A healthy start
Fort Wayne News Sentinel, IN - 14 hours ago… About 9 million children have no health insurance. Children … In 1997, Congress created the state Children’s Health Insurance Program. Unlike …
Source: www.fortwayne.com

Rep. Dennis Kucinich Tackles Healthcare
Huffington Post, NY - 4 hours ago… We recognize that there are 46 million Americans who don’t have health insurance, and there are another 50 million Americans who are under-insured; that the …
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Smokers, obese should pay more health insurance: poll
Monsters and Critics.com, UK - Nov 14, 2006CHICAGO - Most Americans believe smokers and obese people should pay more for health insurance, but they have mixed views on how to help the millions without …
Source: news.monstersandcritics.com

Guest Editorial: Look before leaping into health insurance
Desert Dispatch, CA - Nov 27, 2006… Sheila Kuehl’s legislation this year for socialized medicine — which would have imposed mandatory government health insurance on everybody — we expect the …
Source: www.desertdispatch.com

Wal-Mart, Target bring $4 drug plans into Pa.
York Daily Record, PA - 13 hours ago… opportunity here. They see 46 million people without health insurance, a lot of who would be shoppers at Wal-Mart and need basic drugs.”. …
Source: www.ydr.com

Individual Health Insurance vs. Employee Coverage
Kiplinger.com, DC - Nov 27, 2006… By Kimberly Lankford. The premiums for health insurance through my employer are going to jump a lot next year and the coverage isn’t that great. …
Source: www.kiplinger.com

Health insurance market expands rapidly
China Economic Net, China - Nov 27, 2006The 2nd Senior Forum on International Health Management and Health Insurance was held in Beijing recently; numerous celebrities in domestic and international …
Source: en.ce.cn

SHINE Seeks HelpFrom Volunteers 
The Ledger - Nov 25 4:05 AM
Volunteers are needed to help seniors and their caregivers sort through the myriad programs of Medicaid and Medicare. That’s the aim of Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, or SHINE, a program of the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging.Save

Trying to help Katrina, lung cancer victim 
Bridgeton News - Nov 26 10:31 PM
There’s a clan of former and current employees at the Neptune Seafood House who desperately want to help Mike Lima, a friend in need that was dealt two heavy blows in the past two years.Save

The ticker 
Boston Herald - Nov 27 9:00 PM
YouTube videos will be viewable on cell phones for the first time under a deal with Verizon Wireless which will also allow users to upload videos shot with their camera phones. …Save

Medicare merry-go-round 
The Buffalo News - Nov 27 6:02 AM
Judy Sawyer of Hamburg kept years’ worth of her health care information in a thin file folder but that was before she turned 65 and signed up for the Medicare prescription drug program.Save

Battling acne: New weapons in the war on zits come at a price 
Middletown Journal - Nov 26 9:21 PM
You’ve got plans, new clothes. It’s gonna be a great weekend. At least it was until you noticed a big zit. Acne affects just about everyone. It’s the most widespread skin condition in the world. More than 85 percent of 12- to 24-year-olds have some type of acne.Save

Wal-Mart brings bargain on generics 
Connecticut Post - Nov 28 1:56 AM
Got a fungus? How about allergies, asthma, diabetes or a cardiac problem? If one of the generic prescription drugs you take is on Wal-Mart’s list of 331, beginning today you can buy a 30-day supply for $4.Save

Guest column: Time for year-end Medicare reminders for seniors
Muncie Star Press, IN - 21 hours agoWith the end of the calendar year approaching in less than six weeks, if you are Medicare-eligible you need to think about your Medicare Part D plan of …
Source: www.thestarpress.com

Medicare enrollment for drug coverage set to get murkier in ‘07
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH - Nov 19, 2006As enrollment begins for next year’s Medicare drug coverage, the government is telling an estimated 1 million low-income seniors that they will be randomly …
Source: www.cleveland.com

Make Medicare for All universally accessible
Albany Times Union, NY - Nov 25, 20068 response to Dr. Richard Propp’s commentary, Joel Margolis inadvertently makes a strong case for Medicare for All. … Or we can institute Medicare for All. …
Source: www.timesunion.com

Medicare, Medigap rules often confusing
Journal and Courier, IN - Nov 20, 2006I want to know if I join a Medicare Advantage Plan, for instance an HMO or PPO, can I keep my Medigap plan too Answer: The rules …
Source: www.jconline.com

Medicare open enrollment begins
Leavenworth Times, KS - Nov 20, 2006By DENNIS SHARKEY, Times Staff Writer. Medicare s drug plan enrollment for seniors began on Wednesday, but the program is still not without problems. …
Source: www.leavenworthtimes.com

Eagle County sponsors Medicare workshops
Vail Daily News, CO - Nov 22, 2006EAGLE COUNTY - Eagle County Health & Human Services will host a series of workshops on Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in November and December. …
Source: www.vaildaily.com

Medicare bus rolls in with information
Providence Journal, RI - Nov 23, 2006The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services bus makes a stop in East Providence tomorrow afternoon. The blue-and-red Medicare bus …
Source: www.projo.com

When your parent is financially incompetent 
Bankrate.com via Yahoo! Finance - Nov 24 3:00 AM
Eight ways to help you cope should your parents become unable to manage their own finances.Save

Medical identity theft becoming a big problem 
KXLY-TV Spokane - Nov 22 9:30 PM
SPOKANE — For years, people have heard about the dangers of identity theft, people stealing your personal information to eventually get drugs or money. But theres a new trend. Its called medical identity theft, and tens of thousands of people could be victims and not even know it.Save

How insurance literate are you? 
rediff.com - Nov 21 8:14 PM
Indian families have to become more insurance literate to manage risksSave

(AFX UK Focus) 2006-11-23 14:59 GMT: UK’s Balls says probe needed into insurance sold with package holidays 
Interactive Investor - Nov 23 7:28 AM
LONDON (AFX) - The government needs to “get to the bottom” of whether travel insurance policies purchased with package holidays are being mis-sold, said Treasury Economic Secretary Ed Balls.Save

Long-awaited cures for waiting room limbo on the way 
Contra Costa Times - Nov 24 3:28 AM
Beatrice Vance died of a heart attack. The coroner says waiting in the emergency room helped kill her. The 49-year-old woman’s chest was tight with pain when she walked into the ER at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan in July. A blood clot had lodged in her heart.Save

Good Words 
Corvallis Gazette Times - 12 minutes ago
My beloved dog, Pongo, died Oct. 19 in the care of some very special people, whom I need to thank. These people understood ours was a bond of devoted friendship that lasted 15 and a half years.Save

Seniors warned of Medicare coverage changes, ‘doughnut hole’ gap
The Journal News.com, NY - Nov 18, 2006SPRING VALLEY - Rockland seniors who are looking to enroll or rejoin the federal prescription drug plan should proceed with caution, a Medicare expert said …
Source: www.thejournalnews.com

Medicare cuts on hot seat
Indianapolis Star, United States - Nov 20, 2006… New cuts in Medicare could curb Hamilton’s business. It gets about 35 percent of its revenue from Medicare. - Alan Petersime / The Star. …
Source: www.indystar.com

Schumer talks Medicare, other hot issues
News 10 Now, NY - Nov 20, 2006He came to the Syracuse area to talk about Medicare prescription drug coverage, but Senator Charles Schumer ended up outlining what will be the democrat plan …
Source: news10now.com

Got Medicare A $68 Million Operation
New York Times, United States - Nov 18, 2006By KATHRYN SHATTUCK. THE GROSS CLINIC, the somber but graphic depiction of a surgical procedure that Thomas Eakins produced in …
Source: www.nytimes.com

Elderbus Schedule changes
Brookline TAB, MA - 2 hours ago… A number of programs have been scheduled to help you with your questions about medications, Medicare Part D, Medex and other health-related issues. …
Source: www2.townonline.com

Friendly advice on Medicare drug plans
The Citizen.com, GE - Nov 18, 2006Here sa little friendly advice for people confronted with the task of selecting a Medicare drug plan, either for themselves or for their parents or friends. …
Source: www.thecitizen.com

Insurance fund execs detained in Russia
Houston Chronicle, United States - Nov 17, 2006… from three companies that distribute prescription drugs intended for people eligible for benefits under a federally funded program run by the insurance fund. …
Source: www.chron.com

Low health literacy: A prescription for patient errors
EurekAlert (press release), DC - 17 hours ago… organizations, including medicine, industry, pharmaceuticals, media, insurance, patient advocacy … of container and auxiliary labels for prescription medications. …
Source: www.eurekalert.org

Stop Smoking Pill Chantix
Free press releases (press release), UK - 5 hours ago… A new prescription medication, Chantix, works by reducing a smoker’s craving and withdrawal. … Even if your insurance doesn’t cover it, Chantix only costs about …
Source: www.freepressreleases.co.uk

Check your Medicare plan
Kentucky Post, KY - Oct 31, 2006… Even those who signed up last year, when the prescription insurance plan was inaugurated, need to check their coverage again and see whether new plans might …
Source: news.kypost.com

Doak: Prescription for health-care reform includes common sense
DesMoinesRegister.com, IA - Nov 19, 2006As long as you have job-related prescription drug coverage, you generally don’t … it isn’t simple: because Congress allowed the drug and insurance companies to …
Source: desmoinesregister.com

Work on local rec paths recognized
Vail Daily News, CO - Nov 18, 2006… & Human Services will host a series of workshops on Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in November and December. A Medicare insurance specialist will work …
Source: www.vaildaily.com

The cure for what ails us
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (subscription), WI - Nov 18, 2006… There are hundreds of insurance companies, each with its own plan options … In Canada, and other countries, the government buys prescription drugs in bulk at a …
Source: www.jsonline.com

Memberhealth expands prescription program with acquisition
Crain’s Cleveland Business, OH - Nov 17, 2006… in Solon has expanded its footprint in the Medicare prescription drug program by acquiring the Medicare business from AmeriHealth Insurance Co. in Mt. …
Source: www.crainscleveland.com

Labour faces defeat over mental health 
Guardian Unlimited - Nov 20 1:46 AM
Ministers are facing the prospect of an embarrassing defeat over plans to introduce tough new mental health laws, as the leading charities and opposition MPs this weekend threatened to use full scrutiny powers to de-rail the plans.Save

HIV/AIDS Cases In Singapore Increasing; Health Agency Plans To Increase HIV/AIDS Education Efforts 
Medical News Today - Nov 20 4:14 AM
The number of new HIV/AIDS cases in Singapore is increasing, with 149 new cases reported in the first six months of this year — an increase compared with the number of new cases reported in the same period last year — Channel NewsAsia reports. There were 317 new cases of HIV/AIDS reported in Singapore in 2005, according to Channel NewsAsia. [click link for full article]Save

Knowing retirement, health plans can help avert disaster 
Dallas Morning News - Nov 20 9:48 AM
At a time when workers must take increasing responsibility for their own health insurance and retirement savings, any glitch in those areas can seriously harm their personal finances.Save

Uganda: Bagiire Plans to Kick Poverty Out of Bunya West 
AllAfrica.com - Nov 20 9:16 AM
His mission is to see Mayuge Health Centre upgraded in to a referral hospital. Bunya West MP Aggrey Henry Bagiire sounded optimistic about his mission as he talked to Daily Monitor recently.Save

Armstrong plans for ‘07 session 
Martinsville Bulletin - Nov 20 3:14 AM
Del. Ward Armstrong, D-Collinsville, plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming General Assembly session that would require every voting machine in the state to produce a paper copy of each vote cast, he said Sunday.Save

County moves ahead with plans for new nursing home 
Press & Sun-Bulletin - Nov 19 11:46 PM
Plans are moving forward on paper for a new facility to replace Willow Point Nursing Home, but Broome County still needs several state approvals in order to proceed to construction.Save

Selling HSAs 
BizJournals - Nov 19 9:54 PM
Health savings accounts and health reimbursement arrangements are the buzz words in the consumer-driven health plan revolution, but those plans still aren’t the norm.Save

Profits Grow For Medicaid HMOs As Physicians, Patients Criticize Coverage Restrictions 
Medical News Today - Nov 17 3:14 PM
“[M]any states are moving aggressively” to place more Medicaid beneficiaries in HMOs, and more than one in three beneficiaries now receives care through a private insurer, the Wall Street Journal reports. As a result, some companies that contract with Medicaid are growing rapidly. For example, Centene reported nearly 1.2 million members from Medicaid and $1. [click link for full article]Save

New Prescription Ahead for Iowans’ Health Care? 
RedNova - Nov 13 1:03 AM
By Gardyasz, Joe Giving Iowans better access to health care is important, say both of the men who want to be Iowa’s governor. Democrat Chet Culver says one priority would be to help seniors pay for prescription drug coverage.Save

CONSUMER TIPS: WEEK IN REVIEW 
Sun-Sentinel - Nov 19 12:06 AM
Medicare recipients have until Dec. 31 to sign up for 2007 prescription drug coverage. With more than 100 plans to choose from, health experts advise even those South Floridians happy with their current plans to compare and contrast what’s being offered.Save

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan: Open Enrollment Starts Today 
US News & World Report - Nov 15 3:13 PM
After reviewing dozens of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans last year, seniors probably thought their work was done. Think again. Today marks the beginning of open season, the period during which seniors can sign up for or switch plans. About the only thing they can count on is that whatever plan they signed up for last year has very likely changed, either in cost or coverage. “It’s not fun Save

Medicare 
Washington Post - Nov 19 6:21 AM
Party leaders said they are determined to try to lower the prices older Americans pay for prescription medicine under the drug benefit that became part of Medicare this year.Save

Daniels reopens cigarette tax talks 
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel - Nov 18 6:41 AM
INDIANAPOLIS Gov. Mitch Daniels plan to fund health care coverage for low-income adults by increasing cigarette taxes 25 cents a pack or more reopened a health care discussion sure to receive vigorous debate in the General Assembly in coming months.Save

Medicare open enrollment begins today through December 
Bowling Green Daily News - Nov 16 7:39 AM
Open enrollment for Medicare prescription drug coverage begins today and will run until Dec. 31. The state division of Aging Services encourages early enrollment to ensure personal coverage begins Jan. 1.Save

Agency offers Medicare Rx program help 
Rochester Eccentric - Nov 19 4:07 AM
Open enrollment for the second year of Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug benefit, is under way.Save

Acting Federal Mandatory Medical Insurance Fund head warned …
Interfax Russia, Russia - Nov 17, 2006Nov 17 (Interfax) - The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has issued a warning to Acting Director of the Federal Mandatory Medical Insurance Fund Dmitry …
Source: www.interfax.ru

Insurance industry’s coverage proposal
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - 2 hours ago… health accounts that could be used to meet medical expenses. It also envisions significant increases in spending for federal and state insurance programs. …
Source: www.sfgate.com

HHS Secretary Leavitt Asks Employers to Commit to Health Care …
Student Operated Press, FL - 18 hours ago… to providers based on the quality of their services, or insurance options that … for measuring quality of care must be led by the medical community, Secretary …
Source: www.thesop.org

Ogdensburg to pay $4G to retired policeman
New Jersey Herald, NJ - Nov 14, 2006OGDENSBURG The Borough Council agreed Monday to pay more than $4,000 in back medical insurance payments to a retired police officer who sued the …
Source: www.njherald.com

Our Readers’ Views
The News Journal, DE - Nov 17, 2006… increases. Illegal immigrants are driving medical insurance rates higher. I wonder why I wasn’t told this before the elections. …
Source: www.delawareonline.com

Virginia Wesleyan says it cannot insure guard’s widow
Virginian Pilot, VA - Nov 17, 2006… said. When she approached the school at the end of October and said she needed medical insurance, she was told it wasn’t possible. …
Source: content.hamptonroads.com

Medical insurance to go up 25%
Buenos Aires Herald (subscription), Argentina - Oct 23, 2006… percent rise in wages. However, the CADIME chamber of medical diagnosis institutes criticized the possible hike. “The arguments put …
Source: www.buenosairesherald.com

Hartselle Medical Center big employer
The Decatur Daily, AL - 6 hours ago… “But, if patients come through the door, we treat them regardless of whether they have medical insurance or not,” Rains said. Whether …
Source: www.decaturdaily.com

HHS Will Not Automatically Waive Late Medicare Prescription Drug …
Kaiser network.org, DC - Oct 26, 2006… will not eliminate the late enrollment penalty for all Medicare beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Rita who did not sign up for the prescription drug benefit …
Source: www.kaisernetwork.org

Medicare drug plan enrollment begins Wednesday is first day …
The Decatur Daily, AL - Nov 14, 2006MONTGOMERY A year after a marketing frenzy and confusion kicked off Medicare’s prescription drug program, day one of open enrollment for 2007 coverage is …
Source: www.decaturdaily.com

Side effects to Medicare Advantage
Charlotte Observer, NC - Nov 15, 2006When she reviewed Medicare prescription drug plans for 2006, former Mecklenburg County commissioner Liz Hair, like many other seniors, chose Humana. …
Source: www.charlotte.com

Time for seniors to pick 2007 drug plan
News-Leader.com, MO - Nov 12, 2006… 31, seniors can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan a benefit program launched in 2006 to help older adults and disabled people lower their …
Source: www.news-leader.com

State’s 51 Prescription Drug Options Target More Plans In Gap
Newtown Bee, CT - Oct 26, 2006If you are satisfied using the new Medicare prescription drug plan, the worst thing you can do is assume any letters coming from your provider can be ignored. …
Source: www.newtownbee.com

Labor aided Dems, now wants help
Bryan College Station Eagle,  United States - 13 hours ago… Wants changes in the Medicare prescription drug program to introduce price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. Seeks …
Source: www.theeagle.com

Enrollment window opens Wednesday for Medicare drug plans
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - Nov 14, 2006Posted: 2:41 PM- With open enrollment for Medicare’s prescription drug plan starting Wednesday, some advocates are concerned Utah seniors will be overwhelmed …
Source: www.sltrib.com

Live ‘Ask the Experts’ Today Will Address Medicare Prescription …
Kaiser network.org, DC - Nov 14, 2006As the open enrollment period for Medicare Part D begins, panelists on this “Ask the Experts” will cover how plan choices are changing, how the process is …
Source: www.kaisernetwork.org

Medicare drug coverage: the vital facts 
Arizona Daily Star - Nov 13 11:17 PM
Part D is Medicare’s prescription-drug coverage. It was offered for the first time this year. Nearly 23 million people are now covered by Part D plans nationwide.Save to My Web

Medicare drug plan sign-ups kick off 
Gainesville Sun - 2 minutes ago
Starting today, seniors have six weeks to change their current prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D or sign up with a plan for the first time.Save to My Web

Savvy Senior 
Daily Local News - Nov 13 5:05 PM
Dear Savvy Senior: I will be eligible for Medicare next year and I have been hearing a lot about the Medicare’s private plans called Medicare Advantage. What can you tell me about this option?Save to My Web

Once- or Twice-Daily Treatment With PULMICORT RESPULES(R) Significantly Increased Percentage of Days Asthma Is  
Medical News Today - Nov 14 12:14 AM
Children treated with PULMICORT RESPULES(R) (budesonide inhalation suspension) either once or twice daily experienced a significantly greater increase in the percentage of asthma-control days compared to those receiving placebo. [click link for full article]Save to My Web

Get Medicare and Part D information Nov. 30 
Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Nov 14 10:49 AM
PICKERINGTON The Ohio Department of Insurances Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program will hold an OSHIIP Medicare and Part D Check-up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Drive, Pickerington.Save to My Web

Seniors sort out Medicare Rx benefit 
Denver Post - Nov 14 7:14 PM
Health advocates and officials expressed concerns that seniors may be complacent or weary about shopping for Medicare prescription-drug benefits today, as the nation begins a six- week sprint to sign up for 2007 coverage.Save to My Web

Majority of Medicare beneficiaries satisfied with prescription drug plans 
News-Medical-Net - Nov 08 6:26 PM
Three-fourths of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the prescription drug benefit are satisfied with their plans, according to a recent Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive poll, Wall Street Journal Online reports.Save to My Web

Medicare reminder: Open enrollment nears 
Morris Ledger - Nov 08 9:36 PM
Medicare’s open enrollment starts next month, providing Morris County seniors an opportunity to evaluate their current plan to make sure they are getting the most out of their coverage. Seniors who are satisfied with their plan need not do anything to re-enroll.Save to My Web

Strom Center to host meetings 
Monmouth Daily Review Atlas - Nov 09 1:09 PM
MONMOUTH - Several meetings are scheduled to be held at Strom Center in Monmouth to discuss the 2007 Medicare D Program. The meetings are set for Monday at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 20 at 1:30 p.m., and Nov. 29 at 1:30 p.m.Save to My Web

Treasury Chief Set to Seek Deals 
New York Times - 2 hours, 42 minutes ago
Henry M. Paulson Jr. is expected to pursue critical economic ties with China and explore deal making with Democrats in Congress.Save to My Web

Sector Wrap: Health Insurers Fall 
AP via Yahoo! Finance - Nov 09 1:24 PM
Shares of health insurers continued weakening Thursday after Democrats sealed control of both houses of Congress, setting the stage for reforms of the Medicare programs that represent some of the sector’s most profitable opportunities.Save to My Web

Ways to Contest Medicare Premiums 
Kiplinger.com - Nov 09 11:51 AM
You might be able to get your Medicare Part B premiums recalculated.Save to My Web

HealthSouth loss widens after charges 
Reuters via Yahoo! News - Nov 09 7:31 AM
HealthSouth Corp. , still struggling with the fallout from an accounting scandal, posted a bigger quarterly loss on Thursday after one-time expenses, while revenue fell due to more stringent Medicare payments to its rehabilitation hospitals.Save to My Web

Local hospice program faces possible loss of Medicare contract 
North County Times - Nov 07 7:43 PM
OCEANSIDE — Federal regulators have notified Tri-City Medical Center that its hospice program no longer meets the requirements to participate in the Medicare program because of its “continued failure to meet federal health and safety requirements.”Save to My Web

PhRMA Statement on Private Sector Competition
PharmaLive.com (press release), PA - Nov 9, 2006More than 38 million seniors and other beneficiaries now have comprehensive prescription drug coverage to help them access life-saving medicines so that they …
Source: www.pharmalive.com

Issues on Dems’ agenda
Newsday, NY - Nov 9, 2006… The Democrats want to amend the 2003 Medicare reform law that initiated drug coverage but barred the federal government from negotiating with pharmaceutical …
Source: www.newsday.com

Hayes declares victory, race is tight
Charlotte Observer, NC - 17 hours ago… to blanket the district with television and radio ads, including ads that criticized Kissell for objecting to portions of Medicare prescription drug coverage. …
Source: www.charlotte.com

Medicare | Average Monthly Premiums Will Increase by 87% in 2007 …
Kaiser network.org, DC - Nov 2, 2006… That finding is based on the number of beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage as of June 2006. It does not include beneficiaries …
Source: www.kaisernetwork.org

Enrollment time for Medicare Part D plan has arrived
West Roxbury & Roslindale Transcript, MA - Nov 3, 2006Not much time remains to prepare for Medicare Part D’s 2007 prescription drug coverage, says the Medicare Rx Access Network of Massachusetts. …
Source: www2.townonline.com

See if drug plan measures up
Akron Beacon Journal, OH - Oct 31, 2006By Cheryl Powell. Now’s the time to take inventory of your medicine cabinet and sort out your options for Medicare-approved prescription drug coverage in 2007. …
Source: www.ohio.com

Toyota’s health cost cure: A clinic at the plant site 
Detroit News - Nov 07 11:19 PM
Detroit’s automakers are not the only ones grappling with soaring health-care costs. They are becoming an issue for Toyota Motor Corp., as well, as the Japanese giant expands its U.S. manufacturing operations and work force.Save to My Web

Drug Stocks, Health Insurers Fall on Democratic Win (Update2) 
Bloomberg.com - Nov 08 12:43 PM
Nov. 8 (Bloomberg) — Shares of health-insurance providers such as Humana Inc. and drugmakers including Pfizer Inc. fell after voters gave control of the U.S. House of Representatives to Democrats who’ve pledged to cut government health-care payments.Save to My Web

Drug-Makers Could Feel Squeeze From New Congress 
RedNova - 2 hours, 55 minutes ago
CHICAGO _ Tuesday’s Democratic landslide in congressional elections raises the specter of federal regulation of drug prices via changes to Medicare’s new prescription drug benefit _ a move that could lower costs for seniors and squeeze pharmaceutical and health insurance industry profits.Save to My Web

Clear Lake offers teacher retirement plan 
Globe Online - Nov 08 6:18 PM
CLEAR LAKE Employees of the Clear Lake Community School District would receive up to four years of health insurance coverage if they opt for early retirement under a proposed incentive plan.Save to My Web

Why You Can’t Depend on Group Life Insurance 
Hope Star - Nov 08 3:09 PM
(ARA) - If you have a full time job, you may also be fortunate enough to have a free term life insurance policy through your employer. For most people, it’s the equivalent of a year’s salary. If you’re lucky, it might even be as high as three times your annual salary.Save to My Web

Oregon Ballot Measure to Ban Credit Scoring for Insurance Loses Following $5 Million Industry Ad Campaign 
[Press Release] U.S. Newswire via Yahoo! News - Nov 08 12:22 PM
Consumer advocates vowed to fight on to protect Oregon consumers from the use of credit scoring for insurance following the defeat of Measure 42. The insurance industry spent $5 million against Measure 42 far more than supporters of the proposal. Measure 42 would have barred insurers from using a customer’s credit score to set insurance premiums.Save to My Web

Golden Gate Restaurant Association Challenges Employer Mandate Component of San Francisco’s Universal Health Benefit Law 
RedNova - Nov 08 4:20 PM
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association today asked a federal court to strike down the employer mandate component of San Francisco’s health benefit ordinance in a move the industry group had worked for more than a year to avoid. In a motion filed in U.S.Save to My Web

Local Health Officials Ready in the Event of Pandemic Flu Outbreak 
Scott County Virginia Star - Nov 08 9:02 AM
Local health officials passed a test with flying colors last Friday that ensures emergency preparedness in the face of a pandemic flu outbreak by doing just that showing they are ready to handle the situation.Save to My Web

Taking charge
What Investment, UK - 19 hours agoOnce the preserve of the wealthy, private medical insurance (PMI) can now cost less than you might think. This is the result of …
Source: www.whatinvestment.co.uk

New health trend, or new shortcut
Carlisle Sentinel, PA - Nov 6, 2006… in need of a hip replacement but the cost to have it done in a hospital close to home was beyond what her privately purchased medical insurance would pay. …
Source: www.cumberlink.com

When health is business, patients lose
Myrtle Beach Sun News, SC - 6 hours ago… Meanwhile, his doctors, insurance company, politicians and regulators would remain in a deep … Truth be told, the US medical system is headed for multiple organ …
Source: www.myrtlebeachonline.com

Healthcare must be available to all
Sun2Surf, Malaysia - 6 hours ago… However, insurance premium is usually only renewable until the age of 65 years old. What happens after that, especially when medical care is most needed …
Source: www.sun2surf.com

Testing times for aids awareness
Times of India, India - Nov 1, 2006HIV test is also a pre-requisite for getting a medical insurance cover for employees of corporate houses collaborating with insurance companies. …
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Credit card rules
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 12 hours ago… Westpac’s Altitude Gold card gives unlimited medical insurance cover, up to $15,000 for lost luggage and up to $2.5 million for personal liability. …
Source: www.smh.com.au

Medical insurance to go up 25%
Buenos Aires Herald (subscription), Argentina - Oct 23, 2006… percent rise in wages. However, the CADIME chamber of medical diagnosis institutes criticized the possible hike. “The arguments put …
Source: www.buenosairesherald.com

Seniors dealing with Medicare Part D options
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, PA - 14 hours agoAs the new enrollment period opens for the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, federal and state officials are braced for a wave of people …
Source: www.timesleader.com

Medicare coverage applies to spouses, too
Providence Journal, RI - Oct 30, 2006Suppose you don t qualify for coverage under the federal Medicare health program based on your own record of work and earnings. …
Source: www.projo.com

The Fallacy of Divided Government
National Review Online, NY - Nov 5, 2006… With a prescription-drug benefit being added to Medicare, the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act constituted a significant expansion of the welfare state. …
Source: article.nationalreview.com

Medicare Cuts Cause Concern
KELOLAND TV, SD - Nov 6, 2006Hospital officials say medical care for elderly South Dakotans could be crimped by proposed cuts in Medicare that will trim reimbursement rates for doctors by …
Source: www.keloland.com

Status: Lost
New York Sun, NY - 16 hours ago… country. Managed care plans in New York now pay less than Medicare. Come January, however, Medicare payments will also come down. …
Source: www.nysun.com

Lincare Rises on Lesser Medicare Cut
MSN Money - Nov 2, 2006NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Lincare Holdings Inc., which provides oxygen to at-home patients, rose Thursday after easier-than-expected Medicare cuts in oxygen …
Source: moneycentral.msn.com

More flu shots coming
Kinston Free Press, NC - 10 hours ago… under 65 years old could be waived and the vaccination be given free of charge, which is the case for people age 65 and older who are on Medicaid or Medicare. …
Source: www.kinston.com

Market Report — Story Stocks (THC)
MSN Money - 8 hours ago… 30% of the decline was due to deliberate actions under the company’s Targeted Growth Initiative and the implementation of the new Medicare admission criteria …
Source: news.moneycentral.msn.com

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USA Today - Most insurers still do audits after payments are made, but the use of computers to flag unusual patterns in claims is becoming mainstream at many insurers and in government health programs Medicare and Medicaid. While the software systems may differ

On Native Ground
American Reporter - DUMMERSTON, Vt. — Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Republican controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted to trim $50 billion over 10 years out of the federal budget through cutbacks in food stamps, Medicaid and student loans. At least the

Proposed Nursing Home Facility Faces Opposition
WMFD - Smith says there is also no guaranteed funding through Titles 18 and 19 and under the Medicaid system a facility is only paid based upon the number of approved residents living in the facility. Smith says developing the new nursing home in the

Estep updates Danville council on MRDD
Mount Vernon News - Medicaid dollars have kept the MRDD program running, but local dollars must eventually be raised, according to Estep. We know we have a lot of educating to do because we have changed so much over the last 16 years, said Estep. So we are

Nursing home option kept
Times Union - and Aging agreed to ask the state’s Department of Health to approve a certificate of needs for a new home, a mostly administrative move that preserves the county’s right to replace the aging Glendale Nursing Home and locks in a higher Medicaid

Democrats seek sweep of statewide offices
Belleville News-Democrat - Rod Blagojevich and promised to set up a special fund to speed up state reimbursements to Medicaid providers. Hynes defended his record and said an experienced hand should run the state’s check-writing office. Democratic Attorney General Lisa Madigan

L.A. County hospital merger gets final blessing
Daily Breeze - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services informed county officials last week that it will extend funding for King-Drew through March. While the decision fell short of the one-year extension local officials had wanted — and a request for $50

Cost of health care big burden in precinct
Colorado Springs Gazette - Yaschur, who is on Medicaid, has heard about the drugpurchasing pools and likes the idea. Prescription drugs are so expensive, she said. They can be purchased so much cheaper in Canada or Mexico. A purchasing pool, if it is feasible and

Salameh gives pound a clean bill of health 
The Daily Star Lebannon - Nov 06 12:16 PM
Banque du Liban Governor Riad Salameh said on Monday that the monetary market in Lebanon is in good health despite the recent security setbacks in the country. “We expect the continuation of stability of the monetary market due to the Central Bank’s resources and the available liquidity of commercial banks,” Salameh told.Save to My Web

Psychiatrists Resist Changes at Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan 
RedNova - Nov 02 10:28 AM
By Alan Wechsler, Times Union, Albany, N.Y. Nov. 2–ALBANY — A dispute between local psychiatrists and Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan could leave hundreds without mental health care.Save to My Web

Health firm accuses judge in suit 
2theadvocate.com - 1 hour, 0 minute ago
A health firm ordered last year to pay $108 million to doctors, patients and others now is accusing state District Judge Janice Clark of improper communications with lawyers.Save to My Web

50 Ways to Cut Your Health-Care Costs 
CNN Money - Nov 06 8:20 AM
See gallery of tipsSave to My Web

Mlambo-Ngcuka denies hijacking Aids plan 
Mail and Guardian - Nov 06 6:08 AM
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has denied seeking to seize control of the country’s HIV/Aids programme while the health minister is recovering from an illness.Save to My Web

U.S. Health Costs Are Fueling a Fiscal Blow-Out: John F. Wasik 
Bloomberg.com - Nov 06 12:24 AM
Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) — When a friend recently told me he was paying more for health care for his small company than rent, it confirmed in my mind that medical expenses are stifling the U.S. economy. His is a common tale today.Save to My Web

Elder Health Introduces New ‘Bravo’ Product Identity 
RedNova - Nov 06 8:21 AM
BALTIMORE, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Elder Health Inc. announced today that it has changed the name of its Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans to Bravo by Elder Health.Save to My Web

Pharmaceutical Politics
Spot-On - Nov 3, 2006… In crafting the Medicare prescription drug benefit that went into effect in 2006, the Republicans left drug pricing to the free market place. …
Source: www.spot-on.com

Seniors urged to re-examine Medicare prescription options
Waco Tribune Herald, TX - Oct 7, 2006Many seniors are probably tired of thinking about their Medicare prescription drug plans after a year filled with educational campaigns, sign-up rallies and a …
Source: www.wacotrib.com

Highlights of Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program
Birmingham News, AL - Oct 30, 2006… through their employer, union or the military can keep their current coverage without facing penalties later if their programs have been approved by Medicare. …
Source: www.blogs.al.com

Medco Approved to Offer Medicare Prescription Drug Plans to …
Drug Newswire (press release), CT - Oct 4, 2006… pharmacy benefit manager, has been designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer its national Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP …
Source: www.drugnewswire.com

Pay-for-Performance and Accountability: Related Themes in …
Annals of Internal Medicine - 8 hours ago… patients with a certain condition should receive, such as prescription of … than 100 value-based purchasing initiatives; among them were Medicare and employers …
Source: www.annals.org

For Economic Conservatives, the Choice is Clear: Vote Republican …
RedState, VA - 3 hours ago… Yes, the Medicare prescription drug benefit was bad. But don’t think for half a second that Democrats voted against it because they …
Source: breakingnews.redstate.com

New HMO will offer Medicare prescription plans
St. Petersburg Times, FL - Oct 17, 2006… The federal government recently awarded Optimum HealthCare, headquartered in Spring Hill, a contract to offer Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans, which …
Source: www.sptimes.com

Thousands lack drug coverage minister
ChronicleHerald.ca, Canada - Nov 2, 2006… needs to survive. Some 160,000 other Nova Scotians are also without drug coverage, Mr. d Entremont said Wednesday. “There s …
Source: thechronicleherald.ca

Medicare coverage choices almost due
Richmond Times Dispatch, VA - 11 hours ago… Provider changes: Even before the sign-up period starts, two of Virginia’s 22 stand-alone Part D providers eliminated certain drug coverage in the “doughnut …
Source: www.timesdispatch.com

Highlights of Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program
Birmingham News, AL - Oct 30, 2006Retirees or working seniors who have drug coverage through their employer, union or the military can keep their current coverage without facing penalties later …
Source: www.blogs.al.com

Minimize Your Drug Costs
Kiplinger.com, DC - Oct 24, 2006… Where do you think it will be by the end of the year By Kimberly Lankford. I have Medicare prescription-drug coverage and just hit the doughnut hole. …
Source: www.kiplinger.com

HHS Misled Public about Medicare Drug Premiums; Seniors Will Pay …
YubaNet, CA - Oct 12, 2006… fundamentally different than the stand-alone Medicare drug plans offered through Medicare Part D. These Medicare Advantage plans offer drug coverage only as …
Source: www.yubanet.com

Medicaid is hot issue in Senate race
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  United States - Oct 29, 2006… Talent said that although the plan could be improved, it is mostly a success, providing “comprehensive prescription drug coverage for seniors.”. …
Source: www.stltoday.com

More Medicare drug-coverage options set (1:40 pm)
Stockton Record, CA - Oct 13, 2006STOCKTON San Joaquin County s 76,000 Medicare beneficiaries will have 74 drug-coverage options to choose from for 2007, the second year of Medicare s …
Source: www.recordnet.com

White-collar workers at Ford won’t get pay raises, will pay more for health benefits 
USA Today - Nov 02 8:32 AM
Salaried workers at Ford Motor won’t get pay raises next year and they’ll pay more for health insurance under benefit changes announced by the company.Save to My Web

UnitedHealth to sell Medicare plans at Wal-Mart 
Louisville Courier-Journal - Nov 03 10:28 AM
Humana won’t be the only health insurer whose Medicare plans will be marketed in some Wal-Mart stores this fall and beyond. UnitedHealth Group’s SecureHorizons Medicare managed-care plans will be offered through enrollment centers in more than 700 Wal-Mart stores in 30 states, the Minneapolis-based insurer announced Friday. Humana opened the door for that when the Louisville health insurer scaled Save to My Web

Utah, tribes sign health pact 
Deseret Morning News - Nov 04 12:13 AM
Utah officials on Thursday signed an agreement with the state’s eight federally recognized Indian tribes detailing coordination and communication processes for health issues and health policy development.Save to My Web

WellCare Health shares surge on results, forecasts 
Market Watch - Nov 01 3:04 PM
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - WellCare Health Plans Inc. shares rallied more than 10% late Wednesday after the health insurer reported third-quarter earnings and revenue that more than doubled and lifted its full-year forecast far above Wall Street’s average expectations. Save to My Web

MEDICARE MAZE 
Tucson Citizen - Nov 04 6:11 AM
Seniors, the disabled and some of their family members must make important decisions in the next couple of weeks. Beginning Nov. 15, people 65 and older and the disabled must sign up for both their Medicare prescription drug plans and health care plans for 2007.Save to My Web

Keeping healthcare affordable Health Ministry’s top priority 
Channel NewsAsia - Nov 03 4:31 AM
SINGAPORE : Keeping healthcare affordable is the Health Ministry’s top priority for the next five years. And as the population is ageing rapidly, it is also reviewing intermediate and long-term care.Save to My Web

Health Chief, Area Officials Talk Bird Flu 
RedNova - Nov 04 8:17 AM
By Donna Wright, The Bradenton Herald, Fla. Nov. 4–BRADENTON — U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt met with local health and emergency management officials Friday to discuss response plans for a flu pandemic.Save to My Web

Wal-Mart offers SecureHorizons drug plan to seniors 
bizjournals.com via Yahoo! Finance - Nov 03 12:45 PM
Seniors will be able to sign up for SecureHorizons Medicare prescription drug plans in more than 700 Wal-Mart stores in 30 states under a new agreement between UnitedHealth Group and the giant retailer.Save to My Web

MEDICARE MAZE 
Tucson Citizen - Nov 04 12:11 AM
Seniors, the disabled and some of their family members must make important decisions in the next couple of weeks. Beginning Nov. 15, people 65 and older and the disabled must sign up for both their Medicare prescription drug plans and health care plans for 2007.Save to My Web

Flu Shots 
Quad-City Times - Nov 03 11:15 PM
Trinity VNHA Trinity VNHA offer public flu clinics from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at its new office, 106 19th Ave., Suite 101, Moline. The cost is 25, cash or check, for flu shots, 40 for pneumonia shots and free for those with Medicare Part B. For more information, call (309) 779-2000.Save to My Web

Medicare seminar slated for Nov. 27 
Gloucester County Times - Nov 02 12:04 AM
DEPTFORD TWP. The Gloucester County Senior Corps, headquartered on the campus of Gloucester County College, is holding a free seminar for insurance and Medicare Plan D prescription enrollment on Monday, November 27.Save to My Web

Health Insurance Plans And Pharmacists Launch Interactive Online Guide To Help Seniors Choose A Medicare Drug Plan 
Medical News Today - Nov 03 12:17 AM
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries now have access to a new online resource to evaluate their prescription drug plan choices for 2007. By visiting http://www.healthdecisions.org/guide, beneficiaries can work through an interactive prescription drug plan guide to determine which type of drug plan best meets their individual needs. [click link for full article]Save to My Web

Humana not alone at Wal-Mart 
Louisville Courier-Journal - 9 minutes ago
Starting this fall, Humana won’t be alone selling Medicare plans in Wal-Mart stores. UnitedHealth Group’s SecureHorizons Medicare managed-care plans will be marketed in more than 700 Wal-Mart stores in 30 states, including Kentucky and Indiana.Save to My Web

Health Beat - November 01, 2006:
Texarkana Gazette, TX - Nov 1, 2006… The Barnette Agency will present Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage at 10 am today at Cossatot Community College, room 104, 1411 North Constitution Ave …
Source: www.texarkanagazette.com

Clegg being challenged by Lowrey for District 14 seat
The Union Leader, NH - 14 hours ago… legislation passed earlier this spring to help residents pay for prescription drugs because of unforeseen gaps in the new Medicare Part D drug coverage is one …
Source: www.unionleader.com

Growth in Medicaid Spending in 2006 Lowest in a Decade
Psychiatric Services (subscription) - 1 hour ago… to reduced spending was the transition of more than six million low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities from Medicaid drug coverage to newly …
Source: psychservices.psychiatryonline.org

Humana Third-Quarter Profit Rises on Medicare Drug Coverage
Bloomberg - Oct 30, 2006By Lisa Rapaport. Oct. 30 (Bloomberg) — Humana Inc., the second-largest provider of Medicare drug benefits, said profit rose because …
Source: www.bloomberg.com

PBMI Webcast Will Help Employers Actively Manage Specialty Drug …
Genetic Engineering News (press release), NY - Oct 4, 2006The steps employers should be taking to better manage specialty drug coverage will be discussed in a Webcast hosted by the Pharmacy Benefit Management …
Source: www.genengnews.com

Senior News
Tewksbury Advocate, MA - Nov 2, 2006… one’s medicines. Well, Prescription Advantages is a supplement to one’s drug coverage and in most instances is of no cost to the individual. …
Source: www2.townonline.com

Brown, DeWine face off for Senator
Mount Vernon News, OH - 1 hour ago… It wasn t perfect, but it s now helped tens of thousands of Ohioans who did not have prescription drug coverage before, and it s also helped many of …
Source: www.mountvernonnews.com

Wary patient advocates skeptical of NPS process
Canada NewsWire (press release), Canada - 22 hours ago… Definitions of such basic terms as “catastrophic” drug coverage and which “evidence” will help determine a drug’s safety, effectiveness, price and place on …
Source: www.newswire.ca

Blagojevich: ‘We’ve kept our promises’
Southern Illinoisan - He said enrollment in the All Kids insurance program “is going gangbusters.” “We are the only state in the history of our He also boasted creating the I-Save-Rx program that helps seniors buy prescription drugs at reduced prices and made it

Defendant’s guilty plea swiftly ends drug trial
Bryan-College Station Eagle - A College Station man found with more than 5,000 tabs of prescription drugs during a routine traffic stop brought his jury He was arrested when the officer reported smelling marijuana and found that he had no insurance. Moments later, 1,144 tabs

Gazette Opinion: Tester would bring welcome change in U.S. Senate
Billings Gazette - The Children’s Health Insurance Program was expanded. A prescription discount program was set up. Programs were established to make employee insurance costs affordable for small businesses and their workers. K-12 education got a bigger

State Senator, 28th District candidates
1960 Sun - Rather than just paying lip service to out of control healthcare, health insurance, prescription, insurance, utility and gas prices, we need to encourage honest competition in these industries, and demand appropriate government oversight of them

Making light of the election
OregonLive.com - The candidate and would-be voter talked for about 10 minutes about health care, the high cost of health insurance and prescription drugs. “I just kept looking at his face and his eyes,” Draper said. “You never know where or when you’ll get that vote

Congressman questions Carney health care proposal
Daily Review & Sunday Review - to bind together to provide health insurance to more workers. Health care has been a major campaign issue in the 10th District where both Mr. Carney and Mr. Sherwood have said local residents need help handling the increasing costs of prescription