Latest Medicare Update May 31, 2007 at 09:05 PM

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May 31, 2007

Medicare Part D - Medicaid Part II: (Char-Koosta News) In my previous article, I


Medicaid Part II: (Char-Koosta News)
In my previous article, I discussed the benefits of Medicaid enrollment, the greater acceptance of consumer directed plans, including those incorporating patient education and informative healthcare tools, and the increasing cost of healthcare both nationally and within Indian country.

Word came yesterday to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas officials their bid to provide Medicare part A and B to Kansas, ... (WIBW-TV Topeka)
But Wednesday the Shawnee County's Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) gave the company at least some hope. While BCBSKS was competing for the medicare contract - JEDO had already approved $1 million in tax incentives to help them secure it.

CMS Proposes Reforms Of Compliance Requirements For Medicare Advantage Plans - Provisions Extend To Part D Prescription ... (Medical News Today)
To further safeguard Medicare beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today proposed strengthening its current oversight requirements and penalties for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. [click link for full article]

Blue Cross Of California Launches Ad Campaign Criticizing Health Care


Blue Cross Of California Launches Ad Campaign Criticizing Health Care Proposals (Medical News Today)
Blue Cross of California, the state's largest health insurer, has launched a media campaign opposing health care proposals by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and other state lawmakers that would require insurers to sell policies to all residents, regardless of health status, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. [click link for full article]

Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Kansas to lose 350 jobs (KFDA-TV Amarillo)
Associated Press - May 30, 2007 10:14 AM ET TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas says it will lose 350 jobs after a Medicare contract expires next year.

Medicare Part D - Medicare Plan Targeted By Budgeters (CBS News) When Doug Morris


Medicare Plan Targeted By Budgeters (CBS News)
When Doug Morris joined Medicare last spring, the retired college professor went right to work reading the handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights.

Senate Budgeters Target Medicare Plan (The San Francisco Examiner)
(AP Photo/Morry Gash) Doug Morris sits in his home in Middleton, Wis. Thursday, May 24, 2007. When Morris, a retired college professor, joined the Medicare program last spring, he went right to work reading the 107-page handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights.

Study says Medicare drug plan saves cash (Boston Globe)
The much-criticized Medicare drug benefit program that began last year has enrolled the vast majority of eligible people in Massachusetts, and saved the state more money -- about $76 million -- than planners predicted, according to a study being released today.

Medicare Part D - Word came yesterday to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas


Word came yesterday to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas officials their bid to provide Medicare part A and B to Kansas, ... (WIBW-TV Topeka)
But Wednesday the Shawnee County's Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) gave the company at least some hope. While BCBSKS was competing for the medicare contract - JEDO had already approved $1 million in tax incentives to help them secure it.

Gov't delays jeopardize pharmacies (FOX 13 Tampa Bay)
TAMPA - A swirl of government red tape has left some local pharmacies seeing red in their budgets, and they're blaming the new Medicare Part D prescription program their financial woes.

Study says Medicare drug plan saves cash (Boston Globe)
The much-criticized Medicare drug benefit program that began last year has enrolled the vast majority of eligible people in Massachusetts, and saved the state more money -- about $76 million -- than planners predicted, according to a study being released today.

Senate Budgeters Target Medicare Plan (The San Francisco Examiner)
(AP Photo/Morry Gash) Doug Morris sits in his home in Middleton, Wis. Thursday, May 24, 2007. When Morris, a retired college professor, joined the Medicare program last spring, he went right to work reading the 107-page handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights.

Universal American Financial Corp. Reports First Quarter 2007 Results (Business


Universal American Financial Corp. Reports First Quarter 2007 Results (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
RYE BROOK, N.Y.----Universal American Financial Corp. today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

The Crypt: May 9, 2007 (CBS News)
The Senate's Dark Mood

Medicare Part D - Medicare Plan Targeted By Budgeters (CBS News) When Doug Morris


Medicare Plan Targeted By Budgeters (CBS News)
When Doug Morris joined Medicare last spring, the retired college professor went right to work reading the handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights.

Word came yesterday to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas officials their bid to provide Medicare part A and B to Kansas, ... (WIBW-TV Topeka)
But Wednesday the Shawnee County's Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) gave the company at least some hope. While BCBSKS was competing for the medicare contract - JEDO had already approved $1 million in tax incentives to help them secure it.

Study says Medicare drug plan saves cash (Boston Globe)
The much-criticized Medicare drug benefit program that began last year has enrolled the vast majority of eligible people in Massachusetts, and saved the state more money -- about $76 million -- than planners predicted, according to a study being released today.

State is moving EPIC seniors into Medicare drug plan (The Journal News)
Some 111,000 New York seniors who avoided enrolling in the new federal drug coverage last year - many because they preferred the state's own prescription plan - will be added to Medicare Part D starting July 1.

AARP behind Lott on drug plan (Delta Democrat Times) AARP


AARP behind Lott on drug plan (Delta Democrat Times)
AARP Mississippi's 300,000 members thank Sen. Trent Lott for voting against the second-degree amendment to the Dorgan-Snowe Amendment on May 7. The Dorgan-Snowe Amendment allows for the safe and legal importation of lower priced prescription drugs from other countries helping to alleviate our country's skyrocketing prescription drug prices.

Retiree Option At Risk (Hartford Courant)
Congress To Consider Cutting Payments To Insurers In Medicare Advantage Plans When Doug Morris joined Medicare last spring, the retired college professor went right to work reading the handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights. All 107 excruciating pages.

Patient-friendly Medicare program grows in popularity (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Read this article ]

May 30, 2007

Medicare Part D - Dr. Joette Giovinco's health reports (FOX 13 Tampa Bay) Dr.


Dr. Joette Giovinco's health reports (FOX 13 Tampa Bay)
Dr. Joette Giovinco is the only reporter on Bay Area television with an M.D. after her name. Watch her recent stories here.

Volunteers needed to advise on Medicare Part D (Battle Creek Enquirer)
Burnham Brook Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave., is seeking volunteer benefit counselors to help seniors navigate the often complex system of Medicare, Medicaid and Part D prescription drug plans.

Study says Medicare drug plan saves cash (Boston Globe)
The much-criticized Medicare drug benefit program that began last year has enrolled the vast majority of eligible people in Massachusetts, and saved the state more money -- about $76 million -- than planners predicted, according to a study being released today.

Patient Friendly Medicare Program

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Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Kansas to lose 350 jobs (KFDA-TV


Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Kansas to lose 350 jobs (KFDA-TV Amarillo)
Associated Press - May 30, 2007 10:14 AM ET TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas says it will lose 350 jobs after a Medicare contract expires next year.

Blue Cross doctor-rating system goes live (BizJournals)
After facing an outcry from angry doctors in December, medical insurance giant Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas rolled out a modified version of its controversial physician-rating tool last month to little fanfare.

Medicare Part D - Study says Medicare drug plan saves cash (Boston Globe) The


Study says Medicare drug plan saves cash (Boston Globe)
The much-criticized Medicare drug benefit program that began last year has enrolled the vast majority of eligible people in Massachusetts, and saved the state more money -- about $76 million -- than planners predicted, according to a study being released today.

Medicare Plan Targeted By Budgeters (CBS News)
When Doug Morris joined Medicare last spring, the retired college professor went right to work reading the handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights.

Overweight Americans To Weigh On Nation's Future Health Costs (Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News)
Wary of tackling Social Security or Medicare reform, members of Congress are pitching a new prescription for the nation's coming fiscal woes: fresh fruit and exercise.

Medicare & You 2007Medicare & You 2007, available in English


Medicare & You 2007
Medicare & You 2007, available in English and Spanish , contains important information about what s new, health plans, prescription drug plans, and rights and protections to help people with Medicare review their coverage options and prepare to enroll in a new plan if they choose.

Medicare Part D - Overweight Americans To Weigh On Nation's Future Health Costs (Investor's


Overweight Americans To Weigh On Nation's Future Health Costs (Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News)
Wary of tackling Social Security or Medicare reform, members of Congress are pitching a new prescription for the nation's coming fiscal woes: fresh fruit and exercise.

Medicare Plan Targeted By Budgeters (CBS News)
When Doug Morris joined Medicare last spring, the retired college professor went right to work reading the handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights.

Volunteers needed to advise on Medicare Part D (Battle Creek Enquirer)
Burnham Brook Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave., is seeking volunteer benefit counselors to help seniors navigate the often complex system of Medicare, Medicaid and Part D prescription drug plans.

Medicare Part D - Senate budgeters target Medicare plan (AP via Yahoo! News) When


Senate budgeters target Medicare plan (AP via Yahoo! News)
When Doug Morris joined Medicare last spring, the retired college professor went right to work reading the handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights. All 107 excruciating pages.

State is moving EPIC seniors into Medicare drug plan (The Journal News)
Some 111,000 New York seniors who avoided enrolling in the new federal drug coverage last year - many because they preferred the state's own prescription plan - will be added to Medicare Part D starting July 1.

CMS Proposes Reforms Of Compliance Requirements For Medicare Advantage Plans - Provisions Extend To Part D Prescription ... (Medical News Today)
To further safeguard Medicare beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today proposed strengthening its current oversight requirements and penalties for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. [click link for full article]

May 29, 2007

Medicare Part D - Volunteers needed to advise on Medicare Part D (Battle Creek


Volunteers needed to advise on Medicare Part D (Battle Creek Enquirer)
Burnham Brook Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave., is seeking volunteer benefit counselors to help seniors navigate the often complex system of Medicare, Medicaid and Part D prescription drug plans.

Overweight Americans To Weigh On Nation's Future Health Costs (Investor's Business Daily via Yahoo! News)
Wary of tackling Social Security or Medicare reform, members of Congress are pitching a new prescription for the nation's coming fiscal woes: fresh fruit and exercise.

Veterans Can Benefit From Joining Medicare (The Post-Journal)
5/28/2007 - Thinking about insurance is rarely high on individual s list of things to do. As individuals retire or age into Medicare, their insurance situation can change dramatically.

CMS Proposes Reforms Of Compliance Requirements For Medicare Advantage Plans - Provisions Extend To Part D Prescription ... (Medical News Today)
To further safeguard Medicare beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today proposed strengthening its current oversight requirements and penalties for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. [click link for full article]

Conference for women at Blue Cross Arena (Rochester Democrat and


Conference for women at Blue Cross Arena (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
The Women of Faith Conference is Friday and Saturday.

Blue Bamboo's H50 Achieves China UnionPay Certification in China (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
BEIJING----Blue Bamboo, a China-based manufacturer and designer of POS terminals and transaction peripherals, announces that its H50 terminal has been certified under China UnionPay , which formulates operational regulations and technical standards for cross-bank card transactions nationwide in China.

Medical News: Bird Flu, Exercise, Asthma (WCVB TheBostonChannel.com via Yahoo!


Medical News: Bird Flu, Exercise, Asthma (WCVB TheBostonChannel.com via Yahoo! News)
Scientists may have found a way to combat a strain of the bird flu. When they injected the blood of four Vietnamese bird flu survivors into mice infected with the flu strain, the mice survived. The mice that were not injected with the blood died. Researchers hope this will eventually lead to stockpiles of antibodies that could be used during a flu pandemic.

Human antibodies neutralise deadly H5N1 bird flu: study (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Researchers in Switzerland have successfully immunized mice against the H5N1 strain of bird flu using human antibodies taken from survivors of the deadly virus, according to a study released Tuesday.

Mild bird flu could cause pandemic too (AP via Yahoo! News)
Four people in Britain who tested positive for a mild strain of bird flu should serve as a reminder that a virus other than the feared H5N1 strain could also provoke a flu pandemic, experts say.

Antibodies point to new bird flu therapy (AP via Yahoo! News)
Blood donated by four survivors of bird flu seems to harbor a potent protection against the deadly virus. Scientists have long suspected that culling immune-system molecules from survivors could provide a new therapy for the hard-to-treat H5N1 flu strain. Monday, an international team of researchers reported the first evidence, albeit from tests in mice, that it really may work.

Term Life Insurance Now Less Expensive (Hornell Evening Tribune) (ARA)


Term Life Insurance Now Less Expensive (Hornell Evening Tribune)
(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.

Soaring incomes, Ulips to rev up insurance sector (Indian Express Finance via Yahoo! India News)
Consistent growth, burgeoning life insurers, the dominance of private players and the increasing popularity of Unit linked insurance policies (Ulips) will shape up the life insurance industry in the next couple of years, according to a report released by Macquarie Research, India Insurance Eye. The report has projected a 44 per cent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) from the years 2003 to 2011 ...

(AFX UK Focus) 2007-05-29 12:59 GMT: Intesa, Alleanza agree on life insurance unit to sell to meet Antitrust demands (Interactive Investor)
MILAN (Thomson Financial) - Intesa Sanpaolo SpA and Alleanza Assicurazioni SpA said they have approved a project to set up and then sell to third parties a life insurance unit, so as to meet conditions laid down by the Antitrust authority last December for clearance of the merger between Banca Intesa and Sanpaolo IMI.

Medicare Part D - State is moving EPIC seniors into Medicare drug plan (The


State is moving EPIC seniors into Medicare drug plan (The Journal News)
Some 111,000 New York seniors who avoided enrolling in the new federal drug coverage last year - many because they preferred the state's own prescription plan - will be added to Medicare Part D starting July 1.

Kitzhaber's health-care plan draws citizen support (Salem Statesman Journal)
Elsa Porter of Portland was there at the start -- and she wants to be part of another beginning.

Medicare Plan Targeted by Budgeters (AP via Yahoo! Finance)
When Doug Morris joined Medicare last spring, the retired college professor went right to work reading the handbook that explained his benefits, expenses and rights.

Medicare Part D - Presidential Candidate Sen. Clinton Announces Proposal To Reduce Health Care


Presidential Candidate Sen. Clinton Announces Proposal To Reduce Health Care Costs (Medical News Today)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in a speech at George Washington University on Thursday introduced a health care cost-cutting plan that she said could save $120 billion annually, the New York Times reports (Seelye, New York Times, 5/25). [click link for full article]

CMS Proposes Reforms Of Compliance Requirements For Medicare Advantage Plans - Provisions Extend To Part D Prescription ... (Medical News Today)
To further safeguard Medicare beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today proposed strengthening its current oversight requirements and penalties for Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. [click link for full article]

Dr. Gott: Doctor Refuses Second Referral for Second Opinion (RedNova)
By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association Dear Dr. Gott: My doctor recently refused me a referral for a second opinion. The problem required a nephrologist, and no one in that specialty will see me without a referral from my primary-care doctor.

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