Consumer Driven Health Care

Nearly one of every 10 midsized or big employers expects to stop offering health coverage to workers once federal insurance exchanges start in 2014, according to a new survey from a large benefits consultant.

Consumer driven health plans in the United States experienced continued growth this year, though at a slower rate than in 2009 and 2010, according to preliminary results released by United Benefit Advisors from its 2011 UBA Health Plan Survey.

Under fire in a nation desperate for jobs, President Barack Obama will soon announce a broad package of tax cuts, construction work and help for the millions of Americans who have been unemployed for months, a White House official said Wednesday.

Brokers will prove their value if they can advise clients on how self-funding consumer-directed health plans, combined with stop-loss coverage, can help manage rising costs, and also suggest reliable stop loss partners to provide protection.

Given the uncertain impact of health care reform and a rocky economy, theres a lot for a broker to worry about these days. And its all having a big effect on how they are looking at the benefits industry.

Perhaps people living in the Bay State area should move south if they want a little health care cost relief. Massachusetts and Vermont led the nation in 2010 with average, individual market health insurance premiums topping $400 per person per month, according to new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

A new survey of more than 200 U.S. health care professionals reveals costs will rise significantly with health care reform, but will be balanced with increased access to care and new organizational efficiencies that will improve patients quality of care.

Walgreen Co., the largest drugstore chain in the U.S., said Monday it is now offering seasonal flu vaccinations at all of its stores during pharmacy and clinic hours.