Latest Medicare Update January 31, 2008 at 10:50 PM

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January 31, 2008

Heart-Shaped Light Displays on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan


Heart-Shaped Light Displays on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Building Show Support for American Heart Month, ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Starting the morning of Feb. 1, two giant heart-shaped light displays will light up Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's downtown Detroit headquarters building and remind women to take care of their hearts all year long.

OLOL, Blue Cross still negotiating contract (The Advocate)
The contract between the parent company of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana expires today, although negotiations continue.

Sources: Blue Cross and Our Lady Close to Agreement (WAFB Baton Rouge)
Sources tell WAFB's Cheryl Mercedes that in the final hours of negotiations, both sides are very close to working out a deal. It's a deal that could mean a half-million people insured by Blue Cross could keep using hospitals and doctors that fall under that system.

Medicare Part D - Medicare revamp revived (The Politico) Health care lobby prepares for


Medicare revamp revived (The Politico)
Health care lobby prepares for a redux of last year's fight as Congress looks to revamp Medicare spending.

Medicare alternatives now offered (Jacksonville Daily News)
Medicare beneficiaries who recently plowed through materials to make decisions on Medicare's Part D drug program may have another decision to make.

Classification change brings health system more Medicare funds (Williamsport Sun Gazette)
Susquehanna Health recently received good news its Medicare reimbursement will continue to be funded at levels comparable to other area hospitals at least for now.

Medicare Part D - Ahwatukee nursing home called 'serious threat' (The Arizona Republic) An


Ahwatukee nursing home called 'serious threat' (The Arizona Republic)
An Ahwatukee nursing home's Medicare and Medicaid funds have been canceled after three investigations since 2005 showed laws were violated, posing a ''serious threat'' to patients.

CME Outfitters Announces Live neuroscienceCME Webcast: 'Evaluating the Impact of Medicare Part D on Persons with ... (PRWeb)
This live and interactive webcast will educate practitioners about the impact of Medicare Part D on patients with severe mental illness and provide guidance on strategies for delivering optimal care to these patients in light of policy restrictions. (PRWeb Jan 23, 2008) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/UGlnZy1NYWduLVByb2YtU3VtbS1Mb3ZlLVplcm8=

Medicare alternatives now offered (Jacksonville Daily News)
Medicare beneficiaries who recently plowed through materials to make decisions on Medicare's Part D drug program may have another decision to make.

Lower Your Costs During the Coverage Gap5 Ways to Lower


Lower Your Costs During the Coverage Gap
5 Ways to Lower Your Costs During the Coverage Gap

Medicare Part D - Classification change brings health system more Medicare funds (Williamsport Sun


Classification change brings health system more Medicare funds (Williamsport Sun Gazette)
Susquehanna Health recently received good news its Medicare reimbursement will continue to be funded at levels comparable to other area hospitals at least for now.

CME Outfitters Announces Live neuroscienceCME Webcast: 'Evaluating the Impact of Medicare Part D on Persons with ... (PRWeb)
This live and interactive webcast will educate practitioners about the impact of Medicare Part D on patients with severe mental illness and provide guidance on strategies for delivering optimal care to these patients in light of policy restrictions. (PRWeb Jan 23, 2008) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/UGlnZy1NYWduLVByb2YtU3VtbS1Mb3ZlLVplcm8=

PBMI to Host Town Hall Forums on Critical Drug Benefit Topics (Centre Daily Times)
The Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute will host three Town Hall forums during its 2008 Drug Benefit Conference to better understand how employers and other drug benefit stakeholders can benefit from industry trends. The forum discussions will focus on what's working and what challenges remain to be tackled on three issues: Emerging Models of Community Pharmacy in Patient Care, Medicare Part ...

Medicare Part D - Classification change brings health system more Medicare funds (Williamsport Sun


Classification change brings health system more Medicare funds (Williamsport Sun Gazette)
Susquehanna Health recently received good news its Medicare reimbursement will continue to be funded at levels comparable to other area hospitals at least for now.

Medicare Part D tough to swallow (BizJournals)
Madison Pharmacy owner Amy Wittber says Medicare Part D has been "nickel and diming" local pharmacies since it started in 2006. A government study published last week shows just how many dimes -- nine.

Medicare alternatives now offered (Jacksonville Daily News)
Medicare beneficiaries who recently plowed through materials to make decisions on Medicare's Part D drug program may have another decision to make.

Blue Cross Customers At Risk For Identity Theft (WCBS-TV New


Blue Cross Customers At Risk For Identity Theft (WCBS-TV New York)
New Jersey's largest health insurance company is warning more than 300,000 members that some of their personal information was on a laptop computer that was stolen. Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield says the risk of identity theft is small because the data was protected by password.

Examination by National Expert Shows Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's Social Mission Contributions Totaled at ... (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
A report issued today by Avalere Health, an independent and nationally renowned health policy consultancy based in Washington, D.C., confirms that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan contributed at least $391 million to the people of Michigan in 2007 through an array of initiatives that further BCBSM's mission to improve access to health coverage at affordable prices.

Fernandez Appointed to Blue Cross Foundation Board (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation has named Frank Fernandez, JD, to its 13-member board of directors. The board directs the state's largest grantmaking foundation dedicated exclusively to improving health in Minnesota and includes five community representatives.

Blue Cross Blue Shield community service called exemplary (Detroit Free Press)
LANSING Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan spent $391 million last year for community health programs and reimbursements, four times more than the $80 million it received in state tax breaks, according to a report released Wednesday by a consultant hired by the company.

January 30, 2008

Indonesia launches bird flu plan as death toll tops 100


Indonesia launches bird flu plan as death toll tops 100 (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Indonesia on Wednesday launched a new three-year plan to fight bird flu, just days after the confirmed death toll topped 100 in the country hardest hit by the H5N1 virus.

Indonesian man dies of bird flu (AP via Yahoo! News)
A 32-year-old man died of bird flu in Indonesia's capital, lifting the toll in the country hardest hit by the virus to 101.

Indian state calls for foreign help in bird flu battle (AFP via Yahoo! News)
India's bird-flu hit state of West Bengal appealed to New Delhi to allow the United States and China to come to its aid in battling the disease, an official said on Wednesday.

Bird flu sweeps Indonesia, India, Tibet (AP via Yahoo! News)
Bird flu killed its third victim in as many days in Indonesia and ravaged poultry stocks in Tibet and India on Wednesday, as the virus picked up steam across Asia.

Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. and New York Life


Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. and New York Life Insurance Company Enter into License Agreement (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
LOS ANGELES----Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. announced today the settlement of patent litigation with a group of companies including New York Life Insurance Company, based in New York City.

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 - PBMI to Host Town Hall Forums on Critical Drug Benefit


PBMI to Host Town Hall Forums on Critical Drug Benefit Topics (Centre Daily Times)
The Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute will host three Town Hall forums during its 2008 Drug Benefit Conference to better understand how employers and other drug benefit stakeholders can benefit from industry trends. The forum discussions will focus on what's working and what challenges remain to be tackled on three issues: Emerging Models of Community Pharmacy in Patient Care, Medicare Part ...

CME Outfitters Announces Live neuroscienceCME Webcast: 'Evaluating the Impact of Medicare Part D on Persons with ... (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)
This live and interactive webcast will educate practitioners about the impact of Medicare Part D on patients with severe mental illness and provide guidance on strategies for delivering optimal care to these patients in light of policy restrictions.

A New Beginning for Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of North Carolina.

Medicare alternatives now offered (Jacksonville Daily News)
Medicare beneficiaries who recently plowed through materials to make decisions on Medicare's Part D drug program may have another decision to make.

Medicare in 2008 Has Become Costly and Complicated for Many


Medicare in 2008 Has Become Costly and Complicated for Many Senior Citizens (Senior Journal)
Jan. 21, 2008 - In the beginning Medicare was pretty simple with few decisions required no real challenge even for an aging brain to understand, and a cost too low to worry about. That s not the case today.

Timing is Everything for Medicare Advantage Membership (Centre Daily Times)
Competition during open enrollment for 2008 Medicare Advantage (MA) products was intense according to a brief released by Mark Farrah Associates (MFA). Through data recently made available by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)and information provided through Medicare Business Online(TM), MFA offers a preliminary look at how companies fared by comparing October 1, 2007 and ...

Medicare Part D - Expanded Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in Oklahoma (PR Newswire via


Expanded Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in Oklahoma (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of Oklahoma.

A New Beginning for Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of North Carolina.

Medicare revamp revived (The Politico)
Health care lobby prepares for a redux of last year's fight as Congress looks to revamp Medicare spending.

Medicare alternatives now offered (Jacksonville Daily News)
Medicare beneficiaries who recently plowed through materials to make decisions on Medicare's Part D drug program may have another decision to make.

Don't make it harder to give health benefits to retirees


Don't make it harder to give health benefits to retirees (Telegraph-Forum)
Consider yourself lucky if you're among the 10 million retirees getting help from a former employer in paying for health insurance. You're especially fortunate if you're younger than 65 and getting this help -- something only about 13 percent of private employers offer.

EFFINGHAM EVENTS (Savannah Morning News)
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS

Medicare Part D - A New Beginning for Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina (PR


A New Beginning for Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of North Carolina.

Bright Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in Louisiana (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of Louisiana.

CME Outfitters Announces Live neuroscienceCME Webcast: 'Evaluating the Impact of Medicare Part D on Persons with ... (PRWeb)
This live and interactive webcast will educate practitioners about the impact of Medicare Part D on patients with severe mental illness and provide guidance on strategies for delivering optimal care to these patients in light of policy restrictions. (PRWeb Jan 23, 2008) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/UGlnZy1NYWduLVByb2YtU3VtbS1Mb3ZlLVplcm8=

Medicare revamp revived (The Politico)
Health care lobby prepares for a redux of last year's fight as Congress looks to revamp Medicare spending.

Medicare Part D - Expanded Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in Oklahoma (PR Newswire via


Expanded Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in Oklahoma (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of Oklahoma.

Bright Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in Louisiana (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of Louisiana.

A New Beginning for Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of North Carolina.

Medicare revamp revived (The Politico)
Health care lobby prepares for a redux of last year's fight as Congress looks to revamp Medicare spending.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Customers Concerned (WAFB Baton


Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Customers Concerned (WAFB Baton Rouge)
A contract between Our Lady of the Lake and Blue Cross Blue Shield expires on January 31st. WAFB's Cheryl Mercedes talked with some Blue Cross recipients in Ascension Parish who will be affected by the change.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies to Host Second Annual National Walk @ Lunch Day(SM) on April 30, 2008 (PR Newswire via Yahoo! News)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country will encourage their employees to wear comfortable walking shoes to work and participate in lunchtime walks as part of the second annual National Walk @ Lunch Day on April 30, 2008. Each Blue company also will work with local employers to engage their workforces in National Walk @ Lunch Day.

Blue Shield of California to spend $100M+ to upgrade IT (bizjournals.com via Yahoo! Finance)
Blue Shield of California, one of the state's largest health insurers, said Tuesday it plans to invest $100 million on software to upgrade its core information technology and business systems.

BCBS of Florida Enters the Retail Market Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida creates retail stores to sell health ... (Finance Technology Network)
Looking to capitalize on the emerging trend of individually purchased health insurance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF; $7.47 billion in total revenue) is selling its products directly to consumers through carrier-operated retail stores, branded Florida Blue. According to BCBSF spokeswoman Valerie Rubin, the business driver behind the Florida Blue initiative is a larger "retail ...

January 29, 2008

Medicare Part D - Medicare revamp revived (The Politico) Health care lobby prepares for


Medicare revamp revived (The Politico)
Health care lobby prepares for a redux of last year's fight as Congress looks to revamp Medicare spending.

Medicare alternatives now offered (Jacksonville Daily News)
Medicare beneficiaries who recently plowed through materials to make decisions on Medicare's Part D drug program may have another decision to make.

New Options for Medicare Beneficiaries in Georgia (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and is expanding within the state of Georgia.

Medicare Part D - A New Beginning for Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina (PR


A New Beginning for Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
Arcadian Health Plan, Inc., a leading provider of Medicare Advantage health plans for Medicare beneficiaries, has enhanced its benefits for 2008 and expanded into the state of North Carolina.

CME Outfitters Announces Live neuroscienceCME Webcast: 'Evaluating the Impact of Medicare Part D on Persons with ... (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)
This live and interactive webcast will educate practitioners about the impact of Medicare Part D on patients with severe mental illness and provide guidance on strategies for delivering optimal care to these patients in light of policy restrictions.

Learn More About Plans in Your Area


Learn More About Plans in Your Area

Holy Cross blessed with renovation :Bishop D'Arcy tours elementary to


Holy Cross blessed with renovation :Bishop D'Arcy tours elementary to kick off Catholic Schools Week (South Bend Tribune)
SOUTH BEND -- Along Wilber Street, on the city's near-northwest side, Holy Cross School practically glistens like freshly polished stone.

Blue Shield of California Launches Work on System-Wide Technology Upgrade with TriZetto's Facets Software (Centre Daily Times)
Blue Shield of California has contracted with the TriZetto Group Inc. (NASDAQ: TZIX) to acquire software for a major system-wide technology upgrade expected to launch in 2009. The multi-year project is part of Blue Shield's strategy to make it easier to do business with the not-for-profit plan by improving data systems associated with claims processing, membership, customer service, sales ...

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