Archive for September, 2009
New Orleans area residents without health insurance will have access Saturday to a massive free health clinic that organizers say will boast at least 400 medical professionals and support workers with resources to serve at least 2,000 patients.
The event, which will take up 166,000 square feet at Ernest M. Morial Convention Center, is the second nationally this year in a series of health fairs sponsored by the Louisiana Free Clinic Association and the National Association of Free Clinics, a not-for-profit based in Washington, D.C.
Doors are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 2,000 appointment slots available, plus the ability to take some walk-ups. No one will be charged. Uninsured or underinsured individuals can make appointments by calling 877.233.5159.
Dr. Rani Whitfield, a Baton Rouge physician acting as medical director for the clinic, said he also wants more medical professionals — from specialist physicians to emergency medical technicians and medical administrators — to help staff the event.The staff will offer general medical exams and limited lab tests and will give all patients information about where they can get follow-up care. As of Tuesday evening, immunizations were not part of the plans, though organizers said they would accept any contributed vaccine supplies.
Nicole Lamoureux, executive director of the national clinics organization, said, “We want to underscore what goes on every day at 1,200 free clinics around the country.” But, she said, “Free clinics are just a Band-Aid on a much larger problem” of access.
That network of facilities served about 4 million people in 2008, Lamoureux said. The economic downturn will push the total above 8 million this year, she said.
National research suggests that as many as 70 percent of the clientele at free clinics come from homes where at least one adult works full-time. Whitfield said Louisiana clinics have similar numbers. “Uninsured does not necessarily mean unemployed,” he said.
More than a fifth of Louisianians — nearly all of them adults, given the success of government programs covering children — have no insurance.
The series of mass clinics are designed to make uninsured patients aware of what services are available and to call attention to the difficulty that many Americans have in accessing quality care. In Houston, the one-day event drew almost 2,000 people. Future stops include Little Rock, Ark., and Kansas City, Mo.
As you review the different health care options available in Georgia, you’ll note that there are options from several major national providers. In reviewing pros and cons, you’ll want to make sure your choice is financially sound, ranks well, and provides access to the health care professionals or organizations that you prefer. Another method for choosing well is to review ratings from third parties. US News and World Report recently ran rankings of some of the health insurance providers who operate in Georgia; they evaluated responses from consumers, physicians, and their own reviewers to come up with ratings and scores
United Health Plan performed fairly well, just two-tenths of a point behind their competition, Aetna, on the ratings report, with an overall score on a 100 point scale of 82.3. Like the national competition in Gerogia, United Health has NCQA accreditation; this means that they’ve gone through a rigorous screening process to meet 60 separate standards checks and must annually renew and prove that they are meeting increasing tough standards of quality in order to retain this prestigious distinction. Think of the NCQA as the “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval, for insurance plans. For more information on NCQA, an independent not-for-profit group, visit their site—ncqa.org.
United Health Care performed particularly well with regard to treatment options—specifically, for asthma medication and treatment. They have strong support for other treatment needs as well (mental and behavioral health, alcohol and/or drug awareness, and testing for children and adolescents). The balance of their scores were average or above average, in most categories.
One of United Health Care’s biggest initiatives on a national level—especially relevant for Georgians who live in rural areas or who may not have access to every specialty, within their local area, is a new partnership with Cisco to present “Connected Care”. Connected Care takes advantage of technology to offer access to health care providers and resources online, in a one-on-one format, with secure conversations possible between patient and doctor (minus the office visit). There is an accompanying mobile access clinic (again, to increase access in rural communities) and the initiative, just launched, is gaining momentum. Imagine—being at work, and being able to spend 5 minutes one-on-one chatting with your doctor about a problem or question—without taking 90 minutes from your day to drive to the doctor, wait, meet with him/her, drive back…online access means quick answers, less worry, and better communication. And access to specialists in faraway places is that much easier.
Upon graduation from high school, there is no doubt that you will surely start your tertiary education in college or university. At age twenty, children will not be covered by health insurance of their parents and this can be disastrous if they are merely study and do not do part-time job. Some universities or colleges may have insurance plan offered to students. These insurance may not answer all your needs but you need to be meticulously considered it.
Most of the universities and colleges offer student health insurance plans. These plans should absolutely be at reasonable price, and can give you the school’s nearest hospitals. This option is one that you should definitely think of, if your son or daughter is enrolled in a college far away from home.
College health care scheme may vary from college to college due to laws and some other factors. Many students may think medical services are free of charge, but it is not always true. In term of clinic visit or routine checkups they may be free, however students still require to pay for special kinds of lab tests and other specialties such as x-rays, prescriptions, and a wound treatment. Compensation usually covers some types of service stated in the health care offered at college health centre. When you are referred to see an outside doctor, then the coverage will cover only 70% of your total expense and you are at risk to pay high medical cost.
You may have a problem getting treatment at the campus health centre if you have pre-existing condition. Having a pre-existing condition or illness does not mean to prevent you from obtaining health insurance plan, but you may not be eligible to have your treatment on your pre-existing condition. It can be troublesome if your new symptoms develop from a pre-existing one.
Health schemes are different, so be sure you find out everything about your health insurance plans. Be sure that your health plan stretch to summer break when you or your child do not take classes. This is vital for you because you don’t want to find out that your health care does not cover when you need it most. Some college health insurances may not cover during summer break, while others do.
Be certain that you study your plan thoroughly. Is it an HMO, or can the member utilise any service provider they went? This is critical. You need to know where you can go in case of emergency, and there is nothing worse than discovering that you will have to pay off the bill yourself.
There is no definitive solution to whether you should or should not commit yourself to college health insurance. Be certain that you study your plan thoroughly so that it answer to your need when you need it most. Although there is no free health insurance scheme, surely it will save you a lot of money in time of illness or accident.
For more information, please visit http://www.health-care-central.com