Archive for December, 2006

Our towns - news from our local communities
Lansing State Journal - Blue Care event gives people access to Medicare experts Blue Care Network of Michigan will hold a Blue Year’s Eve event to share information about its Medicare plans from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at its Lansing office, 1403 S. Creyts Road. People

Courtney hosts medicare forum
Norwich Bulletin - NORWICH While on the campaign trail for the 2nd Congressional District, Joe Courtney heard over and over again that complications with Medicare s prescription drug plan angered constituents. That issue, along with raising the nation s minimum

Insurer hits millions of seniors with drug cost hike
Boston Online - The more than two million senior citizens nationwide who signed up last year for Humana Inc.’s least expensive Medicare prescription drug plan face average premium increases of 60 percent — and in seven states, increases of 466 percent — starting

Medco YOURx PLAN Medicare Part D Program Provides Greater Access to
Playfuls - Cost-conscious seniors seeking the lowest cost generic medicines need not battle holiday shoppers looking to take advantage of a price promotion. Low-cost generics can be found in Medco’s Medicare Prescription Drug plan, Medco YOURx PLAN, which

Disabled and can’t work? SSI may help
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel - I’ve lost my Medicare card and need to have it replaced. How can I apply for a new one? A: If you need to replace your Medicare card, there are a few ways you can apply. The easiest method is to use the Medicare Card Replacement Page online, and

Deadline for changes to Medicare Part D nears
Record - Medicare beneficiaries have until midnight Sunday to review and make changes to their Part D prescription-drug coverage for 2007. Those satisfied with their plan don’t need to take any action. “We continue to urge all people with Medicare to focus on

Taking the measure of Medicare’s meds 
The Huntsville Times - Dec 22 2:31 AM
Navigating rules surrounding new Medicare prescription drug coverage can be confusing for many older patients. MTM Services of Alabama aims to help those patients sort through the details and gain a better sense of control over their health care.Save

Walgreen Shares Gain on Strong Results 
RedNova - Dec 26 12:33 PM
Walgreen (WAG) on Dec. 22 announced stronger quarterly earnings, as the Deerfield, Ill.-based drugstore chain sold more generics and other items. Walgreen’s net earnings for the quarter ended Nov. 30 were up 24.9% to $432 million compared to the same period last year.Save

Valley man savoriing small victories 
Connecticut Post - Dec 25 5:55 AM
One day, Saling found himself wandering the streets of Valley towns, wearing the same clothes he’d slept in. After a time, his ex-wife drove down from Massachusetts with a paper bag full of clothing.Save

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE SOON 
Tyler Morning Telegraph - Dec 27 8:29 PM
Medicare’s open enrollment period for prescription drug coverage in 2007 runs through Dec. 31. During this period, all eligible beneficiaries may choose to enroll for the first time, choose a new plan or stay in the plan they already have.Save

Medicare’s Prescription Drug Plan Enrollment Deadline Looms 
KOLD News 13 Tuscon - Dec 27 6:38 AM
By Steven Reinberg , HealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 27 (HealthDay News) — The deadline for enrolling in or changing your Medicare prescription drug plan is…Save

2007 Medicare Part D enrollment begins 
Lebanon Express - Dec 24 1:25 PM
In order to receive Medicare prescription drug coverage in 2007, Medicare beneficiaries must choose from a significantly wider field of Medicare choices and have only six weeks to make a selection.Save

Medicare clock counting down for seniors: Big changes Jan. 1 could lead to higher drug costs for some 
Eaton Rapids Community News - Dec 29 1:09 AM
Millions of senior citizens are likely to be shocked next week when they discover their Medicare prescription drug benefits have changed, often drastically. In particular, they may bring higher co-pays for brand-name drugs.Save

Medicare’s Prescription Drug Plan Enrollment Deadline Looms 
Health Scout - Dec 27 7:36 AM
Even those already in a plan need to reevaluate their coverage, experts saySave

GLOSSARY OF INSURANCE TERMS: “F”
knox.VillageSoup.com, ME - 9 hours ago… In no-fault auto insurance it pays for the cost of injuries. … coverage, the personal injury protection (PIP) part of the policy pays for medical care, lost …
Source: knox.villagesoup.com

Old age woes
Calcutta Telegraph, India - Dec 17, 2006… So, if you are on the odd side of 60, chances are you won t easily get a medical insurance and even if you do, the cost would be high. …
Source: www.telegraphindia.com

CRM Holdings, Ltd. Announces Management Changes
Yahoo! News (press release) - 12 hours ago… groups, underwriting, risk assessment, safety and loss control services, medical bill review … also acts as a broker by placing excess coverage insurance and any …
Source: biz.yahoo.com

Senior Citizens Driving with Dementia Are Targets of Training for …
SeniorJournal.com, TX - 3 hours ago… B. Carr, MD, associate professor of medicine and of neurology, explains an American Medical Association (AMA … “And the federal Health Insurance Portability and …
Source: www.seniorjournal.com

Means-Testing Medicare: Stealth Tax on Upper-Income Retirees
The Heartland Institute, IL - Dec 27, 2006… Apart from these political assessments, the basic notion of means-testing a medical insurance program like Medicare Part B is somewhat problematic. …
Source: www.heartland.org

112 000 of the poorest families to receive state assistance
Messenger.ge, Georgia - 19 hours ago… According to Peradze currently approximately 869 000 citizens receive free medical insurance and 345 000 people receive allowances for electricity. …
Source: www.messenger.com.ge

Technology aids in dementia cases
United Press International - 2 hours ago… challenge remains in ensuring that devices are used effectively,” said Patricia Bomba, geriatrician and medical director for MedAmerica Insurance Company in …
Source: www.upi.com

Medical Insurance Sorry, You’re Not Covered!
Best Syndication, CA - Dec 18, 2006In the UK around 7 million people spend around 3 billion a year on medical insurance. One in seven policies are taken out by individuals …
Source: www.bestsyndication.com

Premera Expands Coverage of Cardiovascular Drugs in Washington
Insurance News Net, PA - Dec 22, 2006… to coverage and promoting generic drugs is a win-win-win proposition for our members,” said Ed Wong, PharmD, director of pharmacy for Premera. “Prescription …
Source: insurancenewsnet.com

Healthy Happenings
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader, PA - Dec 12, 200631 deadline nears for Medicare beneficiaries who wish to change their 2007 Medicare health or prescription coverage, or enroll for the first time in a Medicare …
Source: www.timesleader.com

Medicaid helps clients kick tobacco use
The Casper Star Tribune, WY - 1 hour ago… Patients will need to get a prescription from their physician for the cessation product to be eligible for the coverage, even if it is an over-the-counter …
Source: www.casperstartribune.net

Photo: Sun News PUblishing
Daily Sun, Nigeria - Dec 25, 2006… drugs in a given prescription by the beneficiary was introduced. The NHIS has adopted three broad programmes with which it aims to achieve universal coverage. …
Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

Selling Medicare Part D
Chillicothe Gazette, OH - Dec 20, 2006… Medicare Part D has been subject to much criticism for its senior prescription drug coverage, with critics saying it doesn’t provide enough coverage to low …
Source: www.chillicothegazette.com

Open Enrollment for 2007 Medicare Health and Drug Coverage
Advisor, CA - Dec 1, 2006… tested tools and resources which have been enhanced to help them make confident, well-informed decisions about their health and prescription coverage in 2007 …
Source: advisor.com

Medicare Rx coverage deadline drawing close - seniors urged to act …
Hernando Today, FL - Dec 22, 2006The Medicare Rx Access Network of Florida is urging Medicare beneficiaries to avoid last-minute decisions about their 2007 Medicare prescription drug coverage. …
Source: www.hernandotoday.com

Medicare Part D open enrollment closes Sunday
Pine Bluff Commercial, AR - 19 hours agoThe open enrollment period for Medicare s Part D prescription drug program ends Sunday, Dec. 31, for coverage to begin on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007. …
Source: www.pbcommercial.com

Zix Corporation Announces Contract for Statewide Initiative
Forbes - confidential bi-directional communications between a pharmacist and PocketScript users to greatly enhance the prescription the prescribing process, the application provides real-time access at the point-of-care to formulary information, insurance

Wood Recognized For Health Care Model
Intelligencer - Some of the problem with the health care industry at this point is the insurance industry takes profit and administrative He explained that while the prepaid primary care does not include hospitalization, prescription drug coverage or specialist

Power shift creates new roles for Missouri lawmakers
Miami Herald - in the federal minimum wage, pass energy reform legislation and revise Medicare Part D provisions to help reduce prescription He said many farm programs should remain the same, although he wants to see a stronger emphasis on crop insurance. “I think

Flex Your Health Muscles
Motley Fool - If your deadline does arrive at the end of the year, you may want to consider a bulk purchase of any prescription drug you regularly take, if your insurance plan allows it. Otherwise, you’ll have to come up with some quick purchases. Try to buy things

Soul Legend James Brown Dies At 73
The ShowBuzz.com - In September 1988, Brown, high on PCP and carrying a shotgun, entered an insurance seminar next to his Augusta office She took PCP and several prescription drugs while she had a bad heart and was weak from cosmetic surgery two days earlier, the

Medicare drug plan deadline is this weekend
Times-Republican - Senior Health Insurance Information Program, which helps residents evaluate their Medicare options for free. SHIIP volunteers urge area seniors to look at the premium they will pay in 2007, along with the amount they pay each time a prescription is

Down to the deadline on Medicare drug plans
York Dispatch Online - Five days remain to enroll in Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan or switch insurers, and the York County Area Agency on offered this week is made available through the state and county departments of aging via the Apprise Health Insurance

Part D deadline draws near
NorthJersey.com - The benefit promises lower drug costs for seniors and the disabled by offering prescription drug coverage through private insurance plans subsidized by the federal Medicare program. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries who do not enroll in a Part D plan

HEALTH BRIEFS 
Times Leader - Dec 26 12:14 AM
WILKES-BARRE The Wyoming Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross conducts community blood drives throughout the month.Save

Health Calendar 
Detroit News - Dec 25 11:31 PM
TODAYSave

The deadline for the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is December 31st. 
KOLN Lincoln - 1 hour, 31 minutes ago
If finding the right prescription plan leaves you lost, there is help available. “It was really hard for me to understand. I had never had anybody sit down one on one and really explain the whole thing,” says Joanne Mengers of Grand Island.Save

Decision time: What Medicare drug plan should seniors choose? 
MLive.com - Dec 25 9:14 PM
WASHINGTON — With the Dec. 31 deadline fast approaching, Michigan seniors looking to switch to a new Medicare prescription drug plan for 2007 are running out of time.Save

PRIME BRIEFS 
Richmond Times-Dispatch - Dec 24 4:17 PM
ETC. Medicare drug plan enrollment for 2007 ends Dec. 31. Even if you signed up in 2006, sign up again in your current plan or another one that better suits your needs.Save

A year’s worth of concepts, facts, resumes and ideas rooted in … um … 
Chicago Tribune - Dec 26 3:36 AM
TRUTHINESS Save

Fishing law spares low income families 
Rocky Mount Telegram - Dec 25 6:31 PM
NASHVILLE Low income families are catching a break with new fishing laws.Save

A look at 3 Internet-based services 
Middletown Journal - Dec 24 9:15 PM
Solutions for Progress Inc., Philadelphia.Save

When hospital-acquired infection rates are tough to find, it is frustrating for patients concerned about their safety 
Wyoming Tribune-Eagle - Dec 25 5:20 AM
In August of 2002, Casper resident Jeanette Fuentes underwent a simple surgery that almost killed her - a year and a half later. Her journey began when she entered Wyoming Medical Center in Casper on Aug. 13, 2002, for surgery on a hiatal hernia, a bulging of the stomach into the upper chest cavity.Save

Custom-made teddy bears honor memories 
Louisville Courier-Journal - Dec 25 2:48 AM
Dorothy Kasser runs a small business from her home called Memory Bears and Stuff. She makes teddy bears for people who want to honor or remember someone. The bears are made with an item of clothing or other fabric that has meaning for the customer.Save

Service links seniors to help 
The Advocate - 2 hours, 7 minutes ago
A new online service that targets seniors affected by the 2005 hurricanes is aimed at helping them identify financial benefits for which they may not know they qualify.Save

Talks hold up health proposal 
The Advocate - 2 hours, 8 minutes ago
A proposed Louisiana experiment in universal health insurance remains stalled in federal-state negotiations. Nevertheless, state officials are moving ahead with health-care-restructuring initiatives embodied in the plan.Save

Will donors sway health overhaul?
Oroville Mercury-Register - Among those that have given at least $15,000 each are the Association of California Life and Health Insurance Companies, the California Hospital Association and Norcal Mutual Insurance, a medical liability insurance company. In addition, the Chamber

Three surgeries for Sofie’s rare heart ailment
News Sun - Esler under went three open-heart surgeries in her short life and with rising medical costs, her father’s health insurance premium has nearly reached the maximum allowed for health care. Enter Jewel-Osco, where her father Steve is a dairy manager

Appeal of disability insurance grows
AZCentral.com - Often, it’s one of the last safety nets people think about - after health, home and car insurance. After life, dental and maybe even pet insurance. Now, disability insurance is attracting new interest. Sales of disability insurance, which provides an

Health insurance mandate difficult
Boston Globe - THE RECENT article about healthcare reform at the individual state level (” Mass. health plan drawing interest as model for US ,” Page A1, Dec. 18) indicates that lawmakers are taking many aspects of the issue into consideration. The problem is, they

Texas Health and Human Services acknowledges the shortcomings of its
Houston Chronicle - Accenture leads a consortium hired by the state to handle eligibility screening for Medicaid, food stamps, Children’s Health Insurance and other state-managed assistance programs. Private workers at call centers were to replace state employees, but

Shift in Congress Puts Health Care Back on the Table
Washington Post - Key lawmakers and their aides in both parties say other health-policy initiatives likely to surface include renewing funding for the state-federal health-insurance program for children of the working poor, expanding access to health insurance

Senior briefs
Belleville News-Democrat - Bradford Place, 1463 Benchmark Court, Swansea, will host a Christmas open house from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday. Refreshments will be served. For information, call 624-0683. Angie Merten, senior health insurance program counselor from Christian Home Care

Medicare plan deadline looms 
Billings Gazette - Dec 22 11:46 PM
With nine days to go before the deadline, procrastinators can still make changes to their Medicare drug plans for 2007.Save

Health-related interests have stock in governor 
Vallejo Times-Herald - Dec 24 8:49 AM
SACRAMENTO - As Gov. Arnold Schwarzen-egger prepares to unveil his much awaited solution to California’s health care crisis next month, he has received not only abundant advice from special interests with a stake in the issue, but millions of their dollars.Save

Union, retirees balk at benefits changes 
The Daily Telegram - Dec 23 10:20 AM
Tecumseh Products Co. plans to change its retirees’ health benefits.Save

Deadline to change Medicare drug-coverage plan is Dec. 31 
Lancaster News - Dec 24 6:22 AM
The deadline for changing Medicare prescription drug coverage plans for 2007 is Dec. 31. “Seniors who are happy with the drug coverage they have right now, or who have drug coverage from another source besides Medicare, don’t need to worry about this,” said Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer.Save

Effective heroin treatment 12/24/06 
News-Herald - Dec 22 3:04 PM
Heroin abuse plagues many of our communities, bringing drug-related crime and violence and tearing families apart. Roughly 1 million people in the United States are addicted to heroin, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.Save

Goodyear strike may end 
Freeport Journal - Dec 23 10:44 PM
FREEPORT - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and a union representing about 12,600 active union workers in the United States tentatively agreed Friday to a contract that would end an 11-week strike over health care benefits and Goodyear’s plan to close a tire factory in Texas.Save

U.S. investigates equipment seller in Medicaid case (Jim McElhatton / THE WASHINGTON TIMES) 
The Washington Times - Dec 20 10:00 PM
Federal authorities have seized financial records from the headquarters of a D.C. company that provides wheelchairs, canes and hospital beds to city Medicaid patients.Save

Westside lawmakers pushing for more low-income dental access 
Rivertowns.net - 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
With a deficit of $1.7 billion before the next state budget is even written, finding extra cash to help provide access to dental care for low-income residents may be hard to find.Save

Privatization plan still concerns U.S. 
Louisville Courier-Journal - Dec 21 2:44 AM
Despite signing off on the deal, the federal government still has concerns about Indiana’s proposal to hire a contractor to help run programs for food stamps, Medicaid and other assistance for the needy. And two leading congressional Democrats who will become committee chairmen in January have criticized Indiana’s proposal.Save

Smith remembered for having big heart 
The Post and Courier - 1 hour, 55 minutes ago
GREER - The late state Sen. Verne Smith was remembered Wednesday for his ability to relate to anyone and a caring heart that tirelessly supported social programs for children and the elderly.Save

Pharmacists Could Lose In Medicaid Changes 
NBC 5 Chicago - Dec 18 10:10 AM
New government rules are meant to ensure Medicaid patients get generic drugs when available.Save

Audit finds $400 million in potential Medicaid savings 
WFMJ Youngstown - Dec 19 9:17 AM
COLUMBUS, Ohio State Auditor Betty Montgomery says the state could save 400 (m) million dollars annually by making changes to its unwieldly Medicaid system.Save

Union battle brewing over insurance change for 5 Wellsville workers
Morning Journal - Davis feels that since the village is required to provide those employees the AFSCME Care Plan for life, vision, hearing care, dental and prescription drug coverage, they should not be included in the village s Anthem ancillary coverage, which

Military may ask $127B for wars
USA Today - amount under consideration is $127 billion and rising. He said the cost is going to increasingly become an issue because it could prevent Congress from addressing domestic priorities, such as expanding Medicare prescription drug coverage

Aetna Introduces New Health Insurance Options for Individuals and
MSN MoneyCentral - The plans also include prescription drug coverage, subject to deductibles and copayments, with no deductibles for generic prescriptions. HSA-Compatible Plans, Hospital Plans and Dental Plan Available Aetna is offering two high-deductible PPO

hey, wait a minute
Slate - By September, according to several market research firms, three-fourths of the people receiving drug coverage through Medicare said they were satisfied. P.S.: The Bushies can’t have been so stupid as to only peddle this story now can they? This

Drug Plan Dizziness: If Seniors Have Been Happy With Medicare Part D
TMCnet - With the Part D drug program, the government contracts with private companies that agree to offer prescription drug coverage to seniors at discounted prices. Each plan comes with a monthly premium and may also include a deductible and co-pays of

McKean County looking to join health insurance purchasing cooperative
Bradford Era - Earlier, Casey said county officials expected a small increase in premiums for health care and prescription drug coverage next year, adding that figure could fall between 10 and 15 percent. Casey said the losses absorbed in the cooperative are more

Community events at a glance
Ashland Daily Press - Ashland Health and Rehabilitation Center, 1319 Beaser Ave., is sponsoring a presentation on Medicare Part D drug coverage. The presentation will be held in the Cornucopia room beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The speaker will be staff

Cheap Drugs
AOL - But even those folks with drug coverage through their health insurance should take note since they could save some money, too. While every company plan will vary, the average employer-sponsored health plan charges a co-payment of $10 for a nonbranded

Health tab for public Pa. retirees nears $34 billion 
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
HARRISBURG — Deep within a new 106-page document about a bond offering by the state of Pennsylvania is the first long-range estimate of the full cost of providing lifetime health benefits for tens of thousands of retired state workers.Save

Retirees’ Share of Health Tab Creeps Higher 
KOLD News 13 Tuscon - Dec 13 2:53 PM
By Karen Pallarito , HealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) — While most large employers still offer retiree health benefits, retired workers…Save

Medicare open enrollment period ending 
Holmen Courier - Dec 12 12:46 PM
Time is running out for Medicare participants who want to make changes to their coverages. Those who havent enrolled yet in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage, or want to make a change in plans or coverages, must make those changes by Dec. 31.Save

Express Scripts Set to Fight a Proxy War for Caremark 
New York Times - Dec 18 8:40 PM
Express Scripts is willing to engage in a proxy war to acquire Caremark Rx and break up the merger of Caremark and CVS.Save

States struggle to cover retirees 
USA Today - Dec 17 8:44 PM
State and local governments are starting to take aggressive steps to reduce the enormous cost of providing health care benefits to retired teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public workers. They are cutting benefits, setting aside money to cover future costs and shifting expenses to Medicare.Save

Medicare Experts Advise Seniors at Enrollment and Education Activities 
RedNova - Dec 14 10:38 AM
SURPRISE, Ariz., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ — WithSave

Medicare Plan Hurts Rural Druggists: Part D Putting Independents on Thin Ice 
RedNova - Dec 18 4:16 AM
By Becky Pallack, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson Dec. 18–Safford pharmacist Debbie Walton sometimes sells an $11 product to a customer for $3 to $4. As a small-business owner, she knows that doesn’t make sense.Save

2007 Medicare Part D enrollment begins 
Lebanon Express - Dec 14 1:56 PM
In order to receive Medicare prescription drug coverage in 2007, Medicare beneficiaries must choose from a significantly wider field of Medicare choices and have only six weeks to make a selection.Save

Health Policy 2007
Washington Post - Meanwhile, the recent Republican game plan for Medicare modernization, consumer-driven health plans, less-fettered private health care markets, and medical liability reform appeared to be sputtering, if not stalled, as the 109th Congress came to a

Permits sought for diesel power plant in Chelsea
Boston Globe - Abiomed Inc. said a Medicare panel recommended that humanitarian device exemption-approved technologies be included as covered items or services in the Medicare clinical trial policy. If the recommendation becomes policy, the Danvers medical device

Ex-Legislator Charged in Tenn. Probe
CBS News - (AP) A former lawmaker already indicted on bribery allegations has been charged with taking more than $800,000 in consulting fees from contractors working for a state Medicare program, according to an indictment unsealed Monday. Former state Sen

Medicare | Jackson, Lee Encourage Enrollment in Medicare Prescription
Kaisernetwork.org - The Rev. Jesse Jackson, president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition , and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) on Sunday in Oakland, Calif., encouraged Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the prescription drug benefit, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. At a

Abiomed Announces Positive Reimbursement Recommendation at Medicare
Forbes - Abiomed, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABMD) today announced a positive recommendation by the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC), formerly known as the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee, to include Humanitarian Device Exemption

NATION Briefs
Miami Herald - NASHVILLE — A former lawmaker already indicted on bribery allegations has been charged with taking more than $800,000 in consulting fees from contractors working for a state Medicare program, according to an indictment unsealed Monday. Former state

Medicare plan hurts rural druggists
Arizona Daily Star - The problem is workloads have increased, and payments per prescription have decreased under Medicare Part D, the federal government’s prescription drug coverage plan that kicked in at the beginning of the year. The changes are hurting many rural

The Trouble With HMOs
Axcess News - Dec. 31 is the deadline for joining a Medicare HMO with drug coverage. Seniors can switch HMOs once (but not add or drop drug coverage) until March 31. Then they’re locked in for the rest of the year. Some plans offer members enticements like free

Experts: Explore all drug plans
Miami Herald - It happens to be one the new companies offering generic drug coverage through the doughnut hole next year. Monthly premiums for the plan are about $30 higher than the plan that provides no coverage. Otherwise, seniors can choose a plan based on its

Beating the Medicare Deadline
NBC 4 Amarillo KAMR - By seeking one-on-one counseling, the couple has a better chance to choosing the right plan based on their drug coverage needs. Experts said that can be overwhelming for people who choose to do it on their own. “Our goal at Medicare is to make sure

hey, wait a minute
Slate - By September, according to several market research firms, three-fourths of the people receiving drug coverage through Medicare said they were satisfied. P.S.: The Bushies can’t have been so stupid as to only peddle this story now can they? This

From The Archives
New Orleans Times-Picayune - The Lower 9th Ward street that Herbert Gettridge Sr. has called home for half a century remains all but vacant. Sixteen months after the floodwaters tore through his stucco-coated shotgun, Gettridge’s neighbors haven’t returned, and most of them

CMS Experts Educate Texas Seniors On The Benefits Of Medicare’s Drug Coverage 
Medical News Today - Dec 16 12:17 AM
United Way of Amarillo & Canyon is partnering with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to educate Texas seniors and people living with disabilities on Sunday, December 17 about the benefits of Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. [click link for full article]Save

Next Steps: Hard to plan when no one will talk 
The State - Dec 16 9:18 PM
QUESTION: Our parents are in their late 70s and have been caring for our special needs brother, now 47, since his birth. After my sister and I left home, Mom and Dad continued to isolate themselves from friends and family, to what we now believe is an unhealthy state.Save

Missouri: Group-home Owner Is Ordered to Shut Facilities 
New York Times - Dec 15 8:10 PM
State regulators ordered the owners of a group home where 10 people died in a Nov. 27 fire to shut down all four of their facilities for the mentally ill and the disabled. The decision by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services came one day after Attorney General Jay Nixon sued the company, Joplin River of Life Ministries Inc., seeking millions of dollars in damages. In both cases, …Save

Q&A with District 101 candidates 
Hattiesburg American - 57 minutes ago
The Hattiesburg American asked candidates in the District 101 special election to answer seven questions about topics important to area voters. Candidates were asked to limit answers to 75 words per question. Responses have been edited lightly for grammar, spelling and length.Save

Hastert, Reid forge backroom deal 
Contra Costa Times - 41 minutes ago
In the wee hours of the morning of Dec. 7, Senate negotiators rejected a Medicare measure pushed by outgoing House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., that would have meant big revenues for an insurance company in Hastert’s home state. But a day later, the $100 million proposal was alive and well, paired with a plan for a major Nevada land swap backed by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the incoming Senate …Save

Nixon sues group home operator following fatal fire 
Jefferson City News Tribune - Dec 15 11:20 PM
Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon on Thursday sued the owner and operator of a group home where 10 people died in fire, claiming the business had been secretly and illegally run by a man previously convicted in a Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme.Save

Deadline Today for Residents Who Use Medical Coupons 
RedNova - Dec 15 7:14 AM
By The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Dec. 15–Thurston County residents who use medical coupons need to enroll today in a Medicaid “Healthy Options” plan that will begin in January.Save

High Plains Coalition Urges Seniors to Use Medicare’s Preventive
Yahoo Finance - ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ — A coalition of voluntary health organizations, public health groups and doctors are urging Minnesota’s 700,000 Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of a full range of preventive services covered by

Ambulance Service fees to rise Jan. 1
Quincy Herald-Whig - The Adams County Ambulance Board agreed Tuesday to raise some fees for using ambulances. The rate hikes, which go into effect Jan. 1, will allow the service’s fees to keep pace with some anticipated increases in allowable Medicare reimbursements. For

Eleventh-Hour Vote Avoids Medicare Cut
American Family Physician - Family physicians’ bottom lines stand to benefit as a result of legislation passed by Congress Dec. 9. The legislation prevented a scheduled 5 percent pay cut for primary care physicians and — beginning in July — will institute a 1.5 percent

Enroll in Medicare Part D through Dec. 31
Chippewa Herald - Special to the Herald - Medicare Part D is the federal prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries administered by private insurance companies offering prescription drug plans. All Medicare beneficiaries have the option to change their

Medicare deduction delayed
Baltimore Sun - We want to hear from you. Send in your questions and comments . Please note, Eileen Ambrose won’t be able to give individual financial advice, and comments and names may be included in a column. Juri Kiima is still waiting to pay. Readers might

Medicare Links Doctors Pay to Practices
Boston Online - WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 After years of trying to rein in the runaway cost of the Medicare program, Congress has decided to use a carrot instead of a stick to change doctors behavior. Doctors had been fearing a pay cut under Medicare, the health care

Auburn girl shot in eye with a pellet
Syracuse Post-Standard - The shot is free for those with Medicare Part B insurance and $30 for those without. Prescriptions are required for pregnant women. Pneumococcal vaccines will also be available for those with a prescription. The cost is $45. The Cayuga County Health

Wisconsin Farmers’ Organization Will Focus On Health Insurance System Changes In 2007 
Medical News Today - Dec 07 9:10 PM
Addressing the affordability and availability of health insurance for Wisconsin farmers will be a major focus of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s legislative agenda next year, according to Farm Bureau Executive Director of Public Relations Tom Thieding, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. [click link for full article]Save

New state health board takes shape 
Dallas Business Journal - Dec 11 2:09 PM
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed 15 people to create a health partnership between the public and private sectors that will work on medical records and health insurance.Save

Opinion Pieces Examine Potential Health Care Reforms 
Medical News Today - Dec 11 6:10 PM
Various media outlets featured opinion pieces on Thursday regarding possible moves on health care by Congress and the administration during the upcoming session of Congress.Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), “Marketplace”: The U.S. [click link for full article]Save

Roane County: Kingston officials eyeing employee insurance benefits 
Roane County News - Dec 11 4:31 AM
Debate is under way among Kingston city officials over whether new municipal hires should be offered less insurance than those currently working for the city.Save

Senate panel OKs draft of universal health care plan 
Coos Bay World Link - Dec 11 11:35 AM
PORTLAND (AP) - A Senate commission approved tentative plans for a universal health care plan for Oregon that it will ask the 2007 Legislature to approve.Save

Insurers go out on a limb to pitch health coverage 
The Columbus Dispatch - Dec 09 4:29 AM
CLEVELAND Health-insurance company UnitedHealthcare is counting on make-believe mountain climbers to convince mostly men that buying health insurance is a good idea.Save

Gov. Blagojevich Pushes Universal Health Care for Illinois 
Insurance Journal - Dec 11 6:58 AM
Gov. Rod Blagojevich campaigned on a promise to one day bring universal health care to Illinois, and a state panel came up with ideas for the Legislature to accomplish it, but not how to pay for it.Save

Centene Corporation to Sell Missouri Health Plan Assets to HealthCare USA of Missouri, LLC 
RedNova - Dec 11 4:16 PM
Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell certain assets of FirstGuard Health Plan Missouri, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene, to HealthCare USA of Missouri, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Coventry Health Care, Inc.Save

Medicaid on the mend
USA Today - Nov 27, 2006… or other forms. Until Medicaid was created in 1965, America’s poor often went without adequate health care. The federally subsidized …
Source: blogs.usatoday.com

11 reasons not to support Daniels
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, IN - 7 hours ago… $1 billion contract is being negotiated with IBM to administer and service Medicaid, food stamps and other programs for 1 million Hoosier senior citizens …
Source: www.fortwayne.com

Pharmaceutical provider settles $49.5 million Medicaid suit
Springdale Morning News, AR - Dec 7, 2006… Arkansas will share in a $49.5 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit against a pharmaceutical provider that cares for elderly Medicaid patients, the …
Source: www.nwaonline.net

DMR caseworkers say Medicaid paperwork keeps them from clients
Boston Globe, United States - Dec 5, 2006… These people are needed, they said, to help comply with arduous reporting rules the state has adopted as it tries to qualify for more federal Medicaid funds. …
Source: www.boston.com

PG Man Convicted of Defrauding Md. Medicaid of $366K
Southern Maryland Online, MD - Dec 8, 2006… announced today that Gabriel W. Adelanwa, a licensed certified professional counselor and Medicaid provider of mental health services in the Prince George s …
Source: somd.com

Mental health approvals taking many weeks
goTriad.com, NC - 13 hours agoWhen state officials agreed to let a Virginia-based company approve Medicaid-funded care for people with brain disorders, local health groups worried that slow …
Source: www.gotriad.com

Newt Gingrich, CHT, ValueOptions Present Consumer-Centric Medicaid …
U.S. Newswire (press release), DC - Dec 4, 2006… centric approaches to public healthcare, Newt Gingrich s Center for Health Transformation and ValueOptions will co-host ‘Consumer-Centric Medicaid: A 21st …
Source: releases.usnewswire.com

Medicaid verification rule trips up some families
Virginian Pilot, VA - Dec 5, 2006A federal rule requiring proof of citizenship has delayed thousands of children in low-income Virginia families from qualifying for Medicaid. …
Source: content.hamptonroads.com

Health Care Access: Implications for Higher Education
Insurance News Net, PA - Dec 8, 2006… their employees from 69 percent to 60 percent over the last 5 years (p. 1). Twenty percent of employers who offer benefits offer high deductible health plans. …
Source: insurancenewsnet.com

Many in consumer-driven health plans avoid care
Indianapolis Star, United States - Nov 30, 2006AP. NEW YORK — Early adopters of consumer-directed health plans, a new product meant to shift health-care costs away from employers, are more likely to avoid …
Source: www.indystar.com

Consumer-directed health plans lagging
MarketWatch - Dec 7, 2006SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — High-deductible health plans with and without attached savings accounts are facing substantial growing pains, according to three …
Source: www.marketwatch.com

Health Commissioner Says Managed Health Care Plans Improving
North Country Gazette, NY - Nov 15, 2006ALBANY—The performance of managed care health plans in New York continues to improve and exceed available national benchmarks for similar health plans …
Source: www.northcountrygazette.org

New York health plan merger sparks fears of insurer monopoly
American Medical News (subscription) - 3 hours ago… New York physicians worry that bigger will not mean better for patient care if the merger of two health plans into the state’s largest insurer is allowed to …
Source: www.ama-assn.org

Five health plans get OK
ChronicleHerald.ca, Canada - Nov 29, 2006… after the start of the fiscal year, five of the province s district health authorities have had their 2006-07 business plans approved by the Health Department …
Source: thechronicleherald.ca

Long-Term Care Insurance Is Worth A Look, Especially For Middle Age
Insurance News Net - Large employers already often offer group health insurance and have the infrastructure to educate about long term care needs. Employers could be provided incentives to offer long term care, and although employers may not contribute to the premium

Report criticizes high deductibles
Los Angeles Times - America’s Health Insurance Plans, an industry group, said its own census of members showed that nearly 40% of those who purchased consumer-driven, also called consumer-directed, plans were previously uninsured. They had bought the insurance on their

SUMMARY BOX: ‘Climbers’ make health insurance pitch
Aberdeen News - GETTING A GRIP: UnitedHealthcare is counting on make-believe mountain climbers in helmets and red team outfits to persuade mostly men who may be watching football games at bars or shopping at home improvement stores that maybe buying health insurance

Govt may raise FDI cap in insurance
Statesman - In reply to another question, he said to give special focus to health insurance, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) proposes to set up a separate Health Insurance Department. On the common pool for motor third-party insurance, he

Independence Holding Company Announces Agreement to Acquire Actuarial
Forbes - AMC’s team of 19 dedicated professionals has extensive experience providing clients in the health insurance industry with development and management services, underwriting and benefit design review, data reporting, compliance support and strategic

say on health ins.
1960 Sun - A group of about 25 Dearborn County employees attended the Tuesday, Nov. 28, county council meeting to express their concerns about rising out-of-pocket health insurance costs. Employee spokeswoman Bonnie Shepherd said employees should have had input

World Bank, China holding talks on improving nation’s health insurance
Forbes - BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - The World Bank and the Chinese government have held talks on developing the nation’s health insurance system, an area flagged by Beijing as in urgent need of reform, officials said. The lack of a comprehensive health insurance

Profit: n/a
Belfast Telegraph - The retail arm’s sister companies include Co-op Travelcare, Funeralcare, Pharmacy, Bank and the CIS insurance arm. Nationally it is the leading community food retailer in the UK. 75 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim Tel: 028 9335 7500 Fax: 028 9335

Middle school classes to resume Monday
Patriot-News - The East Pennsboro Twp.-based drugstore retailer said its pharmacy same-store sales were up 3.8 percent for the five-week Farmers Insurance Group ranked the Harrisburg region the 18th safest of the 114 U.S. metropolitan areas with populations of

Grinch steals car, gifts
MLive.com - Police were looking for a Grinch in a stolen car. The thief made off with the tan 1993 Buick Regal between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, authorities said. The car was parked in the back lot of The Coast, a Thomas Township bar. The owner said his

Oregon Governor Announces Expansion of the Oregon Prescription Drug
All American Patriots - costs of health care and prescription medications are placing a real hardship on Oregonians who do not have health insurance between OPDP and a similar purchasing pool in the state of Washington, signed a contract with The ODS Companies for Pharmacy

Albion, Avilla, Garrett to lose local drug stores
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette - Citing continued pressure from mail-order drug sales, reduced insurance payments and a severe pharmacist shortage, the owner and president of three area small town pharmacies announced Wednesday the drug stores are closing. Fischer Pharmacy & Home

Healthcare Costs Increase At The Lowest Rate In 5 Years, Says Aon
Insurance News Net - First, healthcare insurers are aggressively controlling hospital, physician, and pharmacy price increases. Second, employers A New Annuity Selling System for Annuity Leads and Insurance Leads Write at least $3,000,000 of annuity premium per year with

Insurance concerns remain council topic
Daily Register - Harrisburg City Council on Thursday continued its process of trying to determine the route to take for employee insurance for Wallace said he now has a 10-year lease for his own pharmacy and “I have paid my first month’s rent.” - Residents Ted and

Emergis Signs Agreement with Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term
CCNMatthews - in electronic health-related claims processing, health record systems, pharmacy management solutions, cash management and loan document processing and registration. In Canada, Emergis and its subsidiaries deliver solutions to the main insurance

Elderly perplexed over Medicare choices
Reuters - hole, where coverage is limited after spending tops about $2,300. She’s called the private companies that run the plans and the government help lines. Still, a week before the Medicare agency suggests seniors decide which Medicare prescription drug

The Political Mirage of Bill Frist Goes Poof: Andrew Ferguson
Bloomberg - After an initial (and fiscally dubious) success in shepherding the Medicare prescription drug benefit through the Senate, Frist proved incapable of prying loose such major legislative packages as the energy bill or tort reform. Democratic

Part D: It’s time for another decision
Newsday - The first year of Medicare’s prescription drug program has been chock full of lessons, not just showing people how to make the most out of the benefit, but also gauging how well warnings and advice matched the reality. Part D remains a work in progress

Frist leaves Senate office to bipartisan best wishes
The Washington Times - He got it done,” said fellow Tennessee Republican Lamar Alexander, who argued that those judicial confirmations, the Medicare prescription drug program and a $15 billion initiative to fight AIDS worldwide would not have been accomplished without Mr

Congress During Lame-Duck Session Could Vote To Delay Scheduled
Medical News Today - The other health care provisions included measures to address expected budget deficits for state SCHIP programs, increase Medicare reimbursements for rural home health agencies, waive the late enrollment penalty for the Medicare prescription drug

Pandering to ignorance
Washington Times - The Democrats have also announced they want Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies. Again, this sounds nice, but many prescription drugs are primarily purchased by those older than 65, all of whom are covered

Aspirations Dashed, Frist Says Farewell
New York Times - Frist scored some legislative successes, helping create the Medicare prescription drug program and winning confirmation for two conservative Supreme Court justices at a time of bitter partisanship over judicial nominees. But even he acknowledged he

Top Story
1960 Sun - When Laura Jean O’Connor signed up last fall for the new Medicare Part D prescription plan, she thought she had found the plan that covered her current and future needs. Five months later, when her doctor submitted an office visit bill to Medicare, O

Seniors sort through Medicare Part D changes
Times Herald-Record, NY - 3 hours agoIt’s re-enrollment time for Medicare Part D, the year-old drug benefit that brought affordable prescription coverage to millions of senior citizens, but sent …
Source: www.recordonline.com

Seniors offered chance to change prescription plan
Quad City Times, IA - Nov 29, 2006By Dawn Feddersen | Wednesday, November 29, 2006. June Baun of Davenport hasn t had any major problems with her Medicare prescription drug plan. …
Source: www.qctimes.net

Medicare open enrollment period ending
Onalaska Life, WI - 10 hours ago… Those who haven t enrolled yet in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage, or want to make a change in plans or coverages, must make those changes by …
Source: www.onalaskalife.com

(AP) Tennesseans pay highest Medicare drug plan premiums
WKRN, TN - 8 hours agoTennesseans pay the highest Medicare drug plan premiums in the country because of … agent Anne Dickerson pays $18.20 for her monthly prescription premium through …
Source: www.wkrn.com

Underwriters offer help with choosing Medicare prescription plan
The Daily Advertiser, LA - Nov 16, 2006… of the Acadiana Association of Health Underwriters are standing by to help seniors and their caregivers choose the Medicare Part D prescription plan that best …
Source: www.theadvertiser.com

Local Medicare patients receive prescription drug advice for the …
nwitimes.com, IN - Nov 16, 2006… Open enrollment began Wednesday for Medicare’s prescription drug benefit program and continues through Dec. 31, with choices taking effect Jan. 1. …
Source: nwitimes.com

Majority of Medicare beneficiaries satisfied with prescription …
News-Medical.net, Australia - Nov 8, 2006… Two newspapers recently examined issues related to the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Summaries appear below. Medicare Advantage …
Source: www.news-medical.net

Ohio legislators polishing bushel of bills for passage 
The Columbus Dispatch - Dec 07 4:37 AM
The Ohio Senate passed bills yesterday to strengthen highschool curriculum requirements and limit red-light camera use while the House worked to ensure that restrictions remain on state-funded abortions.Save

Lawmakers voice concern over anemia drug 
AP via Yahoo! News - Dec 06 3:13 PM
Many dialysis patients get too much of the drug Epogen, a problem that not only may harm some patients but leads to the wasteful spending of hundreds of millions of dollars a year, a House committee was told Wednesday.Save

Kentucky to get $1.1M of Omnicare settlement 
BizJournals - Dec 06 9:02 AM
Kentucky’s Medicaid program will receive more than $1 million as part of a previously announced 43-state settlement, Attorney General Greg Stumbo said Wednesday.Save

Bulletin Board 
The Victoria Advocate - 52 minutes ago
Items for the Bulletin Board are printed as space allows. The deadline for submission is the Friday before publication. All items submitted must have a contact telephone number. To place your announcement call 979-244-1330, fax to 979-244-1708 or e-mail matadbulletin@vicad.com.Save

Disabled Texans Waiting Years For Help 
KXAN 36 Austin - Dec 06 10:37 AM
When the Texas Legislative session starts next year, one group is going to be asking for help for the disabled. Right now, there are 100,000 disabled Texans waiting for Medicaid waivers from the state to help provide anything from transportation to therapy and care.Save

Rep. Emerson, others oppose changes to Medicaid 
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Dec 05 10:18 PM
WASHINGTON Members of Congress are asking the administration of President George W. Bush to back off proposed changes to Medicaid that would erase billions of dollars in state funding next year including up to $1.5 billion for Missouri’s program.Save

Special Reports 
Albuquerque Tribune - 47 minutes ago
Judge Baca’s first case of the day, 9 a.m. sharp, is that of Aragon, who’s no stranger to juvenile court: This is the 12th time he’s been referred here.Save

SR hit by 18 percent hike for health insurance cost
Waynesville Daily Guide, MO - Dec 2, 2006Robert budget planners knew they would see an increase in their insurance premiums but weren t expecting the 18 percent increase presented to the city s …
Source: www.waynesvilledailyguide.com

The Chronicle’s View: Administration needs to resolve health …
The Daily Utah Chronicle, UT - Nov 29, 2006However, its formation of a committee to discuss the implementation of a hard waiver on student health insurance is little more than an acid test for those …
Source: www.dailyutahchronicle.com

Legislature’s sick leave system has some ills that need curing
Spooner Advocate, WI - 7 hours ago… If you don t abuse the sick leave benefit, and you don t get sick a lot, you can plan on an early retirement knowing you ll retain your health insurance. …
Source: www.spooneradvocate.com

Obligatory health insurance by 2009
Messenger.ge, Georgia - Nov 30, 2006… According to the draft, all employees must be covered by health insurance. The draft would require employers to cover employees …
Source: www.messenger.com.ge

City looks at health plan
El Defensor Chieftain, NM - 8 hours agoA New Mexico coalition is seeking to provide health insurance to most New Mexicans and stabilize health care costs with one centralized cooperative. …
Source: www.dchieftain.com

No resolution in school board health insurance controversy
North County Times, CA - Nov 27, 2006… night, where outgoing trustee Jim Hutcherson announced that he would decide later whether to accept a controversial extended health insurance package available …
Source: www.nctimes.com

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