Consumer Driven Health Care

Am I writing this late on a Sunday night while wearing a sweater with a giant Santa Claus on it that jingles when I walk? Why, yes I am. Suffice to say, I could use a vacation.

There goes the affordable part of health reform. The insurance industry is warning a new tax in in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will cost consumers thousands of dollars because of rising premiums.

Health insurer Cigna Corp. said Monday it plans to reaffirm its 2012 and 2013 financial guidance in discussions with investors and analysts this week.

African Americans pay more for health disparities as they spend $54.9 billion out of $82.2 billion for health care costs and lost productivity.

All the national drugstore chains now offer a free customer loyalty program loaded with incentives to use their cards. Walgreen Co., the nation's largest drugstore chain, became the latest when it unveiled its Balance Rewards program in September.

Most businesses like to tout they have a wellness plan. A survey conducted by payroll company ADP this year showed that wellness programs are one of the best ways for employers to promote a healthy workforce, contain rising health care expenses, and generate productivity among their employees.