Health Insurance and You!

Six months ago I wrote on this site that a congressional proposal for Health Care Reform would likely include exchanges at the state level, and that this was the most sensible way to go. In fact, today’s Senate bill outlines a plan for state and regional exchanges. But the House bill, which passed last month includes a plan for a national exchange. Over the next month, the two entities will have to come to a single recommendation on this issue. Here are the differences in the two bills regarding exchanges.

For an exhaustive and up-to-date comparison of the House and Senate Bills, go to the Kaiser Family Foundation site.

The issue of whether insurance is sold through one national or many local exchanges is incidental to the specifics of the proposed regulations. Medical loss ratios, premium differentials and rate adjustments can all be similarly legislated regardless of their distribution channels. Like Medicare and Medicaid, we can have a national program that is completely managed at the state level.

As the health care debate rages on in Washington I remain optimistic. I think that the legislature will succeed in improving access to health care for many people. But, I’ve said this before, it is imperative that each of us takes action now to sustain our own good health. We cannot and should not wait for legislation that can take years to implement. Here are some things every person should do to take control of his or her own health. The first three are well known, and I won’t expound on them, rather I will refer you to some informative sites. Points 4 and 5 are the keys to taking control of your medical future.

1) Eat right. eatright.org is the home site of the American Dietetic Association. The site provides informative articles and referrals to registered dieticians in your area. mypyramid.gov offers a personalized eating plan based on your height, age, weight and activity level.

2) Be active. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has an easy to use site that will help motivate you and get you moving in the right direction. If you haven’t exercised in a while, use good judgment; start slowly and check with your doctor.

3) Quit smoking. www.smokefree.gov, developed by the National Cancer Institute, is the best place to find online guidance and support services in your area.

4) Get insured. And get your family insured. Visit our site, www.getinsured.com or call our experts. We will work with you to find a plan that meets your needs. Everyday we are helping to insure people regardless of pre-existing conditions, tight budgets or complicated situations. Having insurance has a real affect on a person’s health. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation Study compared the health of people with insurance to those without insurance. The uninsured were significantly more likely to have no usual source of care, no preventive care, could not afford needed prescriptions and went without needed care. Ultimately insured people are healthier.

5) Have a Health Care Proxy. I know it sounds morbid and may be difficult to think about much less discuss with your loved ones. But, having a living will is the ultimate way to take control of your own health. Have the discussion. Write down your wishes. Be sure to designate someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. For help you can go to www.engagewithgrace.org.

Here is a story I heard from a friend, an adult with a chronic illness. During an appointment with her Primary Care Physician last week she inquired about her flu vaccination status. He told her that she needed the seasonal flu vaccine and if possible, the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. He provided the seasonal flu vaccine, but said he did not have the H1N1 and had no idea about when or if it might come. The next evening, the doctor’s assistant called my friend and told her to go to his office right away for her H1N1 vaccine. He had just received a batch and was saving a shot for her.

The story made me think about how many people may be confused about all the information floating around about seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. I did my own informal research and found several sites helpful.

The CDC has two very informative and easy to understand sites, posted just a couple of days ago. The first one provides answers to frequently asked questions about seasonal flu, and the second provides answers for H1N1 related questions including who should and should NOT get the shot, where and when it is available and more.

I am convinced that getting vaccinated as soon as possible is a far better alternative to suffering from either flu. But not everyone is similarly inclined. In fact, I have heard that there are some celebrities advising people not to get a shot. Please, don’t listen to them, and for that matter, don’t listen to me. Ask a doctor or nurse whom you trust and get his or her opinion.

It’s Free…
Because the government feels strongly that this is a public health issue, it is paying for H1N1 vaccine. Other than a possible service charge that may be covered by your insurance provider it’s free. But even if you do have to pay a $25 fee to a clinic, isn’t that ultimately more cost effective than getting sick, paying for medicine and missing work?

…and it is Available
According to the CDC, the US government has procured 250 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, enough for everyone who wants it. Vaccine is being shipped to clinics every day. I looked online for a flu clinic near my home and found a list of locations, dates and phone numbers. Appointments are required and preference is given to people in high-risk groups. You can also go to www.flu.gov for a list of both seasonal and H1N1 flu clinics in your area and for the answers to most frequently asked questions.

Have you had trouble getting information? Will you get vaccinated? Do you have other sources of reliable information to share? Please share your story with us.