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Virtues of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act a 'mixed bag' for older Americans

Although the effects of the controversial health care reform act will be somewhat muted for many older Americans, it will inevitably have enough of an impact that seniors will discover that there is plenty to like and dislike about the law, a University of Illinois expert on elder law cautions in published research.

9 Feb 2011

Steep reductions in co-pays may not motivate seniors to seek mental health care: Study

Despite the intent of recent mental health "parity" legislation, including the Affordable Care Act, even steep reductions in co-pays for outpatient mental health care will not motivate more seniors in managed care plans to seek that care, according to a new study by Brown University researchers.

9 Feb 2011

ONC announces additional funds to help CAHs for health IT adoption

Dr. David Blumenthal, MD, MPP, national coordinator for health information technology in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology today announced an additional $12 million in new technical support assistance to help critical access hospitals and rural hospitals adopt and become meaningful users of certified health information technology.

9 Feb 2011

Chief medical officer offers tips to women for better heart health

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, most people's thoughts turn to matters of the heart. Although it's great fun to play Cupid this time of year, February is also American Heart Month — an important time for women in particular to understand their health risks.

9 Feb 2011

HHS Medicaid savings agenda must prevail despite opposition

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius should continue encouraging state Medicaid programs to explore more affordable pharmacy solutions despite opposition from the independent drugstore lobby, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) said today.

9 Feb 2011

Updating approach to pharmacy benefits will help Florida Medicaid save $462 million

"Governor Scott is taking important steps to reduce wasteful spending in Medicaid, which is a big problem when it comes to pharmacy benefits. Because of its old-school 'fee-for-service' approach, Florida Medicaid pays drugstores much more than either Medicare or the commercial market pays them. Over the next decade, Florida could save $462 million - without cutting benefits, eligibility or payments to doctor and hospitals - simply by updating its approach to pharmacy benefits."

9 Feb 2011

Battle lines clear as House Republicans hold two hearings this week on abortion legislation

For the GOP, the issue requires a delicate balance between its conservative base and independent voters while two junior Democrats take hardline positions against the Republican plans.

9 Feb 2011

Health care reform study offers comprehensive review of new federal law impact on Florida

A new report released today by the Collins Center for Public Policy looks beyond the pitched battles over health care reform and instead offers a comprehensive review of the new federal law and its potential impact on Florida.

8 Feb 2011

Elan 2010 total revenue increases 5% to $1,169.7 million

Elan Corporation, plc today reported its fourth quarter and full-year 2010 financial results and provided financial guidance for 2011.

8 Feb 2011

Teva fourth quarter net sales increase 16% to record $4.4 billion

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2010.

8 Feb 2011

U.S. News Media Group releases 2011 Best Nursing Homes online rankings

U.S. News Media Group has released the 2011 Best Nursing Homes rankings, available online at www.usnews.com/nursinghomes. The list highlights facilities across the nation providing high-quality care and is a worthwhile tool for millions of elderly Americans and their families in search of a nursing home.

8 Feb 2011

Anthem Blue Cross reminds seniors in Maine to get vaccinated against annual flu, pneumonia

While the seasonal flu can be very serious for patients of any age, senior citizens are particularly vulnerable. That's why Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is reminding seniors across the state to get their annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

8 Feb 2011

Aetna, Tenet sign new multi-year agreement to access quality health care services

Tenet Healthcare Corporation and Aetna announced today that they have signed a new multi-year agreement.

7 Feb 2011

Health care fraud: No longer a faceless crime, now it has a mug shot

Health care fraud once was a faceless crime. Now it has a mug shot, even a smile.

7 Feb 2011

State Roundup: Setting up health insurance exchanges; Community-based clinics cuts; Autism legislation; End-of-life care

The board of the Health Benefit Exchange is going to be small and mighty. ... This exchange will concentrate the health insurance buying power of millions of Californians, and will be the central force in implementing national health care reform in California (Gorn, 2/4).

7 Feb 2011

Unison Health Plan of Pennsylvania announces name change to UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Unison Health Plan of Pennsylvania, based in Monroeville, has joined its Philadelphia-based sister company, AmeriChoice of Pennsylvania, under the name UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. The combined plans serve more than 280,000 health plan members in Pennsylvania.

7 Feb 2011

Sugary snacks and lax dental hygiene put kids at risk for tooth decay

While the most prevalent focus of February is on Valentine's sweethearts, parents are well advised to also focus on the proverbial sweet tooth - particularly when it comes to their children. That's because February is National Children's Dental Health Month, an ideal time - according to Health Net, Inc. - for moms and dads to make sure that sugary snacks, as well as lax dental hygiene - aren't putting their kids at risk for tooth decay.

7 Feb 2011

Humana fourth quarter diluted EPS decreases to $0.63

Humana Inc. today reported diluted earnings per common share (EPS) for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 (4Q10) of $0.63, compared to $1.48 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 (4Q09).

7 Feb 2011

NQF annual conference to focus on population health

The passage of sweeping healthcare legislation and the recent election of the 112th Congress make these exciting but uncertain times for American healthcare. The National Quality Forum's annual conference, "Achieving Health of Individuals and Populations Within Their Communities," will focus on population health and bring together policymakers and key public- and private-sector stakeholders, each representing their own perspectives for improving health and healthcare throughout the country.

5 Feb 2011

Northern Virginia Magazine releases names of physicians recognized as 'Top Doctors'

Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States announced today that 70 Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group physicians were named among the region's "Top Doctors" in Northern Virginia Magazine's February 2011 edition.

5 Feb 2011

Medicare News and Research

Virtues of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act a 'mixed bag' for older Americans

Steep reductions in co-pays may not motivate seniors to seek mental health care: Study

ONC announces additional funds to help CAHs for health IT adoption

Chief medical officer offers tips to women for better heart health

HHS Medicaid savings agenda must prevail despite opposition

Updating approach to pharmacy benefits will help Florida Medicaid save $462 million

Battle lines clear as House Republicans hold two hearings this week on abortion legislation

Health care reform study offers comprehensive review of new federal law impact on Florida

Elan 2010 total revenue increases 5% to $1,169.7 million

Teva fourth quarter net sales increase 16% to record $4.4 billion

U.S. News Media Group releases 2011 Best Nursing Homes online rankings

Anthem Blue Cross reminds seniors in Maine to get vaccinated against annual flu, pneumonia

Aetna, Tenet sign new multi-year agreement to access quality health care services

Health care fraud: No longer a faceless crime, now it has a mug shot

State Roundup: Setting up health insurance exchanges; Community-based clinics cuts; Autism legislation; End-of-life care

Unison Health Plan of Pennsylvania announces name change to UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Sugary snacks and lax dental hygiene put kids at risk for tooth decay

Humana fourth quarter diluted EPS decreases to $0.63

NQF annual conference to focus on population health

Northern Virginia Magazine releases names of physicians recognized as 'Top Doctors'

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