The United States Senate seems headed for a vote on a nearly $1 trillion health-care overhaul.

We all recognize the need to change the current system of delivering and financing health care — in order to ensure quality and to make coverage more affordable.

The problem is that there is no evidence that the current proposals in Congress will make those needed improvements for Louisianians. In fact, studies by respected organizations have shown that current congressional proposals would result in the people of our state paying significantly more for their health coverage.

The Senate proposal would create an expensive new bureaucracy, levy more taxes on the backs of working citizens and make cuts to Medicare that would mean higher costs borne by our state’s seniors. If the current proposals are signed into law, health-care costs will rise at an even faster rate. This simply is not the kind of solution Louisiana can afford.

Louisiana’s health plans support health reform and have pledged changes to their business model to make health care more affordable and accessible for everyone. Some time ago we committed to Congress that we would help adopt pro-consumer rules and sweeping protections that would remove restrictions on pre-existing conditions, end the practice of basing premiums on health status or gender, and help achieve universal coverage.

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The issue of the growing number of Americans without health insurance is a thorny one.  With this in view, Texas Health Insurance companies are offering affordable health insurance programs for companies, individuals, family groups, and the elderly.  With health care costs increasing, the offers are a welcome respite for families in the median group.   

With health insurance, people can avail of long term nursing care, disability compensation, routine and preventive health care.  As a consumer, ask if the company the specifics of the health services covered in their heath insurance plans to be able to assess if you are getting what you need for yourself or for your family because Texas health insurance plans are varied to fit individual and group needs.  

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In this economy, many people have lost their jobs or are in fear of losing them. Retirement savings are down and no one seems to know when the economy will turn around. In times like these we must pay close attention to how every dollar is spent. If you’ve lost your health insurance or otherwise need to get health insurance, it’s more important than ever to get the coverage you need to protect your family’s finances without paying for coverage you don’t need.

PPO, HMO, HSA…with so many health insurance plans to choose from, how do you know which health plan is right for you? With hundreds of health plans available it can be difficult to decide which health plan is best for you and your family.

The following guidelines are provided by Jeff Breazile, owner of Benefit Studio Health Insurance Services (http://www.benefitstudio.com), a California based independent insurance agency.

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The Arkansas Department of Health is holding a second round of mass flu clinics beginning Monday, Dec. 7, designed to immunize Arkansans against both the seasonal and the H1N1 influenza. The unprecedented effort will continue through Dec. 18, with a local shot clinic included on the schedule.

“We’ll be offering both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the Piggott Community Center,” noted Kim Donner, A.P.N., administrator of the Clay County Health Unit. “This time both vaccines are in ample supply that we will be able to offer either one, or both, of the shots to everyone,” she added.

During the first mass flu clinic earlier this fall, the H1N1 vaccine was only offered to those in priority groups, such as pregnant women and the very young. This time both shots are being made available as long as they remain in supply. “We’ve got a good supply on hand locally, and everyone who feels they may benefit will be able to get immunized,” Donner added.

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Q: What is home health care?
A: Home health care is a service that permits patients to receive personalized health care, maintaining their quality of life in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

Q: Why home health care?
A: Home health care is a cost-effective option for receiving health care services. Returning to one’s home and family can quicken recovery and improve the quality of life for both patient and family or caregiver.

Q: Who pays for home health care?
A: Most health insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs and Workers Compensation cover home health care. In addition, Medicare and Medicaid pay for home care services. Some insurance providers do not cover all home health services. Our staff will verify health coverage for the patient.

Q: What criteria are required for Medicare to approve services?
A: The following criteria are used to meet Medicare requirements:
• The patient is a Medicare recipient.
• The patient must be homebound. This is defined by Medicare as “normal inability to leave the home and that leaving the home requires considerable and taxing effort.”
• The skilled care must be medically necessary as determined by the physician.

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