Consumers get advice on how to handle rising health costs, access health benefits

Kaiser Health News: "When you examine your health plan options during open enrollment season this fall, you may get sticker shock from the increases in both the premiums and the cost-sharing for services. Even benefits that are increasing under the health care overhaul may come with financial strings attached." The article says consumers should check for higher premiums, higher deductibles, more coinsurance, extra costs for dependents and a greater emphasis on wellness (Andrews, 10/12).

The Washington Post: "The Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled a multimillion advertisement campaign Monday designed to encourage more military veterans to enroll for government benefits and services. Only about 8 million of the nation's 23 million veterans use VA benefits and health care services, and the department hopes new TV and Internet advertisements and other outreach efforts will persuade more vets to sign up, the agency said" (O'Keefe, 10/11).