Medicare lists 10 medical errors it won't pay for Oct 5, 2008
Over the last year, four state Medicaid programs have announced that they will not pay for as many as 28 "never events" (so called because they are never supposed to happen). So have some of the country's largest commercial insurers, including WellPoint, Aetna, Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in seven states. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
SEN. TIM JOHNSON: Highlights from his visit to Watertown Oct 5, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 1:56 PM CDT Johnson took a moment to sit with local health care leaders to discuss Medicare, Medicaid and electronic filing. (Over three minutes). (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
When Family Caregivers Have to Make Tough Choices Oct 5, 2008
Many facilities don't take Medicaid. Speak to a financial advisor before making a transition and consider all the options. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Trained Professionals and Online Tools Can Help Seniors Find a New Home Oct 5, 2008
They also know how Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security will affect your real estate decisions. 3. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Coble Switches on Rescue Bill Oct 5, 2008
"If steps are not taken to protect these investments, it is likely that retirees will have insufficient funds to remain independent of government programs such as subsidized housing, Medicaid, food stamps, and other health-care needs. Hopefully, this legislation will bring some stability to the credit markets and give business and individuals the certainty they need during this tumultuous time.". Another key addition was inclusion of a bill dealing with mental health parity. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Cherry employees travel widely on hospital gifts Oct 5, 2008
Cherry Hospital, for psychiatric inpatients, lost Medicare and Medicaid money after a patient's death last month ... Federal officials withdrew Medicare and Medicaid funding from Cherry Hospital last month after the death of a patient who choked on his medication, hit his head and was then left sitting in a chair for 22 hours. (News & Observer)
OUR VIEW: Medical clinic for uninsured sounds healthy Oct 4, 2008
This group of area health officials and social workers is developing a clinic to provide basic primary care services to residents of Coles County who rely on Medicaid, All Kids and Medicare, or who have no insurance. The FQHC allows for enhanced reimbursements for public aid patients receiving primary care services, and expedited payment for public aid patients, said Murray. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
State must do more to curb costs, says Medicaid’s chief administrator Oct 4, 2008
State must do more to curb costs, says Medicaid s chief administrator ... Haley) Barbour and the Legislature have been wrangling all year over how to solve the Medicaid deficit but have been stalemated ... JACKSON Mississippi should do more to contain wasteful costs in a system that generously pays hospitals and nursing homes to care for Medicaid patients, said Bob Robinson, chief administrator of the state s 4 billion-a-year health insurance program for poor people. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Residents voice opinions on failed bailout proposal Oct 4, 2008
jdh wrote on Sep 30, 2008 7:20 PM:" How to begin. I was astonished the newspaper quoted and printed the statements by Greg Seay (whoever he is and whatever his investment level - very low obviously). It's outrageous to an educated investor to allow obvious misinformed persons to make this statement as fact and unfortunately people will read this and take his statements at face value with no credentials to his name stated in this article as gospel from an "expert" because he was quoted. Shame on... (Durant Daily Democrat, OK)
Some still need a shot in the arm Oct 4, 2008
Each vaccination will cost 30, and Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted. Flu shot appointments can be scheduled online at or by calling 866-782-3014. (Huntersville Herald, NC)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Oct 4, 2008
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Emory University psychiatrist accused of conflict of interest Oct 4, 2008
Grassley is the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs that purchase drugs. In the letter from Grassley to Emory, he said that Nemeroff consistently misrepresented the amount of money he received from Glaxo. (Los Angeles Times)
Walk to School Day at Dunlop set in Orcutt Oct 4, 2008
Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted for qualifying individuals. Hancock College will host a Faculty Lecture Series on the topic of migration on Fridays during the months of September and October. (Santa Maria Times)
Communities come together to tackle ed funding Oct 4, 2008
With legal obligations from the federal government, it's very hard to make cuts in areas such as Medicaid. He said that over a period of time, it's difficult not to cut to local aid. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Recent Valley promotions and hires Oct 4, 2008
Robert M. Kessler, chief counsel of Schaller Anderson, Inc., Aetna's Medicaid business unit, has been named chair of a new Healthcare Reform Task Force created by the American Health Lawyers Association. Business management. (AZCentral -- Business)
Families dump teens under new 'safe-haven' law Oct 4, 2008
The poorest, on Medicaid, often have trouble finding therapists who will take the low rates ... Todd Landry, the state director of children and family services, denied that the involved families had not had access to aid - most of the children, for example, were in the state Medicaid program and some had received psychiatric care - and he noted that well-publicized hot lines could direct families to help. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Patient Denied Service At Thomason Facility Oct 4, 2008
"The first thing that came out of her (the receptionist) mouth was, 'Do you have Medicaid or insurance?'" said Estrada. "My mom right away took out her credit card and said, 'Charge it.' And the lady said, 'No, we only take cash or check.'". (KFOXTV.com, TX)
OUR VIEW: Medical clinic for uninsured sounds healthy Oct 3, 2008
This group of area health officials and social workers is developing a clinic to provide basic primary care services to residents of Coles County who rely on Medicaid, All Kids and Medicare, or who have no insurance. The FQHC allows for enhanced reimbursements for public aid patients receiving primary care services, and expedited payment for public aid patients, said Murray. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
ADA Presents First Humanitarian Award at 149th Annual Session Oct 3, 2008
In the mid-1990s, Dr. Underwood worked with state legislators and the TennCare Medicaid oversight committee to develop a dental care model that has more than 850 dentists statewide treating TennCare children from birth through age 20. The program, which launched in 2002, has been recognized nationally as a model program for other states. (PR Newswire)
State must do more to curb costs, says Medicaid’s chief administrator Oct 3, 2008
State must do more to curb costs, says Medicaid s chief administrator ... Haley) Barbour and the Legislature have been wrangling all year over how to solve the Medicaid deficit but have been stalemated ... JACKSON Mississippi should do more to contain wasteful costs in a system that generously pays hospitals and nursing homes to care for Medicaid patients, said Bob Robinson, chief administrator of the state s 4 billion-a-year health insurance program for poor people. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Report: Obama plan may help more uninsured Oct 3, 2008
The plan also eases qualifications for low-income families to be covered under Medicaid, the state-federal insurance program for the poor, and the State Childrens Health Insurance Program. Obamas plan is most like a plan put forth earlier this year by the Commonwealth Fund, which would also build on the current employer-based health system. (MSNBC -- Health)
Helping older ears hear again Oct 3, 2008
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurers typically cover the costs for qualifying patients. To qualify, people must have profound to severe hearing loss in both ears and be able to recognize fewer than 40 percent of words on a special test conducted in a quiet room with the best hearing aids they have. (MSNBC -- Health)
Building a medical home for all Oct 3, 2008
Currently 36 percent of the Medical Center s patients qualify for Medicaid, roughly three times the average of other large hospitals around Chicago. Just as UCMC is seeking medical homes for all emergency-room patients without a primary physician, regardless of their insurance or income, it wants to make its highly specialized care available to all patients who need it something they say is not possible if the Medical Center becomes crowded with routine cases, while other providers are... (Univeristy of Chicago Chronicle, IL)
Some still need a shot in the arm Oct 3, 2008
Each vaccination will cost 30, and Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted. Flu shot appointments can be scheduled online at or by calling 866-782-3014. (Huntersville Herald, NC)
Cephalon, Inc. Oct 3, 2008
Cephalon settles improper drug marketing case for $425M - Philadelphia Business Journal. for free extra services. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Oct 3, 2008
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
THE HEALTH FIGHT Oct 3, 2008
For starters, she put the state health agency on a performance-based footing - posting on the Web, for all to see, results from the effort to reduce neonatal deaths, obesity, diabetes, foster-care maltreatment and the time it takes to make Medicaid payments ... Many physicians won't accept Kid-care patients because the state reimburses them at Medicaid rates, 30 percent less than what private plans pay. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Violations reported at 94% of U.S. nursing homes Oct 3, 2008
The inspector general said he had found some cases in which nursing homes billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that "were not provided, or were so wholly deficient that they amounted to no care at all." ... The homes are typically inspected once a year and must meet federal standards as a condition of participating in Medicaid and Medicare, which cover more than two-thirds of their residents, at a cost of more than $75 billion a year. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Drug bust nets pound of marijuana (1998) Oct 3, 2008
CalRipken wrote on Oct 2, 2008 6:38 PM:" Well well well, another Marijuana bust. Awesome job law enforcement officials. You keep this world safe by taking drug dealers off of the street and you should be paid 10 fold for your efforts. Who else risks their life for the betterment of society? Firemen. That's it. That is a short list. We charge these men and women with enforcing the law and protecting us. Keep up the good work, at least some of my tax dollars are being well spent. Marijuana is a... (Montana Standard, MT)
QExA shows promise as senior healthcare model Oct 3, 2008
Such is the case with the new Quest Expanded Access, or QExA, which makes more health services broadly available to the elderly and disabled lower-income people enrolled in the federal Medicaid program. Essentially, the new program, which goes live Feb. 1, shifts the most vulnerable Medicaid clientele to a managed-care health plan ... Moreover, officials of the state Department of Human Services, the agency that administers federal Medicaid funds in Hawai'i, figure that regular preventive care... (Honolulu Advertiser)
And then what? Oct 3, 2008
In it, the GAO states that the federal government is on an unsustainable long-term fiscal path, driven in part by Social Security, but especially Medicare and Medicaid spending ... GAO Acting Comptroller General Gene Dodaro tells Congress what they already know: that the government has been borrowing from the Social Security surplus to pay for these increases, but that that surplus will soon be gone (he estimates by 2017 just nine years from now), while the Medicare and Medicaid... (Townhall.com)
Health Dept. offers flu shots Oct 3, 2008
However, if the patient has Medicare Part B, North Carolina Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina, Medicare Railroad, North Carolina Health Choice, CIGNA or MedCost, then the vaccine is free of charge. To receive the vaccine, patients should bring their Social Security card and their insurance card. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Presidential Candidates' Health Plans Offer Divergent Approaches To Health System Reform Oct 3, 2008
"Senator Obama is proposing to build on the broadest risk pools in the system, strengthening large employer-sponsored coverage and expanding Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, while fixing the individual insurance market with consumer protections, benefit standards, and income-related premium assistance," said Sara Collins, lead author of the report and assistant vice president at The Commonwealth Fund ... Medicaid and SCHIP. Senator Obama would make it possible for more... (Science Daily)
Editor's Mailbag (Sept. 22) Oct 3, 2008
An issue that is currently happening is the Republican Party has been able to draw the national attention away from the economy (the socialization of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and the specifics of how this crisis happened), the health-care crisis, and the future of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. We are not hearing from McCain how he will change America s foreign policy and the failing war in Afghanistan, how the working class will be able to educate our children for the future... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
How to save on groceries Oct 3, 2008
So I get to see first hand who is coming in to get the food stamps, medicaid, WIC, Tanf and section 8. do your research before you post. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Medicare lists 10 medical errors it won't pay for Oct 3, 2008
Over the last year, four state Medicaid programs have announced that they will not pay for as many as 28 "never events" (so called because they are never supposed to happen). So have some of the country's largest commercial insurers, including WellPoint, Aetna, Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in seven states. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Town Meeting warrant has a couple of surprises Oct 3, 2008
Article 3, School Budget Amendments: This article asks voters to transfer a little over $56,000 from Free Cash to reimburse the School Department for Medicaid funds deposited into the General Fund during fiscal 2008. This is a routine transfer that will have no effect on the tax rate. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
$700 billion bailout? You ain't seen nothin' Oct 3, 2008
Next, the Congressional Budget Office projected a 2008 federal budget deficit of $407 billion, driven mostly by escalating Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid costs. The data showed that these three programs - comprising nearly half of federal spending - are set to push the deficit to nearly $1 trillion over the next decade, and higher thereafter. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Health department opens dental clinic Oct 3, 2008
Clinic services will center around basic general dentistry, Burns said, with full care for children under 20 years old, and services available for Medicaid-eligible adults and children up to 21 ... Jefferies said the dental clinic will begin its services with Medicaid patients, but will later provide a fee-for-service program, making the clinic open to everyone. (Gadsden County Times, FL)
SEN. TIM JOHNSON: Highlights from his visit to Watertown Oct 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 1:56 PM CDT Johnson took a moment to sit with local health care leaders to discuss Medicare, Medicaid and electronic filing. (Over three minutes). (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
SEN. TIM JOHNSON: Electronic filing used in health care fields Oct 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 1:57 PM CDT Johnson was in town Tuesday to talk with health care professionals and get other points of view on Medicare and Medicaid. Article Rating. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Suit on light and low-tar cigarettes heads to SJC Oct 3, 2008
In 1998, amid mounting evidence that nicotine is addictive, the tobacco industry agreed to the landmark $246 billion settlement in exchange for a promise by state attorneys general to drop lawsuits aimed at forcing the industry to pay for smoking-related health costs incurred through Medicaid. Around the same time, internal documents extracted from cigarette companies through lawsuits revealed that light cigarettes -- marketed to more health-conscious smokers since the early 1970s -- often... (Yahoo News -- Tobacco Lawsuits)
Airlines Cut Flights to Save Money Oct 3, 2008
R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens. Friday October 03, 2008. (R News)
Letters to the Editor Oct 3, 2008
28) Brian M. Riedl, of the extreme right-wing Heritage Foundation, lost all credibility to me in his analysis of the unfunded liability of Social Security and Medicare when he stated: "The Congressional Budget Office projected a 2008 federal budget deficit of $407 billion, driven mostly by escalating Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid costs." Hello: What about the Iraq War, costing more than $10 billion a month, ultimately to cost more than a trillion dollars. This is just an incredible and... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Attorney Jamie Verdi Establishes Michigan Patient Advocacy Liaison, PLLC, to Serve Nursing Home Patients and Family Members Oct 3, 2008
has established Michigan Patient Advocacy Liaison, PLLC or MI-PAL as a patient advocacy and legal consulting firm specializing in nursing home care, Medicaid/Medicare law, and elder law ... MI-PAL helps its clients develop strategies to maximize Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs benefits. (Primezone Releases)
Maryland near top of list of federal spending per capita Oct 3, 2008
Nearly half of all domestic government spending went to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, accounting for $1. 22 trillion. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
State agrees to delay Dix move Oct 3, 2008
A state law that went into effect in July mandates that Dix's patients can't be moved until Health and Human Services Secretary Dempsey Benton can certify that Central Regional meets Medicare and Medicaid standards ... One issue was that the new hospital has been billing for government insurance reimbursements under Dix's Medicare and Medicaid provider number, a potential violation of federal rules. (News & Observer)
Doyle Hails Success of BadgerCare Plus; Others Question Cost Overrun Oct 3, 2008
Its 16 million for those newly eligible out of a Medicaid budget of 8 billion we ll manage it fine. Bipartisanship. (Agri-View, WI)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Oct 3, 2008
In a series of hearings, they rattled off a list of their objections: More than $100 billion to be sliced from projected Medicare and Medicaid spending ... At a time when the president is trying to engage Democrats in a politically risky effort to restructure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Rangel told Paulson, the budget represents a "missed opportunity." ... "Seven out of 10 uninsured children qualify for either Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program but are not yet... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Nuisance animal ordinance discussed Oct 3, 2008
Cost of the vaccine is 20 and can be billed through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Individuals need to bring a copy of their insurance to ease processing. (Lenoir News Topic, NC)
Medicaid Linked to Worse Colon Cancer Outcomes Oct 3, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The risk of death following surgery for colon cancer is higher at hospitals with a high percentage of Medicaid patients, according to a report in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The report "emphasizes the potential effect of resource inequality across institutions on cancer outcomes (and) highlights the potential issues facing 'high Medicaid' hospitals as American healthcare economies tighten and pay-for-performance emerges as a major determinant of... (MEDLINEplus)
CMG Holdings Inc., Creative Management Group Agency (CMGO) Announces the Signing Of Scott McClellan, Former White House Press Secretary Oct 3, 2008
His eldest brother Mark, a widely respected expert on health care and health economics, is a former FDA Commissioner and head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Mr. McClellan is a graduate of the University of Texas. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Florida sues Merck to recover money spent on Vioxx Oct 3, 2008
Florida's Medicaid program alone spent more than $80 million on Vioxx, once a blockbuster arthritis treatment, between 1999 and 2004. Merck pulled Vioxx from the market four years ago after its own research showed the pill doubled risk of heart attack and stroke. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
U.S. and Canada's Health Care Compared Oct 3, 2008
"The United States went further in the 1930s and 1940s with the creation of programs such as social security, Medicaid and Medicare.". Maioni said American's socio-economic status determines the type of medical coverage they receive. (The Daily Universe, UT)
State sues Merck for deceptive marketing of Vioxx Oct 3, 2008
The lawsuit claims that Merck repeatedly failed to disclose the drug s adverse effects while offering it to the state s Medicaid program as a safe painkiller, in direct violation of Florida s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act ... Vioxx purchases by the Florida Medicaid program alone exceeded $80 million between 1999 and 2004 ... The lawsuit demands restitution to the state plus interest, for all state program payments including Medicaid reimbursements made for Vioxx prescriptions. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Vote & Vax Hopes to Boost Number Protected from Flu Oct 3, 2008
Medicare Part A and Part B and those on Medicaid will be accepted and residents need to bring their cards. It s their choice, said Mable Harden, program associate with the Laurens County Health Department. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Providence Service Corporation Comments on California Budget Agreement Sep 25, 2008
"While we are relieved that, as a result of the new budget, the 10% Medi-Cal reimbursement rate cuts will cease regardless of the ultimate outcome of the pending litigation opposing such cuts, we are disappointed that they will not cease until March 2009 and that the State has chosen not to comply with the federal court's order to temporarily restore the full rates pending the litigation outcome," said Fletcher McCusker, CEO. "The stance taken by the State is, however, consistent with our... (PR Newswire)
Executive Sentenced in Serono Fraud Case Sep 25, 2008
The cost of many of the prescriptions for Serostim, $21,000 for 12 weeks of treatment, was paid by Medicaid. Prosecutors began their investigation after several U.S. employees of Swiss-based Serono claimed fraud. (Law.com)
Lawmakers restore budget cuts that forced many layoffs Sep 25, 2008
But the money comes from accounts set aside for special purposes, some of which critics said fund the very services the measure attempts to save, such as a local tourism fund, a trust fund for Medicaid health coverage, and a fish and wildlife endowment fund. Comments. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
More of this story Sep 25, 2008
Identification can be a food stamp card (which also functions as proof of income), a drivers' license, a social security card, a Medicaid card or a Medicare card. If somebody can prove they are on food stamps, they still have to fill out the paperwork but they don't have to show proof of income, Sterling said. (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Sep 25, 2008
Schwarzenegger told Leavitt and Bush that he opposes proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and a children's health insurance program that could make it harder for California to achieve its plans for universal coverage. California also would be severely affected if Bush's annual push to eliminate a program that reimburses states for the cost of jailing illegal immigrants convicted of crimes is eliminated. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Kids in Medicaid have more tooth decay: study Sep 25, 2008
5 million U.S. children cared for through the Medicaid public health insurance program have untreated tooth decay, according to a report released on Wednesday. Only about a third of the 20 million children covered by Medicaid had any dental care at all in the past year, according to the report from the Government Accountability Office ... "Children in Medicaid remain at higher risk of dental disease compared to children with private health insurance; children in Medicaid were almost twice as... (Reuters)
Mental-Health Bill on Tap Sep 25, 2008
It applies to about 150 million people: 82 million in federally regulated plans funded by employers, 31 million in state-regulated plans and 36 million children and adults covered by managed-care Medicaid programs, the federal-state health insurance for the poor, a Senate aide said. The legislation ends such common restrictions as 30-day hospital stays or 30 visits to a mental health professional if the plan doesn't similarly curb treatment for physical problems, Ms. Mahieu said. (Wall Street Journal)
LaBruzzo welfare views out of sync Sep 25, 2008
Louisiana is spending more money on health care through Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays medical costs for poor and disabled people ... Total annual Medicaid spending during that time grew from $3. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Millions of children have untreated tooth decay Sep 25, 2008
5 million children enrolled in Medicaid had untreated tooth decay in 2005 ... Dentists often refuse to accept Medicaid, which often pays less than private insurers ... Many Medicaid recipients say it's difficult to get dental care using Medicaid. (CNN)
