Consumer groups angry at latest health insurance hike 
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Feb 25 12:06 AM
ELIZABETH JACKSON: Health insurance costs are on the way up, with families expecting to pay an average $160 a year more.Save to My Web

RICHMOND EYES OPTIONS ON EMPLOYEE HEALTH PLAN 
Westerly Sun - Feb 27 11:09 AM
RICHMOND - Richmond town employees could have a new health insurance provider next year.Save to My Web

French Insurance Giant AXA Reports 12 Percent Rise in 2005 Net Profit 
Money Sense - Feb 28 1:52 AM
French insurance giant AXA SA reported Tuesday a 12-percent rise in net profit in 2005, crediting solid sales of life and savings products in the United States and growth in Asia, Turkey and Canada.Save to My Web

Wal-Mart chief makes plea to states on health care 
Financial Times - Feb 27 1:11 AM
WASHINGTON FEB 26 2006 With Wal-Mart Stores under mounting pressure to spend more on employee health insurance, the companys chief executive on Sunday urged the nations governors not to pass legislation that would burden the giant retailer, and pledged to work with the governors to move workers off state Medicaid rolls.Save to My Web

Employees Should Cover Most Of Cost Of Health Insurance, Op-Ed Says 
Medical News Today - Feb 27 2:02 PM
“There are two primary ways to address burgeoning” health care costs: “increase competition for services by making consumers the direct purchasers of health care; or ration care through strictly applied benefit schedules,” Charles Farrell, vice president of Dorman Farrell, writes in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece… click link for more info.Save to My Web

Insurance Won’t Cover Formula For Allergic Baby 
WFTV 9 Orlando - Feb 28 9:01 AM
A family battles an insurance company over whether what their baby needs is a food or a drug.Save to My Web

Union has interest in opposing health savings accounts 
The Maui News - Feb 27 12:43 PM
For a union leader like Randy Perreira to argue that health saving accounts (HSAs) are based on the crazy idea that Americans have too much health insurance is, on its face, not surprising (Letters, Feb. 19). After all, there is always the fear that unions will lose membership further when major employers pare back or eliminate the grandiose health insurance benefits they “won” back when the Save to My Web

Biodiesel to power Falls Church fleet 
The Washington Examiner - Feb 26 1:21 AM
The City of Falls Church is going to a new fuel that can be made from soy, canola or recycled restaurant oils to keep its fleet of diesel vehicles moving.Save to My Web

Most People Bush Administration Claims To Have Medicare Drug Benefit Already Had Drug Coverage 
Medical News Today - Feb 19 10:05 AM
An analysis of the Medicare drug benefit enrollment numbers being touted by the Bush Administration reveals that only 3.2 million older and disabled Americans have drug coverage for the first time. As many as 19 million people have yet to sign up for the drug benefit available through private drug plans, and at least 7… click link for more info.Save to My Web

Drug benefit woes continue 
The Daily Sentinel - Feb 27 11:42 AM
Representatives from drug plan providers and the federal government hosted a seminar Thursday at the Senior Recreation Center in Grand Junction to address continued uncertainty among local seniors with the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.Save to My Web

Bill Moyers Speech - Restoring the Public Trust 
Scoop.co.nz - Feb 26 1:39 PM
Bill Moyers is President of the Schumann Center for Media and Democracy. This is the prepared text of his remarks on an eight-day speaking trip in California on the issue of money and politics.Save to My Web

Many Idahoans haven’t signed up for a drug plan 
The Salt Lake Tribune - Feb 27 12:14 AM
BOISE, Idaho - Less than one-third of Idaho’s Medicare recipients have signed up for prescription drug coverage under a program that started at the beginning of the year. The new program - offering more personalized prescription drug plans - is intended to save hundreds of dollars on prescription costs for those on Medicare. But so many people trying to sign up have caused systems overloads Save to My Web

Bush: Ports deal will stand 
The Washington Examiner - Feb 26 1:21 AM
Overriding objections from Republicans and Democrats alike, President Bush endorsed the takeover of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports by a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates. He pledged to veto efforts in Congress to block the agreement.Save to My Web

Powell visits Yorktown High 
The Washington Examiner - Feb 26 1:19 AM
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell told some 1,500 students Thursday that as a young man of their age growing up in New York’s South Bronx, “I didn’t know where I was going. Not a clue.”Save to My Web

Mo.Co. sues feds over drug plan 
The Washington Examiner - Feb 26 1:36 AM
Montgomery County is suing the Food and Drug Administration, county officials announced Thursday, charging the agency unfairly denied its request to reimport low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.Save to My Web

‘We need to fix it,’ says GOP chairman 
Pahrump Valley Times - Feb 24 3:28 PM
LAS VEGAS - The head of the Republican National Committee said Saturday that problems with the new Medicare prescription drug plan that have left thousands of elderly poor struggling to get medicine are “unacceptable.”Save to My Web

Is Medicare Drug Plan Too Complex? 
CBS News - Feb 22 5:04 PM
The government says millions of senior citizens are taking advantage of Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage. But Wyatt Andrews says the benefit hasn’t helped nearly as many newcomers as it might appear.Save to My Web

Fewer seniors buying prescription drugs in Canada 
Pioneer Press - Feb 24 9:46 AM
Retired furniture store owner Don Brock quit buying prescription drugs from Canada this year, now that he’s signed up for the new federal Medicare drug benefit.Save to My Web

Medicare drug plan signups continue 
The Monterey County Herald - Feb 25 3:10 AM
Who cares if Medicare’s new drug plan is a bit confusing, Dixie and Frank Gulyas of Citrus Heights concluded. For the first time in their retirement, they will have coverage to help pay for prescription drugs.Save to My Web

Bush learned of ports deal after approval 
The Washington Examiner - Feb 26 1:20 AM
President Bush was unaware of the pending sale of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports to a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates until the deal already had been approved by his administration, the White House said Wednesday.Save to My Web

Salacious murder-for-hire trial starts 
Arizona Daily Star - Feb 25 11:25 PM
Forget the NCAA’s March Madness. The hot ticket this March could well be the first-degree-murder trial of Dr. Bradley SchwartzSave to My Web

Congress caps therapy coverage for the elderly
Newsday, NY - Feb 25, 2006… late December, Congress failed to renew a moratorium that had been in place nine years on limiting the amount of physical and speech therapy Medicare will cover …
Source: www.newsday.com

Half of Medicare patients still without drug coverage
IdahoStatesman.com, ID - Feb 25, 2006… so lucky. Some seniors are encountering problems as they try to enroll in programs for Medicare prescription drug benefits. I …
Source: www.idahostatesman.com

Premier to take medicare critic on mission
Globe and Mail, Canada - Feb 23, 2006VANCOUVER — An outspoken advocate of more competition in medicare — seen by some as a road to two-tier medicine — will accompany Premier Gordon Campbell on …
Source: www.theglobeandmail.com

Medicare’s new drug plan already feels like a bust
Newstarget.com, Taiwan - Feb 22, 2006The Seattle Times attempts to uncover what went wrong with Medicare’s new prescription drug plan, which has devolved into a bureaucratic nightmare that has …
Source: www.newstarget.com

Missing May deadline could cost Medicare recipients: Drug plan …
King County Journal, WA - Feb 23, 2006Seniors and the disabled on Medicare have another deadline — May 15 — to sign up for the government’s complicated new prescription drug program to avoid a …
Source: www.kingcountyjournal.com

Medicare: Bang for the Buck
Stanford Progressive, CA - 17 hours ago… Unfortunately, the new Medicare bill … Medicare was and still is in dire need of reform and a government-subsidized prescription drug benefit is a noble idea. …
Source: progressive.stanford.edu

ID cards may replace Medicare cards
The Age, Australia - Feb 23, 2006Australian taxpayers are footing a $200 million bill for Medicare fraud and false claims through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the federal government says …
Source: www.theage.com.au

Volunteers vital part of Medicare Rx program
Ann Arbor News, MI - 8 hours ago… A volunteer with the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program, Miree was trying to help the woman get into the new Medicare prescription plan. …
Source: www.mlive.com

AAFP Initiatives
American Family Physician - Learn about AAFP efforts on behalf of family physicians and their patients. Disaster Recovery — Information on participating in the AAFP’s disaster relief efforts for natural disaster victims, including monetary donations and volunteering medical

Medicare sign-up
Knoxville News Sentinel - ATLANTA - This month the federal government placed a Valentine-themed ad in People magazine that shows a smiling young woman being hugged by a grateful-looking elderly woman. An attached card for readers to send to their parents listed “5 ways to say

Walden to visit area February 21-25
Bend.com - WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) will be traveling to seven counties in Oregon’s Second Congressional District from February 21st to the 24th to meet with residents and community leaders on a variety of issues important to

Medicare s drug-plan mess
MSN MoneyCentral - The unintended consequence of a grand plan to offer prescription coverage to the elderly and poor is a bureaucratic mess that s left many paying more or simply doing without. By Deborah Vrana Days into the new year, Jan Scalia got her first taste

Letter of the Law
Managed Healthcare Executive - The Medicare Advantage unit within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is keeping a watchful eye on improper marketing activities in the new, revamped Medicare product market. Medicare officials at CMS have received numerous

How the Basic Medicare Drug Plan Works
Senior Journal - Column 1 This column represents various annual drug cost levels at the market price. Generally, we show levels at intervals of $250. Use this column to find your estimated drug cost for 2006. If you are currently buying drugs at a discounted

Health Happenings
Bradenton Herald - The Herald welcomes information on health-related events open to the public. The deadline for submitting information is noon Friday for the Thursday edition. Information - including time, date and place - can be dropped off, mailed to The Herald, P.O

2. Government looking at simplifying drug plan
Canton Repository - WASHINGTON (AP) - After promoting the wide choices available to the elderly and disabled for Medicare drug coverage, the Bush administration is now considering limiting those options. In a 39-page memorandum to insurers, employers and others

World / National
WBZ-AM - When Hurricane Katrina changed the demographic face of New Orleans the framework was laid for Louisiana’s lieutenant governor to have a shot at becoming the city’s next mayor. Byron Pitts reports. The new Medicare prescription drug program was

Despite Medicare Drug Confusion, Many Elderly People Don’t Seek Kids
First Coast News - ATLANTA (AP) — This month the federal government placed a Valentine-themed ad in People magazine that shows a smiling young woman being hugged by a grateful-looking elderly woman. An attached card for readers to send to their parents listed “5 ways

Medicare may now limit drug plan options
Seattle Post Intelligencer - WASHINGTON — After promoting the wide choices available to the elderly and disabled for Medicare drug coverage, the Bush administration is now considering limiting those options. In a 39-page memorandum to insurers, employers and others

Pawlenty unveils a new program that would offer discounts on
West Central Tribune - ST. PAUL Two years ago, Gov. Tim Pawlenty took a stand against high drug prices by promoting Canadian pharmacies that offered savings. Now he s taking a different approach a discount program for the uninsured that would use the state s

Michael Marchand and Ron Haynes, Centers of Medicare & Medicaid
Olympian - Moderator : Welcome to The Olympian’s Capitol Chat. I’m your moderator, Thurston County Reporter Jennifer Latson. Our guest today is Michael Marchand, Director of Public Affairs for the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services Region 10 office in

Walden to visit area February 21-25
Bend.com - WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) will be traveling to seven counties in Oregon’s Second Congressional District from February 21st to the 24th to meet with residents and community leaders on a variety of issues important to

20 tour boat victim families stuck with funeral bills 
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - Feb 22 6:54 AM
An insurance problem means families of 20 elderly tourists who died and others who were injured in a tour boat accident on Lake George are stuck with funeral and medical bills, the boat’s owner says.Save to My Web

Med school choice let overbillers off the hook 
NorthJersey.com - 51 minutes ago
Governor Corzine’s pick to head the state’s medical university “improperly” let health-care providers off the hook for more than $200 million in Medicare overbilling when he led the federal agency charged with recouping the money, according to a government report.Save to My Web

Asphodel-Norwood - Fire and Rescue Department responding to medical situations 
The Community Press - Feb 24 7:05 AM
The Asphodel-Norwood Fire and Rescue Department had a very busy year in 2005, responding to 262 alarms, in what Fire Chief Paul Bitten in his year-end report calls a timely and appropriate manner.Save to My Web

Washington Senators Pass Gregoire’s Malpractice Compromise 
Insurance Journal - Feb 24 7:55 AM
Washington State senators have approved changes to the medical malpractice system, endorsing a compromise hammered out by doctors and lawyers in weeks of secret negotiations with Gov. Chris Gregoire.Save to My Web

Compromise emerges on medical-malpractice rules 
The Olympian - Feb 21 6:36 AM
Washingtons medical- malpractice insurance war appears to be over for now.Save to My Web

Online medical records project rolls out slowly 
Tennessean - Feb 23 3:01 PM
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee signed a contract last summer to put TennCare patients’ medical records online as part of a plan to save money, reduce waste, and improve care under the state’s health plan for the poor and those with disabilities.Save to My Web

Where have all the exporters gone? 
Miami Herald - Feb 24 8:44 AM
When Al Merritt arrived in South Florida in the late 1980s to launch his medical equipment exporting company he flipped through the Miami telephone book to gauge his competition. He found hundreds of exporters in the same line of business.Save to My Web

Senator Touts Medical Accounts System is Failing Demint Warns 
RedNova - Feb 24 1:43 AM
COLUMBIA - With Social Security on a back burner, U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint is devoting his energy to health care and expanding savings accounts that he says will make people better consumers and drive down costs.Save to My Web

Univision, AACP and AACN Partner on Medication Review and Health
CSR Wire - ( CSRwire ) SAN ANTONIO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 23, 2006–In an attempt to address major health disparities and lack of accessible health care services among Latinos in San Antonio, a free medication brown bag review and health screening, Tus

Wal-Mart to Loosen Health Insurance Limits
New York Times - Wal-Mart Stores , facing a raft of state legislation that would require it to increase spending on employee health insurance, will lift several of its long-standing and most-criticized restrictions on eligibility over the next year, the giant

Sound fiscal management
Bangor Daily News - Thanks to free speech, everyone has the right to criticize government at any level. I believe criticism is healthy - when it is well-founded and motivated by a sincere desire to help make our state a better place to live. The drawback to free speech

HEALTH INSURANCE: Military retirees may pay more
Grand Forks Herald - WASHINGTON - To slow its rising medical expenses, the Pentagon wants to triple the health insurance premiums for its 3 million military retirees and families. Veterans and their advocates said the plan would create a financial hardship and violate

Health Care Cures to Drive Costs
WXIA 11 Alive - (AP) — Some of the very things that Americans relish longer lives, groundbreaking cures, more money to spend will be driving up health care costs in the coming decade. Health care spending now represents about 16 percent of the economy. But

Employers charging smokers extra for health insurance
Daily Herald - “Where is it going to end?” asked Jim Clark, a smoker and owner of Strauss Tobacconist in Cincinnati. “Are they going to start saying you can’t wear a blue shirt on Monday or drive a green car on Thursday?” Lewis Maltby, president of the National

Work for us!
Times Community - Duties: Electronically import hours from time clocks, payroll processing, disbursement of checks, processing of garnishments, health, dental, life and disability insurance. Calculates and pays commissions/bonuses when due. Recruitment and orientation

Top Jobs
Anchorage Daily News - Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union- Assistant Branch Sales Manager: If you thrive in a challenging, high-energy environment where developing strong, long-term customer relationships are a key component to success, Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union

Great first step Everyone working toward tort reform 
Yakima Herald-Republic - Feb 22 3:08 AM
When voters turned down two confusing and apparently contradictory initiatives aimed at reforming Washington’s tort laws, medical malpractice insurance and physician oversight systems, we worried that legislators would read that as a lack of interest.Save to My Web

Senators Pass Gregoire’s Malpractice Compromise 
KOMO - Feb 22 4:30 PM
State senators approved changes to the medical malpractice system Wednesday, endorsing a compromise hammered out by doctors and lawyers in weeks of secret negotiations.Save to My Web

Senators Pass Gregoire’s Malpractice Compromise 
KIRO 7 Seattle-Tacoma - Feb 22 3:47 PM
OLYMPIA, Wash. — State senators approved changes to the medical malpractice system Wednesday, endorsing a compromise hammered out by doctors and lawyers in weeks of secret negotiations with Gov. Chris Gregoire.Save to My Web

Cancer % Private Medical Insurance - Industry Initiatives ‘an Important Step In The Right Direction’ But Clarity For  
Medical News Today - Feb 19 10:02 AM
Latest initiatives by the insurance industry to improve the clarity of consumer information on private medical insurance are an important step in the right direction but don’t go far enough, says cancer information charity CancerBACUP. CancerBACUP’s comments come as the Association of British Insurers launches a consultation on measures to improve its Statement of Best Practice on the Selling of Save to My Web

American Independence Corp. Announces Agreement to Write Fully-Insured and Medical Stop-Loss Health Insurance Through  
[Press Release] Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance - Feb 22 9:32 AM
NEW YORK—-Feb. 22, 2006–American Independence Corp. today announced that it has executed an agency agreement for a marketing organization with a growing block of fully-insured health business, including Consumer Driven Health Plans primarily sold to small employer groups, and Medical Stop-Loss to begin writing for Independence American Insurance Company.Save to My Web

Farmers Insurance Selects Clear Technology to Provide Automation in Med/PIP Claims Operations 
[Press Release] Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance - Feb 21 5:00 AM
WESTMINSTER, Colo.—-Feb. 21, 2006–Clear Technology, Inc. announced today that Farmers Insurance Group , the third-largest personal lines property and casualty insurance group in the United States, has chosen Clear Technology to automate portions of its medical/personal-injury protection claims processing operation.Save to My Web

Insurance Dept. cites staged accidents 
BizJournals - Feb 20 5:36 AM
The state Insurance Department says a major investigation into so-called staged accidents in Buffalo and New York City that resulted in 42 arrests as one of its major accomplishments last year.Save to My Web

Physicians seek to expand health-plan options 
Argus Courier - Feb 22 11:51 AM
In a move that could dramatically alter the health-care landscape in Petaluma, the recently established South Sonoma County Medical Group, Inc. hopes to collectively offer additional insurance plans to public and private employers in six to eight months.Save to My Web

A costly dilemma 
Peoria Journal Star - Feb 20 1:13 AM
Complete local and regional news, local business directory including restaurants, local classifieds and Central Illinois information.Save to My Web

High-deductible health savings plans slow to catch on locally 
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Few businesses and workers here have embraced the latest trend in health care: health savings accounts, but interest has been sparked by President Bush’s urging of them as a way to curb health care spending.Save to My Web

Pharmacists give Medicare officials an earful 
The Sacramento Bee - Feb 21 5:08 AM
Gary Thompson, the pharmacist at Land Park Pharmacy, has answered a lot of questions about Medicare’s new drug plan during the past six weeks of implementation chaos.Save to My Web

E-script benefits doctors, patients 
Detroit News - 1 hour, 46 minutes ago
A new system that has hundreds of Metro Detroit doctors using computers and hand-held devices to write out prescriptions is saving money and preventing thousands of medical mistakes.Save to My Web

AG hopeful Herzfeld says he will fight pharmaceutical middlemen 
Benton Courier - Feb 22 2:18 PM
Democratic attorney general candidate Robert Herzfeld released on Thursday a four-point plan to protect consumers, employers and pharmacies from what he calls unfair business practices of the pharmaceutical benefits management industry.Save to My Web

1 in 5 US dollars to be spent on health care: study 
Macon Daily - Feb 22 6:00 AM
(Pic)- United States Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) holds a news conference about the Medicare prescription drug bill on Capitol Hill in Washington in this file photo taken January 26, 2006. Health-care spending is outpacing the growth of the American economy and will consume 20 percent of U.S. gross domestic product by 2015, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said on Wednesday.Save to My Web

Health-teams plan gets $6M boost
Miami Herald, FL - Jan 24, 2006… The trust approved its contribution as part of a broader childhood health plan, called Health Connect. Another component is Early …
Source: www.miami.com

Health plan delay costly
Boston Herald, United States - Feb 15, 2006… the first time yesterday that the state likely will lose more than $1 million a day in federal dollars for failing to implement a new health-care plan by July …
Source: news.bostonherald.com

SACS won t insure spouses if their employers can
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN - 10 hours ago… Because about 52 percent of the claims filed through the district s health plan were from dependents, the committee felt it would be cheaper to get them off …
Source: www.fortwayne.com

25 enroll in university’s health plan for partners
Orlando Sentinel, FL - Feb 8, 2006… unmarried heterosexual couples. Married employees have long been able to insure their spouses under the university’s health plan. …
Source: www.orlandosentinel.com

Domestic health plan draws 25
Miami Herald, FL - Feb 6, 2006GAINESVILLE - (AP) — Twenty-five employees signed up for the University of Florida’s domestic partnership health benefit plan by the time enrollment ended …
Source: www.miami.com

Nissan to End US Retiree Health Plan, Use Stipends (Update1)
Bloomberg - Feb 6, 2006… coverage through the company’s insurer that supplements the federal plan, Lawless said. Japanese automakers’ US plants typically offer health- care coverage …
Source: www.bloomberg.com

Health plan a model: Clement
Montreal Gazette, Canada - Feb 18, 2006… these services. The plan also allows Quebecers to buy private health insurance to pay for the three procedures. Clement called it …
Source: www.canada.com

New plans slowly winning over employees
Federal Times - Feb 20, 2006… GEHA, which offers federal enrollees nationwide a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account, also is seeing small but consistent growth …
Source: federaltimes.com

Medicaid’s budget role aired 
The Trenton Times - Feb 22 1:13 AM
The state has failed to take advantage of all federal Medicaid funding opportunities and is offering billions of dollars in optional health care programs that if abolished could help solve state budget woes, the official in charge of the state program said yesterday.Save to My Web

Soaring medical expenses projected 
Akron Beacon Journal - Feb 22 12:29 AM
National medical spending will double to $4 trillion a year over the next decade, outpacing the growth of wages, inflation and the U.S. economy as a whole, according to government projections released Tuesday.Save to My Web

Fallon supports universal health care 
The Des Moines Register - Feb 21 3:17 PM
State Rep. Ed Fallon, a Democratic candidate for governor, said today he supports a plan to establish universal health care coverage for all…Save to My Web

Health Highlights: Feb. 22, 2006 
HealthDay via Yahoo! News - Feb 22 9:03 AM
Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:Save to My Web

Kennedy will introduce legislation so seniors can receive their prescription drug benefit through traditional Medicare. 
The Enterprise - Feb 22 8:33 AM
TAUNTON Just when 73-year-old Peggy Martin thought she had Medicare’s new prescription drug program all figured out, she was thrown for another loop.Save to My Web

Rx for confusion 
The Cincinnati Enquirer - Feb 22 2:47 AM
Across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, about 260,000 older people and their families are finding lots to question in the first drug program in Medicare’s history.Save to My Web

Health-Care Spending for U.S. May Double by 2015 (Update1) 
Bloomberg.com - Feb 22 8:23 AM
Feb. 22 (Bloomberg) — U.S. spending for health care may double to $4 trillion by 2015, propelled by an aging population using more drugs, hospital care and technology, according to a government forecast.Save to My Web

Fingertip Formulary(R) Simplifies the Practice of Medicine by …
Yahoo! News (press release) - 13 hours ago… Traditionally, physicians have had no simple way to determine which drugs are covered under any of the 10 to 20 health plans in each of their practices. …
Source: biz.yahoo.com

Target offers workers consumer-driven plans
Twin Cities Business Journal, MN - Feb 12, 2006… The plans will be administered by UnitedHealth Group and co-marketed with Medica Health Plans, giving enrollees access to the provider networks of both …
Source: twincities.bizjournals.com

CHARITY WELCOMES NEW HEALTH PLANS
Community Newswire, UK - Jan 27, 2006… receive. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt will outline the plans in a statement to her fellow MPs in the House of Commons. Today …
Source: services.press.net

Health savings accounts spread, but meet skepticism
NorthJersey.com, NJ - Feb 14, 2006… this month by the Employee Benefit Research Institute confirms her fears: About 30 percent of those enrolled in high-deductible health plans reported delaying …
Source: www.bergen.com

Clarkson agency to manage group health for KMA
MSNBC - Feb 20, 2006… to KMA members. The health plans continue to be underwritten by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky. The Louisville-based …
Source: msnbc.msn.com

Fallout from health plans debated
BBC News, UK - Jan 30, 2006Pictures of Tony Blair taking a lung test accompany debate over ministers’ health plans in Tuesday’s papers. The Sun says the prime …
Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Meridian Health Increases Budgeting Efficiency with Business Objects 
[Press Release] Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance - Feb 19 11:00 PM
SAN DIEGO—-Feb. 20, 2006–Business Objects , the world’s leading provider of business intelligence solutions, today announced that Meridian Health has implemented Business Objects planning solutions to improve budget preparation efficiency and enhance the functionality of its financial reporting applications.Save to My Web

Hospital ready for open heart 
Northwest Herald - Feb 19 3:21 AM
Centegra Health System’s plans to offer open-heart surgery at Northern Illinois Medical Center would benefit McHenry County residents. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for McHenry County residents. A cardiac surgical unit in McHenry makes sense.Save to My Web

Va. House, Senate Propose Widely Differing Budget Plans 
WJLA-TV Washington D.C. - Feb 20 3:27 AM
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The House of Delegates would transfer nearly $360 million from the general fund to transportation, boost pay for public employees while trimming that of school teachers, and cut funding for most state-supported abortions.Save to My Web

Health-care cost debate could anger some 
BizJournals - Feb 19 9:45 PM
Rising health-care costs have employers stuck between providing affordable benefits for their workers and protecting their bottom lines, but one national expert says that quandary is only one side of a more complex debate.Save to My Web

Women Seek Reliable Health Advice in Vain: STUDIES KEEP CONTRADICTING THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM 
RedNova - Feb 19 10:31 AM
By Kim Vo and Barbara Feder Ostrov, San Jose Mercury News, Calif. Feb. 19–In the topsy-turvy world of women’s health, Frenchie Perry has thrown up her hands. Hormones were good, then bad, now good again. Then experts fought over fat.Save to My Web

Sen. Rodham Clinton Talks About Health Reform, Medicare Drug Benefit With AARP 
Medical News Today - Feb 19 10:08 AM
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) at a meeting on Tuesday urged AARP to join her in attempts to fix the new Medicare prescription drug benefit and to persuade the House to pass a Senate-approved bill promoting health care information technology, CQ HealthBeat reports. She said her larger goal is to make the health care system more efficient with information technology, preventive care and Save to My Web

Medical Beat 
Bay News 9 Tampa Bay - 35 minutes ago
Chocolate for your health? ALBANY, Ga. (AP) - Chocolate as health food? Candy-maker Mars plans to launch a new line of products next month that are made with a dark chocolate the company claims has health benefits.Save to My Web

Lots of help — or none at all
New River Valley Current, VA - 17 hours agoMick’s essay “A critical glitch in drug coverage,” published last month in … refill his medications under Medicare Part D’s privatized prescription drug program. …
Source: www.roanoke.com

Volunteers help with health insurance
The Union of Grass Valley, CA - 15 hours ago… contemplating the purchase of health insurance and persons interested in coverage of future … it a priority to learn all about the new prescription drug plan … …
Source: www.theunion.com

Better health security in the long run with Plan D
The Hill, DC - Feb 7, 2006… Soon we won t be able to imagine Medicare without prescription-drug coverage. Twenty-four million beneficiaries now have prescription coverage. …
Source: www.hillnews.com

High Plains seniors lack drug coverage
In-Forum (subscription), ND - Feb 15, 2006WASHINGTON High Plains seniors have some of the lowest rates of prescription drug coverage in the country, according to an independent health research group …
Source: www.in-forum.com

Medicare drug options difficult for most
Mountain Mail Newspaper, CO - Jan 19, 2006… were assigned. Those with limited income and resources will get extra help with prescription coverage from Medicare. They are singles …
Source: www.themountainmail.com

Do you know your way to HSAs
Portsmouth Herald News, NH - 10 hours ago… reform act of 2003; yes, the same one that gave us the prescription drug plan. … claim the HSA movement is the cutting edge in health-care coverage because it is …
Source: www.seacoastonline.com

Surgery Center cleared to accept United Health Care Insurance 
North Platte Bulletin - Feb 17 6:45 PM
North Platte Surgery Center is now accepting patients covered by United Health Care Insurance, administrator Clay Trover said Feb. 15. United Health Care provides medical insurance to Union Pacific employees, but has never been available in North Platte until now.Save to My Web

Medical fee cuts to save 600 billion yen 
Daily Yomiuri Online - Feb 15 10:42 AM
A health ministry panel on Wednesday approved a new medical treatment fees system–the fees paid to medical institutions by the national health insurance system–that will lead to a cut in overall medical spending by a record 3.16 percent.Save to My Web

Health premiums ‘to rise more than 10pc’ 
Expatica - Feb 17 11:39 AM
AMSTERDAM Health insurance premiums will increase by more than 10 percent in 2007, the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis has predicted.Save to My Web

THE MORNING MEMO: The Morning Memo 
Kansas City Star - Feb 18 12:27 AM
Truman Medical Centers stepped up its anti-tobacco efforts this week when it stopped hiring people who use tobacco products.Save to My Web

State Troopers Lose Medical Privacy Lawsuit 
1010wins.com - Feb 16 8:01 AM
Feb 16, 2006 10:43 am US/Eastern (1010 WINS) (ALBANY) New York state troopers have lost a lawsuit that sought to prevent the law enforcement agency from forcing its employees to reveal confidential health records.Save to My Web

Lawmakers take aim at insurance industry 
9 News Denver - Feb 16 3:15 PM
DENVER - Democrat and Republican leaders in the State Capitol took aim Thursday at the insurance industry, introducing a measure designed to see if skyrocketing insurance premiums are “justified.”Save to My Web

Van firms take Medicaid for a ride 
The Plain Dealer - Feb 16 2:03 AM
At least seven area transportation companies have scammed Medicaid out of about $4 million, and others remain under investigation. FBI agents last week raided a Cleveland company, Love’s Transporting Service, seizing receipts and records. No one has yet been charged.Save to My Web

Extension of Medicare enrollment deadline proposed 
Kansas City Star - Feb 17 9:46 AM
TOPEKA U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran today announced a proposal that would extend the May 15 deadline to enroll in new prescription drug assistance programs by nearly seven months.Save to My Web

MRDD 169 Board pulls 180, opts in Medicaid waiver program 
The Advertiser-Tribune - Feb 15 9:12 PM
Seneca County 169 Board members opted to participate in the Level One waiver program Tuesday evening.Save to My Web

LI hospitals in ‘crisis’ 
Newsday - Feb 15 8:25 PM
Medical community says proposed cuts of $150M to Medicare, Medicaid could lead to layoffs, closures Long Island’s already struggling hospitals will lose more than $150 million over the next five years if proposed cuts from state Medicaid and federal Medicare reimbursements are approved, according to health care officials.Save to My Web

President Bush Signs FY 2006 Budget Reconciliation Measure With Reductions For Medicare, Medicaid 
Medical News Today - Feb 13 4:03 PM
President Bush on Wednesday signed the fiscal year 2006 budget reconciliation bill (S 1932), which contains $40 billion in spending reductions from Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, the Washington Post reports (Baker, Washington Post, 2/9). The measure, which the Senate approved 51-50 in December 2005 and the House approved 216-214 earlier this month, includes $6… click link for more info.Save to My Web

IBM’s Info Tools In Trial To Cut Government Waste 
TechWeb - Feb 17 8:44 AM
BM’s new information management initiative is getting an early acid test New York’s Rockland County, where Big Blue’s technology is being used in a pilot program aimed at busting Medicaid fraud.Save to My Web

State slows Medicaid move 
Atlanta Business Chronicle - Feb 16 1:35 PM
The state’s health agency is once again putting the brakes on Medicaid privatization.Save to My Web

Lower Priced Drugs Act Of 2006 Would Help Speed Affordable Medicines To Market - Consumers Benefit From Stabenow-Lott  
Medical News Today - Feb 17 12:02 PM
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) todaysaid American consumers would benefit from the “Lower Priced Drugs Actof 2006,” because the legislation would remove onerous hurdles that slowaffordable generics from coming to market. The bill was introduced todayby Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Trent Lott (R-MS)… click link for more info.Save to My Web

States Approved for Drug Reimbursement Demonstration to Complete Medicare Transition 
RedNova - Feb 16 4:30 PM
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ — Forty-four states and the District of Columbia will participate in a program that will limit their costs and ease the transition to Medicare drug coverage for certain people who are also in Medicaid, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced today.Save to My Web

GOP leaders offer higher payments for Medicaid providers 
GazetteOnline - Feb 16 4:10 PM
DES MOINES, IA - Republican leaders said Thursday they will push for a 3 percent increase in payments to health care providers offering care financed by the state’s Medicaid program.Save to My Web

Owner of supply firm admits Medicaid fraud 
The Buffalo News - Feb 16 6:06 AM
The owner of a Williamsville home care and medical supply firm gave up her claims to nearly $60,000 in overbillings to the State Medicaid System on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to a felony grand larceny charge before Erie County Judge Sheila A. DiTullio.Save to My Web

New U.S. Initiative Will Focus on Cancer Biomarkers 
WKYT 27 - Kentucky - Feb 15 3:00 PM
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have announced a collaboration to help make cancer therapies more targeted, effective and safe for patients.Save to My Web

Health Care Bill Targets Wal-Mart: Lawmakers Want to Recoup Medicaid Spent on Workers 
RedNova - Feb 16 2:28 AM
By John Stamper, The Lexington Herald-Leader, Ky. Feb. 16–FRANKFORT — Lawmakers chastised retailing giant Wal-Mart yesterday, threatening to pass legislation that would force the world’s largest company to take better care of its 32,249 Kentucky employees.Save to My Web

Patient gets needed surgery 
Tallahassee Democrat - Feb 16 2:34 AM
Two weeks after a mix-up between Medicaid and her doctor left her prepped for a surgery that didn’t happen, Kimberly Curtis has had the hysterectomy that she so desperately needed.Save to My Web

House leaders say bill needs no fixing 
Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Feb 16 5:34 PM
WASHINGTON — A clerk’s mistake could mean a budget bill President Bush signed isn’t technically law, but congressional Republicans said again Wednesday that they have no plans to try to fix the problem.Save to My Web

Bush pushes health care accounts 
CNN.com - Feb 15 12:34 PM
DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — President Bush, in a state with key races in this year’s midterm elections, countered critics on Wednesday who say health savings accounts don’t help the poor or the uninsured.Save to My Web

Group pushing city to mandate health insurance 
The Capital Times - Feb 15 10:12 PM
A grass-roots group of Madison-area residents wants the city to require employers to provide health insurance through a mandated fee, but the city attorney says the city can’t impose such a payroll tax on businesses.Save to My Web

President pushes health savings plan 
The Monterey County Herald - 15 minutes ago
President Bush met Wednesday with employees of fast-food chain Wendy’s to promote a centerpiece of the company’s and the administration’s new health care plans: tax-free health savings accounts, or HSAs, for workers.Save to My Web

Bill Clinton details plan to fight obesity in kids 
Reuters via Yahoo! News - Feb 13 11:29 AM
Former President Bill Clinton and officials from a health foundation on Monday unveiled a plan to fight childhood obesity with better school meals and more exercise.Save to My Web

Bush in Ohio pushing affordable health care 
CentralOhio.com - Feb 15 10:17 AM
DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) - President Bush’s prescription for making health care more accessible is to create tax breaks for health savings accounts, the supplementary health care plans that are gaining in popularity.Save to My Web

Bush visits Ohio to boost state Republicans, push health savings accounts 
San Diego Union-Tribune - Feb 15 3:39 PM
DUBLIN, Ohio, 1:34 p.m. Feb. 15 (AP): President Bush mixed politics with his prescription for what ails the nation’s health care system on a trip Wednesday to Ohio, which was a pivotal state in his re-election and one with key races in this year’s midterm elections.Save to My Web

The BUSINESS of HEALTH CARE 
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer - Feb 15 9:28 AM
Flu fears Only 18 percent of business leaders at Tuesday’s national summit on pandemic influenza said their companies had a response plan for a global pandemic.Save to My Web

Community conversations: Get some Part D answers
Annapolis Capital, MD - 1 hour agoLately I have seen many articles written about the new Medicare Part D coverage, the federal government’s new prescription drug plan for senior citizens. …
Source: www.hometownannapolis.com

Government Employees Hospital Association, Inc. (GEHA) Renews …
PR Newswire (press release), NY - 14 hours ago… Founded in the 1930’s, GEHA was one of the first insurance carriers to provide coverage to federal … NYSE: MHS) is a leader in managing prescription drug benefit …
Source: sev.prnewswire.com

Soup dinner to aid clinic
Cheboygan Daily Tribune (subscription), MI - 8 hours ago… The clinic also participates in an Rx Advocate program for people who may have medical insurance but inadequate prescription coverage, said DerHammer. …
Source: www.cheboygannews.com

Medicare Part D Mess Confusion After Launch Of Prescription …
Queens Chronicle, NY - Feb 10, 2006… on Medicare. Most had prescription coverage under EPIC, or HMOs that had automatically enrolled them in a Medicare Part D plan. …
Source: www.zwire.com

Medicaid recipients lost state-financed prescription coverage with …
Mid-Hudson News, NY - Jan 12, 2006When the new Medicare Part D prescription program kicked in on January 1, millions of Americans who were receiving Medicaid prescription coverage found out …
Source: www.midhudsonnews.com

A health-care prescription that’s hard to swallow
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - Feb 11, 2006By Henry J. Aaron. Seven US workers in 10 still get health insurance coverage as a benefit of employment. But perhaps not for long. …
Source: pittsburghlive.com

Most workers act on concern about health 
Houston Chronicle - Feb 12 10:49 PM
If you’re like most workers, insurance coverage rates right near the top of job-related concerns. Save to My Web

Survey to gauge health care needs 
The Marietta Times - Feb 14 10:11 AM
Some Washington County residents will have an opportunity to influence the future of local health care as part of a needs assessment conducted by the Washington County Community Health Council in the coming weeks.Save to My Web

SLC insurance caveat: Adulterers need not apply 
The Salt Lake Tribune - Feb 12 1:58 AM
OFF THEAGENDA Salt Lake City Council members essentially sanctioned cohabitation - gay and straight - when they voted last week to offer subsidized health insurance to city employees’ “adult designees.” But there were some lines they couldn’t cross. Councilwoman Jill Remington Love said council members privately debated allowing married employees to add another designee to their Save to My Web

Questions and answers on health savings plans 
Akron Beacon Journal - Feb 13 12:11 AM
President Bush wants Congress to expand health savings accounts to “help people afford the insurance coverage they need.” Here are answers to questions about the little-understood accounts.Save to My Web

Buffalo health insurer exits area 
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - Feb 14 1:26 PM
Buffalo-based HealthNow New York Inc. is getting out of the local commercial health insurance market.Save to My Web

Aetna Offers Nonparticipating Health Care Providers Access to Secure Website 
RedNova - Feb 14 2:31 PM
As part of Aetna’s (NYSE:AET) ongoing steps to make doing business easier for health care professionals, nonparticipating medical and dental providers and their office staff now can access online tools, information and resources available on Aetna’s secure website for health care professionals.Save to My Web

Unreimbursed health care expenses can be deducted 
New Orleans Times-Picayune - Feb 13 11:28 PM
Question: Can you provide me with some guidelines as to what types of deductible medical expenses I can use to file my tax return? Answer: When you have health problems, medical expenses can quickly add up, even if you have health insurance.Save to My Web

Tri-Cities business calendar
Kingsport Times-News - KINGSPORT - Edward Jones investment representatives will host a free satellite broadcast titled “The Medicare Rx Plan: What It Is and How It Works” Feb. 14 at various offices. The presentation will feature experts discussing Medicare Part D, drug

State Medicare Help To End Friday
WCCO - (AP) St. Paul Some low-income seniors and disabled people in Minnesota could be caught in a bureaucratic pinch when emergency state help with the new Medicare prescription drug plan runs out Friday, but the federal program’s problems remain. Only the

Seniors pick foreign drugs over Medicare
Northwest Herald - Medicare’s new drug plan was supposed to help people such as Charlotte and Walter Kuglin, retirees living on a modest income who pay for their prescriptions out of pocket. The Florida couple are among the millions of seniors too well off for Medicaid

Seniors should get the benefit they need
Hill News - By Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) During the past 40 years, Medicare has improved the health of the elderly and disabled, prevented families from incurring catastrophic financial losses and cut the rate of uninsured elderly to near zero. Medicare is a

U.S. to Extend Emergency Rx Coverage
Louisiana Weekly - WASHINGTON (AP) - Private insurers offering prescription drug coverage through Medicare should supply senior citizens with an additional 60-day supply of medicine for emergency cases, the Bush administration says. The move will give beneficiaries

Medicare plan feels new heat
Chicago Tribune - Chicago seniors are paying higher prices for medications under Medicare’s new drug program than they would if drugs were purchased in Canada or on Drugstore.com, Democrats charged Friday. The critique is based on a new analysis of prescription drug

January newsletter
National Womens Health Information Center - We re facing a clean slate, a fresh page, and an opportunity to make changes for the better. On January 1st, we re all reminded that we re supposed to make a New Year s Resolution. The most popular resolutions include losing weight, working

Compromises shaped the drug benefit
Detroit News - Government agencies and volunteers, doctors or pharmacists can help seniors with the Medicare prescription drug program. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Call Medicare at (800) MEDICARE (633-4227). Or go to www.medicare.gov or www.cms.hhs

Pataki Rejects Bill Prompted by Medicare Problems
WGRZ TV - ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Governor Pataki is vetoing a bill that would have indefinitely given New Yorkers access to medications if they’re denied coverage under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Pataki said the bill passed by the Republican-led

Medicaid recipients OK for now, says area group
Mid-Hudson News Network - Copyright 2006 Mid-Hudson News Network, a division of Statewide News Network, Inc. This story may not be reproduced in any form without express written consent. Medicaid recipients OK for now, says area group The Medicare Emergency Response Group

Aetna’s Profits Up 41% - Lounge Lizards Say “Go ahead & Die”
Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights - CONTACT: Jerry Flanagan (FTCR), 310-392-0522 x319 or 415-497-1710 and Hank Card (The Austin Lounge Lizards), 512-751-8312 Aetna’s Profits Up 41% - Lounge Lizards Say “Go ahead & Die” As Aetna, the nation’s third largest HMO, announced a 41% percent

Seniors pick foreign drugs over Medicare
Northwest Herald - Medicare’s new drug plan was supposed to help people such as Charlotte and Walter Kuglin, retirees living on a modest income who pay for their prescriptions out of pocket. The Florida couple are among the millions of seniors too well off for Medicaid

The Legacy of President George W. Bush and the Arab Israeli Conflict
Arabic Media Internet Network - President George W. Bush has been in office for five years, and he has three more years to go. Like every other president, he certainly would like to leave behind a positive legacy as creative, efficient, kind, and a strong leader that others would

Nissan Announces It Will Limit Health Benefits For U.S. Retirees 
Medical News Today - Feb 09 7:02 PM
Japanese automaker Nissan will cut health insurance and pension benefits for U.S. employees in what the company calls an effort to “remain competitive,” the Los Angeles Times reports. Nissan informed workers with manufacturing jobs that, starting at age 65, they will receive an annual stipend to supplement Medicare coverage instead of receiving supplemental health care coverage from the Save to My Web

Deprive no children of medical insurance 
Honolulu Star-Bulletin - Feb 11 4:14 AM
HAWAII’S three-decade-old requirement that companies provide health insurance to full-time employees has led to a disproportionate percentage of part-time workers whose children are left uninsured . The Legislature should find ways to protect the health of children whose parents don’t qualify for government medical coverage and cannot afford private insurance.Save to My Web

Carole Strayhorn calls for more health insurance for Texans 
The Daily Texan - Feb 07 11:14 PM
Texas must work to provide health insurance for a greater number of residents, said Carole Keeton Strayhorn, independent gubernatorial candidate and Texas Comptroller, during a Tuesday conference at the Capitol.Save to My Web

UniCare unveils health insurance for young Texans 
Austin Business Journal - Feb 07 11:39 AM
UniCare Life & Health Insurance Co. introduced a health insurance plan for Texans ages 19 to 29.Save to My Web

Times, Globe cut benefits for future retirees 
Boston Herald - Feb 10 9:33 PM
The New York Times Co. is reducing health-care and life insurance benefits for future Times and Boston Globe employees who take early retirement, in the latest cost-cutting move by the company. The Times,…Save to My Web

Future of health care addressed 
The Daily Item - Feb 10 1:04 AM
NORTHUMBERLAND Consumer-driven health care is the future of health care, an insurance company official told members of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, encouraging business owners to explore health insurance options with their employees as they work to improve their bottom line.Save to My Web

China to promote community health service 
People’s Daily - Feb 10 6:16 PM
China is going to establish a new urban health service system on the bases of communities in order to make medical service easier and cheaper for local residents to access, said a health official Friday.Save to My Web

JCC to vote on drug discount-card plan 
Daily Press - Feb 11 1:04 AM
JAMES CITY — County residents without adequate health insurance could catch a break on prescription drugs if the county approves joining a national prescription-drug discount-card program.Save to My Web

Mayor Farris announces re-election plan despite controversies 
Southern Illinoisan - Feb 10 5:03 AM
CAIRO - Cairo Mayor Paul Farris confirmed Thursday the city is facing loss of city employees’ health insurance and also is in arrears on two different loans. But Farris said he isn’t worried. In fact, he said, he plans to seek re-election in 2007.Save to My Web

The BUSINESS of HEALTH CARE 
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer - Feb 09 7:42 AM
Old hospital remains empty The state application to turn the old Phenix Regional Hospital into an outpatient surgery center had been withdrawn, though owner Gilman Hackel said it’s only a temporary stop to his plans.Save to My Web

Research and Markets: A Company Over of the Regence Group - the Leading Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans and Health  
RedNova - Feb 08 2:29 PM
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c32370) has announced the addition of The Regence Group Business Intelligence Report to their offering.Save to My Web

Perata calls for updated crisis plans 
Oakland Tribune - Feb 10 3:49 AM
SACRAMENTO The Senate leader asked the governor Thurs- day to convene an emergency preparedness council, saying six outdated plans for catastrophes such as earthquakes, radiological attacksSave to My Web

Aetna posts higher 4th-qtr profit 
Reuters via Yahoo! News - Feb 09 5:47 AM
U.S. health insurer Aetna Inc. on Thursday posted a 41 percent jump in quarterly earnings on higher enrollment in its health plans, and raised its full-year profit targets, sending shares higher.Save to My Web

New report cites R.I. health plans pros and cons 
Providence Business News - Feb 09 10:43 AM
The R.I. Department of Health released Wednesday the R.I. Commercial Health Plans Performance Report. The study details the performance of the states five largest commercial health plans.Save to My Web

Career Education Corporation Addresses Dissident’s Plans to Launch a Proxy Contest 
[Press Release] Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance - 1 hour, 42 minutes ago
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.—-Feb. 10, 2006–Career Education Corporation today commented on dissident Steve Bostic’s announced plans to launch a proxy contest to elect three directors at the company’s 2006 annual meeting of shareholders.Save to My Web