Today’s News: Employers Urged to Expand Health Plans, Medicare Doughnut Hole Checks Coming and the Nation’s Dumbest Drivers May Live Near You
July 28th, 2010
The secretary of Health and Human Services is urging employers to hurry and expand their health insurance benefits plans to employees with older children, while the government announces that Medicare checks may be mailed soon to beneficiaries into the “doughnut hole.” And in auto insurance news, GMAC has taken time to tell you where you can find the nation’s dumbest drivers.
Employers Urged to Offer Coverage to Children Up to Age 26 ASAP
Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, urged employers to begin immediately offering or continue to offer health insurance coverage to employees’ children up to the age of 26 — and they need to do it at little or no additional cost. While the new health reform law will require employers to do this very thing later this year, the secretary wants them to get started as soon as possible, especially with many college students graduating to no jobs or health insurance. While 65 insurers have already agreed to make changes early, very few employers have modified their plans accordingly. (New York Times)
Medicare Donut Hole Checks to be Mailed
In order to fill the gap in Medicare coverage that many senior citizens find themselves suffering through when their federal subsidies temporarily end each year, the government is offering assistance. The gap, or “doughnut hole,” requires that senior citizens pay for their medicine on their own until they reach the catastrophic stage of their plans. When they reach this stage, the government will pay 95 percent of their drug costs. Unfortunately, seniors have to pay about $3,500 on their own in drug costs to reach this stage. To help, the government is offering $250 rebate checks to those who find themselves in the hole. (Insurance and Financial Advisor)
Do You Live Near the Nation’s Dumbest Drivers?
According to a new GMAC Insurance National Drivers test, which polled 5,202 licensed drivers from 50 states and the District of Columbia, you may very well be among the dumbest drivers in the nation (see map). The test asked 20 questions based on state department of motor vehicle exams and required that participants receive a grade of 70 percent or better to pass. The test found that one in five drivers nationwide lack the necessary knowledge to pass the written driving test. And where are the dumbest drivers found? Sorry New York. (CNN Money)
Similar Posts:
- Senate Passes Health Care Reform Bill – A Look at Differences in Bills
- Employers shun health reform despite deal
- MBGH Releases Survey On Employer Views On Preventive Care Benefits
- Interpreting the Health Care Law
- Today’s News: Two-thirds of Arkansas Kids Uninsured, Age Influences Auto Policy Purchases and Achy Joints May Require Disability Insurance
Tags: Medicare, Medicare Doughnut
Posted in Insurance Tips | Comments (0)