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Americans' paying $1,354 health care 'tax' every second for uninsured

The health care reform debate continues, and really, given the horse-trading and logrolling that's likely to occur in the upcoming conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions of each chamber's health care reform bill, assuming each chamber approves them, to cite a phrase used by political science professor Larry Sabato, the party's just begun.

A bit jaded by it all? Don't be -- it's just the political process at work, and here's one, major positive to take out of the health care reform bill's passage: a new policy that will finally end the 'tax' that U.S. citizens and businesses pay for uninsured Americans who obtain health care services.

This 'hidden health care tax' increases at the rate of $1,354 per second or $116.98 million per day. As of Friday, the American people have been charged $33.37 billion this year to pay for health care for the uninsured: that's the bill that hospitals pass on to those who have insurance.

Continue reading Americans' paying $1,354 health care 'tax' every second for uninsured

Aetna can see the brighter future from its vantage point

Given the uncertain U.S. economic landscape, and accompanying choppy / consolidating market conditions, adding a few defensive plays is a prudent tack. Among insurers, Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) is worth an evaluation.

Aetna's wide product offerings and comprehensive coverage is an operational strength, as is its geographic footprint. These factors, along with cost controls, should enable Aetna to maintain solid earnings growth in FY 2008-FY 2009.

Further, analysts like AET's projected F2008 800,000-900,000 organic net membership growth in its health care segment, superior underwriting discipline, and cost controls. Another positive: on the big client side, the Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) selected Aetna as its primary benefits provider for its employees, beginning in 2009.

Continue reading Aetna can see the brighter future from its vantage point

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Last updated: November 24, 2009: 05:57 AM

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