12/1/2008 News For: Blu Cross Health Insurance Of LouisianaMass. Health Care Reform Reveals Doctor Shortage Health care reform in Massachusetts has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people with health insurance. But there's an unintended consequence. A sudden demand for primary care doctors has outpaced the supply. Higher deductibles affecting healthcare As employers' profits nose-dive with the economy, health insurance deductibles, co-pays and premiums for workers all rise. Experts and healthcare providers say the seesaw is influencing the way patients use doctors and hospitals and turning some decisions on which insurance plan to choose for 2009 into a cross-your-fingers proposition. Now what? Things to know if you're switching health care systems It's health insurance re-enrollment time, and many Ozarkers who are changing health plans may have to find new physicians, specialists and a different hospital. Priority Health joins list of Blue Cross bill opponents Priority Health, a health insurance organization with offices in Farmington Hills and Grand Rapids, has joined a growing number of health and consumer organizations in opposing legislation promoted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan... Durango to add domestic partner health benefits DURANGO - The city of Durango plans to extend health insurance benefits to domestic partners of its employees starting next year. Just imagine Can you imagine the disaster that will overcome the United States if Ford, General Motors and Chrysler ... Sunday, November 30, 2008 Not so funny Surely, Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland is joking. Buy health insurance or forfeit football tickets. ... Giving thanks: Shannon Watson Giving thanks is something Shannon Watson does every day. As executive director of Tri City Health Partnership Free Medical Clinic, Watson is thankful for the community?s generosity in supporting the clinic and for the work of its volunteers. Hospital explores insurance alternative Administrators, boardmembers and committees at Sonoma Valley Hospital are exploring the feasibility of establishing an alternative health insurance program through its joint powers authority with three other hospital districts. Louisiana Official Seeking Increased Guidance On Medicaid Overhaul Plan Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine is seeking further guidance from lawmakers on how to restructure the state's Medicaid program, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports. The 2007 Legislature approved legislation that provides the framework for overhauling Medicaid and is centered on establishing "medical networks of care. Solid waste board toils through decisions One of the biggest hurdles facing the Warrick County Solid Waste Management District after it parted ways with the county was to devise new salary and personnel ordinances for those county employees absorbed by the district, including health insurance issues. |

