EDITORIAL: Health insurance
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, MS - Jun 20, 2006… the critical mass of public concern about why the most medically advanced nation cannot find a way to provide at least basic health insurance coverage for all. …
Source: www.djournal.com

Speakers to address Mass. health-insurance law
Oneonta Daily Star, NY - Jun 28, 2006Two leaders of the movement for national health insurance will speak at 7 pm Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta. …
Source: www.thedailystar.com

National Health Insurance Company Daman, Ready to Enroll …
Dubai City Guide, United Arab Emirates - Jun 19, 2006The National health Insurance Company Daman received licensing to insure both the Government and Private Sector by the Ministry of Economy and by the …
Source: www.dubaicityguide.com

Financial medicine for ERs kicks in
OCRegister, CA - Jun 28, 2006… Illegal immigrants are less likely to have health insurance than legal immigrants and US citizens, said UC Irvine anthropology professor Leo Chavez, who …
Source: www.ocregister.com

Health insurance saving tips
9NEWS.com, CO - 1 hour ago… It is worth shopping your health insurance on an annual basis you can save as much as 5 to 15% from carrier to carrier at any given time. …
Source: www.9news.com

More than 14 percent lack health insurance in US
CNN - Jun 21, 2006WASHINGTON (Reuters) — More than 14 percent of Americans lacked health insurance last year, a slightly lower share than 2004, according to federal statistics …
Source: www.cnn.com

Insurers wary of social health plan
New Vision, Uganda - 17 hours agoThe proposed Social Health Insurance scheme (SHI) has come under criticism from the insurers, who say it has not been well-though-out and claim may serve as an …
Source: www.newvision.co.ug

Here Comes Your New Health Plan
ClickOnDetroit.com - She says they’re designed to complement the other health plans an employer offers its work force. Taking the Plunge So how do you know if such a plan is right for you? First, figure out what you spent on health care last year. This includes the

Health Tip: Preventing Hepatitis A
KHNL News 8 - WebMD provides health information services for consumers, physicians, healthcare professionals, employers and health plans through its public and private online portals and health-focused publications. Porex is a developer, manufacturer and

Pope: Health insurance info
Wayland Town Crier - Employers have an incentive to offer insurance plans, facing a $295 charge if they refuse to do so, but the final responsibility rests with the employee. The state now has the challenge of authorizing and approving affordable health insurance plans

OR UHG New Health 06 27
Insurance News Net - bc-OR-UHG-New-Health 06-27 1/8STK 3/8 UNH 1/8IN 3/8 HEA MTC INS 1/8SU 3/8 PDT SBS TO STATE, BUSINESS AND HEALTH EDITORS: Introducing UnitedHealthcare in Oregon: New Health Plans Designed to Make Health Care Work Better - The Oregon Insurance Division

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Partnership Plan Selected to Cover
MSN MoneyCentral - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has provided quality health plans to Ohioans for over 65 years and continues to have a strong presence as the leading health benefits company in the state with 4,000 employees and the largest network of physicians

Miss. Medicaid program plans to tax all hospitals in state
Insurance News Net - Miss. Medicaid program plans to tax all hospitals in state will be taxed beginning Saturday. It’s a plan that medical directors say will cause cuts to staff and services at the health

Minnesota and Wisconsin Doctors Earn Cash Rewards for Optimal Diabetes
Forbes - The Minnesota Bridges to Excellence program is directed by a guiding coalition of employers, providers, health plans and organizations involved with quality reporting and improvement that set the performance goals and physician reward process. In

Seniors briefs
Daily News Tribune, MA - 18 hours ago… state-funded MassMedLine program is run by the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health … years old and older who have limited or no health insurance and are …
Source: www.dailynewstribune.com

It’s tough for first-time buyers
ic Wales, United Kingdom - Jun 27, 2006… “I work in the pharmacy department of the Heath Hospital in Cardiff so it’s really … Then you need to add on moving expenses, building insurance and storage, and. …
Source: icwales.icnetwork.co.uk

Medicare rebuffs GOP calls for faster Part D pharmacy payments
The Hill, DC - Jun 26, 2006… a David-and-Goliath battle with the well-heeled and influential pharmacy-benefit managers … Part D plans are administered either by a health-insurance company or …
Source: www.thehill.com

CIGNA HealthCare to Offer Easy-to-Use and Affordable Health Plans …
PR Newswire (press release), NY - Jun 21, 2006… The product portfolio includes medical and pharmacy coverage, employee assistance … leading benefits suite of affordable, voluntary health insurance products and …
Source: sev.prnewswire.com

Complete Health Calendar
Quad City Times, IA - 5 hours ago… Sign up near the pharmacy, leave a message at (563) 676-1408 or … Trained volunteers from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provide free …
Source: www.qctimes.net

News from the Norwood Senior Center
Daily News Transcript, MA - 18 hours ago… counselor, will be available every Wednesday, from 10 am to noon, to answer questions on health insurance. She will help with any drug, pharmacy or billing …
Source: www.dailynewstranscript.com

UnitedHealthcare signs up 200,000 in N.C. for Medicare drug plan
Greensboro Business Journal - The new federal benefit is designed to offer prescription drug coverage for Medicare recipients. The program is offered only through health insurance companies, not directly from the government. Nationally, UnitedHealth Group has some 5.7 million

Bus travels country getting those in need on board for prescription
Kingman Daily Miner - KINGMAN People who have fallen through the cracks for prescription drug coverage had the chance Monday to get the help they can t otherwise afford through the Partnership for Prescription Alliance bus that spent two hours on the campus of

Two are arrested on suspicion of murder
Kingman Daily Miner - KINGMAN People who have fallen through the cracks for prescription drug coverage had the chance Monday to get the help they can t otherwise afford through the Partnership for Prescription Alliance bus that spent two hours on the campus of

Giamartino dies from car accident
Brattleboro Reformer - It’s worth noting that earlier this year, when the government shifted the way Medicare patients receive prescription drug coverage, it was Giamartino, among other local pharmacists, who helped thousands of local people navigate the bureaucratic mess

State’s Stance On Medicare Plan Rejected
Hartford Courant - was among 10 other states that also filed briefs with the court claiming the program threatens state independence. The drug benefit went into effect Jan. 1. About 43 million people are eligible for the benefit; about 38.2 million have drug coverage

Supreme Court rules on 911 calls used as evidence
Star-Banner - About 43 million people are eligible for the benefit; about 38.2 million have drug coverage either through Medicare, other government programs or an employer. Under the Medicare program, states help finance the drug coverage through a monthly payment

High Court won’t stop Medicare drug plan
Louisville Courier-Journal - Kentucky and four other states filed suit in March to challenge the constitutionality of the new drug coverage, which took effect Jan. 1. Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo said then that Kentucky stands to lose $18.5 million over five years if

New Internet tool compares options
MSNBC - Enrollment for prescription drug coverage began Nov. 15, 2006. The average Medicare beneficiary can expect to save about 50 percent on prescription drug expenses, the Bush administration predicts. The cost to the federal government of subsidizing

UMNS# 382-Pension board summarizes conference retirement plans
Worldwide Faith News (press release), NY - Jun 22, 2006… Benefits usually include both medical and prescription drug coverage. … Benefits usually include medical and prescription drug coverage. …
Source: www.wfn.org

Most beat deadline for prescription drug plan
LimaOhio.com, OH - Jun 23, 2006… the deadline. About 796,986 Ohioans signed up for the new prescription drug coverage through Medicare by the May 15 deadline. That …
Source: www.limaohio.com

Number of Seniors With Drug Coverage Down
Washington Post, United States - Jun 16, 2006WASHINGTON — About 500,000 fewer Medicare beneficiaries have prescription drug coverage than the federal government originally projected this month. …
Source: www.washingtonpost.com

38M signed up for Medicare drug coverage
DailyIndia.com, NY - Jun 17, 2006… The prescription drug coverage, known as Part D, was heavily criticized during the sign-up period, as many senior citizens complained of the confusing array of …
Source: www.dailyindia.com

Generic versions of cholesterol drugs set to save on prescription …
Kentucky.com, KY - Jun 24, 2006… That’s because millions of seniors who previously did not have drug coverage gained access to drugs in January under the Medicare health insurance program. …
Source: www.kentucky.com

Evercare Reaches 100,000 Enrollees Across 35 States; Focus on …
PharmaLive.com (press release), PA - Jun 26, 2006… programs. Evercare nursing home and community Special Needs Plans include Medicare “Part D” prescription drug coverage. Evercare …
Source: www.pharmalive.com

Merck’s Zocor going generic; cost to plunge
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH - Jun 23, 2006… patients, insurance companies, employers who provide drugs to retirees and workers and possibly the taxpayers who foot the bill for government drug coverage. …
Source: www.cleveland.com

278,000 MD Residents Now Have Prescription Drug Coverage
International News Service, Australia - Jun 21, 2006More than 278,000 Maryland residents - 278,099, to be exact - now have prescription drug coverage through Medicare, according to the Medicare Access Network of …
Source: feed.insnews.org

Reviewing Prescription Drug Coverage: Policies and Practices …
Kaiser network.org, DC - Jun 26, 2006The new Medicare Prescription Drug Program offers prescription drug coverage through competing private plans, while other industrialized nations, including …
Source: www.kaisernetwork.org

Medicaid under microscope
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - Jun 26, 2006… to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private coverage, and the … term care, hospice and other home health care, hospitalization and prescription drugs …
Source: www.sltrib.com

On June 21, DeKalb County will launch a discount card program that …
GoDeKalb.com, GA - Jun 15, 2006… card offers significant savings for the uninsured and underinsured residents of our county and even those fortunate to have prescription coverage can use the …
Source: www.godekalb.com

Medicare Drug Plan Signs Up 267,532 In Arkansas
Springdale Morning News, AR - Jun 23, 2006… An additional 98,628 have some form of prescription coverage through federal employee retirement plans or Medicare’s retiree drug subsidy. …
Source: www.nwaonline.net

Obtaining Lower Cost or Free Prescription Drugs
WTOC, GA - Jun 19, 2006… If you don’t have prescription drug coverage and need assistance to pay for your medicine, call The Partnership for Prescription Assistance at 1-888-4PPA NOW (1 …
Source: www.wtoctv.com

Majority of Blue Cross of California Prescriptions Now Generic …
dBusinessNews Los Angeles (press release), CA - Jun 25, 2006… “Blue Cross members enjoy a wide variety of cost- saving prescription drug options … as individual plans for people without access to group coverage, seniors and …
Source: losangeles.dbusinessnews.com

Beware come-ons for discount cards
Syracuse Post Standard, NY - 21 hours ago… MVP Health Care has received federal approval to offer a Medicare Advantage HMO plan in the Syracuse area. The health insurer said …
Source: www.syracuse.com

States considering Medicare options after rejection from Supreme …
WKYT, KY - Jun 20, 2006… COURT State officials from Kentucky and four other states are looking for options after the Supreme Court declined to block a part of the Medicare drug program …
Source: www.wkyt.com

Minister solicits free medicare for women, children
The Tide, Nigeria - Jun 24, 2006Women Affairs Minister, Maryam Ciroma, has tasked state governments to provide free medical services for women and children. Fielding …
Source: www.thetidenews.com

More need Medicare benefit for prescription medicine
The State, SC - Jun 20, 2006Today more than 37 million older Americans and people with disabilities have affordable drug coverage through Medicare-sponsored plans and other creditable …
Source: www.thestate.com

Growing health care costs threaten to consume retirees’ savings
USA Today - 18 hours ago… Yet even with coverage from Medicare, Fidelity Investments projects that a 65-year-old couple will need about $200,000 to cover 20 years of health costs. …
Source: www.usatoday.com

UnitedHealth enrolls 5.7M in Medicare
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Jun 19, 2006MINNETONKA, Minn. - Insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. said Monday that it has enrolled 5.7 million people in its Medicare prescription drug programs. …
Source: www.mercurynews.com

2004 “Greatest Canadian and Father of Medicare was Merciless …
Lifesite, NY - Jun 23, 2006… contest for who they thought was the Greatest Canadian of all time and chose socialist icon, Tommy Douglas, the father of medicare, and founder of …
Source: www.lifesite.net

Congress members see world for free
Danbury News Times, CT - 16 hours ago… chairs a health-care subcommittee, and was one of the leading architects of a Medicare prescription plan that critics say benefits the insurance and drug …
Source: news.newstimeslive.com

County Commision meets, discusses several issues
Keyser Mineral Daily News Tribune, WV - Jun 24, 2006… discount card. This card will allow up to a 20 percent discount on prescription drugs for those who do not have insurance. The card …
Source: www.newstribune.info

Will Michigan governor veto repeal of helmet law
Toledo Blade, OH - Jun 23, 2006… up being passed on to everyone else, in the form of higher insurance rates, higher … any clear instruction how to decide them, which seemed a prescription for an …
Source: toledoblade.com

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
Adrian Daily Telegram, MI - Jun 24, 2006… increase for 2006-07 and a 10 percent to 20 percent prescription co-pay. … also approved, including 2 percent wage increases and changes in the insurance coverage …
Source: www.lenconnect.com

US Prescription Drug Prices On The Rise
Dog Flu Diet and Diseases, Canada - Jun 21, 2006… and may even effect some of the people that use the prescription drug plan … AARP, and is due to overall medical inflation, as well as raised insurance costs from …
Source: www.dogflu.ca

Health Cuts Create Dilemma for Tennessee s Poor
NPR - Jun 20, 2006… For a $28 dollar prescription I was sick for that long ‘ “. … “I only get $600 a month; $352 goes to pay for mortgage and mandatory insurance,” she says. …
Source: www.npr.org

Pharmaceutical industry pitches cost relief planPharmaceutical …
Las Vegas Review-Journal, NV - Jun 23, 2006… without insurance coverage could benefit from the “drug bus” project, which also includes television ads about discounted or even free prescription drugs. …
Source: www.reviewjournal.com

Lawmakers schedule hearings on health insurance legislation
Providence Eyewitness News, RI - Jun 18, 2006PROVIDENCE, RI (AP) — Lawmakers are considering a number of bills intended to lower the cost of health insurance for people who are self-employed or work for …
Source: ww2.wpri.com

AMA urges forcing Americans to buy health insurance
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  United States - Jun 14, 2006By Duncan Moore. CHICAGO The nation’s largest physicians’ group on Tuesday urged that all Americans be required by the government to have health insurance. …
Source: www.stltoday.com

Cotabato health insurance program nears implementation
Philippine Information Agency, Philippines - Jun 20, 2006Kidapawan (21 June) — A public hearing has been set by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of North Cotabato for the proposed Cotabato Health Insurance Program (CHIP …
Source: www.pia.gov.ph

Young adults, students shouldn t overlook health insurance
The Rolla Daily News,  United States - 23 hours agoYoung adults, especially college graduates, are among the fastest growing segment of the US population without health insurance, but they may be the ones who …
Source: www.therolladailynews.com

Daman plans health insurance drive
Trade Arabia, Bahrain - Jun 21, 2006The National Health Insurance Company, Daman, has received licensing to insure both the government and private sector staff by the Ministry of Economy and by …
Source: www.tradearabia.com

Lawmakers consider bills designed to lower health insurance costs
WLNE-TV (ABC6), RI - Jun 20, 2006The General Assembly is looking at ways to lower health insurance costs for small businesses and their workers. A state-sponsored …
Source: www.abc6.com

Senate Hearing Considers Health Court Model To Help Reduce Medical …
Kaiser network.org, DC - 16 hours agoMike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) that would test a number of proposals to reduce medical malpractice insurance costs, CQ HealthBeat reports (Reichard …
Source: www.kaisernetwork.org

Two Men Arrested After Hit and Run Accident (06/23/2006)
KXXV, TX - 8 hours ago… Baptist Medical Center for treatment before being arrested. He is now facing a list of charges including failure to stop and render aid, not having insurance, …
Source: www.kxxv.com

California Authorities Bust Alleged Auto Insurance Fraud Ring
BankNet 360, NY - 19 hours ago… year investigation, 23 people have been arrested for allegedly staging more than 125 auto accidents that netted $4 million in false insurance and medical claims …
Source: www.banknet360.com

Insurer hit for failing to pay out
The Australian, Australia - Jun 22, 2006MITSUI Sumitomo Insurance, the non-life insurance group, was ordered to suspend sales of medical insurance indefinitely and other products temporarily for …
Source: www.theaustralian.news.com.au

NYC School Bus Strike Contingency Plans
WCBS-TV New York, NY - Jun 22, 2006… We are determined to bring our employee’s medical insurance into the 21st Century in an effort to put better efficiency into how the plan is run and what it …
Source: wcbstv.com

This is Perspective for Saturday, June 24, 2006
Macon Telegraph, GA - 1 hour agoATLANTA - At least seven insurance companies selling medical malpractice insurance to Georgia doctors have increased their rates in the 16 months since Gov. …
Source: www.macon.com

Now it s time to ensure health care for Hoosiers
Fort Wayne News Sentinel, IN - Jun 22, 2006… From the Senate Democrat perspective, we strongly believe that this effort must be bipartisan and include input from the medical, insurance, business and …
Source: www.fortwayne.com

Health board asks: Free or less? 
The Advertiser-Tribune - Jun 22 9:24 PM
The Seneca County Health Board met Thursday evening and discussed whether Ohioians should be smoke-free or smoke less. Health Commissioner Majorie S. Broadhead said there are two differing groups - Smoke Free Ohio and Smoke Less Ohio - and they’re trying to gain support through petitions.Save to My Web

San Francisco Plans Health Care Coverage for the Uninsured 
New York Times - Jun 20 8:00 PM
The city’s plan would not offer health insurance but rather finance the cost of services provided by hospitals, doctors and health networks.Save to My Web

Study draws path to universal health care 
Stamford Advocate - Jun 23 2:05 AM
HARTFORD — A new report sets out three alternative plans for universal health care in the state.Save to My Web

Health care community backs indigent-care plan 
Coppell Gazette - 1 minute ago
Dozens of health-care professionals from the for-profit and non-profit sectors on Wednesday expressed their general support for the recommendations of the Collin County Task Force on Indigent Health Care.Save to My Web

Sikkema, Granholm debate scholarship plan 
Lansing State Journal - Jun 22 1:08 AM
Republican Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema said Wednesday he would consider approving Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s plan to give college students $4,000 scholarships if she would agree to a limit on welfare benefits and a change in health care plans for teachers.Save to My Web

Takeover plan for City-County health department discussed 
ABC 7 El Paso - Jun 21 4:06 PM
Both the City and County of El Paso are trying to decide whether the problems at the City-County health district can be solved by removing the department altogether.Save to My Web

San Francisco mulls health-care expansion 
Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jun 21 11:30 AM
San Francisco officials said on Wednesday they are pressing ahead with plans for funding health care for residents lacking medical insurance, marking a renewed push in City Hall to create a local universal health-care system.Save to My Web

Zambia: Health Ministry Develops Human Resource Plan 
AllAfrica.com - 1 hour, 22 minutes ago
GOVERNMENT has declared the issue of shortage of human resource in the ministry of Health as a crisis, acting Health Minister Brian Chituwo has said.Save to My Web

Four companies capture 60 percent of Oregon s Medicare drug business
Corvallis Gazette-Times - PORTLAND (AP) When Medicare launched prescription drug coverage, more than 20 insurance companies jumped to get their share of business in Oregon. But a new study from an independent consulting firm shows four companies have the bulk of the

May 15 sign-up deadline looms
Toledo Blade - Medicare says its drug coverage is insurance that covers brand-name and generic prescription drugs to offer protection for people who have very high drug costs. Everyone with Medicare is eligible, regardless of income and resources or health status

Bluegrass Family Health Selects PharmaCare to Administer
MSN MoneyCentral - The company helps large employers, managed care organizations, insurance companies, unions and government agencies provide safe, cost effective prescription drug coverage for millions of Americans. PharmaCare’s comprehensive offerings include

Daily Herald
Daily Herald - Some 118,000 Utahns have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage — Some 118,000 Utahns have prescription drug coverage through Medicare, according to final-enrollment numbers released by the federal government. This represents Utahns who have

Insurance company caters to overseas needs
Bucyrus Telegraph Forum - The calls can range from mundane inquiries about where to pick up a prescription to pleas for help for a son clinging to life The business unit specializes in providing medical coverage to workers sent abroad by American corporations. Cigna serves

What does the future hold for the disabled?
Crookston Daily Times - While Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage, has been highly publicized - and criticized - the primary goal of the legislation was to address the high costs of the Medicare program by moving it out of the government’s hands into private

Want lower prescription costs? Go ask your doctor
Dayton Daily News - Last year, it spent $1 billion to provide health-care coverage to 200,000 people. Prescription drugs make up the single-biggest expense totaling $367 million in 2005. Between February 2005 and April 2006, the Ohio pension plan spent $38.3 million

700 PEIA members pick federal drug plan despite agency s advice
Herald-Dispatch - CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) Representatives of retired public employees say some seniors chose the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan over a less-expensive state plan because they were pressured by companies offering the coverage. About 700

5.7 Million People Now Receive Prescription Drug Coverage Through …
PharmaLive.com (press release), PA - Jun 20, 2006… said, “Part D is helping to ensure a better quality of life for millions of older Americans by improving access to affordable prescription drug coverage. …
Source: www.pharmalive.com

SF mayor urges health coverage for all uninsured
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 16 hours ago… residents, covering services like doctor visits, surgeries and prescription drugs. … not be mandatory and assumes people without other coverage will volunteer to …
Source: www.sfgate.com

Pennsylvania’s APPRISE Program Honored for Medicare Part D …
Yahoo! News (press release) - 5 hours ago… outstanding work to educate Pennsylvanians about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit … The enrollment period for Medicare Part D coverage for 2006 ended …
Source: biz.yahoo.com

Headlines for June 21, 2006
Democracy Now, NY - 13 hours ago… great anger within the Bush administration over Al Jazeera s coverage of the … groups are reporting prices for the most widely-used prescription drugs have …
Source: www.democracynow.org

In the Region
Akron Beacon Journal, OH - Jun 14, 2006… District officials said teachers “gave concessions on their premium share contribution for health insurance and prescription coverage.”. …
Source: www.ohio.com

Prescription-drug disruptions continue
USA Today - Jun 16, 2006… story on USA TODAY’s homepage this morning finds the Medicare prescription-drug plan … benefits and are involuntarily switched from Medicaid drug coverage to the …
Source: blogs.usatoday.com

It Isn’t Too Late for Part D: If You Missed Deadline for Medicare …
International News Service, Australia - May 20, 2006… In general, Medicare recipients had until May 15 to enroll in the prescription drug coverage known as Medicare Part D without facing a late-enrollment penalty. …
Source: feed.insnews.org

Prescription bill would save money, help folks
Albany Times Union, NY - 9 hours ago… in need. There are, unfortunately, people without any prescription drug coverage. This legislation is backed by the AARP. Why not …
Source: www.timesunion.com

Some falter in health plan shuffle
WKYC-TV, OH - Jun 16, 2006Some new beneficiaries have lost drug coverage or have to pay for themselves at pharmacy counters. The problems hit low-income seniors …
Source: www.wkyc.com

In Medicare Debate, Massaging the Facts
New York Times, United States - May 22, 2006… disaster. But each party contends that its candidates will benefit in a big way from Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage. …
Source: www.nytimes.com

Medicare drug program confusion lingers
Loveland Herald Reporter, CO - Jun 16, 2006… 2003 Medicare Modernization Act. It offers beneficiaries prescription drug coverage through private companies. O Hanlon said a …
Source: www.lovelandfyi.com

Medicare, Medicaid patients warned of possible drug scam
Arizona Republic, AZ - Jun 17, 2006… warning about a new, higher-priced scam being used nationally to defraud seniors and people with disabilities who are interested in prescription-drug coverage. …
Source: www.azcentral.com

187,000 Utahns sought drug coverage
Deseret News, UT - Jun 14, 2006… those seniors eligible for assistance through other programs, such as Veterans Affairs, more than 38 million Americans now have prescription drug coverage. …
Source: deseretnews.com

Some Medicaid Beneficiaries Newly Eligible for Medicare Rx Benefit …
Kaiser network.org, DC - Jun 16, 2006The government automatically transfers drug coverage for dual eligibles — beneficiaries who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid — from state Medicaid …
Source: www.kaisernetwork.org

MINNESOTA ROUNDUP
Grand Forks Herald, ND - Jun 16, 2006… free medications. Nationally, the program provides subsidized drug coverage to about 22.5 million beneficiaries. However, another …
Source: www.grandforks.com

Congressional candidates square off
Daily Press, VA - Jun 18, 2006… He noted that she voted for the complicated prescription drug coverage program for seniors that benefited pharmaceutical companies because Congress forbid the …
Source: www.dailypress.com

More than 500,000 Minnesotans in plan
Duluth News Tribune, MN - Jun 15, 2006… About 547,376 of Minnesota’s 711,498 Medicare beneficiaries now have drug coverage, up from 287,000 at the start of the year, according to a report from the …
Source: www.duluthsuperior.com

The First Months of the Prescription-Drug Benefit A CMS Update
New England Journal of Medicine (subscription), MA - May 31, 2006Editor’s note: Medicare Part D, designed to provide enhanced prescription-drug coverage for seniors, went into effect in January 2006. …
Source: content.nejm.org

Health care, plain talk
Lompoc Record - There are an estimated 46 million Americans without any health care insurance, and no one seems to have a workable plan for bringing them coverage. As it now stands, if one of those 46 million gets sick - and it’s a safe bet many have and will - he

Actions of helmetless rider do affect more than him
Leaf Chronicle - The letter writer and no-helmet proponent states that his decision to not wear a motorcycle helmet doesn’t affect anyone other than him. The letter actually explains why his actions do affect everyone else. It states that his health insurance rates

Segment Seniors, Forrester Tells Medicare Part D Marketers
dmnews.com - To convert Medicare Part D seniors into recipients of standalone prescription drug plans, health plan marketing executives should construct campaigns targeting specific senior segments. This was a key finding from a report issued by Forrester

Summer a prime time to refocus
Los Angeles Daily News - NEW YORK The summer often brings a welcome slowdown for many small-company owners as customers take vacations and the pace of business relaxes. So it’s a great time to take a close look at your company’s finances and assess where you’re headed during

City emergency plan: Inoculate entire city in 48 hours
Sun Chronicle - ATTLEBORO — The city’s health department has been laying plans for over a year to immunize every resident within 48 hours in the case of a widespread medical threat. The emergency could come as the result of an outbreak of avian flu, small pox or

Democratic, GOP heavyweights square off over tax-surplus reform plan
Aurora Sentinel - DENVER | Former Senate GOP leader John Andrews said Sept. 15 that asking voters to temporarily give up their tax-surplus refunds would reward government for bad performance. Democratic House Speaker Andrew Romanoff disagreed, saying Colorado already

Registers Ring Up Fines
WCAX - LYNDON CENTER, Vt. — A regional planning panel in the Northeast Kingdom is stepping back from its explicit support for wind energy proposals. The Northeastern Vermont Development Association says in its revised regional plan for Essex, Orleans and

Ecolab Acquires Shield Medicare Ltd.
Houston Chronicle, United States - Jun 16, 2006… and maintenance products and services for hotels, hospitals and other institutions, said Friday it acquired United Kingdom-based Shield Medicare Ltd., for an …
Source: www.chron.com

Feds: NJ Company to Settle Medicare Case
Houston Chronicle, United States - Jun 15, 2006NEWARK, NJ New Jersey’s largest health-care provider will pay $265 million to settle federal charges that it cheated Medicare out of more than half a …
Source: www.chron.com

Medicare Part D Rules and Cost-Containment Regulations will Limit …
Drug Newswire (press release), CT - Jun 17, 2006… Decision Resources, Inc., one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and health care issues, finds that Medicare rules in the …
Source: www.drugnewswire.com

Medicare Numbers Are Called a Success
International News Service, Australia - Jun 15, 2006… 15–Despite a rocky start with computer problems and confusion, nearly 78 percent of Utahns eligible for Medicare’s new prescription drug benefit have enrolled …
Source: feed.insnews.org

BWC seeks to cut hospital payments
Toledo Blade, OH - 7 hours ago… Under the rule, the bureau would pay what federal Medicare determines to be the cost of an inpatient treatment plus 15 percent. …
Source: toledoblade.com

Jeb Bush for President
ProgressiveU.org, CA - Jun 16, 2006… felt especially smug last month when President Bush, on the same day his poll numbers plunged to 31%, visited Florida to tout his Medicare prescription plan …
Source: www.progressiveu.org

Medicare beneficiaries still have time to change Part D plans
Murray County News, MN - Jun 14, 2006MINNEAPOLIS, June 8, 2006 — While Medicare beneficiaries had a May 15 deadline to enroll in a Medicare Part D health plan, those who already enrolled still …
Source: www.murraycountynews.net

Tobacco companies ask judge to dismiss Medicare lawsuit
Boston Globe, United States - Jun 14, 2006BOSTON –Cigarette makers asked a federal judge Wednesday to dismiss a lawsuit by a group seeking to recover at least $60 billion spent by Medicare on smoking …
Source: www.boston.com

Commentary: How to Forge a Better Relationship With Doctors, Pharmacists 
RedNova - Jun 16 9:14 PM
By Dr. Bob Sheff Dr. Bob Sheff, a retired Maryland physician and author of The Medical Mentor, has graciously agreed to answer questions from Daily Record readers every Friday. To ask a question, e-mail Dr. Sheff at drbobsheff@themedicalmentor.net.Save to My Web

Report Outlines Approach for Secure Online Access to Patient Prescription Drug Records in Time of Disaster 
SYS-CON Media - Jun 13 12:23 PM
With the nation bracing for the 2006 hurricane season, the Markle Foundation today released Lessons from KatrinaHealth, a report outlining lessons learned in posting secure, online information about prescription drug histories of Katrina evacuees in the aftermath of last summer’s disaster.Save to My Web

Milwaukee Suburban Police Reports 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Jun 16 8:44 AM
Bayside | Bay View| Brown Deer | Cudahy| Fox Point | Franklin| Glendale | Greendal…Save to My Web

Suicide-Risk Tests for Teens Debated 
Washington Post - Jun 15 8:51 PM
A growing number of U.S. schools are screening teenagers for suicidal tendencies or signs of mental illness, triggering a debate between those who seek to reduce the toll of youthful suicides and others who say the tests are unreliable and intrude on family privacy.Save to My Web

Health Policy Institute of Ohio: Almost Two-Thirds of Ohio Seniors Lack Dental Insurance, Almost Half Lack Vision  
[Press Release] U.S. Newswire via Yahoo! News - Jun 12 10:08 AM
Almost two-thirds of Ohio seniors lack dental insurance, while almost half lack vision coverage. These are just a few of the findings of a new data brief from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio.Save to My Web

AMA Calls For Using Tax Incentives To Implement Mandatory Health Insurance Law 
Medical News Today - Jun 16 2:03 PM
The American Medical Association’s House of Delegates on Tuesday voted to support a proposal to require U.S. residents with annual incomes greater than five times the federal poverty level to have health insurance, the Chicago Tribune reports (Japsen, Chicago Tribune, 6/14). The AMA proposal would require qualifying U.S. [click link for full article]Save to My Web

Prescription For Disaster 
Sales and Marketing Management - Jun 16 5:41 PM
Michael wants to come clean. In the early 1990s, he was a world-class kickboxer and a high-powered sales manager making half a million dollars a year. He had a wife and three kids and a nice home in the suburbs. On the surface, he had it all.Save to My Web

Briefcase - Stocks recoup early losses; finish mixed
Daily Times - NEW YORK — Wall Street recovered from an earlier plunge to finish narrowly mixed Thursday as investors attempted to rally from a week of losses fueled by concerns that higher interest rates will strain the global economy. At the close, the Dow rose

Leavitt Chided for Using CDC Jet for Trips
Associated Press - WASHINGTON (AP) — Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt’s trips seemed routine - visits to dozens of cities to launch the Medicare drug benefit and to help states plan for a potential pandemic. How he got there is creating controversy

Mike Leavitt Faces Criticism for Using Jet Leased by CDC for
COX.net for San Diego - WASHINGTON — Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt’s trips seemed routine _ visits to dozens of cities to launch the Medicare drug benefit and to help states plan for a potential pandemic. How he got there is creating controversy. Leavitt

Gov’t jet misused?
MSNBC - WASHINGTON - Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt defended his extensive use in recent months of a jet leased to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for emergency use. Leavitt s explanation for his use of the jet occurred at

Drug plan changes to save $275 million
Windsor Star - TORONTO — Ontario’s cash-strapped Liberal government hopes to cut its $3.5-billion annual prescription drug bill by $275 million a year with new legislation expected to be passed by the legislature next week. A final vote on the legislation changing

Talk to elderly parents about their financial situation
Rushville Republican - Thanksgiving has passed. If things are going well in your life, you have many things for which to be thankful. And you are particularly fortunate if you have elderly parents who are still in good physical and mental shape. While your parents are

MINNESOTA ROUNDUP
Grand Forks Herald - Missing Crystal woman found safe in Superior, Wis. A Twin Cities woman who disappeared while driving in the western suburbs has been found safe in Superior, Wis. Virginia Cowan, 76, of Crystal, Minn., who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, was last

Medical plan costs continue to climb for all employers
Chiropractic Economics - Employers both large and very small continue to experience rising costs for group medical coverage, as shown by account renewals during the past six months. As a consequence, more businesses are looking to high-deductible health plans as a means of

Quantech Expands Beta Tests to Medical Insurance Market
MSN MoneyCentral - LONDON, June 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) — Quantech Electronics Corp. (Pink Sheets:QTCE) announced today that it has commenced beta tests of its new marketing package tailored to medium and large-sized insurance companies, at one of the world’s leading

Stroger’s Son Says HIPAA Law Means He Doesn’t Have to Talk
WBBM - CHICAGO (CBS 2) — Cook County Board President John Stroger\’s son says a federal statute protecting the privacy of medical records prevents him from talking about his father\’s condition. Chicago 8th Ward alderman Todd Stroger told the “Chicago Sun

Citizen pressure changes city position
Register-News - MT. VERNON Mt. Vernon Fire Department paramedics are once again responding to 911 calls as first responders, but the response issue is still being reviewed by city officials. Mayor David Keen made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, and the

Latest News
dBusinessNews.com - Triangle: JPS Communications’ Equipment Employed in Mock Disaster Scenario During Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration 2006 Triangle — Raytheon’s JPS Communications supported the national Coalition Warrior Triangle: Nash Health Care

Chino Valley soccer team sign-ups this Saturday
Chino Valley Review - The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) will have an early registration for the upcoming fall 2006 season on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Chino Valley High School West Gym, 760 E. Center Street, in Chino Valley. The season will kick

Saint Elizabeth names Associate of Year
Lincoln Journal Star - At this year s annual Associate Recognition Banquet, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center announced this year s Associate of the Year as Lauree Miller, admissions coordinator. Miller is involved in activities throughout the medical center. Her

5 Steps to a Spotless Pocketbook
WTOL-TV - With higher consumer prices, rising interest rates, a cooling real-estate market and ID thieves lurking around every corner, a strong financial game plan is more important than ever. Financial literacy, like any skill, starts with a clean slate-so

What the Doctor Ordered
Smartmoney.com - 3 hours ago… for all Part D participants could force cutbacks in coverage for long-term nursing-home residents as they switched over to the federal prescription-drug plan. …
Source: www.smartmoney.com

Abortion in Ohio
Choice! Magazine, NY - 9 hours ago… The bill would require better sex education for teens, improved family planning services, guaranteed insurance coverage for prescription birth control, and …
Source: www.plannedparenthood.org

All Kids ready for July unveiling
Lincoln Courier, IL - Jun 13, 2006… during a nationwide shortage and the lackluster response to a prescription drug plan … income limit and out-of-state families could move in for the new coverage. …
Source: www.lincolncourier.com

PCMA: Mail-Service Pharmacies Save More than Retail Drugstores
U.S. Newswire (press release), DC - Jun 14, 2006… America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which drive down the cost of prescription drugs for 200 million Americans with drug coverage provided through …
Source: releases.usnewswire.com

Hill brings friend to town hall meeting
Indiana Daily Student - Jun 11, 2006… Baron Hill met with community members Saturday during a town hall meeting to discuss the Medicare Part D program and prescription drug coverage, saying the …
Source: www.idsnews.com

Ignagni Testifies on Progress of Medicare Prescription Drug …
PR Newswire (press release), NY - 16 hours ago… are saving an average of $1,100 on their annual prescription drug costs. … the process by which physicians can request prior authorization and coverage of non …
Source: sev.prnewswire.com

New Zealander contrasts American health system
North Forty News, CO - Jun 1, 2006… They pay about $80 for each doctor visit, all their lab fees, and dentist and optometrist bills for the entire family. There is no prescription coverage. …
Source: www.northfortynews.com

Move Afoot in Congress to Waive Drug Plan Late Fee
Los Angeles Times, CA - May 16, 2006… Also on Monday, the California Legislature passed a bill extending the state’s emergency prescription coverage program through January 2007. …
Source: www.latimes.com

8.7M Medicare Beneficiaries Have Rx Drug Coverage, 4M To 5M Not Signed
Medical News Today - Final Medicare prescription drug benefit enrollment data show that about 11.5 million Medicare beneficiaries voluntarily enrolled in the program before the May 15 deadline, bringing the total number of Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug

Get Carded
Morganton News Herald - MORGANTON - County officials are hoping a new prescription card will help residents save money at the pharmacy. The Burke County Board of Commissioners recently approved a prescription discount card from the National Association of Counties that will

Report: Cabinet official primary user of CDC jet
WIS-TV - (Atlanta-AP) June 14, 2006 - A published report says Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt is the primary user of a luxury private jet leased by the Centers for Diesease Control and Prevention for use in emergencies. The Atlanta Journal

Leavitt defends his use of CDC jet
Atlanta Journal Constitution - Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt came under fire Wednesday at a hearing on Capitol Hill for his significant use of a jet leased by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use in emergencies. The Journal-Constitution

HHS chief calls use of agency jet necessary
Winston-Salem Journal - Mike Leavitt, the secretary of health and human services, defended his extensive use of a jet leased to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for emergency use. Leavitt’s explained his use of the jet at a hearing yesterday of the House Ways

Talk to elderly parents about their financial situation
Rushville Republican - Thanksgiving has passed. If things are going well in your life, you have many things for which to be thankful. And you are particularly fortunate if you have elderly parents who are still in good physical and mental shape. While your parents are

The Hill honored with four awards
Hill News - The Washington chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) presented The Hill with four awards Tuesday night. Managing Editor Bob Cusack won first place in the features category for his story on lawmakers accounts and reflections on

Democrats promise more oversight if they win House
Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic lawmakers said on Wednesday that they would investigate spending in Iraq and require government agencies to comply with accounting rules if voters give them control of the House of Representatives in November’s

DuPage effort puts discount drug cards in residents’ hands
Naperville Sun - WHEATON DuPage County residents facing the high cost of prescription drugs can soon participate in a program that offers access to discounted medications. The County Board on Tuesday approved a program DuPage County Rx that offers

Cabinet official is primary user of CDC jet
Longview News-Journal - ATLANTA A luxury private jet leased by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use in emergencies has been used instead primarily to shuttle Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to dozens of news conferences and meetings, a

Report: Cabinet official primary user of CDC jet
WIS-TV - (Atlanta-AP) June 14, 2006 - A published report says Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt is the primary user of a luxury private jet leased by the Centers for Diesease Control and Prevention for use in emergencies. The Atlanta Journal

SSA Launches Push To Enroll More Low-Income, Hard-to-Reach
Medical News Today - br> The Bush administration is undertaking a new effort to locate and enroll many of the estimated four million Medicare beneficiaries who have not yet signed up for the Medicare prescription drug benefit, USA Today reports. Beneficiaries with annual

Proposed rule would extend health care services in Indian Country
Navaho-Hopi Observer - Indian health programs will now benefit from Medicare s ability to set its payment rates lower than a provider s highest billing rate, stated Dr. Charles Grim, IHS Director. The financial savings from this new payment system will extend

Hare advocates national health insurance plan 
Canton Daily Ledger - Jun 12 8:40 AM
Phil Hare, the Democrat seeking to replace retiring Cong. Lane Evans, says he will propose a national health care system to cover the 50 million Americans without health insurance.Save to My Web

Cigarette tax hike dead, health measures remain 
Albany Democrat-Herald - Jun 13 11:21 AM
PORTLAND A proposed initiative to raise the state cigarette tax to pay for Oregon childrens health insurance is in the ashtray, but other health-related initiatives still could get on the November ballot.Save to My Web

San Francisco To Offer Health Care To Temp Workers 
CBS 5 Bay Area - Jun 13 7:14 PM
San Francisco has become the first city in the nation to offer health care to its temporary workers.Save to My Web

For the Healthy, a Low-Cost Health Plan 
The Ledger - Jun 11 6:53 AM
DETROIT — So you thought those $20 doctor’s office co-pays and your $250 deductible threw you off budget fast? That was nothing. Get ready for the world of consumer-directed health care, where you’ll pay $1,050 to $5,450 out of pocket before the insurance company pays anything.Save to My Web

BGE ‘Optimistic’ About Legislative Rate Plan 
WJLA-TV Washington D.C. - 1 hour, 59 minutes ago
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - As state lawmakers prepare to convene in Annapolis Wednesday for a special session on electricity rates, officials with BGE’s parent company say they are optimistic that lawmakers will adopt a rate plan that will be satisfactory for the company and its customers.Save to My Web

Officials say Artois dump site doesn’t pose health risk 
Oroville Mercury-Register - Jun 14 12:17 AM
WILLOWS — A state industrial hygienist has found no airborne public health risk at an alleged hazardous dump site in Artois, but cleanup still has to await further tests, according Glenn County Health Services Agency Director Scott Gruendl.Save to My Web

Call for partnership in health sector 
The Hindu - Jun 13 1:01 PM
NEW DELHI: India needs to have an institutionalised public-private partnership in the healthcare sector. Efforts will also have to be made to meet the shortfall of human resource and training of health personnel, including doctors, according to …Save to My Web

Cerro Gordo supervisors OK health insurance rates 
Globe Online - Jun 13 10:05 AM
MASON CITY Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors today approved resolutions setting health insurance premium rates for non-bargaining employees.Save to My Web

Some independent pharmacists fear Part D will cause them to close or
San Diego Union-Tribune - No one said adding prescription drug coverage to the federal government’s health insurance program for seniors would be easy. But the headaches created by the biggest change ever made to Medicare are proving unexpectedly taxing for pharmacists. Kids

New Effort Planned to Enroll Low-Income Elderly in Medicare Drug
Senior Journal - June 12, 2006 The Social Security Administration will spearhead a new effort to enroll low-income senior citizens already exempted from the late enrollment penalty - in the Medicare drug program. The focus will be on those age 79 and over

Drug-Plan Benefit Caps Harm Members’ Health
WSTM - WEDNESDAY, May 31 (HealthDay News) — Medicare drug plans that offer limited coverage to beneficiaries could end up harming members’ health while not providing any real savings in terms of health care expenditure, a new study shows. That’s because

Analysis Examines Latest Trends In Medicaid Spending, Enrollment
Medical News Today - ” The Latest Trends in Medicaid Spending and Enrollment ,” Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured : Medicaid spending and enrollment growth rates fell in 2003 and 2004, following trends in the U.S. economy, according to a new fact sheet and

Talk to elderly parents about their financial situation
Rushville Republican - Thanksgiving has passed. If things are going well in your life, you have many things for which to be thankful. And you are particularly fortunate if you have elderly parents who are still in good physical and mental shape. While your parents are

Minority Coalition for Prescription Drug Assistance Launched
HispanicBusiness.com - WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire/ — Focusing on the disparities that exist in access to prescription medications and the resulting effect on poor health outcomes, today, the National Minority Health Month Foundation (NMHMF) announced the formation of