insurance-Houston, Texas Auto Insurance – What You Need To Know

So you are looking around for Houston auto insurance. What should you know? In this report I discuss 7 ways you can save money on your auto insurance policy.

Rule One: Your Texas homeowners and auto insurance are not with the same agent!

Are you inured with a homeowners insurance in Houston or rental property insurance policy? Yes, is it packaged with your Houston auto insurance? No, well than you are missing out on the discounts available when you package your insurance.

Most agents who sell Houston auto insurance, additionally look to package their clients Texas home insurance or renters insurance together. Packaging your home and auto together provides you with additional discounts up to 25%.

Ask your agent about packaged policy savings.

Rule Two: Keep a clean driving record

There is no mystery that an individual with a healthier driving record, will pay a lower car insurance premium.

A lot of auto agencies are in fact a group of numerous insurance companies, individually catering to a specific type of client. Bad drivers may fit better in one company, good drivers in another, but the bulk of the population fall in the companies between. These people pay a lower premium than bad operators, but a higher premium than excellent operators.

Even though average drivers might have driving records as good as those insured with the lowest rates, They still pay a higher premium. Why?

This is commonly due to the buyer being uninformed. If you maintain a flawless vehicle record, why should you pay more than you need to. Make sure your agent is helping you take advantage of all the available discounts offered.

Rule Three: Glamorous Vehicles Equal Higher Premiums

The car you choose to drive can greatly affect your auto insurance premium

Is the car type a green light for criminals? Does it cost more to fix your car?

If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, you may be paying a higher than average premium for your Houston auto insurance policies cover.

Rule Four: Increase your deductible amount:

Your deductible amount is the cost you are responsible to pay before the insurance company takes care of the rest. Here is an example, an insured is covered with a 0 deductible and the insured has a wreck where their car suffers ,500 in damage, the insured will first pay 0 followed by your insurance company paying the remaining, ,000. The smaller your deductible amount, the greater premium you will pay.

Depending on your accident frequency, it may be beneficial to you to increase your deductible and pay a lower premium every year.

Rule Five: Get rid of unnecessary coverages

Maybe you drive a dated car, with very little worth. You probably do not need collision and comprehensive coverages.

If the value of your car is below ,000 there is no reason to choose comprehensive and collision coverage. What is the value of your car? Ask your auto dealer or look it up on Kelly Bluebook.

Rule Six: Be sure you take advantage of all the available discounts

Texas car insurance carriers offer many additional savings discounts.

Automatic seat beats Air bags Anti-lock brakes Alarms and theft devices Good student Rule Seven: Good credit scores can play a major factor

Do you have a better credit score than accident record? A high credit score may save you a lot of money with some insurance companies.

High or low credit scores may play a major role in shaping auto insurance premium. Good credit scores may provide you with additional discounts while a poor credit score could raise your premium greatly depending on the company. If your credit score improves after you purchase an auto insurance policy, makes sure you let your agent know so you can take advantage of the discounts applied to good credit.

Despite your credit score, speak with your agent and be sure you are with a company that best fits your auto insurance needs.

Learn more about Houston auto insurance online or request a free online auto insurance quote.

At Insurance Over Texas, we take a personal interest in our customers. We like to share information that comes to help you protect yourself and your family from financial loss. If you have any questions, regarding this information or your current insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to give me a call, shoot me an Email, or Ask a Texas insurance question online

business-Maximize Your Credit Card Services with Small Business Loans

Since June 15, 2009, the United States Small Business Administration has been processing deferred payment small business loans of as much as ,000 to be given out to 10,000 small businesses. This is covered by the SBA’s America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) Loan Program.

To qualify, companies should be private enterprises that are for-profit. They should have up to five hundred employees only and should be at least two years old. Furthermore, they should be able to prove financial need with a twenty percent decrease in sales, revenue or working capital. On the other hand, they should be able to prove that one of their two years in business has been profitable, and that with the infusion of cash they will be able to meet their existing and future debt obligations. This means positive cash flow projections. The ARC small business loans are intended to be used to pay outstanding debt such as payables to vendors.

For this batch of small business loans, there are no fees or costs involved, except if the borrower defaults on the loan later. In that case the SBA-approved lender can charge costs for securing and liquidating collateral.

The ARC small business loans also do not charge interest. Actually, the SBA pays the interest for the borrowers. Disbursement of the loan can take as much as six months but payment of the principal is also deferred for the next 12 months. After that, the borrower has five years to repay the loan principal.

Each small business can only avail of one ARC loan. SBA-approved lenders will offer the loans until September 30, 2010 or until available funds run out, whichever comes first.

There are, however, an estimated 30 million small businesses in the United States and only 10,000 of them can avail of the government’s small business loans. What if you do not happen to be among the 10,000 lucky recipients? How will your small business survive?

There are even doubts being raised on whether as much as 10,000 businesses can indeed avail of the ARC loans. There are fears that there may not be enough lenders willing or able to participate in the program. Lenders will have to advance the full amount of the loan, will not receive payment on principal for a full year, and will not be able to charge any fees, thereby absorbing all administrative costs. This may be too steep for many lenders. They may not be able to afford to participate at all.

This is where you as a small business owner can and should maximize your credit card services. We are not talking about your personal credit card services here. Instead, we are referring to the merchant services that enable your small business to receive credit card  and debit card payments. Surely, any business these days avails of these types of credit card services. After all, more people pay by credit card or debit card rather than cash.

Most credit card services offer small business cash advances that can be as substantial as small business loans. These small business loans do not require any collateral because they are secured by your company’s future credit card receivables. This is even more convenient for your business because repayment is also built into those receivables. Credit card services automatically deduct a percentage from your income to go toward loan repayment. For as long as you have incoming sales, you can support your loan. Interest rates are often quite affordable considering how the loan can help your business.

Small businesses should therefore look into maximizing these credit card services for small business loans. The survival of your business could hinge on this.

insurance-Ways of finding cheap insurance

Top Ways to Change Your Current Car Insurance into Cheap Insurance:

Get Theft Devices: Most new cars have theft devices. Some are automatic and some have to be started at the touch of a button, but all usually get discounts on car insurance. Also, some states provide extra discounts for such things as window sketching.   Ask for a Multiple Car Discount: Did you know sometimes insuring two cars can be the same price as insuring one? If not the same price, insuring another car usually does not cost as much as you may think. If you have two cars, it is very wise to check with your insurance agent, or while obtaining your online insurance quote, to make sure you can get this discount on your car insurance. Also, if you are planning to sell a second car, the cheap car insurance trick would be to keep that car on just liability to get your multiple car discount.

Sometimes people are surprised when they call their car insurance company to take a car off of their insurance, only to find that their price did not go down but possibly increased!   Stick With Yearly Policies: Choosing a yearly policy can extend your savings on your car insurance. Purchasing a yearly policy instead of a six month policy gives you a rate that cannot be changed for one year vs. changing every six months.

Look Into Comprehensive Storage Coverage: If you are planning to store your car for any period of time, you can save on your car insurance by only keeping comprehensive coverage during the storage time. Since the car would be stored, it is very unlikely it will get in a collision or need the liability coverage.   Re-Check Your Mileage: This is a great way to get cheap car insurance: If you are really close to the “miles to work” break-off, you may want to check your mileage closely. When your car insurance company or insurance agent asks you “How many miles do you drive to work one way?” this is a crucial question that will designate you into a particular class.

Each class can have significant differences in prices.   Look for a Group Discount: Many companies offer a discount on car insurance for being affiliated with certain organizations. These can range from credit unions, college sororities, or just having a certain credit card. Call your service center and ask them for a list of organization affiliations.   Lower Liability, Comprehensive, Collision, or Medical Payments Coverages: Of course, you can lower your basic coverages but it may just give you the cheap insurance you need right no!. Comprehensive and collision are probably the first to look at lowering by increasing your deductibles on your car insurance. Most vehicles that are on bank loans can have up to a 00 deductible.

Next, lowering your liability and medical payments could help, but only if you are having a hard time paying for your premium and is not recommended for general savings.   Make EFT Payments: Many car insurance companies are now charging up to .00 or more for mail payments, but sometimes nothing if you choose to have payments automatically deducted. And, sometimes the deductions can come from your credit card, so you don’t have to worry if the money will be in your bank account when payment time comes.

Visit us for you cheap car insurance quote at insurance matter UK

credit report-Free annual credit report , Free credit report, Annual Credit Report, Credit Report

Free Annual Credit Report

What is Free Annual Credit Report Today?
Site created to provide the three major credit reporting agencies of the United States for free annual credit reports, as required by federal law.

A new law requires that commercial Web sites offer free credit reports a box to let you know, you can get a free credit report to include www.FreeAnnualCreditReportToday.com say. Click on the link to www. Free Annual Credit Report Today.com, the only place you use the free report that is the law.

Many companies claim to offer free credit reports – and some do. But others will give a report only if you buy products or services. Others say they will give you a “free” reports, and then charge for services you have to cancel. If you go www. Free Annual Credit Report Today.com and follow the instructions for your free credit report, you can be sure that the reports you get are truly free.
How do I request my free annual credit report today?

You can request free report online, by phone or mail. Visit Free Annual Credit Report Today.com, or complete the Free Annual Credit Report Today Request Form and send it to the Free Annual Credit Report Today request service. No matter how you request your report, you have the opportunity to request all three reports at once or to order a report at a time. separately with the request for reports, you can monitor your credit card more frequently during the year.

For more information ;

When you order your free annual credit report here, you will begin your free trial membership in Triple Advantage? Credit Monitoring. If you do not cancel your membership within the trial period of 7 days, there will be $ 10 for each month that you continue to put your membership account. Free Annua lCredit Report Today. com and are not enrolled in the program’s annual free credit report. Under a new federal law, you have the right to obtain a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from each of the three national consumer society reference. To request your free annual report under that law, you have to go www. free annual credit report today.com. Appreciated very much for your good attention.

A Smart Investment for a Small Business: Inventory Software

For any small business, inventory software is a recommendable upgrade for those interested in providing efficient, professional service. While it does provide an accurate, up-to-date inventory system, it also offers an extra function.

For most businesses, archiving customer details such as names, addresses, contact numbers, purchases and orders on hold allow for a more personal touch. Customers will feel more at ease with a business that remembers and shows care for them. With this software, information can be brought up at the click of a button.

With this upgrade in a small business’s system, there is no need to scour papers for an updated tally and sales list or dig up profile sheets that wear and tear easily. That cuts down on time wasted while a customer is waiting. Utilizing the right software lowers the possibility and mess of human error and provides employees convenience and confidence.

It is professionalism that begets customer satisfaction and happiness. It is sure to bring any shop an improved reputation and more customers eager to do business with them.

STORIS is a company that provides multi-functional programs for a variety of types of businesses. They provide even small business inventory software specific to all needs, providing functions such as logistics, point of sale functions, and accounts receivables and payable. Learning to use it is easy, with its intuitive interface that needs nosrofessional to master.

business-Business etiquette or that important to know

Your business card in the first place, is you. First impressions mean a lot. This is the first step toward cooperation, and it is important to leave a favorable impression.Business card in this could help you. Its peculiarity is that it works for you, even when the meeting is over. You left a business card: it is not just information about you and your work is your mini-advertisement. Will this advertising successful? A positive answer to this question can be expected only if the design and execution of their business cards you have paid sufficient attention.

A good business card will tell you, and as a person and as a business partner. A very good card can play an indispensable role in your business.

Some time later a business partner can not remember what it looks like it is you, but your business card, presented to competently and interestingly decorated, will be able to remind him of the result of your meeting. The appearance and content of good business cards are the goals of communication. This is important: the type of paper (its thickness, color, texture), size (you can retreat from the traditional size for the expression of individuality), the various treatment options (stamping, notching the edge) and interesting graphic ideas.

The name and telephone number, of course, can be written on a piece of paper, which certainly exists in your bag or on the table – this is also visiting card. But this is a bad card. Primitive, uninteresting, unfriendly. This business card is like an outcast, a person with whom to communicate unpleasant. It is unlikely that it will take place in the expected business card partner. In all of the information that has a business card, the first place is designed – no details of the company or person, but a way of supplying them.http://www.printox.com/ target=blank>Business Card

Most often in business situations, we encounter the so-called standard business card: standard size paper, the typical placement. This is a card of a man who, having paid their money, got opposite of what would have been expected. In the original, interesting card. But more on this later.

In the mass of similar cards to find the necessary hard, because they are deprived of superior quality, which it must possess: the ability to stand out. Leaving a typical business card, you can expect only a typical reaction: forget about you, and the card in the best case would be lost in a series of similar, at worst – it generally will not be stored.

credit report-Why is credit report monitoring essential?

The credit report of a person says a lot about him. It tells whether or not he has made timely payments of his home mortgage or personal loan or if he has defaulted on his credit card payments. It even informs if the person has suffered from bankruptcy in the past or if he is at verge of facing the same very soon. In addition to revealing the credit worthiness of the person, the credit report lists important details about him, including his social security number, personal details, credit card details, and loan details.

As the credit report is used by banks, credit card companies, and even employers to assess the financial viability of loan applicant and interested job candidate, it is essential to carry credit report monitoring on a regular basis. Credit report monitoring allows one to know if there is any incorrect information in one’s credit report that might affect one’s credit score and credit standing in the eyes of prospective, future lenders and employers.

Because a person’s credit file changes from time to time and the credit reporting agency gathers information from several sources, there are chances that some incorrect information can be included. However, through timely and consistent credit report monitoring one can effectively deal with the inaccuracies and incorrect entries in the credit report and save oneself from the consequences of faulty credit report.

Also, by virtue of credit report monitoring, one can achieve a good credit score. Even the slightest mistake in credit report data entry can tarnish a person’s otherwise immaculate credit report and rating and hamper his prospects of getting credit help in future.

There are lot of credit report companies and agencies that let interested individuals enjoy access to free credit monitoring. One such company is KMCS. It is a leading credit reporting agency in the UK that offers free credit score report and free credit report monitoring. You may visit them at www.knowmycreditscore.co.uk and enjoy credit report monitoring to assure yourself of accurate and stable credit report and sound credit score. KMCS also offers expert credit report monitoring service and tips and tools to help you understand your credit. Visit the website today to get free credit report and to monitor credit report. Making sure that you have good credit is a great way to keep you in line with all your finances.

insurance-Affordable DUI Insurance Coverage for High Risk Drivers

Signing up for a California car insurance plan is a wise decision since it is the Law and the rate of auto accidents is rising everyday. There are many types of car insurance available to assist every situation. One such coverage is DUI insurance that is great for those drivers that have gotten a DUI (driving under influence) ticket. Because insurance provides many advantages it’s a necessity to have coverage for every person that owns a car of some type. The first step prior to you buying an insurance policy it’s recommended that you talk to an agent on this field.

Agents who are experts in the area of DUI insurance policies will assist you to understand all its benefits and drawbacks. In addition an insurance agent will help you select the right policy at the best price based on your driving history. There are many insurance carriers that provide these types of insurance coverages to drivers at affordable premium rates. However prior to your purchase it’s recommended that you have a thorough understanding of the insurance carrier from whom you are buying the insurance policy from.

It is important because if you ever run into this type situation where you require the insurance funds to cover the damages and your insurer happens to be a fake then you’ll face a lot of problems. The most important feature about a DUI insurance policy is that when you’ve this coverage, the court allows you to drive even if your driver’s license has been suspended.

The DUI insurance policy is apt for people that are regarded as risky drivers. Because these people have a very bad driving record a lot of the insurance companies will offer them this policy with very high rates. The only choice for these risky drivers is to choose a high-risk driver insurance policy with cheap premium rates. There are many insurance companies that offer this type with affordable rates; you just need to know the right place to look for it. The first place to look for this policy may be the insurance carrier you’re already working with.

Because the insurance carrier has worked with you previously, they might not have many problems in providing you the high-risk driver insurance with cheap rates. If they’re not able to take the risk then you could look for a right insurance carrier on the web. In current times, web is the most useful source for any type of information. Here, you’ll find many insurance carrier websites that are able to give you the high-risk driver insurance at cheap rates.

However, don’t make the mistake of choosing the 1st high-risk driver insurance carrier you find on the web. Initially gather all the details about these insurance companies and the quotes that they are offering. Compare each of the quotes then choose the high-risk driver insurance policy which you feel would be most suitable for you. Looking for an insurance policy this way might help you find a policy with such cheap rates that you had never imagined.

business-Internet Marketing Business

Internet marketing business is so hot now a days, cause it is very easy to start if you know what you have to do actually. The interesting thing is you don’t have to invest anything to start an internet marketing business. As there are many shapes of internet marketing business. Like you can have Adsense as an internet marketing business, Affiliate internet marketing business, Email internet marketing business and so on.

Who Can Start An Internet Marketing Business?

Anybody can start an internet marketing business, if he has a little knowledge of computer. I will say everybody who has a job even he/she has to have an internet marketing business as a part time work for an extra earning. Because in this financial cricis situation, it is helping many of the persons to run their families. Even the persons who don’t have jobs, are earning handsome from the comfort of their home with it and are working for their online business for full time. It even don’t require your whole day to work for it, you will be working for few hours a day for your internet marketing business and it will run for you automatically 24 hours and 7 days a week without any rest to produce money for you all time.

How To Start An Internet Marketing Business?

It is so easy to start an internet marketing business. As there are many opportunities to make money online from the comfort of your home. You just need to decide for which internet marketing business you want to work for yourself. Then you need to register a website, which will be running all time to produce money for you. It requires only a few dollar to register your website domain name and a hosting account from where it will be online all time. That’s it.

How Much Money Can Be Made With An Internet Marketing Business?

See, it depdends on you how hard work you do for your internet marketing business. Actually in the start you will need to work hard, because you will be in learning process. So, as soon as you will learn and master it, everything will be easy for you and will be enjoying making money in no time. As people are making millions with their internet marketing business. You will also be able to earn handsome, just learn the depth and apply that knowledge and never ever give up to be successful with your internet marketing business.

insurance-Health insurance quotes care reform weekly

States with Republican governors kept up the pressure last week on Washington to give the states greater control over health care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Twenty-one Republican governors sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking for greater authority over some provisions of health reform, including the ability to define “essential” health benefits and set minimum criteria for participating in insurance exchanges. They threatened not to run their own state-based exchanges if HHS does not act on their requests. Sebelius quickly responded with her own letter in which she reviewed the various options states have to reduce costs in their Medicaid programs, and she indicated she is continuing to review what authority she may have to “waive the maintenance of effort under current law.” Senate bills have already been introduced to address the role of the states in health care reform, which is sure to keep the issue on the front burner. Visit Easy To Insure ME for more info

Federal

The House Committee on Ways & Means held a hearing last week on “The Health Care Law’s Impact on Medicare and Its Beneficiaries,” featuring testimony from CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, M.D., and CMS Chief Actuary Richard Foster. Berwick testified that the PPACA has had a positive impact on Medicare beneficiaries, noting that beneficiaries now have first-dollar coverage of key preventive benefits, additional assistance with prescription drug costs, and an annual wellness visit with the physician of their choice. In response to concerns noted by several committee members about the impact of funding cuts on Medicare Advantage, Berwick indicated that Medicare Advantage enrollment increased by 6 percent from 2010 to 2011. He suggested that the program is healthy and offers robust choices. Foster’s testimony reiterated his prior projection that the PPACA will cause Medicare Advantage enrollment to decline by about 50 percent by 2017 — from a projected 14.5 million under the pre-PPACA law to 7.3 million under the new law.  His testimony further explained that Medicare Advantage enrollees will experience “a large increase in out-of-pocket costs” and “less generous benefit packages” because PPACA will reduce rebates to Medicare Advantage plans, with the reduction in rebates reaching ,500 per beneficiary by 2019.

The Administration last week issued favorable guidance with respect to student health coverage that will result in little disruption, if any, to this business until at least the 2012-2013 academic year. This guidance was announced in a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (rather than as an interim final regulation), which fortunately means that the rule is not effective immediately as has been the case with most regulations relating to PPACA reforms. The proposed student health rule would create a special class of individual coverage for student health pursuant to a set of factors, e.g., written contract between school and insurer, coverage only for students and dependents, health status may not be used as a condition of eligibility.  As Aetna has advocated, the impact would be delayed, as the rule (whenever finalized) would not be effective until policy years beginning on or after January 2012. Until then, student health is not subject to PPACA reforms.  And, when effective, student health would be excepted from the current guaranteed issue and renewability provisions of PPACA.  While it will be unclear for a while whether and how student health will be subject to the medical loss ratio (MLR) provisions of PPACA, we are encouraged by the fact that the proposed rule invites comments on whether student health should receive some sort of special accommodation (akin to the special rule for limited benefit plans) with respect to MLR, owing to the unique characteristics of the student health market.

States

ARIZONA:  The industry-supported exchange bill was introduced last week under the sponsorship of the House Health Committee Chairman and the respective chairmen of the House and Senate Banking and Insurance Committees. The bill provides for a market-based mechanism; governance by a board with insurer representation; no dual regulation; and a conditional repeal provision. The first hearing will be held this week. In other news, Governor Jan Brewer appointed Don Hughes, former AHIP retained counsel, as Special Advisor for Health Care Innovation. Hughes will help direct state efforts to improve the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of health care. He will engage in strategic planning with a focus encompassing both public health care and Arizona’s large private health insurance industry.

CONNECTICUT:  A jointly held public hearing of the Public Health and Insurance and Real Estate Committees was scheduled for this week on two new health care bills. The first bill would establish the SustiNet Plan Authority, a quasi-public agency empowered to implement a public health care option. The SustiNet Plan is a health insurance program that consists of coordinated individual health insurance plans that provide health insurance products to state employees, Medicaid enrollees, HUSKY Plan, Part A and Part B enrollees, HUSKY Plus enrollees, municipalities, municipal-related employers, nonprofit employers, small employers, other employers, and individuals in Connecticut. The Authority is authorized, but not required, to begin offering SustiNet coverage to employees and retirees of non-state public employers, municipal-related employers, small employers, and nonprofit employers after January 1, 2012.  Beginning on January 1, 2014, SustiNet will offer coverage to individuals and employers.  Among other things, the bill directs the Authority to implement primary care case management and patient-centered medical homes for all SustiNet Plan members, establish a pay-for-performance system, and establish procedures to prevent adverse selection.

The Committees also will hear testimony on a bill to establish the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange pursuant to PPACA.  The exchange would be a quasi-public agency offering qualified health plans to individuals and qualified employers by January 1, 2014.  The bill would establish a 13-member board of directors to manage the exchange. The exchange would have the authority to review the rate of premium growth within and outside the exchange in order to develop recommendations on whether to continue limiting qualified employer status to small employers. It also would have the authority to charge assessments or user fees to health carriers to generate funding necessary to support the operations of the exchange. The bill directs the exchange board to report to the legislature by January 1, 2012 on whether to establish two separate exchanges, one for the individual market and one for the small employer market, or to establish a single exchange; whether to merge the individual and small employer health insurance markets; whether to revise the definition of “small employer” from not more than 50 employees to not more than 100; and whether to allow large employers to participate in the exchange beginning in 2017.

Aetna will submit comments on both bills through the Connecticut Association of Health Plans.

IDAHO: Draft legislation is circulating that would prohibit insurance companies and managed care organizations from refusing to contract with qualified providers solely because the provider: is not a member of a group, network or any other organization of providers contracting with the insurance company; or does not offer all of the services obtained through the group, network or organization of providers contracting with the insurance company. However, the provider may be required to comply with the practice standards and quality requirements of the contract specific to the services contracted. The bill generally is intended to impact insurers and managed care organizations. It does not contain an exclusion or exception for HIPAA-excepted benefits. As yet, the bill has not found a sponsor and has not been “introduced.”  While there remains a possibility that the bill could be introduced before the deadline for committee bill introductions, it is considered unlikely.

MINNESOTA: When the legislature convened the first half of its 2011-2012 biennium last month, Republicans controlled both legislative chambers for the first time since 1972. And, Republican lawmakers wasted little time introducing bills to repeal measures passed by the 2010 legislature to fund state medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare. In his first official act as Governor, Mark Dayton signed an executive order implementing early Medicaid expansion (to 133 percent of the federal poverty level) for Minnesota, which is expected to make 95,000 more state residents eligible. Minnesota’s 8 million investment is expected to bring about .2 billion in matching federal funds. Governor Dayton also signed an executive order removing the ban on applications for federal PPACA-related grants. Minnesota is expected to receive an exchange planning grant soon. While Governor Dayton cleared the way for the state to seek grants for implementing federal health reform, it is unlikely that state legislators will be passing bills to implement the federal health reform law unless absolutely necessary. Other pending bills of interest include anti-PPACA legislation, a bill requiring guaranteed issue in the individual market, creation of a defined contribution program for childless adults with incomes at or above 133 percent of FPL (reduction from current level of 250 percent), the prohibition of dental plan fee schedules for non-covered services, and an autism coverage mandate. In addition, Governor Dayton named a new Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Minneapolis attorney Michael Rothman.

NEVADA: The legislature convened on February 7 with a scheduled adjournment date of June 6. Governor Brian Sandoval will sponsor an exchange bill, although he opposes federal health care reform. His reasons include not wanting the federal government to take action in the state and the fact that the legislature will not meet in 2012. The Division of Insurance (DOI) has indicated that it will pursue federal reform measures, including external review. Other legislation of interest includes the establishment of a statewide health information exchange system and amending the requirements for reimbursement of out-of network services to comply with the PPACA.

TEXAS: Governor Rick Perry delivered his State of the State speech last week, which included plans to suspend the State Historical Commission and the Commission on the Arts in addressing the state’s billion budget deficit. Speaking to a joint session of the legislature, Perry said the time has finally come to streamline state government. Perry’s speech focused heavily on how strong the state’s economy is, despite the deficit. According to Perry, Texas added more jobs in 2010 than any other state in the nation. That state-wide job growth occurred in the sectors of business, health care, manufacturing, hospitality, construction and energy. Perry’s speech was highly critical of national politics, and he threatened to push back when Washington encroaches on states’ rights. His budget proposal calls for cutting more than billion in state spending on public education and another billion in higher education, plus more than billion in health and human services programs. Those cuts would come with much larger reductions in federal dollars, because states draw federal funding for programs such as Medicaid by spending state money.

VERMONT: Newly-elected Governor Peter Shumlin’s focus has been on reducing the state’s projected 0 million budget deficit. Proposals to deal with the deficit include changes to the administration of the state’s Catamount program, changes to Catamount reimbursement, imposing an assessment on managed care organizations, increasing the provider tax on hospitals, and imposing an assessment on dentists. The legislature is also considering a number of bills that would create a single-payer, government-run health care plan and require rate reviews. The bills include:

Supported by the governor, H.B. 202 would establish Green Mountain Care and the Vermont Health Benefit Exchange, through which all state residents would be eligible for health benefits. After implementation of the Green Mountain single-payer system, private insurance companies would be prohibited from selling health insurance policies in that cover services also covered by Green Mountain Care.

H.B. 80 would create a single-payer health care system called Ethan Allen Health. If the secretary of Human Services obtains a waiver from the exchange requirement, private insurance companies will be prohibited from selling insurance policies in the state for coverage of services covered by Ethan Allen Health. But it would not prohibit individuals from purchasing supplemental health insurance covering services not already covered by Ethan Allen Health.

S.B. 57 would establish Green Mountain Care as a single-payer health care system, which will include coverage provided under a health benefit exchange, Medicaid, and Medicare.

H.B. 146 would establish a public health care coverage option called Green Mountain Care that would require Vermont residents to have health care coverage at least equivalent to the actuarial value of Green Mountain Care and would assess a financial penalty against those who fail to maintain such coverage. The bill would institute a candy and soft drink tax as well as a 10 percent payroll tax on all employers with more than four employees to fund Green Mountain Care.

S.B. 56 and H.B. 165 would amend current rate review procedures to require written approval from the commissioner before a health insurance policy can be issued and to require that all rate and form filings be filed electronically.  Rate changes would require approval by the commissioner prior to implementation and notice to plan members of rate changes and a 30-day comment period.

H.B. 82 would require health insurers to disclose to the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities, and Health Care Administration the fee schedules they negotiate with providers, and directs the department to post the information on its website.