The Effects of Health Care Reform on North Carolina Health Insurance Customers

If you live in North Carolina, health insurance and health care reform is just as big of a deal to you as it is to the rest of the world. We have a massive population of seniors in our area, many of whom are increasingly concerned about the rising costs of health care and whether or not they will be able to afford their North Carolina health plans. Now, we've all heard about health care reform, but it is an incredibly complex issue and many of us are confused by it. For instance, folks are concerned that health care reform would mean a complete government takeover of health care in which medical treatment would have to be rationed out; the end of Medicare; and the end of private insurance. These myths, generally speaking, are perpetuated by those who are profiting under the status quo and seeking to misguide people away from health care reform.

There are a number of special interest groups that are using the aforementioned scare tactics and myths to deter people from supporting health care reform. President Obama has guaranteed that a health care overhaul wouldn't force people like us to surrender the North Carolina health insurance plans we are satisfied with and wouldn't cut Medicare benefits. At the same time, Obama defended his call for a government-funded public health insurance option to compete against private insurers, indicating that Americans who liked their private plans could keep them, but they would have the option to sign up for the government plan. He said such an option would keep costs down, but wouldn't amount to a government health care takeover because private insurance companies wouldn't be able to compete with a government-funded plan. Obama gave the example of Fed-Ex, UPS and the Postal Service. He said that Fed-Ex and UPS are doing just fine, USPS is the one that's always having problems.

In an effort to combat what the Obama administration considers to be misinformation about the issue of health care reform, the White House has launched a Health Insurance Reform Reality Check Web site, which features Obama aides discussing aspects of health care reform. Those who back the health care overhaul believe that such a change is necessary to ensure that virtually all Americans have access to health insurance and that there will be long-term economic stability in our country. Because of stalwart opposition, however, congressional action on health care reform has slowed considerably.

The general basis for the opposition is that health care reform will inevitably lead to a government takeover of the entire health care system and prove too costly to sustain. As North Carolina health insurance customers, we can do our part by learning the facts and not contributing to false rumors that keep any kind of reform from progressing. Remember that despite what changes may take place in the health care system in the coming years, you can rest assured in knowing that your North Carolina health plans are safe and not going anywhere.

Paying for Health Care Reform with Medicare/Medicaid Savings

Here in Asheville North Carolina, health insurance reform is a huge issue as our local population consists largely of retirees, many of whom are becoming increasingly concerned about the cost sustainability of their Medicare and their North Carolina health plans. As health care costs continue to rise, reform is something the Obama Administration earnestly hopes to include in the 2010 Fiscal Budget. President Obama has identified savings which could constitute a reserve fund for the proposed health care reform plan. Approximately half of the funding would come from proposals to generate revenue, while the rest would come from Medicare and Medicaid savings.

Based on White House projections, the Medicare savings proposals would reduce beneficiary premiums for physician and outpatient services by about $33 billion over the next decade. As a result of these proposals, beneficiaries would also see an improvement in the quality of their Medicare services. The reserve fund includes a host of Medicare/Medicaid savings proposals, some of which include:

- Improving the accuracy of Medicare and Medicaid payments. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would have to strengthen their integrity efforts in order to address flaws that have led to billions in overpayments and fraud each year.

- Reducing Medicare overpayments to private insurers would save taxpayers roughly $177 billion over 10 years, as well as reduce Part B premiums. This would be accomplished through the establishment of a competitive system in which payments are based on an average of plans' bids submitted to Medicare.

- Reducing hospital readmission rates and improving post-hospital care. The idea here is that a combination of incentive payments and penalties would lead to better care and fewer readmissions, which would save approximately $25 billion over 10 years.

- Expanding the Hospital Quality Improvement Program to improve quality of care for beneficiaries. This would be done by tying a portion of Medicare payments for acute in-patient hospital services to hospital performance on certain measures of quality. As a result of this effort, Medicare would save around $12 billion over 10 years.

- Cutting waste, abuse and fraud. When it comes to care, patients need quality, not quantity. Unnecessary treatments are not only expensive, but can also pose risks to patient health. To prevent physicians from ordering unnecessary treatment, the Administration proposes increasing scrutiny (through a pre-payment review process) in high-risk areas or for those physicians who order an excessive amount of high-risk services.

For residents of North Carolina, health insurance, Medicare and health care reform are no doubt important topics. As citizens directly affected by these potential changes in policy, it's important that you stay abreast of the facts, beware of misinformation surrounding health care reform, and show your support for legislation that speaks to your needs (which are probably not unlike those of many other Americans). If you are satisfied with your Asheville North Carolina health plans, rest assured in knowing that under Obama's plan, you would be able to keep your private insurance and continue seeing the doctors you trust.

BCBSNC Customers Save Millions and Stay on Medications with Free Generics Program

Chapel Hill, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is helping customers save money and stay on their medications with the generic copay waiver program. BCBSNC customers saved at least $15 million in out-of-pocket expenses since the program started January 1, 2009. The program will run until June 30.

The generic copay waiver program is in effect until the end of the year for eligible customers taking generics to treat chronic conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
“In this tough economy, the generic copay waiver program allows BCBSNC customers to control out-of-pocket costs by using generic drugs,” says Ron Smith, PharmD, BCBSNC vice president of employer health and corporate pharmacy. “The savings our customers see through the program reaffirms that the generic copay waiver program helps people to better manage their health and not be forced to choose between medication and paying their bills.”
The 2009 generic copay waiver program applies to nearly 1 million BCBSNC customers and eliminates customer copays for covered generic drugs. Eligible BCBSNC customers include:

· Blue Advantage customers (once they meet their annual prescription deductible, if applicable).
· Medicare Supplement customers who have prescription coverage on their policies (once they meet their annual prescription deductible, if applicable).
· Members of insured employer groups (if their employer group has pharmacy benefits through BCBSNC).
· Members of self-funded employer groups (if their employer group has pharmacy benefits through BCBSNC and has chosen to participate in the program).

Generic drugs are equivalent to corresponding brand name drugs in active ingredients, dosage, strength, safety and performance, but they cost a fraction of their brand name counterparts. Since prescription drug costs are a key driver of rising medical costs, the long-term increased use of generics also impacts future premiums for the benefit to BCBSNC customers.

With or without the copay waiver, generic medications cost less out-of-pocket than brand-name medications. Generic copay waiver programs increase those savings and highlight the benefits of generic medications.

Essential Oils for Healthier Living

Oils to help relieve the Common Cold

Did you know that essential oils can kill viruses and bacteria? Certain molecules can also help prevent the common cold and flu and your body doesn’t develop a resistance like antibiotics.
The following immune system boosting oils can be used for various ailments and gives a healthy alternative to taking drugs and medications.

Oregano is a popular essential oil that can treat the cold and flu. It is an essential oil that heats up and tingles when applied to your shoulders, back and even feet. Be careful and dilute with butter or olive oil, do not use water. Apply on your body, but not your face.

Peppermint and Eucalyptus have been commonly used to relieve sinus congestion and open the lungs and respiratory system. They are cool and soothing essential oils and can be applied to the throat, chest, neck, and back.

Lemon can boost the immune system when taken with water orally. This essential oil is a healthy addition to your recommended daily 8 glasses of water.

Frankincense is a strong, but expensive immune-boosting oil, frankincense is a valuable and effective essential oil that really works on the common cold. Apply directly on the skin or take several drops orally for cold relief.

Cinnamon is great for improving the immune system and supports the digestive system and pancreas. Apply on the feet or inhale.


Pain Therapy with Essential Oils
Essential oils are also used for pain relief. They can reduce inflammation, provide local anesthesia, and cause a sensations of warming or cooling with certain application of hot or cool oils on the skin. Many massage therapists use certain essential oils such as lavender as well as clary sage, chamomile, helichrysum, sweet marjoram, and sandalwood to reduce muscle pain and swelling. Midwives have used essential oils for years to relieve labor contractions and birth pains.

Lavender is a very popular pain relief and relaxing essential oil. Commonly used to treat muscle spasm, sprain, strain, cramp, contracture and rheumatic pain, it acts a sedative and can also relieve headaches, nervous tension, and insomnia. Lavender can also be applied directly to the skin for swelling and regeneration.

Boost Your Immune System with Essential Oils

The powerful immune boosting properties of essential oils have been well documented and the uses are varied. Many use oils diffused into the air to act as an air purifier, naturally detoxifying pathogens in the air. In addition, many oils act to prevent infections. Eucalyptus, oregano, lemon, and cinnamon are commonly used for this purpose.

For a natural and effective way to help manage stress, boost mood, fight off infection, and deal with pain, try essential oils. Make sure to sure to research their uses and recommendations for certain conditions before applying to skin or taking orally.

Judi Goloff is an independent insurance agent with BCBSNC®. Call her for experienced advice about your NC health insurance quotes. Call 800-438-5834 or visit NC Health Plans Online, for Blue Cross NC rates and quotes.

Quitting Smoking saves Money

There are many advantages in quitting smoking. Your health, your wallet and the air you breathe will all benefit from the act. With the whole civilized world becoming “non-smoking” quitting is a reality many smokers face. Most restaurants and bars are completely smoke-free now. There is talk of banning smoking in public outdoor spaces and venues too. All the more reason to try and stop.
The notion of quitting smoking is good for many reasons. You will save money by not buying pack after pack and your health insurance rates can go down too. Don’t forget to contact your agent or HR person to revamp your policy. Some companies are even adopting incentive programs to help employees curb the habit. Money is always a motivating factor, you can read the full story here:
http://www.healthnews.com/medical-updates/money-talks-strong-motivation-quit-smoking-2616.html
Even our own president is taking the milestone to quit. He has been very vocal in his desire to be smoke-free and to encourage the rest of us also.
President Obama is leading a campaign to help Americans snuff out the habit. His website lists these and other options he would like to see included in his administration’s plan for healthcare issues.
­ Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums
­ Lower costs for businesses by covering a portion of the catastrophic health costs they pay in return for lower premiums for employees
­ Lower drug costs by allowing the importation of safe medicines from other developed countries, increasing the use of generic drugs in public programs and taking on drug companies that block cheaper generic medicines from the market
­ Require hospitals to collect and report health care cost and quality data
­ Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.
­ Reduce the costs of catastrophic illnesses for employers and their employees
­ Require coverage of preventive services, including cancer screenings
You can read the full plan at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/There are many resources available on the web and though your healthcare provider to assist you in your goal to quit smoking. There are the tried and true techniques of supplementing with a lollipop, nicotine gum or snapping a rubber band on your wrist. To alternative measures like hypnotism, acupuncture, or prescription drugs. One of the most important steps is finding a support network. Friends, family, co-workers and counseling can provide encouragement and support.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield is committed to helping to keep you healthy.

Exercise away the winter blahs

With January in full swing and blustery February approching, many of us are feeling a bit blah. Cold winds and freezing rain are sure excuses to not move around much. Short days, combined with dark and dreary skies has a way a draining the desire to get out and exercise. Unfortunatly that is exactly the what we need to do. Getting the heart rate up and your blood flowing will put a new spin on the day. Improve your dispostion and combat those winter blahs. When the wind slows a little and the sun does peek out, try to get outside for at least 10 minutes, 2-3 times a week. These activities alone will boost your spirit and in under an hour a week. Whether you decide to be inside or out, it is important to modify your approach to exercise. Like layering up for the outside. You can shed layers as you warm and cool in your exercise. Dont forget to cool off after an indoor workout. Dry your hair well before heading back out into the cold air. Wear sunscreen (spf 15+) even on overcast days. Hats, scarves and gloves are a good idea for breezy weather. .Your activity need not cost a lot of money either. Getting your kids, elderly parents or neighbors invovled makes a great group outing. Enlisting others helps keep yourself on task too. Plus its fun to do stuff with friends and family. Be creative and have fun.Some ideas for indoor activities: bowling, swimming, roller/ice skating, walking in the mall, workout videos, cleaning the house, taking the stairs.Turn on the radio and dance. Outdoors does require more planning and clothes, but the activites are limitless. Ride a bike, take the dog for a walk in the park or downtown, take advantage of the wind and fly a kite. Got snow? Try the bunny slope or snow tubing, build a snowfort.
The health advantages to getting exercise, sunshine, and fresh air during the winter months are reason enough to be active. But if your feeling tired or a tad sluggish. Get up, get out and get moving!

Healthy Eating -Taking advantage of winter crop vegetables

When it comes to getting your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in the winter time, you need to think outside the box a little. When trying to eat healthy, fresh is key. There are many healthy fruits and veggies availble during the cold winter months. Everyone knows about broccoli and cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash and of course leeks. We tend to forget about brussel sprouts, avocados, snow peas, rutabagas, turnips and parsnips. There are many fruits availble too; oranges, cranberries, kiwi, bananas and grapefruit. The variety is there, sometimes the recipes might not be so varied. Experimenting with stirfrys and cassaroles is a good place to start. Substituting rutabagas for example, in a squash dish can produce a yummy result. Roasted meats and vegetables is always a good wintery day choice, try substituting turnips and leeks for the potatoes and onions, keep the carrots. Dont forget about stews and soups too, I found an interesting soup recipe; "Wild Rice and Cranberry." Trying different smoothies combinations can be a fun treat to make with the kids. Fresh orange juice blended with strawberries and bananas is a favorite at our house. Using yogurt in place of ice cream makes them super creamy and healthy. Healthful winter eating doesnt need to be boring, frozen vegetables, broccoli and cabbage. There are many options available to todays shopper, just browse the produce section. Look for good deals on produce you wouldnt normally buy. Browse cookbooks to find ideas, ask your grandmother, cooking websites, etc.
Exercise, eating right and regular doctors visits are the most proactive approch you can have to maintain your health and wellness. We here at Blue Cross and Blue Shield are committed to providing you with the tools you need keep your family healthy.