10/13/2008 News For: Avera Health Plans QuoteCandidates' health plans compared DURING A discussion on health care in last week's presidential debate, Sen. Barack Obama described health insurance as a "right" while Sen. John McCain called it a "responsibility." New law requires parity for mental health coverage Health insurance plans can no longer treat mental illnesses differently than physical problems when it comes to co-payments and coverage limits. New Mexico ranks worst for employer health plans ALBUQUERQUE ? New Mexico ranked worst in the country for the percentage of residents who are covered by health insurance through their employers, according to a new report from the Economic Policy Institute. Australia Senate to support health insurance changes CANBERRA, Oct 13 Reuters - The Australian government on Monday won backing from a key Senator for its plans to make it easier for people to abandon private health insurance, in a move set to upset listed private health insurers. Baylor Breaks Ground on $212M Site, Plans $350M Cancer Center Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System broke ground Tuesday on a $212 million 332,000-square-foot hospital in the Dallas suburb of McKinney. News reports indicate that Baylor also plans to announce Friday its intent to build a $350 million cancer center in Dallas. Q.A on health care with U.S. Senate candidates Question: What should Congress do to increase the availability of health insurance coverage to the uninsured? Should government take a larger role in providing health coverage, should it be left to the private sector, or a combination? Sen. Mitch McConnell: "There are a number of common-sense steps Congress should take to lower health care costs and improve access to health insurance for ... Humana Introduces New Individual Health Insurance Plans In Nevada LAS VEGAS----Humana today announced the introduction of a new portfolio of individual health insurance plans under its HumanaOne? brand in Nevada. Since 2007, Humana has introduced the individual health insurance coverage options in 25 other states , where they have been popular with consumers. Election '08: McCain, Obama offer contrast on health cost coverage John McCain and Barack Obama would go in opposite directions when it comes to the employer?s role in providing health insurance. Hopkins nabs $1.1B health contract Johns Hopkins Medical Services Corp. renewed a decade-old contract with the Department of Defense this month to provide health care services to military families and retirees. The deal is worth $1.1 billion over the next five years. Health Highlights: Oct. 12, 2008 Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay: |

