Ian Smith’s Post

Urgent Reevaluation Needed: GST on Insurance Premiums As an advocate for fiscal efficiency and public welfare, my concerns regarding the GST Council's postponement of the GST reduction on insurance premiums. Why Immediate Action Was Necessary: The 18% GST on life and health insurance is a significant strain on the average Indian family. A reduction is crucial not just for enhancing affordability but also for promoting broader insurance coverage, essential for economic stability. Impact of the Delay: Every day without this reduction means undue financial stress for countless individuals. Immediate action is essential to alleviate this burden, especially in a nation grappling with high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Call to Action: It's time to expedite decisions on such vital issues. We need policies that are responsive to the needs of the populace and contribute positively to the economic welfare of all citizens. Let’s champion policies that prioritize public welfare and economic stability. The time for change is now. I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What changes would you propose? #GSTReform #TaxRelief #Insurance #PublicWelfare #EconomicStability #PolicyChange #FinanceProfessionals

Hats off to Sri Nitin Gadkari ji, a man with a lot of vision and concern for the welfare of the people. A great minister with a lot of concern, he is the most sensible minister in the entire cabinet : We need more leaders of this kind than yes boss ministers. Nitin Gadkari’s proposal to remove the GST on life and medical insurance premiums could have varying effects on senior citizens, which will be more affordable, Young adults and middle-aged individuals may find insurance more affordable without the additional GST, Lower costs might lead to increased insurance coverage. This will directly boost the insurance sector by attracting more policyholders, which will contribute to the growth of the industry. Plus, on a larger scale, it provides a safety net during unforeseen events and creates a more inclusive and financially secure environment for all age groups.

The proportion of doctors' fees covered by Medicare has been dropping - due in part to schedule fee freezes over the last decade. Buried deep in the spreadsheets released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), we find: 🔽 Anaesthetists fees - 38% covered by Medicare in June 2024 (does not include private health insurance contribution), down from 42% in June 2014 🔽 Obstetrics - 38% (down from 40%) 🔽 Operations - 47.5% (down from 52%) ⏬ Specialist attendances - 53.6% (down from 65%), which can't be covered by private health insurance by law This means consumers' out of pocket costs are increasing, particularly for specialist attendances which cannot be covered by private health insurance in Australia. There's some evidence this is resulting in patients not seeking medical care due to cost pressures, and importantly, lack of transparency for specialist fees. Private Healthcare Australia has been calling on the government to make it mandatory for medical specialists' fees to be published on the Medical Cost Finder website. These new data show why that's so important. https://lnkd.in/ghaushuS

Rising healthcare costs are a critical issue for Texas small businesses, consuming a larger portion of payrolls and affecting overall employment. Legislative actions have compounded these challenges, with 23 new mandates imposed on small employer health insurance plans during recent sessions. https://bit.ly/3zIJWx9 Texas Association of Health Plans #HealthPlans #payments #healthcare

Some great insights here into why we’re all likely paying more to see specialist doctors such as surgeons, anaesthetists and psychiatrists. Health insurers are not allowed to cover these services outside of hospitals, but they would if they could.

This is a great article by Chris Deacon, pointing out the rising attention being paid to the fiduciary responsibilities of both plan sponsors and their administrators. The Federal government is starting to pay attention to health plans they way did with 401(k) plans several years ago. They're are defending the best interests of plan members and going after deceptive practices and pricing arrangements, and employers who are not paying attention to the contract arrangements they agree to that allow administrators, insurance carriers, and providers to take advantage of plan members, or who are "not spending employee contributed funds with proper discretion." Note*: Most Big Insurance carriers who are willing to attest to complying with the "No Gag Clause" Attestation, if you read their wording closely, are only attesting that their agreements with their interested parties contain no gag clauses. They do not attest that the plan sponsors plan agreements have no gag clauses.

Supreme Court's landmark judgment on the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Unlocking the doors to healthcare access with Legal Shots! Our recent video delves into the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), shedding light on the crucial implications for government employees, pensioners, and citizens at large. Taxation is more than just a financial obligation; it's a social contract between citizens and their government. In return for our contributions, we expect essential services, with access to proper healthcare being paramount. The CGHS stands as a beacon of hope, providing medical coverage to government employees and pensioners, ensuring their health and well-being are prioritized. 💉🏥   But what happens when individuals seek treatment outside the empaneled hospitals or in cities not covered by the scheme? The recent Supreme Court judgment offers clarity, emphasizing the importance of adhering to doctors' prescriptions for medical procedures. This ruling ensures that individuals, like Shiva Kant Jha, can claim insurance benefits even in such scenarios, safeguarding their right to health and eligibility for CGHS benefits. 📜✨   This judgment isn't just a legal victory; it's a victory for individuals seeking healthcare access and reimbursement. It empowers government employees and pensioners to make informed decisions about their healthcare, knowing that their rights are protected under the CGHS. 💪   At Legal Shots, we're passionate about demystifying legal complexities and empowering individuals with knowledge.Let's spark a dialogue about the intersection of taxation, healthcare, and citizen rights in building a healthier and more equitable society. 🌐🤝   Check out our Blog on this link 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ghJbbVbU Check out for any Legal Opinion link 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d_KZqfqp Also check comment box for video link 🔗 #LegalShots #SupremeCourtJudgment #CGHS #HealthcareAccess #Taxation #RightToHealth #GovernmentEmployees #Pensioners #MedicalCoverage #LegalEmpowerment #SocialJustice #HealthcareEquity #LegalInsights #CitizenRights #LegalEducation #KnowledgeIsPower #SimplifyComplexity #HealthForAll #PublicHealth #LegalCommunity #GovernmentReimbursement #InsuranceBenefits #Empowerment #SocialContract #UniversalHealthcare #LegalVictory #HealthcareJustice #EqualityUnderLaw #HealthRights

Following my recent post that I published shortly after Prime Minister Kishida announced his resignation and ex-Minister Kato (MHLW) announced his candidacy to succeed him, the pharma industry press is somewhat worried to see the healthcare agenda overshadowed by other issues such as politics, money, economic wage increases, foreign affairs and security, constitutional reform, and energy. Five LDP presidential candidates have announced their candidacy for the upcoming election, with Takayuki Kobayashi, Taro Kono, Shigeru Ishiba, Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Toshimitsu Mogi being the top two candidates. Shinjiro Koizumi and Sanae Takaichi are set to hold press conferences on the 6th and 9th of September respectively. As the announcement approaches, each camp is solidifying its election headquarters lineup and preparing for policy discussions. Health, Labor, and Welfare-related lawmakers have also begun to enter the battle as camp executives. Tamura Norihisa, who has served as Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare multiple times, joined the Kishida faction in August 2011. The Kishida faction was officially dissolved on September 3rd, and on the same day Hayashi announced his candidacy, Tamura became the head of the election campaign headquarters. Many health and labor-related politicians, mainly from the former Kishida faction, are among the executives of Hayashi's election campaign. In the Koizumi camp, former Minister of State for Child Policy Ogura Masanobu is expected to oversee the entire camp as Secretary General, while Taisho Tatsuki, chairman of the party's Health, Labor, and Welfare Division, will take on the role of Deputy Secretary General (Policy). Mihara Junko will be in charge of the local assembly members team, and Washio Eiichiro will be in charge of the candidate and planning teams. Kato Katsunobu is in the final stages of making arrangements to secure 20 sponsors, a condition for running. Hashimoto Takeshi, also from Okayama, is making energetic moves. Kobayashi outlined plans to develop drug discovery into a leading industry, contribute to the country's growth, and propose a third way to social security. He proposed a system incorporating public medical insurance in insurance premiums, reducing the burden on the working generation. He also proposed using private medical insurance to adapt to medical care sophistication. Nevertheless, such intents barely raise the attention among the lawmakers and the public so far. #publichealth #japanpharma #pharmaindustry #healthinsurance

Supreme Court's landmark judgment on the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Unlocking the doors to healthcare access with Legal Shots! Our recent video delves into the Supreme Court's landmark judgment on the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), shedding light on the crucial implications for government employees, pensioners, and citizens at large. Taxation is more than just a financial obligation; it's a social contract between citizens and their government. In return for our contributions, we expect essential services, with access to proper healthcare being paramount. The CGHS stands as a beacon of hope, providing medical coverage to government employees and pensioners, ensuring their health and well-being are prioritized. But what happens when individuals seek treatment outside the empaneled hospitals or in cities not covered by the scheme? The recent Supreme Court judgment offers clarity, emphasizing the importance of adhering to doctors' prescriptions for medical procedures. This ruling ensures that individuals, like Shiva Kant Jha, can claim insurance benefits even in such scenarios, safeguarding their right to health and eligibility for CGHS benefits.   This judgment isn't just a legal victory; it's a victory for individuals seeking healthcare access and reimbursement. It empowers government employees and pensioners to make informed decisions about their healthcare, knowing that their rights are protected under the CGHS.   At Legal Shots, we're passionate about demystifying legal complexities and empowering individuals with knowledge. Join us in celebrating this significant ruling and advocating for healthcare access for all citizens. Let's spark a dialogue about the intersection of taxation, healthcare, and citizen rights in building a healthier and more equitable society. Check out our Blog on this link 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gFNvxeBd Check out for any Legal Opinion link 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gRfq23pf Also check comment box for video link 🔗 #LegalShots #SupremeCourtJudgment #CGHS #HealthcareAccess #Taxation #RightToHealth #GovernmentEmployees #Pensioners #MedicalCoverage #LegalEmpowerment #SocialJustice #HealthcareEquity #LegalInsights #CitizenRights #LegalEducation #KnowledgeIsPower #SimplifyComplexity #HealthForAll #PublicHealth #LegalCommunity #GovernmentReimbursement #InsuranceBenefits #Empowerment #SocialContract #UniversalHealthcare #LegalVictory #HealthcareJustice #EqualityUnderLaw #HealthRights

🌟 **Ensuring a Healthy Workforce for a Wealthy Nation** 🌟 Are you aware of the numerous benefits the **Employees' State Insurance Scheme (ESI)** offers? This comprehensive social insurance program, designed under the **Employees' State Insurance Act of 1948**, safeguards employees against illness, maternity, disablement, and work-related injuries. Here’s why it’s important: ✅ Coverage for Factories & Establishments: Applicable to workplaces with 10 or more employees, from road transport to educational institutions. ✅ Affordable Contributions: Employers contribute 3.25% of wages, and employees just 0.75%. ✅ Wide Range of Benefits: Medical care, sickness and maternity benefits, temporary and permanent disablement coverage, and dependents’ allowances. ✅ Ease of Access: Digital tools like the e-Pehchan Card and Aadhaar seeding simplify registration and ensure lifelong coverage, regardless of job changes. Let’s spread the word about this essential protection for employees and their families. Together, we can build a healthier, wealthier workforce! 💪 #ESI #EmployeeBenefits #SocialInsurance #WorkplaceSafety #Healthcare