News For: Pacific life healthVN seeks closer health ties with Western Pacific nations HA NOI ��� Viet Nam will increase co-operation with other countries in the Pacific region to address its own healthcare-related issues such as overcrowding in hospitals, financial resources for the health sector, health insurance, and food hygiene and safety. Only 10% Indians have life cover 2% health study New Delhi, Sep 21 UNI Only around 10 per cent of Indians had life insurance and two per cent health insurance cover in 2007, a study says. Health Highlights: Sept. 24, 2008 Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay: Health insurance costs grow 5% in '08 Health insurance premiums rose a modest 5% this year for coverage that's getting skimpier, researchers say. Health care costs take bigger bite from paychecks Many workers get less from plans 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. 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. Health insurance premiums jump 5 pct this year U.S. health insurance premiums rose 5 percent on average this year and more companies shifted an additional share of the cost to workers, an annual survey of businesses said on Wednesday. Linda Dawson's efforts helped save the life of her husband, Len Linda Dawson isn’t sure why she made the call. All she and her husband — broadcaster and former Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson — know is it saved his life. And since this is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, they’ve teamed up with the makers of Depend products to tell the story to as many people as possible. Workers pay more, get less in health benefits American workers are paying more for their employer-backed health insurance and getting skimpier benefits - a troubling trend that authors of a new study say offsets a moderation in premium increases. Health insurance premiums rose a modest 5 percent this... Protesters target health care Providers of medical insurance are more concerned about dollars than people, claims a coalition of labor and other organizations that wants the federal government to take a bigger role in health care financing. |

