Archive | May, 2012

By Filling Up on Free Corn, Bikers Feed Those in Need

Bikers countrywide can help their communities by chowing down on free corn. For the second year in a row, America’s number one motorcycle insurer is giving away hot roasted corn on the cob at motorc…

Toyota recalls unlikely to affect insurance premiums, experts say

PHILADELPHIA _ As recalls and manufacturer defects continue to raise questions about Toyota vehicle safety, owners may worry that auto-insurance premiums may be affected, too.Yes, insurance companies …

Progressive implements SSP’s S4i insurance solution

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, a US-based automobile insurer, has implemented SSP’s S4i insurance solution to support its entry in to the Australian car insurance market.It used S4i’s P…

AHIP Statement On H.R. 4626

Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), released the following statement today on H.R. 4626: “In attempting to solve a problem that doesn’t exist, this legislation is the triumph of sound bites over substance. The Congressional Budget Office has said that passage of this legislation will do nothing to reduce health care costs…

Also In Global Health News: Maize Loss In Zimbabwe; Preterm, Stillbirth Research; Public Health Insurance In Kenya

Dry Spell In Zimbabwe Forces Government To Declare 11 Percent Of Maize Crop A ‘Write-Off’ According to a crop assessment report released Wednesday, “Zimbabwe’s government has declared 11 percent of its 2009/10 planted maize crop a write-off after it was badly damaged by a dry spell, and repeated calls for urgent imports,” Reuters reports…

House To Vote On Ending Insurer Antitrust Exemption Today, White House Backs Measure

The Obama administration is supporting a House bill that would end the federal antitrust exemption for health insurers. Dow Jones Newswires/The Wall Street Journal: “The bill, which the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on Wednesday, would remove insurers’ long-time exemption to competition laws, which Democrats hope will lower premiums in insurance markets by giving consumers more choices…

Some Dems Think Obama May Need To Harden His ‘Gentle’ Style In Pushing For Reform

The New York Times: Pushing health care reform through a skittish Democratic caucus while facing strong Republican opposition is testing the White House. “Mr. Obama has not been the sort to bludgeon his party into following his lead or to intimidate reluctant legislators…

GOP, Expecting Little From Summit, Strategizes On Policy Alternatives; Democrats Look For Spark

GOP leaders Tuesday decided not to offer a “single comprehensive proposal” at Thursday’s health summit and have voiced little hope regarding the meeting’s outcome, but they are still planning to attend, The New York Times reports. “The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and the House Republican leader, John A…

Today’s Opinions And Editorials

Doctors Willing To Make A House Call Politico Leaders from both parties have been invited to bring ideas. But not one member of Congress with a background in health care will be present (Rep. Tim Murphy, 2/24)…

Reid Wants COBRA Subsidy Extension, Eyes Medicaid Funds For States

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is trying to extend unemployment benefits, health insurance subsidies for those recently laid-off and help for state Medicaid budgets that would in total cost $100 billion, The Associated Press reports. The measure is separate from the jobs bill. “Facing a Feb. 28 deadline, Reid hopes to pass two measures, one as soon as possible…