| Health plans would benefit state's uninsured
Almost all the low-income uninsured in Colorado would get basic or comprehensive health coverage under two plans presented Thursday to the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Reform. Whether those proposals become reality depends greatly on whether the state can afford the costs, whether the feds deem the plans legal and whether employers and insurers back the plans or fight them. About one in six Coloradans - some 770,000 people - don't have health insurance, and that number seems to be growing. Kaiser-Permanente, one of the largest health insurers in metro Denver, proposes a gradual phase-in of coverage, starting with children and moving toward covering most uninsured adults. Highlights of the K-P plan: • The federal government grants a waiver to allow Colorado to use Medicaid dollars to cover more children from low- and modest-income families.
Adoption puts girl in insurance trap
When Jack and Dorothy Johnson of Twinsburg adopted their granddaughter Shaunell, the 11-year-old gained a permanent, loving home. And now private health insurers refuse to offer her individual coverage because she has asthma, even though her grandmother says medicines keep the condition under control. Shaunell's grandmother has been told that the girl's only option is to pay as much as $8,700 -- or even more -- annually for coverage during state-mandated open-enrollment periods, when all insurers have to take new enrollees regardless of health problems. ``It's very demoralizing,'' Dorothy Johnson said. ``I never thought of asthma as being a disability, that she would be uninsurable.'' Shaunell is one of an estimated 156,000 Ohio children without health insurance.
PBGC finances improved, but impact of PPA uncertain, report notes
Due to a better economic climate, the financial health of the PBGC has improved since the 2002-2005 period of record losses, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), but underfunding in plans sponsored by financially weak entities continues to present a unknown level of risk to the PBGC. New funding rules contained in the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA; P.L. 109-280) are not effective until plan years after 2007, with some rules phased in over a longer period, so the full impact of the PPA on the PBGC's financial condition also remains an unknown, according to the CRS. However, the CRS opined, pension plans of commercial airlines, which were given special treatment under the PPA funding rules, continue to threaten the PBGC's financial condition. Losses in recent years The CRS report recapped the PBGC's financial difficulties during the past few years.
Health care costs a recurring issue
Some weeks ago I developed a "tickle" in my left ear. Over the next 48 hours, the tickle progressed to mild pain, fullness and diminished hearing. As it was by then a weekend, I proceeded, dutifully and within the speed limit, to my Incline Village Community Hospital.
As I suspected, I had become the forlorn possessor of an "outer ear" infection requiring topical antibiotics. In the bad old days this now eminently treatable condition could have progressed to a raging infection and permanent deafness in that ear, if not worse. Ah! The wonders of modern antibiotics.
Upon thanking the good doctor at the emergency room, I trundled over to Raley's with my prized antibiotic prescription and learned that five milliliters, i.e. maybe 30 drops, would set me back $70.
Former county official arrested for embezzlement
IONIA - A former Ionia County commissioner and current tax allocation board member is expected to be arraigned today on two charges stemming from an alleged embezzlement of money in Ionia.Joseph John Rich, of Lyons Township, was arrested approximately two weeks ago on one count of uttering and publishing - a 14-year felony, and one count of embezzlement - agent or trustee - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a 5-year felony.The Ionia Department of Public Safety and State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services, a division of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, investigated the case that led to the current charges. .
Trustee races key in Livingston County
PONTIAC — The April 17 elections in Livingston County will feature contests for municipal trustee and school board and voters of Fayette Township will vote on whether to have a new tax for cemetery maintenance.A look at contested races and referenda follow:Chatsworth, Dwight, Emington, FairburyIn Chatsworth, five people seek three open seats for trustee. Candidates are Stephen A. Maxson; Terry O. Miller; Francis Haberkorn; Leonard Aiello; and Rita G. Rich.In Dwight, four people seek three open seats for trustee. Candidates are retiree Jerry Curtis; Bill Wilkey, a barber; Angie Airgood, who owns a hair studio; and Ron Skinner.In Emington, four candidates seek three open seats for trustee. Candidates are Darlene Lithgow; Ruby Vant; Robert Shelton; and Billy Billingsley.In Fairbury, Jon M. Kinate and Lana M.
Head of John Hancock Financial Network's Largest Office Takes on ...
IRVINE, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Signature Resources, the largest independent firm of John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN)*, is making management changes as it advances its vision as a premier wealth management organization, announces Peter Gordon, President and CEO of JHFN. Gary Kaltenbach, CLU, ChFC, who has served as the firm's Managing Partner for 24 years, is moving up to a new role as Chairman of Signature Resources. His two sons, Greg and Geoff Kaltenbach, will take on additional responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the firm as Co-Managing Directors. In his new position, Gary will focus on a number of initiatives that will position the firm for future growth and accelerated business development. Among these projects is the implementation of a Registered Investment Advisor platform, which will expand the firm's offerings in the investment advisory arena and broaden its ability to service the growing market demand for long-term retirement income strategies.
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