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End-of-life options for seriously ill patients have improved considerably, but still have a ways ago

End-of-life options for seriously ill patients have improved considerably, but still have a ways ago, says a national expert who drew upon the recent experience of his father’s death to take stock of the status of end-of-life care in the United States.

14 May 2004

Thoratec gets FDA approval for increased enrollment and Medicare expansion for heart pump

Thoratec Corporation, a manufacturer of products to treat cardiovascular disease, has announced the expansion of its Phase I feasibility trial for the HeartMate(R) II left ventricular assist system (LVAS).

12 May 2004

CMS proposed rule that would increase payments to acute care hospitals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued a proposed rule that would increase payments to acute care hospitals for inpatient services in fiscal year 2005

11 May 2004

Study shows states will see an average 44 percent increase in Alzheimer’s disease by 2025

According to the May 11 issue of Neurology, U. S. states will see an average 44 percent increase in Alzheimer’s disease by 2025, with the Western and Southeastern states to be hit the hardest.

11 May 2004

CMS announces 2005 Medicare Advantage payment rates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released the Medicare Advantage (formerly Medicare + Choice) payment rates for 2005.

11 May 2004

Australian Federal Budget prepares for emerging health challenges

The 2004-2005 Federal Budget contains a package of measures to ensure that Australia is prepared for the emerging health challenges facing the nation.

11 May 2004

50 Fortune 500 companies join forces to give four million uninsured working Americans access to affordable health insurance

More than 50 Fortune 500 companies have joined forces to give an estimated four million uninsured working Americans access to affordable health insurance coverage. The united effort is part of a broad market reform to reduce spiraling health care costs and incorporate performance standards that help consumers choose hospitals and physicians.

10 May 2004

Department of Health and Senior Services selects Medicare drug discount card provider

Health and Senior Services Commissioner Clifton R. Lacy, M.D. today announced the selection of Medco’s Preferred Prescriptions Discount Card Program to provide federal Medicare drug discount services to 81,000 beneficiaries in the state’s Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program.

8 May 2004

Differing views on discount drug pricing

Medicare drug discount cards are now available for purchase. The US government estimates, the cards could save seniors as much as 25 percent of their prescription drug costs. According to a Harvard study

8 May 2004

HHS pushes Medicare-approved drug discount cards on mothers day

This year for Mother's Day, HHS Secretary Thompson urges families to give their mothers who are Medicare beneficiaries the gift of savings on prescription drugs by helping them pursue Medicare-approved drug discount cards.

7 May 2004

AIDS nursing homes to get better Medicare deal

Nursing homes treating patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome—AIDS—will see an increase in their Medicare payment rates this fall, according to Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency that oversees the program.

6 May 2004

Medicare says drug discount program shows savings up to 17 percent for brand name drugs

The first analysis comparing the Medicare-approved drug discount cards with the current prices for prescription medicines shows savings of at least 10 to 17 percent for brand name drugs and far larger savings for generic drugs

6 May 2004

FDA to improve access to health information for Hispanic communities

As part of the celebration for Cinco de Mayo 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (NAHH) today strengthened their commitment to work together to improve access to health information, especially to Hispanic communities in the United States.

5 May 2004

ASTRO holds first legislative training program in Washington, D.C.

Members of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology converged on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., last week for the Society’s inaugural legislative training and advocacy program.

5 May 2004

New Medicare funded health check for indigenous Australians

The Australian Government has introduced a new Medicare funded health check for Indigenous Australians to help prevent and treat chronic illness.

5 May 2004

Study finds problems in medication prescribing for vulnerable older patients

Older patients at risk of decline and death do not receive recommended medication to treat their chronic health problems about half of the time, according to a study issued by researchers from the RAND Corporation and UCLA.

4 May 2004

America’s Health Insurance Plans to provide drug discount cards to Medicare beneficiaries

Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), made the following statement regarding HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson's announcement today of the start of the prescription drug card program:

3 May 2004

Pharmacy Care Alliance set to begin marketing to Medicare beneficiaries

The Pharmacy Care Alliance today announced that it received approval from Medicare to begin education, outreach and enrollment activities for its Medicare-approved drug discount card on May 3.

3 May 2004

Medicare drug discount cards now available

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced today that seniors and people with disabilities who receive Medicare can now begin to compare and choose the Medicare-approved drug discount card that best fits their needs in providing savings on their prescription medicines.

3 May 2004

76 percent of Medicare beneficiaries believe the Medicare drug discount cards are a good idea

According to a survey commissioned by the Pharmacy Care Alliance, a large majority-76 percent-of Medicare beneficiaries without prescription drug coverage polled believe the Medicare drug discount cards are a good idea and will help them save money.

2 May 2004

Medicare News and Research

End-of-life options for seriously ill patients have improved considerably, but still have a ways ago

Thoratec gets FDA approval for increased enrollment and Medicare expansion for heart pump

CMS proposed rule that would increase payments to acute care hospitals

Study shows states will see an average 44 percent increase in Alzheimer’s disease by 2025

CMS announces 2005 Medicare Advantage payment rates

Australian Federal Budget prepares for emerging health challenges

50 Fortune 500 companies join forces to give four million uninsured working Americans access to affordable health insurance

Department of Health and Senior Services selects Medicare drug discount card provider

Differing views on discount drug pricing

HHS pushes Medicare-approved drug discount cards on mothers day

AIDS nursing homes to get better Medicare deal

Medicare says drug discount program shows savings up to 17 percent for brand name drugs

FDA to improve access to health information for Hispanic communities

ASTRO holds first legislative training program in Washington, D.C.

New Medicare funded health check for indigenous Australians

Study finds problems in medication prescribing for vulnerable older patients

America’s Health Insurance Plans to provide drug discount cards to Medicare beneficiaries

Pharmacy Care Alliance set to begin marketing to Medicare beneficiaries

Medicare drug discount cards now available

76 percent of Medicare beneficiaries believe the Medicare drug discount cards are a good idea

Achieving and maintaining ISO 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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