Vision Plan Loses Lawsuit

"A health insurance company angry about losing a bid for the state’s vision contract just lost their case in Shawnee County District Court," notes KSNT. "Superior Vision Services, Inc. based in Rancho, Cordova, CA had been the sole provider of vision insurance for the State Employee Health Plan or SEHP. However, following a new request for proposal, the Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission (HCC) awarded the contract to Surency Life and Health Insurance on April 20, 2015. Surency is a Kansas-based company with offices in Wichita and Leawood. Superior sued the state of Kansas on several grounds in October, naming several agencies and entities in the lawsuit. Today, the court ruled that there was substantial evidence supporting the decision to accept Surency’s proposal. The court wrote that the decision was 'no so wide of the mark as to be deemed unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious.'" Read more.

Republicans Pass Medicare Bill--Decreasing Fees, Increasing Premiums, Extending Health Insurance for Kids

"The House...approved sweeping changes to the Medicare program on Thursday in the most significant bipartisan policy legislation to pass through that chamber since Republicans regained a majority in 2011," according to a March 26 New York Times post. "The measure, which would establish a new formula for paying doctors, increase premiums for some Medicare beneficiaries and extend a popular health insurance program for children, has already been endorsed by President Obama and awaits a vote in the Senate." Read more.

WellPoint Takes Up New Moniker: Anthem

“WellPoint Inc. (WLP), the second-largest health insurer in the U.S., plans to change its name to Anthem Inc., the brand under which it sells most of its coverage,” according to Bloomberg News. “WellPoint and other large health insurers find themselves increasingly marketing directly to consumers, as Obamacare requires most uninsured Americans to obtain coverage and employers thrust more responsibility for costs on their workers. The company sells plans in 14 of the health-care law’s new insurance exchanges, in most cases under its Anthem brand.” Read more.

Health Insurance Premiums Rising Fast

"Major health insurance companies have been charging sharply higher premiums this year, outstripping any growth in workers’ wages and creating more uncertainty for the Obama administration and employers who are struggling to drive down an unrelenting rise in medical costs," reports the New York Times. "A study released on Tuesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a research group, showed that the average annual premium for family coverage through an employer reached $15,073 in 2011 — 9 percent higher than in the previous year." Read more. Could the higher premiums lead to a cut in services offered, such as vision care?

HealthSouk Launches "First Discount Health Plan"

HealthSouk has launched what its press release calls the nation's first and only discount health plan with absolutely no monthly fees. The company aims to provide Americans with access to health care providers who are offering various treatments and procedures at a discounted price. In addition, patients can receive even greater discounts for going to the doctor's office when the doctor isn't busy. Patients have the option to signup for a membership online at healthsouk.com, which is free. They have access to discounted treatments ranging from eye care to dental exams to cosmetic procedures. Read more.

Insurers and Employers to Provide Plain English Explanation of Health Benefits

"The Obama administration proposed new rules on Wednesday that would require health insurance companies and employers to provide information to policyholders and employees describing health benefits, coverage and costs in plain English." That's the report from the NYTimes. "As part of the new form, insurers and employers would have to itemize the costs that would be incurred by consumers needing certain services. These 'coverage examples' would show how insurers cover the cost of having a baby, treating breast cancer and managing diabetes. The government would specify the services and billing codes to be used in calculating costs in each case." Read more.

As Forrest Said, "Stupid Is as Stupid Does"

"All families, no matter how poor, can afford eyeglasses, County Executive Chris Collins said Tuesday as he mentioned eye care as one of the Medicaid offerings he would drop as an option in Erie County if he could," according to a BuffaloNews report.

Swiss Lose Eye-Care Coverage

GenevaLunch reports "Opticians in Switzerland are unusually busy this week, reports 24 Heures, but it’s not thanks to Christmas shoppers: this is the last chance to get reimbursed CHF180 towards your new eyeglasses or contact lenses by your health insurance company."

"Since the year 2000, health insurance companies have had to reimburse a part of people’s new glasses and contact lenses every five years. But as of next year this will no longer apply. The Interior Ministry’s recent reform is meant to make the price of health care drop, but at this point, it’s angering a lot of people. WRS’s Lucas Chambers has this story."