Interviewer : Why is health insurance so affordable at EasyToInsureME?
Chad Levin : We at EasyToInsureME take proactive steps to ensure that our clients receive the most affordable health insurance by searching all carriers in the area and picking the plans with the best benefits at the lowest cost. No other health insurance company does this for their clients. After the plans have been selected, a four plan custom proposal is sent to the clients’ email labeled your requested health insurance quote. We only send four plans to make the decision super easy. However, we are actually shopping almost 200-300 plans per client.
Interviewer : So how does EasyToInsureME help clients pick affordable health insurance?
Chad Levin : After the proposal is sent with the plans with the best benefits at the most affordable cost available in the clients area, they will be able to view a side by side comparison of all four plans that are the best available. Therefore, each client can sit down with their family and make an easy and educated choice about their health insurance. Then a free phone consultation will take place to answer any questions that clients may have.
Interviewer : So how do I get this affordable health insurance?
Chad Levin : Simply log on to EasyToInsureME click on view health insurance quote, type in your name and email and the process has already begun. You the consumer will be able to see all the quotes available in your area online once you do this and within two hours your custom proposal will be in your email for you to make an easy, educated, and quick decision about your health insurance. Once the client has made a decision a simple ten-minute phone application will take place and then your approval will take about a week and that decision comes from the health insurance carrier.
Interviewer : How can EasyToInsureME make sure I am approved?
Chad Levin : About 90% of our clients get approved for individual health insurance. This is one of the highest rates we have ever seen in the industry. It is our job to make sure our clients get approved. Therefore, we do our best on the first try because nobody likes shopping for health insurance. Just in case the first company doesn’t accept you does not mean the next company won’t either. EasyToInsureME works with every health insurance carrier in the United States. We have unlimited options for our clients. The ten percent that do not get approved will have to choose a guaranteed issue state plan. EasyToInsureME agents will be more than happy to help with these plans as well as our mission is to get everyone insured.
Interviewer : So all I have to do is log on to EasyToInsureME.com, click on health insurance quote, put in my name and email, and you will send me a custom proposal to my email picking the best four plans for me? Then you will call me for a free phone consultation and sign me up in ten minutes?
Chad Levin : Yes. That is correct.
Interviewer : That sounds to good to be true. I am going to have to try this out!
Chad Levin : Well we are happy to help you!
Chad Levin EasyToInsureME.com | Work: 866-492-3905 Fax: 215-364-3990 easytoinsureme@yahoo.com  |  |
Quoting and Saving on your health insurance has never been easier                             | ||
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Showing posts with label health insurance quote. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health insurance quote. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Individual Health Insurance Quote Reform Weekly: EasyToInsureME : 08/24/09
Week of August 24 , 2009 : EasyToInsureME
With opposition to a government-plan option evident at many health care reform town hall meetings this summer, an alternative option based on private regional cooperatives is now getting a lot more serious attention. In fact, Senate Finance Committee member Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), part of a six-member team that continues to try to achieve a bipartisan agreement throughout the Congressional recess, said last week that he could support a co-op provision. However, the co-op idea has its detractors and is still not well defined. Aetna Chairman and CEO Ron Williams was asked last week about co-ops and other facets of health care reform during an interview televised on PBS' Newshour with Jim Lehrer. To see the interview and hear his thoughts about the latest developments in health care reform, click here.
Join us in becoming key players in the political process and help represent your perspective and your clients' interests before state and federal lawmakers. Join ACAN today.
Federal
With Congress in recess, there is no federal report this week.
EasyToInsureME offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultations, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
States
CALIFORNIA: Legislation to initiate a health insurance tax to fund the state’s high-risk pool has been shelved for the year. The tax would have required all health insurers to be assessed up to $1 per member per month across each company’s entire book of business, including self-funded clients. Aetna led the opposition to this tax, which has been proposed in the past by California-domiciled health insurers and HMOs. Aetna argued that funding a high-risk pool should be broad-based and not single out one industry, nor should it tax employers that do not purchase insurance but instead choose to fund health benefit arrangements in-house. The concept of funding high-risk pools by tapping employer’s self-funded arrangements was proposed but ultimately withdrawn or defeated in Oregon, Maine and Colorado this year as well. It is anticipated that these states will revisit the legislation in 2010.
NEW YORK: Governor Paterson's office is again outlining its priorities for federal health care reform for New York's congressional delegation and is signaling its intent to maintain or strengthen the state's role in regulating health care benefits. The Governor's office is emphasizing a need for any insurance exchange program to ensure a level playing field between the exchange and non-exchange insurers; the view that the federal law should be a floor and not a ceiling; and that there should be concurrent jurisdiction of the federal and state governments to regulate the insurance industry. In addition, Governor Paterson appointed James Wrynn as the new superintendent of insurance. The Senate is expected to act on this and other appointments in a one-house special session on Sept. 10.
TEXAS Health Insurance : In a press conference held last week, Governor Rick Perry emphasized the importance of state-developed health care reform rather than the costly, expansive, one-size-fits-all mandates being considered by the federal government. The Governor expressed concern over the potential loss of a state’s ability to develop solutions tailored to the unique needs of its citizens. He further argued that current federal health care reform legislation would pose a serious threat to patients and providers, and would cost Texas taxpayers tens of billions of dollars over the next 10 years, without significantly improving care for Texans.
With opposition to a government-plan option evident at many health care reform town hall meetings this summer, an alternative option based on private regional cooperatives is now getting a lot more serious attention. In fact, Senate Finance Committee member Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), part of a six-member team that continues to try to achieve a bipartisan agreement throughout the Congressional recess, said last week that he could support a co-op provision. However, the co-op idea has its detractors and is still not well defined. Aetna Chairman and CEO Ron Williams was asked last week about co-ops and other facets of health care reform during an interview televised on PBS' Newshour with Jim Lehrer. To see the interview and hear his thoughts about the latest developments in health care reform, click here.
Join us in becoming key players in the political process and help represent your perspective and your clients' interests before state and federal lawmakers. Join ACAN today.
Federal
With Congress in recess, there is no federal report this week.
EasyToInsureME offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultations, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
States
CALIFORNIA: Legislation to initiate a health insurance tax to fund the state’s high-risk pool has been shelved for the year. The tax would have required all health insurers to be assessed up to $1 per member per month across each company’s entire book of business, including self-funded clients. Aetna led the opposition to this tax, which has been proposed in the past by California-domiciled health insurers and HMOs. Aetna argued that funding a high-risk pool should be broad-based and not single out one industry, nor should it tax employers that do not purchase insurance but instead choose to fund health benefit arrangements in-house. The concept of funding high-risk pools by tapping employer’s self-funded arrangements was proposed but ultimately withdrawn or defeated in Oregon, Maine and Colorado this year as well. It is anticipated that these states will revisit the legislation in 2010.
NEW YORK: Governor Paterson's office is again outlining its priorities for federal health care reform for New York's congressional delegation and is signaling its intent to maintain or strengthen the state's role in regulating health care benefits. The Governor's office is emphasizing a need for any insurance exchange program to ensure a level playing field between the exchange and non-exchange insurers; the view that the federal law should be a floor and not a ceiling; and that there should be concurrent jurisdiction of the federal and state governments to regulate the insurance industry. In addition, Governor Paterson appointed James Wrynn as the new superintendent of insurance. The Senate is expected to act on this and other appointments in a one-house special session on Sept. 10.
TEXAS Health Insurance : In a press conference held last week, Governor Rick Perry emphasized the importance of state-developed health care reform rather than the costly, expansive, one-size-fits-all mandates being considered by the federal government. The Governor expressed concern over the potential loss of a state’s ability to develop solutions tailored to the unique needs of its citizens. He further argued that current federal health care reform legislation would pose a serious threat to patients and providers, and would cost Texas taxpayers tens of billions of dollars over the next 10 years, without significantly improving care for Texans.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Health Insurance Quote Reform Weekly : EasyToInsureME : 8/14/09
With Congressional lawmakers back in their districts for summer recess, the health reform debate is heating up. The national discussion on reform has shifted away from Washington, as members of Congress convene town hall meetings across the country. Many of these meetings have been filled with loud outbursts, heated debates and hot tempers, largely from opponents of reform proposals. In addition, the partisan messaging battle continues.
EasyToInsureME.com offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultation, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
Health Reform Activities
President Obama Holds Town Hall Meetings: In Portsmouth, NH, on Tuesday, President Obama sought to reassure the public about health care reform at his first health reform town hall meeting. Compared to other town hall meetings, the crowd of 1,800 was less contentious. Despite the relative calm at the meeting itself, approximately 2,000 demonstrators from both sides of the debate gathered outside the facility. President Obama spent much of the forum debunking misconceptions about reform proposals to those who fear their current coverage will be jeopardized.
President Obama will hold two more town hall meetings within the next week: today in Bozeman, MT, and Saturday in Grand Junction, CO.
Pelosi and Hoyer Criticize Protesters as "Un-American": On Monday, a USA Today editorial co-authored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer denounced ongoing town hall protests as "un-American." President Obama sought to distance himself from these comments.
Hot Tempers Continue at Town Hall Meetings: Because of the growing number of protests, some legislators increased security at meetings this week, while others opted to facilitate meetings via teleconference. In an effort to prepare lawmakers for the protests, House Democrat leaders set up a so-called "War Room" to answer lawmakers' policy questions and help prepare them for potential disruptions. Organizing for America, which earlier served as President Obama's election campaign group, launched a campaign aimed at encouraging supporters of Obama's reform legislation to visit their lawmakers' offices to express support.
President Obama Confronts Health Care "Rumors": White House officials have undertaken aggressive tactics to dispel public misperceptions about reform legislation. During Saturday's weekly radio and Internet address, he confronted the rumors directly. "Let me start by dispelling the outlandish rumors that reform will promote euthanasia, or cut Medicaid, or bring about a government take over of health care," said President Obama. "That's simply not true."
To further grassroots marketing efforts, White House officials on Monday launched "Reality Check," a website that provides information with viral marketing tools, allowing users to share that information on social networking sites.
Opinion Polls
Public Polls Show Division: A July USA TODAY/Gallup Poll indicates that while Americans are divided about health care reform, the divide doesn't appear to be drawn along party lines. According to the poll, Americans appear to disagree about both the primary goal and the urgency of reform legislation. Seniors are the most resistant to reform, and fewer than half of seniors polled want reform enacted this year.
Advertising Activities
New Coalition Sponsors Support Ads in Select States: On Thursday, Americans for Stable Quality Care launched a $12 million television ad campaign in support of President Obama's health reform plan. The new group, which is expected to be the largest spender in support of health reform, is primarily funded by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, with assistance from the American Medical Association, FamiliesUSA, the Federation of American Hospitals, and the Service Employees International Union. The coalition seeks to counter increasingly aggressive protests at town hall meetings while solidifying support from swing senators and Blue Dog Democrats.
Financing the Plans
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Indicates Cost of Preventive Care Outweighs Savings: The CBO announced Friday that even though public health may improve with expanding preventive medical services - including cancer screenings, cholesterol management, vaccinations and wellness training - the costs of such expansions will offset any savings ultimately generated.
Looking Ahead
The intense national debate is likely to continue throughout the month as President Obama and legislators continue to hold town hall meetings across the country. Lawmakers are slated to return to Washington on September 8.
EasyToInsureME.com offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultation, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
Health Reform Activities
President Obama Holds Town Hall Meetings: In Portsmouth, NH, on Tuesday, President Obama sought to reassure the public about health care reform at his first health reform town hall meeting. Compared to other town hall meetings, the crowd of 1,800 was less contentious. Despite the relative calm at the meeting itself, approximately 2,000 demonstrators from both sides of the debate gathered outside the facility. President Obama spent much of the forum debunking misconceptions about reform proposals to those who fear their current coverage will be jeopardized.
President Obama will hold two more town hall meetings within the next week: today in Bozeman, MT, and Saturday in Grand Junction, CO.
Pelosi and Hoyer Criticize Protesters as "Un-American": On Monday, a USA Today editorial co-authored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer denounced ongoing town hall protests as "un-American." President Obama sought to distance himself from these comments.
Hot Tempers Continue at Town Hall Meetings: Because of the growing number of protests, some legislators increased security at meetings this week, while others opted to facilitate meetings via teleconference. In an effort to prepare lawmakers for the protests, House Democrat leaders set up a so-called "War Room" to answer lawmakers' policy questions and help prepare them for potential disruptions. Organizing for America, which earlier served as President Obama's election campaign group, launched a campaign aimed at encouraging supporters of Obama's reform legislation to visit their lawmakers' offices to express support.
President Obama Confronts Health Care "Rumors": White House officials have undertaken aggressive tactics to dispel public misperceptions about reform legislation. During Saturday's weekly radio and Internet address, he confronted the rumors directly. "Let me start by dispelling the outlandish rumors that reform will promote euthanasia, or cut Medicaid, or bring about a government take over of health care," said President Obama. "That's simply not true."
To further grassroots marketing efforts, White House officials on Monday launched "Reality Check," a website that provides information with viral marketing tools, allowing users to share that information on social networking sites.
Opinion Polls
Public Polls Show Division: A July USA TODAY/Gallup Poll indicates that while Americans are divided about health care reform, the divide doesn't appear to be drawn along party lines. According to the poll, Americans appear to disagree about both the primary goal and the urgency of reform legislation. Seniors are the most resistant to reform, and fewer than half of seniors polled want reform enacted this year.
Advertising Activities
New Coalition Sponsors Support Ads in Select States: On Thursday, Americans for Stable Quality Care launched a $12 million television ad campaign in support of President Obama's health reform plan. The new group, which is expected to be the largest spender in support of health reform, is primarily funded by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, with assistance from the American Medical Association, FamiliesUSA, the Federation of American Hospitals, and the Service Employees International Union. The coalition seeks to counter increasingly aggressive protests at town hall meetings while solidifying support from swing senators and Blue Dog Democrats.
Financing the Plans
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Indicates Cost of Preventive Care Outweighs Savings: The CBO announced Friday that even though public health may improve with expanding preventive medical services - including cancer screenings, cholesterol management, vaccinations and wellness training - the costs of such expansions will offset any savings ultimately generated.
Looking Ahead
The intense national debate is likely to continue throughout the month as President Obama and legislators continue to hold town hall meetings across the country. Lawmakers are slated to return to Washington on September 8.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Individual Health Insurance Quote Reform Weekly : EasyToInsureME : 08/07/09
This Week in Health Care Reform
The debate over health care intensified this week as House members returned to their districts and the Senate prepared to adjourn for the remainder of August. Many House members held town hall meetings with constituents this week, adding fuel to the health care debate.
EasyToInsureME.com offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultation, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
Public Plan
House Committee on Energy and Commerce Completes Markup: After weeks of negotiation, the House Energy and Commerce Committee was the last of three House committees to complete work on sweeping health care reform legislation. The committee approved the bill on a vote of 31-28, with all Republicans and five Democrats voting against the bill. The vote clears the way for the legislation to move to the House floor.
Alternative Plans
Senate Finance Committee Delays Until September: Senate Finance Committee members confirmed that they would not complete a draft bill before the August recess and that negotiations would continue into September. After a meeting with President Obama Tuesday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) has set a mid-September deadline for completion of a bipartisan bill. President Obama pressured Senate Democrats to move forward with health care reform if a bipartisan bill cannot be reached; he vowed Wednesday to get a reform bill through Congress this year even without Republican support. President Obama will meet with six negotiators from the Committee Thursday at the White House to discuss the bipartisan bill.
Financing the Plan
Obama Renews Pledge to Not Raise Middle Class Taxes but Remains Open to Taxing Health Insurance: White House officials scrambled to retract statements made by top economic advisors last Sunday, indicating that a tax increase on the middle class is an option to pay for health care reform. However, President Obama remains open to a proposal to tax health insurance.
Additional Activities
Democrats Criticize Insurance Industry: Democrats increased criticism aimed at the insurance industry, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accusing insurers of "immoral" profiteering. America's Health Insurance Plans President Karen Ignagni quickly fired back , saying the health insurance industry "[does] not deserve to be demonized or vilified as part of a campaign to distract attention away from the sinking support for a government-run program."
Debate Moves Outside the Capitol: The health care reform debate has moved outside the Beltway, with tactics ranging from town hall meetings and other grassroots efforts to advertising. Groups on both sides of the debate are mobilizing their constituencies to participate in local events and make direct contact with members of Congress in a battle over public opinion.
Administration officials and Democratic members of Congress are in the process of conducting town hall meetings across the country. In recent days, however, meetings in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Texas have spurred protests over details of the reform proposals. Democrats are accusing Republicans of organizing "angry mobs," while Republicans indicate that the protests are signs of opposition.
According to the Campaign Media Analysis Group, more than $52 million has been spent nationwide this year on health care reform-related advertising. But as legislators return home for the August recess and the reform dialogue shifts to outside the Beltway, political groups are also shifting advertising emphasis from national cable news channels to local channels throughout the country.
Public Polls Show Rising Concern: As details of a potential health care overhaul take shape, public opinion polls show declining support. In a New York Times/CBS poll, 69 percent of Americans are concerned their care would suffer if they were on a government-run plan. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll reports that 42 percent of those surveyed in July thought Obama's health care plan was a bad idea, up from 32 percent in June.
Looking Ahead
Senators will adjourn for August recess Friday, with many continuing the health care debate in their home states.
As Democrats work to gain support from the American public, and Republicans continue to voice concerns, the health care messaging battle will continue to heat up.
The debate over health care intensified this week as House members returned to their districts and the Senate prepared to adjourn for the remainder of August. Many House members held town hall meetings with constituents this week, adding fuel to the health care debate.
EasyToInsureME.com offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultation, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
Public Plan
House Committee on Energy and Commerce Completes Markup: After weeks of negotiation, the House Energy and Commerce Committee was the last of three House committees to complete work on sweeping health care reform legislation. The committee approved the bill on a vote of 31-28, with all Republicans and five Democrats voting against the bill. The vote clears the way for the legislation to move to the House floor.
Alternative Plans
Senate Finance Committee Delays Until September: Senate Finance Committee members confirmed that they would not complete a draft bill before the August recess and that negotiations would continue into September. After a meeting with President Obama Tuesday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) has set a mid-September deadline for completion of a bipartisan bill. President Obama pressured Senate Democrats to move forward with health care reform if a bipartisan bill cannot be reached; he vowed Wednesday to get a reform bill through Congress this year even without Republican support. President Obama will meet with six negotiators from the Committee Thursday at the White House to discuss the bipartisan bill.
Financing the Plan
Obama Renews Pledge to Not Raise Middle Class Taxes but Remains Open to Taxing Health Insurance: White House officials scrambled to retract statements made by top economic advisors last Sunday, indicating that a tax increase on the middle class is an option to pay for health care reform. However, President Obama remains open to a proposal to tax health insurance.
Additional Activities
Democrats Criticize Insurance Industry: Democrats increased criticism aimed at the insurance industry, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accusing insurers of "immoral" profiteering. America's Health Insurance Plans President Karen Ignagni quickly fired back , saying the health insurance industry "[does] not deserve to be demonized or vilified as part of a campaign to distract attention away from the sinking support for a government-run program."
Debate Moves Outside the Capitol: The health care reform debate has moved outside the Beltway, with tactics ranging from town hall meetings and other grassroots efforts to advertising. Groups on both sides of the debate are mobilizing their constituencies to participate in local events and make direct contact with members of Congress in a battle over public opinion.
Administration officials and Democratic members of Congress are in the process of conducting town hall meetings across the country. In recent days, however, meetings in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Texas have spurred protests over details of the reform proposals. Democrats are accusing Republicans of organizing "angry mobs," while Republicans indicate that the protests are signs of opposition.
According to the Campaign Media Analysis Group, more than $52 million has been spent nationwide this year on health care reform-related advertising. But as legislators return home for the August recess and the reform dialogue shifts to outside the Beltway, political groups are also shifting advertising emphasis from national cable news channels to local channels throughout the country.
Public Polls Show Rising Concern: As details of a potential health care overhaul take shape, public opinion polls show declining support. In a New York Times/CBS poll, 69 percent of Americans are concerned their care would suffer if they were on a government-run plan. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll reports that 42 percent of those surveyed in July thought Obama's health care plan was a bad idea, up from 32 percent in June.
Looking Ahead
Senators will adjourn for August recess Friday, with many continuing the health care debate in their home states.
As Democrats work to gain support from the American public, and Republicans continue to voice concerns, the health care messaging battle will continue to heat up.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Health Insurance Quote Reform : EasyToInsureME : 7/21/09
This Week in Health Care Reform
After weeks of logjam on Capitol Hill, lawmakers in both the House and the Senate have reported progress in their respective negotiations this week, clearing way for a possible vote on sweeping health care reform legislation after the August recess.
EasyToInsureME offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultations, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
Public Plan
House Democrats Reach Compromise: After weeks of infighting, House Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee came to an agreement on Wednesday that would shave $100 billion off the House bill's original price tag of more than $1 trillion. The Energy and Commerce Committee resumed marking up the legislation Thursday, but the full House will not vote until after the August recess.
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on House Plan: The CBO helped the House Democrats' case for a public option when it reported that under the proposed legislation , most people would still choose employer-based coverage rather than a government-run option. The CBO stated that, given the individual mandate, more employees would sign up for coverage through their employers. However, the latest analysis also stated that the proposal would still increase budget deficits.
Senate May Choose Co-Op Over Public Option: Senate Finance Committee negotiators indicated that they were close to reaching a bipartisan deal that would include a co-op modeled public plan. The proposal being discussed would include a tax on insurers and would use non-profit cooperatives to compete with private insurers. The proposal would also not include an employer mandate.
Alternative Plans
House Republicans Unveil $700B Plan: On Wednesday, House Republicans unveiled a $700 billion health care plan that would offer tax deductions and credits to assist individuals in purchasing insurance, as well as take on medical malpractice. According to House Republicans, the proposed plan would be fully paid for, but CBO has yet to officially assess the cost of the legislation.
Financing the Plan
New CBO Score on Senate Bill: The Senate Finance Committee got a boost when the CBO estimated the latest version of the Committee's health reform bill would cost less than $900 billion. The bill would cover 95 percent of Americans by 2015 and would be fully paid for in the first 10 years, according to Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT).
Tax on "Cadillac Plans" Gains Momentum:The Senate Finance Committee's option to tax insurers on high-value "Cadillac plans" has attracted support in the Senate, and it seems senior House Democrats are warming to the financing proposal. A spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans voiced opposition to the plan, and many assert that a tax on insurers will ultimately be passed down to consumers.
CBO Rates Independent Panel: CBO reported this week that the proposed independent panel to oversee payments by Medicare would result in just $2 billion in savings over 10 years.
Additional Activities
AARP Voices Concern: President Obama held a town hall-style meeting at the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) Washington headquarters this past week to address growing concerns among seniors about health reform and subsequent cuts in benefits. Polls show that senior citizens are more skeptical about health care reform than any other age group. Consequentially, AARP has had to walk a careful line in endorsing the House bill. Earlier this week, AARP expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in the Senate, saying that Senators have "failed to act."
Looking Ahead
House lawmakers plan to conclude work this week and break for a month-long recess, returning to their districts to further discuss health reform efforts. The Senate will recess on August 7th.
After weeks of logjam on Capitol Hill, lawmakers in both the House and the Senate have reported progress in their respective negotiations this week, clearing way for a possible vote on sweeping health care reform legislation after the August recess.
EasyToInsureME offers clients the easiest way to buy individual health insurance. Free services include instant online health insurance quotes, custom proposals for each client, free phone consultations, and 10-minute application by phone. Nobody does what we do for our clients!
Public Plan
House Democrats Reach Compromise: After weeks of infighting, House Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee came to an agreement on Wednesday that would shave $100 billion off the House bill's original price tag of more than $1 trillion. The Energy and Commerce Committee resumed marking up the legislation Thursday, but the full House will not vote until after the August recess.
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on House Plan: The CBO helped the House Democrats' case for a public option when it reported that under the proposed legislation , most people would still choose employer-based coverage rather than a government-run option. The CBO stated that, given the individual mandate, more employees would sign up for coverage through their employers. However, the latest analysis also stated that the proposal would still increase budget deficits.
Senate May Choose Co-Op Over Public Option: Senate Finance Committee negotiators indicated that they were close to reaching a bipartisan deal that would include a co-op modeled public plan. The proposal being discussed would include a tax on insurers and would use non-profit cooperatives to compete with private insurers. The proposal would also not include an employer mandate.
Alternative Plans
House Republicans Unveil $700B Plan: On Wednesday, House Republicans unveiled a $700 billion health care plan that would offer tax deductions and credits to assist individuals in purchasing insurance, as well as take on medical malpractice. According to House Republicans, the proposed plan would be fully paid for, but CBO has yet to officially assess the cost of the legislation.
Financing the Plan
New CBO Score on Senate Bill: The Senate Finance Committee got a boost when the CBO estimated the latest version of the Committee's health reform bill would cost less than $900 billion. The bill would cover 95 percent of Americans by 2015 and would be fully paid for in the first 10 years, according to Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT).
Tax on "Cadillac Plans" Gains Momentum:The Senate Finance Committee's option to tax insurers on high-value "Cadillac plans" has attracted support in the Senate, and it seems senior House Democrats are warming to the financing proposal. A spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans voiced opposition to the plan, and many assert that a tax on insurers will ultimately be passed down to consumers.
CBO Rates Independent Panel: CBO reported this week that the proposed independent panel to oversee payments by Medicare would result in just $2 billion in savings over 10 years.
Additional Activities
AARP Voices Concern: President Obama held a town hall-style meeting at the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) Washington headquarters this past week to address growing concerns among seniors about health reform and subsequent cuts in benefits. Polls show that senior citizens are more skeptical about health care reform than any other age group. Consequentially, AARP has had to walk a careful line in endorsing the House bill. Earlier this week, AARP expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in the Senate, saying that Senators have "failed to act."
Looking Ahead
House lawmakers plan to conclude work this week and break for a month-long recess, returning to their districts to further discuss health reform efforts. The Senate will recess on August 7th.
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