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Democrats, GOP continue to trade barbs over health reform, plan next moves

Politico: Democrats are following a call from President Barack Obama in daring Republicans to try to repeal the health care reform law. "And they started with what Democrats hope will become one of the most popular features of the overhaul plan, a provision that allow young adults to stay on their parents' insurance plans until age 26.

23 Apr 2010

Americans struggling to understand effect of health reform law

The first Kaiser Health Tracking Poll fielded since the passage of health reform last month finds that 8 in 10 Americans know that President Obama signed the legislation into law. But 55 percent say they are confused about the law and more than half (56%) say they don't yet have enough information to understand how it will affect them personally.

22 Apr 2010

Patient Protection and Affordability Act requirement goes into affect in September 2010: BCBSM

A diploma won't be the only thing carried away from high school and college commencement ceremonies in Michigan this spring. Young adults also will be carrying their parents' Blue Cross health insurance card.

22 Apr 2010

ASTRO President speaks on radiation therapy for treatment of prostate cancer at MEDCAC meeting

ASTRO President Anthony Zietman, M.D., spoke before the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee meeting today on radiation therapy for treatment of localized prostate cancer. MEDCAC provides advice and recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for what is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, based on scientific evidence.

22 Apr 2010

New studies on cancer prevention presented at 101st AACR Annual Meeting 2010

Interest in cancer prevention is increasing as scientists continue to learn new information and confirm what was already suspected.

22 Apr 2010

Hospice Advocates encourage policy makers to protect access to end-of-life care for all Americans

Today 450 Hospice Advocates from across the country took part in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's Capitol Hill Day 2010 by meeting with their U.S. Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill and encouraging policy makers to preserve and protect access to compassionate, high-quality end-of-life care for all Americans.

22 Apr 2010

Retired public employee's benefits in budget trimmers' sights

Miami Herald: "The [Florida] House dropped its plan to save $224 million by eliminating a monthly health insurance subsidy for about 300,000 retired public employees, many of them politically influential former teachers, police officers and firefighters. Axing the health subsidy for retirees had enraged public employee unions and Democrats, who accused Republicans of breaking a pact with public workers.

22 Apr 2010

As more reform specifics emerge, so do questions, answers and impacts

As details of health reform policies shake out, questions, answers and consequences are emerging.

22 Apr 2010

States reach compromise on financial healthcare reforms

After all the posturing and grand standing the states have finally reached a compromise on the financial healthcare reforms suggested by the Federal Government. Prime Misnter Kevin Rudd may be happy about the outcome, but he still has more to do. The work is only just beginning for the long haul.

22 Apr 2010

Proposed Medicare payment changes for hospitals would lower reimbursements slightly

The Wall Street Journal: "Hospital stocks moved higher Tuesday after the agency that runs Medicare proposed new inpatient services rates for the next fiscal year that were somewhat better than many had expected. Monday evening the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said it would like to cut Medicare operating payments to acute care hospitals for inpatient services occurring in the next fiscal year by $142 million, or 0.1%. These figures don't include the impact of the new health-care reform law, which analysts said would cut the rate by another 0.25%".

22 Apr 2010

Women and men experience different outcomes at U.S. hospitals: HealthGrades

Women and men experience different outcomes at U.S. hospitals for the same procedures and treatments, according to a new study released today by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

22 Apr 2010

Berwick may face difficult confirmation in Senate

News outlets continue to report on Donald Berwick, who was nominated by President Barack Obama to be administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

22 Apr 2010

Abbott's first-quarter worldwide pharmaceutical sales increases by 12.9%

Abbott today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

21 Apr 2010

Drugmakers raised prices last year in anticipation of new health law, Eli Lilly reports financial hit

"Drug companies sharply raised prices last year, ahead of increased rebates they must pay to Medicaid and other expenses tied to the federal health overhaul passed last month. Prices for brand-name pharmaceuticals rose 9.1% last year, the biggest increase in at least a decade, according to pharmacy-benefit manager Express Scripts Inc."

21 Apr 2010

CVS Caremark survey results of specialty pharmacy patients

CVS Caremark today announced results of a survey of the company's specialty pharmacy patients that provides insights into their views on medication adherence and their perceptions about the role of their specialty pharmacy. The survey results show nearly 70 percent of respondents believe their specialty pharmacy team played an important role in encouraging them to take their specialty medications as prescribed.

21 Apr 2010

Physicians, patients sign online petition to stop Medicare Meltdown

Medicare, the foundation of America's health system, is crumbling and needs permanent repair. Yet Congress just passed major health system reform legislation without solving the Medicare problem.

21 Apr 2010

New survey shows 82% of patients select OTC products recommended by their pharmacist

According to the most recent Pharmacy Today Over-the-Counter Product Survey conducted by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), pharmacists believe that 82 percent of consumers purchase over-the-counter products that were recommended by their pharmacist.

21 Apr 2010

Elan's first-quarter total revenue up by 27% to $310.5M

Elan Corporation, plc, today reported its first quarter 2010 financial results.

21 Apr 2010

Study: Magazine's rankings of hospitals reflect reputation, not necessarily quality

The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Hospital rankings shouldn't be a popularity contest. But U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Hospitals issue is just that -- and not a reflection of the quality of care that is provided -- says a study conducted by a local physician.

21 Apr 2010

UnitedHealth's profits rise while future gains may be impacted by reform

The Associated Press: "Insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. trumped first-quarter earnings expectations and raised its 2010 profit forecast Tuesday, but a meager stock reaction showed investors haven't forgotten about the recently concluded health care reform push. The Minnetonka, Minn., insurer said it trimmed the percentage of premium revenue it spent on medical bills for its commercial insurance to 79 percent, down from 81 percent in last year's first quarter."

21 Apr 2010

Medicare News and Research

Democrats, GOP continue to trade barbs over health reform, plan next moves

Americans struggling to understand effect of health reform law

Patient Protection and Affordability Act requirement goes into affect in September 2010: BCBSM

ASTRO President speaks on radiation therapy for treatment of prostate cancer at MEDCAC meeting

New studies on cancer prevention presented at 101st AACR Annual Meeting 2010

Hospice Advocates encourage policy makers to protect access to end-of-life care for all Americans

Retired public employee's benefits in budget trimmers' sights

As more reform specifics emerge, so do questions, answers and impacts

States reach compromise on financial healthcare reforms

Proposed Medicare payment changes for hospitals would lower reimbursements slightly

Women and men experience different outcomes at U.S. hospitals: HealthGrades

Berwick may face difficult confirmation in Senate

Abbott's first-quarter worldwide pharmaceutical sales increases by 12.9%

Drugmakers raised prices last year in anticipation of new health law, Eli Lilly reports financial hit

CVS Caremark survey results of specialty pharmacy patients

Physicians, patients sign online petition to stop Medicare Meltdown

New survey shows 82% of patients select OTC products recommended by their pharmacist

Elan's first-quarter total revenue up by 27% to $310.5M

Study: Magazine's rankings of hospitals reflect reputation, not necessarily quality

UnitedHealth's profits rise while future gains may be impacted by reform

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