"Health Insurance Blog" - 1 new article

Independent contractors and freelance workers have always struggled to find the right health insurance for their needs.  They struggle finding affordable policies as well as health insurance options with quality benefits.  Many independent contractors choose to go on their spouse’s insurance plan or go without health insurance at all.  Some good news for these individuals though.  The Freelancers Union will be receiving $341 million in loans from the US government to start health insurance plans in three states based on Alex Wayne’s article on Bloomberg.com.

Companies such as UnitedHealth Group INC, WellPoint INC, and Blue Cross will be competing for offerings starting in 2014.  Marilyn Tavenner, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said the programs are called co-op plans and they will promote competition in the health insurance arena.  It’s a new way to respond to the health insurance needs of those who do not carry traditional health insurance policies.

The Freelancers Union is a non-profit group created to represent independent contractors and freelance workers in America.  They offer 401k options, health insurance, and life insurance coverage for their 171,000 members according to their website.  Members and non-members will be able to access these new health insurance options in New York, New Jersey and Oregon and the organization expects to cover about 200,000 individuals over the course of five years.  Sara Horowitz, the group’s executive director, compared this to venture capital for health care that will support thousands of people needing health insurance support.

Written by Sam Tabes

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