http://www.medindia.net/healthnews/central-government-health-scheme-news.asp Medindia largest health website in india. en-us Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. Sat, 18 May 2013 11:11:21 GMT http://www.medindia.net/news/extra-health-insurance-for-obese-people-encourages-them-to-walk-118674-1.htm A new study revealed the effectiveness of the move of health insurers when they began asking obese people to pay the price for not doing anything to manage their weight. When people had to choose between paying up to 20 percent more for health insurance or exercising more, the majority of enrollees met fitness goals one step at a time via an Internet-tracked walking program, according to a joint study by the University of Michigan Health System and Stanford University. Researchers evaluated ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/extra-health-insurance-for-obese-people-encourages-them-to-walk-118674-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/insurance-cover-for-cosmetic-ops-on-the-agenda-of-british-cosmetic-surgeons-association-118519-1.htm Well-known British cosmetic surgeons' association is working on getting insurance for its members' patients to take care of righting procedures such as breast enhancements which can go wrong. The report published in April, led by National Health Service medical director Bruce Keogh and commissioned by the government, has pressed for stricter regulation and protecting patients with insurance. The popularity of Cosmetic treatments continues to be on the rise and insurance cover is much needed to take care of any complications....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/insurance-cover-for-cosmetic-ops-on-the-agenda-of-british-cosmetic-surgeons-association-118519-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/smokers-wont-pay-higher-premiums-for-health-insurance-in-california-118176-1.htm California won't be among those who will charge higher premiums for smoking - even though -smoking - has health risks. According to federal law, states can charge those using tobacco 50% more for a health plan - although California legislature has passed a bill against doing this. The Affordable Care Act believes in eliminating any bias of gender or medical condition in the pricing of health insurance for citizens of America. Critics feel that a tobacco surcharge would create a new category for discrimination....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/smokers-wont-pay-higher-premiums-for-health-insurance-in-california-118176-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-exchange-in-ohio-still-ambiguous-118119-1.htm Ohio will enroll hundreds of thousands citizens for health care in their health care exchange. By 1supst/sup October the federal government will prepare the health care exchange in Ohio and 33 other states - which opted for federally run or partnership exchanges. According to the federal government it will spend (Dollor) 54 million of public-health funds - of which Ohio's share is (Dollor) 2.26 million, to hire 'insurance navigators' from nonprofit groups - to educate and enroll consumers. California, ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-exchange-in-ohio-still-ambiguous-118119-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/a-philadelphia-based-startup-plans-digital-health-insurance-cards-118033-1.htm Due to the rise in high-deductible plans patients need tools that can give them transparency about health care costs. In an era of e-tickets and internet and app-based banking it should also be easier for doctors and physicians to collect payments. According to a 2007 report from McKinsey, hospitals and providers usually collect about 50 percent of the post insurance balance (or the amount owed by the patient beyond what insurance covers or what they pay at the time of treatment). That's ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/a-philadelphia-based-startup-plans-digital-health-insurance-cards-118033-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-expansion-lures-reliance-life-reliance-117806-1.htm Reliance Life is scheduling its presence in the health insurance sector in a bid to tap low customer penetration in this area. So far health insurance is dominated by general insurance companies at present, though, many life insurance firms have introduced many health focused products. Reliance Life, part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group's financial services firm Reliance Capital Limited, has also launched two new health products - Reliance Life Care for You Advantage Plan and Reliance Life Easy Care Fixed Benefit Plan....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-expansion-lures-reliance-life-reliance-117806-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-options-117449-1.htm Employer based health insurance originated during World War II, with the wage controls - companies needed to attract quality workers, said Dr. John Rugge, chief executive officer of Hudson Headwaters Health Network. "And what transpired was that employers liked that benefit, it served them well, and the insurance companies really liked it," Rugge said Thursday at a public forum on health care reform. "And so most every president since that time has said, 'How do we find a way expand or ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-options-117449-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/massachusetts-business-leaders-unhappy-with-insurance-decision-117135-1.htm US grant a 3-year phase in period instead of exemption from new federal rules. When state officials objected to the new rules of the US healthcare - on the premises that the costs for small businesses and their employees would go up, federal health officials decision is that Massachusetts could change the health law in a phased manner over three years. The Massachusetts Health Care Law of 2006, is seen as a model for the Affordable Care Act, "We had hoped for a complete waiver," ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/massachusetts-business-leaders-unhappy-with-insurance-decision-117135-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/free-health-insurance-ends-for-mackinaw-village-116721-1.htm Village employees will pay 10% for health Insurance premiums. Mackinaw Village Board pays the entire health Insurance premiums for its employees which will change from the 1supst/sup of April. The Employees will pay 10% for their family's coverage. The board president Craig Friend offered the employees 2 options. The Village has been paying (Dollor) 76,000 annually to cover insurance premiums for 6 full time employees. According to the board this amount would increase to (Dollor) 103,883....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/free-health-insurance-ends-for-mackinaw-village-116721-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/questions-women-should-ask-while-buying-health-insurance-116719-1.htm Insurers realize that women contribute to household income, sometimes as the sole earning member or even as a homemaker; they are pivotal to a family and should have their own health insurance But before buying insurance - there are some important points which need to be raised How much cover will she require? This will depend on a number of factors like age, number of dependents and cost of medical care in the city where she lives. She should ensure adequate cover due to inflation and escalating medical costs....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/questions-women-should-ask-while-buying-health-insurance-116719-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/jobs-will-open-up-in-india-with-the-new-health-insurance-bill-in-us-116368-1.htm bThe new US Healthcare Insurance bill will probably open up projects for Indian IT service providers and create job opportunities./b Harshith Ramesh, President of Episource, a healthcare knowledge outsourcing firm, with its headquarters in La Palma - California, said by the completion of the bill, the US would be spending (Dollor) 2.5 trillion. Episource has delivery centers' in Chennai and Mumbai. The outcome to cut costs would be to outsource to Indian firms for maintenance and care of health records....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/jobs-will-open-up-in-india-with-the-new-health-insurance-bill-in-us-116368-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/cvs-makes-health-insurance-conditional-116213-1.htm CVS of Oklahoma City has employee strength of over 200,000, is under an inquiry, as they want to change the way in which employees will be eligible for health insurance. According to the company if workers want health insurance they have to undergo health checks and provide their weight, body fat and glucose levels, failing which they will have to pay (Dollor) 600 a year from their own pockets. "That's a joke, that doesn't make sense at all," Walker Long, Jr. said. "I don't really think its fair," Cindy Mossman said....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/cvs-makes-health-insurance-conditional-116213-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/71-million-americans-with-private-health-insurance-benefit-with-affordable-care-act-116068-1.htm Three years after the Health Care Law costs consumers get more value and stable prices. Kathleen Sebelius - Secretary for Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that 71 million people in the private health insurance plans received at least one preventive care service - a free mammogram or flu shot due to the Affordable Care Act in 2011-2012. Moreover, about 34 million Americans in Medicare and Medicare Advantage have received one preventive service like a General health check-up ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/71-million-americans-with-private-health-insurance-benefit-with-affordable-care-act-116068-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/minnesota-finalizes-health-insurance-reforms-115940-1.htm Minnesota has almost completed the process of health insurance reforms. "This is the most significant, positive health care reform in Minnesota in the last 50 years," said bill author Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights. "This is a clear compromise between the House and Senate positions on the exchange." Representatives approved the bill and expected the Governor Mark Dayton to sign the proposal. Minnesotans could use the online exchange to buy health insurance. "Until I ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/minnesota-finalizes-health-insurance-reforms-115940-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-industry-needs-to-change-says-blue-cross-chief-115641-1.htm Join the health care revolution rather than fight it says Brad Wilson, the chief of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. He was in town to address the Triad Health Under writers Association - a group of health insurance companies for corporate and individual customers. "We have an unsustainable model." Wilson endorsed the company's message. He felt the health care industry could join hands with the insurance industry to reduce costs and improve the quality of health care. ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-industry-needs-to-change-says-blue-cross-chief-115641-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/insurance-companies-offer-cost-estimates-to-assist-clients-evaluate-health-care-prices-115381-1.htm The norm was that when one was sick- they saw a doctor, received treatment and paid the bill. Not so now. The bill can be negotiated, though not many are aware of this. Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, director of hospital performance improvement at Berkeley Research Group in Washington, D.C. negotiated the amount on his bill. He saw a dermatologist who could not diagnose the problem; still Agwunobi received a big bill. "I called up the office and said that I felt like the bill greatly exceeded ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/insurance-companies-offer-cost-estimates-to-assist-clients-evaluate-health-care-prices-115381-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/genworth-financial-to-charge-women-more-for-insurance-115230-1.htm With the Health Care Reform many women are happy they won't have to pay a higher insurance than men. Though, elderly women may end up paying more for long-term care insurance according to a loophole left by Obamacare. Genworth Financial, the largest U.S provider of long-term care insurance has plans to charge some women higher premiums than men for the same health cover according to Kaiser Health News reports. This would apply to women who bought new individual long-term care policies....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/genworth-financial-to-charge-women-more-for-insurance-115230-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/people-with-health-insurance-often-use-more-medical-care-115089-1.htm A new study conducted by MIT economist Amy Finkelstein reveals that 'moral hazard' plays an important role in how people choose insurance plans and people who have health insurance often use more medical care. Such evidence helps explain why insurers and policymakers looking to reduce overall costs have become increasingly attracted to the concept of "consumer-directed medical care," in which consumers pay for a larger share of medical expenses, sometimes in the form of high-deductible insurance plans....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/people-with-health-insurance-often-use-more-medical-care-115089-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/watch-your-weight-for-health-insurance-115052-1.htm In a survey released by Fidelity Investments and the National Business Group on Health, 15% of employers need employees to undergo biometric screening. In general - employees have to undergo blood tests to screen blood sugar and cholesterol, take their weight and waist measurements. "There are some companies saying, 'gee, we're spending an awful lot on health care, we would like you to do certain things,'" says Adam Stavisky, a Fidelity benefits consultant. 3% of the employers said ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/watch-your-weight-for-health-insurance-115052-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/mike-huckabee-against-health-insurance-coverage-for-cancer-patients-115015-1.htm In an appearance on 'Fox and Friends' on Feb. 23, Fox News host and self-proclaimed Christian Mike Huckabee claimed that people with pre-existing conditions, including those with cancer, should not get health insurance coverage because it would financially hurt the health insurance industry According to MediaMatters.org, Huckabee, blamed the rising costs of health care on "a combination of increasing the benefits and forcing [insurance companies] to put people on their policies with no regard to pre-existing conditions....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/mike-huckabee-against-health-insurance-coverage-for-cancer-patients-115015-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/rules-in-place-for-the-health-insurance-market-under-affordable-care-act-114978-1.htm A final mandate was issued by The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with five rules applicable for consumer protection under the Affordable Care Act, to make the health insurance market work better for individuals, groups, small families and small businesses. "Because of the Affordable Care Act, being denied affordable health coverage due to medical conditions will be a thing of the past for every American," said HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Being sick will no ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/rules-in-place-for-the-health-insurance-market-under-affordable-care-act-114978-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/brown-university-students-offered-insurance-coverage-for-sex-change-operation-114782-1.htm Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, became the latest college in the United States to offer medical insurance coverage for its students who wish to undergo a sex change operation. Brown will become the 36th American college offering medical insurance coverage for what's called "transition-related medical expenses" for men who want to physically become women, or women who want to physically become men. "There is a growing number of colleges and universities that have recognized ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/brown-university-students-offered-insurance-coverage-for-sex-change-operation-114782-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/some-grad-students-were-charged-for-health-insurance-by-error-114537-1.htm Mike Rowe, a graduate student of the University of Minnesota was confused. He received a new insurance card in the mail and a fee of (Dollor) 950 charged to his student account. He almost threw away his old card before realizing this was a mistake. Many Graduate students were automatically enrolled in the University of Minnesota's Student Health Benefit plan and many of them were charged (Dollor) 950 in their student accounts. According to University, there are policy mandates - students in the ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/some-grad-students-were-charged-for-health-insurance-by-error-114537-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/advantage-to-older-workers-without-employee-insurance-114490-1.htm Once older workers are unemployed it is difficult for them to find re-employment. In the coming year, with the Affordable Care Act in place, they will be able to buy insurance on the Health Exchange. According to a theory by John Challenger, the CEO of a global outplacement and coaching company, once older individuals could buy insurance on health exchanges; it could be a blessing in disguise for them. The prime reason older people can't find a job is because their employers do not want responsibility of their health care....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/advantage-to-older-workers-without-employee-insurance-114490-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/drop-in-job-based-health-insurance-114329-1.htm In Rocford, north of Grand Rapids a couple - Linda and Ken Brauer had no health insurance for years. Ken lost his job as a salesman in 2007. Linda and Ken Brauer went years without health insurance after Ken lost his job as a salesman in 2007. Ken became eligible for Medicare in January, but Linda, a social worker with a master's degree had no luck landing a job which paid for health insurance. (She has to make it another year before she is eligible for Medicare.) The couple depleted ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/drop-in-job-based-health-insurance-114329-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-guidelines-by-irda-114327-1.htm The Insurance regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) drafted some health insurance guidelines on 31supst/sup May 2012. These will restrain the role of the TPA to process claims. There are still some issues which have to be addressed. The IRDA agreed to address various important issues like, settlement of claims within 30 days of receiving documents, lifelong renewals, refund on pre-insurance medical check-ups and a separate grievance cell for senior citizens. On the 16supth/sup ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-guidelines-by-irda-114327-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/coverage-affected-by-premiums-for-public-health-insurance-114230-1.htm The coverage effects of expanding eligibility for public health insurance programs to higher income families can be counteracted by requiring individuals to pay a premium for public health insurance coverage. That is the finding of a study by a team of researchers from Georgetown University School of Nursing (and) Health Studies (NHS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and Columbia University published today in the journal iHealth Services Research/i. "Our findings speak ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/coverage-affected-by-premiums-for-public-health-insurance-114230-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/mississippi-health-insurance-exchange-rejected-by-the-us-government-114185-1.htm The first state to have its insurance health exchange proposal rejected is Mississippi and federal officials said it was due to Governor Phil Bryant's opposition. "With a lack of support from your governor and no formal commitment to coordinate from other state agencies, we do not see a feasible pathway to conditionally approving a state-based exchange in Mississippi for 2014," the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in a letter to the state. Mississippi Insurance ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/mississippi-health-insurance-exchange-rejected-by-the-us-government-114185-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/lance-armstrong-faces-10-million-lawsuit-from-insurance-company-114084-1.htm Lance Armstrong is facing a (Dollor) 10 million lawsuit from a sports insurance company that is attempting to recover the money which it had given the disgraced cyclist as bonus for winning the Tour de France titles. According to Jeffrey Tillotson, attorney for SCA Promotions, the suit, which has not been filed yet, will ask for the return of 12 million dollars in bonus money paid to Armstrong for wins from 2002 to 2005 and for millions in legal costs and interest, CNN reports. However, Armstrong's ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/lance-armstrong-faces-10-million-lawsuit-from-insurance-company-114084-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/utah-offers-to-run-half-the-health-insurance-exchange-114066-1.htm The Governor of Utah, Gary Herbert, made an offer to Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius - that his state would run half the health insurance exchange and the federal government could run the other half. Washington has been trying to get states to run their own health exchanges where small businesses or individuals could shop for their insurance policies and apply for tax credits against their premiums. The federal government is prepared to run the exchange for the state and is already doing so for 32 states....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/utah-offers-to-run-half-the-health-insurance-exchange-114066-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/florida-contemplates-having-partners-for-health-insurance-exchange-113973-1.htm Florida is reconsidering the option to run its online marketplace and has even missed the deadline to do so, as lawmakers were deliberating whether to partner with federal health officials or opt for partnership with organizations already experienced in running similar programs, instead of building something new. Florida Healthy Kids Corp. is accountable for 300,000 children covered, and is responsible for selection of plans and decides on the eligibility criteria. They collect (Dollor) 31 million ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/florida-contemplates-having-partners-for-health-insurance-exchange-113973-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/retire-late-to-stay-covered-by-health-insurance-113930-1.htm In a new study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, workers often feel that working at a job longer then they wanted to would maybe help keep their health insurance, but the odds don't seem an advantage any longer. Most people come under Medicare at the age of 65, and many workers would like to delay retirement so that they don't lose on insurance. Though current retirees feel differently - less than 1 in every 5 - 19%, were able to continue work and remain covered by employer based insurance....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/retire-late-to-stay-covered-by-health-insurance-113930-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/mediclaim-or-health-insurance-facts-everybody-should-know-113824-1.htm There are so many options for mediclaim in the market for policy holders to choose from, that, they - policy holders are confused by the variety. Mediclaim or health insurance is the most basic insurance after life insurance and it is an important responsibility, so one has to be extra cautious when they opt for a mediclaim policy making sure they don't miss the main points. bPremium:/b This is where a person can go wrong. People usually assume the cheaper and more affordable policy will be best....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/mediclaim-or-health-insurance-facts-everybody-should-know-113824-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/max-bupa-launches-online-insurance-scheme-113228-1.htm Health@Companion - an online insurance scheme launched by Max Bupa to reach customers in smaller cities and towns. The product can only be bought online and would help the company cut distribution and other costs by 15 percent. The company will thus be able to lower the premium paid by customers living in the tier-II and tier-III cities. The premium would also reflect the lower medical costs in a particular region. "We feel that this unique product will bring in more volumes, as it ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/max-bupa-launches-online-insurance-scheme-113228-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/governor-and-insurance-chief-in-disagreement-over-mississippi-health-exchange-112935-1.htm The future of the Mississippi Health Exchange is in an indeterminate state due to a disagreement between the Governor - Phil Bryant and Insurance commissioner - Mike Chaney. The argument is about who would create and submit the plan for federal approval. The online marketplace where people buy health insurance is called a health exchange. Under President Obama's new health law of 2010 exchanges are set in states that run with the help of the Federal government or by the State. In ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/governor-and-insurance-chief-in-disagreement-over-mississippi-health-exchange-112935-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/double-digit-rise-in-health-insurance-rates-predicted-112525-1.htm Health Insurance Companies are hiking premiums for some customers by double digits - even after the Obama administration's health care laws efforts to curtail rapid rise in insurance costs. Small businesses and people without employer aided insurance are the most susceptible. Aetna, of California, proposes an increase of 22%, Anthem Blue Cross 26% and Anthem Blue Shield 20%. Surprisingly the rate hikes follow a 39% increase by Blue Cross in 2010, which was the force behind the federal ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/double-digit-rise-in-health-insurance-rates-predicted-112525-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/insurance-companies-set-to-collectively-bargain-with-hospital-for-lower-rates-112438-1.htm Insurance Companies will negotiate with hospitals to cut back costs of surgical packages. The 4 PSU non -life companies, General Insurance Corporation, Life Insurance Corporation are promoting TPA's (third party administrator) to start in October 2013. Today the Health Insurance market is worth about Rs.13000 crores and minus the government program; the state owned share is about Rs.7000 crores. The annual growth is 20% and the spending is mainly in cities - this gives the insurers the power to bargain....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/insurance-companies-set-to-collectively-bargain-with-hospital-for-lower-rates-112438-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-to-cost-50-more-in-the-coming-year-112398-1.htm There will be a 50% increase in health insurance in the coming year as devised by Health Care Minister James Reilly. The government plans to charge insurance companies for all those with health cover when they use public hospitals, which means they would charge even those who did not take a private bed. The Department of Health is all set to generate 6 million in 2013 according to The Irish Independent. Accordingly, public hospitals can charge the insurer for every patient ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-to-cost-50-more-in-the-coming-year-112398-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/max-life-insurance-announces-a-rs-139-crore-bonus-112396-1.htm Max Life announced a "one time" special bonus for its policy holders. This bonus is to be paid after Feb. 2013 on the policy's anniversary - the day the policy premium was due. The bonus would be calculated on a percentage of the annual premium. 2.6 lakh policy holders would recieve100 per cent of their annual premium - not accounting for the premium term or policy amount At this time, when some policy is re-instated and the policy becomes active, this policy holder would also be eligible for bonus....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/max-life-insurance-announces-a-rs-139-crore-bonus-112396-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/ohio-will-cover-autism-treatment-under-insurance-plans-112019-1.htm Governor John Kasich gave approval to plans for insurance companies to cover autism treatments, according to The Plain Dealer. He made an announcement on 21supst/sup December and the coverage will commence from 2014, which will cover treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis, along with occupational therapy and Psychiatric care. It will cost thousands of dollars yearly. It will apply to state healthcare programs, private insurance sold in the state, and the federally mandated insurance exchange known as "Obamacare....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/ohio-will-cover-autism-treatment-under-insurance-plans-112019-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/porting-of-health-insurance-policies-112018-1.htm A year back Insurance Regulator introduced the portability of health insurance. Approximately 10 - 15000 policy holders ported their policies to other insurers. There are hurdles and benefits not yet fully understood. New India assurance, General Manager Segar Sampath said, "While porting allows transferring of the credit gained by the insured for pre-existing diseases, it does not allow transfer of free cover or no-claim bonus to the new insurer and a policyholder does not want ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/porting-of-health-insurance-policies-112018-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/travel-insurance-112015-1.htm When you plan a trip or travel abroad, it is best to buy a travel insurance policy and protect yourself from unexpected issues. Travel Insurance will reimburse nonrefundable cruise deposits or air fares - the difference amount for rescheduling flights. When faced with natural calamities, terrorism, illness or weather conditions due to which flights may be cancelled. Some policies cover medical expenses outside the United States and pay for evacuation due to serious injuries. ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/travel-insurance-112015-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/bharti-axa-life-insurance-launches-online-insurance-111747-1.htm bPrivate Insurance Company - Bharti AXA life Insurance launched its improved online term insurance plan - Life eProtect according to their agencies in Mumbai on 4supth/sup of December./b Sandeep Ghosh CEO of Bharti Axa Life Insurance said "Online life insurance has shown tremendous growth potential in the last one year. We launched our online channel earlier this year with 'eProtect' and the response has been very encouraging. Among six, we have become one of the top five players in the online term segment....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/bharti-axa-life-insurance-launches-online-insurance-111747-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/life-insurance-premiums-will-be-dearer-111706-1.htm Life Insurance premiums are set to cost much more in time to come, is what TAL MD Jim Pinto foresees due to increase in claims. Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) life insurance statistics showed a loss to the tune of (Dollor) 29 million in the Australian wholesale life insurance industry till September 2012. Minto said "Fund members are starting to see premium increases for the first time in a number of years. We expect that many funds will increase their prices over the next ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/life-insurance-premiums-will-be-dearer-111706-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/china-will-be-second-in-life-insurance-111703-1.htm biChina is set to become the second largest in the World in the Life Insurance Market - according to McKinsey. They will have a total market capitalization of 406 billion./i/b The second spot was held by Japan, though China is bound to see a 10% hike in the next 5-10 years. Senior partner at McKinsey - Stephen Binder, co writer of a book, said, "China's rising middle class, of which there are expected to be 500 million by 2025, has been gradually shifting financial assets from ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/china-will-be-second-in-life-insurance-111703-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-costs-rose-faster-than-incomes-of-states-over-the-last-decade-111558-1.htm The latest Commonwealth Fund Report reveals that health insurance costs rose faster than the incomes in all states with the average premiums for an employer sponsored family health insurance rising by 62 percent, from (Dollor) 9,249 to (Dollor) 15,022 per year, between 2003 and 2011. Workers are also paying more out-of-pocket as employee payments for their share of health insurance premiums rose by 74 percent on average and deductibles more than doubled, up 117 percent between 2003 and 2011. The report, ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/health-insurance-costs-rose-faster-than-incomes-of-states-over-the-last-decade-111558-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/half-of-patients-with-government-health-insurance-paid-out-of-their-own-pockets-111460-1.htm Underlining the ineffectiveness of the government health insurance scheme, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), a WHO-supported study revealed that more than half of the patients coming under the insurance plan have been forced to spend money from their own pockets at the time of hospital admissions. "It is unacceptable that even after four years of the scheme, more than 50 percent of enrolled patients had to incur out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure at the time of admission," said N. Devadasan, ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/half-of-patients-with-government-health-insurance-paid-out-of-their-own-pockets-111460-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/vision-insurance-associated-with-eye-care-visits-better-reported-vision-study-111390-1.htm According to a report, vision insurance for working-age adults appears to be associated with having eye care visits and reporting better vision, compared with individuals without insurance. The report was published Online First by iArchives of Ophthalmology/i, a JAMA Network publication. Millions of Americans experience vision loss or impairment due to age-related eye diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataracts. Periodic checkups are recommended for ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/vision-insurance-associated-with-eye-care-visits-better-reported-vision-study-111390-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/letter-campaign-seek-health-insurance-for-hiv-positive-patients-110766-1.htm A group of NGOs displayed over 25,000 postcards with a message appealing to the health ministry to provide health insurance to HIV-positive patients. Ahead of World AIDS Day Dec 1, ten NGOs are conducting a "positive letter campaign" with postcards carrying the message: "Kindly provide Health Insurance to People Living with HIV AIDS (PLHA)". The message has been pinned up with the red ribbon that has come to symbolize HIV/AIDS. The public messages have been displayed along a km-long stretch ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/letter-campaign-seek-health-insurance-for-hiv-positive-patients-110766-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/universal-health-insurance-to-be-reworked-for-goa-by-2013-109788-1.htm Health Minister Laxmikant Parsenkar said that over 14 lakh Goans residing in the state would get health insurance cover of up to Rs.2 lakh per family by the next year. "From a Rs.60,000 coverage per family, which was provided by the last government, we have re-negotiated a better deal of Rs.2 lakh per family," Parsenkar told reporters here. In 2011, Goa became the first state in the country to introduce universal health insurance scheme. The then Congress-led coalition government tied up ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/universal-health-insurance-to-be-reworked-for-goa-by-2013-109788-1.htm