Allsup Provides True Help® With Health Insurance When Disability Strikes

August 4, 2015, 5:07 am

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Interactive Web event provides access to experts on health insurance, including Medicare, as well as resources and tips for caregivers and patients.

Belleville, IL (PRWEB) August 04, 2015

Allsup, a nationwide Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation company, will host the interactive Web event, “True Help With Health Insurance When Disability Strikes,” featuring the Caregiver Action Network, the Colon Cancer Alliance and experts from Allsup Medicare Advisor®, on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (CST). Register at Webinar.Allsup.com.

Research shows consumers have serious difficulties understanding and using health insurance.

“Low health insurance literacy negatively impacts consumers’ health and financial well-being,” said Tricia Blazier, Allsup personal health and financial planning director.

According to the National Institutes of Health, consumers—especially those who have not previously been insured—face additional challenges in understanding how to select insurance plans and benefits.

“These difficulties are compounded for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers, as they often face more complex decisions selecting and using health insurance plans,” said Blazier.
“True Help with Health Insurance When Disability Strikes,” will provide participants with tools and knowledge to increase their health insurance literacy, and empower them to make informed health insurance decisions.

Health coverage for people with disabilities
People with disabilities are on the frontlines of the coverage gap that affects an estimated 5 million Americans who live in states that have not expanded Medicaid coverage.

“Individuals who apply for SSDI benefits may have health insurance through a previous employer, a spouse or COBRA,” said Blazier. “However, nearly a third lose their health insurance while waiting for the Social Security Administration to decide their disability claim. Most find healthcare coverage cost prohibitive given their reduced income.”

Blazier will discuss options available for individuals with disabilities who have lost their health insurance.

Medicare 101
Individuals are eligible for Medicare when they turn 65, or 24 months after they are entitled to SSDI benefits, regardless of age. Allsup Medicare Advisor® operations manager Aaron Tidball will explain Medicare and resources available to help individuals select the best plans for their specific health needs and situations.

Caregiver and patient needs
John Schall, CEO of the Caregiver Action Network, and Crawford Clay, patient support advocate for the Colon Cancer Alliance, will provide information and tips for caregivers and patients. All of the presenters will answer questions during the live event, which will be available on demand after Aug. 20. On demand participants will be able to submit questions and receive email responses.

Additional True Help Web events:· True Help Telling Your Story, now on demand.
· True Help Returning to Work, now on demand.
· True Help for Veterans and Their Families, November 10.

For information on SSDI eligibility, visit Expert.Allsup.com or call (888) 841-2126.

About Allsup
Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, re-employment, exchange plan and Medicare services for individuals, their employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. Reported by PRWeb 6 hours ago.

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UPMC 1st in Pa. to Share Provider Ratings

August 4, 2015, 6:00 am

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Patient ratings for UPMC doctors and other providers shared at UPMC.com.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) August 04, 2015

Increasingly, patients are researching online to find doctors and medical information, checking with “Dr. Google” before calling a physician. In an effort to share more and better information with these savvy and engaged consumers, UPMC is the first health care provider in Pennsylvania to publicly share patient satisfaction ratings and comments about its doctors and advanced practice providers.

“As part of our commitment to transparency and to sharing information that is critical to the well-being of our patients, we are proud to take this bold step in providing the public with yet another measure of our performance,” said Tami Minnier, chief quality officer at UPMC. Based on data collected for outpatient medical practices, the ratings appear on the “Find a Doctor” section of UPMC.com. “We want to reinforce to our patients that we hear you, and we take your feedback seriously,” said Ms. Minnier, who noted that the system is based on validated and statistically meaningful data not available on other online rating sites.    

A star rating appears by a provider’s name, with five stars being the top score. To ensure that the scores are reliable, the ratings are available only for providers who have received a minimum of 30 patient surveys over 18 months. UPMC, like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, uses star ratings to make the data more user-friendly for consumers. “A true testament to our commitment to care is that the average UPMC provider’s star rating is 4.8 out of 5,” noted Steven Shapiro, M.D., chief medical and scientific officer, who leads UPMC’s more than 3,500 employed physicians.

Outside vendor Press Ganey Associates Inc., a national leader in providing patient satisfaction data, collects the surveys. The provider ratings used at UPMC are based only on survey questions that relate to a provider’s performance vs. those about other staff in the practice or the office environment. The six questions used in computing scores cover the provider’s ability to explain things in an understandable way, his or her listening skills and demonstration of respect for the patient, and whether the patient would recommend the provider to family and friends.

“UPMC is one of the national leaders in embracing performance transparency. This initiative requires an enterprise-wide commitment to preparation, rigorous data collection and methodical improvement,” said Thomas H. Lee, M.D., chief medical officer of Press Ganey. “Our research has shown that transparency is an effective driver of quality, particularly in patient experience.”

Patient comments that include profanity, protected patient information or irrelevant content are not posted to the site. Providers will have a chance to review and appeal negative comments, although most of those are expected to be posted, too.

“These ratings showcase the hard work and compassion of our providers, who have played a key role in making UPMC one of the most respected health systems in the nation,” said Dr. Shapiro. “We believe that patient feedback, good or bad, will only make us better, just as it has for other forward-thinking health systems that have shared provider ratings in other parts of the country.”

Contact: Wendy Zellner
Phone: 412-586-9777
E-mail: ZellnerWL(at)UPMC(dot)edu

Contact: Gloria Kreps
Phone: 412-586-9764
E-mail: KrepsGA(at)UPMC(dot)edu

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About UPMC
A world-renowned health care provider and insurer, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is inventing new models of accountable, cost-effective, patient-centered care. It provides more than $888 million a year in benefits to its communities, including more care to the region’s most vulnerable citizens than any other health care institution. The largest nongovernmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates more than 60,000 employees, more than 20 hospitals, more than 500 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites, a more than 2.6-million-member health insurance division, and international and commercial operations. Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC ranks No. 13 in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report annual Honor Roll of America’s Best Hospitals. For more information, go to UPMC.com. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.

New York Veterinarian Receives National Award from Pets Best

August 4, 2015, 6:00 am

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Latest My Vet's the Best contest honors veterinarian Dr. Mariliz Hernandez

Boise, ID (PRWEB) August 04, 2015

Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC, a leading U.S. pet insurance agency based in Boise, Idaho, is pleased to announce veterinarian Dr. Mariliz Hernandez as the most recent winner of the agency’s My Vet’s the Best contest. The nationwide contest honors veterinarians for their outstanding service.

The latest round of the contest brought in 4,499 total votes cast by pet owners across the U.S. through the Pets Best Facebook page.

“We developed this contest to acknowledge exceptional veterinarians around the nation,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, founder of Pets Best. “Dr. Hernandez is one such individual, known for her compassionate care and genuine concern for her clients.”

Dr. Hernandez, who practices at Bellerose Animal Hospital in Bellerose, New York, won the contest after receiving 1,566 online votes. She was among hundreds of veterinarians nominated for the seasonal award. The contest’s six other finalists received a significant number of votes. Runner-up Dr. Keith Dan of Desert Care Animal Hospital in Hesperia, California, had a total of 1,335 votes.

“I feel honored and privileged to be nominated,” said Dr. Hernandez. “To be able to have an impact in someone’s life to the point that they acknowledge it publicly [means] a great deal to me. It’s uplifting and this allows me to continue this journey of service and the vocation of helping those that can’t talk.”

As this round’s winner, Dr. Hernandez received $1,000 from Pets Best to treat animals in need. Dr. Hernandez and her team at Bellerose Animal Hospital plan to use the $1,000 cash prize to create a fund that will be used to help clients who cannot afford medical treatment for their pets.

Cindy Feuerstein-Kurtz, the pet owner who nominated Dr. Hernandez, also received $200 from Pets Best. To pay it forward, she has opted to donate her $200 prize to the staff at Bellerose Animal Hospital. “I am ecstatically happy for Dr. Hernandez and Bellerose Animal Hospital,” says Feuerstein-Kurtz. “They all are truly deserving of the honor. Thank you so much for this opportunity and appreciating our heartfelt story.”

Dr. Hernandez sees herself as an advocate for the pets who enter her clinic as patients, an experience she finds highly rewarding. “I get to positively impact a human life by bringing back to health their furry companions,” said Dr. Hernandez. “It is a big responsibility to convey what my patients need to their owners.” And, because Dr. Hernandez is fluent in Spanish, she is able to communicate clearly with her Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring that the staff at Bellerose Animal Hospital is able to thoroughly answer their questions and address their concerns.

Read more about Dr. Hernandez via our in-depth interview here.

In 2010, Pets Best became the nation’s first pet insurance company to develop a contest aimed at recognizing outstanding veterinarians. Each year, hundreds of veterinarians receive nominations from grateful pet owners. While voting for the contest’s seasonal winners is open to the public through the Pets Best Facebook page, each year’s grand prize winner is selected by an internal review panel comprised of respected veterinarians.

For more information about the My Vet’s the Best contest, visit http://www.petsbest.com/vetpromo.

About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, founder and director of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinary medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit http://www.petsbest.com for more information.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: http://www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

Pets Best is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

### Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.

Combined Insurance Named to Ward’s 50 Top Performing Life-Health Insurance Companies

August 4, 2015, 6:06 am

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GLENVIEW, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the sixth consecutive year, Combined Insurance, a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products, and an ACE Group company, has been named to Ward’s 50, a list of top performing insurance companies that have achieved outstanding results in the areas of safety, consistency and financial performance over a five year period. Since 2000, Combined Insurance has made the list of top performing life-health insur Reported by Business Wire 5 hours ago.

Horizon BCBSNJ: 2014 Results Show Patient-Centered Care Continues to Deliver on Promise of Better Quality Care at a Lower Cost

August 4, 2015, 8:03 am

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Members receiving care from a doctor who participates in a patient-centered program are scoring higher on quality care metrics than those members at traditional doctor practices.

Newark, NJ (PRWEB) August 04, 2015

Members receiving care from a doctor who participates in a patient-centered program are scoring higher on quality care metrics – at a cost that is nine percent lower -- than those members at traditional doctor practices, according to the 2014 results of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s patient-centered programs.

“The promise of patient-centered, or value-based, care to deliver better quality care at a lower cost is no longer theoretical, it’s a reality,” said Robert A. Marino, chairman and CEO of Horizon BCBSNJ. “The 2014 results further demonstrate how doctors, hospitals, and Horizon are innovating and transforming health care to ensure patients receive more coordinated, better quality care at a lower cost.”

More than 750,000 Horizon BCBSNJ members currently participate in one of Horizon BCBSNJ’s patient-centered programs. For its 2014 results, Horizon BCBSNJ reviewed claims data for members receiving care from a patient-centered practice and compared those findings to members receiving care from traditional primary care practices.

The results found that patient-centered members, as compared to those members in traditional practices, had a:· 6 percent higher rate in improved diabetes control.
· 7 percent higher rate in cholesterol management for diabetic patients.
· 8 percent higher rate in colorectal cancer screenings.
· 3 percent higher rate in breast cancer screenings.

The findings also show that more coordinated care is being provided at a lower cost, as Horizon BCBSNJ members in patient-centered practices had a:

· 8 percent lower rate in hospital admissions.
· 5 percent lower rate in emergency room visits.
· 9 percent lower total cost of care.

For a look into how a patient-centered practice is improving the patient experience, coordinating and personalizing the care for Horizon BCBSNJ members, click here.

“Patient-centered” care refers to an innovative approach where health insurance companies reward doctors for meeting certain clinical quality, patient satisfaction, and efficiency benchmarks. Unlike the traditional fee-for-service model, patient-centered practices are also financially rewarded to improve patient care based upon national clinical guidelines and also improve the patient experience with such things as extended hours and more active communication.

There are more than 6,000 network doctors in Horizon BCBSNJ’s patient-centered programs. The patient-centered practices include doctors in Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs), Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and practices focused on Episodes of Care across New Jersey.

The purpose of Horizon BCBSNJ’s patient centered practices is to provide patients with more coordinated and personalized care, including:

· A care coordinator who provides additional patient support, information and outreach.
· Wellness and preventive care based on national clinical guidelines.
· Extra wellness support and education.
· Active patient monitoring and communication from the doctor and care coordinator.
· Active coordination of a patient’s care with specialists and other providers.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's oldest and largest health insurer is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health service corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that reward the quality, not quantity, of care patients receive. Learn more at http://www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving more than 3.8 million members.

### Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.

New Top-Notch Managed Dedicated Hosting Service by PortalFront

August 4, 2015, 9:35 am

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A Service Designed From The Group Up to Make You Love Your Host

Anaheim, CA (PRWEB) August 04, 2015

Today, PortalFront announces its new service offering for Managed Windows Dedicated Hosting. Managed hosting provides clients with turn-key hosted server and infrastructure solutions that includes all the maintenance, updates, backups, load-balancing, disaster recovery, patching, server configurations, that are needed to ensure uninterrupted and healthy server operations. PortalFront is giving away a promotional two-months of free hosting for new customers with a six-month minimum hosting term. Organizations are to mention the offer code “PFDedicated” when contacting sales. The offer expires 9/21/2015.

PortalFront Hosting is offering 100% up-time and competitive SLAs that are geared for the modern day business looking to begin investment in the cloud. Support for Windows Server and Linux Operating Systems are offered with common industry compliance standards. Sarbanes Oxley (SOX), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment Card Industry (PCI) are some of the standards the dedicated hosting solutions will honor.

PortalFront Director, Karim Roumani explained, “Try to run your business without technology: you will not survive for long. Businesses are challenged because technology can be complex and our missions is to serve organizations, small and enterprise, who want to outsource all or a segment of their technology needs.”

About PortalFront

PortalFront is a division of TekReach Solution, whose mission is to offer exceptional hosted technology solutions that take the technology burden out of the business process. Find out more at http://www.portalfronthosting.com/managed-dedicated-hosting-provider.html Reported by PRWeb 1 hour ago.

Bill to Exempt Religious Groups From Obamacare Mandate Introduced; 'We All Must Respect Our Different Beliefs,' Sen. Lankford Says

August 4, 2015, 10:25 am

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A bill has been introduced in the Senate that would protect the freedom of religious organizations, institutions and businesses that believe an Affordable Care Act mandate, or "accommodation," requiring the coverage of contraception and abortion-inducing drugs in employee or student health insurance plans violates their religious beliefs. Reported by Christian Post 26 minutes ago.

Blue Shield of California owes $82.8 million in Obamacare rebates

August 4, 2015, 10:35 am

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Health insurance giant Blue Shield of California owes $82.8 million in rebates to consumers and small employers under requirements of the federal health law. Reported by L.A. Times 15 minutes ago.

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MedLion Management, Inc. and Pan-American Life Insurance Group Collaborate to Lower Healthcare Costs for Employers

August 4, 2015, 12:37 pm

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MedLion Direct Primary Care and Pan-American Life Insurance Group Announce Agreement for the Joint Provision of Innovative Benefits Solutions

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) August 04, 2015

MedLion Management, Inc., the nation’s largest Direct Primary Care provider, and Pan-American Life Insurance Group, a company with a 100 year heritage of providing life, accident and health insurance, announced today the formation of a program designed to benefit employers and employees across the country. The arrangement marks the first joint effort between a Direct Primary Care company and a national insurance company to offer employee benefits nationwide.

Pan-American Life’s U.S. Benefits’ suite of insurance products will be coupled with MedLion’s Direct Primary Care programs to benefit businesses. In addition, Pan-American Life’s U.S. Benefits division will administer a supplemental “wrap” insurance program exclusively for MedLion Direct Primary Care clients.

Reflecting Pan-American Life’s position as the thought leader for alternative benefits strategies throughout the United States, the combination benefits package is specifically designed to lower healthcare costs for employers across the country and offer innovative solutions that are compatible with Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates.

The working relationship with Pan-American Life will accelerate MedLion’s growth beyond the 26 states it currently operates in. “Pan-American Life Insurance Group shares MedLion’s mission to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare nationwide. We are thrilled to work with them as we continue to expand our Direct Primary Care services to businesses across the country,” said Dr. Samir Qamar, Founder and CEO of MedLion Management, Inc.

“In our ongoing effort to seek affordable, creative, and compliant benefit solutions for U.S. employers, we are excited to join MedLion in this unique packaging of meaningful employee benefits,” said Carlo Mulvenna, Pan-American Life’s Vice President for U.S. Benefits.

“Employers will be able to save up to 30 percent on premiums and will be delighted by the enhanced access and quality of care delivered by MedLion's Direct Primary Care model,” stated Praveen Mooganur, MedLion’s President and COO. “The combined products from MedLion and Pan-American Life are designed to offer cost effective alternatives to employers, including those that need to meet the employer mandate effective January 1, 2016. It’s a huge step forward for the Direct Primary Care and employee benefit industries.”

About MedLion Management, Inc.-

Privately-held MedLion Management, Inc. offers consumers, employers, trade associations, and unions cost-effective, high-quality benefits strategies that are compliant with new healthcare laws. Medical services are provided by MedLion-managed Direct Primary Care practices across the United States, with an emphasis on improving health outcomes and the patient experience. For more information, visit MedLion.com, follow us on Twitter @MedLion, and connect with us on LinkedIn at MedLion Direct Primary Care.

About Pan-American Life Insurance Group-

Pan-American Life Insurance Group is a leading provider of insurance and financial services throughout the Americas. New Orleans-based Pan-American Life Insurance Company, the Group's flagship member, has been delivering trusted financial services since 1911, employing more than 1,500 worldwide, providing top-rated life, accident and health insurance, employee benefits and financial services in 47 states, the District of Columbia (DC), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Group’s member companies offer individual and/or group life, accident and health insurance throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Group has branches and affiliates in Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and 13 Caribbean markets, including Barbados, Cayman Islands, Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago. For more information, visit the Pan-American Life Web site at palig.com, follow us on Twitter @PanAmericanLife, and connect with us on LinkedIn at Pan-American Life Insurance Group. Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.

CVS/Caremark Dropping Viagra From Drug Formulary

August 4, 2015, 2:33 pm

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Patients who use the erectile dysfunction pill Viagra and whose health insurance drug coverage is through CVS/Caremark will have to pay cash or switch to Cialis: the pharmacy benefits administrator has removed the drug from its formulary, which is a fancy word for “list of drugs that we’ll pay for.”

Despite what all of the spam messages in your inbox … [More] Reported by The Consumerist 21 hours ago.

The Democrats Need a Horse Race

August 4, 2015, 2:44 pm

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The Democratic Party needs a horse race for its presidential nomination for 2016. They require the energy that a serious multi-candidate field brings to the electoral cycle. Primary campaigns, after all, ought to do the following things for a political party: They should frame and focus the campaign on the future. Elections, after all, are usually decided about which party has a more compelling vision of the future. But primaries also serve as seed beds for fresh ideas. Nowhere do policy proposals receive greater scrutiny than in the heat of a campaign. And, finally, primary campaigns generate passion, enthusiasm, and excitement among the Party's supporters and the electorate at large. And general elections are won or lost on the basis of such excitement.

At the moment, the Democratic Party could stand improvement on each of these points. Indeed, the primary campaign can be described as running on parallel tracks that show little sign of intersecting. There is Hillary Clinton, who continues to win the support of a little more than half of the Party. She also fares well when matched against Republican contenders, although her lead is slowly diminishing.

On the next track over there is Bernie Sanders, who is bringing enthusiasm and excitement to the race, as well as some fresh thinking. But while Senator Sanders has a strong and passionate following, he is underfunded and in desperate need of a more robust campaign apparatus.

And, finally, on the third track, there are the other candidates -- Martin O'Malley, Jim Webb, and Lincoln Chafee. Their campaigns seem almost like afterthoughts, which is regrettable, especially where O'Malley is concerned.

There appears, furthermore, to be little planning being done for candidate debates. Times, dates, and places have yet to be announced. This is regrettable. Debates help capture the public's imagination. Yes, debates carry risk -- there is the always-present possibility of a verbal gaffe or other public embarrassment. But debates also allow candidates to sharpen their focus and get ready for that inevitable high-stakes, high-wire-walk-without-a-net that is the general election.

The present situation, it is fair to say, is probably unsustainable. Nature abhors a vacuum just as a presidential election cycle abhors attempts to frustrate an active and engaged campaigning season.

To that end, I would encourage both Vice President Joe Biden and Starbucks entrepreneur Howard Schultz to consider seriously announcing their candidacies for the White House. Both men possess qualities that would serve them well both in a campaign and, more importantly, assist them greatly in governing the country should they ultimately prevail.

Joe Biden was elected Vice President in 2008 after a three-decade career in the United States Senate. During his time in the Senate, he established himself as a key figure in a number of important areas. He has been a strong supporter of the rights of labor and knows in his heart the role labor unions play in sustaining the American middle class. Back in 2012, he did a great job calling out Paul Ryan and the social Darwinist right wing on their plans to turn Medicare into a voucher program.

He thus knows how to stand up to those plutocrats like Jeb Bush who continues calling for the "phasing out" of Medicare. And during his time in the Senate, Biden repeatedly demonstrated his command of foreign affairs. He both served on and eventually chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Howard Schultz would similarly make a strong candidate. His life story is one of triumph against great odds, rising from the housing projects of Brooklyn to build a leading American company. His life and career stand as testament to a quality America desperately needs from its business class -- business, all business, must be about serving the common good. Yes, businesses must make a profit, but not at the expense of human values.

Schultz has spoken out on Ferguson, Missouri, and the crying need to improve race relations in this country. He supports investments in America's educational system. He recognizes that health care is a basic human right. Even during Starbucks' early years, he took steps to make sure that even his part-time employees had access to health insurance.

Biden and Schultz, in other words, would both bring important insights and perspectives to the campaign. Just as importantly, they would reinvigorate the campaign. They would revitalize it, enliven it with new enthusiasm. They would, in other words, help to transform the Democratic presidential nomination into a horse race.

Such a free-spirited campaign, I predict, would not become divisive. This is so for at least two reasons: First, Democratic ideas and Democratic policies are innately attractive to most Americans. Most Americans instinctively support greater access to health care, improved primary, secondary, and higher education, a greener environment, and a more peaceful, cooperative world. Second, the Democratic base is simply not like the Republican base. The American right wing is, how to put it gently? peopled with some rather exotic characters who tend to frighten and put off voters. A wide-open campaign by Democrats, on the other hand, over how best to promote and enhance the American way of life, would more likely build support for the eventual nominee. The Democratic Party -- and indeed, the country at large -- both needs and would benefit from a real horse race.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 21 hours ago.

​Initial costs for Hawaii's transition to federal health exchange likely to exceed $2.5M

August 4, 2015, 6:28 pm

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Hawaii’s transition to the federal healthcare.gov insurance exchange will likely cost $2 million to $2.5 million, state officials said Tuesday. After it was unable to achieve financial independence this January, as required for all state-based exchanges around the nation, the Hawaii Health Connector is winding down its operations, and the state will adopt the federal platform to connect Hawaii residents with health insurance. Gov. David Ige’s Deputy Chief of Staff Laurel Johnston told PBN the… Reported by bizjournals 17 hours ago.

Tax filing problems could jeopardize health law aid for 1.8M

August 4, 2015, 9:49 pm

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About 1.8 million households that got financial help for health insurance under President Barack Obama's law now have issues with their tax returns that could jeopardize their subsidies next year. Administration officials say those taxpayers will have to act quickly. Reported by WTHR 14 hours ago.

Testosterone Lawsuit News: Defendants Push Back Against RICO Claim

August 5, 2015, 12:12 am

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Testosterone lawyers for the Onder Law Firm provide a testosterone lawsuit news update, with the most recent information on developments in the multidistrict litigation for national testosterone lawsuits alleging heart attack and stroke.

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) August 05, 2015

National testosterone attorneys report a Motion to Dismiss has been filed in the testosterone multidistrict litigation known as Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2545, which is currently underway in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois. The Motion to Dismiss was filed by the defendants, who include AbbVie and Eli Lilly, among a handful of other pharmaceutical companies that produce testosterone replacement products for men, according to court documents.

“We don’t know exactly what the outcome will be with MMO’s RICO claim,” a representative of the Onder Law Firm explained. “But we do know that pharmaceutical companies involved in this litigation are taking testosterone lawsuits very seriously – and that the bulk of the claims are moving forward to the bellweather trials. We expect the outcomes in the bellweather trials will give us some indication of how the rest of the testosterone lawsuits will conclude, but we believe a settlement is likely at some point.”

The Motion to Dismiss concerns a particular claim, just one of many that comprise the testosterone lawsuits, which was filed by Medical Mutual of Ohio (MMO), according to court documents. MMO is a health insurance company based in Cleveland that provides national health insurance. MMO’s claim cites the RICO Act (the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a United States federal law that gives extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action to companies or groups that are found guilty of racketeering, ongoing criminal activities or organized crime), alleging pharmaceutical companies conspired to deceive the public regarding the usefulness of testosterone replacement therapy, while undermining testosterone risks, according to court documents. The claim alleges the companies knowingly and in concert engaged in fraudulent activities by marketing testosterone replacement therapies to men who do not necessarily have hypogonadism, according to court documents. The FDA has only approved testosterone replacement therapy products for use in men who have been diagnosed with hypogonadism, a condition where the body does not make adequate testosterone naturally that can have serious health implications, according to court documents.

By filing the Motion to Dismiss MMO’s RICO claim, defendants are arguing that the claim is baseless, according to court documents. The Motion states that MMO failed to provide concrete or specific evidence regarding the alleged fraudulent activities, and therefore the claim should be dismissed, according to court documents. Furthermore, while the defendants allow that testosterone replacement therapy has only been FDA approved for genuine cases of hypogonadism, the Motion to Dismiss asserts that because physicians may legally prescribe drugs for any use they choose, men who were prescribed testosterone replacement therapy without a verifiable diagnosis of hypogonadism should not be able to blame the purveyors of testosterone replacement therapies, according to court documents.

These testosterone lawsuits have been filed by persons around the United States who suffered a heart attack, stroke, or another serious health condition they allege is linked to testosterone replacement therapy products, according to court documents. Plaintiffs say they were not fairly warned of the alleged health risks, and state pharmaceutical companies knew or should have known of the alleged risks, according to court documents. Defendants include more than ten pharmaceutical companies who produce and market a wide range of testosterone replacement products, the most popular of which are Androgel, Androderm, and Testim, according to court documents.

These testosterone attorneys provide timely testosterone lawsuit news updates and testosterone side effects research at their website, the Androgel Testosterone Lawsuit Center. The firm is nationally renowned for its representation of American families and individuals against major corporations through pharmaceutical, product liability, and personal injury lawsuits. Persons who believe they may have grounds to file a testosterone lawsuit alleging heart attack or stroke may contact the firm for a free case review through the website.

Lawyers handling testosterone lawsuit claims for the Onder Law Firm believe qualifying persons may be entitled to real compensation and offer no-cost, no-obligation case review to persons or family members of those who have suffered heart attack, stroke, or another serious health problem possibly related to Androgel or another testosterone product.

The Onder Law Firm welcomes testosterone lawsuit inquiries from law firms in regards to handling them or working as co-counsel.

About The Onder Law Firm
Onder, Shelton, O’Leary & Peterson, LLC is a St. Louis based personal injury law firm handling serious injury and death claims across the country. Its mission is the pursuit of justice, no matter how complex the case or strenuous the effort. The pharmaceutical and medical device litigators at The Onder Law Firm have represented thousands of Americans in lawsuits against multinational conglomerates from products liability for manufacture of defective or dangerous products to deceptive advertising practices. Other firms throughout the nation often seek its experience and expertise on complex litigation. It is also a recognized leader in products liability cases such as window blind cord strangulation. The Onder Law Firm offers information from attorneys handling testosterone lawsuits at http://www.AndrogelTestosteroneLawsuitCenter.com.

*Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2545, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.

Elevated Nail Studio Experience to Debut in Costa Mesa

August 5, 2015, 2:06 am

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Polished Perfect℠ by Twila True Will Open its Doors Aug. 12

COSTA MESA, Calif. (PRWEB) August 05, 2015

Polished Perfect℠ by Twila True, an unparalleled nail studio experience featuring luxury products and services in an attainable yet elegant environment, announced today that it will open its first location at 801 Baker St., Costa Mesa, Calif. on Aug. 6. Aiming to elevate the nail industry through its leading expertise in nail art, procedural technique, studio environment, sanitation and business innovation, Polished Perfect by Twila True offers guests an escape into an atmosphere of style and indulgence.

“Polished Perfect by Twila True was inspired by my time overseas where I experienced pristine nail care,” said Founder and CEO Twila True. “I was determined to introduce upscale yet affordable nail studios to the United States. I feel proud to offer an everyday indulgence to the Orange County area, where guests will find the highest level of cleanliness in a chic setting.” Upon arrival at Polished Perfect, each guest will meet with highly trained nail stylists who will share top nail art trends and provide guidance on the latest polish color with inspiring LookBooks.

True adds, “we are dedicated to raising the standard for quality and want to be known as the go-to nail studio in Orange County for luxury, relaxation and service.”

Two experienced nail industry professionals will be on staff as studio managers to provide top quality service and oversee Polished Perfect by Twila True’s unique business model. As a seasoned entrepreneur, it was important to True to institute the finest benefits for staff. All nail artists and stylists are eligible for 401(k) plans and health insurance following an introductory period, and are given opportunities for career growth with the professional beauty service provider.

For more information about Polished Perfect by Twila True, including a menu of services and employment opportunities, or to book an appointment online, please visit http://www.polishedperfect.com.

About Polished Perfect by Twila True
Polished Perfect℠ by Twila True offers an escape into an atmosphere of style and indulgence, by providing an unparalleled nail studio experience. Featuring luxury products and services, in an attainable, comfortably elegant environment, Polished Perfect by Twila True aims to elevate the nail industry through its leading expertise in nail art, nail technique, studio environment, sanitation, education and business innovation. Polished Perfect by Twila True provides educational, employment and scholarship opportunities to current and aspiring nail artists, technicians and students to help establish their careers. Further underscoring its commitment to advancing the profession, Polished Perfect by Twila True is leveraging the expertise of the nail industry’s top artists and thought leaders to establish standardized protocols in business management, service delivery and cutting-edge nail techniques. Polished Perfect by Twila True offers guests the convenience of reserving appointments online through http://www.polishedperfect.com. Reported by PRWeb 9 hours ago.

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Untangling The Many Deductibles Of Health Insurance

August 5, 2015, 3:27 am

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Some people wind up having to pay hospital deductibles on top of other medical deductibles. But those do not apply to outpatient procedures. Reported by NPR 8 hours ago.

Rail workers union demands more from NJ transit

August 5, 2015, 3:43 am

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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The union representing New Jersey Transit's rail workers calls the agency's latest contract offer "utterly unacceptable." NJ Transit has offered unionized rail workers a 10-percent pay increase over 7.5 years. But that raise would be offset by a big increase in health insurance costs. The offer was made to an emergency board that was appointed by President Barack Obama to avoid a transit strike. The Record (http://bit.ly/1IiJUap ) newspaper reports the unions have demanded a 17-percent pay raise over six years, plus a cap limiting health care expenses to two percent of each employee's weekly pay before overtime. A New Jersey Transit spokeswoman declined to discuss the negotiations. Reported by SeattlePI.com 8 hours ago.

A Baltimore health-tech startup is developing a way to recycle blood

August 5, 2015, 5:21 am

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Blood is one of those things Americans take for granted. Here, when patients are rushed to the hospital after an accident and are losing a lot of blood, we assume the hospital will have units of donated blood ready to hook up when the ambulance arrives. We don’t think about how much each unit of blood costs — yes, it has a price — because we have health insurance that pays the bill. That’s not the case in developing countries such as those in Africa. There, patients or the hospitals are… Reported by bizjournals 6 hours ago.

United States: HIPAA Enforcement On The Rise - Fisher & Phillips LLP

August 5, 2015, 5:00 am

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The number of claims filed under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) have skyrocketed in recent years. Reported by Mondaq 7 hours ago.

Can I Change My Health Insurance Plan Outside of Open Enrollment?

August 5, 2015, 6:46 am

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This weekly Q&A addresses questions from real patients about healthcare costs. Have your own question? Get expert answers here.

*Question:*

When my employer offered open enrollment last year, I enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. I see now that this wasn't the best plan for my situation and would like to switch to a policy with a lower deductible and higher premium. How can I change plans mid-year?

*Answer:*

Choosing health insurance is a difficult and often confusing task, so for many people, open enrollment is a time of hand-wringing and guesswork.

Unfortunately, you may be stuck with your current plan until the next open enrollment period. But in some cases, you might qualify for what's known as a "special enrollment period."

*You may qualify for a mid-year policy change.*

Your eligibility for special enrollment depends on whether one of the following "qualifying events" have occurred in your life:

· Loss of coverage due to:

· Divorce or separation · Job loss or reduced hours · Death of spouse who maintained your coverage on their policy · Loss of dependent status

· Marriage· Birth or adoption of a child

Some insurance carriers allow for additional qualifying events, such as gaining citizenship. Contact your human resources representative or insurance company to find out if there are additional qualifying events under your policy.

If you experience a qualifying event, you'll generally have a minimum of 30 days to choose another plan. If you purchased a plan on the ACA or state marketplaces, you'll have 60 days.

*If you don't qualify, there are other ways to save. *

Since qualifying events are uncommon, it may be more helpful to cut down on health care costs to lessen the burden of your deductible. Here are a few ways to save:

Make full use of your HSA.

Because you have a high deductible health plan (HDHP), you qualify for a Health Savings Account (HSA). These are typically offered through your employer and allow you to set aside tax-free money to help cover medical costs -- such as that deductible. If your employer doesn't offer an HSA, you can sign up for one before the next open enrollment period through a bank or investment firm. Most HSA administrators allow you to contribute to the account throughout the year.

You mentioned that you're willing to pay a higher monthly premium when you get a new plan. Consider setting aside the additional money you're willing to put toward higher premiums into your HSA until you can switch plans.

Always review your medical bills for errors.

Experts estimate that 80% of medical bills contain errors. If you're paying out-of-pocket to cover your deductible, these errors could be costing you. Look for errors such as duplicate charges, charges for services you didn't receive, or charges that are too high for the services you did receive.

Negotiate lower balances.

Your "total due" isn't set in stone. If you're having a hard time paying off a medical bill, contact the billing office and see how they can help. From cutting the balance to allowing you to make reasonable monthly payments, medical providers are often willing to negotiate.

*Plan for next open enrollment. *

High-deductible health plans are a gamble of sorts and aren't right for everyone. Unless you have plenty of extra cash set aside, you could be stuck holding some significant bills if an unexpected emergency or illness arises.

Next open enrollment, take your time. Estimate your health care expenses for the upcoming year, and determine how much each plan will set you back. Finally, don't be afraid to ask your human resources department or the insurer tough questions. That's what they're there for.

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 5 hours ago.