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First Edition: February 27, 2012

Among today's health policy headlines, a new Politico poll highlights the deep divide in public opinion that exists regarding the repeal of the health law.

27 Feb 2012

Romney calls for raising Medicare age gradually to 67

The candidate detailed some of his Medicare plan in front of a crowd of about 1200 people on Friday in Michigan, according to news accounts.

27 Feb 2012

New phone number to University of Michigan memory loss and dementia services

Her diagnosis was scary: Alzheimer's Disease. So Myriam Torres was desperate for accurate information and help with coping with what the future might bring.

23 Feb 2012

States propose more Medicaid cuts, changes to save money

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is proposing cutting $2.7 billion from that state's Medicaid program. Also, New Mexico's governor is proposing Medicaid patients pay more out of pocket if they go to the ER for care that's not an emergency. Georgia may drug-test Medicaid patients, and California Medicaid changes are questioned by patient advocates.

23 Feb 2012

AAOS calls for submission of stories of orthopaedic care

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) encourages patients of all ages to submit their stories of orthopaedic care at www.aNationinMotion.org

23 Feb 2012

AHCA, NCAL announce multi-year Quality Initiative

Long term and post-acute care leadership from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced a multi-year initiative this week to meet new quality goals, including reducing hospital readmission rates and improving staff retention.

23 Feb 2012

GOP presidential hopefuls face off in two battleground states

Issues ranging from plans to cap or cut Medicaid spending to voting positions on the Medicare prescription drug program are among the policies being tossed about as candidates jockey for Tea Party votes and conservative credentials.

23 Feb 2012

Study confirms efficacy of CT Colonography as a front line colorectal cancer screening tool

Computerized tomographic (CT) colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is comparable to standard colonoscopy in its ability to accurately detect cancer and precancerous polyps in people ages 65 and older, according to a paper published online today in Radiology.

23 Feb 2012

First Edition: February 22, 2012

In today's health policy headlines, the Supreme Court added 30 minutes to the time allocation for next month's health law arguments. Also in the news, the federal government announced funding awards yesterday to help launch consumer-governed health plans in eight states.

22 Feb 2012

State roundup: Calif. expands uninsured access, gives adult day care reprieve

Nearly two years before the federal health reform law kicks in, 10 California counties have expanded medical coverage to more than 250,000 people who were previously uninsured, according to new state data.

22 Feb 2012

First study to gauge college students' willingness to donate to a genetic biobank

A majority of college students is receptive to donating blood or other genetic material for scientific research, according to a new study from Southern Methodist University, Dallas.

22 Feb 2012

First Edition: February 21, 2012

Today's health policy headlines include reports about how the Supreme Court's consideration of the health law could prolong the fight over the sweeping measure.

21 Feb 2012

Nation's top hospitals for emergency medical care

A report released today by HealthGrades, the leading provider of information to help consumers make an informed decision about a physician or hospital, identified the nation's top performing hospital for emergency medical care. The analysis also found large differences in the risk adjusted mortality rates for patients admitted through the Emergency Department, both by hospital and by market area.

21 Feb 2012

COMMUNITY 2012, the ALFA Conference and Expo to be held in Dallas in May 2012

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) today shared details about COMMUNITY 2012, the ALFA Conference and Expo, scheduled for May 16-18, 2012 in Dallas. COMMUNITY 2012 will bring together a global community of senior living executives for executive-level sessions, peer-to-peer collaboration, and professional networking.

20 Feb 2012

Slow walk and poor grip may predict dementia and stroke

According to U.S. researchers the speed of a person’s walk may predict the likelihood of developing dementia later in life. They also told a conference that grip strength in middle-age was linked to the chance of a stroke. The scientists said more studies were needed to understand the connection.

18 Feb 2012

SFCS to host special showing of the Third Age Suit for seniors

Leading design professionals came together earlier this week for the 27th annual By Design conference. By Design was developed by SFCS Architects to provide staff and industry professionals the opportunity to participate and share the latest innovations and research in the field of senior living. The conference was attended by over 250 participants.

18 Feb 2012

AGHE to hold 38th Annual Meeting and Educational Leadership Conference, Feb. 23-26

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) - the educational branch of The Gerontological Society of America - will hold its 38th Annual Meeting and Educational Leadership Conference from February 23 to 26 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA. Media representatives are invited to attend free of charge.

18 Feb 2012

Medicare Part D beneficiaries flock to lower cost Part D plans with competitive pharmacy networks

New 2012 Medicare Part D data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) show the growing popularity among Medicare Part D beneficiaries in choosing plans featuring lower cost preferred pharmacy network options.

18 Feb 2012

FDA to reconsider diet drug that failed to get approval in 2010

Next week, advisers to the Food and Drug Administration will recommend whether the agency should approve the first new prescription diet pill in 13 years. The F.D.A. rejected the drug under review, Qnexa, in 2010, amid safety concerns, and the drug's manufacturer is now presenting additional data to argue its case.

18 Feb 2012

AUA: SGR is a fatally flawed payment system and a tremendous burden to physicians

In response to today's vote by Congress to legislation that provides a 10-month delay to Medicare physician reimbursement cuts, freezing current rates and averting a 27.4 percent cut, the American Urological Association (AUA) issued the following statement.

18 Feb 2012