Health Insurance Reform

A weekly compilation from Aetna of health care-related developments in Washington, D.C. and state legislatures across the country Week of March 22, 2010 Late in the night Sunday, the House of Representatives helped President Obama deliver what no other President has been able to do -- a significant reform of the nation's health care system. The process is complicated by the fact that the House first had to pass the Senate's version of health care reform, and then pass a package of fixes that the Senate will have to take up separately through a "reconciliation" procedure requiring only a simple majority vote. To help figure out what health care reform will look like if the reconciliation bill is adopted, a number of news organizations are offering their own summaries or guides to the changes, including: The New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune. Also, you can read online what theCongressional Budget Officehad to say about the bill it estimates will cost $940 billion over the next decade. Federal On Sunday, the House approved the previously passed Senate version (219 to 212) of health care reform, which sends this measure to the President for signature on Tuesday.The House also approved (220 to 211) the House-initiated "fix" to this Senate bill (called the Reconciliation bill) to revise items in the Senate bill that are repugnant to the House. This Reconciliation measure has to be approved by the Senate (scheduled for this week) to legally change the Senate bill. While Republicans in the Senate have more procedural tools at their disposal to derail the Reconciliation bill, the very nature of a reconciliation bill is that it only takes 51 votes, rather than the "normal" 60 filibuster-proof votes in the Senate on such major items as health care. Therefore, it seems likely that the Senate will indeed approve the changes, though perhaps not this week. If there are any changes on the Senate floor to the Reconciliation bill, even one word, it would have to go back to the House for yet another vote. Since the beginning of the year, Congress has extended for one month at a time two health-related items: 1) suspension of imposition of a 21 percent cut in doctor reimbursements under Medicare; and 2) continuation of worker eligibility for a 65 percent subsidy to pay for COBRA coverage. The end of March deadline will be extended yet again through April, once the Senate agrees with the extenders bill passed by the House last week. Both chambers have passed a lengthier extension of these two items (the "doc fix" would go through September and the COBRA item would go to the end of 2010) as part of a separate larger bill, but with no compromise in sight Congress may have to extend these two items yet again at the end of April. States COLORADO: The bill requiring maternity and contraceptive coverage in individual policies and eliminating pregnancy as a pre-existing conclusion took a turn for the worse last week.Originating in the House, the measure had been amended to only require that a coverage option be provided. The Senate, which was expected to accept the bill as amended, passed a version requiring that coverage for reproductive services be included in the majority of the individual plans marketed by a carrier. At the request of the governor, the bill has now been referred to a conference committee. CONNECTICUT: The Insurance and Real Estate Committee reported out a number of bills of interest last week, including: An Act Concerning Rate Approvals For Individual Health Insurance Policies-- the committee substituted language 1) removing the ability of AG and Health Care Advocate (HCA) to bill the plans for consultants, 2) removing the ability of the HCA and AG to appeal to the court, 3) narrowing the filing time frame for the approval to 120 days, and 4) starting to define terms and processes. The Committee's Republicans all voted no on the bill, indicating that they were concerned that the Committee hadn't gotten it right yet. An Act Concerning Appeals of Health insurance Benefits Denials -- the bill currently requires that upon the request of a member that a health plan provide all specific documents and information that were NOT provided by the enrollee or their provider that were considered in the denial. An Act Concerning Standards in Health Care Provider Contracts-- although a "standards in contracting" bill was enacted into law last session, providers continue to push for even greater limitations on contracting, including prohibitions on down-coding of claims. Other bills reported out include bleeding disorder coverage bill, a bill that would require hospitals to charge uninsured patients no more than 110 percent of Medicare, and a bill that would raise the medical malpractice threshold requirements for various providers. GEORGIA: The legislation imposing limitations on the use of rental networks was deferred after Aetna helped educate legislators about the need for further amendments to the bill.Most importantly, the bill still does not contain an exemption for the requirements of ERISA plans and non-ERISA self-funded plans. Aetna continues to work with the legislators on this issue and anticipates the bill may be heard next week. No further action has been taken on the House bill imposing a 1.6 percent tax on the premiums of health plans. Indications from the Governor's office are that it may decide not to pursue this bill. However, we are watching the issue closely. INDIANA: The legislature adjourned March 13 with no resolution to the major issues in Indiana.Specifically, the Republicans were unable to move a bill to delay imposition of new taxes to support the unemployment compensation fund or authorize a ballot initiative to permanently cap property taxes, and the Democrats were unable to move their agenda on education funding, creating jobs and providing greater assistance to the unemployed. With the exception of a bill dealing with emergency medical treatment of employees covered by workers' compensation, no insurance bills survived. Bills defeated included a push by the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) to allow providers to pick and choose the plans offered by an insurer that they would participate in and an initiative that would have required health insurers to provide extensive data to Indiana DOI regarding premiums and loss ratios. In addition mandatory recognition of assignment of benefits for out-of-network providers and the Indiana Dental Association's initiative to prohibit dental plans from imposing or negotiating fee schedules on non-covered services were defeated. Of note is that ethics legislation did pass both houses, and it is expected that the Governor will sign the bill impacting lobbying registration and reporting; it also limits who may serve as a lobbyist. MISSOURI: With eight weeks to go in the legislative session, the House overwhelmingly approved the "Freedom of Health Care Act," which would send voters a constitutional amendment to prevent them being compelled to participate in any federal health care plan. The "yes" votes included all House Republicans and more than a third of Democrats. The Senate gave final approval to a bill requiring health plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. On the budget front, Governor Nixon cut another $126 million in state spending, which means he has now vetoed or withheld almost $850 million from the budget the General Assembly approved last May. Because falling revenues show no immediate signs of improving, further cuts appear certain before the fiscal year ends on June 30. Analysts are projecting a $500 million shortfall in the budget blueprint the Governor proposed in January, prompting serious talk about restructuring state government and broad promises of bone-nicking budget cuts. One large target is the Medicaid program, and a preliminary draft of the appropriations bill is holding $100 million for physician services contingent upon a $300 million windfall that might come Missouri's way if the U.S. Congress extends the federal budget stimulus package. NEW JERSEY: The governor recently gave his fiscal year 2011 budget address to a joint session of the legislature, outlining his plan for addressing a $10.7 billion state deficit.The proposed budget calls for drastic cuts across all sectors of government including: schools districts, FamilyCare (the state health program for the uninsured), the earned income tax credit, and the elimination property tax rebates. In contrast to past years, there were no new proposed tax increases. However, some cost shifting is anticipated in the form of increased assessments on individuals and businesses. Of note is a $2 million expenditure increase at the Department of Banking & Insurance, which will be borne by insurers in the state. In his effort to stimulate the state economy, the governor proposed discontinuing a 4 percent corporate business tax surcharge as well as allowing the surtax on high income earners to sunset. Further analysis will be done in the coming months, as the legislature begins its deliberation of the budget, to determine what, if any, impact the budget could have on Aetna. The budget must be signed by into law by June 30. The Senate unanimously confirmed Tom Considine as the next commissioner of the Department of Banking & Insurance. During his testimony before the senate judiciary committee, Considine advised that Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey application to convert to a for-profit entity has been put on indefinite hold at the request of Horizon. In addition to Considine, the senate confirmed Dr. Poonam Alaigh as commissioner for the Department of Health and Senior Services. NEW YORK: According to data recently released by the Department of Insurance to bolster the Governor's demand for prior approval of insurance rates, New York HMOs had premium increases of 17 percent on average this year, with some increases as high as 51 percent. The data showed that premium changes varied widely between companies and between counties. The state continues to claim that reinstating prior approval will save $70 million. A coalition of insurers, business groups and providers strongly opposed the prior approval proposal as a measure that would impose price controls on insurance. In both press statements and full-page ads, the coalition underscored that reinstating prior approval ignores the real reason for rising health insurance premiums-increases in the underlying cost of health care services-and does nothing to address those costs. Real reform is needed that addresses the underlying costs of care, reduces the hidden taxes and ensures that health plans can continue to provide coverage to New Yorkers. The prior approval opposition group includes the Health Plan Association, the Employer Alliance, the hospital associations HANYS & GNYHA, the Business Council of New York State, the National Federation of Independent Business and several upstate business alliances. OKLAHOMA: Two bills seeking to streamline state employee health insurance benefits, in an effort to improve choice and lower costs, passed the House last week. The bills are based on recommendations made in a report by Milliman Inc. to the Oklahoma State Employee Health Insurance Review Working Group, which met during the interim last year. The report was requested to examine the functions of the Employees Benefit Council (EBC) and the Oklahoma State Education and Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) and to determine if a duplication of efforts existed between the two agencies. The report concluded that the functions of the two groups should be integrated to form a new organization focused not only on the payment of health and other insurance claims but also on the wellness of the covered individuals; one oversight board should be created that would include members from backgrounds that include medical and employee benefits, as well as those from legal and fiscal backgrounds; the new organization should include a stronger wellness component; the state employee benefit allowance is artificially inflated and should be recalculated; and more choice is needed in rural areas of the state. The bills now move to the Senate for consideration. WASHINGTON: Legislation authored by Democrat Eileen Cody to allow health insurance consumers the opportunity to purchase health insurance across state lines failed to gain traction in the legislature, despite support from the small business community and an endorsement from the chair of the health committee.Although some regional insurance carriers had expressed concerns, the main opposition came from chiropractors and mental health providers who believed that provider protection laws would be uncut by the legislation. Resources Transforming Health Care in America America's Health Insurance Plans Insurance Available Online

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Save the Smartest Way Possible

The annual "America Saves Week," an event organized by more than a hundred organizations to encourage consumers to sock money away, wrapped up at the end of February. It's not having a huge effect, at least according to the latest numbers -- the January personal savings rate fell to 3.3 percent from 4.2 percent in December, the lowest rate in 15 months, the Commerce Department reported this week.

If savings behavior isn't changing, consumer attitudes may be. A recent Gallup poll found 62 percent of Americans say they enjoy saving more than spending, while 35 percent reported the reverse. Back in 2006, respondents were split about 50-50 on the question. Moreover, 57 percent say they are spending less money in recent months than they used to, up from 50 percent last July. Among the newly frugal, 38 percent say this spending pattern is the "new normal," while 19 percent say the budget cuts are temporary

The poll didn't examine how people are saving, but the latte-by-latte route is being challenged by some. "If you look at the things you spend the most money on, that's where you can save the most money," says Elisabeth Leamy, author of the new book "Save Big" and a "Good Morning America" consumer correspondent.

Leamy offers a hundred ways to save thousands of dollars on five top costs -- homes, cars, credit, food and health care. She argues that it's easier to squeeze money out of the big stuff than to pinch pennies. "I would rather focus ferociously on getting rid of junk closing costs when I buy a house or do the research every few years when I need to buy a car, than scrimping and struggling to save every day," she says.

The book offers step-by-step instructions to minimize closing costs on a house, negotiate the price of uncovered medical procedures and save on auto insurance, among other tips. Some suggestions are straightforward. You can save $9 a month by keeping your tires properly inflated, or save tens of thousands by buying a used car and paying cash rather than financing. (Been there, done that, it works; the only exception was the Kia we bought during the Cash for Clunkers program.)

Wiser Use

For consumers whose finances aren't particularly complicated, Leamy is a big advocate of pre-paying your mortgage. For example, suppose you take out a $200,000 mortgage for 30 years at 6.5 percent interest. The monthly payment is $1,264.14. Let's say you can afford to round up your monthly payment to $1,300, paying an extra $35.86 a month. You'll save $23,900 over the life of the loan.

But for me, this is the trickiest part of personal finance. There are multiple goals crying out for that extra $35.86 -- a fund for emergencies, college, retirement and those little expenses that make life worthwhile right now (like a vacation to Florida, especially if you lived on the East Coast this winter).

If you carry credit card debt, the best use of that $35.86 is paying down those cards as quickly as possible, because the high interest rate is dismantling your road to riches brick by brick. Three simple steps: 1) Take five minutes to call each card company and see if they'll lower your interest rate. 2) Make all your minimum payments on time and in full and shovel the extra $35.86 toward the highest interest-rate card. 3) When it's paid off, shift that minimum payment plus the extra $35.86 to the next card, and keep rolling until you are free of credit card debt. (Watch out for debt pay-down scams that charge you for that same advice.)

Next, I would allocate that $35.86 toward an emergency fund equal to three month's living expenses in a savings account. Personally, I keep my emergency fund in my checking account, because I get 3.5 percent interest on deposits up to $30,000 if I use my debit card 10 times a month. I know I can only spend the amount above my emergency fund "base." This works remarkably well if you're disciplined. (Rule of thumb: If you've had more than one overdraft charge this year, don't try this, because you don't have enough control of your finances to make it work.) First get a budget.

Now, let's assume you're free of revolving debt and have managed to save three month's living expenses. The next place I'd put the $35.86 is in a retirement account. If it grows at 5 percent for 40 years, you're looking at $32,864 (assuming a 2 percent rate of inflation). Click here for a method to compare the value of an extra mortgage payment to a 401(k) contribution.

Can We Have It All?

Frankly, I think you could make a good argument for splitting the $35.86 between a retirement fund and a vacation fund, because the days are long, life is short and all you take with you are memories.

Unless, of course, you have kids; then maybe you put one-third of the $35.86 to retirement, one-third to vacations and one-third to college. For instance, I used to make an extra mortgage payment but eventually allocated the money to my kids' 529 college savings plans. Why? Inflation on college tuition is running 7 percent. My returns over the last three years averaged 3 percent. The only way to reach our goal is to save more (and practice jump shots, on the outside chance the kids could ride a sports scholarship through college like their dad.)

Old-fashioned American optimism (and clever advertising) suggests we can have it all. Doing the math often demonstrates otherwise. At a certain point it comes down to making choices about the big things we want in life and setting goals to reach them, and then, as Leamy puts it, "buckle down and do the work."

It would be wonderful if America Saves Week inspires someone to skip a $3 latte and save the cash -- but even better if it gets people to think about what they really value, and use their money accordingly.

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Google's New Aardvark - Move aside Facebook

Afterlaunching Buzz last week, Google have continued on the social track by now acquiring social search service Aardvark.

The deal, rumoured to be worth around $50 million, could see Google use the social search engine as an answer to, well, Yahoo! Answers. Through IM, Twitter and e-mail, Aardvark lets you ask full-text questions and then takes your social connections and attempts to identify the best person within your network (or extended network - friends and family) who might be able to assist in giving that answer.

Here is how Wired explains the concept behind Aardvark:

Users who sign up give (Aard)Vark access to one of their social networks - Facebook, LinkedIn or the e-mails in their contact list. Users then say what things they are confident answering questions about (e.g. chess, cooking, country music). Vark then routes future questions - such as what's the best country band out of the south from the 1970s or where's a good sushi restaurant near Santa Monica - to the right person. A series of algorithms keeps tuning the targeting by watching if a user's answers are quick and useful, deciding whether their friends are also experts, and checking if a user is online or has been asked to answer too many questions recently.

The news was confirmed by Aardvark CEO (and ex-Googler) Max Ventilla who emailed TechCrunch with the following: "We can confirm that Google has signed a deal to acquire us but have no further comment."

So I'm afraid that's all the news we have so far folks, but if we hear anything more, we will be sure to let you know.

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Foreclosures and Short Sales - Which one would you like ?

Find Foreclosures Across the Country

Foreclosures: What Are They?

Foreclosure occurs when a bank repossesses a property because the owner fails to pay the mortgage. Foreclosure is not a quick process, however. Usually, foreclosure occurs when the homeowner, or borrower, misses several payments. This is called a default and starts the foreclosure process. Banks and homeowners have several options when faced with foreclosure. The home can be sold in a pre-foreclosure sale or short sale, can go to auction, or can be taken over by the financial institution and become a bank owned property (REO).

How Do Foreclosure Sales Work?

Pre-Foreclosure Sales

In a pre-foreclosure sale, a property may be bought from the homeowner of the financial institution holding the mortgage prior to the start of the foreclosure process. Generally, the seller is relieved of financial liability and the buyer is able to obtain a house at or below market value.

Auction

Some banks may place a foreclosed property into an auction to try and regain the lost amount on the defaulted property. The price for an auctioned house may begin at the outstanding amount of the mortgage, and any buyer of an auctioned property will often have to take possession of the property in an "as is" state.

REO (Bank Owned Property)

If the auction fails to attract any bids, the property may be assumed by the bank and become an REO property. If this happens, the bank will list the REO property with a brokerage, like RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, and attempt to sell the bank owned property as a normal real estate transaction. However, the bank may be willing to simple recoup the loss on the foreclosed loan.

How Can Buyers Benefit?

Buyers can obviously benefit from buying foreclosures at deep discounts off market value. Buyers may also look at foreclosed properties as investment opportunities. Buying a foreclosed property often means the buyer must be able to pay with cash and it is important that the buyer understand the local laws surrounding foreclosures and REOs. To find out more about Foreclosures, Pre-Foreclosures - visit http://www.robertjrussell.com

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Search the MLS!

Are you looking for a house?

Complete MLS Search Engine FREE to you. Get new listings emailed to you the day they go on the market. Ask me how to set this up for you.

http://www.ntreisinnovia.net/cgi-ntr/BR_login?0479382

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A Fresh Look at Financial Security

Tips for Sound Preparation in a Not-So-Sound Economy

We've seen a lot over the last few years. From the collapse of the housing market to large financial institutions closing their doors, our economy is going through unprecedented change. If this state of flux has you wondering about your financial future, we urge you to read on. A little insight and a lot of helpful advice await you.

Our Experts
Enter Terrence Meyer, Jr. and Ed Conarchy.

Meyer is a financial representative for the Strategic Financial Group, Northwestern Mutual, in Los Angeles.

He asserts that for Northwestern Mutual, the goal is not to find the hottest new product. Instead, the philosophy is one of long-term and conservative approach, something he ascribes to as well when he works with clients.

Ed Conarchy is a nineteen-year veteran of the mortgage industry outside the Chicago area. He is also the founder of National Advisors Network, a registered investment advisory firm, and part of the Mortgage Success Source Faculty. Wearing two hats allows Conarchy to give both mortgage and investment advice holistically, something he sees as the future of financial planning.

"As a mortgage planner I was constantly being asked about both," Conarchy explains. Considering the fact that mortgage advisors have access to client information such as income, credit score, taxes and assets, Conarchy felt it made sense to bridge the gap by earning his investment advisor credentials.

The State of the Economy
Over the last several years, people have seen that economic conditions, as well as the housing market, can change quickly.

When asked about his thoughts on rebuilding the economy, Meyer believes it would take a very long time. In his words, "The playing field has changed, and it's not done changing."

Conarchy agrees with Meyer's sentiment. Relating it to the subject of the housing crisis, he says the drop in home values and the overly large inventory of foreclosures are not going away overnight.

Meyer believes that more accountability and government scrutiny are sure to come, something he sees as being positive, but hopes will not have unintended negative effects. While he believes more stringent barriers need to be put in place in order to prevent this type of collapse from happening again, he says it would have to be done in a way that does not "crimp the engine that makes the economy go."

Conarchy feels that while a correction in the supply and demand of homes needs to take place, another necessary component to preventing any further collapse in the housing market is a change in how we view our mortgages and our homes.

"We've always been taught our home is one of our greatest investments," says Conarchy. "And the key to financial security was our ability to pay our mortgage down as quickly as possible." The problem, however, is that the paradigm for financial freedom has changed.

Mr. Conarchy says that while lenient loan requirements started the ball rolling with the housing crisis, what got many people in trouble was they bought too big of a house. According to Conarchy, the idea of buying a home with the intention of selling it at a higher price when the time calls is the equivalent of putting the majority of your money into one stock.

Unfortunately for many people, occurrences such as layoffs, injuries, or the inability to refinance an adjustable rate mortgage put them in a position where they could no longer afford their home. For any potential home buyer, Conarchy suggests they go into it, "Planning for the worst and hoping for the best."

Conarchy believes you should start by looking at a home as the place where you live, as opposed to the investment that is going to bring you financial freedom. Look for a home you can afford if times were to get tough, and at that point search for the best long-term loan you can find. After you purchase your home, concentrate less on paying off the mortgage and more on using any non-essential income for the following goals: saving for retirement, paying off high interest/non tax-deductible debt, creating a 12-month fixed-expense rainy day fund or investing into diversified investments that carry some form of liquidity.

Mr. Meyer believes there are two perspectives every family and business owner should focus on.

The first is offense, or the use of your income directed at financial goals such as buying a home, sending a child to college, and ensuring a comfortable retirement. The second is defense, which beckons the following question: in the event of injury, layoff, or premature death, what measures can you put in place to protect against the interruption of your financial goals? According to Meyer, not having adequate insurance coverage and retirement resources are examples of his point.

While these two methods should go hand in hand, Meyer says for many people it is difficult to strike the right balance and they become entangled. The role of a financial professional is to help clients untangle these priorities, understand their individual needs, and provide them with solutions in conjunction with sound principles and expert advice.

Speaking of the individual, we asked our experts about the financial concerns of their clients.

"It's all about trust," Meyer claims, referring to their trust in him and his company. People want to know that the company helping them achieve financial security will likely be there in the long haul when the need is realized.

Mr. Conarchy says for his clients during this recent downturn, "It's been all about going upside-down on their mortgage." But, he claims that type of worry only occurs when people view their home as an investment, rather than a residence. He urges us to think of our homes like we do our cars, choosing them for lifestyle and need, not as our investment accounts.

The way Meyer sees it, balancing your offense and defense is more important than ever before. It's all about taking personal responsibility for your financial security.

"The myth," Meyer says, "is many people think they will need less income at retirement. The reality is they would want to maintain their same lifestyle and often experience little change in expenditures."

Parting Advice
Meyer suggests meeting with an educated and experienced individual (or team) to do a needs analysis for your family or business. It is also important to work with a strong company and do your research on financial strength.

The key here is to start and take action. Review your goals periodically and stay vigilant about your preparation. The objective is to remove the emotion from your financial decision making. In doing so, you are taking a step forward to securing your financial security.

Conarchy urges people to not give away their liquidity by prepaying their mortgage. Instead of focusing on debt elimination, turn your efforts toward wealth accumulation, but without trying to predict the future of the market.

"Manage your mortgage," says Conarchy. Make sure you have a competitive rate and that you are paying it on time. Don't think of your mortgage as the lump sum bank debt. Rather, think of it as a monthly bill. In terms of refinancing, pay attention to the net monthly after-tax savings in relation to what the refi will cost and how long it will take to break even. If the refi can pay for itself in less than one year then it's a good deal.

Conarchy wrapped things up by stating you should have one major goal with your personal finance - obtaining financial security. This he says has nothing to do with not having a mortgage payment. If you can't sell your home or get money out of it when you need to then what good is it? "I'd much rather have a big mortgage and a big bank account than no mortgage and nothing in my bank account," he claims.

"Our parents didn't have investing tools like IRAs, 401Ks and 529s like we do," says Conarchy. All they knew was to use their house as an investment, so paying it off made sense. He points out that the rules have changed, but somehow the mantra didn't. "Always remember," he says, "Banks will never loan you money when you really need it."

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Cup of Coffee Pork Roast

Recipe For January!

It's a cup of joe -- as in java -- that brings this poignant pork roast to life. To say it's brewing in goodness would be an understatement.

Main Ingredient

Pork

Cooking Method

Sautée Bake

Difficulty

Easy

Course/Dish

Meat

Makes

6-8 servings

1 Cup of Coffee Pork Roast

Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, 17 February 2008

It's a cup of joe -- as in java -- that brings this poignant pork roast to life. To say it's brewing in goodness would be an understatement.

Ingredients

3 lb. pork roast, trimmed of fat
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 cup coffee
2 bay leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 onions, sliced
Additional coffee and soy sauce as needed

Methods/steps

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over high heat, and then sear meat on both sides. In a large roasting pan, combine one onion and remaining ingredients. Transfer browned meat to roasting pan and top with second onion.
3. Cover and bake 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Baste every hour with juices. If liquid begins to boil away, add more coffee or soy sauce as needed. Use pan juices to make gravy. Use no salt.

Additional Tips

Ready in 4 hours

For more information about Food - Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com - you won't find any recipes on this site - but I think you might like it!

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How do you Motivate Yourself ?

A long time ago, my exercise routine consisted of walking daily. I felt that my body was ready to kick it up a notch. The gym was suggested to me. I wasn't crazy about it initially, but decided to give a try. I realized after a couple of visits that I actually liked it.

I knew that one of my initial challenges would be to commit going to the gym regularly. How would I go about doing this? I knew that I wanted to motivate myself … or perhaps coach myself. So I defined goals and incentives (e.g. rewards) for achieving those goals. For instance, one reward was that for each week I would go the gym, I would purchase songs from iTunes. Listening to the new songs on my iPod, while exercising, not only felt great, but also motivated me to continue my exercise commitment.

What are some ways that you motivate yourself? I would be interested to get your feedback, thanks.

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Government health insurance option appears doomed

WASHINGTON - Senior House Democrats have largely abandoned hopes of including a government-run insurance option in the final compromise health care bill taking shape, according to several officials, and are pushing for other measures to rein in private insurers.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other senior Democrats told President Barack Obama in recent meetings they want the legislation to strip the insurance industry of a long-standing exemption from federal antitrust laws, officials said. That provision is in the House-passed measure, but was omitted from the bill that the Senate passed on Christmas Eve.

They also want the final measure to include a House-passed proposal for a nationwide insurance exchange, to be regulated by the federal government, where consumers could shop for private coverage. The Senate bill calls for a state-based system of exchanges.

Additionally, House Democrats want to require insurers to spend a minimum amount of premium income on benefits, thereby limiting what is available for salaries, bonuses, advertising and other items. The House bill sets the floor at 85 percent; the Senate-passed measure lowers it to 80 percent for policies sold to small groups and individuals.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations are private.

The maneuvering comes as the White House and majority Democrats intensify efforts to agree on a final measure, possibly before Obama delivers his State of the Union address late this month or early in February.Government intervention into the insurance market is one of the most contentious issues to be settled. Others include the fate of a Senate-passed tax on high-cost insurance plans, bitterly opposed by some labor unions; the extent to which abortions could be covered by insurance to be sold in the new exchanges; and the amount of money available to help lower-income families purchase coverage.

Liberals long have pressed to include a government-run insurance option in the legislation, arguing it would create competition for private companies and place a brake on costs.

House Democrats included it in their legislation. In the Senate, it drew opposition from Democratic moderates whose votes are essential to the bill's fate. Even attempts to include an expansion of Medicare for uninsured individuals as young as age 55 - widely viewed as a face-saving proposal for liberals - had to be jettisoned.

Given the opposition in the Senate, Pelosi, D-Calif., signaled late last year she did not view a public option as a requirement for a final compromise. Asked in an interview Dec. 16 whether she could support legislation without it, she said, "It depends what else is in the bill."

More recently, she listed her goals for a House-Senate compromise without mentioning the provision she long has backed.

"We are optimistic that there is much that we have in common in both of our bills and that we will resolve or reconcile this legislation in a way that is a triple A rating: affordability for the middle class, accountability for the insurance companies, and accessibility to many more people in our country to quality, affordable health care," she said.

While Obama favors a government option, he has said repeatedly it is only a small part of his overall effort to remake the health care system, and is not essential.

Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., have expressed optimism about chances for a swift agreement, but there appears to be relatively little maneuvering room. That is particularly true in the Senate, where 60 votes will be needed to overcome a Republican filibuster, and any change carries the risk of alienating a Democrat whose vote is crucial.

The bill's future is further complicated by a scheduled Jan. 19 election in Massachusetts. Some polls show Democrat Martha Coakley in a closer-than-expected race against Republican Scott Brown and an independent contender. The winner will replace Sen. Paul Kirk, who became the 60th member of the Democratic caucus when he was named to his seat as successor to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.A Republican upset would deprive Democrats of their 60th vote.

Some House Democrats say the proposed government insurance option remains alive, although they speak publicly of its possible demise as long as insurance companies aren't let off the hook.

California Rep. Xavier Becerra, who's on the leadership team, said House members would only be willing to abandon the public plan if they were certain the final bill achieves the goals they want, as Pelosi described.

"We're willing to give up what's good for America as long as we get something good back," he said.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, also a member of the leadership, agreed.

"I think the House is very much of a view that before they'd consider dropping the public option" they have to be assured of a bill that achieves the goals they wanted the public option to meet.

But officials said little if any time has been spent in White House meetings on the issue, and there was scant discussion of it during a conference call for members of the Democratic rank and file earlier this week.

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent David Espo, Ap Special Correspondent

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Start your own Social Network

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Obama backs high-end health plan tax

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama signaled to House Democratic leaders Wednesday that they'll have to drop their opposition to taxing high-end health insurance plans to pay for health coverage for millions of uninsured Americans.

In a meeting at the White House, Obama expressed his preference for the insurance tax contained in the Senate's health overhaul bill, but largely opposed by House Democrats and organized labor, Democratic aides said. The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private.

House Democrats want to raise income taxes on high-income individuals instead and are reluctant to abandon that approach, while recognizing that they will likely have to bend on that and other issues so that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., can maintain his fragile 60-vote majority support for the bill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and four committee chairmen met with the president Wednesday as they scrambled to resolve differences between sweeping bills passed by the House and Senate. The aim is to finalize legislation revamping the nation's health care system in time for Obama's State of the Union address early next month.

Despite the dispute over the payment approach, Pelosi, D-Calif., emerged from the meeting expressing optimism.

"We've had a very intense couple of days," Pelosi said. "After our leadership meeting this morning, our staff engaged with the Senate and the administration staff to review the legislation, suggest legislative language. I think we're very close to reconciliation."

Congressional staff members stayed at the White House into the evening to continue work, and a conference call of the full House Democratic caucus was scheduled for Thursday. Obama is taking a more direct role than ever, convening Oval Office meetings Tuesday and Wednesday of House Democratic leaders.

The House and Senate bills are alike in many ways. Both impose first-time requirements for almost all Americans to purchase health insurance, providing subsidies for lower- and middle-income people to help them do so, though the subsidies in the House bill are more generous. Both establish new marketplaces called exchanges where people can go to shop for and compare healthinsurance plans. Both would ban unpopular insurance company practices including denying coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions.

Differences include whom to tax, how many people to cover, how to restrict taxpayer funding for abortion and whether illegal immigrants should be allowed to buy coverage in the new markets with their own money. The House bill covers about 36 million uninsured Americans over 10 years, costing more than $1 trillion, while the cheaper Senate bill covers about 31 million.

House Democrats are steeling themselves to abandon establishment of a new government insurance plan opposed by moderates in the Senate, but in return hope to get the Senate to rescind insurers' antitrust exemption, make subsidies more affordable and agree to establishment of national rather than state health insurance exchanges, among other things. Obama has signaled his support for the House position on the subsidies and other areas, aides said.

The difference in how the bills are paid for is emerging as among the toughest disputes.

The House wants to increase income taxes on individuals making more than $500,000 and couples over $1 million, which would raise $460 billion over 10 years to pay for the bill. The Senate wants to tax insurance companies on plans valued at over $8,500 for individuals and $23,000 for couples, raising $150 billion. Most analysts say the insurance tax would be passed on to consumers, and organized labor is strongly opposed, as are House Democrats, some of whom contend that the tax would violate Obama's campaign pledge not to tax the middle class.

"We did in our house bill something that protects middle class Americans from having to pay more for health insurance," Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., a member of the House leadership, said Wednesday. "So far we want to stay to that principle."

House members "have been very clear on that issue and working with the president to stick to what he said when he was campaigning for president, we're trying to make sure this does not affect middle class Americans," Becerra said.

Obama has defended the tax as a way to drive down health costs.

"I'm on record as saying that taxing Cadillac plans that don't make people healthier but just take more money out of their pockets because they're paying more for insurance than they need to, that's actually a good idea, and that helps bend the cost curve," the president said in an interview with National Public Radio just before Christmas. "That helps to reduce the cost of health care over the long term. I think that's a smart thing to do."

In the end the House likely will have to accept the insurance plan tax at some level - say starting with plans valued at $25,000 or more, with carve-outs for certain union professions - but it might not happen without a fight.

A provision in the Senate bill to increase the Medicare payroll tax on high-earners could provide some middle ground, although that measure would raise only $87 billion over a decade.

By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Write

(This version CORRECTS that Obama's State of the Union address to be early next month.)

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Avoid Home Damage from Frozen Pipes

Texas Department of Insurance

AUSTIN - Texas weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your house. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple measures to protect your home.

Before the Freeze

·Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam.

·Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.

·Cover any vents around your home's foundation.

·Drain and store water hoses indoors.

·Protect outdoor electrical pumps.

·Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)

·Drain water sprinkler supply lines.

·Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.

·Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you're gone for the day or away for an extended period.

·Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.

·Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.

·If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.

·If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

If Your Pipes Freeze

·If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or if it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

·If the pipe hasn't burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

·Don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

If You Have a Loss

·Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas ' prompt-payment law.

·Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.

·Home owner's policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

·Most home owner's policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

* Visit http://www.robertjrussell.com for any Real Estate related questions

* Visit http://www.InsurancePricedRight.com for any Insurance related questions.

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