We used to have our Colorado health insurance clients fill out paper health insurance applications. Then we would check the application to make sure nothing was missed, and send it to the health insurance carrier. From there, the underwriters would enter the information into a computer, calling us along the way if they were unable to read an applicant’s handwriting, or […]
prescription drugs
Birth Control And Health Insurance
Assuming nobody is trying to outlaw birth control (which is a concern that has been voiced by some groups) – should health insurance cover it? At the Colorado Health Insurance Insider, we’ve written before about the definition of insurance. Health insurance is meant to protect us from financial ruin in the event of a serious illness or injury. If birth control were an extremely expensive […]
Demand For Health Care Decreasing
We’re noticing more and more of our Colorado clients requesting high deductible health insurance policies, with prescriptions covered only once the deductible is met. Does this mean that they are more likely to pass on meds? Probably it means that they’ll think twice before going to the doctor or filling a prescription. When an employer sponsored health insurance policy is paying for […]
Health Wonk Review – Washington Week
Check out the latest Health Wonk Review: “Washington Week” on Health Affairs Blog. An article from the Colorado Health Insurance Insider is in the “Consumer and Patient Rights” section. And my favorite article this week comes from Ezra Klein with an article about “Why Doctors Overprescribe.” But just as interesting is an article from Bob… Read more about Health Wonk Review – Washington Week
A National Disgrace
Health care and the broken US health care system are big topics right now. We’re in the middle of an election year, and more and more Americans fed up with rising prices on health insurance, prescription drugs, and medical services in general. Health insurance companies claim that they’re barely scraping by and that the dramatic… Read more about A National Disgrace
More Regulation In Pharmaceutical Advertising
…drug industry has launched a huge advertising campaign – next time you’re watching TV, see how many ads go by before you see at least one for a prescription. The Colorado Health Insurance Insider has addressed this problem before, and it seems that lawmakers are starting to notice the impact that TV advertising of pharmaceuticals is […]
Health Beat Has the Health Wonk Review
In addition to Louise’s article on the new fourth tier here on the Colorado Health Insurance Insider, Maggie also had a recent post where she asks “Who Sets the Price at $100,000” and, does anyone happen to know, “Are These Drugs Effective?”
A Bad Trend in Rx Coverage
We have health insurance to guard against financial devastation in the face of serious health problems. But when we separate out the prescription coverage from the rest of the policy, we’re leaving seriously ill patients to fall between the cracks.
Recycling Drugs To Fill Prescriptions for The Uninsured
I’ve seen several articles recently about prescription drug donation/recycling programs, which I think is a great idea. True, it may be like trying to move a mountain with a spoon, but doesn’t that beat not trying at all? The articles I found didn’t mention anything about Rx donation and recycling programs here in Colorado, and… Read more about Recycling Drugs To Fill Prescriptions for The Uninsured
If The Cancer Doesn’t Kill You, The Price Tag Might
What do you do when you’re 71 years old, battling blood cancer, and find out that your cost for the medication that is treating your cancer has gone from $60/month to $1051/month? Helen Geiger had to stop taking the cancer medication Thalomid for several months last year while her family and doctors appealed the insurance… Read more about If The Cancer Doesn’t Kill You, The Price Tag Might
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Product Enhancements
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has long been a major player in the Colorado health insurance market. Brokers and clients alike tend to feel comfortable with Anthem Blue Cross, due in large part to their stability and network size. Yesterday I met with our Anthem Blue Cross representatives, and discussed some of their product enhancements…. Read more about Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Product Enhancements
Compare Rx Pricing Online
Bob Vineyard of InsureBlog gives us a good reason to shop around for where you fill your prescription. He also provides several good links where you can do your shopping. Check out his post called “Drive a Little, Save a Lot.”