News For: Wheelchairs health InsuranceHealth insurance costs grow 5% in '08 Health insurance premiums rose a modest 5% this year for coverage that's getting skimpier, researchers say. Health insurance premiums up 5 percent, study finds Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose a modest 5 percent this year, according to a nationwide survey released Wednesday morning -- numbers that are close to what South Florida employers are reporting. Health insurance coverage of mental illnesses gets push Congress on Tuesday moved close to final approval of a bill that would require group health insurance plans to provide more generous coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to what they already provide for physical illnesses. The Senate approved the legislation as part of a tax bill promoting the use of alternative fuels, including wind and solar power. The bill, passed by a vote ... The number: 63#x25 Government-guaranteed health insurance Nearly two-thirds of Americans 63% favor a government guarantee of universal health insurance, even if it means raising taxes; 34% are opposed. Democrats continue to be the most supportive of government-guaranteed health insurance — 79% of Democrats, including 85% of liberal Democrats, favor it. Riverside Health System Announces $1 Million Incentive Program For Small Businesses to Offer Insurance Coverage for ... A leading nonprofit health care provider, Riverside Health System, is making $1 million in funding available to create incentives for small businesses in eastern Virginia to begin offering health insurance to their employees. Mental health groups make final push for parity Many people battling addiction or suffering from mental health problems could get better health insurance coverage under legislation that has widespread, bipartisan support but still faces some hurdles before getting to President Bush for his signature. East Providence workers' new contract hikes health-care contributions EAST PROVIDENCE — The city’s clerks, janitors and other members of the local steel workers union entered into a multi-year contract recently that doesn’t raise their salaries this coming year, but increases their health insurance contributions. Insurance counseling program to expand North Carolina's program to counsel older people on health insurance choices should be able to expand services thanks to a new federal performance grant. Pay lags costs for health coverage The cost of health insurance premiums rose 5.3 times as fast as the median wage in North Carolina over the last eight years, according to a report released Wednesday by Families USA, a national advocacy group. Mental health groups make final push for parity Many people battling addiction or suffering from mental health problems could get better health insurance coverage under legislation that has widespread, bipartisan support but still faces some hurdles before getting to President Bush for his signature. Patients seeking treatment for depression or schizophrenia often face greater restrictions with their health insurance coverage than do patients ... |


