4. January 2008 by Jon Moss.

The battle to extend the “State Children’s Health Insurance Program” has finally come to an end, for now. The SCHIP has been extended until March 31, 2009. The program’s extension came when the U.S. House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to temporarily extend the program and offer health insurance to about 6.6 million poor children. The House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 411-3. The effort to extend the bill was completed by both democrats and republicans and it was achieved without raising taxes. The extension will cost the government about $6 billion with financial support coming from savings in other health programs. 
 
        Controversy arose from the democratic and republican party on the expiration of the program. The democrats aimed at a short term extension which would allow the battle to begin as the presidential elections heat up in November of 2008. The Republican Party forced the extension into March of 2009 so it will not become a major topic of debate for a Democratic Party already focused on socializing healthcare.
 
        The two previous attempts to provide medical insurance to children were vetoed by President Bush. Both proposals were over ambitious and aimed to provide health insurance for about 10 million children but sought funding from additional tobacco taxes. Bush stated that many children would receive their healthcare from the government run program versus private insurance.

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4. January 2008 by Jon Moss.

Health insurance has come full circle.  Years ago (read 20+) people used to insure themselves with major medical or hospital indemnity plans.  Coverage consisted of a high deductible ($10,000 or higher) and somtimes would only cover in-hospital stays.  Huh you say, that sounds a lot like HSA plans of today.  You’re right!  We seem to be moving away from the managed care model (HMO’s, gatekeepers, utilization review) towards a consumer-driven model of healthcare where the individual is responsible for decisions. 

Without a knowledgable guide, a person can have a hard time navigating through all the choices and options.  To avoid problems like what this guy experienced be sure to work with a trusted insurance advisor.

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