Posts by Ellen Andrews
The best argument for primary care I’ve heard in a long time
From the WSJ blog — http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2009/09/08/how-one-doc-discovered-the-connection-between-heart-disease-and-depression Read down to the third paragraph for the story that makes the point. Ellen Andrews
Read MoreCT papers feature health reform
The Day has a well-considered editorial today on health reform, centering on the Cleveland Clinic. The President has publicly cited the Cleveland Clinic as an example of exceptional care at lower cost. The editorial points out that what we need is a revolution — we need to reform our health care system, not just insurance…
Read MoreFoundation for Community Health Open House
The Foundation for Community Health has moved to a new home with available meeting rooms. They are holding an Open House October 7th from 4 to 6pm at 155 Sharon Valley Road in Sharon, 06069. Hear about their expanded services and give them ideas for enrichment programs they can host for nonprofits. RSVP by September…
Read MoreSustiNet Board meeting
Yesterday’s first SustiNet Board meeting was well attended by the members. Most of the discussion was introductory remarks and process. They talked about the committees, collecting input from the Board members, developing a work plan, etc. The next meeting will be Sept. 16th at noon. Ellen Andrews
Read MoreGAO report finds reduced competition in insurance markets is associated with higher premiums and profits
After pages of disclaimers and cautions that there is not enough good research on the issue, a recent GAO report finds evidence that there has been increasing concentration in health insurance markets in the US. Market share of the top five insurers rose from 43.2% in 1994 to 49.9% in 1997. The impact varied by…
Read MoreCongressional health care reform town hall
Congressman John Larson will be holding a Health Care Reform Town Hall Forum tomorrow, Sept. 2nd at 5:30 at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street. There is very little street parking near the town hall; click here for options. Paid parking is available. Similar events are planned in other Congressional districts – we…
Read MoreTest your knowledge of CT health policy premiums
Take the September CT Health Policy Webquiz to test your knowledge about the costs of health insurance premiums in CT.
Read MoreHealth insurance employment in perspective
Yesterday’s Hartford Courant reports that just over 19,000 CT residents are employed at CT’s large health insurers – Aetna, United, CIGNA, HealthNet, Anthem and ConnectiCare. While impressive, those numbers pale in comparison to the number of CT residents employed in providing health services, according to the CT Dept. of Labor’s July report – 198,800. That…
Read MoreCT family premiums fifth highest in nation
This won’t surprise anyone who buys their own coverage (or buys it for their employees), that a new report by the Commonwealth Fund finds that CT’s family premiums were the fifth highest in the US last year. Rates increased by one third from 2003 to 2008, as did the US average family premium — so…
Read MoreUndecipherable health insurance documents
I was very happy when I finally received the document from my health insurance company explaining my medical coverage. Now I could finally see exactly what medical benefits are covered. Or maybe not. I decided to review it so I would know what is covered and what isn’t. I didn’t get very far. The document…
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