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People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Medicare
Weekend Reading: Health articles online
Investigate IVF clinics? Will there be a debate over Medicare’s future? Is Obama’s ruling on contraception an attack on religion? School-based health centers: a nonpartisan solution?
The coming nursing home shortage
The latest casualty of the Great Recession may soon be the nation’s elderly. Cuts in government payments for patient care and less construction of new nursing homes are already taking a toll. Add to this the aging baby boom generation and you have a worst-case scenario.
Long-term care insurance can come up short
Will it cover your needs? Can you pay for it? Can you afford not to have it?
Tips for buying long-term care insurance
Don’t buy if the out-of-pocket cost for the coverage would be more than you can afford. Policies differ greatly so know what you are buying. Shop around.
Weekend Reading: International baby business and Medicare whac-a-mole
International surrogate-pregnancy business booms. What is Medicare anyway? Five ways to cut health-care costs. And playing Medicare ‘Whac-A-Mole’
Want to quit smoking? Your health plan may want to help.
Some companies are also penalizing employees who don’t give up cigarettes by hitting them with higher health insurance premiums.
State’s health ranking slips from 10th in the nation to 15th
Among the trends that drove down the state’s rankings this year were rises in the rates of obesity, diabetes, and smoking — and a decline in high school graduation rates.
Medicare to penalize hospitals with high readmission rates
Starting next fall, Medicare will begin penalizing hospitals if their readmission rates are higher than expected for three conditions: heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia.
Alert: Medicare offers extra enrollment time for seniors who call today
Federal officials are extending the Dec. 7 deadline for three days for some people who have had trouble enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug or private health plan because of the crush of last-minute sign-ups. Calls to Medicare’s toll-free information line, 800-633-4227 can be made until midnight tonight. “It is critical that people with Medicare who want to make a change in their coverage act today.”
What every baby boomer should know about Medicare
Five tips to help you navigate Medicare: 1) You must sign up for Medicare when you turn 65. 2) Medicare is not free. 3) Medicare does not cover everything . . .
Tools help you choose a good nursing home
Finding a high-quality nursing home is a daunting task. Fortunately, there is information online that can help you learn about nursing home quality.
Politics forces leadership change at Medicare and Medicaid Services
Republicans blocked confirmation of President Obama’s appointee Dr. Donald M. Berwick. The current political climate on Capitol Hill may mean that Tavenner is just as likely to see her nomination stall
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