Health Archives - Page 15 of 35 - Consumer Insurance Guide

Employer health insurance levels unchanged from 2011

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
February 27, 2013February 27, 2013

Fewer people reported having employer-based health insurance in 2012 than in years past, although it remains unchanged from 2011. According to a recent Gallop survey, 44.5 percent of respondents reported getting health insurance at work, which is the same as last year but less than in 2008, 2009 or 2010. At the same time, more Americans reported having a government-based health plan such as Medicare, Medicaid or military or veterans’ benefits — with the 25.6…

Long-Term Care insurance is more than nursing home care

By Mike Mosser
February 25, 2013March 13, 2013

Originally begun in the 1980s, Long-Term Care insurance has been going through major structural changes over the past few years for a variety of reasons. Companies have been leaving the market and rates are on the rise. Some experts say the time to buy a policy is now, before the market gets any tighter or rates get any higher. Those companies still in the market are becoming more stringent in what they provide, such as no…

Where is long-term care delivered?

By LIFE Foundation
February 20, 2013February 26, 2013

Many people mistakenly think long-term care is synonymous with nursing home care. A nursing home is a good example of a facility that provides long-term care services, but it’s just one of the many settings in which long-term care is delivered. In many cases, care is provided in the home often by a visiting nurse or a home health aide. Long-term care services are also provided in places like assisted living facilities and adult day…

Alcohol named a top cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
February 20, 2013March 13, 2013

Even just a few alcoholic drinks per day can cause a dramatic increase in the risk of several types of cancer, according to a recent study. Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine and Boston University School of Public Health concluded that alcohol is a major contributor to cancer deaths and years of potential life lost. These findings, published in the April 2013 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, also show that…

Who needs long-term care?

By LIFE Foundation
February 20, 2013June 19, 2014

If you can afford long-term care insurance, you should probably consider it. Why? Because the cost of long-term care, should you need it, can quickly deplete your life’s savings. For instance, having a home health aide visit just three days a week can cost more than $20,000 annually. Full-time nursing home care, the most expensive type of care, now averages $69,000 to $78,000 per year. In some regions of the country, like the Northeast, the…

Critical illness insurance provides a cash infusion when sickness strikes

By Mike Mosser
February 19, 2013March 13, 2013

Anyone facing a critical illness, such as cancer, a heart attack or a stroke, has to deal with more than just a physical and mental struggle—it can have a tremendous financial impact as well. Even those with health insurance can take a hit from co-pays, lost income, lifestyle changes and items not covered by their provider. A 2009 study by Harvard University found that 62 percent of all bankruptcies in the U.S. were the result…

Assisted care costs steady while nursing homes rise

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
February 19, 2013February 26, 2013

The ongoing trend for rising costs in long-term care is for steadily rising prices, although care in the home has risen less dramatically than other types of services in recent years. According to a 2012 Cost of Care Survey by Genworth Financial, the cost to receive care in the home remained unchanged from 2011 to 2012 as other costs increased. “Overwhelmingly, Americans prefer to receive long term care in the home and the relatively muted…

2013 tax deductions for long term care insurance declared

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
February 18, 2013February 26, 2013

Buyers of long-term care insurance will be able to deduct more of their premiums from their federal income tax returns in 2013. These increases are across the board for all ages and allows the premium to be deducted by individuals, up to the amount allowed within their age group. “For taxable years beginning in 2013, the limitations have been increased,” Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, said in a…

Fight against healthcare fraud nets all-time record

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
February 14, 2013February 26, 2013

A government effort to combat healthcare fraud recovered a record $4.2 billion in taxpayer funds during fiscal year 2012. This is the highest three-year average return on investment in the 16-year history of the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control program. Run by the by the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services, the program recovered $14.9 billion over the past four years, an increase from $6.7 billion over the previous four-year…

Long-term care insurance possible for the old or sick

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
February 11, 2013February 26, 2013

As with health, life or any other kind of insurance, companies have limits as to whom they’ll issue a policy. Yet those who don’t meet the typical health and age standards for buying a long-term care insurance policy might still be able to obtain coverage. According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, this issue is prevalent among those beyond age 65. “A growing number of people only start looking into long term care…