Latest Medicare Update August 31, 2007 at 10:40 PM

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August 31, 2007

Medicare Part D - The War on Working Americans: Part 2 (Baltimore Chronicle &


The War on Working Americans: Part 2 (Baltimore Chronicle & Sentinel)
This article was written to assess the state of working America in the run-up to Labor Day, 2007. Organized labor today is severely weakened following decades of government and business duplicity to crush it.

Updated Publication, Since You Care(R): Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics, Available Free from the MetLife ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WESTPORT, Conn.----The MetLife Mature Market Institute has updated its Since You Care guide, Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics. The publication, free to the public, has new information on Medicare Part B premiums, changes to the Medigap program pertaining to prescription drug benefits and the latest on Medicare Advantage and Medicare's prescription drug plan.

Fallon gives chips, Medicare advice (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
WORCESTER - The Elks Lodge on Mill Street overflowed with a lunchtime crowd yesterday of the size typically on hand for Sunday night bingo.

Aging agency can help pick medical plans (El Paso Times)
It is not uncommon for many seniors to open their mailbox daily and receive information on Medicare Drug Plans (MDP) or Medicare Advantage Plans with Part D (MAPD) that cover both medical services and prescription drugs.

Saling The World: Metroid Prime 3 Corrupts Cross-Platform U.S. Sales


Saling The World: Metroid Prime 3 Corrupts Cross-Platform U.S. Sales (Gamasutra)
Gamasutra's weekly column, "Saling The World", covers the top five sellers for every available platform in the United States, Japan, and Europe, providing an important update of sales patterns worldwide. This week's charts, with data taken from August 30th, 2007, feature cross-platform sales victory for the just-released Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in the United States, while Medieval II: Total ...

Cross country gallops to mixed finish at Greenhill Relays (The Little Elm Journal)
The Little Elm cross country teams kicked off the 2007 season with mixed results Saturday at the Greenhill Relays. The Lobos fielded four total varsity teams on the boys and girls side, but both Blue squads were short several runners and didn t compete up to head coach Robert Bates standards.

Cumberland schools reach Blue Cross agreement (Pawtucket Times)
CUMBERLAND - Cumberland Schools Superintendent Donna A. Morelle announced Tuesday that the school department has reached an agreement to extend the contract through June 2009 with health care provider Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.

Medicare Part D - Aging agency can help pick medical plans (El Paso Times)


Aging agency can help pick medical plans (El Paso Times)
It is not uncommon for many seniors to open their mailbox daily and receive information on Medicare Drug Plans (MDP) or Medicare Advantage Plans with Part D (MAPD) that cover both medical services and prescription drugs.

Medicare Part D lifts sales of heartburn drugs, but generic use crowds out branded profits (The Daily Record)
NEW YORK - The influx of seniors enrolling in Medicare Part D's prescription drug plan drove overall sales of heartburn medications higher in 2006, but insurers' focus on cheaper drugs means generic products are eating into the market share of branded blockbusters such as AstraZeneca's Nexium.

BIO: New Survey Data Finds Medicare Part D Working For America s Seniors (BIO)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2007) -- A newly released, in-depth 2006 survey of seniors strongly suggests that Medicare Part D is working to expand coverage to those previously without drug coverage especially seniors with chronic conditions taking multiple medications, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) said today.

Medicare Part D - Aging agency can help pick medical plans (El Paso Times)


Aging agency can help pick medical plans (El Paso Times)
It is not uncommon for many seniors to open their mailbox daily and receive information on Medicare Drug Plans (MDP) or Medicare Advantage Plans with Part D (MAPD) that cover both medical services and prescription drugs.

Fallon gives chips, Medicare advice (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
WORCESTER - The Elks Lodge on Mill Street overflowed with a lunchtime crowd yesterday of the size typically on hand for Sunday night bingo.

Central Virginia Business: Part D putting the squeeze on independent pharmacies (The News & Advance)
It turns out that Tom Jones Drug isn t the only local independent pharmacy having trouble with Medicare Part D.

Consider options for future health care costs (The Olympian) When


Consider options for future health care costs (The Olympian)
When deciding whether you can afford to retire early, the cost of health insurance will be a key factor in the financial equation.

Updated Publication, Since You Care(R): Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics, Available Free from the MetLife ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WESTPORT, Conn.----The MetLife Mature Market Institute has updated its Since You Care guide, Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics. The publication, free to the public, has new information on Medicare Part B premiums, changes to the Medigap program pertaining to prescription drug benefits and the latest on Medicare Advantage and Medicare's prescription drug plan.

Medicare Part D - Updated Publication, Since You Care(R): Medicare and Medicaid Programs -


Updated Publication, Since You Care(R): Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics, Available Free from the MetLife ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WESTPORT, Conn.----The MetLife Mature Market Institute has updated its Since You Care guide, Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics. The publication, free to the public, has new information on Medicare Part B premiums, changes to the Medigap program pertaining to prescription drug benefits and the latest on Medicare Advantage and Medicare's prescription drug plan.

Central Virginia Business: Part D putting the squeeze on independent pharmacies (The News & Advance)
It turns out that Tom Jones Drug isn t the only local independent pharmacy having trouble with Medicare Part D.

Medicare Part D lifts sales of heartburn drugs, but generic use crowds out branded profits (The Daily Record)
NEW YORK - The influx of seniors enrolling in Medicare Part D's prescription drug plan drove overall sales of heartburn medications higher in 2006, but insurers' focus on cheaper drugs means generic products are eating into the market share of branded blockbusters such as AstraZeneca's Nexium.

The War on Working Americans: Part 2 (Baltimore Chronicle & Sentinel)
This article was written to assess the state of working America in the run-up to Labor Day, 2007. Organized labor today is severely weakened following decades of government and business duplicity to crush it.

EFFINGHAM EVENTS (Savannah Morning News) Blood Drive Gillibrand among 23


EFFINGHAM EVENTS (Savannah Morning News)
Blood Drive

Gillibrand among 23 House members singled out by group (The Post-Star)
Being recognized as a front-line Democrat in the 2008 congressional elections has put U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand in the forefront of controversy over federal funding for nursing homes.

More Americans Lack Health Insurance (NPR)
The number of Americans without health insurance grew to an all time high of 47 million last year, an increase of more than 2 million from a year before. The number of children without health insurance coverage also rose. The Census Bureau figures are likely to raise the stakes in the political debate about health care.

Presidential Candidates Weigh In on Health Care (NPR)
NPR.org , August 28, 2007 Health care has emerged as one of the most significant domestic issues facing the presidential candidates this year. In a July Gallup Poll, only the situation in Iraq was cited as a more pressing problem.

August 30, 2007

Medicare Part D - Fallon gives chips, Medicare advice (Worcester Telegram & Gazette) WORCESTER


Fallon gives chips, Medicare advice (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
WORCESTER - The Elks Lodge on Mill Street overflowed with a lunchtime crowd yesterday of the size typically on hand for Sunday night bingo.

Goodlatte, Goode weigh in on new bills (The News & Advance)
Two bills are currently in committee in Congress that would force Medicare Part D benefit administrators to reimburse pharmacies within 30 days of receiving a claim.

Updated Publication, Since You Care(R): Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics, Available Free from the MetLife ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WESTPORT, Conn.----The MetLife Mature Market Institute has updated its Since You Care guide, Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics. The publication, free to the public, has new information on Medicare Part B premiums, changes to the Medigap program pertaining to prescription drug benefits and the latest on Medicare Advantage and Medicare's prescription drug plan.

Medicare Part D Plan Premiums For 2008 Show Continued Impact Of Strong Competition, USA (Medical News Today)
Due in large part to strong competitive bidding by health and prescription drug plans and beneficiaries' choices, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) anticipates that the actual average premium paid by beneficiaries for standard Part D coverage in 2008 will be roughly $25. [click link for full article]

Valley Children's ends Blue Cross Medi-Cal contract (Visalia Times-Delta) Misty


Valley Children's ends Blue Cross Medi-Cal contract (Visalia Times-Delta)
Misty Rogers and her fianc , Rudy Vasquez, have their hands tied when it comes to the health care of their 17-month-old son, Jacob.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Unveils Community Resource Centers to Serve Medicaid Enrollees (The San Francisco Examiner)
INDIANAPOLIS ( Map ) - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana today announced the opening of a new Community Resource Center (CRC) in Indianapolis , Indiana to serve central Indiana.

Cross country gallops to mixed finish at Greenhill Relays (The Little Elm Journal)
The Little Elm cross country teams kicked off the 2007 season with mixed results Saturday at the Greenhill Relays. The Lobos fielded four total varsity teams on the boys and girls side, but both Blue squads were short several runners and didn t compete up to head coach Robert Bates standards.

Child hospitalized in Bali for suspected bird flu (People's Daily)


Child hospitalized in Bali for suspected bird flu (People's Daily)
A four-year-old child was admitted to hospital on the Indonesian resort island of Bali after developing bird flu-like symptoms, local press said Thursday. The child suffered from high fever and breathing problems and neighbors had spott ...

Bird flu needs to be higher on international agenda: IFRC (People's Daily)
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said here Wednesday that governments and aid agencies should give priority to the "very serious" threat of bird flu. "We're not hearing as much about avian inf ...

Warning of new bird flu danger (The Age)
Bird flu has spread between several humans, according to a new study of deaths in Indonesia last year.

Indonesia: Bali shaken by first bird flu victims (Adnkronos)
Indonesia: Bali shaken by first bird flu victims (AKI) - Ni Nengah Sriati fights back tears as she speaks about the loss of both her daughter and granddaughter - believed to be the first victims of the deadly bird flu virus on the Indonesian island of Bali."The silence gives us no peace, it underscores their absence," Ni Nengah Sriati (See photo) told Adnkronos International (AKI) in ...

Life insurance Without an Exam Not a Good Idea (Richfield


Life insurance Without an Exam Not a Good Idea (Richfield Reaper)
(ARA) - Are you one of those people who always gets nervous at test time? If so, you may be intrigued by the prospect of buying a life insurance policy that doesn't require a physical exam, but you could be making a huge financial mistake.

Why Now is a Good Time to Shop for a Term Life Policy (Benton Evening News)
(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.

Smokers Can Afford Life Insurance (Richfield Reaper)
(ARA) - If you've been putting off shopping for life insurance because you're a smoker, or think you are paying exorbitant premiums because of your habit, it's time to start shopping around.

Medicare Part D - Medicare Part D Plan Premiums For 2008 Show Continued Impact


Medicare Part D Plan Premiums For 2008 Show Continued Impact Of Strong Competition, USA (Medical News Today)
Due in large part to strong competitive bidding by health and prescription drug plans and beneficiaries' choices, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) anticipates that the actual average premium paid by beneficiaries for standard Part D coverage in 2008 will be roughly $25. [click link for full article]

BIO: New Survey Data Finds Medicare Part D Working For America's Seniors (Medical News Today)
A newly released, in-depth 2006 survey of seniors strongly suggests that Medicare Part D is working to expand coverage to those previously without drug coverage - especially seniors with chronic conditions taking multiple medications, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) said. [click link for full article]

Central Virginia Business: Part D putting the squeeze on independent pharmacies (The News & Advance)
It turns out that Tom Jones Drug isn t the only local independent pharmacy having trouble with Medicare Part D.

Medicare Part D lifts sales of heartburn drugs, but generic use crowds out branded profits (The Daily Record)
NEW YORK - The influx of seniors enrolling in Medicare Part D's prescription drug plan drove overall sales of heartburn medications higher in 2006, but insurers' focus on cheaper drugs means generic products are eating into the market share of branded blockbusters such as AstraZeneca's Nexium.

Medicare Part D - BIO: New Survey Data Finds Medicare Part D Working For


BIO: New Survey Data Finds Medicare Part D Working For America's Seniors (Medical News Today)
A newly released, in-depth 2006 survey of seniors strongly suggests that Medicare Part D is working to expand coverage to those previously without drug coverage - especially seniors with chronic conditions taking multiple medications, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) said. [click link for full article]

Central Virginia Business: Part D putting the squeeze on independent pharmacies (The News & Advance)
It turns out that Tom Jones Drug isn t the only local independent pharmacy having trouble with Medicare Part D.

Formulary Finder


Formulary Finder

Medicare Part D - Goodlatte, Goode weigh in on new bills (The News &


Goodlatte, Goode weigh in on new bills (The News & Advance)
Two bills are currently in committee in Congress that would force Medicare Part D benefit administrators to reimburse pharmacies within 30 days of receiving a claim.

Updated Publication, Since You Care(R): Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics, Available Free from the MetLife ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WESTPORT, Conn.----The MetLife Mature Market Institute has updated its Since You Care guide, Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics. The publication, free to the public, has new information on Medicare Part B premiums, changes to the Medigap program pertaining to prescription drug benefits and the latest on Medicare Advantage and Medicare's prescription drug plan.

Medicare Part D: Checking your plan (Minot Daily News)
The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, which beings on Nov. 15 and goes through Dec. 31, is approaching. Seniors across the state will soon be receiving their annual notice of change from their current plan.

Fallon gives chips, Medicare advice (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
WORCESTER - The Elks Lodge on Mill Street overflowed with a lunchtime crowd yesterday of the size typically on hand for Sunday night bingo.

Blue Cross Foundation Grants Promote Good Health Among New Minnesotans


Blue Cross Foundation Grants Promote Good Health Among New Minnesotans (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Seventeen organizations have received a grant under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation "Healthy Together: Creating Community with New Americans" program. The grants, totaling $381,000, promote good health among Minnesota's growing immigrant populations -- and the communities they settle in -- by building understanding and appreciation for each other's cultures.

Moses Cone-Blue Cross conflict concerns docs (BizJournals)
Though the standoff between Moses Cone Health System and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina doesn't affect how local doctors are paid, it could affect physicians in other ways.

August 29, 2007

Medicare Part D - Medicare Part D: Checking your plan (Minot Daily News) The


Medicare Part D: Checking your plan (Minot Daily News)
The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, which beings on Nov. 15 and goes through Dec. 31, is approaching. Seniors across the state will soon be receiving their annual notice of change from their current plan.

Updated Publication, Since You Care(R): Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics, Available Free from the MetLife ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
WESTPORT, Conn.----The MetLife Mature Market Institute has updated its Since You Care guide, Medicare and Medicaid Programs - The Basics. The publication, free to the public, has new information on Medicare Part B premiums, changes to the Medigap program pertaining to prescription drug benefits and the latest on Medicare Advantage and Medicare's prescription drug plan.

Goodlatte, Goode weigh in on new bills (The News & Advance)
Two bills are currently in committee in Congress that would force Medicare Part D benefit administrators to reimburse pharmacies within 30 days of receiving a claim.

BIO: New Survey Data Finds Medicare Part D Working For America s Seniors (BIO)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 24, 2007) -- A newly released, in-depth 2006 survey of seniors strongly suggests that Medicare Part D is working to expand coverage to those previously without drug coverage especially seniors with chronic conditions taking multiple medications, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) said today.

Medicare Part D - Goodlatte, Goode weigh in on new bills (The News &


Goodlatte, Goode weigh in on new bills (The News & Advance)
Two bills are currently in committee in Congress that would force Medicare Part D benefit administrators to reimburse pharmacies within 30 days of receiving a claim.

Share Of Seniors With Drug Coverage Significantly Increased Under Medicare Part D, Some Seniors Still Vulnerable To ... (Medical News Today)
The Medicare prescription drug benefit has significantly increased the share of seniors with drug coverage, but one in five beneficiaries reported delaying or not filling prescriptions because of cost, according to the results of a survey published online Tuesday in the journal Health Affairs, the Los Angeles Times reports. [click link for full article]

Fallon gives chips, Medicare advice (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
WORCESTER - The Elks Lodge on Mill Street overflowed with a lunchtime crowd yesterday of the size typically on hand for Sunday night bingo.

Central Virginia Business: Part D putting the squeeze on independent pharmacies (The News & Advance)
It turns out that Tom Jones Drug isn t the only local independent pharmacy having trouble with Medicare Part D.

Medicare Part D - Medicare Part D: Checking your plan (Minot Daily News) The


Medicare Part D: Checking your plan (Minot Daily News)
The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, which beings on Nov. 15 and goes through Dec. 31, is approaching. Seniors across the state will soon be receiving their annual notice of change from their current plan.

Central Virginia Business: Part D putting the squeeze on independent pharmacies (The News & Advance)
It turns out that Tom Jones Drug isn t the only local independent pharmacy having trouble with Medicare Part D.

Goodlatte, Goode weigh in on new bills (The News & Advance)
Two bills are currently in committee in Congress that would force Medicare Part D benefit administrators to reimburse pharmacies within 30 days of receiving a claim.

It's never too late to learn at Sr. Expo (The


It's never too late to learn at Sr. Expo (The Ashland Daily Press)
Nineteen years ago, Senior Expo began as a series of seminars geared toward a senior audience. Expo has expanded its horizons since then, but seminars are still a main attraction at the event. After all, it is never too late to learn more when it comes to your health.

Senior Living (KWQC-TV 6 Davenport)
If you're celebrating your 65th birthday within the next year or so, get ready for a big gift from the government: Medicare coverage. But this present comes with strings attached in the form of complex enrollment rules that could cost you money if you're not careful.

In the know (Oceana's Herald-Journal)
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture named Donald W. Koivisto as the new director of the state Department of Agriculture during a special session last week. He will start Sept. 5.

Senior Information (Daily American)
Protecting your personal information is the best line of defense in the fight against Medicare fraud and abuse. Every day people get ripped off by scam artists. Medicare loses billions of dollars each year to errors, fraud, and abuse.

Additional information in this months archive:


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