Let’s talk about our primary care shortage. You know about healthcare reform, about the debates in congress on The Hill, the millions who are uninsured and the millions who are in medical debt. But, did you know that we are about to dive right into an entirely new healthcare crisis? It’s already begun, as with the start of 2010 we are short 16,000 primary care physicians, according to The Wall Street Journal.

continue reading "Our New Healthcare Crisis - Primary Care Physician Shortage"

From our family here at the No Insurance Club to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

A coffee a day kept the doctor away. Well, that might now be how the saying goes, but if you spend money on Starbuck every day, you’re probably not getting the kind of treatment you should. At least, not the vip treatment. It’s funny how the topic always turns to coffee and Starbucks when concierge medicine is being discussed. With the No Insurance Club, imagine getting to buy your coffee and afford the vip treatment!

continue reading "No Insurance, No Starbucks, No Problem"

By Jennifer Klein
Special to CNN

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (CNN) — “We worked hard to get it and we’re going to keep it,” said Nancy Snyder, one of the protesters attending this summer’s health care town meetings.

Nancy and her husband Robert, retirees from Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, showed up at a town hall held by Sen. Arlen Specter, in State College, Pennsylvania, with signs condemning socialist takeover of their health care, and she was interviewed by Michel Martin on National Public Radio’s “Tell Me More.”

When asked how she had insurance coverage, Nancy explained that because her husband was a retired coal miner, they received insurance and care through the United Mine Workers. She attended the town hall because she said she had “had enough of the government interfering with our lives, after working hard all of our lives, especially to get the health care.”

continue reading "Commentary: Don’t cut our (public) health care (CNN)"

I read a very entertaining article today in the Huffington Post. Now, I know the Huffington Post is not known for their fair-sided reporting. I’m pretty sure all of their bloggers are on the left of the line. But, it is entertaining to get different perspectives from different media outlets. I think Rush Limbaugh is one of the most entertaining radio personalities, even though I might not agree with his viewpoints.

The blog was entitled “Top Ten Things the Health Care Bill Won’t Do.” It was short and sweet, and funny. Take all of this with a grain of salt, and laugh a little. I mean, with all of the rumors and outlandish ideas running around out there, why not add a little more to the mix?

continue reading "A Health Care Laugh For Friday"

The No Insurance Club wants to give big shouts out to the Tri-State Business Group on Health for striving to create a better health care environment for everyone in the Tri-State area, and maybe eventually beyond.

Tri-State Business Group on Health (TSBGH) is a coalition of local businesses working together to support and influence actions to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and affordability of health care services in the Tri-State area.

continue reading "No Insurance Club Salutes The Tri-State Business Group on Health"

A growing number of medical doctors are using computer programs than can immediately access a patient’s health insurance information and let the medical practice know what the patients co-pay rates is. With this information, called ‘real time claims adjudication,’ medical doctors are asking patients to pay those costs at the time of service…a.k.a remember to make an ATM run before next medical check-up.

 This new practice makes financial sense for medical doctors. The economy is affecting the medical industry too. Sometimes being fiscally efficient and proactive may be the only way medical doctors can stay open and see patients. About 13 percent of physicians revenue comes from the patients themselves, according to the Access Project, a health insurance research group. And that 13 percent is likely to rise as more consumers choose lower-premiums and high-deductible medical insurance plans ? which requires people to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars before their health insurance will activate.

continue reading "Doctors Asking for More Than Just Your Co-Pay during Medical Visit"