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Health plan advanced by Senator Baucus is a step in the right direction: CEO of AHCA

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care (Alliance) characterized the health care finance reform plan released by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus as a step in the right direction, and said the process moving forward to a final bill should avoid steep cuts to Medicare financed nursing home care for the benefit of U.S. seniors, the overall stability of the nation's vital long term care sector, and the ongoing success of quality improvement initiatives.

18 Sep 2009

Nutrisystem and House Foods to promote Nutrisystem J Diet in Japan

As part of a plan to expand its brand, Nutrisystem Inc., is announcing a licensing agreement with House Foods International, to market Nutrisystem J Diet in Japan.

17 Sep 2009

American Lung Association applauds EPA’s decision to reduce threat from dangerous air pollutant

Today the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa Jackson, announced that the Agency will embark on a formal review of the national air quality standard for ozone, a decision that offers the opportunity to finally protect the health of millions of Americans from the most widespread and one of the most dangerous air pollutants.

17 Sep 2009

Senate Finance Committee proposes cuts for home medical equipment

This morning, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) issued his recommendations for healthcare reform in his long-awaited "Chairman's mark" version of the bill.

17 Sep 2009

Speaker Pelosi comments on Senator Baucus' proposals in health insurance reform

Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the proposal released by Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee:

17 Sep 2009

Health plans will continue working with members of Congress to enact bipartisan legislation: AHIP

"Senator Max Baucus has led an unprecedented and rigorous bipartisan process to enact health care reform this year and challenged all stakeholders to contribute to this process. The introduction of legislation in the Finance Committee is a very important step in the health care reform process.

17 Sep 2009

Insurers say seniors in Medicare Advantage spend less time in hospital

Insurers say seniors in Medicare Advantage spend less time in the hospital. CQ HealthBeat reports: "A new study issued Tuesday by the health insurance industry touts the benefits offered by Medicare Advantage, just as Congress contemplates slashing bonus payments to the managed-care program to help pay for the health care overhaul."

17 Sep 2009

How-to guides: Help an elderly parent, find your own insurance

News organizations offer advice on how to care for an elderly parent without going broke and how to find health insurance before becoming eligible for Medicare.

17 Sep 2009

AAHSA commends Senate Finance Committee's work on health care reform

We commend the Senate Finance Committee for the work they have put into developing an equitable and affordable approach to making health care coverage accessible to the millions of Americans who do not now have it.

16 Sep 2009

eMed-Trac live instant tracking device launched

eMed-ID, the world's first emergency medical information device franchise, announced today the launch of eMed-Trac, a live instant tracking device designed for people with Alzheimer's, dementia and other cognitive impairments, or children who need to be closely supervised by parents for medical or other reasons.

16 Sep 2009

Speaker Pelosi's remarks at the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee forum on health insurance reform

Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered opening remarks this morning at a forum held by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee that highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive health insurance reform.

16 Sep 2009

Medicare Advantage's preventive health care strategy keeps seniors out of the hospital

Seniors in Medicare Advantage spent fewer days in a hospital, were subject to fewer hospital re-admissions, and were less likely to have "potentially avoidable" admissions, for common conditions ranging from uncontrolled diabetes to dehydration, according to a new analysis of publicly available AHRQ data released today by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

16 Sep 2009

Youthful Aging celebrates 15th anniversary

A most unusual home health care firm is marking its 15th anniversary of helping seniors do more than they think they can do.

16 Sep 2009

Today's Op-Ed selections: Medicare, Medicaid and the Constitution

My patient had just been the recipient of a rare and highly valued medical commodity, a treatment that is as quantifiable in its effects as the milligrams of a medication or the number of stitches in a wound: Time (Daphne Miller, 9/15).

16 Sep 2009

Ten tips from SCAN Health Plan to help protect your health as you age

The average life expectancy has topped 78 years, giving people more reasons to celebrate and seek ways to protect or improve their health. In recognition of Healthy Aging Month in September, SCAN Health Plan Arizona takes an in-depth look at healthy aging -- mentally and physically -- during television and radio programs this month and offers 10 tips to better health.

15 Sep 2009

Poll: Opposition to reform still high but easing

A new ABC News-Washington Post poll found that 48 percent of Americans approve of Obama's handling of health care. "Bottom-line views on health care reform have stabilized but failed to improve since President Obama addressed the nation, leaving him with a continued challenge in selling his plan to a public that remains skeptical about its benefits and costs alike," ABC News reports.

14 Sep 2009

Seniors most skeptical of health overhaul

Age plays a role in shaping people's thoughts on health care reform with seniors worried and confused about an overhaul.

14 Sep 2009

Medicare-funded nursing homes will be affected by the pending health reform bill: Maine Health Care Association

As Congress reconvened this week in the wake of polls finding the public strongly against slashing Medicare-funded nursing home care to pay for health care reform, local opposition to proposed $32 billion ten year Medicare cuts is garnering a rising level of local press coverage.

14 Sep 2009

Pendant style help button alerts users of potential risks

Philips Lifeline is issuing an important safety notice to its more than 750,000 subscribers of its personal emergency response service to alert users of potential risks with wearing a "pendant" style help button. The service is used primarily by seniors living independently in their homes who feel they are at risk of falls. By pressing a "help button" worn on the body, users connect to a remote monitoring center, staffed 24 hours a day, that can send emergency assistance to the user's home.

14 Sep 2009

Young 'invincible' adults quiet on health reform, seniors remain confused

Invincibles, the "strong and healthy young adults who have no experience with wallet-crippling illness and feel they have no need for coverage," may be "the most likely to be affected by the reform effort" outlined by President Barack Obama on Wednesday, The Baltimore Sun reports. "Adults ages 18 to 34 comprise more than half of the nation's uninsured.

11 Sep 2009