In a recent progress regarding health care, or should we say regress, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee sent out a letter informing several specialists of the rate cut that takes into effect this month. They say that the cut is not a direct consequence of the state budget proposed by the governor, but is a real indication of the difficulties facing the state’s Medicaid managed care program.

“As far as I’m aware these rate reductions are because we’ve been experiencing losses throughout 2009,” said Mary Thompson, manager of media relations for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “They are separate from actions the state deems necessary to control program costs.”

She also said that Volunteer…

Living in this dangerous and expensive world, it becomes every person’s responsibility to look after themselves. You cannot rely on anyone else as they, for sure, have their own duty to protect themselves as well. Now the question is how can we fulfill this huge task without spending much? You want our advice? Well then, get yourself a health insurance. If you have no idea what type should you get, here’s some basic info you must know about the two most important health insurance plans.

First, let’s discuss Health Maintenance organization (HMO). This type of health insurance is usually less expensive compared to other plans. However, because this plan is very…

Health Care has been the talk of the town for a long period now and it seems it will take much more time now that Pennsylvania Representatives are standing firm regarding health care freedom.

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the nation’s largest nonpartisan individual membership association of state legislators, congratulates Pennsylvania State Representatives Matthew Baker and Curt Schroder for filing House Bills 2053 and 2179, which protect the right of individuals to make their own health care choices.

Joining thirty-one other states, Pennsylvania legislators have introduced, or will introduce, legislation modeled after ALEC’s Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act. Under the legislation, any state attempt to oblige an individual to…

Last January 27, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House held a rally to introduce a pair of bills which main objective is to oppose possible federal health mandates.

In a speech, Baker said that health insurance controlled by the government, “means that we will have less freedom to make the health care choices that are best for us and our families.

“My legislation will protect our right to pay directly for medical service and prohibit any individual from being penalized for not purchasing federally sanctioned health insurance,” said Baker, Republican chairman of the House Health and Human Service Committee.  “A government requirement to purchase health insurance is ineffective, costly and arguably an unconstitutional…

A committee that manages insurance benefits for state, local education and local government health plans recently awarded Caremark its pharmacy contract for Tennessee employees. Caremark offered the most in potential cost savings, including discounts on drugs, said Laurie Lee, the state’s executive director of benefits administration.

From now on, the pharmacy benefits arm of CVS Caremark will be the primary pharmacy benefits manager for the 275,000 state employees as well as to those who are covered under the state’s health insurance plans. CatalystRx, CIGNA and RxSolutions also bid for the contract which was actually handled by three separate insurers before. The consolidation into a single contract should save the state $33.7…