News For: Neighborhood Group health Plans FloridaHealth insurance coverage of mental illnesses gets push Congress on Tuesday moved close to final approval of a bill that would require group health insurance plans to provide more generous coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to what they already provide for physical illnesses. The Senate approved the legislation as part of a tax bill promoting the use of alternative fuels, including wind and solar power. The bill, passed by a vote ... Manatee school health plans up for vote The Manatee County school board today is scheduled to vote on changing health insurance plans for all employees. Health insurance premiums up 5 percent, study finds Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose a modest 5 percent this year, according to a nationwide survey released Wednesday morning -- numbers that are close to what South Florida employers are reporting. Health insurance costs grow 5% in '08 Health insurance premiums rose a modest 5% this year for coverage that's getting skimpier, researchers say. Southwest Washington Health System Selects MedSynergies to Design, Implement and Host its GE Centricity Group ... MedSynergies Inc., a leading provider of healthcare revenue cycle services and technology, including advanced analytics and reporting platforms, was selected by Southwest Washington Health System, a Vancouver, Wash., not-for-profit organization which oversees a 360-bed medical institution, to provide complete revenue and performance management services for its affiliated medical group. Mental health groups make final push for parity Many people battling addiction or suffering from mental health problems could get better health insurance coverage under legislation that has widespread, bipartisan support but still faces some hurdles before getting to President Bush for his signature. HealthPartners Medical Group Tops in Quality for Patients in State Medical Programs HealthPartners Medical Group received some of the highest quality of care marks among all Minnesota medical groups that serve people in state health care programs according to a new report on health care disparities issued by Minnesota Community Measurement -- a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of health care in Minnesota. Rise in health care premiums outpaces inflation and wages Washington ��� Premiums for job-based health insurance are up 5 percent in 2008 and have more than doubled since 1999, a growth rate that far outpaces inflation and the increase in workers' wages over the same period, according to an annual survey of employers. Meanwhile, a growing number of workers at smaller firms are getting less coverage for their money as health plans with high deductibles ... John Schwarz: McCain's Health Care Plan Would Limit State Regulatory Authority, Leaving People Vulnerable McCain's proposals would allow health insurers to offer the same health plans throughout the nation without any or little state oversight. Health Highlights: Sept. 24, 2008 Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay: |


