Search and compare health plans

48+ min ago (831+ words) But the Senate rejected both, and hopes of solving the problem this year are running dry. Affordable Care Act subsidies will end in three weeks, more than doubling the premiums for many with health coverage through the 2010 law known as "Obamacare." Meanwhile, the political stakes of rising premiums are looming as affordability concerns have emerged as a key issue for American voters going into the midterms next year. Here's a look at the subsidies in limbo, the proposals to address the problem and how American voters are feeling about the issue. More than 24 million people have health insurance through the ACA. That includes farmers, ranchers, small-business owners and other self-employed people without other health insurance options through their work. Enrollees who make less than 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for permanent subsidies in the program that help them offset…...

1+ hour ago (930+ words) Retiring before age 65? Here's how to stay covered without overspending. Retiring before 65 is often fantastic news with one big caveat: your employer health coverage goes away, and there's a gap to fill before Medicare begins. That gap can get expensive fast, especially as medical needs increase with age. Fortunately, seniors can make smart money moves to stay covered until Medicare eligibility kicks in. Here are some of the most practical, affordable health insurance options for anyone retiring early. If your employer offers retiree health benefits, this is often the simplest transition into early retirement. Coverage usually mirrors what you had while working, and your premiums may remain lower than with outside individual plans. These programs are becoming less common, but government agencies, unions, and some large organizations still offer them, making this option worth checking first. If your spouse or…...

1+ hour, 10+ min ago (364+ words) Health insurance premiums in the U.S. significantly increased between 1999 and 2024,outpacing the rate of worker earnings by three times, according to our newly published research in the journal JAMA Network Open. Some of the premium increases can be attributed to an increase inhospital outpatient visitsandcoverage of GLP-1 drugs. But research, including our own, suggests that premiums have rapidly escalated mostly becausehealth system consolidation" when hospitals and other health care entities merge " has led hospitals to raise prices well above their costs. Hospitals are aggressively raising their prices becausehospital CEOs have incentives to do so. Board members set performance criteria that determine the base salary and bonus payments for CEOs. Over half of board members at top U.S. hospitals haveprofessional backgrounds in finance or business. As a result, researchers and advocates have raised concerns that financial success is the dominant priority at these…...

3+ hour, 10+ min ago (1150+ words) Uncover the top Medicare Advantage myths that may be draining your finances. When you're approaching retirement and considering your health insurance needs, Original Medicare (which provides Parts A for hospitalization and Part B for doctor's appointments and other care) may not seem to offer everything you need. Medicare Advantage Plans can help replace that limited coverage and offer a more customizable level of support.It's critical to understand what they are and how they work so you canavoid wasting money. Let's break down some of the most common myths associated with this health care program to bring some clarity before you start shopping for health insurance this year. One of the most common misunderstandings is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplemental plans, known as Medigap.Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to receive Original Medicare (Parts A…...

3+ hour, 49+ min ago (42+ words) The Senate is preparing to vote on dueling proposals to mitigate the impact of the Affordable Care Act tax subsidies expiring. CBS News' Taurean Small reports. Clock is ticking on health insurance tax subsidies as dueling Senate bills run risk of failing...

3+ hour, 59+ min ago (397+ words) The government shutdown may be over, but Congress still hasn't solved the biggest problem left on its plate: Extend the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies to avoid a doubling of insurance premiums or replace them with something new altogether. Lawmakers have committed to a vote in December. While'public debate'about the issue has centered on dollars and deficits, the stakes are actually far greater: Access to comprehensive health coverage can determine whether people live or die. But HSA deposits do nothing to prevent the real harm. The health consequences of losing insurance " or of having insurance that is difficult to affordably use " are well-documented. A substantial body of research shows a clear relationship between lack of comprehensive coverage and higher death rates. The U.S. Supreme Court once'observed'that "the power to tax involves the power to destroy." In the context of health insurance,…...

4+ hour, 4+ min ago (576+ words) Republican congressional leaders are considering a Medicare pay cut for hospitals as GOP lawmakers try to come up with a counterproposal to Democrats' demands to renew Obamacare subsidies, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Wednesday. The policy was included in a list of health care options presented to Republican House members in a meeting on Wednesday, according to a document viewed by Bloomberg." The proposal would ensure Medicare pays health care providers the same amount for the same health services, regardless of whether a patient receives them in a physician's office or a hospital. The policy could also lower costs for patients. It has received bipartisan backing from think tanks and advocacy groups, and could save the Medicare program substantial amounts of money." Large hospital chains including HCA Healthcare Inc. and Tenet Healthcare Corp. fell to session lows after the…...

4+ hour, 15+ min ago (327+ words) Oscar Health said Wednesday it will cover services from Broward Health providers and facilities, giving South Florida patients affected by ongoing disruptions with Florida Blue another health insurance option with the Obamacare enrollment deadline days away. A new agreement between the insurer and health system will include access to primary, specialty and emergency care, as well as behavioral health and other services beginning Jan. 1. New York-based Oscar Health is one of the larger carriers available through the Affordable Care Act marketplace in Florida, making the timing of the announcement critical for those seeking uninterrupted access to in-network coverage. "We're excited to become an in-network provider for Oscar Health," Alisa Bert, Broward Health's senior vice president and chief financial officer, said in a news release. "Together, we are ensuring that patients and families have more choice, stability and confidence when accessing…...

4+ hour, 45+ min ago (730+ words) Dear Toni: I have decided to retire when I turn 65 in February and need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. My husband, Harry, is 74, and he enrolled in Parts A and B when he turned 65, remaining on my employer benefits with health issues. The office manager for his primary doctor expressed concerns because of my husband's serious lung problems, which will require surgery in 2026. She suggested that Harry apply for a Medicare supplement. Please explain how we can enroll in a Medicare supplement plan when I retire. " Carolyn, Omaha, Neb. Dear Carolyn: A Medicare supplement, or Medigap, plan is a private insurance policy that covers costs not picked up by original Medicare. The good news is, Medicare has special rules for employees, and their spouses, who are covered by an employer's group health insurance plan. Because he is leaving…...

5+ hour, 5+ min ago (993+ words) Getting familiar with Medicare early can save you thousands of dollars down the road. As you enter your 60s, you're getting closer to retirement. It's more important than ever to double down on your financial fitness. Learn the strategies wealthy retirees use to fund their retirement with $1,000,000 " and how you can, too " with this new guide: The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income from Fisher Investments. Fisher Investments has helped tens of thousands of investors retire comfortably since 1979. With over $332 billion under management, they provide tailored money management to help achieve long-term goals. Get your guide here You can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) starting three months before you turn 65. The standard 2025 Part B premium is $185, although some people pay more. So, most folks in this situation who face a 20% penalty would owe an extra…...