Latest Medicare Update February 28, 2007 at 08:45 PM

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February 28, 2007

Medicare Part D - Family Pharmacy Part 3 (WCTV Tallahassee) Implemented just over a


Family Pharmacy Part 3 (WCTV Tallahassee)
Implemented just over a year ago, Medicare Part D is helping millions of low income patients get the medicine they need. But pharmacies are feeling the pain. Some family owned businesses across the country forced to shut down and the rest are weary about the future.

Medicare bill adds security (Bangor Daily News)
AUGUSTA As if the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit weren t complicated enough, unscrupulous insurance agents sometimes take advantage of bewildered senior citizens to unload other, unnecessary insurance coverage, a legislative committee was told Tuesday.

Medicare Part D - Family Pharmacy Part 3 (WCTV Tallahassee) Implemented just over a


Family Pharmacy Part 3 (WCTV Tallahassee)
Implemented just over a year ago, Medicare Part D is helping millions of low income patients get the medicine they need. But pharmacies are feeling the pain. Some family owned businesses across the country forced to shut down and the rest are weary about the future.

Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare Part D Enrollees (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
With new reports showing almost half of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in prescription drug plans in 2006 were impacted by the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," Shire is pleased to announce the launch of a new Medicare Part D component under the FOSRENOL | at hand program.

The Family Pharmacy- Part 2 (WCTV Tallahassee)
Imagine your employer hired a third party to issue your pay check... now that third party pays you late...sometimes up to 45 days after you've done the work..all while "your" bills keep adding up. That's what pharmacies say the government's Medicare Part D plan is doing to them.

FDA advisers OK Sanofi bird flu vaccine (CNN Money) A


FDA advisers OK Sanofi bird flu vaccine (CNN Money)
A panel of FDA advisers voted to recommend approval of an experimental bird flu vaccine from the French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis determining that it was safe and effective for the U.S. population, the company and the FDA said Tuesday.

Myanmar reports bird flu outbreak in Yangon (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Military-ruled Myanmar has reported a new outbreak of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus in poultry in Yangon, the country's biggest city, the World Organization for Animal Health said Wednesday.

Term Life Insurance Now Less Expensive (Evening Times) (ARA) -


Term Life Insurance Now Less Expensive (Evening Times)
(ARA) - If you have been thinking about getting term life insurance, now's a great time to start shopping because life insurance rates are declining rapidly.

Why Now is a Good Time to Consider Life Insurance (Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch)
(ARA) - Life insurance isn't a topic that is usually brought up at dinner time. No one likes to think about their death or the death of a family member. And no one thinks it could happen to them, but the reality is it could!

Life Insurance Program Guarantees Money For Education (Great News Network)
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA - A new life insurance program in Kalamazoo County will take some of the worry out of "what if" for low-and-moderate income families.

Medicare Part D - New BIO Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in


New BIO Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in Medicare Part D (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WASHINGTON----The Biotechnology Industry Organization today released a study which found that Medicare Part D plans offer significant discounts on single-source therapies and provide greater access to many single-source innovative therapies not available through the Department of Veterans Affairs pharmacy benefit or mail-order pharmacies such as Costco.com and drugstore.com.

Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare Part D Enrollees (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
With new reports showing almost half of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in prescription drug plans in 2006 were impacted by the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," Shire is pleased to announce the launch of a new Medicare Part D component under the FOSRENOL | at hand program.

2008 Medicare Part D Plan Sponsors Get Updated Benefits With Zynchros.Com 2007.02 (RedNova)
SEATTLE, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Zynchros, Inc., the leader in Pharmacy Program Management solutions, today announced the availability of a new release of its industry-leading Zynchros.com formulary solution.

2008 Medicare Part D Plan Sponsors Get Updated Benefits with Zynchros.com 2007.02 (SYS-CON Media)
Zynchros, Inc., the leader in Pharmacy Program Management solutions, today announced the availability of a new release of its industry-leading Zynchros.com formulary solution. The new release, version 2007.02, is targeted to health plans that are Medicare Part D plan sponsors, and provides a rich feature-set intended to simplify regulatory submissions for the 2008 benefit year.

Two more join Blue Shoes Mile (The Greenville News) Two


Two more join Blue Shoes Mile (The Greenville News)
Two more collegians -- including a Furman University sophomore -- have been added to the star-studded Asics Blue Shoes Mile set for April 14.

Blue Cross warns of Medicare cuts (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Read this article ]

Blue Cross opening shop (BizJournals)
SOUTHSIDE -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc. is looking to make buying health insurance as easy as buying a cell phone by opening a store that could be the first of its kind.

Medicare Part D - Sierra to Incur Loss on Enhanced Medicare Part D Prescription


Sierra to Incur Loss on Enhanced Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Product Offering (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
LAS VEGAS----Sierra Health Services, Inc. today announced that it expects to incur a loss in its 2007 fiscal year from the enhanced version of its Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program product offering.

Katherine Leith: Make Medicare plan decisions carefully (The Herald-Sun)
"I thought I knew what I was getting. But I didn't." Unfortunately, I've heard this too often from people who'd enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Most of them didn't realize that they no longer had Medicare.

New BIO Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in Medicare Part D (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WASHINGTON----The Biotechnology Industry Organization today released a study which found that Medicare Part D plans offer significant discounts on single-source therapies and provide greater access to many single-source innovative therapies not available through the Department of Veterans Affairs pharmacy benefit or mail-order pharmacies such as Costco.com and drugstore.com.

Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare Part D Enrollees (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
With new reports showing almost half of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in prescription drug plans in 2006 were impacted by the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," Shire is pleased to announce the launch of a new Medicare Part D component under the FOSRENOL | at hand program.

Scam targets Lee seniors (The News-Press) Seniors beware. Tax assistance


Scam targets Lee seniors (The News-Press)
Seniors beware.

Tax assistance available for seniors (Swansea News)
Income tax assistance is available to elderly and low-income Swansea residents from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Swansea Council on Aging, 458 Ocean Grove Ave.. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the Swansea Council on Aging at 508/676-1831.

Who attended (Greater Baton Rouge Business Report) Health care forum


Who attended (Greater Baton Rouge Business Report)
Health care forum paints bleak picture.

Assisted living: Retirees enjoying comfort, convenience and long-term care (Rapid City Journal)
RAPID CITY When midnight bouts of insomnia strike, Ardyce Meisenholder likes to slip into her athletic shoes and take mile-long walks to make herself tired enough to sleep.

Medicare: taking care of the future (FSView)
Thursday, Feb. 22, the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy and the Claude Pepper Center hosted a symposium entitled "Medicare: Taking Care of your Future."

February 27, 2007

Medicare Part D - Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare


Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare Part D Enrollees (RedNova)
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- . With n

The Family Pharmacy- Part 2 (WCTV Tallahassee)
Imagine your employer hired a third party to issue your pay check... now that third party pays you late...sometimes up to 45 days after you've done the work..all while "your" bills keep adding up. That's what pharmacies say the government's Medicare Part D plan is doing to them.

Medicare Part D - 2008 Medicare Part D Plan Sponsors Get Updated Benefits with


2008 Medicare Part D Plan Sponsors Get Updated Benefits with Zynchros.com 2007.02 (SYS-CON Media)
Zynchros, Inc., the leader in Pharmacy Program Management solutions, today announced the availability of a new release of its industry-leading Zynchros.com formulary solution. The new release, version 2007.02, is targeted to health plans that are Medicare Part D plan sponsors, and provides a rich feature-set intended to simplify regulatory submissions for the 2008 benefit year.

Medicare Part D: Trends And Opportunities (PharmaceuticalOnline)
While Medicare Part D legislation prompted many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to begin envisioning a parade of horribles, several industry leaders immediately sought out new opportunities in its wake.

The Family Pharmacy- Part 2 (WCTV Tallahassee)
Imagine your employer hired a third party to issue your pay check... now that third party pays you late...sometimes up to 45 days after you've done the work..all while "your" bills keep adding up. That's what pharmacies say the government's Medicare Part D plan is doing to them.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Expands BluePreferred Basic Health


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Expands BluePreferred Basic Health Plan for Individuals (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
PHOENIX----Uninsured individuals seeking financial protection from major medical costs now have another option with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona's new $1,500 deductible level on its BluePreferred Basic insurance plan.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Announces 'Florida Blue,' a New Concept Retail Store for the Health Insurance ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida today unveiled "Florida Blue," a new concept in retailing geared to assist consumers' navigation of the health insurance market. The store is located at 4624 Town Crossing Drive, Suite 137, in the St.

2007 Renaissance Awards Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Wants Your Recipe for Success (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Top chefs take high-quality ingredients and create magnificent culinary ensembles. As a professional communicator you do much the same thing.

Sweet sweep Big night for Broncs as both Hamilton teams beat visiting Blue Devils (Ravalli Republic)
First the girls. Then the boys. It was a successful night for the Hamilton Broncs as both teams earned Southwestern A wins over cross-county rival, the Corvallis Blue Devils.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans by State for 2007


Medicare Prescription Drug Plans by State for 2007

Medicare Part D - The challenges of Medicare Part D (WHOI Peoria) Last year,


The challenges of Medicare Part D (WHOI Peoria)
Last year, the federal government introduced a program designed to help seniors and some disabled people pay for prescription drugs. It covers the cost of drugs up to a certain amount, but for many, the toughest part is enrollment.

Medicare Part D: Trends And Opportunities (PharmaceuticalOnline)
While Medicare Part D legislation prompted many pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to begin envisioning a parade of horribles, several industry leaders immediately sought out new opportunities in its wake.

New BIO Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in Medicare Part D (RedNova)
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) t

Medicare Part D - New BIO Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in


New BIO Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in Medicare Part D (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WASHINGTON----The Biotechnology Industry Organization today released a study which found that Medicare Part D plans offer significant discounts on single-source therapies and provide greater access to many single-source innovative therapies not available through the Department of Veterans Affairs pharmacy benefit or mail-order pharmacies such as Costco.com and drugstore.com.

PCMA: PBMs Negotiating Lower Drug Prices in Medicare Part D (U.S. Newswire via Yahoo! News)
New government data estimating that Medicare prescription drug plans sharply reduced the rate of growth in prescription-drug prices in 2006 affirms the central role of pharmacy management tools in Part D and serves as a timely reminder to policymakers that Part D is working as Congress intended, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) said today.

February 26, 2007

Medicare Part D - Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare


Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare Part D Enrollees (RedNova)
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- . With n

New Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in Medicare Part D (BIO)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 26, 2007) The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today released a study which found that Medicare Part D plans offer significant discounts on single-source therapies and provide greater access to many single-source innovative therapies not available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacy benefit or mail-order pharmacies such as Costco.com and ...

Capps Vows to Make Improvements in Medicare Part D (KSBY San Luis Obispo)
The newest Medicare drug program is becoming a pain for some seniors. Congresswoman Lois Capps was in Santa Maria today vowing to help. Medicare Part D is confusing to some. They wind up paying too much, or can't afford their medications.

PCMA: PBMs Negotiating Lower Drug Prices in Medicare Part D (U.S. Newswire via Yahoo! News)
New government data estimating that Medicare prescription drug plans sharply reduced the rate of growth in prescription-drug prices in 2006 affirms the central role of pharmacy management tools in Part D and serves as a timely reminder to policymakers that Part D is working as Congress intended, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) said today.

Medicare Part D - The challenges of Medicare Part D (WHOI Peoria) Last year,


The challenges of Medicare Part D (WHOI Peoria)
Last year, the federal government introduced a program designed to help seniors and some disabled people pay for prescription drugs. It covers the cost of drugs up to a certain amount, but for many, the toughest part is enrollment.

Shire Extends FOSRENOL(R) | at Hand Program to Cover Medicare Part D Enrollees (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
With new reports showing almost half of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in prescription drug plans in 2006 were impacted by the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole," Shire is pleased to announce the launch of a new Medicare Part D component under the FOSRENOL | at hand program.

New Survey Counters Claims Regarding Single Source Therapies in Medicare Part D (BIO)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 26, 2007) The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today released a study which found that Medicare Part D plans offer significant discounts on single-source therapies and provide greater access to many single-source innovative therapies not available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacy benefit or mail-order pharmacies such as Costco.com and ...

Free Medicare seminar Wednesday in Huntsville (The Decatur Daily)
The TARCOG Area Agency on Aging is hosting an Extra Help seminar on the Low Income Subsidy aspect of Medicare Part D at Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church Center, 3020 Belafonte Ave. N.W., Huntsville, on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Holy Cross girls capture BRC title (The News & Advance)


Holy Cross girls capture BRC title (The News & Advance)
In a Blue Ridge Conference tournament championship game plagued by foul trouble, Holy Cross sank the foul shots it needed down the stretch to pull out a 64-56 come-from-behind victory over Carlisle at Lynchburg College.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Announces 'Florida Blue,' a New Concept Retail Store for the Health Insurance ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida today unveiled "Florida Blue," a new concept in retailing geared to assist consumers' navigation of the health insurance market. The store is located at 4624 Town Crossing Drive, Suite 137, in the St.

Young adults' health care needs growing, Blue Cross study says (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune)
Young adults are using more medical services than in the past, sparking concern that the relatively large number of uninsured Minnesotans in that age group are letting serious conditions go untreated, according to a new study by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Health care use by insured Minnesotans between the ages of 20 and 30 increased by 9 percent from 2001 to 2005. Although use by ...

Medicare Part D - Capps Vows to Make Improvements in Medicare Part D (KSBY


Capps Vows to Make Improvements in Medicare Part D (KSBY San Luis Obispo)
The newest Medicare drug program is becoming a pain for some seniors. Congresswoman Lois Capps was in Santa Maria today vowing to help. Medicare Part D is confusing to some. They wind up paying too much, or can't afford their medications.

Helping the Sandwich Generation with Medicare Part D (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
You arrive home from work exhausted. But there's dinner to be made.

Medicare Part D spells boon for local health insurance players (BizJournals)
The most recent Medicare and Medicaid enrollment period brought health care to millions of new enrollees across the nation. And for two local companies that have dug deeper into the Medicare Part D market, it's meant a significant jump in business.

Medicare Part D - Medicare Part D spells boon for local health insurance players


Medicare Part D spells boon for local health insurance players (BizJournals)
The most recent Medicare and Medicaid enrollment period brought health care to millions of new enrollees across the nation. And for two local companies that have dug deeper into the Medicare Part D market, it's meant a significant jump in business.

Public assistance rolls increase despite welfare overhaul (The Pantagraph)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The welfare state is bigger than ever despite a decade of policies designed to wean poor people from public aid.

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