Plan. Can it have costly changes to my parents life? Will the improvements outweigh the negatives?
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