Report: Claims cost of individual health insurance in WA likely to rise 13.7 percent by 2017

A new report by the Society of Actuaries predicts that medical claims costs for individual health insurance plans -- meaning coverage that people have to buy on their own, rather than get through an employer or government program -- will rise 13.7 percent in Washington by 2017. That's substantially less than in many other states.

About 300,000 Washingtonians now buy their own insurance on the individual market. That number's expected to increase sharply next year as people who are now uninsured start buying coverage.

It's too soon at this point to say what the final rates will be. We don't expect to see the first rate proposals for these policies until next month, and premiums include more than just medical claims costs.

There is, however, some good news for many of these folks. The report does not attempt, for example, to factor in the federal subsidies that many people in the individual market will qualify for, starting in January. Under federal health care reform, a family of four earning up to $94,200 could qualify for help paying for their insurance.

Also, under health care reform, the vast majority of policies will cover much more than they do today. It's rare, for example, to find an individual health plan that covers prescription drugs. Many don't cover the birth of a child. Starting in January, most policies will have to cover those things and more.

Lastly, the sad fact is that the individual health insurance market is no stranger to big increases in rates. In 2009 -- well before health care reform -- those policies in Washington rose an average of 16.5 percent. That's in a single year. And the year before that was even worse: an average increase of 18 percent.

Tacoma man arrested for insurance fraud

A 24-year-old man facing multiple charges in an insurance fraud case was arrested this morning by the King County Warrant Team at a residence in Tacoma.

Andre Romeo Zamora Sarmiento was charged last year with second-degree theft, forgery and insurance fraud for allegedly filing altered and fake medical bills after a car accident. He failed to appear for arraignment on Dec. 24, 2012, resulting in the warrant that led to his arrest this morning.

The fraud case involves a November 2011 auto collision in Tacoma. A car turned in front of Zamora's car, cutting him off, and leading to the crash.

Zamora subsequently filed a claim with the other driver's insurer for injuries to his back and $2,542 for vehicle damage to his vehicle. For the medical claims, Zamora filed several bills totalling $14,857.

A subsequent investigation by our anti-fraud Special Investigations Unit revealed that several bills were altered and grossly inflated. A bill for $360, for example, had a "9" added, to make it look like a bill for $9,360. A bill for $33.50 was turned into what looked like a bill for $3,358.80.

All told, Zamora submitted claims for $13,236 more than he actually paid. The insurer paid Zamora $5,497 before discovering that the bills were fraudulent.

Vintage Scarf Update

Yesterday, I posted that I wanted to do a gallery wall or at least a grouping of art in my home office, anchored by a framed vintage scarf. I found this wonderful vintage Vera scarf on eBay minutes after my post for under twenty dollars with shipping. I also ordered this 24K gold and pink flamingo piece and a nude sketch. Once I receive them all, I'll decide if I need any more pieces and on framing.

The Vera scarf has hot pink and acid green polka dot Peruvian pottery animals (llamas, men on horseback, bulls, and roosters) on a chrome yellow ground. Isn't it darling?

My daughter and I are going to run and play today including a stop at JCPenney to check out the Jonathan Adler Happy Chic collection. I have never been in a JCPenney, so this should be fun???  I'll report back on what we think about the collection in person.

How to Avoid Colon Problems?

Many people suffer from colon problems every now and then. This is because of the unhealthy diet people have today. Because of the availability of delicious yet unhealthy food choices like fast food, junk food and high calorie beverages, colon problems are now widespread. These include everything from simple problems like diarrhoea and constipation to serious problems like diverticulitis and colon cancer.

The good news is that there are many ways you can do to avoid colon problems. Again, the root cause of colon problems is the diet. Even simple modifications can prevent serious diseases in the long run. Here are the best tips for the prevention of colon problems. 

Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables:

Instead of consuming a diet high in processed food, you need to consume a diet high in unprocessed food like fruits and vegetables. It may be difficult in the beginning especially if you’re not used to it but it will become enjoyable and fulfilling quickly.

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and other essential digestive nutrients that can make the digestive process more efficient. Fruits and vegetables are amazing for improving colon health. You should also eat whole grains and other food high in fiber. Fiber is very effective in cleaning up the colon and treating/preventing colon cancer. 

Avoid Junk Food:

As stated before, junk food is bad for your colon health. This kind of food is usually high in preservatives, sodium and other ingredients that can cause colon problems. Fast food should also be avoided since these are usually high in saturated fat, sodium and sugar. 

Watch What You Drink:

If possible, avoid carbonated drinks, diuretics and alcohol. These beverages can disrupt the normal functioning of your digestive system including the colon. It can cause bloating, gas and other colon problems that can leave you feeling weary and lethargic.

Instead, you can drink as much water as you want. Water helps cleanse the body and get rid of toxins. Water is also very important in the digestive process. Lack of water intake can lead to constipation and other colon-related problems. 

Regular Colon Cancer Screening:

If you are among the many that are at high risk of colon cancer like if you have family history of the disease, you need to undergo regular screening before the age of 50. You also need to be aware of the symptoms of the deadly disease. Of course, you need to extra take care of your colon health. Colon cancer is highly treatable during the early stages.