Medicine.org - Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare Part D Covers Many Drugs but Few Brand Names

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:44:52 -0400

Medicare Part D formularies cover nearly all drug classes for treatment of hypertension, hyperlidemia, and depression, with generics accounting for most of the agent.

The one drug category that is different is the angiotensin II receptor blockers or ARB's (such as Losartan).

The problem is that sometimes the brand name drugs, which are probably newer on the market may cause less side effects, and for some patients be more effective.

A Comparative Analysis of Long Term Care in Other Countries

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:04:10 -0400

Long Term Care in America can be improved through looking at the processes used in other countries, and determining how effective those processes are in relation to established outcomes. Four countries were chosen for comparison: England, Germany, Japan and Australia.

• England: England is very similar to the United States, as it relies on regulation to impose national standards on nursing homes. Localities may or may not provide additional regulations.

Choosing A Hospital Is Not As Easy As We've Been Told

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 09:02:17 -0500

Responding to patient concern about the quality of care in U.S. hospitals, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began measuring hospital performance and reporting this performance on their Web site, Hospital Compare.

Best Health Plans 2006 - US News & World Report

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 21:31:08 -0500

US News & World Report's annual guide of commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid HMOs and POS plans provides a comparison tool, A-Z index, honor roll, and rankings to help you choose the best health plan for you.

Flu - what causes it and how to prevent it

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 14:24:11 -0400

Yearly flu shots are recommended for seniors (paid for by US Medicare), healthcare workers, and people with chronic lung diseases. However, there are those for whom it is not recommended: people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past; children less than 6 months old; people who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever. (They should wait until their symptoms lessen before they get the flu shot.)

Shaking chills are a symptom of Pneumonia.

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 02:24:42 -0400

Pneumococcal pneumonia may begin suddenly, with a severe shaking chill usually followed by High fever, Cough, Shortness of breath, Rapid breathing, and Chest pains. Pneumonia should be treated aggressively, so that it does not give rise to serious lung complications. If you have severe shaking chills, you can assume you have more than a cold!

Who should get a pneumonia vaccination?

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 02:12:20 -0400

Medicare advises people at higher risk for invasive pneumococcal disease including those over 64 years old and patients with HIV, splenectomy, sickle cell disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic disorders of the lungs or heart, and cirrhosis to get a one time pneumonia vaccination.

People with asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis should get a flu shot

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 02:03:42 -0400

Flu shots are not just for people over the age of 50. Here is a small part of a list of other people that Medicare advises to get a yearly shot to avoid the debilitating symptoms of flu (fever, chills, headache, cough and sore muscles) and even possible death.

Treating COPD - Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis

Mon, 21 Aug 2006 23:38:45 -0400

Existing medications for COPD do not stop the decline in lung function,so the goal of any medicine prescribed for COPD is to provide relief of symptoms and prevent complications.

Getting pneumonia

Medicare premiums to remain unchanged in 2007 says Bush Administration

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 17:10:15 -0400

The Bush administration revealed that the average premium being paid by people participating in the Medicare drug program will continue to remain at $24 per month for quite some time and could even get lower in 2007.

Medicare Premiums set to rise in 2007 and a surcharge will be added

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 23:14:14 -0400

Everyone pays an $88.50 premium per month for Medicare Part B. In 2007, it is expected to rise to $99.50, and a new provision inserted as part of the prescription drug bill will start. This will be a surcharge to make up for budget deficits and the growing cost of health care.

The new Medicare Drug Benefit

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:41:16 -0500

For a very comprehensive explanation of the new Medicare Drug Plan, look at all the sites listed on this Consumer Reports site.Also EN ESPAGNOL

Tips for Choosing a Medicare Drug Plan

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 20:14:30 -0500

The consumer Web site www.medicaredrugplans.com offers these tips for people planning to use the Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

First: Check the basics.

Does it cover your drugs? Some plans cover all and some cover only about 70 percent. If you can't cover all or most of your drugs, it may not be worthwhile. Use Medicare's online "Formulary Finder" to see if your drugs are covered — although you'll need to contact the plan directly to get your cost for the drug. Also, make sure convenient pharmacies participate.

US groups call on Medicare to ease drug transition

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 19:24:50 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Thousands of poor elderly and disabled Americans have been unable to obtain their medications under Medicare's new prescription drug benefit, 45 consumer groups charged in a letter released on Wednesday calling for U.S. government action.