Health insurance costs have increased to three times the rate of wages over the past 25 years.
Health Insurance Premiums Rising Faster Than Wages According to a recent study from experts at Rice University, health insurance premiums have surged at a rate three times that of wages over the last 25 years. They discovered that employer-covered health insurance premiums rose by 342% from 1999 to 2024, while wages only increased by 119%. […]
Time is running out for Minnesotans relying on health insurance support.
Health Insurance Applications Loom for Minnesotans As the deadline to enroll in health insurance approaches, many Minnesotans are grappling with uncertainty. They have until December 15 to sign up for 2026 health insurance on the public marketplace, which starts in January. However, the exact costs remain unclear until Congress votes on extending health insurance subsidies, […]
Republicans are divided on health care. Here’s what we understand.
There’s quite a bit to discuss, especially since Congress is currently at a standstill over significant issues. In roughly 22 days, a key set of health subsidies will lapse, which could affect the insurance costs and availability for millions. Yet, Congress plans to vacate Washington in about two weeks. Now we’re faced with a flurry […]
The Republican Party’s challenges with health care
House Republicans are under pressure to finalize a health care plan before the holiday recess, but there’s still no consensus on its contents. If Congress doesn’t act to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring at the end of the month, millions of Americans could see their insurance premiums increase significantly. House Speaker Mike Johnson […]
Significant data leak with Massachusetts’ biggest health insurer reveals Social Security numbers
Conduent Services, which provides “back-office support” for different organizations, has informed patients of Blue Cross Blue Shield about a significant data breach impacting sensitive information, including Social Security numbers. In a letter sent to patients on October 24, the company said, “We would like to inform you of a recent incident that Conduent, Inc. has […]
Republicans rush to approve rival health care legislation as time runs out on Obamacare aid
Republican Lawmakers Push Obamacare Subsidy Plans Ahead of Deadline As the deadline to extend subsidies for Obamacare approaches, Republican lawmakers are stepping up their efforts. The Affordable Care Act, championed by former President Barack Obama, is now at the center of health care discussions on Capitol Hill. With these subsidies set to run out at […]
UT Southwestern and Texas Health Resources will no longer be in-network for a specific BCBS plan.
Insurance Network Changes Leave Patients in a Bind When Brian Nowlin went for his annual check-up earlier this month, a staff member handed him a flyer. It detailed that starting January, his Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas plan would no longer be in-network. It was a surprise—he wasn’t expecting that at all. “Honestly, […]
IRS Provides Information on Expanded Health Savings Accounts Due to New Tax Law
IRS Update on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) The IRS has put out new information regarding changes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This legislation broadens the eligibility criteria for HSAs and modifies the rules surrounding high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). This guidance outlines recent changes and clarifies […]
Massachusetts is experiencing an increase in the number of people without health insurance.
Health Insurance Drop-Offs in Massachusetts Rise Over 10,000 residents in Massachusetts have opted out of their health insurance plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector, primarily due to anticipated increases in premiums as federal subsidies come to an end. As the open enrollment period deadline of December 23 approaches, Audrey Morse Gasteyer, the Executive Director of […]
Sutter Health in Sacramento stops transgender treatments for minors
Sutter Health, a healthcare provider based in Sacramento, has announced that it will stop offering transgender surgeries to minors. This decision, as reported by the San Francisco Standard, will take effect on December 10. One East Bay parent, Julie, expressed her concern regarding her transgender son, who was scheduled to receive puberty-blocking injections on January […]