February State Round Up
Reaching the end of February, we thought we'd take a look at several new healthcare initiatives introduced this month across the country. In our post today, we look at new health insurance legislature for small businesses in Oregon, a bill that would dramatically alter Ohio's health insurance landscape and a Wisconsin children's health insurance program.
Oregon levels the playing field for small business health insurance
In an effort to better control rate adjustments, businesses with 26 to 50 employees will now be required to pay an "average" premium, as reported in The Register Guard, Feb 29, 2008. Those paying far above the average will now be paying lower premiums, while employers that were paying significantly less than the average will notice the biggest impact.
The rate changes will:
- Be phased in over three years
- Equate to an average 14% increase across the board
- Affect about 6,000 Oregon businesses
- Be assessed by each insurer using the same factors
The new law brings 26- to-50-employee businesses into line with those with two to 25, whose premiums are already assessed using the group average.
Ohio bill to reshape health insurance coverage
Wide-ranging health insurance reforms are proposed in a new Ohio bill which includes state subsidization for high-risk individuals and dependent coverage up to the age of 29. (The Plain Dealer, Jan 30, 2008) Among the highlights of the proposed legislation:
- Creation of a pool of high-risk individuals who would be state subsidized
- Insurance companies required to offer coverage to dependents up to the age of 29
- Banning trans fat from school food
- Tax credits to those below the poverty line ineligible for Medicaid
- Closer scrutiny on charitable care for nonprofit hospitals
The bill is likely to be subject of much debate but has initially been well received.
Wisconsin children's program receives high praise
Launched this month, the BadgerCare Plus program makes all children eligible for health insurance. (Badger Herald, Feb 4, 2008) Promoted by the Department of Health and Family Services working with 32 agencies, the program:
- Allows parents to purchase insurance at monthly premiums from $0 to $90
- Bears no additional cost to taxpayers
- Will require copayments of just $5 per prescription, and $100 per hospital visit
- Is available to every child, adults with children and pregnant women
The program has been received favorably not just within the state, but also from no higher an authority than the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Mike Leavitt, who applauds exactly this type of state-based solution. (WKBT, Lacrosse, Feb 1, 2008)
As always we'll keep an eye on the latest developments within the realm of health insurance. For more on the states featured today, visit Oregon Health Insurance, Ohio Health Insurance and Wisconsin Health Insurance.