News For: Preferred health Plans FlHealth 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. 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. Preferred adds Galichia to network Wichita's largest health insurance carrier will break from tradition by adding Galichia Heart Hospital to its network of providers. Preferred Health Systems, which is owned by Via Christi Health System, said it will add Galichia -- a Via Christi competitor -- as an in-network hospital effective Jan. 1. The move has the potential to change the way health care is delivered in Wichita as more ... 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 ... As health-care premiums rise, workers at smaller firms feel pinch 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 and fewer ... Baylor plans cancer center in Dallas rivaling M.D. Anderson Baylor Health Care System on Friday expects to announce plans for a $350 million, 450,000-square-foot cancer center, featuring a 120-bed cancer hospital and the largest outpatient cancer center in Texas. Health 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 ... 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. What should I consider when picking a health plan? Q: My company will offer some new choices for health benefit plans during its open-enrollment period. What are the most important things to consider when picking a plan? A: Health insurance easily grows confusing, especially when a human resources... What should I consider when picking a health plan? Q: My company will offer some new choices for health benefit plans during its open-enrollment period. What are the most important things to consider when picking a plan? A: Health insurance easily grows confusing, especially when a human resources representative throws an alphabet soup of terms like HMOs, PPOs or HSAs at you. You should start sorting through options by thinking about your ... |


