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New fruit-flavored protein drinks for nutritionally challenged

The Isopure Company, LLC. announced today the U.S. launch of Isopure Plus - a new line of clear, fruit-flavored protein drinks offering seniors and people with nutritional challenges a great-tasting, easy-to-digest alternative to thick milkshake-like protein formulations.

6 Oct 2009

Reform effort could expand drug coverage, affordability

One impact of health insurance exchanges, proposed by Democrats as part of the health care overhaul, could be better prescription drug coverage for some consumers, the Los Angeles Times explains. The exchanges would require drug coverage as part of a minimum benefits package. The flip side is that some people may be forced to buy drug coverage they don't want.

6 Oct 2009

Health Communications launches new version of TIPS program

Health Communications, Inc., provider of the TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) Program, today announced the release of its new version of the TIPS for the University Program.

5 Oct 2009

Eleventh-hour lobbying campaigns hope to lower costs to industry

As the Senate Finance Committee finalizes its health reform proposal, medical-device makers are hoping to convince lawmakers to make one last change, The Wall Street Journal reports. "The Advanced Medical Technology Association, or AdvaMed, the trade group for the larger device manufacturers, wants [Committee Chair Max Baucus of Montana] to reduce $40 billion in fees over the next decade to $15 billion, according to people close to the negotiations. But industry was told that offer is too low.

5 Oct 2009

Lawmakers plan to finance health reform with Medicare cuts, much to seniors' dismay

Lawmakers are planning to pay for much of their plans to expand coverage to the uninsured by slowing Medicare spending by as much as $500 billion over 10 years, Long Island Newsday reports. Democrats say the only thing the cuts "take out of Medicare is waste" - in the words of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, - but Republicans who oppose the Democrat-led reform effort have warned that cuts will reduce services for seniors.

5 Oct 2009

Lawmakers urged to defend adequate Medicare funding to protect most vulnerable constituents' care

As October 1, 2009 signals the beginning of the new fiscal year 2010, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) said cuts of up to $16 billion over ten years to Medicare funded nursing home care being put into effect today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must be taken into account by U.S. Senate and House leaders as they continue to refine the financing details of their respective health care reform bills.

5 Oct 2009

National experts to address epilepsy disorder

The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota is partnering with Mayo Clinic to host a regional patient education conference called “Living with Seizures: Today & Tomorrow.” The regional conference will feature national experts in epilepsy, panel discussions and breakout sessions that include the following topics:

5 Oct 2009

UnitedHealthcare launches 2010 portfolio of Medicare products

UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company, today introduced its 2010 portfolio of Medicare products that provide seniors an affordable way to manage their health care and prescription drug needs.

5 Oct 2009

Falls are a major cause for eye injuries in the elderly

The most common fear for family members when an elderly relative falls is broken bones. But eye injuries can be just as serious and debilitating. Home is the where most eye injuries occur, and slips and falls are among the most common type of home injuries. Slippery stairs, loose railings, or sharp edges on furniture can lead to painful falls and devastating eye injuries for seniors, as well as children and other household members.

3 Oct 2009

University of Florida to study whether exercise can prevent disability in older people

The University of Florida will receive $29.5 million in federal stimulus funds over the next two years from the National Institute on Aging to begin a six-year study on whether a program of structured physical activity can prevent or delay major movement disability in older adults.

3 Oct 2009

NCPA: Bill may allow seniors to continue getting valuable health care supplies from community pharmacies

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 3663, a bill introduced yesterday by Reps. Zach Space (D-OH) and Lee Terry (R-NE) extending the accreditation deadline for pharmacies providing Medicare Part B Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) from Sept. 30 to Dec. 31, 2009.

3 Oct 2009

Seniors fret cuts to private Medicare plans

Seniors' number one reform concern is Medicare, which stands to face up to $500 billion in cuts over the next decade, NPR reports. About 25 percent of the savings will come from Medicare Advantage, a program of privately-operated managed care plans that provide seniors' benefits.

3 Oct 2009

Medicare advantage plans to increase premiums for some -- but not all -- in 2010

Kaiser Health News staff writer Phil Galewitz reports on the future prospects for seniors who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage. "In Miami next year, seniors once again won't have to pay any monthly premiums for a Medicare health plan sold by HMO giant Humana Inc.

3 Oct 2009

New health care ads hit the airwaves

The onslaught of health care advertising continues, with new ads from MoveOn.org, Organizing for America, the medical industry and Americans United for Change.

3 Oct 2009

New flu emergency website launched

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania has launched a new regional website geared towards helping families, individuals and organizations find up-to-date information on where to go for H1N1 and seasonal influenza shots and other critical news regarding the seasonal flu epidemics expected to hit the region.

3 Oct 2009

Budget cuts to affect low-income seniors

An 81-year-old San Francisco woman with dementia, little money and an equally aged caregiver sister who is suffering from cancer.

3 Oct 2009

Aspirin use in seniors study

Researchers at Monash University and the United States-based Berman Center for Outcomes & Clinical Research will lead an international clinical trial to test whether taking aspirin contributes to good health in the elderly.

1 Oct 2009

Fact check: Canadian versus. U.S. systems; AARP claims

The Associated Press examines rhetoric and reality in the case of a Canadian who came to the U.S. for health care.

1 Oct 2009

Democrats shoot down Republican abortion amendment, others pass

Members of the Senate Finance Committee wrangled Wednesday over proposed amendments to tighten abortion restrictions to the panel's health reform bill, with Democrats ultimately defeating the effort.

1 Oct 2009

Jim Mark has been appointed as new Vice President of Private Care Association of Florida

The Private Care Association of Florida has elected Jim Mark of American Home Companions as Vice President of the association. Mr. Mark is attending the national Private Care Association Conference in Washington D.C. this week in an effort to bring attention to the critical issues facing private care options.

1 Oct 2009