WellCare No. 5 On Medicare List 
The Tampa Tribune - Apr 28 10:24 PM
TAMPA - United Healthcare is riding its partnership with AARP to the top of a national competition for Medicare beneficiaries enrolling in prescription drug plans, according to data released Friday.Save to My Web

2 national firms, Highmark lead in Medicare Rx sign-up 
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Apr 28 9:10 PM
Two national insurance companies — United Healthcare and Humana Inc. — are leading the way in enrolling beneficiaries in the new Medicare prescription drug benefit but Highmark Inc. continues to hold a large share of the state’s market.Save to My Web

Residents prepare for Senior Olympic Games 
New River Current - Apr 29 10:45 PM
Many of the 160 athletes registered will take part in several sports. BLACKSBURG — Put away the gloves and stocking caps and pull out those golf clubs and ping-pong paddles. Warmer weather is finally here to stay for a while. The better news for some might be an accompanying spring tradition: a week’s worth of New River Valley Senior Olympic Games that kick off Monday. Save to My Web

Study shows racial/ethnic disparities in medical/oral health status and care for minority children 
EurekAlert! - Apr 29 9:30 PM
Native Americans: disparities greatest in hearing/vision problems, frequent ED visits, no usual source of care and unmet medical dental needs. Asian Pacific Islanders: disparities greatest in inferior oral health, not seeing a doctor in the past year, and problems getting specialty care.Save to My Web

Medicare: Sign up fast before May 15 
Visalia Times-Delta - Apr 29 5:08 AM
Dorothy Leal considers herself a pretty bright person.Save to My Web

United drug plan fares well with AARP brand 
The Palm Beach Post - Apr 28 9:24 PM
In a state where the “early bird special” is a part of the culture, you might have expected most Florida seniors to gravitate toward the cheapest option when it came to selecting a Medicare prescription drug plan.Save to My Web

Getting with the program 
Athens Review Online - Apr 28 10:36 AM
Trying to make sense of the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan has apparently left some people in need of an aspirin. Almost 40 people from Athens and surrounding areas attended the special meeting held Thursday morning at the Athens City Hall Annex.Save to My Web

Medicare Officials Adjust Drug Plan 
AP via Yahoo! News - Apr 27 2:52 PM
The agency overseeing the Medicare drug benefit has issued new guidelines to insurers to protect enrollees from abrupt changes to their prescription plans.Save to My Web

Battling cancer — and Blue Cross
Los Angeles Times, CA - Apr 23, 2006… the $30-per-brand-name prescription I have to pay the pharmacy after I … Another thing working in insurance companies’ favor is that cancer patients rarely have …
Source: www.latimes.com

Obesity surgery beneficial
2TheAdvocate, LA - Apr 26, 2006… On top of pharmacy savings, the results showed another $11,000 in savings on … would likely recommend the procedure be covered under its health insurance program …
Source: www.2theadvocate.com

Block Islanders denounce plans to temporarily close runway
Providence Journal (subscription), RI - Apr 26, 2006… situations — can cost upward of $5,000 and are not always covered by insurance. … Without an on-island pharmacy, Miller relies on New England air to deliver 5 …
Source: www.projo.com

Drugs can be cheaper, at the right store
Detroit Free Press, United States - Apr 15, 2006… Without the benefit of an insurance company negotiating for them, many people end … time-consuming and frustrating for consumers to call every pharmacy in town …
Source: www.freep.com

More on Medicare
GovExec.com - Apr 27, 2006… A retiree who has Medicare A and B as primary insurance and who uses the GEHA or … would only pay $50 if you purchase the medication at a local pharmacy and only …
Source: www.govexec.com

The Doctor is In Your Inbox
Black Enterprise, NY - Apr 28, 2006… Eleven insurance companies nationwide offer webVisit, which is designed by RelayHealth … response may even include a prescription to your pharmacy — if that’s …
Source: www.blackenterprise.com

Follow these eight steps when selecting coverage
Akron Beacon Journal - 1. Figure out whether you already have coverage that’s considered as good as or better than Medicare Part D plans — so-called “creditable coverage.” If you have creditable coverage, you don’t have to do anything. You won’t face a late-enrollment

HITS & MISSES
Star-Gazette - When the June issue of American Style magazine comes out, Corning’s arts reputation will take a giant step upward. Ranked No. 22 among small cities last year by the magazine’s readers, Corning will come in at No. 3 - a fact that The Gaffer District

New Policy Protects Medicare Beneficiaries’ Drug Coverage
HealthScout - Under the new policy, insurers can still make changes to their lists of covered drugs (formularies) but, if they impose new restrictions or drop drugs from that list, they must exempt beneficiaries currently taking those drugs. “No beneficiaries will

Deadline nears to enroll in drug plan
Ely Daily Times - As the May 15 deadline rapidly approaches, I strongly encourage those eligible for Medicare to review their options and sign up for the Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). The launch of this benefit was the largest government program shift since the

Large Insurers Are Big Winners In New Medicare Benefit
Insurance News Net - Copyright 2006 Associated PressAll Rights Reserved The Associated Press April 21, 2006 Friday 2:29 PM GMT SECTION: BUSINESS NEWS LENGTH: 1025 words HEADLINE: Large insurers are big winners in new Medicare benefit BYLINE: By SARAH LUECK With the May

MINNESOTA ROUNDUP
Grand Forks Herald - In exchange for state help in building a new football stadium, the University of Minnesota has offered to hand over to the state what the school has described as a priceless nature reserve. UMore Park in Dakota County has 2,840 acres of green space

Switzerland Approves Pilot Health Project in Germany (Update1) 
Bloomberg.com - Apr 26 8:23 AM
April 26 (Bloomberg) — The Swiss government approved a three- year pilot project allowing patients from the Basel region to go to neighboring Germany for basic health care to try and cut the rising costs of insurance premiums.Save to My Web

Millions Without Insurance 
WTVY-TV 4 - Apr 26 7:02 PM
A newly released study shows that 46 million Americans are living day to day without health insurance. This is not only affecting healthcare providers financially, but it is also putting many lives at risk.Save to My Web

Fewer carrying health coverage 
Inside Bay Area - Apr 26 8:22 AM
NEW YORK The percentage of working-age Americans with moderate to middle incomes who lacked health insurance for at least part of the year rose to 41 percent in 2005, a dramatic increase fromSave to My Web

All health insurance vetoes rejected by House, 136-20 
Worcester Telegram & Gazette - Apr 26 7:05 PM
BOSTON - The House yesterday re-assembled the state’s landmark universal health insurance reform bill as it was originally passed last month, rejecting all of Gov. Mitt Romney’s vetoes of numerous provisions, including a $295 per employee fee on companies that do not provide insurance benefits to workers.Save to My Web

Report: 400,000 Arkansans Lack Health Insurance 
KATV Channel 7 - Apr 26 4:57 PM
Little Rock - A new report released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation suggests more than 400,000 Arkansans lack health insurance. A spokesperson for an Arkansas-based insurance company says that many people are uninsured by choice.Save to My Web

Burns backs small business health insurance bill 
Montanaforum.com - Apr 27 7:10 AM
HELENA - U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., said Wednesday he hopes the Senate will move quickly on a bill enabling small businesses to participate in larger health insurance pools.Save to My Web

Our ViewDont remove states control over insurance 
Mankato Free Press - Apr 27 12:16 AM
Imagine having health insurance that refuses to cover care for your diabetes, wont pay for a simple blood test to find out early if you have prostate cancer, wont cover mammograms for your wife and wont cover a host of other common medical procedures.Save to My Web

Study: Uninsured Vermonters less likely to get health care 
The Barre Montpelier Times Argus - Apr 27 12:16 AM
MONTPELIER — Americans and Vermonters who don’t have health insurance are less likely to get preventive medical care and less likely to see a doctor when they need one. … - By LOUIS PORTER Vermont Press BureauSave to My Web

Health Savings Accounts 
Stars and Stripes - Apr 26 10:46 AM
What military retiree would forfeit Tricare benefits for the chance to build a nest egg and enjoy some tax breaks through use of a Health Savings Account (HSA) combined with a high deductible health insurance plan?Save to My Web

Percent who skip health insurance jumps 
CNN.com - Apr 26 7:16 AM
WASHINGTON (Reuters) — More than 40 percent of Americans making between $20,000 and $40,000 a year went without insurance for at least part of the year last year, according to a study published Wednesday.Save to My Web

County seeking bids for health insurance 
The Morning Call - Apr 26 1:12 AM
Northampton County issued a request for bids for employee health insurance Tuesday, and in an attempt to cut costs, is willing to consider switching from its self-funded plan to a traditional premium-based plan.Save to My Web

Health insurance registration 
AME Info - Apr 25 9:00 PM
Registration for the UAE’s national health insurance scheme starts in May, with major institutions required to have policies for their employees in place by 1 July, according to Gulf News. The first phase of the plan includes government institutions and private companies with more than 1,000 employees.Save to My Web

Leaders offer help on health care costs 
Sioux City Journal - Apr 26 11:20 PM
WASHINGTON — Republican leaders of the House and Senate found common ground Wednesday with local business leaders looking for relief from soaring health care costs.Save to My Web

Reports focus on health care 
Denver Post - Apr 27 12:01 AM
Kathryn Alexander spent five days in Boulder Community Hospital last year and walked away with a bill for $57,000. The self-employed Boulder consultant has never been able to afford health insurance, but in this case the Colorado Indigent Care Program picked up much of her tab.Save to My Web

Arkansas Top News This Hour
Kait 8 - LITTLE ROCK (AP) _ Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mike Beebe says the Arkansas Supreme Court has frequently changed the standards by which public schools are evaluated, but adds that Arkansas could head off future court challenges by providing

Morrisette: State needs better rural health care
Lebanon-Express - The health of rural health care is one of the major issues facing Oregon, according to Democrat Bill Morrisette. I am particularly interested in the rural health issue, Morrisette said. We need to provide more funding for rural health from

In this section
Henderson Daily News - The deadline for signing up for Medicare Plan D prescription drug coverage is May 15, and it seems that many people are still debating their best options. After nearly six months, many people are still confused and have not acted upon their options

Medicare Officials Say They Have Exceeded Enrollment Goal For Drug
Medical News Today - More than 30 million Medicare beneficiaries now have prescription drug coverage, exceeding the Bush administration’s goal of ensuring coverage for 28 million to 30 million beneficiaries in the first year of the Medicare prescription drug benefit, HHS

Deadline for new Medicare quickly approaching
San Antonio Express News - The enrollment deadline for the new Medicare prescription drug program is fast approaching. If you haven’t signed up yet, there are some good reasons you should take the time to do it over the next three weeks. On Tuesday, a mobile enrollment center

Ariz. Medicare recipients making use of drug plans
AZCentral.com - A higher proportion of Arizona’s seniors and people with disabilities are getting prescription-drug benefits than their counterparts across the country. About 75 percent of the state’s Medicare beneficiaries are getting some kind of drug coverage

Saving serious money
Grand Forks Herald - Alta Novacek plans to use $1,200 a year in savings she got from signing up for a new Medicare prescription drug plan to cover other expenses. Novacek, of Grand Forks, was one of the dozens of senior citizens who attended a promotional rally for

McCaskill (and mom s) rural tour begins with addressing Mexico
Mexico Ledger - Political considerations aside, Missouri State Auditor and U.S Senate candidate Claire McCaskill said her mission to reform Medicare’s beleaguered Part D prescription drug plan started with a burst of foul language from her normally pious and refined

Last modified Saturday, April 22, 2006 7:49 PM PDT
North County Times - Buy your prescription drugs from Canada and save money. That’s the promise of Canada U.S. Senior Services, an Oceanside store that sells prescription and over-the-counter drugs through its Canadian owner. The walk-in storefront brings to North County

Updated by Melissa Moon
WREG - Homicide investigators charged Prince Michael Adams, 23 with 1st degree murder. The charges stem from the discovery of Adams girlfriend, Audrey Flowers, 24, in Mooney Park on Tuesday. 9-11 tapes of an incident that put four police officers in the

Medicare Q&A
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel - Q: I signed up for a Medicare drug plan in March and still haven’t received my insurance card. I need to fill my prescriptions but am concerned that I’ll be charged the full amount for them without my card. What do I do? _Joel A: If you signed up for

Experts urge creating evacuation plans
Lexington Herald-Leader - NEW YORK - With tornadoes already buffeting the South and Midwest, and the start of the hurricane season not far off, families need to begin thinking now about preparing disaster plans. Even those with plans in place should review them since - as

Medicare assistance available
Northwest Herald - Part of Bonnie Strait’s job is to help Medicare participants get the best medical care and prescription coverage at the best price. And Strait believes that the new Medicare Part D prescription-drug plan can do the job. “This program already is

Illinois kids insurance program would be nation s first
Rockford Register-Star - WASHINGTON When Bianca Sanchez moved from the reception desk to handling insurance claims at a Chicago health care center three years ago, it seemed like a good thing all around. But her salary increase - from $15,000 to $35,000 annually - also

Enroll now to maximize benefits
Carlsbad Current Argus, NM - Apr 21, 2006… drug plan is just three months old, but in that short time more than 175,000 New Mexicans have already signed up for prescription drug coverage and are …
Source: www.currentargus.com

Deadline to sign up for Medicare looms
Lebanon Daily News, PA - 15 hours ago… or 63 percent of those eligible have signed up for the Medicare Part D coverage or are enrolled in the state s PACE/PACENET drug coverage for low-income …
Source: www.ldnews.com

Retiree drug coverage optional for employer
Kentucky.com, KY - Mar 25, 2006Question: My wife and I have drug coverage through my former employer. With the start of the Medicare drug benefit, can my former …
Source: www.kentucky.com

County leading drug-plan sign-ups
Palm Beach Post,  United States - Apr 21, 2006… people are enrolled in a Medicare drug plan, including 8.1 million in stand-alone prescription drug plans which, unlike HMOs, provide only drug coverage. …
Source: www.palmbeachpost.com

Medicare drug coverage target exceeded, administration says
USA Today - Apr 20, 2006… of its complexity. Seniors must choose among dozens of plans that differ in premiums, drug coverage and cost-sharing. They say that …
Source: www.usatoday.com

Dems Call for Medicare Deadline Extension
CNSNews.com, VA - Apr 20, 2006… “The typical senior who previously lacked drug coverage will spend about half of what he or she used to spend on prescription drugs — an average annual …
Source: www.cnsnews.com

Medicare Drug Plan Exceeds Projections
24×7updates, India - Apr 21, 2006… information on Thursday that more than 30 million recipients of Medicare insurance policy are now receiving prescription drug coverage, exceeding projections …
Source: www.24×7updates.com

Transition drug coverage for seniors expires
Seattle Post Intelligencer - Mar 31, 2006By KEVIN FREKING. WASHINGTON — A safeguard designed to ease the transition of elderly patients into the Medicare drug program ended …
Source: seattlepi.nwsource.com

Americans without proof of citizenship may lose Medicaid
Houston Chronicle, United States - Apr 15, 2006WASHINGTON - More than 50 million Medicaid recipients will soon have to produce birth certificates, passports or other documents to prove that they are US …
Source: www.chron.com

New York Times Examines Medicaid Fraud in New York, How Issue Is …
Kaiser network.org, DC - Apr 12, 2006The New York Times on Tuesday examined Medicaid fraud in New York and how the issue has become a focus in the campaign between Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (D …
Source: www.kaisernetwork.org

Pataki Offers Budget Comprimise To State Lawmakers
NY1, NY - 59 minutes ago… provides a modified child tax credit. It reduces the more than $1 billion in proposed Medicaid cuts. It also restores funds for …
Source: www.ny1.com

Full Use of Medicaid Capitation Model Would Create Large Savings
Yahoo! News (press release) - Apr 21, 2006… A study released today by The Lewin Group asserts that there is tremendous room for expansion of capitation contracting in the Medicaid program, and that …
Source: biz.yahoo.com

Medicaid measure to get its first hearing today
Rocky Mountain News, CO - Apr 12, 2006A bill that would create a public list of companies whose workers depend on Medicaid for health care will get its first hearing today. …
Source: www.rockymountainnews.com

Alaska editorial: Alaska’s looming Medicaid dilemma lacks …
Juneau Empire (subscription), AK - Apr 20, 2006The long-term forecast about the Medicaid program in Alaska didn’t seem to get too much attention when it was made public back in February. …
Source: www.juneauempire.com

U.S. to permit free drugs for needy Medicare users 
The Philadelphia Inquirer - Apr 19 9:05 AM
Federal regulators gave drug companies a green light yesterday to provide free medicine to needy Medicare prescription-drug-plan enrollees, backing away from an earlier prohibition.Save to My Web

What does the penalty mean to you? 
phillyburbs.com - Apr 23 5:17 AM
What does the penalty mean to you? Eligible Medicare beneficiaries who do not choose a drug plan by May 15 are assessed a monthly 1 percent penalty against the average monthly premium in the region where they live.Save to My Web

US says Medicare drug plan passes 30 million goal 
Reuters via Yahoo! News - Apr 21 5:22 AM
The controversial U.S. Medicare prescription drug program has met the government’s goal to provide benefits to more than 30 million elderly or disabled beneficiaries, U.S. health officials said on Thursday.Save to My Web

No Medicare deadline change 
Contra Costa Times - Apr 21 12:48 PM
With more than 30 million people now signed up for the new Medicare prescription drug plan, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said Thursday he will not extend the May 15 enrollment deadline.Save to My Web

Medicare Part D costs may rise by 7% 
Pioneer Press - Apr 22 10:34 AM
WASHINGTON As the deadline for enrolling in the Medicare drug plan approaches, the government has announced that seniors and beneficiaries with disabilities may have to pay as much as 7 percent more for their benefits next year.Save to My Web

Feds urge elderly to choose drug plan / May 15 deadline is fast approaching for cheaper enrollment 
San Francisco Chronicle - Apr 23 3:39 AM
San Jose resident Tom McMahon has been collecting material on the Medicare prescription drug benefit for months. And he’s well aware of the May 15 deadline to sign up for the program. “I’m sitting here in front of my computer screen trying to figure…Save to My Web

Residents voice concerns about health care at Billings forum
Independent Record - BILLINGS (AP) Health care should be accessible to all Americans, regardless of their ability to pay, residents said Friday at a public forum here. If you can t afford it, you don t have it, said Ralph Brewington. If people

New York City doormen reach deal, averting strike
Victoria Advocate - NEW YORK - A strike that could have forced tens of thousands of apartment dwellers to take their trash out to the curb and carry their own groceries was averted when the city’s doormen reached a tentative contract agreement with building owners. The

Top Jobs
Anchorage Daily News - Customer Service Representative Lynden International is seeking a Customer Service Representative for fast paced Anchorage office. Qualified applicant will be dependable with good communications skills. Strong 10 Key, Typing and Computer skills

MONEYTIP: The new math of life insurance
Grand Forks Herald - NEW YORK - The life insurance trade may seem the realm of stodgy numbers crunchers coldly estimating the chances of your demise and pricing their policies accordingly. In fact, it’s a commission-driven, reel-in-the-customer business that’s not nearly

USA Today Looks At Challenges Small Businesses Face In Providing
Medical News Today - USA Today on Wednesday examined how small businesses are “driven crazy by soaring employee health costs, an expense that surveys show has become the biggest headache and obstacle to growth,” and how “a growing army of consultants and benefits experts

Bill’s Blog
WKYT 27 - You can never really predict the issues that will come up in campaigns . In Kentucky that seems really true. The Red Light controversy in Lexington proved an issue that seemed to come out of nowhere. That’s where Mayor Teresa Isaac said using

County clerks threaten to stop work over talks
The Herald, WA - 16 hours ago… progress. The clerks already are required to pay considerably more for medical insurance than most other county employees. Strohrmann …
Source: www.heraldnet.com

MAF Bancorp Reports First Quarter Earnings of $.74 per Diluted …
Market Wire (press release) - Apr 20, 2006… In addition, normal salary increases and higher incentive accruals, employment taxes and medical insurance expenses contributed to the increase relative to the …
Source: www.marketwire.com

FTCR: Insurers Seek Immunity From Paying Patient Damages in Enzi …
International News Service, Australia - 4 hours ago… purchase these health insurance plans will lose their right to sue for damages if they are harmed by an insurer’s decision to limit access to medical treatments …
Source: feed.insnews.org

An Active Hand in The Healing Process
InternetNews.com - 3 hours ago… Keeping patients better informed is rapidly becoming mandated, as medical insurance costs escalate and hospitals comply with tougher rules regarding keeping …
Source: www.internetnews.com

UNIC Insurance announces N2bn claims payment
The Tide, Nigeria - Apr 20, 2006… under the world acclaimed critical rescue international brand which include comprehensive emergency evacuation and travel medical insurance covers which are …
Source: www.thetidenews.com

Life-cycle events important in financial options
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN - Apr 19, 2006… Life insurance, disability insurance, property and casualty insurance and major medical insurance all have a place in our life-cycle planning. …
Source: www.fortwayne.com

We Need More ‘Uninsured
Lew Rockwell, CA - Apr 12, 2006… believers who dominate the ranks of mainstream news reporters and politicians try to bludgeon us into believing that the lack of medical insurance is a …
Source: www.lewrockwell.com

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 2005 Annual Report
AOPA Pilot - 5 hours ago… With regard to higher insurance costs for older pilots, in 2005 AOPA and the AOPA … 153,000 calls and e-mails to AOPA with technical or medical-related questions …
Source: www.aopa.org

Court says city in error by eliminating benefits 
Benton Courier - Apr 20 2:30 PM
Benton City Council erred when it voted in 2003 to eliminate certain benefits for city employees, including medical insurance for retired employees.Save to My Web

Comment: The 175 Million Travel Insurance Rip-Off 
The Motley Fool - Apr 19 9:20 AM
Made any plans for the summer holidays yet? If so, don’t forget the travel insurance — just be careful who you buy it from.Save to My Web

OSP warns of medical emergency scam 
Lebanon Express - Apr 19 12:12 PM
A possible attempt to fraudulently obtain personal information related to police and medical assistance has come to the attention of Oregon State Police (OSP), Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Health Center and Life Flight Network.Save to My Web

Insurance premium income grows at slower pace 
The Edge Daily - Apr 19 4:32 AM
The combined premium income for the life and general insurance business grew at a slower pace of 6.9% to RM23.56 billion in 2005, compared with a 17.2% increase to RM22.04 billion in 2004.Save to My Web

American Medical Association Study: Health Insurers Are Near-Monopolies 
Common Dreams News Center - Apr 18 7:38 AM
American Medical Association Study: Health Insurers Are Near-MonopoliesSave to My Web

Extend health insurance to all 
Wisconsin State Journal - Apr 17 7:19 AM
In a bold effort to cure what ails the health care system, Massachusetts last week became the first state to require everyone to be covered by medical insurance.Save to My Web

Medical groups endorse Perry’s tax plan 
Houston Chronicle - Apr 19 10:03 AM
The governor secured the support of the doctors and groups representing dentists, hospitals and other health care providers by agreeing to give them tax deductions for charitable care. Save to My Web

Mergers Among US Health Insurers Limiting Consumers’ Choice Of Care, Providers, AMA Study Says 
Medical News Today - Apr 20 8:04 PM
Consolidation among health insurers has led to near-monopolies and oligarchies in most regions of the U.S., according to an American Medical Association study released on Monday, Dow Jones/Baltimore Sun reports. The study used the Department of Justice system called the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, which measures antitrust concerns… click link for more info.Save to My Web

InfiNet Business Systems Opens New Haven, Conn., Office 
[Press Release] Market Wire via Yahoo! Finance - Apr 19 4:30 AM
InfiNet Business Systems, a software systems integrator serving the legal, government, medical, financial, insurance, and manufacturing industries, has opened a new location at 129 Church Street in New Haven, Conn.Save to My Web

More Baby Boomers Worried About Gas Prices and Uninsured Medical Costs Than Retirement and Other Long-Term Expenses,  
[Press Release] PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance - Apr 19 7:15 AM
More Baby Boomers are concerned about gas prices and uninsured medical costs than about retirement and other long- term expenses, according to a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants .Save to My Web

Cigarette tax increase plans flame out in House committee 
The Daily Comet - Apr 19 7:44 PM
Plans to raise the state’s cigarette tax to help pay for health programs, tax cuts and small business medical insurance died in the House Ways and Means Committee Wednesday.Save to My Web

Obituaries 
Honolulu Star-Bulletin - Apr 20 4:36 AM
Fortunato Ben Castillo April 5, 2006 Fortunato Ben Castillo, 89, of Los Angeles, formerly of Honolulu, a retired St. Francis-Liliha Medical Center maintenance worker, died in California. He was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.Save to My Web

Wal-Mart extends health insurance to more part-timers 
Louisville Courier-Journal - Apr 18 2:52 AM
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said yesterday that it will relax eligibility requirements for part-time employees who want health insurance, allowing up to 150,000 more workers to obtain coverage. Until now, part-timers have had to work for two years to qualify for Wal-Mart-sponsored insurance. Beginning next month, they will quality after one year’s service.Save to My Web

Medical training meets the street 
The Star-Ledger - Apr 19 9:45 PM
In an age when a doctor’s visit can leave patients feeling rushed, there is a medical clinic in Newark that operates like a throwback to the old days of medicine.Save to My Web

Knicks have insurance in case Brown resigns 
Middletown Times Herald-Record - Apr 17 12:36 AM
Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Knicks took out an insurance policy on Larry Brown’s record contract last summer to protect the club in the event that Brown is forced to resign for medical reasons, a league source told the Daily News.Save to My Web

2 Legislators Push For State Health Plan
WISC, WI - Apr 12, 2006MADISON, Wis. — Two legislators say Wisconsin should follow the lead of Massachusetts and adopt a state health plan. Republican …
Source: www.channel3000.com

Scrutiny, criticism grow over key section of health care plan
Boston Globe, United States - Apr 6, 2006… Mitt Romney, say the mandate is a key pillar of the health plan because it forces individuals to take responsibility for their health care. …
Source: www.boston.com

Colorado Awards MAXIMUS Child Health Plan Plus Marketing and …
Business Wire (press release), CA - Apr 10, 2006… 2006–The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has awarded a six-month contract to MAXIMUS (NYSE:MMS) to conduct Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+ …
Source: home.businesswire.com

Bredesen: Tennessee Health Plan ‘Opposite’ of Massachusetts
WREG, TN - Apr 17, 2006The Cover Tennessee plan calls for a 150-dollar monthly premium for basic health insurance. The state would kick in 50 dollars. …
Source: www.wreg.com

NAR Launches Major Health Plan Bill Effort
RisMedia.com, CT - Apr 5, 2006… that Americans — 89 percent, including 93 percent of Republicans and 86 percent of Democrats — overwhelmingly favor the small business health plan concept. …
Source: rismedia.com

Health plan’s success lies in the details
MetroWest Daily News, MA - Apr 14, 2006… If reaching an ideological middle ground between Romney and the Democrat-led Legislature on the nation’s most ambitious health care reform seemed like a …
Source: www.metrowestdailynews.com

Mass. health plan has merit
Denver Post, CO - Apr 12, 2006Now, an innovative plan in Massachusetts touted as providing near-universal health insurance is attracting national attention. Gov. …
Source: www.denverpost.com

Doctors, other health care groups throw support behind Perry’s plan 
KGBT 4 Rio Grande Valley - Apr 19 12:02 PM
AUSTIN, Texas Nineteen health-care interest groups — including the Texas Medical Association — have endorsed a school finance tax plan touted by Governor Rick Perry.Save to My Web

Steep decline in competition in the nation’s health insurance markets 
News-Medical-Net - Apr 19 5:30 AM
In addition, the study found that in 95 percent of markets, a single insurer had a market share of 30 percent or greater, and in 56 percent of the markets, a single insurer had a market share of 50 percent or greater.Save to My Web

Health Highlights: April 18, 2006 
HealthDay via Yahoo! News - Apr 18 9:02 AM
Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:Save to My Web

Drug company CEO calls for national health care 
Birmingham News - Apr 18 2:32 AM
WASHINGTON - Jean-Pierre Garnier, the Philadelphia-based chief executive officer of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline PLC, said Monday that the government should enact a system of national health insurance as a way to broaden access to treatment and reduce costs.Save to My Web

Mandatory Health Insurance 
New York Times - Apr 14 8:17 PM
The plan to provide everyone in Massachusetts health insurance could serve as a model for elsewhere, provided Massachusetts finds sufficient funds to make it all work.Save to My Web

Several states criticize Enzi health insurance bill 
KAALtv.com - Apr 18 8:19 AM
(AP) - Insurance commissioners and other officials from several states, including Minnesota, are criticizing legislation sponsored by a Wyoming Senator.Save to My Web

States should look at new law requiring health insurance 
Yakima Herald-Republic - Apr 17 10:59 PM
We were skeptical, to say the least, when the news first hit that Massachusetts was about to become the first state to require everyone to have health insurance, similar to mandatory automobile liability coverage.Save to My Web

Victims could lose out after doubts about insurance cover 
Guardian Unlimited - Apr 16 6:25 PM
Society: Biotech firm ‘only had 2m insurance policy’ We were acting lawfully, insists German companySave to My Web

Unregistered Insurance Companies Told to Stop Offering Discounted Health Plans 
RedNova - Apr 17 4:50 AM
By Review-Journal REVIEW-JOURNAL State Commissioner of Insurance Alice Molasky-Arman has ordered two insurance companies to stop offering discounted health plans in Nevada because they are not registered, which is a violation of state law.Save to My Web

KUALA LUMPUR: A retiree has taken an insurance firm here to task over its reluctance to release money due to him. 
Malay Mail - Apr 16 9:14 PM
Former marketing executive James Batumalay, 65, claims Great Eastern Life Insurance has been dragging its feet over the insurance money he is entitled to following the death of his son on Christmas Day, almost two years ago. The sum owed to him is RM37,500.Save to My Web

Health mandates price some out of insurance market 
The Hillsboro Argus - Apr 14 2:44 PM
Members of the 2005 Oregon Legislature continued to make health insurance more expensive and harder to obtain by adding new procedures that insurers are required to cover and by mandating that mental health conditions be covered at the same level as other medical conditions.Save to My Web

Robot gives birth to new medical education method 
Bradenton Herald - Apr 17 4:23 AM
Noelle’s given birth in Afghanistan, California and dozens of points in between. She’s a lifelike, pregnant robot used in increasing numbers of medical schools and hospital maternity wards.Save to My Web

Law on medical ethics expected by year-end 
Khaleej Times - Apr 16 9:34 PM
DUBAI The Ministry of Health has drafted a law to maintain professional medical ethics, and this law will be in place by the end of the current year, said UAE Minister of Health, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutami yesterday.Save to My Web

ICICI Pru launches ‘Cancer Care’ 
Business Standard India - 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
ICICI Prudential today launched a health insurance product ‘Cancer Care’, that provides cover for cancer. Cancer Care provides cover of up to Rs 10 lakh for a premium of Rs 250 per month.Save to My Web

Doctors hit back at claims of overcharging 
Swissinfo - Apr 17 4:55 AM
One in 20 doctors charged too much in 2004, according to a study published at the weekend by the umbrella organisation of health insurance companies, sant suisse.Save to My Web

Fact Sheet: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Enroll Now and …
Whitehouse.gov (press release), DC - Apr 11, 2006The Administration has launched a broad outreach campaign to educate seniors and disabled Americans about Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage program. …
Source: www.whitehouse.gov

“D” For Disaster
TomPaine.com, D.C. - Apr 7, 2006… Employers have hiked up the cost of their retiree drug coverage and pharmaceutical companies have continued to drive up the prices of life-saving prescription …
Source: www.tompaine.com

Unusual Allies Tout Medicare Drug Benefits
Pierceland Herald, Canada - Apr 13, 2006By KEVIN FREKING, 1 minute ago. WASHINGTON - One of every six Medicare beneficiaries is black or Hispanic, and many of them lack prescription drug coverage. …
Source: www.newsone.ca

SHIP funding increases prescription drug coverage awareness
CCH - Apr 12, 2006… from CMS to continue their education and outreach efforts, which have contributed to over 27 million Medicare beneficiaries having prescription drug coverage. …
Source: health.cch.com

90-Day Coverage Period For Existing Medications Under Medicare …
Medical News Today (press release), UK - Apr 3, 2006… During a conference call organized by Families USA, advocates expressed particular concern about dual eligibles, whose drug coverage was switched automatically …
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Medicare Part D can be right plan for retirees
Deseret News, UT - Apr 9, 2006… If you have prescription drug coverage through a former employer or another source that is considered better than Medicare’s plan (”creditable coverage”), keep …
Source: deseretnews.com

Sodrel staff to hold drug benefit meeting
Brown County Democrat, IN - Apr 13, 2006… Medicare Rx Benefit info sessions throughout Southern Indiana in order to help inform constituents about Medicare s new prescription drug coverage prior to …
Source: www.browncountyindiana.com

Business news briefs: 4/15/06
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Apr 14, 2006… Inc., successor to American Can and American National Can, claiming that it unilaterally changed benefit plans that increased the cost of drug coverage. …
Source: www.post-gazette.com

DeStefano proposes tax credits, buying pool to expand health insurance 
Journal Inquirer - Apr 14 10:01 AM
HARTFORD - New Haven Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial contender John DeStefano Jr. unveiled an extensive plan Wednesday to offer business tax credits to ensure all residents have affordable health insurance.Save to My Web

City works on plan in case worst happens 
The Youngstown Vindicator - Apr 14 10:23 PM
Forum is now projecting losses of $60 million in 2006. YOUNGSTOWN Mayor Jay Williams is contacting members of the Forum Health Board of Trustees individually, trying to assess the impact their decisions on restructuring the financially troubled health system may have on the city.Save to My Web

Newspapers Continue To Examine Massachusetts Health Plan 
Medical News Today - Apr 11 9:02 PM
Two newspapers recently published articles addressing the plan passed by the Massachusetts Legislature on Tuesday that would require all uninsured residents to purchase coverage by July 1, 2007, and employers with 11 or more workers to provide health coverage for employees or pay a penalty. Summaries appear below… click link for more info.Save to My Web

Rapidly growing health plan targets college students, young adults 
MLive.com - Apr 14 8:05 AM
FLINT - It’s enrollment time at Davenport University for classes - and for health coverage.Save to My Web

CHA Health to be sold to Humana for $55 million 
Lexington Herald-Leader - Apr 14 7:44 AM
Assuming the sale is approved by state and federal regulators, Humana Health Plan Inc. will pay $55 million for Lexington-based CHA Health, company officials said after a public hearing on the transaction yesterday.Save to My Web

Evac plan good to go, boss says 
The Ottawa Sun - Apr 14 12:11 AM
Fri, April 14, 2006 Evac plan good to go, boss says By DEREK PUDDICOMBE, OTTAWA SUN If a catastrophe hits, the city says it’s prepared. Ottawa’s emergency management department yesterday put the final touches on its evacuation plan. The plan has been in the works for seven months and involved input from the police, paramedic, fire, public health and public works departments. John Ash, the city’s Save to My Web

Wis. Legislators Pushing Mandated State Health Plan Similar to Mass. 
Insurance Journal - Apr 13 8:11 AM
Two Wisconsin legislators, one Democrat and the other Republican, have worked with two health policy officials to generate interest in creating a Wisconsin Health Plan. With Massachusetts basking inSave to My Web

Conaway schedules Permian Basin tour to enroll senior citizens
Odessa American Online - U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway will be in the Permian Basin next week touring five cities to promote the Medicare Prescription Drug plan. He will be in Odessa on Wednesday and Midland on Thursday to sign up senior citizens. We have had incredible success

Gonzales Council set to vote on largest budget ever
Ascension Citizen - The City Council will vote at its next meeting to adopt a $20.6 million budget, the largest in the city’s history. The council voted 4-0 at its meeting Monday afternoon to introduce the budget, which is still a working budget until officially

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dBusinessNews.com - Hartford: Chemtura Corporation Announces 2006 Annual Meeting Date, First Quarter 2006 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call Hartford — Chemtura Corporation’s (NYSE: CEM) 2006 Annual Meeting will Hartford: OMI Corporation Invites You To First

Deadline nears for Medicare Plan D Deadline nears for Medicare Plan D
Ottawa Herald - Buyer beware but don’t be late. The deadline to sign up for Medicare Plan D prescription drug coverage is May 15 , but many seniors are waiting until the last minute to enroll in a program that can’t be understood at the last minute, experts say. “We

Bush pushes Medicare drug plan during Midwest visits
Kane County Chronicle - JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. President Bush, trying to rouse public interest in the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, urged seniors in the Midwest on Tuesday to sign up for the program before the May 15 deadline. “I’m just telling you it’s a good

Signup deadline nears for Medicare drug plan
Yakima Herald Republic - The pressure of filing taxes might be over for most people, but for seniors, another stressful federal deadline is just around the corner. The first enrollment period for Medicare Part D, the federal insurance program’s new prescription drug benefit

Bush: Its a good deal 
Columbia Daily Tribune - Apr 12 12:09 PM
President praises Medicare drug plan. JEFFERSON CITY - President George W. Bush told a Jefferson City audience yesterday that he knew a fledgling Medicare drug benefit would present some problems initially but that the glitches are being addressed and seniors are saving money.Save to My Web

Some Beneficiaries Pleased With Medicare Drug Coverage 
Fox News - Apr 09 10:42 AM
Congressional supporters of new drug benefit say program’s woes may have overshadowed success stories of those who benefited.Save to My Web

Bush Presses Seniors to Get Medicare Plan 
AP via Yahoo! News - Apr 12 6:33 PM
President Bush urged Americans who don’t speak English to seek help in signing up for the Medicare prescription drug program before the May 15 enrollment deadline.Save to My Web

Seniors must watch for Medicare drug benefit schemes 
Daily Breeze - Apr 15 12:39 AM
Senior citizens are again being targeted by con artists who pose as helpful officials. They sell costly or bogus plans and try to charge for helping seniors apply for Part D coverage.Save to My Web

Bush sells health plan 
BG News - Apr 12 9:27 PM
By Deb Riechmann The Associated Press JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - President Bush, trying to rouse public interest in the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, urged seniors in the Midwest on Tuesday to sign up for the program before the May 15 deadline. “I’m just telling you it’s a good deal,” he said.Save to My Web

Bush Presses Seniors to Get Medicare Plan 
ABC News - Apr 12 6:51 PM
Bush Urges Seniors Who Don’t Speak English to Seek Help Signing Up for Medicare Drug ProgramSave to My Web

Medicare drug plans go easy as transition ends 
USATODAY.com via Yahoo! News - Apr 12 4:12 AM
Haunted by stories of seniors and disabled Americans going without needed medications in January, insurers handling Medicare’s new prescription-drug coverage say they’re being more lenient as the program enters another uncertain phase.Save to My Web

GE Sees Profit Increase 9% 
Los Angeles Times - Apr 14 12:36 AM
First-quarter sales of aircraft engines and medical gear help offset weaker results at its energy and NBC units. Orders rise 33%.Save to My Web

Lobbying didn’t let up when the CHIP was down 
San Antonio Express News - Apr 14 12:04 AM
Kids’ health insurance couldn’t compete against Big Tobacco.Save to My Web

All Eyes on Mass. Insurance Initiative 
RedNova - Apr 11 5:32 PM
By FELICE J. FREYER Journal Medical Writer R.I. policymakers applaud the Bay State’s plan to provide health insurance for nearly all residents, but wonder whether it can work there or be adopted elsewhere.Save to My Web

Court says city in error by eliminating benefits 
Benton Courier - Apr 14 5:50 PM
Benton City Council erred when it voted in 2003 to eliminate certain benefits for city employees, including medical insurance for retired employees.Save to My Web

Wall Street Journal Examines State Legislation To Extend Dependency Eligibility Age For Health Insurance 
Medical News Today - Apr 13 2:02 PM
The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday examined how a “growing number of states are passing laws requiring health insurers to cover children under their parents’ plans well into adulthood.” Most private health insurers end dependency eligibility at age 19, with the eligibility in some cases extended to age 22 or 23 for full-time students… click link for more info.Save to My Web

Personal Finance Daily — April 14 
Market Watch - Apr 14 8:07 AM
No one would argue that health-care costs have gotten out of control. Prices for medical services and supplies have consistently run up at three or four times the overall inflation rate for years, and health-care premiums have followed suit. But just because there’s no disagreement over the problem doesn’t mean there’s any consensus on a solution.Save to My Web

Medicare rates squeeze area hospitals, companies 
Pioneer Press - Apr 14 1:11 AM
A federal proposal to cut back Medicare reimbursement rates for a variety of heart devices takes dead aim at some of the biggest profit producers in the Twin Cities’ medical-device industry.Save to My Web

Democratic lawmakers rap state regulators over higher copayments 
Norwalk Advocate - Apr 14 12:42 AM
Leading Democratic state lawmakers on Thursday criticized a nearly three-year old state insurance regulation in a renewed push to cap insurance copayments. Save to My Web

Tester raps Burns over health care 
Billings Gazette - Apr 13 11:20 PM
HELENA — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jon Tester on Thursday criticized a health care bill co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Conrad Burns, saying it would dramatically cut state regulation of health insurance and take away the health care benefits of Montanans.Save to My Web

New alliances over Medicare prescriptions 
The Philadelphia Inquirer - Apr 14 6:06 AM
One Medicare beneficiary of every six is black or Hispanic, and many lack prescription-drug coverage. That has created some unusual allies as the Bush administration tries to boost enrollment in the new Medicare prescription-drug benefit.Save to My Web

Seniors Urged to Join Medicare Rx Plan 
WebMD - Apr 12 3:33 PM
The Bush administration and private advocacy groups are making a push to enroll seniors in Medicare’s new prescription drug benefit as a May 15 deadline looms.Save to My Web

Advocacy groups at odds over major health-care-reform bill 
Market Watch - Apr 13 4:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — The struggle to control health-care costs appears headed in a new direction: deregulation.Save to My Web

Medicare Bus Rolls into Phila. to Counsel Seniors 
KYW News Radio 1060 - Apr 13 9:13 AM
Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao rolled onto the campus of Temple University Thursday on a large purple bus to get the message out to seniors to register for the new Medicare prescription drug coverage before May 15th.Save to My Web

Some older people say new prescription drug coverage makes a big difference 
Provo Daily Herald - Apr 10 12:16 AM
WASHINGTON — It wasn’t easy to sign up, but now that she’s enrolled in the new Medicare drug benefit, Ruth Dike says it’s made a big difference in her finances. The cost of her medicine ranges from about $10 to $15 a month, she says, versus at least $100 a month before she joined..Save to My Web

National dispatches
York Dispatch Online - BOSTON — Gov. Mitt Romney signed legislation that would make Massachusetts the first state to require everyone to have health insurance, just as drivers must have automobile coverage. The law would make Massachusetts the only state with universal

S. Floridians face cash crunch as everything goes up — except for
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel - Dianne King recently moved to an apartment closer to her workplace because of the high price of gasoline. Those twice-weekly fill-ups were eating into her budget as she drove from her father’s home in Boynton Beach to her job at a laboratory in

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dBusinessNews.com - Birmingham: Vulcan Increases First Quarter Earnings Guidance BIRMINGHAM - Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC) today announced that earnings Birmingham: Vulcan Announces First Quarter Conference Call BIRMINGHAM - Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:VMC

TurboTax maker to develop health care management software
Silicon Valley - SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Intuit Inc., the maker of personal finance software like Quicken and TurboTax, said Wednesday it is teaming with health care companies to develop new products to help Americans manage their health care. The Mountain View-based

Key plant for Libbey targeted in walkout
Toledo Blade - Workers at a key Libbey Inc. factory in New York, the only U.S. plant where the Toledo firm makes dinner plates, are on strike. Negotiations are scheduled to resume Tuesday. The labor pact covers about 250 Syracuse China workers, who have been on

Risky rapid detox vows results
Salt Lake Tribune - Mike Brown underwent a controversial rapid detoxification treatment program in southern California after battling an eight-year addiction to prescription painkillers. (Paul Fraughton/The Salt Lake Tribune ) Mike Brown’s descent into prescription pain

Mental health on legislators’ minds
Raleigh News & Observer - Legislators studying problems with the state mental health system want to spend $160 million to shore up services. Their plan, which is still preliminary, includes money to bolster local treatment programs, build housing and pay doctors. Legislators

Massachusetts governor to sign health bill, with at least one
Charleston Gazette - BOSTON (AP) — With Massachusetts basking in the national spotlight for its sweeping proposal to require all citizens to have health insurance, Gov. Mitt Romney has signaled he will sign the bill into law — with one change. At a lavish signing

Advocates push higher reimbursement rate for kids’ dentistry
Eyewitness News - Estrogen therapy may double risk of blood clots; Many obese people may not realize it. NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Before the mobile clinic showed up at Clinton Avenue School, Carleen Nerreau’s four children bounced from dentist to dentist, looking for one

Joy, worries on healthcare
Boston Online - Governor Mitt Romney signed most of a sweeping new healthcare bill into law yesterday at a festive Faneuil Hall ceremony hailed as a hallmark of bipartisan achievement, even as healthcare specialists expressed concern that the plan could start losing

Insurance change to be voted on at Town Meeting: Board expands Police
Town Online - H olliston Town Meeting will decide whether to back a committee’s proposal to push insurance costs for retirees onto the federal government. “It’s equal or better coverage” for retirees, Insurance Advisory Committee member Michael Cassidy told

Health care bill signed, revised
South Coast Today - BOSTON With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Mitt Romney yesterday signed a sweeping law that promises to provide health care to nearly all of the state’s 550,000 uninsured residents within three years. U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, House Speaker