Blues News You can Use...

Sometimes, a carrier can actually contribute something helpful to the on-going debate about health care and health insurance. For example, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has published its 2007 Medical Cost Reference Guide.

In it, you'll find some interesting (and enlightening) numbers:

■ In 2006, health care spending in the U.S. reached $2.2 trillion

■ The gummint continues to account for almost half the total costs, mostly through public programs like Medicare and Medicaid

■ Private health insurance accounts for about one-third of the total

■ About 2/3 of us are covered through commercial (private sector) insurance plans, mostly through our employers

There's lots more, if you're willing to dig a little.