Women paying more than men for identical health insurance policies
Striking new evidence has emerged of a widespread gap in the cost of health insurance, reports the New York Times, as women pay much more than men of the same age for individual insurance policies providing identical coverage.
New research into pregnancy weight gain
Doctors are now cautioning women who gain more than 40 pounds during pregnancy.
Temple Univ. psychologist’s treatment for childhood anxiety is successful
More than 80 percent of children suffering from the most common psychiatric disorders – anxieties and phobias that can make them fear the future and avoid trick-or-treating – dramatically improved on a combination of medication and 12 weeks of therapy, researchers reported yesterday in the biggest study of its kind.
Capital BlueCross appoints new President/CEO
Capital BlueCross has called off a national search for a CEO, and instead given the job to its board chairman, William Lehr Jr.
Seniors may be eligible for state waiver program for alternatives to nursing home care
The state Department of Aging Waiver Program uses funds originally earmarked to fund non-medical in-home health care through Medical Assistance as an alternative to nursing home placement.
Both presidential candidates promise to take on the pharmaceutical industry
The presidential candidates may have very different overall proposals to changing the nation’s health care system, reports Gannett News, but Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama both talk tough about taking on the pharmaceutical industry.
Advocacy group coalition presses Obama and McCain to speak out on chronic disease policy
A recent Wall Street Journal blog post describes ads being run by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a consortium of advocacy groups, which ask where the presidential candidates stand on health care and spending to fight chronic disease.
New state website a valuable resource for families with autistic children
The site is designed to help find answers to insurance coverage questions regarding autism spectrum disorder.
Prescription Assistance Bus continues journey across PA
Despite this week’s nasty weather, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) Bus is continuing it’s journey through PA, stopping in Lewistown and Clinton County today. The Lockhaven Express reported on this afternoon’s event, stating that bus employees send patients home with forms to apply for every assistance program for which they are eligible, and it will then take about 2-3 weeks for patients to recieve their discounted medications.
Will “boutique healthcare” take off in PA?
Today, the Baltimore Sun reports on a growing healthcare trend in some areas, known as “boutique care.” In this type of primary care, doctors quit accepting health insurance, and instead charge a flat yearly fee to patients/families in exchange for the promise of 24-hour access to doctors, unhurried appointments, home visits and state-of-the-art annual physicals.