10/22 Health Insurance / Medical Insurance News From Medical News Today

Please add updates@feedmyinbox.com to your address book to make sure you receive these messages in the future. Health Insurance / Medical Insurance News From Medical News Today 84,200 Oregonians Lost Health Coverage In 2009 Due To Increased Unemployment October 21, 2009 at 5:00 pm Approximately 84,200 people in Oregon lost health insurance coverage in 2009 due to a rise in unemployment, according to a report issued today by the health consumer organization Families USA. According to the report, the state's average unemployment rate in 2008 was 6.4 percent, while the average rate this year was 11.6 percent, thereby resulting in losses of health coverage. 5,200 Alaskans Lost Health Coverage In 2009 Due To Increased Unemployment October 21, 2009 at 2:00 pm Approximately 5,200 people in Alaska lost health insurance coverage in 2009 due to a rise in unemployment, according to a report issued today by the health consumer organization Families USA. According to the report, the state's average unemployment rate in 2008 was 6.6 percent, while the average rate this year was 8.2 percent, thereby resulting in losses of health coverage. 28,300 New Mexicans Lost Health Coverage In 2009 Due To Increased Unemployment October 21, 2009 at 11:00 am Approximately 28,300 people in New Mexico lost health insurance coverage in 2009 due to a rise in unemployment, according to a report issued today by the health consumer organization Families USA. According to the report, the state's average unemployment rate in 2008 was 4.2 percent, while the average rate this year was 6.3 percent, thereby resulting in losses of health coverage. Research Indicates Gaps In Care For Diabetes, Cholesterol, Hypertension Among The Uninsured October 21, 2009 at 9:00 am A new study shows uninsured American adults with chronic illnesses like diabetes or high cholesterol often go undiagnosed and undertreated, leading to an increased risk of costly, disabling and even lethal complications of their disease. The study, published online in Health Affairs, analyzed data from a recent national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Senate Health Bill Negotiators Discussing, Debating Versions Of Public Option October 21, 2009 at 8:00 am Senator Max Baucus says there is still the possibility for some sort of public option in the Senate health bill, though he doubts it can get 60 votes, as Majority Leader Harry Reid negotiates to shape the final legislation. With Mid-Term Elections Fast Approaching, Pelosi Appeals To Loyalties As Coffers Fill Up October 21, 2009 at 8:00 am With the 2010 midterm election season fast approaching, Democrats are using the health care reform debate to instill unity in their caucus - especially with freshmen lawmakers. Roll Call reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is using her leverage as a party leader to rally health reform support from House freshmen. Rural Doctors, Administrators Push For Health Reform To Include Safeguards Against Rx Drug Abuse October 21, 2009 at 8:00 am An increase in prescription drug fraud has caused doctors and hospital administrators to call for legislation to provide stronger safeguards. They say that such measures are especially important to protect government programs such as Medicaid and that heath reform proposals should increase coverage for drug treatment and rehabilitation. They note that prescription drug abuse and Medicaid fraud are especially sensitive issues in rural areas that struggle to attract providers. Employers May Not Restore Benefits To Pre-Recession Levels October 21, 2009 at 8:00 am "Since the downturn began, thousands of employers have cut pay, increased workers' share of health-care costs or reduced the employer contribution to retirement plans," The Wall Street Journal reports. "Two-thirds of big companies that cut health-care benefits don't plan to restore them to pre-recession levels, they recently told consulting firm Watson Wyatt. Massachusetts Seeks To Cut Increase In Small Business Health Care Costs October 21, 2009 at 8:00 am Today's state news covers access to care issues in Florida and California, a new proposal to review premiums charged to small business, and the potential flaws of Ohio's nursing home payment plan. 40,200 Utahns Lost Health Coverage In 2009 Due To Increased Unemployment October 21, 2009 at 8:00 am Approximately 40,200 people in Utah lost health insurance coverage in 2009 due to a rise in unemployment, according to a report issued today by the health consumer organization Families USA. According to the report, the state's average unemployment rate in 2008 was 3.4 percent, while the average rate this year was 5.4 percent, thereby resulting in losses of health coverage. Fewer Multiple Births With IVF Insurance Coverage October 21, 2009 at 8:00 am The proportion of in vitro fertilization (IVF) multiple births was lower in the eight states that provide insurance coverage for couples seeking IVF treatment, primarily due to fewer embryos transferred per cycle, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in an abstract presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, October 17-21. IVF remains an expensive treatment option for those with infertility, and many cannot afford it. New Poll Finds Most Americans Back Public Option In Health Reform October 21, 2009 at 7:00 am The Washington Post leads the paper today with a report that "a new Washington Post-ABC poll shows that support for a government-run health-care plan to compete with private insurers has rebounded from its summertime lows and wins clear majority support from the public. GOP Message: Democratic Health Reforms Are Bad For America October 21, 2009 at 7:00 am Politico: "Through the summer, congressional Republicans were able to stand back and let the health care debate play out around them - watching public support for the idea plummet amid bitter town halls and Democratic infighting. White House Rallies Support For Health Care Bills; Relationship With Chamber Of Commerce Sours October 21, 2009 at 7:00 am Today, "President Obama will speak from New York City by video hookup to hundreds of small gatherings sponsored by Organizing for America, a spinoff of his 2008 campaign," USA Today reports "Top White House aides will attend the regular strategy session of the Common Purpose Project, a coalition headed by former Obama campaign officials to advance his agenda. Missouri Group Accuses Humana Of Using Scare Tactics October 21, 2009 at 7:00 am After administration officials retreated last week on an order to silence insurers, activists in Missouri accused Humana of using scare tactics aimed at seniors. The Springfield, Mo., Health Care Reform Leads To Mergers October 21, 2009 at 7:00 am Health care reform has caused some unrest in the health care industry but has also led to strong deal-making and mergers. The Wall Street Journal reports: "Mergers-and-acquisitions activity among U.S. health-care companies, which include a range of categories from drug makers to research labs to insurance companies, is on pace for one of its strongest years. A Selection Of Today's Opinions And Editorials October 21, 2009 at 7:00 am Pooling Health Care's Best Ideas The Atlanta Journal Constitution "Health care has failed to take full advantage of the benefits that globalization has wrought" (Jeffrey Kang, 10/19). 100,600 Washingtonians Lost Health Coverage In 2009 Due To Increased Unemployment October 21, 2009 at 7:00 am Approximately 100,600 people in Washington lost health insurance coverage in 2009 due to a rise in unemployment, according to a report issued today by the health consumer organization Families USA. According to the report, the state's average unemployment rate in 2008 was 5.3 percent, while the average rate this year was 8.9 percent, thereby resulting in losses of health coverage. Newsweek Examines Issue Of Gender Rating In Health Reform Debate October 21, 2009 at 6:00 am Newsweek's Sarah Kliff recently examined the health insurance industry practice known as gender rating and the issue's role in the health reform debate. Kliff reports that in the current individual insurance market, gender is among the many factors that health insurers "routinely use to predict a consumer's costs and thus the price of their premiums. Baucus Doubts A Pure Public Plan Can Get 60 Votes In Senate October 21, 2009 at 6:00 am Kaiser Health News staff writer Eric Pianin reports on the Senate leadership's ongoing efforts to craft a health overhaul measure that can draw 60 votes. "Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont.   This email was sent to zackmania84@gmail.com.  Create Your Account Don't want to receive this feed any longer? Unsubscribe here.