Denials

Rejections Increase as Policy Prohibition Nears

Individual rejection rates for pre-existing conditions continued to reach toward one-in-four who apply

August 21, 2009 -- It’s a foregone conclusion these days that if any healthcare reform bill passes Congress this year it will end the practice of rejecting individuals for health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Until then, insurers are continuing to reject as usual. Read More >>

Pound Wise and Penny Foolish

Personal experience shows that short-sighted insurance denials cost more in the end.

Healthcare reform seems to be on everyone’s mind. There is a definite need to push through the morass and work toward real healthcare reform. The “fluff” or “pie in the sky” statements may sound wonderful as they flash across our television screens, but they really mean nothing. It’s time for action, not just posing for the media. Read More >>

Refused Service: One in Five Rejected

Thousands of Oregonians denied coverage have little if any recourse other than paying more

April 6, 2009 -- A growing number of Oregonians are discovering the cold hard facts about individual health insurance. For starters, it’s not guaranteed. Consistent with years past, one in five Oregonians who applied for coverage in 2008 were rejected for pre-existing conditions. Read More >>

Cancer Debt: The Hidden Costs Beyond Health Insurance

Hospital bills leave Susan Braig $40,000 in debt. And she had insurance

Originally on NPR Morning Edition

April 2, 2009 -- Having health insurance is no guarantee that cancer won't bankrupt you. Even people with insurance can run up large debts for cancer care, according to a new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Women Pay the Price for Health Insurance

A look inside health insurance underwriting reveals women pay more.

Originally on NPR's Morning Edition

April 2, 2009 -- During the last economic bust, I got laid off and couldn't afford the monthly COBRA payments for my health insurance. I applied for an individual plan through Blue Cross.

AMA Lawsuits Shine Light on Healthcare Spending

Another AMA lawsuit over out-of-network charges puts the bigger problem in focus

Originally at Miller-McCune.com
March 26, 2009 -- The mainstream media dog-piled yesterday onto a story about the most recent lawsuit filed by the American Medical Association and other medical societies that accuses another insurance company — this time WellPoint, the nation's largest — of price-fixing.

Our Mission

The Lund Report keeps its radar focused on Oregon’s healthcare industry. Our goal is to empower consumers. We believe an informed public can create a more accountable and transparent system.

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