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Milwaukee % July 2, 2007 % Politicians and policy experts have plenty of Big Ideas about what needs to be done to fix our health care system. Raj Bal has a more modest proposal, which would not only be relatively simple and easy to implement, but also enable millions of consumers to make better decisions. laptop battery

% et% agree to share with consumers some basic information about charges for common physician office visits and hospital procedures, % writes Bal, Chief Operating Officer for Assurant Health, in a column published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on June 24. % t% difficult to justify why, when two consumers visit the same physician for the exact same reason, they will be charged different fees depending on their insurance coverage. thinkpad

% onsumers shouldn% have to play roulette with the numbers hidden when base charges for something as simple as treating a child% ear infection can range from $50 to $150. And when you consider that Americans make 890 million physician office visits each year, any extra costs will quickly add up.% microsoft

Instead of a prescriptive plan, Bal offers broad guidelines and suggestions on how we can begin to move towards greater pricing transparency, including: laptop computers

• To simplify matters, start with just the 4-6 most prevalent treatments that account for most visits to primary care physicians. laptop computer

• Work with physicians and hospitals to reach consensus on their need to self-report this information without government involvement. desktop computer

• Give individuals who now have greater financial responsibility for payments access to the full-price charges that will appear on their bills or be deducted from the health savings accounts. notebooks

Bal notes that taking this small step towards greater price transparency will further accelerate the trend toward consumer-directed health care, which already is a more powerful force than most people realize. Today, individuals directly pay nearly $.5 trillion on health care % the same amount paid by their employers % and more than six million of them are enrolled in consumer-directed health plans. lenovo

As HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt commented on the federal government% price transparency initiative, % s we give consumers better information on how their health care dollars are spent, they will demand more value for their money, and the result will be better treatment at lower costs. hard drive

% e all benefit when we can help consumers make the best decisions about managing both their health and their medical costs, % concurs Bal. % et% start right now by knocking down one obstacle at a time, beginning with doctors% and hospitals% fees for the most frequently used services.% travelstar

For a copy of Bal% column or to arrange an interview with him, please contact:

Peter Duckler 312-423-4930 pduckler@hlbcomm.com } gateway

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?} Health Plans For Customers For Agents For Providers Careers Newsroom My HSA Account Press Release } Low-cost Health Care Network Launches in Lubbock Affordable health care options available to small businesses and individuals software

Lubbock, TX (Nov. 27, 2007)

% ssurant Health (www.assuranthealth.com), a Milwaukee, WI-based national provider of individual medical, small group and specialty health insurance products, and TeamChoice (www.team-choice.com), a health care network based here, announced today the formation of a new health care network. hard drives

The new network, Platinum TeamChoice, will offer low cost health care for small businesses and individuals in Lubbock while providing access to an expanded list of renowned physicians and medical facilities in the Lubbock area. electronics

Platinum TeamChoice will be available to small businesses on Jan. 1, 2008 and to individuals on Feb. 1, 2008. Current Assurant Health policyholders can opt into the new network by calling their agent. canon

% ur partnership will cut the premium for insured individuals from 15 percent to 30 percent while at the same time giving them access to some of the very best health care providers in the Lubbock area, % said Thomas Coffey, Senior Sales representative for Texas at Assurant Health% North Star Marketing. desktop pc

Members of the new network will have access to the services of private family care and specialty physicians at % nbsp;University Medical Center (www.teamumc.org), the leader in comprehensive health care delivery in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, % nbsp;UMC Physician Network Services (www.umchealthsystem.com), top quality primary care and specialists with clinics located throughout the region, desktop computers

% nbsp;Lubbock Heart Hospital (www.lubbockheart.com), which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease, % nbsp;NorthStar Surgical Center (www.northstarsurgical.net), an out-patient surgical center, % nbsp;Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, (www.ttuhcs.edu), a teaching hospital, and % nbsp;Grace Clinic (www.graceclinics.com), a primary care and specialty health care facility. think pad

% latinum TeamChoice network is designed to be an excellent choice for consumers wanting quality health care services at significantly lower costs, % said Cheryl Clark, TeamChoice Executive Director. % he new network partners two companies committed to providing comprehensive, top-quality care for small businesses and individuals while reducing costs and the time patients spend away from their families and the workplace.% /p repair

About Platinum TeamChoice

Platinum TeamChoice is the area% undisputed leader in quality and choice for health care services. The network% commitment to patient care and community development continues to grow. The TeamChoice network is proud to offer the services of private family care and specialty physicians, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, UMC Physicians Network Services, University Medical Center, Lubbock Heart Hospital, Grace Clinic of Lubbock and NorthStar Surgical Center to the South Plains consumers, as well as access to more than 33, 000 physicians and hospitals across Texas. data recovery

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?} Health Plans For Customers For Agents For Providers Careers Newsroom My HSA Account Press Release } Assurant Health Further Strengthens Organizational Structure Announces Leadership Appointments and Promotions cisco

Milwaukee, WI % Assurant Health, a national leader in individual medical, health savings accounts, small group and specialty health insurance products, announced that it has introduced several organizational changes in support of its long-term growth objectives. keyboard

Structurally, Assurant Health will create two distinct business areas. One area will focus on current business operations and will be aligned under a chief operating officer. A second area will focus on emerging new market and growth opportunities aligned under a senior vice president of strategic development. monitor

Don Hamm, Assurant Health% president and chief executive officer said: % he medical insurance marketplace is dynamic and constantly evolving. Integrating our small group and individual medical resources and creating a dedicated structure to support our development activities improves our operational effectiveness. We believe it will enhance our ability to meet and exceed the needs of our business partners and customers while delivering value to our shareholders.% desktop

To support the structural enhancements, Assurant Health announced several key leadership appointments and promotions. Rajeev Bal, currently executive vice president, Individual Medical Markets, has been named chief operating officer. In his new role, Bal will oversee Assurant Health% current individual medical, small group, specialty and emerging worksite businesses as well as the sales, actuarial, administration and underwriting functions. Bal and his team will also be responsible for marketing and networks. infosys

Q. Can medical expenses incurred before the HSA was established be paid from the HSA A.

Individuals who establish an HSA on or before April 15, 2005 can use the HSA to reimburse qualified medical expenses incurred on or after the later of: 1) January 1, 2004; or 2) the first day of the first month that they are covered under an HDHP. For HSAs established after April 15, 2005, medical expenses may not be paid from an HSA if the expenses were incurred before the HDHP was established. HSA Administration refurbished laptops

Q. Who administers an HSA A.

Assurant Health offers its own administration of the Health Savings Accounts at no additional cost to our customers who maintain a qualified HDHP. Another option is our recommended outside vendor, MSAVer Resources L.L.C subject to their standard administration fees. Q. How do employees sign up for the HSA A. Once the employer has decided to purchase a qualified HDHP, each employee must complete an HSA Enrollment form. Forms are available from agents and can be found on www.assuranthealth.com. wipro

Q. How will employees know when an HSA is active A.

Once the group is issued, you will receive a new business Welcome Letter which contains all the information necessary for you to access your account online through the MY HSA Account tab on assuranthealth.com and how to contact our HSA Administration area. Under separate cover you will receive a checkbook, your debit card and any other required information. lap top

Q. How can account holders access their HSA funds A.

Assurant Health offers two easy ways to access HSA funds: refurbished

1. Debit Card

   : The HSA VISA Card can be used to conveniently pay for prescription drugs at point of service and for other medical expenses that will not be discounted by the network. The card is valid wherever MasterCard is accepted. Claim forms are not needed, and there are no transaction fees. memory

2. Checkbook

   : Account holders may request checks to utilize in paying for medical expenses directly from their HSA. Claim forms are not needed and there are no transaction fees. Additional checks can be obtained via the website or by calling the toll free number, 866-899-6200. For medical expenses incurred at a network provider, insureds should wait to receive their Explanation of Benefits statement which may include network provider discounts that can save them money. intel

Q. Can the debit card be used for other purchases or to obtain cash A.

No, the card is intended to be used solely for qualified medical expenses (as defined above). The card also will not work for cash withdrawals at ATM locations. If the IRS questions any withdrawals, it is the responsibility of the insured to prove those expenditures were for qualified medical expenses. We strongly encourage all HSA account holders to keep receipts and diligent transaction records. as400

Q. Do HSA account holders receive statements A.

Yes, monthly statements including contributions and disbursements are sent to the account holders and are also accessable through the website. Statements also include debit card transactions with purchase amount and place of purchase. Q. Can HSA funds be invested A. At this time, Assurant Health does not offer investment options in the HSA Administration. However, insureds who select MSAver Resources L.L.C as their administrator can invest their HSA funds through MSAver s brokerage account with FiServe Investor Services, Inc. There s no large balance required and customers can move their money from the bank to the investment account and back again at their own discretion. averatec

Q. How much interest do HSA funds earn A.

With Assurant Health administration of the HSA, the HSA earns interest at the annual rate of 3% on a minimum balance of $5, 000. An account balance of less than $5, 000 but at least $750 will earn interest at the rate of 2%. Interest is compounded quarterly. It is important for you to know that if you at some point move to a non-qualified plan or drop your health coverage altogether, your interest rate is subject to change. We reserve the right to alter the minimum account balance requirements and the interest rates we pay. hardware

Q. Can the interest earned on the HSA funds be used to pay for qualified medical expenses A.

Yes, both the HSA contributions and the interest earned may be used to pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free. Q. If an employee changes from single to family coverage or vice versa, or has another life event change, how is the HSA affected A. If the HSA plan is affected by a change in policy status, the HSA will be updated to reflect a new maximum allowable contribution amount. dual xeon

Q. Is there a minimum amount required to open an HSA A.

No minimum deposit is required when you choose HSA administration through Assurant Health. A minimum $100 is required by MSAver Resources, LLC. Q. Is there a minimum account balance required A. No. Q. Can employees contribute directly to their account with a check storage

A.

It depends on how the HSA is set up. If the HSA is offered through a cafeteria plan, contributions will be made by the plan administrator. If the HSA is not set up with a cafeteria plan, an employee may make contributions with a check. seagate

Q. What happens if a claim is incurred after the employee s policy add-on date, but prior to the HSA effective date A.

For contribution purposes, the HSA is effective the first of the month following an employee add-on to an HSA plan. Qualified medical expenses will be reimbursed from the HSA retroactive to the date the employee was added to the HSA plan. Example: An employee who is added to the policy on 2/15 can begin contributing to the HSA on 3/1, but will still be reimbursed for services rendered on 2/20. computer sales

Miscellaneous Q. What happens to the HSA if the health plan changes A.

Even if the health plan is no longer a qualified high deductible health plan, account holders can still withdraw previously contributed HSA money to pay for qualified medical expenses, or continue to let the funds grow tax-deferred. Account holders cannot, however, make contributions to the HSA unless an HSA-qualified insurance plan is in place. computer hardware

Q. What happens to the HSA balance if the employee leaves the company A.

The HSA belongs to the employee. Therefore, unspent HSA funds remain with the individual. Account holders can still use their HSA money to pay for qualified medical expenses, or continue to let it grow tax-deferred. Account holders cannot, however, make contributions to the HSA unless an HSA-qualified insurance plan is in place. printers

Q. Is an HSA allowed for those small business owners who are not eligible for an HRA A.

Yes, an employer can set up an HSA for him/herself and an HRA for employees. Q. What are the income tax consequences after the HSA account holder s death A. Upon death, any balance remaining in the HSA becomes the property of a beneficiary named in the HSA paperwork. If the beneficiary is the surviving spouse, distributions not used for qualified medical expenses are subject to ordinary income tax. If the beneficiary is a person other than the surviving spouse, the HSA ceases to be an HSA as of the date of the account holder s death, and the beneficiary is required to include in gross income the fair market value of the HSA assets as of the date of death. This amount is reduced by any payments from the HSA made for the account holder s qualified medical expenses, if paid within one year after death. technology

Q. What discrimination rules apply to HSAs A.

If an employer makes HSA contributions, the employer must make available comparable contributions on behalf of all comparable participating employees (i.e., eligible employees with comparable coverage) during the same period. Contributions are considered comparable if they are either the same amount or same percentage of the deductible under the high deductible health plan. mainframe

Q. What reporting is required for an HSA A.

Employer contributions to an HSA must be reported on the employee s Form W-2. The IRS will release forms and instructions, similar to those required for MSAs, on how to report HSA contributions, deductions, and distributions (withdrawals). Q. What are the federal tax advantages of an HSA A. HSA contributions are tax deductible and withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses are not subject to tax or penalty. In addition, interest earned on HSA savings is tax-free if used to pay for qualified medical expenses. samsung

2. on the Internet, go to http://www.labcardselect.com/, find the SEARCH menu, select your state, click on GO!, in the list of Collection Sites for your state, click on the site nearest you, and review the Instructions for the selected collection site. computer repair

HealthSouth offers CT Scan, MRI, Open MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and X% ay services at facilities located in AL, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, KS, LA, MA, MD, MO, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT VA. used computers

On the Internet, go to http://www.healthsouth.com/, click on Locate a Facility, enter at least your City State, or Zip Code, select either CT Scan, MRI, MRI%\pen, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, or X% ay from the pull%xown Service menu, and click on SEARCH. You will then be provided with a list of facilities offering the requested diagnostic services in the selected geographical area. network

Integra Group

Integra is a network of ancillary service providers, including diagnostic service providers. On the Internet, go to http://www.integragrp.com/, click on FIND A PROVIDER, enter your Zip Code, select DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES from the pull%xown Specialty menu, and click on Search. You will be provided with a list of participating Diagnostic Service providers in the selected geographical area. digital cameras

back to top ^ Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

Provider% Name }Contact Information desktops

DMEnsion Network (formerly known as W F Administration and ABP Administration)

DMEnsion Network is a national credentialed network of over 2, 500 providers. DME offered include: Hospital Beds; Bathroom Safety Aids; Ambulatory Aids (walkers, crutches, lift chairs); Blood Pressure Monitors; Diabetic Supplies; Wound Care; Manual Power Wheelchairs; and Physical Therapy Equipment. cognos

To locate the nearest network provider, either: 1. Call a customer service representative at 1-877-514-0159; or 2. On the Internet, go to http://www.dmension.net/, click on PROVIDERS near the top of the home page, scroll down to below the U.S. map on the FIND A PROVIDER page, enter your Zip Code in the provided box, and then click on Submit Query. You will be provided with a list of providers in or near your Zip Code from which to choose. hosting

EMPI offers: TENS units; Neuromuscular Stimulators; Splinting; Pelvic Floor Stimulators; Cervical Traction; EMG Biofeedback, etc. Products are shipped nationwide. Call 1-800-328-2536. netfinity

Lincare

Lincare offers equipment for respiratory therapy and home infusion therapy services in all states, except AK, DC HI. To locate the nearest}Lincare provider, either: 1. Call a customer service representative at 1-800-LINCARE (1-800-546-2273); or internet

2.On the Internet, go to http://www.lincare.com/, click on Location Map on the opening page and again on the Customers Visitors page. Once you have reached the Location Map, select your state and a list of provider locations with phone numbers will be displayed. cheap computer

Apria Healthcare, Inc.

Apria offers DME, home infusion therapy services, and home respiratory therapy services from its various branch locations. To locate the nearest branch location, either: 1. Call a customer service representative at 1-800-277-4288; or 2. On the Internet, go to http://www.apria.com/, click on Branch Locator, select your state from the list, and review the list for the branch location nearest you. digital camera

Coram Healthcare

Coram offers home medical equipment and home respiratory therapy services from its service locations in WI and San Diego, CA. Coram also offers home infusion therapy from its various national service locations. To locate the nearest service location, either: 1. Call a customer service representative at 1-800-423-1411; or 2. On the Internet, go to http://www.coramhc.com/, click on Nationwide Locations, select Home Medical from the drop down Services Search menu, click on Find, and review the resulting list for a service location near you. printer

CareCentrix is a coordinator of Ancillary Health Services, including durable medical equipment. They find the most appropriate provider of services for your individual needs and coordinate the provision of care. The CareCentrix network includes more than 3, 400 credentialed providers nation wide. xseries

Coordination of care}available 24/7 by calling a customer service}specialist at 1-888-999-2422. Integra is a network of ancillary service providers, including DME providers. On the Internet, go to http://www.integragrp.com/, click on FIND A PROVIDER, enter your Zip Code, select DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT from the pull-down Specialty menu, and click on Search. You will be provided with a list of participating DME providers in the selected geographical area. maxtor

back to top ^ Home Healthcare Gentiva Health Services

Gentiva Offers home health care services and Rehab Without Walls services from its various service locations. 1. Call a customer service representative at 1-888-GENTIVA (1% 88-436-8482); or 2. On the Internet, go to http://www.gentiva.com/, click on locations/ location finder, select your state from the pull-down menu, click on Find a Gentiva Location, and review the list for the service location nearest you. data storage

Pediatric Services of America (PSA)

PSA offers home healthcare services for pediatric patients from its service facilities in AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, LA, NC, NJ, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA WA. On the Internet, go to http://www.psahealthcare.com/, click on the Learn more button in the Find a PSA Location Near You box on the upper righthand side of the PSA HealthCare home page; enter at least the 2 letter state identification and/or your Zip Code in the Search window, hit Enter or click on the Search button, and review the list for the service location nearest you. hitachi

Home Infusion Therapy Accredo Health Group

Accredo offers home infusion therapy services from its various service centers. To locate the nearest service center, either: 1. Call a customer service representative at 1-866-289-7577; or 2. On the Internet, go to http://www.accredohealthgroup.com/, }highlight}the} rational

Patients

}tab immediately above the}Welcome to Accredo Health Group}message on the Accredo Health Group home page and then click on Accredo Therapeutics.} On the Accredo Therapeutics page you have the choice of clicking on either Alpha I Antitrypsin Deficiency, IVIG Therapy, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension or About Accredo Therapeutics (for all other therapies).} On the first page following the Accredo Therapeutics page, click on Find a Location}at the top of the page}and then click on your state on the presented map.} Review the list for the center nearest you. websphere

Apria offers home infusion therapy services, DME, and home respiratory therapy services from its various branch locations. Coram offers home infusion therapy from its various national service locations. Coram also offers home medical equipment and home respiratory therapy services from its service locations in WI and San Diego, CA. 2. On the Internet, go to http://www.coramhc.com/, click on Nationwide Locations, select your state on the nationwide map, and review the list for the service location nearest you. battery

Lincare offers home infusion therapy services in all states, except AK, DC HI. 2.On the Internet, go to http://www.lincare.com/, click on Location Map on the opening page and again on the Customers Visitors page. Once you have reached the Location Map, select your state and a list of provider locations with phone numbers will be displayed. Integra is a network of ancillary service providers, including home infusion therapy providers. it support

On the Internet, go to http://www.integragrp.com/, click on FIND A PROVIDER, enter your Zip Code, select HOME INFUSION THERAPIES from the pull-down Specialty menu, and click on Search. You will be provided with a list of participating home infusion therapy providers in the selected geographical area. western digital

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