VoicesForCare™

Is Money in Politics Harmful to Health & the Real Enemy of Meaningful Health Care Reform?

By Editor, on October 15th, 2011

Professor Lawrence Lessig of Harvard Law School has written a seminal new book entitled, Republic, Lost: How Money Corrupts Congress–and a Plan to Stop It, recently published by Hachette Book Group. In it he argues that the root of . . . → Read More: Is Money in Politics Harmful to Health & the Real Enemy of Meaningful Health Care Reform?

Denmark Imposes 'Fat Tax' on High Saturated Fat Foods to Combat Obesity

By Editor, on October 3rd, 2011

In a declared effort to combat obesity and heart disease, Denmark has imposed what may be the world’s first “fat food tax” on foods with more than 2.3 percent saturated fat. The tax, which went into effect on Saturday, . . . → Read More: Denmark Imposes ‘Fat Tax’ on High Saturated Fat Foods to Combat Obesity

Future of Medicine Summit V, Oct 27-29, Sponsored by Palm Beach County Medical Society

By Editor, on October 2nd, 2011

The Fifth annual Future of Medicine Summit, sponsored by the Palm Beach County Medical Society, will take place on October 27-29, 2011, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Here is information about the . . . → Read More: Future of Medicine Summit V, Oct 27-29, Sponsored by Palm Beach County Medical Society

U.S. Government Appeals Health Care Law Litigation to Supreme Court

By Constance R. Barnhart, on September 30th, 2011

On Wednesday, September 28, 2011 the U.S. Department of Justice petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review and decide the litigation over the constitutionality of the individual insurance mandate in the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act, the signature . . . → Read More: U.S. Government Appeals Health Care Law Litigation to Supreme Court

FDA Offers Webinar on Prescription Drug Shortages

By Editor, on September 29th, 2011

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “in 2010 there were a record number of shortages of prescription drugs, and … in 2011, FDA continues to see an increasing number of shortages, especially those involving older sterile . . . → Read More: FDA Offers Webinar on Prescription Drug Shortages

HHS Announces Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative to Reward Better Coordination of Care

By Editor, on September 29th, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on September 28, 2011 the launch of a new, voluntary Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative (the “Initiative”) funded under the Affordable Care Act. The Initiative, HHS says, will incentivize primary . . . → Read More: HHS Announces Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative to Reward Better Coordination of Care

Grants to States under Affordable Care Act Help Fight Health Insurance Premium Hikes

By Editor, on September 22nd, 2011

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced on September 20, 2011 that under the Affordable Care Act, 28 states and the District of Columbia have been awarded grants totaling $109 million, to help fight unreasonable health insurance premium increases and protect . . . → Read More: Grants to States under Affordable Care Act Help Fight Health Insurance Premium Hikes

New AHRQ Initiative: Questions are the Answer For Better Doctor-Patient Communication

By Editor, on September 21st, 2011

On Tuesday, September 20, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS), along with the Ad Council, a non-profit organization, launched a new Questions are the Answer initiative . . . → Read More: New AHRQ Initiative: Questions are the Answer For Better Doctor-Patient Communication

HHS & Public-Private Partners Aim to Prevent 1 Million Heart Attacks & Strokes in 5 Years

By Editor, on September 14th, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) yesterday announced a new “Million Hearts” campaign being launched by a public-private partnership of several government and private sector organizations, with the aim of preventing 1 million heart attacks and . . . → Read More: HHS & Public-Private Partners Aim to Prevent 1 Million Heart Attacks & Strokes in 5 Years

At National Health IT Week Summit HHS Proposes New Rules to Give Patients Direct Access to Their Lab Reports

By Editor, on September 13th, 2011

On August 12, 2011, at an inaugural Summit for National Health IT Week, taking place August 11-16, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced proposed new rules that would allow patients for the first time . . . → Read More: At National Health IT Week Summit HHS Proposes New Rules to Give Patients Direct Access to Their Lab Reports

Seniors on Medicare Have Saved $ Millions Due to Affordable Care Act, CMS Reports

By Editor, on September 11th, 2011

In a briefing released on September 8, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported statistics showing that the Affordable Care Act has so far saved Millions of Dollars in prescription drug costs and preventive care for . . . → Read More: Seniors on Medicare Have Saved $ Millions Due to Affordable Care Act, CMS Reports

U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Dismisses Two Lawsuits Challenging Affordable Care Act

By Constance R. Barnhart, on September 10th, 2011

petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. Ken Cuccinelli’s State of Virginia Lawsuit Procedural History. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, on behalf of the State of Virginia, filed a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act on the . . . → Read More: U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Dismisses Two Lawsuits Challenging Affordable Care Act

Too Many Confusing Choices in Medicare Advantage Plans Lead to Poor Plan Decisions by Seniors, Study Finds

By Editor, on September 6th, 2011

A new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School has found that “Medicare Advantage” plans marketed by private insurance companies that offer too many options confuse seniors and lead to poor choices, especially among those who are cognitively impaired. . . . → Read More: Too Many Confusing Choices in Medicare Advantage Plans Lead to Poor Plan Decisions by Seniors, Study Finds

How Do People Lose Weight & What Can Be Done About the Obesity Epidemic?

By Editor, on August 28th, 2011

In this second in a two-part series, HelpingYouCare™ reports on two new scientific papers published in The Lancet medical journal, which focus on solving the global obesity epidemic. One of these new studies clarifies our understanding of how people . . . → Read More: How Do People Lose Weight & What Can Be Done About the Obesity Epidemic?

$137 Million for Prevention & Health Programs is Granted to States under Affordable Care Act

By Editor, on August 25th, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has today announced the award of $137 Million of grants, primarily under the Affordable Care Act, to States and non-profit organizations to fund prevention and health improvement services and initiatives. . . . → Read More: $137 Million for Prevention & Health Programs is Granted to States under Affordable Care Act

The Obesity Epidemic: What it Means for America & What Can Be Done About It

By Editor, on August 22nd, 2011

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), as part of its StreamingHealth video series, has recently produced a video examining the obesity epidemic in America, what has caused it, what it means for the U.S., and what . . . → Read More: The Obesity Epidemic: What it Means for America & What Can Be Done About It

New Rules to Simplify Purchase of Health Insurance Proposed under Affordable Care Act

By Editor, on August 19th, 2011

The U.S. Departments of Health & Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury issued proposed new rules under the Affordable Care Act on August 17, 2011 which would simplify the purchase of health insurance for consumers. Under the proposed new . . . → Read More: New Rules to Simplify Purchase of Health Insurance Proposed under Affordable Care Act

11th Circuit Appeals Panel Strikes Insurance Mandate, Upholds Rest of Health Care Law

By Editor, on August 13th, 2011

here attached. The description of the above provisions of the Affordable Care Act is found on pages 11-53 and pages 292-304 (Appendix A) of the attached document. The Health Care Litigation — Background The 11th Circuit’s ruling comes on . . . → Read More: 11th Circuit Appeals Panel Strikes Insurance Mandate, Upholds Rest of Health Care Law

National Community Health Centers Provide Primary & Preventive Care to 20 Million

By Editor, on August 8th, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced today that this week, August 7th-13th, is National Community Health Center Week. This is “an opportunity to recognize the vital work of community health centers, which provide high . . . → Read More: National Community Health Centers Provide Primary & Preventive Care to 20 Million

S&P Downgrade of US Credit Rating Cites Political Brinksmanship, Looming Deficit from Rising Health Care Costs

By Editor, on August 6th, 2011

actual S&P Research Update of August 5, 2011, downgrading the U.S. credit rating, was published by S&P on their website. It is entitled, “United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered To ‘AA+’ On Political Risks And Rising Debt Burden; . . . → Read More: S&P Downgrade of US Credit Rating Cites Political Brinksmanship, Looming Deficit from Rising Health Care Costs

How to Fix Medicare & Medicaid? 6 Hospital CEO's Weigh In

By Editor, on August 1st, 2011

Here is food for thought: six CEO’s of Hospitals around the country have given their responses to the question: “How Would You Fix Medicare and Medicaid? These responses highlight issues that are not commonly covered in the public debate . . . → Read More: How to Fix Medicare & Medicaid? 6 Hospital CEO’s Weigh In

Health Care Costs to Increase by 5.8% Per Year, CMS Projects; Baby Boomers Worry About Long-Term Care

By Editor, on July 29th, 2011

A new report, from the Office of the Actuary at the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Baltimore, and published in the journal HealthAffairs on July 28, 2011, projects that overall U.S. health care costs will grow . . . → Read More: Health Care Costs to Increase by 5.8% Per Year, CMS Projects; Baby Boomers Worry About Long-Term Care

Follow-Up Programs Help Prevent Hospital Readmission, But Hospitals Have Financial Incentive Not to Implement Them

By Editor, on July 25th, 2011

Two new studies published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine give hope that readmission to hospitals within 30 days after discharge can be reduced significantly by programs that include coaching of the patient at the time of discharge, . . . → Read More: Follow-Up Programs Help Prevent Hospital Readmission, But Hospitals Have Financial Incentive Not to Implement Them

HHS Proposes Rules to Allow New Consumer Run Nonprofit CO-OP Health Insurance Plans; $3.8 Billion of Loan Financing Available

By Editor, on July 18th, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued the following Press Release today: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2011 New Private Nonprofit Health Plans Will Increase . . . → Read More: HHS Proposes Rules to Allow New Consumer Run Nonprofit CO-OP Health Insurance Plans; $3.8 Billion of Loan Financing Available

States Slash Home Health Care & Adult Day Care Services for the Neediest; Likely to Increase Costs

By Editor, on July 17th, 2011

Several reports recently have noted that across the nation, U.S. states are slashing Medicaid dollars for home health care services and adult day care services that help keep the elderly and disabled out of nursing homes. State lawmakers cite . . . → Read More: States Slash Home Health Care & Adult Day Care Services for the Neediest; Likely to Increase Costs

U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds Affordable Care Act

By Editor, on June 30th, 2011

lower court ruling by U.S. District Judge George C. Steeh in Detroit. Judge Steeh upheld the Constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, finding that the act of choosing not to buy health insurance was a consequential commercial decision that . . . → Read More: U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds Affordable Care Act

Affordable Care Act Has Saved Medicare Beneficiaries $260 Million on Prescription Drugs in 5 Months

By Editor, on June 28th, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), reported today that in the first five months of 2011, the Affordable Care Act has saved $260 Million in prescription drug costs for . . . → Read More: Affordable Care Act Has Saved Medicare Beneficiaries $260 Million on Prescription Drugs in 5 Months

Which State Provides the Best Health Care?

By Editor, on June 23rd, 2011

A study by the Commonwealth Fund ranked the 50 U.S. States as to the quality of their health care in 2009. [See Image At Left] Recently, U.S. States have signaled increasingly divergent approaches to health care, moving in opposite . . . → Read More: Which State Provides the Best Health Care?

National Prevention Strategy Released June 16 Under Affordable Care Act

By Editor, on June 17th, 2011

On June 16, 2011, the Surgeon General of the U.S. along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and members of the National Prevention Council, announced the release of the National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy, . . . → Read More: National Prevention Strategy Released June 16 Under Affordable Care Act

Under Affordable Care Act, Preventive Services Now Free to Medicare Beneficiaries

By Editor, on May 25th, 2011

Under the Affordable Care Act, since January 1, 2011, beneficiaries of Original Medicare no longer have to pay out-of-pocket costs for a “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam, and an annual preventive/ wellness visit with a participating physician is also . . . → Read More: Under Affordable Care Act, Preventive Services Now Free to Medicare Beneficiaries

Top 5 Recommendations for Improving Primary Care Issued Today by National Physicians Alliance

By Editor, on May 23rd, 2011

The National Physicians Alliance (NPA), an organization of 22,000 physicians in the U.S., has developed and issued today, three lists of “Top 5″ recommended changes in common clinical practices in primary medicine. They say, based on scientific literature and . . . → Read More: Top 5 Recommendations for Improving Primary Care Issued Today by National Physicians Alliance

More Emergency Rooms Adopt Online Reservations Systems: You Can Book An Appointment & Wait at Home

By Editor, on May 21st, 2011

Ten hospitals in South Florida have recently joined a growing national trend by adopting online reservations systems for their Emergency Rooms. These systems allow patients with non-life-threatening conditions to go online, enter their symptoms, and, for a fee, book . . . → Read More: More Emergency Rooms Adopt Online Reservations Systems: You Can Book An Appointment & Wait at Home

Government Imposes Review on All Premium Rate Hikes of 10% or More by Health Insurers

By Editor, on May 19th, 2011

“Over the last 10 years, the cost of family health insurance has jumped an amazing 131 percent and today coverage is out of reach for millions of people and business owners,” the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services . . . → Read More: Government Imposes Review on All Premium Rate Hikes of 10% or More by Health Insurers

City Emergency Rooms Closing - Linked to Profit Motive - While ER Use Increases

By Editor, on May 18th, 2011

A significant new study reported in the May 18, 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, has found that a net 27% of Hospital Emergency Rooms in U.S. cities closed between 1990 and 2009, and those . . . → Read More: City Emergency Rooms Closing – Linked to Profit Motive – While ER Use Increases

Health Insurers Report Record Profits, Yet Raise Premiums, While People Postpone Care

By Editor, on May 14th, 2011

Kaiser Health News, which provides a summary of health policy coverage from more than 300 news organizations, is reporting from several sources that health insurance companies have realized record profits for the third year in a row, enhanced even . . . → Read More: Health Insurers Report Record Profits, Yet Raise Premiums, While People Postpone Care

Affordable Care Act Will Save $120 Billion for Medicare over 5 Years

By Editor, on May 14th, 2011

CMS.gov. It outlines savings resulting from improvements to the Medicare program, including implementation of several provisions in the Affordable Care Act, cracking down on fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicare system; reforming payment systems to reward high quality . . . → Read More: Affordable Care Act Will Save $120 Billion for Medicare over 5 Years

2011 Medicare Trustees Report Shows Affordable Care Act Added 8 Years of Solvency to Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Trust Fund

By Editor, on May 13th, 2011

The Medicare Trustees issued their Annual Report for 2011 today. It shows that the Medicare (Part A) Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is now projected to remain solvent until 2024, eight years longer than would have been the case without . . . → Read More: 2011 Medicare Trustees Report Shows Affordable Care Act Added 8 Years of Solvency to Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Trust Fund

Govt Finds Dangerous Antipsychotic Drugs Given 95% "Off Label" in Nursing Homes

By Editor, on May 10th, 2011

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services released an investigation report on May 4, 2011, finding that among elderly Medicare patients in nursing homes, dangerous antipsychotic drugs are being given predominantly . . . → Read More: Govt Finds Dangerous Antipsychotic Drugs Given 95% “Off Label” in Nursing Homes

Lawsuits Challenging Health Care Law to Be Argued on Appeal May 10

By Editor, on May 9th, 2011

Conservative blogs have pointed out that the Solicitor General usually argues cases only before the U.S. Supreme Court. E. Duncan Getchell Jr., Virginia’s solicitor general, will argue before the Fourth Circuit for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Dean . . . → Read More: Lawsuits Challenging Health Care Law to Be Argued on Appeal May 10

How To Save On The Cost Of Prescription Drugs

By Senior Editor, on May 7th, 2011

Some tips from Medicare.gov on buying generic drugs and entering a discount prescription program. Click 10 ways to reduce your drug costs» See also the ABC Diane Sawuer News Video report on how to cut the cost of . . . → Read More: How To Save On The Cost Of Prescription Drugs

Yale Study Links 'Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders' to Poor Surgical Outcomes & Higher Risk of Death

By Editor, on April 18th, 2011

A new study by Yale researchers published today in the Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA journals of the American Medical Association, found that Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders were associated with poor surgical outcomes and a higher risk of death . . . → Read More: Yale Study Links ‘Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders’ to Poor Surgical Outcomes & Higher Risk of Death

Alarming Trend: Medical Errors Have Increased in the U.S.

By Editor, on April 16th, 2011

A new editorial in The Lancet medical journal cites staggering statistics that medical errors now occur in as many one-third of all U.S. hospitalizations. The editors present other attention-getting statistics from several scientific studies establishing that medical errors remain . . . → Read More: Alarming Trend: Medical Errors Have Increased in the U.S.

New Patient Safety Program Launched under Affordable Care Act

By Editor, on April 13th, 2011

The “Partnership For Patients” program was officially launched today under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This $1 Billion program, announced by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing . . . → Read More: New Patient Safety Program Launched under Affordable Care Act

Antiobiotic Resistance

By Senior Editor, on April 8th, 2011

Antimicrobial resistance, due to indiscriminate use of existing antibiotics, is an urgent global problem and is the theme for World Health Organization’s World Health Day. Watch Dr. James Hughes, IDSA President See also article on “Worst ever prescription drug . . . → Read More: Antiobiotic Resistance

New Study Finds U.S. Adults Significantly More Obese than Canadians

By Editor, on April 2nd, 2011

A new study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has found that the prevalence of obesity among adults in the United States is significantly higher than among adults in Canada. In addition, over a . . . → Read More: New Study Finds U.S. Adults Significantly More Obese than Canadians

Survey Finds 9 of 10 Health Care Leaders Support Affordable Care Act; 7 of 10 Favor Implementing the Law with Little or No Change

By Editor, on March 19th, 2011

A recent survey of leaders in health care and health care policy found that 9 of 10 Health Care Leaders agree that the general direction set by the Affordable Care Act is appropriate, and 7 out of 10 favor . . . → Read More: Survey Finds 9 of 10 Health Care Leaders Support Affordable Care Act; 7 of 10 Favor Implementing the Law with Little or No Change

Doctors Try New Direct-Pay Models for Primary Care; Leaving Health Insurers Out

By Editor, on March 10th, 2011

Much has been written about how our current insurance model encourages doctors to perform procedures and tests rather than for time spent with patients. The role of the insurance companies, intervening between doctors and their patients, displeases both doctors . . . → Read More: Doctors Try New Direct-Pay Models for Primary Care; Leaving Health Insurers Out

Florida Federal Judge Stays His Previous Decision Against Health Care Reform Law

By Editor, on March 4th, 2011

U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson, the federal judge in Pensacola, Florida who previously ruled the Health Care Reform Law unconstitutional in its entirety, entered an Order on March 3, staying his own decision, pending appeal. This essentially suspends enforcement . . . → Read More: Florida Federal Judge Stays His Previous Decision Against Health Care Reform Law

Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans (PCIPs) Available under Health Reform Law to Help Those With Pre-existing Conditions

By Editor, on February 25th, 2011

While lawsuits and Republicans in Congress are seeking to overturn The Affordable Care Act of 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is continuing to institute many of the law’s provisions in an effort to provide low-cost . . . → Read More: Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans (PCIPs) Available under Health Reform Law to Help Those With Pre-existing Conditions

Errors in Medical Research – Which “Findings” Should You Trust?

By Senior Editor, on February 23rd, 2011

Does garlic lower bad cholestrol? Does hormone replacement reduce the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women? Does eating a big breakfast cut your total daily calories? Do statins help people with no history of heart disease? Is it . . . → Read More: Errors in Medical Research – Which “Findings” Should You Trust?

D.C. Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Health Care Law -- Courts now 3-2 in Favor of Law

By Editor, on February 22nd, 2011

February 22, 2011. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Gladys Kessler in Washington D.C. today upheld the constitutionality of the Obama Administration’s Health Care Reform law and dismissed a lawsuit brought by individual plaintiffs who challenged the law’s constitutionality based . . . → Read More: D.C. Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Health Care Law — Courts now 3-2 in Favor of Law

The Individual Mandate & Health Care Reform

By Senior Editor, on February 19th, 2011

The future survival of the health-care law may rest with Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. For the how and why of health-care reform, a clear account of the bi-partisan history of the individual mandate, and a discussion of where . . . → Read More: The Individual Mandate & Health Care Reform

AMA Favors Some Changes to Health Care Law; 92% of Poll Respondents Oppose Tossing Out Health Care Law, but 50% Do Favor Changes

By Editor, on February 18th, 2011

An online chat on benefits and changes under the Health Care Law conducted by the Los Angeles Times Thursday, February 17 discussed changes to the new Health Care Law advocated by the American Medical Association (AMA), and featured the results . . . → Read More: AMA Favors Some Changes to Health Care Law; 92% of Poll Respondents Oppose Tossing Out Health Care Law, but 50% Do Favor Changes

The problem is not Medicare & Medicaid spending, but excessive health care costs: Ezra Klein

By Editor, on February 16th, 2011

Here is a thoughtful editorial by Ezra Klein for the Washington Post. Everyone knows that the largest parts of our federal government’s spending include Medicare and Medicaid. But, he makes the case that the root of our federal budget . . . → Read More: The problem is not Medicare & Medicaid spending, but excessive health care costs: Ezra Klein

Bipartisan efforts to better treat and cure paralysis

By Senior Editor, on February 6th, 2011

Watch The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (legislation) to advance research into cures and treatments for paralysis, as well as aid those living with disability»

Florida Federal Judge Declares Health Care Law Void in its Entirety; Conflicting Judicial Decisions Now Pending Appeal

By Editor, on February 3rd, 2011

On January 31, 2011, Judge Roger Vinson of the Federal District Court in Pensacola, Florida, issued a decision declaring the new federal Health Care Law void in its entirety, finding that the mandate for all Americans to purchase health . . . → Read More: Florida Federal Judge Declares Health Care Law Void in its Entirety – Conflicting Judicial Decisions Now Pending Appeal

New Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance Benefit Under The New Health Care Law

By Editor, on January 29th, 2011

The new health care law established a new voluntary national insurance program that will provide cash benefits to participants who have a qualifying disability that limits their day-to-day living and who meet the other eligibility criteria. This new program . . . → Read More: New Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance Benefit Under The New Health Care Law

U.S. Falls Behind Other Developed Countries In Life Expectancy Gains

By Editor, on January 26th, 2011

A new study by a panel of the National Research Council of the National Academies has found that the rate of increase in life expectancy in the U.S. has fallen behind the rate of increase in life expectancy in . . . → Read More: U.S. Falls Behind Other Developed Countries In Life Expectancy Gains

New Medicare Benefits in 2011 under the Health Reform Law

By Editor, on January 21st, 2011

Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, has released a new Video explaining the new benefits that the Affordable Care Act (the Health Reform Law) provides in 2011 for people on . . . → Read More: New Medicare Benefits in 2011 under the Health Reform Law

New report: 129 million Americans with a pre-existing condition could be denied coverage without the health reform law

By Editor, on January 18th, 2011

In a News Release, Tuesday, January 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services reported: Without Affordable Care Act protections, in 2014, 1 in 2 non-elderly Americans could be denied coverage or charged more due to a . . . → Read More: New report: 129 million Americans with a pre-existing condition could be denied coverage without the health reform law

Implementation Timeline for the Provisions of the Health Reform Law

By Editor, on January 12th, 2011

Kaiser Family Foundation provides a very helpful and easy to understand ”Implementation Timeline” — an interactive tool to explain how and when the provisions of the health reform law will be implemented over the next several years. You can show or hide . . . → Read More: Implementation Timeline for the Provisions of the Health Reform Law

Webinar on The Impact of Healthcare Reform on Family Caregivers

By Editor, on January 12th, 2011

On November 8, 2010, the Family Caregiver Alliance, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the National Family Caregivers Association hosted a webinar entitled “The Impact of Healthcare Reform on Family Caregivers.” The archived webinar and power point are can . . . → Read More: Webinar on The Impact of Healthcare Reform on Family Caregivers

Major Health Care Forum with Global Business and Government Leaders Taking Place in Miami Jan. 12-14, 2011

By Editor, on January 9th, 2011

Under the leadership of its President, former U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, Donna E. Shalala, the University of Miami will host a major Global Business Forum, entitled “The Business of Health Care: Defining the Future,” on January . . . → Read More: Major Health Care Forum with Global Business and Government Leaders Taking Place in Miami Jan. 12-14, 2011

Radiation Risks from CT Scans

By Senior Editor, on January 6th, 2011

Enlightening Video: Radiation exposure from CT Scans can vary up to six fold between different CT Scan providers. Up to now CT Scan radiation has not been regulated. Watch video . . . → Read More: Radiation Risks from CT Scans

First Baby Boomers Hit 65: Looming Strains on Medicare Solvency

By Editor, on January 3rd, 2011

On New Year’s Day, the first baby boomers, those born in 1946, will celebrate their 65th Birthday. Beginning Jan. 1, 10,000 Baby Boomers a day will turn 65. That will continue for the next 19 years. “Baby Boomers” include . . . → Read More: First Baby Boomers Hit 65: Looming Strains on Medicare Solvency

Nine Key Provisions of the New Health Care Reform Law Take Effect January 1, 2011

By Editor, on January 2nd, 2011

Here is a list of the nine key provisions of the new national Health Care Reform Law that take effect on January 1, 2011: Restriction on Insurance Company Use of Premium Dollars. Health-insurance companies will now be required to . . . → Read More: Nine Key Provisions of the New Health Care Reform Law Take Effect January 1, 2011

The New Year Brings New Health-Care Benefits under Health Reform Law

By Editor, on January 1st, 2011

On Saturday, January 1, 2011 important new changes to U.S. health insurance rules will take effect under the new Health Reform Law – the Affordable Care Act. Among the new provisions taking effect today are: New rules designed to . . . → Read More: The New Year Brings New Health-Care Benefits under Health Reform Law

Wanted: A National Respite System - NYTimes.com

By Senior Editor, on December 31st, 2010

Over 28 million people in the United States provide care for someone age 75 or older. A 2009 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP found that 88% of family caregivers never get a break from this full-time job. . . . → Read More: Wanted: A National Respite System – NYTimes.com

A Happier New Year for The Alzheimer’s Community

By Editor, on December 29th, 2010

On December 8 and December 15, 2010, both Houses of Congress passed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA); S. 3036, which is now pending the President’s signature, making this a more hopeful News Year for the 11 million Americans . . . → Read More: A Happier New Year for The Alzheimer’s Community

Central Provision of Health Care Law Is Ruled Unconstitutional

By Editor, on December 14th, 2010

On Monday, December 13, Federal District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson of the Federal District Court in Richmond, Virginia ruled that the provision in the recently adopted health reform law requiring most Americans to obtain health insurance is unconstitutional. . . . → Read More: Central Provision of Health Care Law Is Ruled Unconstitutional

Survey of 11 Countries Finds U.S. Adults Most Likely to Forgo Medical Care Due to Cost; U.S. is Highest Cost, Most Complex System

By Editor, on November 18th, 2010

According to a study published November 18, 2010 by The Commonwealth Fund: “A new 11-country survey from The Commonwealth Fund finds that adults in the United States are far more likely than those in 10 other industrialized nations to . . . → Read More: Survey of 11 Countries Finds U.S. Adults Most Likely to Forgo Medical Care Due to Cost; U.S. is Highest Cost, Most Complex System

Medicare Patients Often Harmed in Hospitals, Study Says

By Senior Editor, on November 16th, 2010

Mistakes Chronicled on Medicare Patients By DUFF WILSON Published: November 15, 2010 According to a new study from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, one of every seven Medicare beneficiaries who is . . . → Read More: Medicare Patients Often Harmed in Hospitals, Study Says

Alzheimers Has Hefty Global Price Tag: World Alzheimer Report Findings

By Editor, on November 1st, 2010

A recent international report about Alzheimer’s disease suggests that the global economic impact of dementia costs about $604 billion or 1% of the global Gross Domestic Product, indicating that the financial toll of caring for patients with Alzheimer’s is . . . → Read More: Alzheimers Has Hefty Global Price Tag: World Alzheimer Report Findings

States Back Rule to Use 80% of Health Premiums for Care

By Editor, on October 22nd, 2010

WASHINGTON — State insurance commissioners on Thursday, October 21, unanimously endorsed the tough new standards in the federal Health Reform Law, which would require health insurance companies to spend at least 80% of each premium dollar on health care for the benefit of . . . → Read More: States Back Rule to Use 80% of Health Premiums for Care