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Health: United States
HIV, AIDS, and Older People (June 2004)
(Report also available in Spanish)
HIV/AIDS can infect anyone regardless of their age. About 19 percent of people living with HIV in the US are adults age 50 and over. Older adults often are not aware of what causes HIV/AIDS and do not go for blood tests. As a result, they do not realize that they have been infected because they mistake their symptoms for age-related issues. An older person infected with HIV/AIDS can suffer from depression, declining health and eventually financial problems. HIV/AIDS cannot be cured but it can be prevented and treated. Therefore, it is best for individuals to talk to their doctors about the disease and be tested early.
The 2004 Survey of State Adult Protective Services: Abuse of Older Adults 60 years of Age and Older (2004)
This report by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) gives readers a clear idea about what is happening to many older adults in the United States. The information presented is based on fiscal year 2003 data from Adult Protective Services (APS) collected in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. APS is a state-operated program and it refers to “those services provided to older people and people with disabilities who are in danger of being mistreated or neglected, are unable to protect themselves, and have no one to assist them.” According to the study, the most common forms of elder abuse in the US are self-neglect, caregiver neglect, and financial exploitation.
What
is the Truth About the Cost of Utilization of Medical Technology in Europe
vs. the U.S.? (December 3, 2004)
The United States spends 15% of its GDP on healthcare, more than any other
industrialized nation. Yet, its overall health outcomes are arguably not
correspondingly better.
It is believed that much of America's additional expenditure comes from a
greater use of new medical equipment and devices. At the same time,
medical technologies have been shown to save money and improve healthcare
outcomes.
The Global Medical Forum Foundation's second U.S. Summit will address this
challenge, and seek to answer questions in three reports including: What
lessons can American policymakers, providers, and payers learn from the
European experience with healthcare machines and devices? Have the
European industrialized nations learned to be better purchasers and users
of these new medical technologies?
The follow-up:
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/2004/technology2.pdf
http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/2004/technology3.pdf
Coverage & Access: Women's Health Varies
Across Country (September 2, 2004)
There are several "notable differences" in women's health across
the United States revealing the need to improve in every state, according
to a report released in August 2004 by the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). In the study, researchers from the Health and Human
Services (HHS) Office on Women's Health and CDC ranked each state on 27
indicators including major causes of death, health risk factors,
preventive care and health insurance coverage. Researchers organized the
information by state "to help policymakers, program officials,
researchers and others identify key issues of importance," according
to a CDC release. The report also includes data on race and ethnicity. The
report "highlights a growing awareness that gender plays a
significant role in health and that women need special attention because
of their biological differences from men."
Uninsured
and Underserved: The Health Care Experiences of Latinos in the Nation's
Capital (December 20, 2004)
A summary of Latino experiences and opinions regarding access to health
care in the District of Columbia, this brief also contrasts the
experiences of Latinos in the District of Columbia with those of Latinos
nationally.
"Medicaid Prescription Drug Reimbursement: Why
the Government Pays Too Much" (December 7, 2004)
This report is a hearing transcript sponsored by the Committee on Energy
and Commerce focuses on Medicaid's prescription drug reimbursement
procedure. The panels are composed by health professionals, health, State
employees, representatives of pharmaceutical firms and commercial firms.
Find the answers to high drug costs in the USA.
Older Women’s League Mother’s Day Report
Healthcare costs increased by double digits during the last few years.
Quick fixes in the last decade simply slowed increases for several years.
Once again women risk financial security as they age. Women are often at a
loss in obtaining affordable adequate healthcare. OWL has advocated for
change in the American healthcare system since its inception in 1980.
Improvements have been limited and we find again ourselves experiencing a
healthcare crisis.
Health Insurance Coverage in America: 2003 Data
Update (December 2004)
”Almost 45 million Americans were uninsured in 2003…growing by 1.4
million from the previous year and a total of over 5 million since
2000”.This chartbook provides 2003 data on health insurance coverage,
with special attention to the uninsured. It includes trends and major
shifts in coverage and a profile of the uninsured population.
Prescription Drug Spending Under The MMA: Modeling The
Impact On Out-of-Pocket Costs (November 22, 2004)
This report projects the impact of the new Medicare drug benefit on
out-of-pocket spending for people who enroll in 2006. The analysis is
based on a model developed by the Actuarial Research Corporation for the
Kaiser Family Foundation. The model generally conforms to the
Congressional Budget Office’s assumptions and projections about Medicare
drug benefit spending and participation rates for the new benefit and for
the low-income subsidy.
National Survey on Consumer’s Experience with
Patient Safety and Quality Information (November 2004)
Americans say that they do not believe that the nation's quality of care
has improved, according to a new survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation,
and other important institutions. The survey also finds that nearly half
(48%) of U.S. residents say they are concerned about the safety of the
medical care that they and their families receive. About one in three
people (34%) say that they or a family member had experienced a medical
error at some point
in their life. This study summarizes key findings from a national survey
that assesses Americans' perceptions about the quality of health care,
their awareness and reported usage of information in making their health
care choices, and their experiences with their health care providers.
A Review of Federal and State Policies Related to
Immigrant’s Eligibility and Access to Publicly Funded Health Insurance
(November 2004)
This brief from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the uninsured
provides an overview of health coverage challenges facing immigrants, the
federal rules regarding immigrants’ eligibility for Medicaid and the
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and state efforts to
provide replacement coverage for immigrants who are ineligible for
Medicaid and SCHIP.
Prescription
Drugs Trends (October 2004)
This two-page report provides trend data for prescription drug
expenditures and the key factors that contribute to rising prescription
spending: increases in utilization and prices, and changes in drug use
from older drugs to newer higher-priced drugs. The report provides private
and public responses to increasing drug costs.
Waste Not, Want Not : How Eliminating
Insurance and Pharmaceutical Industry Waste Could Fund Health Care for All
(October 7, 2004)
The United States ranks near the bottom of the industrialized countries in
life expectancy, infant mortality. It does not provide public health
insurance for its population. However, contrary to what many people think
about the cost of health coverage for everyone, the United States already
spends more than enough to insure the entire population. This report looks
at the waste of the US private health insurance system with substantial
detail. The US system subsidizes profits of corporations connected to the
health industry rather than supporting good health for its citizens.
Americans
& Health Care Reform: How Access and Affordability Are Shaping Views
(September 15, 2004)
US citizens want their government to provide more public health care and
favor importing prescription drugs. Will US legislators respond with
programs that benefit citizens or that protect corporations?
Opinion Research Corporation did telephone interviews from September 2 to
5, 2004, among a sample of 1020 adults 18 years old or older living in the
United States. 78% of participants answered that they are willing to
accept a greater government role in health care because it is a necessity
such as water, gas, and electricity. Also, they appear willing to look at
new ways to ensure access to affordable health care such as importing
lower-cost prescription drugs. This report is originally made by Power
Point but it is saved with PDF file. You may see the important parts of
results of this survey with a lot of graphs.
Reimportation
of Prescription Drugs (September 2004)
Spending on prescription drugs in America has increased faster than any
other category of health care expenditures. Yet in Canada and many other
industrialized nations, prescription drug prices are either partly or
entirely kept in line by government negotiation and policy, leading to
significantly lower prices for consumers.
A
Review of the Quality of Health Care for American Indians and Alaska
Natives (September 2004)
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) continue to suffer significant
disparities in their health status, despite the efforts of the Indian
health system to improve the quality of care in AIAN communities. Severely
underfunded, the system cannot deliver quality health care to this
population. This paper reviews the current status of the quality of health
care for AIANs.
Americans
& Health Care Reform: How Access and Affordability Are Shaping Views
(September 15, 2004)
US citizens want their government to provide more public health care and
favor importing prescription drugs. Will US legislators respond with
programs that benefit citizens or that protect corporations?
Opinion Research Corporation did telephone interviews from September 2 to
5, 2004, among a sample of 1020 adults 18 years old or older living in the
United States. 78% of participants answered that they are willing to
accept a greater government role in health care because it is a necessity
such as water, gas, and electricity. Also, they appear willing to look at
new ways to ensure access to affordable health care such as importing
lower-cost prescription drugs. This report is originally made by Power
Point but it is saved with PDF file. You may see the important parts of
results of this survey with a lot of graphs.
Why
Is Life Expectancy So Low in the United States? (August 2004)
The United has the second highest GDP in the world following
Luxembourg
. Usually, it is said that longevity is associated with income. In fact,
Americans lived longer than people in other nations until 1980s. However,
nowadays, American citizens do not live longer: the
U.S.
ranks 18th in life expectancy for women among the 30 OECD
countries. Why? Alicia H. Munnell, a head researcher of this study, tried
to figure out the reasons.
Employer Health Benefits: 2004 Summary of Findings
The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust
introduced their latest findings on employers’ health benefits. They
reported that all workers receiving health coverage from their employer
fell from 65% in 2001 to 61% in 2004, estimating that at least five
million people were affected by this change. Currently, most covered
workers enjoy the same health benefits regardless their work place;
however, experts are questioning whether smaller firms will continue to
support family coverage if health costs continue to go up.
Doughnut
Holes and Price Controls (July 21, 2004)
This detailed paper attempts to explore the implications of "doughnut
hole" under the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit to be
implemented in 2006. Medicare beneficiaries are left without coverage for
expenses totaling from $2,250 to $5,100 referred to as the "doughtnut
hole". Professor Anderson and colleagues propose to establish similar
price controls existent in other developed countries such as Canada,
United Kingdom and France. Professor Anderson hopes that such price
controls will ensure better access to cheaper drugs. United States
officials have to choose whether to introduce price controls and thereby
reducing funding for Research and Development versus high drug prices for
its citizens and increased funding for R and D. In 2003 alone, citizens of
Canada, United Kingdom and France spent about 34-59% less than what
American citizens paid for the same drugs.
NYC
Department for the Aging Launches NYC Caregiver Website (July 20, 2004)
The
New York City Department for the Aging has launched a new website with
resources and support to New York City’s informal caregivers. More than
6,000 caregivers who speak 13 different languages have been served through
the NYC Caregiver Program, but the new website will reach even more of the
2 million New York City caregivers, Edwin Méndez-Santiago emphasized. The
website offers information in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian with
a fully translated version of the website planned for the future. Although
you may not live in NYC, US citizens can get a lot of useful information
regarding caregiving issues, such as paying for care, getting help,
healthy living, and even legal information. Try it!
A
State Policy Agenda to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
(June 2004)
John E. McDonough, the executive director of Health Care for All in
Massachusetts
and the head researcher of this article, argued that despite the fact that
many states sponsor specific health programs that help racial and ethnic
minorities, health disparities have still not been a high-level issue. He
and his colleagues have given state policy makers a list of policy
interventions in state infrastructure and capacity such as the elderly
care, insurance coverage and primary care. Also, they addressed health
conditions on racial and ethnic minorities such as asthma, cancer,
diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. This report includes a lot of useful resources
about the racial and ethnic health disparities.
The
Medicare Drug War: An Army of Nearly 1,000 Lobbyists Pushes a Medicare Law
that Puts Drug Company and HMO Profits Ahead of Patients and Taxpayers
(June 2004)
A recent study conducted by an advocacy group Public Citizen reveals the
time, money and effort that went into lobbying to pass the new Medicare
Law. The report reveals the hiring of 824 individual lobbyists in 2003
alone by the pharmaceutical industry. In the same year, pharmaceutical
industry spent about $108.6 million on lobbying efforts alone. Please
click on the link to read more about the details that went behind passing
the Medicare law.
Reactions
to the New Medicare Law (June 3, 2004)
A recent report by The Kaiser Family Foundation assessed Medicare
beneficiaries' opinions and feelings towards the new Medicare law. The 10
focus groups were conducted in Pittsburg, PA, Kansas City, KS, and
Washington, DC. The groups were divided into recipients with income of
less than $17K, income between $17K-$35K, income above $35 and disability
coverage. The focus groups addressed their reactions to the temporary drug
discount card as well as the one beginning in 2006. What were the seniors'
reactions towards the Medicare drug discount card?
Who,
When, and How: The Current State of Race, Ethnicity, and Primary Language
Data Collection in Hospitals (May 2004)
Romana Hasnain-wynia and other researchers at the Health Research and
Educational Trust show that the lack of primary data of race/ ethnicity
and primary language prevents eliminating disparities and improving the
quality of patient care for all. According to the author’s survey of
1,000 hospitals nationwide and results of the 2003 American Hospital
Association annual survey, only 78% of hospitals reported collecting race
and ethnicity data about patients. 50 % of respondents from the 22 states
that have a mandate to collect such data were actually aware of the
mandate. Site visits to six leading hospitals and health systems convinced
the authors that despite a commitment to collecting this information, no
consistent policies and practices are in place. This ignorance turns a
blind eye to racial and ethnic abuse!
Democracy
on Drugs (May 18, 2004)
This study about the vote on the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill denounces
the immoral circumstances of this vote. The first scandal came in January
2004, when US citizens discovered the real cost of the Medicare Law: from
the $395 billion planned first to $534 billion. However the democratic
process worked at its worst. Representative of Michigan, Nick Smith, said
he was pressured and lobbied to vote "yes" to the Medicare bill.
Moreover, it appears, Congress censored for the first time in 25 years the
C-SPAN camera that records what the House of Representatives is doing.
Furthermore, some of the officials who negotiated for the Medicare law,
such as Thomas Scully, the former government official for Medicare, are
now working in industries that receive financial advantage from the new
law.
Health Care Information (May 2004)
The Kaiser Family Foundation produced a data book regarding changes in the
health care market place. They pointed out the striking changes in this
area: the increase of health care spending and costs, the premiums and
benefits changes and the consumers place in that issue. All these
information will soon be available on the Kaiser Foundation Website.
(http://www.kff.org/insurance/7031/index.cfm)
Testimony
Before the House Regarding Medicare Drug Discount Card Program (April
2004)
Consumers of all ages are in dire need of relief from the high cost of
prescription drugs. The discount drug card program that is scheduled to go
into effect soon may offer modest relief to some low-income Medicare
beneficiaries. However, Congress needs to do much more to provide
meaningful discounts for Medicare beneficiaries and relief for
non-beneficiaries as well.
Racial
and Ethnic Disparities in Women’s Health Coverage and Access to Care
Findings from the 2001 Kaiser Women’s Health Survey (March 2004)
Kaiser Family Foundation reported significant racial and ethnic
differences in health status. The Kaiser Women’s Health Survey, a
nationally representative survey of nearly 4,000 women between the ages of
18 to 64, provided the basic information. These data show differences in
health status, health insurance coverage, and selected measures of access
to care among African American, Latina, and white. Although the data was
gathered from young and middle aged women, they will become the elderly
sooner or later. Therefore, the survey can predict the future health
status among elder women with different ethnicities.
Trends in Manufacture Prices of Brand Name
Prescription Drugs Used by Older Americans - First Quarter 2004 Update
(January-March 2004)
The annual manufacturer price of prescription drugs has increased from
2000 to 2003, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute. Manufacturers
raised prices on some 106 out of 197 drugs during the period from December
31, 2003 through March 31, 2004. The average annual rate of price increase
rose from 6.9 % in 2003 to 7.2 % for the 12-month period ending in March
2004, while the rate of general inflation fells from 2.3 % to 2.0 %. The
average annual price increase for brand name prescription drugs hurts
older Americans who live on fixed incomes. Why then did AARP lobby so hard
with millions of dollars for the Medicare Modernization Act that hurts
older people by allowing unregulated drug prices?
New
Kaiser Family Foundation Survey Shows Seniors Confused About Medicare Rx
Drug Law (February 26, 2004)
A survey released by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows most seniors are
confused about the Medicare prescription drug debate and the prescription
drug law. Over 60% of US seniors followed the debate very closely but only
15% say they understand its meaning. Many seniors don't even know the law
was passed. The complex nature of the new Medicare law represents a
challenge to inform seniors about the new plan. For more information about
this survey, please visit the Kaiser Family Foundation at www.kff.org.
Retiree
Health Benefits in 2003: Employer Survey (January 14, 2004)
This survey, conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Hewitt
Associates between June and September 2003 provides detailed information
on retiree health programs offered by large private-sector employers. The
data in this survey reflect the responses of 408 large firms
(private-sector employers with 1,000 or more workers) and provides
information on eligibility, benefits, premiums, and total cost in 2003,
and offers insights as to what changes employers say they are likely to
make in the near future.
The Doctor Will See You Now...in Your Living Room
(December 30, 2004)
This article highlighted a new program intended to care for a
"rapidly growing elderly population" launched at several New
York City hospitals. The programs incorporate technological advances, such
as portable EKG and Doppler machines, to facilitate "complex, if
routine, exams" by doctors or nurses in patients' homes. Hurray!
Governors Ask Bush Not to Cut Medicaid (December
23, 2004)
To lighten the Federal deficit, President Bush would still like to require
the States to pay more for Medicare and Medicaid. The big deal is that
Medicare expenditures already account for an average of 22% of the
States’ budget at the expense of other crucial State responsibilities.
That’s why the nation’s Governors wrote a letter on December 22, 2004,
to President Bush to urge the White House not to increase the part paid by
the States but to find a good answer to the growing number of elderly and
the reform of the Social Security. Guess what Bush is going to say? It
begins with a P…
Dying For Basic Care: For Blacks, Poor Health Care
Access Cost 900,000 Lives (December 21, 2004)
More than 886,000 deaths could have been prevented from 1991 to 2000 if
African Americans had received the same care as whites, according to an
analysis in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.
The study estimates that technological improvements in medicine, including
better drugs, devices and procedures, averted only 176,633 deaths during
the same period. Racism continues to kill racial ethnic minorities in the
USA.
Medicare Disadvantaged and the Search for the
Elusive "Level Playing Field" (December 15, 2004)
Throughout its history, the Medicare program has tested various models
designed to gradually integrate the participation of private health
insurance organizations. Most recently, in an effort to expand the role of
private insurers, the government has been paying these plans more
per-enrollee compared with similar enrollees in traditional,
fee-for-service Medicare. Why should US citizens continue to subsidize
private business when it can be done better and for less cost in the
public sector? Who benefits from such subsidies? Certainly not those using
Medicare.
Bush
Administration Gives Mixed View on Drug Imports (December 22, 2004)
Congress will get a government report on the possible importation of drugs
from Canada. Do you remember President Bush said during the Presidential
debate that he could allow the importation of drugs to decrease the cost
of some medicines for individuals? But, one time again, the government
offers a mixed point of view on the importation of drugs. On one hand,
such a law could be feasible; consumer groups like AARP and some drugstore
executives added that it will be safer than the unregulated imports;
Americans will save more using generics available from Canada. On the
other hand, the government warned that it will harm US pharmaceutical
firms and thereby stall the development of new drugs in the United States
(as if drug profits were not already huge) and the safety of the imported
drugs could not be assured (have you heard about the Vioxx, Celebrex,
Bextra and Aleve’s scandals?).
A 4th Painkiller Is Tied to Increased Heart Risk (December 21, 2004)
After the Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra’s scandals, a new study has found
that Aleve, a popular over-the-counter painkiller made by Bayer, could
increase heart problems. Federal officials are warning patients not to
exceed the recommended dose of two 200-milligram pills a day or continue
therapy for more than 10 days without consulting a physician.
Top
Ten Drug Interactions Most Dangerous to Seniors in Long-Term Care
(December 14, 2004)
Numerous studies have shown senior citizens are the most prone to
dangerous drug interactions, which has prompted the establishment of a
project by the American Medical Directors Association and the American
Society of Consultant Pharmacists to identify the ten drug interactions
most commonly associated with such reactions by residents in long-term
care. The following account, developed by Karen E. Brown, pharmacy doctor,
outlines the impact, the mechanism of interaction, the prevention and the
management of these ten drugs.
Retirees Are Paying More for Health Benefits,
Study Says (December 15, 2004)
US health care costs are the highest in the world—since they must
generate profits to nearly every segment of the health system: private
insurance, medical equipment, medications, private hospitals, and much
more. The US government has shrunk its commitment to public support of
older persons’ health. Companies now find it difficult to sustain this
private system and have cut back on retiree health benefits. That’s why
US retirees have seen their personal insurance premiums increase about 25
percent this year and more increases are on the way. Will US companies and
their retirees demand a public and universal health system, similar to
European programs, to replace the present expensive arrangements?
Families Inform Roadmap to Improve Care for Dying in
Nursing Homes (December 13, 2004)
End-of-life care in nursing homes often results in unnecessary suffering
due mainly to a lack of staff time, training and communication, according
to a new AARP study conducted at Brown Medical School. The report lists 15
recommendations to improve care, including more staffing, increased
physician presence, additional training and better reimbursement rates.
A Lump of Coal For America's Poor (December 10, 2004)
With President Bush set to make his tax cuts permanent for 2005 and push
Social Security privatization, the extra money to make up the difference
has to come from somewhere. Bill Vaughan of Families USA says it's likely
to come from one of the largest, and most vital, government programs:
Medicaid. In a season of doing good unto others, cutting taxes for
millionaires and leaving severely ill seniors in nursing homes without
care is an immoral choice.
Medicare Caveat (December 8, 2004)
Tommy G. Thompson declared at a press conference following his resignation
as Secretary of Health and Human Services that he was really proud of the
Medicare prescription drug bill that he pushed through Congress. He
claimed to be disappointed that the government would not be allowed to
bargain for prices with drugs companies. He added that this “wonderful
law” shouldn’t impoverish the elderly or push the government debt
higher. A sick joke!
U.S. Settles on Regions for Dispensing Medicare Drug
Benefits (December 7, 2004)
The government announced on December 6, 2004, the geographical plan to
administer the new Medicare program sharing the country in 34 regions. A
lot of critics denounce the numeric inequality of Medicare participants in
these regions. Leslie V. Norwalk, acting deputy administrator of the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the boundaries had been
drawn to maximize participation by private insurers in each region. In
addition, the geographical boundary for preferred-provider organizations (PPO)
is different than the Medicare one with 26 regions. On one side, the
insurance companies agree these decisions and, on the other side, the
non-profit organizations working on health issues are deeply disappointed.
What is your opinion?
Health Care: The Real Crisis
(December 3, 2004)
George Bush is beginning to frame his Social Security reform agenda as a
way to help workers. That leaves Democrats the opportunity to reframe the
debate about the best way to do so. Jonathan Tasini argues what will help
workers—and American employers—is a single-payer health plan. In 2004,
The United States will $1.8 trillion in health care. According to
physicians for a National Health Program , a single-payer system could be
financed by a 7 percent payroll tax and a 2 percent income tax and so do
more for American people with less money. So why do the Republicans (and
sometimes the Democrats too) expect to change the Social Security system?
Maybe they need too many contributions from pharmaceutical industry for
their political campaign?
Vioxx Scandal Raises Global Doubts on U.S. Drug Safety
(December 1, 2004)
The recent US withdrawal of the drug, Vioxx, from the market because of
the deaths it caused, increases doubts about the value and safety of the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s work. Vioxx was used in more than
80 countries and its producer, Merck and Co., earned $2.5 billion dollars
from the drug last year alone. Developing countries, which can’t afford
to have their own drug regulation agency, have followed the FDA decisions
in the past. But now they are stopping because the FDA cannot assure
safety of tested drugs. Has the profit hungry drug industry captured the
FDA staff positions?
The Truth About the Drug Companies (2004)
From the flu vaccine to the latest scandal involving Vioxx, the drawbacks
of the US market-based health care system couldn't be more clear. Here,
the summary of Marcia Angell’s book “The truth about the drug
companies: How they deceive us and what to do about it?” Besides, the
graphics turn the readers’ attention to the big money that blinds
politicians, and every public official, from performing their proper
oversight role. Give this book for a holiday gift!
Act Now: Give Thanks for Original Medicare (November
24, 2004)
This Thanksgiving article spells out why Original Medicare is great for
older persons in the US and how recent changes have benefited the
corporations who stoke political candidates’ campaigns. To be read.
US: States' Tactics Aim to Reduce Drug Spending
(November 21, 2004)
"My sense is that Congress is not coming back to this (high drug
costs) for a while, but the problem hasn't gone away,'' said Governor Bob
Wise of West Virginia. That’s why many States decided to act alone in
order to curb spending on medicines for Medicaid recipients, public
employees, prisoners and other residents. Some want to make better choices
about testing the efficiency of drugs as well as deciding whether they are
appropriate treatments. Others deal with pharmaceutical firms to obtain
discounts in drug-purchasing pool and many have filed lawsuits to prove
that the drug manufacturers inflate their prices. This trend concerns more
and more State Governments.
The Flu Kills, but Documents Rarely List It as the
Killer (November 3, 2004)
In 2002, influenza must have caused 2,500 deaths in New York City
according to city health officials but it was listed as the cause of death
for only two people. The problem is that flu provokes a fatal mix which
leads to someone 's death. For instance, pneumonia is one of the diseases
that originates from influenza. To sum up, influenza kills annually 36,000
people in the United States alone. Vulnerable people such as children and
older persons are going to face influenza the epidemic this year without a
vaccine due to shortages.
Study Supports Flu Shots For Elderly (November 3,
2004)
A Dutch study shows that yearly flu shots reduce significantly deaths of
any cause for people aged 65 and more. People who were vaccinated every
year were 28% less likely to die during the flu pandemic's season than
people who received just one shot.
Novartis Drug Gains Wider Use (November 1, 2004)
A study directed by Dr. Goss, the head of Massachusetts General
Hospital’s breast cancer division and a Harvard University professor, on
5,200 post menopausal women shows that Femara, a Novartis AG 's drug,
reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The actual treatment of
breast cancer, Tamoxifen, loses its efficiency after 5 years and may
increase the risk of other kinds of cancer. So Femara use permits
replacement of Tamoxifen after 5 years of treatment. Two-thirds of breast
cancer recurrences and death happen after this period. The Food and Drug
Administration approved the medicine which is now on the US market.
Waiting for Medicare: Experiences of Uninsured
People with Disabilities (October 18, 2004)
While most of the 40 million Americans covered under Medicare are age 65
and older, nearly 6 million are under 65 due to severe and permanent
disabilities. Unlike older Americans, who become eligible within a months
around 65, disabled beneficiaries must wait two years before their
coverage takes effect. Those who must wait face enormous problems. The
researchers recommend that Congress eliminate the waiting period, expand
Medicaid eligibility, and subsidize COBRA insurance coverage.
Beneficiaries also need better information regarding their options for
accessing health care and coverage.
Boomers Shift Another Culture (October 15, 2004)
"As baby boomers are getting older, they present a very different
culture than the current culture of older adults" says the director
of aging and adult services for the Colorado Department of Human Services.
A study, revealed on October 15th 2004, points out that the strengths and
needs of boomers as they prefer casino junkets to bingo and spicy food to
traditional meals. Thanks to their active life, some 89% of baby boomers
are around 89% thinking their quality of life as “good” or “very
good”. Clydie Banks, one of the
36, 000 US grandparents raising their grandchildren, enjoys what she’s
doing. In fact, she’s the great grandmother of two great grandsons, ages
5 and 10 year old.
With Few Suppliers of Flu Shots, Shortage Was Long in
Making (October 14, 2004)
At present only two major manufacturers for the United States' supply of
flu vaccine, and at least a half-dozen other vaccines are made by single
suppliers. That’s why the flu vaccine shortage shouldn’t be a
surprise. There was already a vaccine shortage in the United States. For
example, between November 2000 and May 2003, there were shortages of 8 of
the 11 vaccines for childhood diseases. Actually, many American drug
companies stopped their vaccine production because of the changing strains
of the virus and that it was not profitable enough. Widespread public
sickness does not matter to Big Pharma—just the dollars in the cash
register! Perhaps it’s time for a publicly run vaccine producer.
National Institute on Aging, Industry Launch
Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (October 13, 2004)
The US National Institute on Aging in conjunction with other Federal
agencies as the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug
Administration and private companies has started a study to test serial
magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and other
biological markers in an effort to identify emerging Alzheimer’s
Disease. "This is an extraordinary pooling of talent and resources
toward a common goal -- delaying or preventing Alzheimer's disease"
said Richard J. Hodes, M.D., Director of the NIA.
Medicare to Reimburse for Carotid Stent Use (October
13, 2004)
The U.S. Medicare program on Tuesday said it would pay for the use of
carotid stents for older and disabled patients who need them to prevent
strokes. The Food and Drug administration approved quickly Guidant
Corp.’s carotid artery stent in August and other companies wait for its
approval.
Local Seniors in a Scramble (October 13, 2004)
"People are really upset; they think they are going to die" said
the director of Long Island's Jewish Association for Services for the
Aged. The flu shot vaccine worried people above all persons at high risk
like the elderly. People wait for the vaccine everyday and, for instance,
the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs received 200 calls
a day inquiring about the vaccine. Citizens must wait in a queue for hours
just hoping that they don’t miss the flu vaccine.
New Medicare Drug Benefit may Cover Pills for
Impotence (October 13, 2004)
Impotence drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, and possibly a
libido-enhancing drug for women, could be covered under the new Medicare
prescription-drug plan. U.S. Pharmacopeia, which must help to decide
before December 31, 2004 what drugs to cover, would include “impotent
agents” in Medicare benefits. Other experts denounce such a choice in
Medicare’s priorities. Expect a big debate about sexual health!
Elderly could Face Shortfall (October 13, 2004)
Funding for Colorado services may not keep pace with the increased numbers
of seniors. In fifteen years, the senior population is expected to double
in Denver and surroundings counties. Denver Regional Council of
Governments (DRCOG) wants to warn people that costs are going to increase
because older persons will need more home-delivered meals, medical
transport and in-home services such as assistance with bathing and
cleaning, transportation. There’s still time to plan and to adopt
innovative programs—will they do it?
Retirees Confronted to Medicare’s Limits
(October 12, 2004)
(Article in French)
Medicare’s reforms that the Bush administration pushed through Congress
doesn’t satisfy American citizens. The federal health coverage program
for people over 65 and the handicapped doesn’t provide sufficient
allowance for health care and medicines and its administration is very
complicated. Therefore, American people choose, if they can afford it, to
buy a secondary health plan that they must pay for every few months. If
they knew the details of the French health system, US citizens would jump
for it.
Train Headed for Canada, Cheaper Medicine (October
11, 2004)
”Medi-don’t-care” should be the new name of Medicare according to
Mildred Fruhling, a customer of the RX Express. Sponsored by the
Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR), a nonpartisan
consumer-advocacy group, Rx Express is a train that takes seniors and
other patients to Canada where prescription drugs are less than half the
price of prescription drugs in the United States. Of course, its customers
are not obliged to travel to Canada to have cheaper medicines but the ride
serves as a protest to the health policy of the US government. Because of
this policy, many seniors must choose between medicines and necessities as
food and shelter.
Medicare Overhaul Is Plagued by Difficulties
(October 11, 2004)
President Bush claimed that the Medicare changes adopted last year would
be "the greatest advance in health care coverage for America's
seniors since the founding of Medicare.'' Nevertheless, the first step of
this law, a prescription drug card, has yet to come into effect. Seniors
are confused and see little benefit in the various plans. In reality,
Congress changed the law to benefit and enrich the pharmaceutical
companies—on the backs of the elderly. Reports of corruption, pay-offs,
and favors dispensed swamp Congress with only one word: “Greed.”
After Meeting, F.D.A. Official Is Pessimistic on
Winter Flu Vaccine (October 9, 2004)
A day after a team from the Food and Drug Administration met British
regulators about their decision to quarantine nearly half the United
States' supply of flu vaccine, the agency's acting commissioner said
yesterday that he was pessimistic that the vaccination program could be
salvaged for use this winter. A number of seniors have questions about
whether this elimination of widespread flu prevention in 2004 will simply
boost anti-viral drug sales to fight the flu when it arrives? Paranoia? Or
Possibility? Will Big Pharma win another round?
Studies Raise Questions On Value of Intensive Care
(October 8, 2004)
"It is clear that quality is inversely correlated with the intensity
of care and that the better hospitals are using fewer resources and
providing fewer hospitalizations and physician visits," said John E.
Wenneberg, a co-author of a study published in the journal Health Affairs
and director of Dartmouth's Center for Evaluative Clinical Sciences. Two
studies conducted by Dartmouth Medical School point out that elderly
patients with chronic illnesses who stay in the intensive care unit
longer, receive more diagnostic tests or are treated by numerous
specialists do not fare better than those who receive less intensive care.
Health Care Carries Weight in Presidential Debates
(October 8, 2004)
Medical care took up many minutes of the US Presidential debates.
Headlines suggest that healthcare concerns US people very directly. Here
is a comparison of the two major candidates on medical malpractice,
Medicare and prescription drugs, health care costs, stem cell research and
drug importation.
Priority List for Flu Shots Issued after Sudden
Shortage Erupts Includes All 65 and Older (October 6, 2004)
In response to the sudden news of a critical shortage in the supply of flu
vaccine, the US Center for Disease Control in the Department of Health and
Human Services issued new recommendations concerning who should receive
priority for the vaccinations this season. It concerns all children under
23 months, children under 18 on chronic aspirin therapy, all people up to
65 years-old, adults with underlying chronic medical conditions,
health-care workers and pregnant women. But will there be a vaccine?
Aging Work Force Could Worsen Nursing Shortage
(October 6, 2004)
In Michigan, a third of 110,000 nurses plan to retire within 10 years
according to a survey by the Michigan Center for Nursing. 17% of working
registered nurses are older than 55, and about 24% of working, licensed
practical nurses are older than 55. “We will have a significant shortage
if we don’t change things,” said Anne Rosewarne, the president of the
Michigan Health Council. At the same time, nursing schools don’t have
enough capacity to train new nurses. But this is not the problem in only
Michigan. The US will face serious shortages of nurses near future. In
terms of keeping the quality of care, how to increase the number of nurses
is the one of important issues for the elderly health.
Diabetes Often Leads to Disability in Old Age
(October 5, 2004)
According to the meeting of the American Neurological Association,
diabetics are more likely to have a disability. As a part of The Religious
Orders Study, 922 older Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers were examined
their medical conditions yearly for up to 10 years. “Persons with
diabetes at a lower level of motor function declined at a faster rate
compared to persons without diabetes,” Dr. Zoe Arvanitakis at Rush
University Medical Center in Chicago said. She added that the risk of
disability occurring was 47 % greater in diabetics than in non-diabetics.
More Federal Funding Needed for Medicaid, Analysts
Say (October 4, 2004)
"It is clear that closing the coverage gap for low-income families
will require additional federal resources if states are to expand
coverage," said the executive director of the commission. The problem
for states is, on both sides, the costs of healthcare and medicines are
always going up. The US Congress, which provided additional funding for 15
months, ended it on June 30, 2004. Therefore, the State part of Medicaid
financing will double at least in fiscal 2005. So the poor get sick, stay
sick, and may infect others. A sad story.
Medicare Savings Program, Set to Expire, Is Extended
(October 4, 2004)
A program that helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries for their Medicare
Part B premium has been extended beyond the Presidential elections. Now it
will expire on November 20. According to the Centers for the Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS), the so-called QI-1 program is for the Medicare
beneficiaries with assets that don’t exceed twice the supplemental
security income level ($4,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple)
and who have income of at least 120% of the federal poverty level but less
than 135% of the federal poverty level. Approximately, 144,000 elderly
enrolled in the QI-1 program, and it provides about $800 a year in
Medicaid funds to low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
Maine and One of Its Tribes Look to Buy Canadian Drugs
(October 1, 2004)
Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, is asking the federal government to find a
way to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. He emphasized
that it is unfair if Maine citizens pay more expensive prices for
prescription drugs than their neighbor, Canadians, pay. According to
Baldacci’s plan, the state would allow the Penobscot Indian Nation to
act as the wholesale distributor of Canadian drugs, generating income and
jobs for the tribe. Despite the fact that the federal government doesn’t
allow importing the Canadian drugs, Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire,
North Dakota, and Wisconsin have set up the websites that let their
citizens connect to Canadian pharmacies in order to allow consumers to buy
drugs on their own.
Prostate Cancer has Become Most Common Non-Skin
Cancer in the United States (September 22, 2004)
What is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in the USA? Prostate
cancer. One in six American men will develop prostate cancer in his
lifetime. A little-known fact is that a man is 33% more likely to develop
prostate cancer than an American woman is to get breast cancer. In 2004,
US doctors will diagnose 230, 000 new prostate cancer cases. Over the next
decade as baby boomer men reach the target age for the diagnosis of
prostate cancer, new prostate cancer cases will likely rise to 300,000 per
year.
Punching
the Time Clock of Life (September 27, 2004)
Darwin’s natural selection theory has long been accepted. However,
Valter Longo, an assistant professor in the USCL Leonard Davis School of
Gerontology and the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, explored a
new way to look at aging that directly opposes from Darwin: it hinges on a
process called “group selection” that selection happens at the group
level rather than the individual. He realizes this theory was against the
fundamental theories of evolution, so he has spoken with prominent
evolutionary biologists about his ideas. But no one could say that his
idea was wrong. “Most likely, most organisms undergo programmed
longevity,” Longo said. “Life is programmed. Whether death is
programmed or not is yet to be determined.”
Time For A Checkup (September 21,
20004)
Do you know why the world richest country can barely meet the health
benchmarks set by other developed countries? Do you know the reason why
American’s life expectancy is lower although the U.S. spends more on
health care than any country on earth? In this article, the author reveals
that relative social equality and a national health care system
result in good health for citizens. In the U.S., neither condition
pertains and yields the predicted low health status, particularly
affecting persons of color and the poor. In this election season,
Americans must consider why the U.S. doesn’t have a national health care
insurance, which most socially developed nations have. More US voters
should consider how the socioeconomic disparities affects on American’s
health.
Disparities: For Cancer Survivors, Worse Care
(September 21, 2004)
People who survive cancer receive worse care than the general population
when it comes to other diseases, the online version of the journal Cancer
reported. 14,000 Medicare patients who had been treated for colon cancer
were compared with that of 14,000 Medicare patients who had never had
cancer. The head researcher, Dr. Craig C. Earle of the Dana Farber Cancer
institute in Boston, said that the study showed that the cancer patients
were less likely to receive a number of preventive measures or adequate
follow-up care for other conditions. Especially older, racial and ethnic
minority, and/or lower income people do not go to both an oncologist and a
primary care physician. In terms of the quality of life, both the cancer
and other diseases should be treated.
AoA Awards $5.1 Million to Support Community Services
for Seniors Aging in Place in 22 Cities and Counties (September 20, 2004)
The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA), Department of Health and Human
Services announced that they distribute $5,144,959 in 22 grants (16 new
grants and six continuations) to help the elderly who live independently
in their communities. Josefina Carbonell, Assistant secretary for Aging,
said, “all of the projects will be testing innovative approaches to
helping our older citizens to projects with other communities across the
nation.” Living in their own community is important for the elderly in
terms of the quality of their life. The institutes that will receive the
grant are Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Southern Arizona,
Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, Jewish Federation of Greater
Indianapolis, Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, and
some other 12 institutions.
Private Plans Costing More for Medicare (September
16, 2004)
Medicare pays private health plans more than it would cost to care for the
same patients in the traditional Medicare program! Members of Congress
concerned that the majority of seniors in Medicare subsidize the minority
of seniors in private plans. Currently, about 11.5% of Medicare
beneficiaries are in health maintenance organizations and other private
plans which are known as Medicare Advantage plans. In the traditional
Medicare with no supplemental insurance, the elderly paid $2,631 in 2003,
on average, while those in private plans spent $1,964. Will Congress
address this unfair issue?
A Doctor Puts the Drug Industry under a
Microscope (September 14, 2004)
Dr. Marcia Angell, a pathologist and the former editor in chief of The New
England Journal of Medicine now holds a senior lecturership at Harvard
Medical School. Based on her background, she wrote a book “The Truth
About the Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It”
(Random House). In this article, Dr. Angell answered several questions
regarding how she sees the drug industries and what people should know.
Drug companies’ fund “research” and get medical journals to print
the positive results. To understand how the pharmaceutical firms corrupt
and distort so-called scientific journals as well as implicating complicit
medical doctors and their teaching institutions, read her book. You will
see what is going on in the drug companies.
Election-Year Debate Over Health Care Intensifies
(September 14, 2004)
Health care is one of the big arguments in the 2004 US Presidential
election. President George W. Bush emphasized more affordable health care
while John Kerry proposed new federal subsidies that would allow the
uninsured to join the federal employee’s health plan and consumers to
buy Canadian drugs. Since these issues affect the elderly, both candidates
are now trying to get more seniors’ attention. Hot air? Or real plans?
Driving Errors Seen in Early Alzheimer's Disease
(September 13, 2004)
In the U.S., living without a car can be tough. However, patients with
even mild Alzheimer’s were more likely to make incorrect turns, to get
lost and to steer erratically or make other safety errors. Dr. Ergun Uc of
the University of Iowa said that there are no criteria to predict
driver’s safety in Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, safety is the
very important issue for patients and their families. Currently, one in
ten Americans over the age 65 is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and
nearly one out of two over the age 85.
Oncologists Say Medicare Won't Cover Drug Costs
(September 8, 2004)
Medicare payment cuts will harm cancer patients! According to the American
Society of Clinical Oncologists, more than half of clinics and doctors’
office that provide cancer-fighting chemotherapy are unable to cover the
costs of some key drugs. A survey by ASCO found that 70% of medical
practices will have to pay more for pamidronate, which is used to treat
advanced cancers spreading to the bone, and 73% will not be able to cover
the costs of the drug epoetin to treat anemia, a common side effect of
chemotherapy.
Nearly All Eligible Hospitals Are Reporting Quality
of Care Data (September 2, 2004)
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that nearly all
of the nation’s eligible hospitals started to report data on the quality
of care they deliver. Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy G.
Thompson, said “making information available on care delivered provides
people with the tools necessary to make decisions on where to go for their
health care.” CMS sent questionnaires to hospitals, nursing homes and
home health care agencies to provide information on the care they deliver.
Beginning early in 2005, the hospital quality data will be available at
www.medicare.gov, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
Pfizer Ends Drug Cards for Elderly (September 1,
2004)
In an example of drug company arrogance, Pfizer, the America’s largest
drug company, stopped its widely used discount card for the elderly.
Private corporations are “accountable” to their shareholders—not an
electorate—and can take whatever action it wants to balloon its
“bottom line.” Pfizer claimed it had announced to 536,000 cardholders
for months that it wouldn’t continue the discount program beyond August
31, and advised them to sign up for other discount cards. But several
hundred thousand low-income Medicare beneficiaries are left without access
to reduced prices for popular medicines such as the cholesterol drug
Lipitor. With the Pfizer card, a 30-day supply of Lipitor cost $15,
compared with $68 at one Internet pharmacy or $43.32 at one Canadian
Website. Now, how do low-income seniors afford cholesterol drugs? Pfizer,
apparently, could care less.
Phone Pals Play
Vital Role for Elderly Folks Home Alone (August 26, 2004)
In Washington County, Oregon, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
(RSVP) developed a telephone reassurance program for the elderly who live
alone and need company. Currently, 19 volunteers with an average age of 73
are reaching out to 24 seniors with an average age of 82. Margaret Larson,
84, is one of veteran callers at RSVP. She likes this volunteer work
because she is able to help others without leaving her home. Also, for the
phone receivers, talking with someone is the way to socialize. Elder phone
pals strongly connect each other.
New
Treatments For Alzheimer's Symptoms (August 26, 2004)
About half of Alzheimer’s patients suffer from developing
psychiatric and behavioral symptoms such as violent outbursts, paranoid
thoughts and intense anxiety while they fight against slow erosion of
memory, the major symptom of Alzheimer’s. These behavioral changes shock
family members, close friends, and patients themselves. Fortunately, a
number of new studies found out that so-called atypical antipsychotics, a
class of drugs normally used to treat young schizophrenics, can reduce the
psychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Although some serious side effects
such as an increasing risk of stroke and diabetes are reported,
Alzheimer’s patients and their families will enjoy benefits of new
treatments. Of course,
families and caregivers must be vigilant that such medications are not
used to sedate elderly and thus permit lower staffing levels at nursing
homes.
Caregivers Get No Emotional Relief
from Institutionalizing Relatives with Dementia (August 24, 2004)
A University of Pittsburgh study shows that caregivers who make the
difficult decision to place their relatives into institutionalized care
don’t feel relief from depression and anxiety. The leading researcher,
Dr. Richard Schulz, said caregivers “continue to feel distressed because
of the suffering and decline of their loved one as well as having to face
new challenges such as frequent trips to the long-term care facility,
reduced control over the care provided to their relatives, and taking on
responsibilities such as coordinating and monitoring care.” We need to
understand caregivers’ emotional distress, and educate them about the
nature of long-term care facilities and their impact on patient
functioning.
Med Schools Put More Emphasis on Gerontology
(August 22, 2004)
US Medical schools are now looking for creative ways to increase new
doctors’ interest in gerontology. As the aged population increases, the
demand for doctors who specialize in elderly patients will grow, too.
However, according to a 2003 study published in the Journal of the
American Geriatrics Society, health care professionals and physicians
“tend to have a negative attitude toward older patients.” Because a
doctor’s bedside manner is important in patient care, medical schools
are trying to give their students opportunities to work with senior
people.
Medicare Drug Muddle (
August 20, 2004
)
Receiving affordable health care is one of major human rights, isn’t
it? However, American seniors are facing unnecessary confusions regarding
Medicare drug benefits. Assistance
with the rising cost of prescription drugs is at the top of the wish list
among Medicare recipients. But Medicare is forbidden from negotiating
lower prices with drug companies, and importing cheaper drugs from
Canada
and other countries is also forbidden though the law is currently ignored.
In addition to these, Medicare is now allowing more than 70 different
discount cards to be offered without uniform coverage or discounts. How
can American elderly get affordable prescription drugs?
Cholesterol Drug Helps
All Diabetics, Study Finds (
August 20, 2204
)
Helen Colhous, a professor at the University College Dublin, found out
that a cholesterol-lowering drug cuts the risk for heart attacks and
strokes. She studied more than 2,800 diabetics who took the cholesterol
drug Lipitor, and the result was that more than one-third of them were
less likely to have a heart attack and about one-third of them were also
less likely to die from any form of cardiovascular disease. Other experts
agreed with this study and recommended that most diabetics should consider
taking the cholesterol drugs regardless their cholesterol levels.
You
Can Soon Switch off Your Anxiety (August 19, 2004)
Anxiety and sleep disorders are common problems among the elderly. Rainer
Reinscheid and his colleagues found out that a protein switch in the brain
helps to reduce anxiety levels. They reported that the protein which they
named neuropeptide S (NPS) is produced in brain cells which regulate
activity in a person. Reinscheid concluded that the discovery of this
transmitter system might help to understand sleep disorders and
pathological states of anxiety.
E-rasing Colds: Vitamin E May Help to Fight
the Common Cold (August 18, 2004)
Vitamin E works to prevent cold and other upper respiratory infections
especially for the elderly, a new study said. Elderly residents at nursing
home received vitamin E supplements or a placebo every day for one year.
Researchers found out that residents who took vitamin E were less likely
to catch cold than those who took placebo. Bobbi Langkamp-Henken, at the
Human Nutrition Department of the
University
of
Florida
, recommended that people still need a balanced healthy diet although she
thinks taking a multivitamin supplement with a little vitamin E is not a
bad idea. “As with anything, the key is moderation and variety,” she
added.
CMS Encourages States to Give Medicaid
Beneficiaries More Control over the Long-Term Care Services They Receive
(August 17, 2004)
Where would you like to live if you need a long-term care? Nursing
home or your own house? By law, the Medicaid program favors institutional
care for elderly and disabled people who need assistance for daily living.
However, Mark B. McClellan, the administrator at the Center for Medicare
and Medicaid Services, addressed in a letter to state Medicaid directors
that many states actually have several approaches of using Medicaid funds
to keep more elderly and disabled people out of institutions and live in
their own communities. “The concept of money following the person’s
own preferences improves satisfaction and may reduce Medicaid costs
too,” he added.
Voices
of Senior Citizens [Report by GAA Intern] (August, 2004)
On August 6, 2004, GAA interns attended a Senior Citizens’ meeting held
at Crown Gardens Community in Brooklyn, NY. Congressman Major Owens and
State Senator Carl Andrews were present to address the issues of senior
citizens in their community. Various topics related to aging issues were
covered in the meeting, including prescription drugs, senior housing,
upcoming presidential election, and more.
Mexico
Probes Fake Dugs in Border Town Area Popular with Americans Seeking Cheap
Prescriptions (August 12, 2004)
U.S. official said a pharmacy sold useless tablets labeled as Zocor, a
cholesterol drug, to an American citizen in Algodones, Arizona. Mexican
authorities are now investigating the sale of fake or substandard medicine
in a border town. For Americans, cheaper medications are preferable. So,
shifting to “similar drugs” is very common. However, receiving
inactive ingredient is not a laughing matter. Industry officials say that
at border pharmacies sell drugs of dubious effectiveness. However, some
senior people who have bought drugs from Algodones drug stores reported
they haven’t had any problems at all. Instead, they insist that these
cheap medicines help a lot of old Americans whose income is limited. Are
Algodones stores knights on white horse or con artists?
Dangerous
Drugs Provided to 21 Percent of Elderly (August 10, 2004)
One in five elderly Americans receive inappropriate prescriptions drugs, a
study of 1999 insurance claims said. According to Lesley Curtis, Duke
University Medical center, 162,370 patients (21%) received one or more
prescription drugs which should be avoided in elderly patients or which
are inappropriate for use in elderly patients. Antidepressants and doxepin-
both used for treatment of depression- accounted for 23 % of claims for
Beers list drugs, and 51% of these claims were for drugs with potentially
harmful effects. Persons of 65 years or older are less than 15 % of the
American population, but they use nearly one-third of prescription drugs.
When It
Comes to Exercise a Little Bit Goes a Long Way (August 9, 2004)
Even small exercise prevents heart disease, cancer and other illness!
According to a report by Swedish researchers, older adults who exercised
only once a week were 40% less likely to die during the 12 years of study
period than those who did not exercise at all. Many people believe that an
hour of aerobic exercises such as walking and jogging per day are good for
their health. But from a functional standpoint, people only need to
maintain muscle strength and power to take care of themselves. Researchers
recommend that people need to expend 1,000 or more calories a week no
matter days of which you spend.
Many Lost
Health Insurance from Employer, Study Says (August 3, 2004)
From 2001 to 2003, nearly 9 million Americans lost their employer-provided
health insurance. Particularly, low-income workers and Hispanics lost
insurance. The cost of insurance increased by 28 % despite the fact that
the economic sank. During the study period, all age groups experienced a
decline in employer coverage. The insurance coverage for workers with
family incomes less than twice the federal poverty level, $36,800 for a
family of four, declined from 37.4 % to 32.5%. Hispanics with
employer-provided insurance also dropped from 46.7 % to 39.7 %. Because of
these new developments, the percentage of working-age Americans enrolled
in public programs increased from 9 to 12 %. Lack of health insurance from
employers affects Americans health severely!
Pharmacy Benefit Managers A Growing Force in Medicare
(August 2, 2004)
Changing times have redefined the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in the
Medicare market. Pharmacy Benefit Managers play a role equivalent to the
one performed by managed care companies towards hospitals. Rising costs
have led many seniors to resort to extreme measures to meet their changing
health care needs. PBMs recently have been accused of changing patients'
medications without confirming with physicians and patients and profiting
from the transactions. Currently, Caremark and Medco Health Solutions
comprise the two largest pharmacy benefit managers in the United States
and are both under investigation for charges.
Medicare Will Foot the Bill for an Initial Exam at 65
(July 28, 2004)
The new Medicare Law covers a wide range of preventative services about to
take into effect on January 1, 2005. New Medicare beneficiaries will now
be reimbursed for initial physical examinations that include influenza and
hepatitis B vaccines, mammograms, Pap smears and pelvic examinations and
screening tests for prostrate cancer, colon cancer, glaucoma and
osteoporosis. Medicare would also cover screening tests for cholesterol
and diabetes for current beneficiaries. Congress hopes that the new
changes in Medicare law would help doctors to diagnose early and recommend
treatment.
Assisted Living Facility Planned for Tribe (July
28, 2004)
In Maine, Penobscot Nation are in the process of building an
assisted-living facility for their elders. In the past Indian Island
elders had to leave their homes and the island when they needed care. The
facility will be the first such venture for assisted living so that Indian
Island elders do not have to leave the reservation to get access to
services.
Cancer Drug Could Help Alzheimer’s (July 27, 2004)
Dr. Daniel Alkon, the scientific director of the Blanchette Rockefeller
Neurosciences Institute in Morgantown, discovered that bryostatin, a
cancer drug, might prevent progression of Alzheimer’s. Researchers found
that bryostatin helped mice break down proteins that leave deposits in the
brain associated with Alzheimer’s. The rate of premature death among
mice was low. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already approved
bryostatin for some cancer trials, therefore, it could speed the approval
process.
Draft Rules for Medicare Law Unveiled (July 27, 2004)
The Bush administration released a draft of the new Medicare Prescription
Drug Benefit regulations about to be implemented in 2006. The 1,956 pages
of documents provide insight on the inner workings on how the law is going
to take into effect. Billions of federal dollars are going to be spent to
implement this new law. The draft is open for public comment for 60 days.
Already, many aging advocate organizations, such as Families USA (and
Global Action on Aging) have been deeply critical of the manipulation of
information during the Congressional debate and the exorbitant pay-offs to
drug companies and employers that the this new law will permit. The
release of the draft is intended to aid potential participants of the
program.
Medicare: Do-over (July 26, 2004)
This article urges American citizens to exercise their voting rights and
take action against the atrocities committed to pass the New Medicare
Prescription Drug Benefit Legislation. Recent Medicare legislation has not
resolved existing issues. Instead, seniors are more confused about
prescription drugs. They have to choose from more than 70 different
options available; these vary from state to state. Some options available
to seniors are often not beneficial if the state program offers a better
one. Rising prescription drug costs are not monitored and government price
controls illegal under this new law resulting in high profits for drug
companies. Whose pocket is getting filled?
Conventional Wisdom (July 23, 2004)
American citizens face the daunting task of sifting through vast amounts
of contradictory information to decide their vote. Corporations now
contribute to both party conventions to protect their financial interests,
no matter who wins. Federal contributions to both parties, a new trend in
lobbying by big companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer Inc,
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Metropolitan Life, Fannie Mae, Serona, Inc,
Amgen, Inc, and Altria group raise some important questions as to the
influence of companies and legislation they want Congress to pass-or keep.
Who's in charge? Is the US election system a sham? Many may decide that
voting doesn't matter when big corporate can buy the election.
Blacks, Hispanics Develop Alzheimer's Earlier (July
21, 2004)
Two recent studies presented at the International Conference on
Alzheimer's disease and Related Disorders in Philadelphia indicate
Hispanic and African Americans show symptoms of Alzheimer's at an earlier
age than white Americans. Researcher Dr. Christopher Clark of the
University of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine did a study on Hispanics and
James Laditka of the University of South Carolina at Columbia focused his
study on African Americans. The study involved persons over the age of 55
and above.
Drug Approved For Heart Failure In Black Patients
(July 20, 2004)
(See Appended Correction)
When the NitroMed Pharmaceutical company decided to conduct a clinical
trial involving only black patients, many questioned the racialist
research period. The company said blacks had a higher rate of heart
failure compared to the rest of the U.S. population and did not respond
well to medications available in the market. The medications currently
available in the market are known to have significant effects on white
Americans. The trial began in 2001 involved about 1, 050 patients
suffering from heart failure. BiDil was known to be so effective that the
trail was halted. The drug is not currently approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA).
Correction: July 21, 2004, Wednesday
The headline of the Market Place column on the front page of Business Day
yesterday, about a clinical trial for BiDil, a drug aimed at heart failure
specifically in black patients, misstated the outcome. The trial was
halted because the drug was so effective; the drug did not receive
approval.
Big Pharma Is A Two-Faced Friend (July 19, 2004)
Marcia Angell explores the two-sided nature of Big Pharma. This thought
provoking article raises some important points about the veracity of
pharmaceutical deals. It urges readers to question the motive behind
pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer that have recently launched a
programme to offer discount drugs to uninsured and low-income Americans.
Drug Reimportation Plan Saves City $2.5 Million (July 15, 2004)
In Connecticut, a deficit ridden Springfield city saved $2.5 million by
reimporting prescription drugs from Canada for city employees. Springfield
sets the precedent in the United States to sponsor such a program. Cities
such as Montgomery, Ala, Burlington, Vt, Portland, Maine, and Worcester,
Massachusetts have similar programs. FDA has provided numerous warnings
regarding the safety and security of buying drugs from other countries.
What is the point of having safe and secure drugs when seniors are unable
to afford it?
Eight Acquitted in Drug Incentives Case (July 15, 2004)
Eight employees of TAP Pharmaceutical Products were acquitted for
employing improper methods to lure physicians to use their products. The
physicians were given free dinners, golf trips and numerous other benefits
in exchange for prescribing prostrate cancer drug Lupron and heartburn
medicine Prevacid. The verdict comes after a three month deliberation
process. Makes one wonder, who is honest in the system?
Trade Pact May Undercut Inexpensive Drug Imports (July
12, 2004)
The Bush administration creates profit opportunities for pharmaceutical
companies by indirectly influencing regulation of drugs in wealthy
countries. The international trade agreement about to be signed between
U.S and Australia would prevent the import of cheap drugs into the United
States. The trade agreement also proposes to share the burden of Research
and Development costs among all the wealthy countries. A direct result of
this agreement would likely increase in drug costs in developed countries
such as Australia that now have price controls to ensure cheap drugs for
citizens. The agreement, if signed, enables the U.S government through
their pharmaceutical industries to influence the types of drugs that
Australian pharmacies can sell to their own citizens. The trade agreement
will have indirect implications for developing countries that are able to
manufacture drugs for their citizens at a comparatively cheaper price. How
are these policy decisions going to impact the lives of vulnerable
citizens of the world?
Ethnic Disparity Seen in Institutionalizing Elders
(July 12, 2004)
A study by Dr. Dolores Gallagher-Thompson of Stanford University School of
Medicine and VA Palo Alto Health Care System in California indicates an
ethnic disparity in institutionalization of older persons. The study
involved 264 women caregivers caring for loved ones suffering from
Dementia. In comparison to White women caregivers, Hispanic women
caregivers were found to delay the institutionalization process due to
cultural values, according to the research. We don’t know whether
financial costs of institutionalization or other reasons delayed the
Hispanic caregivers.
Studies Look at Health Care in the U.S. (July 8, 2004)
Commonwealth Fund published a study that analyzed the quality of care in
five countries. United States spends 14% of gross domestic product on
health care in comparison to 8% spend in other countries. In spite of this
expenditure, United States lags behind in delivering quality health care
to its citizens. Researchers Uwe E. Reinhardt, Peter S. Hussey, and Gerard
F. Anderson indicate the high expenditure is due to the high charges of
U.S doctors and hospitals. What can American citizens do to make quality
care affordable to all its citizens? National health care?
Hospitals In 3 Southern States Sue Over Medicare (July
7, 2004)
The Alabama Hospital Association filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Health
and Human Services Department for $226.3 million. According to the
lawsuit, Medicare charged twice the rate normally charged in the rest of
the country for the same procedure. The lawsuit includes 78 hospitals in
Alabama, 13 hospitals in Louisiana, and 6 hospitals in Mississippi. The
Association cited discrepancies in the formula used for calculating
reimbursements for in-patient hospital service.
Dems Cite Errors in Info on Medicare Drug Cards (July
7, 2004)
Democrats released a report that indicates that the Medicare website
contains incorrect information about the new prescription drug benefit.
Some of the misinformation includes the names of non-participating
pharmacies, and names of pharmacies that do accept a particular card. The
survey included two local and independently owned pharmacies. The
misinformation has caused a lot of confusion among older adults who are
already overwhelmed by the intricacies of the new drug card.
Inquiry Confirms Medicare Chief Threatened Actuary
(July 7, 2004)
The Department of Health and Human Services conducted an investigation
revealing that Medicare’s chief threatened to fire the actuary if actual
drug benefit costs were disclosed to the Congress. Actuary Mr Foster’s
estimates were not disclosed until after the legislation passed in
Congress. The report describes the effort made by the Bush Administration
to hide crucial information so as to facilitate the passage of the
Medicare Prescription drug benefit law.
Older Women, Too, Struggle With a Dangerous Secret
(July 6, 2004)
An ongoing five-year international study of the genetics of eating
disorders indicates a trend in older women suffering from eating
disorders. The initial two years of the study only involved women below
the age of 25 suffering from eating disorders. Due to the availability and
interest of older women volunteers, the study was expanded to include
women over the age of 25. Eating disorders among older women go
unrecognized since it is stereotypically associated with teenagers.
Soy Fails As HRT Substitute in Older Women (July 6,
2004)
A recent study led by team of researchers, Dr, Sanne Kreijkamp-Kaspers of
the University Medical Center in Utrecht, and Johanna Lampa, a nutritional
biochemist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle,
indicate ingesting soy is of no benefit to older women. The largest study
so far included 202 Dutch women aged 60 and over. The older women involved
did not incur any benefits normally seen among younger women when soy was
consumed.
Race, Regular Exams Influence Elderly Vaccination
Rates (July 1, 2004)
American Journal of Health Behavior’s recent report indicates ethnic
minorities, especially African and Hispanic American older persons, are
less likely to receive annual flu shots. Currently, Flu is the fifth most
common cause of death among older persons. The study surveyed 30,668 older
persons throughout the country via the telephone. The report cites lack of
access to health care and other chronic diseases as cause for the race
disparities. Global Action on Aging asks: Is racial ethnic discrimination
another cause?
A New Approach To Fighting Alzheimer's (June 29, 2004)
Neurochem Inc will be conducting an efficacy trial of its new
Alzheimer’s drug Alzhemed. The drug company is currently actively
recruiting patients for its trial. Alzhemed tries to treat the disease
process rather than the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The study is expected
to recruit 950 patients over a period of 18 months, at 70 different
locations in U.S. and Canada.
Hip Fractures Need Special Care (June 27, 2004)
Older persons experience a lot of hip fractures. Recovery from hip
fractures is a bit complex during summer time due to the heat. As one gets
older, the body does not respond to summer heat as efficiently as when one
is younger. This makes the healing process from hip fractures
uncomfortable during summer time. Older persons suffering from hip
fractures need to take extra care during summer time to avoid fatigue and
exertion.
Lemington Home for the Aged d/b/a Lemington Center The
Oldest Continuously Operated African American Sponsored Long Term Care
Organization for the Elderly in the United States. At risk of Closing!
(June 26, 2004)
This excerpt comes from an article posted at www.lemington.org website
regarding the closure of Lemington Home for the Aged, the oldest African
American run nursing home. While it contains an appeal, the article
details important facts about elderly African-Americans’ access to
health care and caregiving.
Medicare Boosts Drug Rivalry (June 25, 2004)
The Medicare Demonstration project has opened its doors for drug companies
other than Johnson and Johnson Inc. Medicare currently only covers a few
drugs for its beneficiaries. Up until this point, Johnson and Johnson Inc
received 20% of Medicare payments for its drug Remicade. The demonstration
project offers coverage for 25 additional drugs for cancer and chronic
diseases. Drug companies such as Amgen Inc and Abbott Laboratories will
now be able to take part in the Medicare drug market.
Underusing Medications Because of Cost May Lead to
Adverse Health Outcomes (June 25, 2004)
A recent study funded in part by the National Institute on Aging, and
conducted by the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System indicate
older persons are most likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, or
angina if they happen to not take medications due to cost. The
longitudinal study is one of the first nationally represented studies that
included 7, 991 middle-aged and older Americans. The implications of not
taking medications were observed, examined and analyzed over a period of
two-three years.
Thousands to Get Coverage for Cancer Drugs Under
Medicare Demo Program (June 25, 2004)
A new Medicare Demonstration Program is going to offer coverage for
life-saving chemotherapy drugs for treating cancer. An expected 25,000
patients will be able to take part in this offer. A lottery conducted by
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will determine the
number of patients able to receive coverage. Medicare currently does not
cover newer drugs that are available only in pill form. Potential
recipients can qualify if they currently have Medicare Part A and B and do
not have coverage from a private plan.
Grief Knows No Bounds over Alzheimer's Course: Death of
Loved One Does Not Free Caregiver from Difficult Emotions, but Support
Heals (June 23, 2004)
Terri Jo "T.J" Barron lost her husband to Alzheimer's after
caring for him for eight long years. She remembers the loneliness,
isolation, depression, confusion experienced after his death. Such mixed
emotions are quite common among caregivers of Alzheimer's especially when
they feel relief as well as guilt at the same time at the loss of their
loved one. Terri explains although the healing process is different for
everyone, caregivers must open up and seek support to help them in their
grieving process for they are not alone.
Black-White Split in Elder Care (June 21, 2004)
Milbank Quarterly, a health policy journal, recently published a study
indicating African Americans were four times more likely to reside in a
low-tier nursing home. The study defined "low-tier" as
facilities with higher number of Medicaid residents than private pay.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded the study. The review involved
140,000 non-hospital-based Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes.
Most of the residents in such facilities do not have affordable options
available to choose for their healthcare needs and accept what is
available.
Vision Loss in Black Patients (June 21, 2004)
The eye drops study, headed by Dr. Eve Higginbotham, University of
Maryland Medical Center, indicates African Americans at a high risk for
glaucoma can benefit from preventative measures. This study, a follow up
to the one conducted two years ago provides conclusive evidence about the
benefits of medications for preventing Glaucoma among African Americans.
The previous study had examined prescription use for prevention of
Glaucoma by whites however had not indicated a strong case for African
Americans.
U.S. Is Accused of Trying to Isolate U.N. Agency (June 21, 2004)
Many active around population issues accuse the United States
government of alienating and hindering the activities of the United
Nations by withholding funds to various programs. United States as a
Member State has not paid its dues for the last two years to the United
Nations Population Fund. President Bush did not make an expected payment
of $34 million in 2002 and another undisclosed amount last year. The US
has also denied funds to various Population Fund programs claiming that
funds were used for coercive abortion efforts. Proof is lacking.
Money-Saving Medicaid Cuts Cause Panic in Miss. (June
16, 2004)
The Mississippi State Government informed older adults that they would no
longer have Medicaid coverage. The shift in policy takes into effect on
July 1 and will save money for the State Government. This change will
affect 65,000 Mississippi older persons. State officials claim that older
adults removed from Medicaid benefits will get Medicare coverage. Are
there real savings? Or is Mississippi simply shifting costs to the federal
government?
Buying Drugs in Bulk, It's time to negotiate (June 16,
2004)
It is common knowledge that bulk purchases can result in lower unit costs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs uses this principle to buy cheaper
drugs for veterans. Fifty US employers recently announced their decision
to join a buying club to bargain for cheaper drugs for millions of their
employees. However, Medicare cannot exercise the same buying power
principle due to restrictions imposed in the new Medicare drug bill. Who
benefits from such restrictions? Drug companies!
AARP Endorses Bipartisan Prescription Drug Importation
Legislation (June 16, 2004)
AARP recently endorsed the bipartisan U.S. Senate bill 2328 to legally
import prescription drugs from other countries. The bill sponsored by
Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and co-sponsored by
California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, ensures that drugs
imported from other countries are safe and secure for US seniors. The
legislation also addresses important safety issues such as registration,
inspection, tracking, and toll-free hotline among other features.
U.S. to Drop Benefit Cuts Linked to Drug Discounts
(June 13, 2004)
The Bush administration recently confirmed that it would revise the
federal law to count the savings from the Medicare drug discount card as
income and reduce food stamp benefits for low income seniors. At this
rate, low income seniors and disabled persons face a predicament to choose
between food and medicine. Food Stamp officials are currently aware not to
count $600 subsidy under the Medicare drug discount card as income when
determining eligibility for food stamps.
Punishing the Poor (June 11, 2004)
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour recently passed a law authorizing the
largest cut in Medicaid eligibility that will affect 65,000 low-income
senior citizens and disabled persons. Per the new law, the maximum income
eligibility has been reduced from $12,569 per year to $6,768 a year for an
individual. Many of these individuals who suffer from a myriad of chronic
conditions live on such low income that it will be virtually impossible
for them to meet their health care expenses. Please email at globalaging@globalaging.org
to let us know about your thoughts on this issue.
Politicians, Elderly Unite in Push for Prescription
Drug Reimportation (June 10, 2004)
Minnesota Governor Tom Pawlenty's state sponsored websites that allow
reimportation of drugs from Canada are causing a lot of debate throughout
the country. Minnesota Pharmacists have set up their own website to
educate consumers and compare drug prices from Canada and the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration is concerned about the safety and security of
drugs imported from Canada. Lots of senior advocacy groups have set up
links so that older Minnesotans can get cheaper drugs from Canada. The
basic issue is affordability. What is the use of drugs that a person
cannot afford to buy?
Automatic Medicare Enrollment Urged for Poor Seniors
(June 9, 2004)
The sign up for Medicare Prescription drug discount card for low income
seniors is slow even though this group is going to benefit the most
compared to other groups. Congress is urging federal health officials to
auto enroll low income seniors who could benefit from the $600 subsidy.
Seniors become eligible for this subsidy if their incomes are less than
$12,569 for a single person and $16,862 for a couple. Currently only seven
states permit auto enrollment. Many Democrats urge auto enrollment in
other states as well.
Seniors Saving Big on State's Drug Plan (June 8, 2004)
Seniors in Arizona are saving big just using their State approved drug
card. The Arizona CoppeRx Card launched last year by Gov. Janet Napolitano
currently saved $3.2 million on drugs for 45,000 seniors and disabled
persons. The program initially had an enrollment fee that has now been
eliminated boosting an additional 30,000 enrollment. Please email us at
globalaging@globalaging.org if you have any stories on how your local
community is addressing the prescription drug needs.
Program
Helps Seniors Learn, Cope With HIV (June 4, 2004)
HIV among older adults is increasing. Misconceptions about the disease
process, poor diagnoses and lack of knowledge are factors that have led to
an increase in HIV cases among older adults. Seniors affected by HIV is
highest in South Florida. Paul Spearing of Oakland Park, a program analyst
with the Senior HIV Intervention Project reports, heterosexual women over
60 as the growing at risk group for HIV. The Broward County Health
Department has responded by sponsoring The Senior HIV Intervention Project
that offers information and resources to seniors over the age of 50.
Older Mainers Protest Rx Prices (June 4, 2004)
The Medicare Prescription Drug discount card is creating havoc in many
parts of the country. Recently, older adults in Maine made a bus trip to
Canada to purchase a six-month supply resulting in a savings of $14,000.
The Maine Council of Senior Citizens organized the bus trip to protest
against drug prices in the United States. Senator Treat reported older
Mainers do not feel the crisis as much in comparison with the rest of the
country since the State has much better drug discount programs such as
Maine Rx Plus. In spite of federal warnings regarding safety issues, older
Mainers are determined to trek their way to Canada to retrieve
cheaper drugs.
U.S. Rejects Blagojevich's Plea to Buy Drugs in
Canada (June 4, 2004)
Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a petition on behalf of Illinois to conduct a
pilot program to buy prescription drugs from Canada. The U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services rejected the Governor's plea in spite of
projected savings of $91 million for the state of Illinois. Drugs in
Europe and Canada are much cheaper than in United States. The rationale is
if legal importation of drugs from other countries is granted, drug
manufacturers would be forced to lower their prices making them affordable
to millions of sick Americans. However, FDA officials do not wish to
import drugs from other countries due to safety and security issues. Or is
protectionism the issue? At what price, can we make drugs affordable to
our citizens?
Extension of Drug Benefit Program for Seniors is
OK'd by R.I. Senate (June 4, 2004)
Rhode Island Senate recently passed a bill introduced by Sen. Elizabeth
Roberts, chairwoman of the Health, Education and Welfare Committee,
enabling many seniors to take advantage of Rhode Island Prescription
Assistance for the Elderly (RIPAE) program. Initially, Medicare and
private insurance companies picked up the tab for prescription drugs and
the ones not covered were taken care by RIPAE. However, insurance
companies changed the type of drugs that will and will not be covered
eventually leading to about 5,000 seniors adopting RIPAE as their main
provider costing the state more money. The recent bill will allow seniors
to utilize whatever their main insurance provider would not cover
ultimately saving the state money. A similar bill is pending in the House
introduced by Rep. Steven Costantino, chairman of the House Finance
Committee on behalf of Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty.
Wisconsin Attorney General Sues Drug Makers on
Pricing (June 3, 2004)
Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager adds to the list of 13 other
state attorney generals filing a lawsuit against 20 drug manufacturers for
violating wholesale drug pricing laws. The increasing inflation in drug
prices has led to an increase in costs for health care services and drugs
making it unaffordable for many. The lawsuit was filed against Pfizer Inc,
Johnson and Johnson, Inc, and Bayer AG among many others. The lawsuit
seeks compensation for individuals and programs affected by the price
increase of up to $10,000 per violation if against senior citizens. Please
email us your thoughts on violation of wholesale drug pricing laws at
globalaging@globalaging.org.
'Brown bag' Gives More Complete Picture of Meds
Taken by Older Adults (June 3, 2004)
Penn State Gerontology Center recently conducted a study analyzing
pharmacy records and medications present in brown bags of older adults.
The study involved 294 predominantly White, female low-income individuals.
The participants varied in age from 65 to 91. The researchers found
medications present in the brown bag was more accurate of the type of
medications older adults had and were taking in comparison with pharmacy
records. The researchers hope the study would enlighten doctors to check
older adult's brown bag containing medications in addition to checking
pharmacy records so as to be better able to check for drug interactions.
This study presents a dangerous situation putting in jeopardy the
lives of older adults.
Paying to Play: Health Care Companies, Campaign
Contributions and Medicare Drug Discount Cards (June 1, 2004)
A recent Center for American Progress analysis shows that 73 companies
approved to administer the Medicare drug discount card gave more than $5
million in hard money, soft money, and PAC contributions to President Bush
and conservatives in Congress. One third of these companies were involved
in fraud charges and contributed more than 60% of the total contributions
to Bush. The analysis looked at the contributions of various companies to
the Bush campaign since the 2000 elections. Was this discount card
legislation passed for the benefit of our senior citizens or for making
drug companies rich?
Not in the Cards (June 1, 2004)
Medicare Prescription drug discount card is getting a lot of attention in
the media. It has resulted in articles listing the pros and cons of the
benefit from different angles. All of this has confused senior citizens
even more. By the time senior citizens understand and figure out the
maximum benefits of the temporary discount card, it will be replaced by a
new card with different features. Older adults belong to a heterogeneous
population. Even though some seniors might benefit from the card, others
may not due to its complexity, loopholes, eligibility requirements, lack
of knowledge and so forth. Please email us at globalaging@globalaging.org
and tell us about your concerns regarding the new discount card.
The $47 Million Retiree Sellout (May 27, 2004)
The passage of the recent Medicare bill causes concern for various
reasons. There were speculations that corporations would slash health
benefits for their retirees if the Medicare bill was passed. A recent
report by The Wall Street Journal indicates "Employers Coalition on
Medicare" a group of corporations gave President Bush and RNC more
than $47 million since 2000 to pass the Medicare Bill. The report show
companies such as 3M, AT&T, Bank of America, Daimler Chrysler, GM,
IBM, and Verizon all combined have contributed more than $17 million to
the cause. These companies have been trying to cut health benefits for
their retirees. Please read this article for detailed contributions of
various companies.
Studies: Drug Prices Rise Past Inflation (May 26,
2004)
According to AARP and Families USA, drug prices are going up much faster
than inflation. Each group did a study on prices for brand-name
prescription medicines that showed that drug prices increased three times
the rate of overall inflation last year. These groups state that it will
become more and more difficult for consumers to afford drugs. The Bureau
of Labor Statistics contests the level of increase but recognizes that an
increase occurred.
Discount-Card Plan Won't Sharply Cut Markups on
Generics (May 26, 2004)
The Medicare drug discount card goes into effect on June 1. Republicans
and card sponsors claim to offer vast savings on drugs for seniors. The
Medicare web site lists the average price the drugs would cost. Government
officials hope the competition between different card sponsors will
eventually drive the cost of the drugs even lower offering more savings
for seniors. Many pharmaceutical companies still have high profit margins
since many of the generic drugs cost them minimal when bought wholesale.
However, pharmaceutical companies assert profits are minimal when
dispensing costs are taken into account. Seniors now have to do a lot of
research on card sponsors to make sure they receive the maximum benefits
from the new drug discount card. We would like to hear your thoughts on
this subject. Please email us at globalaging@globalaging.org
Medicare Needs A Hard Look at Treatment Costs
(May 26, 2004)
The recently passed Medicare prescription drug benefit bill has created
quite another stir. This time the focus is on the two largely ignored
provisions of the bill. One of the provisions allocates funds for the
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, to conduct a cost benefit
analysis of drugs and medical technology. The intention is to justify
whether the costs charged for services are appropriate. The second
provision limits the rights of the government to act on the findings and
clarify by not paying for the interventions. As a consumer how can we
effectively use this study to help better understand the coverage and make
an informed choice?
The Benefits of Mental Workouts (May 24, 2004)
A recent study by Randy Buckner, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute
investigator at Washington University in St. Louis indicates mental acuity
is sharper in individuals who are mentally active. MRI scans show a
difference in activity levels between older and young adults. Computerized
mental exercises are becoming quite a trend in retirement communities to
boost resident's cognitive skills. Older adults are able to perform
similar tasks as young adults; however, the time it takes to process is
longer. So reach out for the newspaper and start working on those
crossword puzzles.
Older Patients Less Likely to Receive Care in the
ICU (May 24, 2004)
Last week GAA posted an article pointing to the ethical dilemma many have
to determine at what point treatment is aggressive. A recent study
released at the American Thoracic Society International Conference
indicated that age is used as a rationing criterion especially in an
intensive care unit (ICU). Does health rationing on the basis of age
violate elder human rights? The study conducted over a five-year period
included over one million Medicare beneficiaries, out of which 54.9% were
in the ICU at some point or another. The study results indicate many
physicians and family members assume that older adults especially aged 80
and over would prefer not to receive aggressive treatment even though it
could be beneficial. The study found the older the individual was,
treatments were not pursued or offered that would have been the case if
the person had been younger.
The Seduction: The Shocking Story of how AARP
Backed the Medicare Bill (May 21, 2004)
The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), traditionally opposed
to Republican Party programs, used to support Democrats's efforts to
maintain a public Medicare program. Originally, AARP, as an insurance
business, opposed the creation of Medicare in the sixties, but rallied
behind program afterward. The support it gave to the new Medicare law,
introduced by Republicans in December 2003, shocked its members and the
public since millions of seniors have lost their insurance coverage and
privatization was introduced into the program. As a consequence, almost
60,000 AARP members resigned from the organization since December 2003.
The anger is growing as decision making is centralized around new head
Bill Novelli with scarce input from rank and file AARP members. Many feel
thatthe support AARP gave to the Republicans in the Medicare reform
betrayed many older members and other elderly US citizens. Will the
Democrats act to save the public health Medicare program for older
persons? Or join Republicans who dump them into an early grave due to lack
of adequate health care?
New Pacemaker 'Saves Lives' (May 19, 2004)
A University of Colorado research indicates a new type of pacemaker
improved the quality of life of patients suffering from long-term heart
failure. The study included 1,500 patients who had a less chance of
hospital admission and/or death with the use of the pacemaker.
Cardiac-resynchronization therapy aids to re-sychronise the contractions
of the heart by concurrent stimulations of the ventricles. This is the
first longitudinal study done so far that indicates that the new
pacemakers help reduce hospital admissions and prolong life. For further
information, the article is available in the May 2004 issue of the New
England Journal of Medicine.
Higher
Co-Pays May Take Toll on Health (May 19, 2004)
A recent study publishes by the Journal of the American Medical
Association shows insurers and employers increase co-payments for
prescription drugs. In fact, with increasing health-care costs, they shift
more of the expenses to workers. According to the study, these practices
could impact on patients' health. In fact, when drugs' prices rise, people
often decide to discontinue their medications. Even if it may reduce
excess use of drugs, it may also create a medical gap and have serious
(even fatal) consequences for people who can't afford drugs.
Prices Keep Shifting As Seniors Evaluate Medicare
Drug Card (May 19, 2004)
Changing drug prices make it difficult for US seniors to evaluate which
discount-drug prescription card would be relevant. In fact, the government
created a Web site to inform seniors about available discount cards in
each geographical area, but the prices have increased or decreased week to
week. Medicare officials say the price fluctuations should slow in few
weeks and urge old people not to worry. However, this situation is a shame
since it puts severe pressure upon seniors. If they sign on to a card now,
they are locked into the card for a year. And drug prices may go lower.
And how will the older persons with no Internet access make an informed
decision? Another botched up plan that ignores older persons' human right
to health!
Blood Pressure Control for Elderly Should Have
Higher Priority (May 19, 2004)
A recent study published by Dr. Lloyd-Jones and other researchers from the
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study
indicate poor treatment management of hypertension among older adults. The
Framingham Heart Study is the longest epidemiological study of heart
disease conducted so far. The study involved 2,234 men and 2,958 women
classified in age categories such as 60 and below, 60-79 and 80 and older.
Even though older adults have a higher prevalence rate for hypertension
and the risks associated with it, physicians did not adequately treat
them, resulting in poor management of the disease. Researchers of this
study recommend the use of low dosages to control hypertension in older
adults and supplement it with additional drugs if need be. However,
caution needs to be used when giving multiple drugs to older adults who
might be suffering from other diseases as well resulting in complications.
When Alzheimer's Steals the Mind, How
Aggressively to Treat the Body? (May 18, 2004)
Health Care Technology has made great strides over the years increasing
our longevity. However it has also led to debates on whether we should
implement technological interventions, when the quality of life of the
individual is debatable. Quality of life issues are complicated especially
in older adults suffering from Alzheimer's when the patient is no longer
competent enough to express their preferences and caregivers have to make
the decisions for them. Explore this article, think ahead and make choices
before your loved ones have to for you.
Help for Older People With Alcohol Problems (May
18, 2004)
Alcoholism among older adults is increasing and yet to be recognized. This
issue is often overlooked due to associating alcoholism as a problem of
young adults. Older adults also take a number of medications and
consumption of alcohol in addition creates life threatening situations.
Experts recommend older adults to consume not more than one drink a day.
One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1 1/2
ounces of hard liquor. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, part of the Department of Health and Human Services,
provides a wide range of resources in the form of brochures, videos and
other materials to educate the general public about the implications of
alcohol consumption among older adults and how to help them overcome this
debilitating habit.
When Retirement Leaves an Emptiness, Some Fill It
With Alcohol (May 18, 2004)
When they retire, some people become depressed: they feel lost, they have
no idea what to do, they cannot move forward. In fact, they consider by
retiring they are not useful at all. Of course, these feelings are wrong,
but some people fill the emptiness by drinking. The loss of a spouse or a
divorce may increase the risk of becoming alcoholic. According to a 2002
national survey, more than 6 million people over 55 had drunk at least
five drinks on one occasion in the last 30 days. With age, the risks grow,
since alcohol resistance is lower. To deal with that, seniors need a
support from relatives or groups, to get rid of their problems and enjoy
their retirement time.
Study Links Diabetes and Alzheimer's (May 18,
2004)
A study by Drs. Zoe Arvanitakis, David Bennett and other researchers at
Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is one of the first longitudinal
studies to follow diabetic individuals for an average of six years. The
study involved 824 nuns, priests, and Roman Catholic brothers. The
individuals were 55 years and older at the start of the study. The
researchers indicate diabetics had a 65 percent increased risk of
developing Alzheimer's disease. The importance of longitudinal analysis is
clearly evident from this study. However, caution should be noted to
generalize it to the general population from such a small sample size.
Discount Drug Cards Roil Pharmacies (May 17,
2004)
Pharmacists in New York State blame the new Medicare prescription drug
cards program that started on May 3. In fact they just discovered they
have been registered on the Medicare Web site as accepting one or another
discount card, but it is false. They now worry this misinformation can
have terrible consequences for them. In fact, some of their customers may
turn to another pharmacy that accepts the card which they registered for.
Doctor Embarks on Parkinson's Research
(May 17, 2004)
Dr Fitzgerald in Arkansas stumbled upon an intervention while treating one
of his patients suffering from both Parkinson's and heart problems. The
patient experienced an improvement using the Enhanced External
Counterpulsation machine currently approved by FDA only for chest pain and
congestive heart failure. Improvement of Parkinson's symptoms were noted
by many of Dr Fitzgerald's patients, however, no conclusive studies have
been conducted so far. Anecdotal accounts seem to indicate an improvement
in the quality of life of Parkinson's patients using this machine.
Vitamins Ward Off Osteoporosis Fractures
(May 13, 2004)
A large number of older adults enter nursing homes due to hip fractures.
Weaker bones cause hip fractures. Researchers in Holland and the U.S
indicate high levels of homocysteine increase the risk of
osteoporosis-related fractures. Vitamins especially folate and B
previously known to decrease homocysteine levels can help prevent early
onset of Osteoporosis. Researchers indicate a standard multivitamin can
reduce an older adult's homocysteine levels thereby decreasing the risk of
heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis-related
fractures.
73
Options for Medicare Plan Fuel Chaos, Not Prescriptions (May 12, 2004)
Many seniors feel confused with the upcoming Medicare discount cards, and
worry about the consequence it will have on their health if they can't
afford drugs anymore. The cards, going into effect on June 1, 2004, are a
prelude to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization
Act that starts in 2006. Seniors reproach the vagueness of the reform and
the lack of accurate information. Moreover, the companies that sell cards
are over powerful: they are allowed to choose the covered drugs, while
their customers have to keep the card at least one year.
In the
Key of What-Next (May 11, 2004)
In her weekly chronicle, Abigail Trafford presents people in their
retirement years, facing every day life and going ahead. This week she
focuses on a health issue, or the question of how to remain in good health
while ageing? A recent study proved doing creative activities is at least
as good as diet or sport. Researchers from George Washington University
consider creative activities would help people feel better and prevent
them from fast physical decline. This ongoing study concerns 300 men and
women over 65, who entertain with music, painting or writing. It helps
them interact with other people and keep their brain active.
Drug Benefit's Side Effect: a Headache (May 9,
2004)
The new Medicare discount cards upset seniors, who do not feel comfortable
using them. These cards are part of a temporary program that ends in 2006.
Each company that sells a card offers discount on different drugs, but the
level of reimbursement and the number of drugs reimbursed can change every
week. The 41 million Americans enrolled in the Medicare program worry
about the reform. This issue may have consequences on the November
elections and for the designation of the 43rd president of the United
States.
For seniors, Medicare's New Card isn't a Cinch (May
07, 2004)
The new Medicare discount care will be distributed soon but seniors worry
about it. In fact, the opportunities provide by the cards are not clear,
since each company offers one card with a specific discount on specific
drugs. Seniors have to choose the best one for their case, but the choice
is not as easy as it seems. In fact, the coverage can change weekly, which
means that a covered drug may no longer be covered the following weeks.
Losing a Job near Retirement Age significantly
Increases Risk of Stroke (May 7, 2004)
A study by researcher William Gallo and his colleagues, from Yale,
suggests late career involuntary job loss may increase the risk of stroke.
The study is based on data provided by the national Health and Retirement
Survey, about older persons born between 1931 and 1941. The scientists
took into account other physical risks, like smoking, drinking or
diabetes. However this result must be considered with caution.
Thompson
Shifts on Drug Imports (May 5, 2004)
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson changes his mind
regarding the importation of drugs from Canada, since he urged President
Bush to legalize a possible bill for importation. In 2003 the House
approved an importation bill but the Senate rejected it. Now a bipartisan
group of senators is supporting a new bill to allow the importation. In
fact, Canadian drugs are cheaper than US drugs, but the Food and Drug
Administration opposed Canadian drugs on the grounds of safety. In
reality, the drug companies don't want to lose a huge market and see their
profits shrunk.
Baby boomers, Minorities making Dope a Habit (May 5,
2004)
The increase of marijuana use among U.S. adults over the last ten years is
a huge issue the government will deal with. According to a report
published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, the rate of
dependant adults age 45 to 64 increased by 355 percent; that's means 0.4
percent of adults this age are dependant on the drug. These results
suggest boomers bring this consumption's habit from their youth age.
Prevention and intervention efforts are necessary, said Dr. Nora Volkow,
director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Hidden
Costs of Depression for Seniors (May 4, 2004)
Time and again, numerous studies have calculated the costs associated with
informal caregiving for older adults suffering from a variety of ailments.
The University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System study
calculated the cost of about $9 billion a year for providing informal care
to older adults suffering from depression. The services provided by
caregivers were calculated at the rate of $8.23 an hour, the average
hourly rate of a home health aide worker. Many caregivers are women who
provide informal care full time and receive no monetary compensation. It
is important to note the implications of informal care provided by full
time caregivers who may have no or limited financial resources in their
old age. It is imperative for the government to recognize and acknowledge
the unpaid labor of caregivers who provide informal care and act on policy
measures to make a difference. Please check out the May issue of the
American Journal of Psychiatry for study specifics. Resources on older
adults and depression are available at the U.S. National Institute on
Aging website.
Not Your Father's Heart Attack Emerging Risk
Factors, Research Help Clarify Who's the Next Heart Attack Waiting to
Happen (May 4, 2004)
Coronary Heart Disease is the most common condition among men. The Journal
of the American Medical Association (JAMA) editorial by Dr John Canto, a
cardiologist at the Watson Clinic in Lakeland, Fla., cites a comprehensive
list of the latest research on risk factors for having a heart attack
among men. The editorial lists C-reactive protein, homocysteine, calcium
deposits, high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol (bad and good) as
possible indicators for high risk of a heart attack. It is imperative to
note that this comprehensive list is used only as a guide to help take
precautions to lower the risk of heart attack.
After Retirement, A Downturn (May 4, 2004)
In her weekly column, journalist Abigail Trafford presents people facing
their retirement time, and the challenges linked with it. This week, she
focuses on Reese Cleghorn, who is in his seventies. Retired in 2000 from
his work at journalism school at the University of Maryland, he faced
difficulties to find his way in his retirement process. His wife took care
of him and managed to help him out of his depression. He started a new
job, and informs people about the risks of depression. In fact, many
people suffer from this illness, and they need support to get out of it.
This is an important issue for everyone.
Medicare and Little-Known Company Open Site to
Compare Drug Prices (April 29, 2004)
The Medicare discount cards will be available on June first, and Medicare
officials plan to open a Web site providing drugs' price comparisons. It
will inform old Americans about the prices and direct them in their choice
of the more useful card. The company chosen to manage the Web site is a
Californian firm, DestinationRx. However, many critics are coming up. This
kind of Web site already exists, so this new one seems a waste of money.
Moreover, according to some industry experts, the savings from the cards
won't be as significant as expected. These discount cards are a precursor
to the Medicare Part D program that begins in 2006 and will help seniors
to pay for prescription drugs outright
Commission to Allow Insurance Cuts for Retired
Employees (April 23, 2004)
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission allowed employers to dismiss
health benefits for retirees over 65 who benefit from Medicare. Employers
welcomed the decision, arguing it will improve the coverage for other
retirees not yet eligible for Medicare. AARP, the association of Americans
over 50, criticized the policy that will reduce resources for people who
need them. In fact, this additional coverage from employers was used by
seniors when they faced severe illness or catastrophic costs. Now, many of
them worry.
Pfizer Shareholder Vote on Controlling Drug Costs Garners
5% (April 22, 2004)
As the Canadian reimportation debate rages, approximately five percent of
shareholders at pharmaceutical giant Pfizer supported a five-year proxy
resolution urging the company to take steps to control the costs of its
medications including Lipitor, Norvasc, Celebrex, Xalatan, Zoloft and
Glucotrol. Access to pharmaceutical products is an essential component of
adequate health and well-being for all Americans. Therefore, drug
companies need to be more responsive on issues of price and access to
drugs.
Senators seek to Legalize Drug Imports from Canada
(April 21, 2004)
Five US senators, both Republican and Democrat, will propose a bill
allowing instant drug importations from Canada and Europe. The House
representatives accepted the same measure last year, but then the Senate
rejected it. Senator Edward Kennedy, one of the bill supporters, voted
against last year. He said he worried about the safety guarantees for the
importations, but this issue is resolved now. The bill would increase fees
on foreign distributors of drugs, to support the FDA control on the drugs'
safety. Moreover, the bill will allow only global imports.
Bill
Proposes Shift in Elder Care (April 16, 2004)
In Florida, a bill will confer the management of all the Medicaid services
for elderly, like nursing homes services and home meals, to HMOs. The bill
is sponsored by the governor, Jed Bush: Florida would provide a fixed
dollar amount to HMOs and other private organizations, and these
organizations will decide what services to provide to elderly people and
in what location. This privatization of the health care program in Florida
will reduce the help to old people and increase the difficulties among the
less fortunate.
Seniors Warned of Fraud (April 2004)
AARP organized a forum to inform people about the new Medicare discount
cards. Starting in June 2004 in Pennsylvania, the discount drug cards
program creates worries among seniors. Elderly should be warned against
fraudulent card, by refusing any card from door-to-door sell or phone-call
salespersons. Moreover, a card doesn't cost more than $30, which means a
card for any other price is a scam. Cards will be traded by private
companies, like HMO and health insurers. This really complicated program
won't make life easier for seniors. Each case is different and it's
complex to value the features in each card.
Gerontology Studies could Face Elimination
(April 16, 2004)
The program of gerontology studies at San Francisco State University is
threatened by budget reductions, and may have to stop its enrollment
procedures for students and eliminate some of its professors. The current
90 students will be allowed to get their university degrees, but will be
the last to do so. The cancellation of this program is a shame in the face
of the increasing demands for specialists in this field. With 6,000 U.S.
citizens turning 65 every day, the need for geriatrics is increasing.
Exercise Reduces Blood Estrogens, Risk for Breast
Cancer in Post Menopausal Women (April 15, 2004)
New study proved three hours of temperate exercise each week help to
prevent estrogens from circulating in postmenopausal women's body,
reducing the risk of cancer. Dr. Anne McTiernan, working for the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle checked the differences
between women who had a physical activity and women who hadn't. The active
women had a lower rate of estrogen in blood. Dr. McTiernan concluded,
"Exercise is an effective way for postmenopausal women to increase
their chances of avoiding breast cancer."
Meeting with the United Methodist Women Group
(April 13, 2004)
On April 13, the Global Action on Aging team attended a meeting with the
United Methodist Women Group in New York. On this occasion, Claire Laganne
presented a statement concerning her work at GAA. Since she is in charge
of the Health Section of the Web Site, Claire explained the upcoming
health issues for elderly people, not only in the United States but also
all over the world. It was also a great opportunity for her to meet with
volunteer persons and discover their activities.
Seniors Group Launches Pfizer Boycott (April 13,
2004)
The Minnesota Senior Federation urges a boycott of Pfizer all over the
United States. The persons responsible for the federation denounce the
cancellation of supplies to Canadian drugstores. They consider this action
a way to prevent older Americans from buying cheaper drugs in Canada. The
drug company claims it decided to cut off its supplies to 70 Canadian
mail-order pharmacies arguing the drugs were not safe. The campaign
against Pfizer decision includes demonstrations in New York and at the
company's meeting in St. Louis. Pfizer officials rebuff the accusations:
"Of course, we disagree with their analysis of the problem, although
we share their concern with helping people who are having difficulty
affording medications," said Pfizer spokesman Jack Cox. Eighty-four
year old demonstration organizer Kate Stahl says, "We have to
convince Pfizer to recognize that its bottom line includes more than huge
profits."
Once Upon a Cholesterol Makeover. . . (April 9,
2004)
The drug company AstraZenaca markets to boomers by talking them into using
its cholesterol-lowering, Crestor, competitor of Lipitor, Pfizer's
medicine. The advertising for the drug shows every day people, trying to
decrease their cholesterol level by diet or sport. The use of
"real" persons is a means to catch the attention of patients.
They are more receptive to the message since the ads present people like
themselves, and they are more likely to use drug to reduce their
cholesterol level. However, the advertisements won't be used in Europe and
Asia, because of limitations on direct-to-consumer drug advertising.
Novel Drug Attacks the Cause of Some Cardiac Arrests
(April 9, 2004)
Researchers at the Center for Molecular Cardiology, at Columbia University
Medical Center in New York, have developed a new drug to prevent irregular
heartbeats and cardiac arrest. This drug, only at experimental level, aims
at improving the movement of the heart muscle. Scientists discovered that
a leak in the channel providing calcium to the heart muscle prevents the
heart from beating correctly and may lead to fatal stoppage. Dr. Marks and
his colleagues tested the drugs on mouse and expect human tests by 2006.
Study: Medicare Funds, Quality Not Linked (April 7, 2004)
A study lead by Dartmouth College researchers showed high spending doesn't
mean better care. The study concerned 24 treatments for huge sickness,
like pneumonia or heart disease. Katherine Baicker, the study author,
explained the outcome by the fact specialists focus on sophisticated
testing and drop basic treatments. With more demands on health care and
the broad changes in the Medicare system, it's imperative to improve the
employment of funds.
Elderly Get Tips to Beat Back Depression (April 7,
2004)
The University of Washington's Health Promotion Research Center showed
older adults can overcome depression by increasing social activity and
having a personal analysis of their problems. After a couple of months
working on that topic, researchers discovered patients' health and mind
had improved. They were less hospitalized and some were even cured.
Big Donors in Global AIDS Fight Agree to Buy Generic
Medicines (April 6, 2004)
Those responsible for the AIDS-treatment programs in developing countries
approved the buying of cheaper generic drugs, an issue strongly debated by
the U.S.'s AIDS fund. In fact, the Bush administration hasn't decided yet
if it will sell generics, arguing they may be unsafe. The Global Fund, the
World Bank, UNICEF and the Clinton Foundation agree on the interest of
generic drugs. Richard Holbrooke, former US ambassador to the United
Nations, declared: "Everyone except the U.S. seems to think they work
already."
2 Decline to Testify on Drug Cost (April 2, 2004)
Democrat representatives in the House would like a senior White House
official and the former Medicare administrator to testify on the cost of
the new Medicare law. In fact, the reform will cost at least a third more
than the $400 billion expected and agreed by Congress. Doug Badger and
Thomas A. Scully refused to be witnesses before the House Ways and Means
Committee starts. This controversy seems to be a huge political imbroglio
that touches many people with high responsibility jobs.
Gene Works with Pesticides to Up Parkinson's Risk
(April 1, 2004)
In the Annals of Neurology report, published in March 2004, scientists
suggested that people with a variant gene are at higher risk of
Parkinson's disease if they are exposed to pesticides. Led by researchers
from Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, in Paris, the study concerned
247 patients with Parkinson's disease and 676 without the syndrome.
More Seniors now Against Drug-Benefit Law, Poll says
(March 31, 2004)
A poll showed U.S. citizens are more and more rejecting the new Medicare
law pushed by Republicans at the end of 2003: 55% of those polled are not
satisfied by the new law. People feel confused and lack information, which
explains the situation. Moreover the opposition is growing since costs are
higher than expected, with fewer benefits for seniors.
911 Failure Delayed Treatment as Deadly Heart Attack
Struck (March 31, 2004)
Mr. Grier, 77 years old, had an heart attack and died shortly afterward.
His family believes the breakdown in the city's 911 system that affected
Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island is responsible of the death. In fact,
Mrs. Grier said her husband wouldn't have died if she had been able to
call the 911 services.
Possible Peril Found in Menopause Cream (March 30,
2004)
Pro-Gest, a cream with natural progesterone, used by many women as an
alternative to synthetic hormone therapies, may also lead to breast cancer
or heart disease. People often consider these creams as safer than pills
sold over the counter, but according to Dr. Anne Hermann, creams are not
as secure as it seems. Research will continue to find out the real level
of risk, and the dose that put women at risk.
Actor urges Alzheimer's Caregivers to seek Support
(March 29, 2004)
Alzheimer's disease put pressure on many families, since they take care of
a loved one's who is losing his/her memory and ability of movement.
Treatments already exist to slow the speed of the disease, but nothing has
been discovered so far to cure it. 4 million people in the US suffer from
it, a number expected to increase until 16 million by 2050. The
Alzheimer's Association organized a fundraising gala in Washington, to
earn enough money to finance research and maybe find a new drug. Many
famous people, like Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, attended.
More seniors crushed by HIV, AIDS (March 25, 2004)
The issue of old people with HIV/AIDS is barely discussed, but an
increasing number of seniors live with the virus. In 2004 they represent
21% of the 11,145 persons living with HIV in the state of Michigan. The
problem comes from society that doesn't believe seniors have a sexual
life. Information regarding use of condoms and HIV protection are centered
on young people, making older exempt. It's a real problem that has to be
addressed: more and more elderly get the disease, like Alice Renwick, 80
years old.
Forget Blame; Fix the System (March 25, 2004)
The Medicare program may be out of money by 2019, seven years earlier than
last year expectations in part due to the changed law that privatizes
Medicare. The program, that supports elderly medical expenses, will face
costs due to the baby boom generations retirement. Moreover, since old
people live longer, new or higher medical expenses are predictable: costs
of new technologies, payments for elderly care. This problem is also
political, the Democrats reproach the Republicans for their lack of
accuracy when they calculated the costs.
Drug-Price
Surge May Erode Savings From Medicare Card (March 24, 2004)
In the months running up to the New Prescription Drug Plan, drug companies
are increasing the price of some of their drugs. Older persons use many of
these drugs, such as cholesterol fighter Lescol, or medicines that treat
depression or heart disease. Already high profits do not deter the drug
companies' grab for even higher rates of profit at public expense.
Mad Cow Case Raises Suspicions in Elderly Deaths
(March 24, 2004)
After Rose Henry's death, her children ask for an autopsy, since they
worried about their mother's physical and psychological attitudes before
she died. The results showed she suffered from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease,
which is the human version of the mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform
encephalopathy. Many people are now wondering whether their own relatives
suffered from the same illness before they died. Since Creutzfeldt-Jakob
disease symptoms are similar to Alzheimer's disease, it's difficult to
make an accurate diagnosis.
The
Noisy Debate Over Hearing Aids: Why So Expensive? (March 24, 2004)
30 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, the third-most-common
chronic condition in older people, but many of them are not wealthy enough
to afford the $2,200 for a set of hearing aids. The Food and Drug
Administration only allows few licensed specialists to dispense hearing
devices. Dr. Mead Killion says this practice maintains high prices,
preventing many seniors from buying hearing aids. He proposes to market a
cheaper over-the-counter aid. The FDA has refused the proposal, arguing:
"If anyone could sell a hearing aid, elderly people might be
victimized by shoddy merchandise and fail to get treatment for serious
medical conditions." But, Dr. Killion has one more chance with a last
petition.
Medicare's Health to Fail, Rapidly (March 24, 2004)
According to Medicare's trustees, the program is expected to run out of
money in 15 years, the expenses being higher than the savings. The
Medicare legislation that offers financial support to many private
companies is one of the causes of this coming bankrupt situation.
Opponents of Medicare reform said Congress and White House under evaluated
spending previsions.
Should Family Doctors Treat Serious Mental Illness?
(March 24, 2004)
General physicians are more and more keen to prescribe antidepressants and
antipsychotics for their patients with depression, severe behavioral
problems or even elderly patients with dementia. Many psychiatrists
criticize this habit, arguing that general physicians are not trained
enough to recognize among various mental disorders. Moreover, the drugs
can cause serious side effects, like diabetes or weight gain, which needs
careful monitoring. The general physicians consider themselves smart
enough to prescribe these drugs, but they are not aware drug companies may
push them to sell medications.
Strokes or Sleeplessness? (March 23, 2004)
When menopause comes, many women are threatened by hot flashes and
palpitations; they are sleepless and they are unable to concentrate. Some
of them decide to take hormones, like estrogen pills, to get rid of these
symptoms. Jane Gross, journalist, describes her own menopause experience,
and how she managed it. She was afraid of pills, since some studies proved
that they may be linked to cancer or heart attack. She finally concluded
every woman has to decide by herself, and use pills if she can't live
without them.
A Wife Learns to See With Alzheimer's Eyes (March 23,
2004)
Jeanne Koenig Coste is a consultant for institutions treating patients
with dementia. She also wrote a book, "Learning to Speak
Alzheimer's," giving her own methods, called habilitation, to offer
sick patients a life as pleasant as possible. Her book is based on her own
experience, since thirty years ago she took care of her husband, who had
Alzheimer's disease. Journalist Claudia Dreifus, from the New York Times,
interviewed her.
Smoking Speeds Up Memory Loss in Old Age (March 23,
2004)
Elderly people who smoke are more likely to experience mental decline than
the ones who don't, according to Dr. Lenore Launer, of the National
Institute of Aging, in Maryland. Smoking affects the process of blood
vessels, leading to a lack of nutrients in the brain, causing irreversible
damages. "The more people smoked during their lifetimes, the quicker
they appear to lose their mental faculties with age," wrote
searchers.
Poor Care plus Dementia Equals Violence: Experts (March 22, 2004)
Health workers are not trained enough to detect early symptoms of
dementia, which is a huge problem, since lack of care can lead to
violence. Several times a demented person killed somebody else or even
shot herself. Dr. Constantine Lyketsos, a geriatric psychiatrist in
Baltimore, denounced this situation: "Part of the problem is that the
costs associated with treating these symptoms are high, and Medicare fee
and reimbursement structures are not conducive to clinicians getting paid
for managing these symptoms." A solution must be found quickly, since
the number of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is
growing.
Medicare Actuary Gives Wanted Data to Congress (March
20, 2004)
The chief actuary of Medicare, Richard S. Foster, gave documents to
Congress proving federal payments to private health insurance plans will
exceed the amount agreed by Congress for the new Medicare law. As the
scandal developed, Mr. Foster said his boss Thomas A. Scully, who was the
administrator of the Medicare program, told him not to give information
that would correct the inaccurate data submitted to Congress by the
Medicare Program. According to Mr. Foster, payments for doctors and
hospitals will also decline in the coming years.
Importing Drugs a Reality in U.S. (March 19, 2004)
An eleven persons' government panel is working on drugs' importation
from Canada and some European countries. Consumer advocates said drug
imports are already a safe practice for millions of American citizens.
Opponents to importations worried about the consequences of opening the
borders, saying it would prevent drug companies from developing new
products.
An Injectable Drug for Osteoporosis Gives Some Patients Hope, Despite
Worries (March 16, 2004)
A new injectable drug, called Forteo, may reduce osteoporosis' symptoms
and make patients' daily lives better. Made by Eli Lilly and Co, it
received FDA approval in November 2002. This drug is indicated for woman
with a high risk of fracture, but men can also take it. However, a
controversy appeared regarding Forteo: according to late study results,
the drug may increase the risk of bone cancer.
Medicare ad Campaign by Bush Legal, GAO says (March
11, 2004)
The General Accounting Office said the ad and promotional materials
regarding the new Medicare law were not as partisan as some people said
and concluded ad campaigns were legal. In fact, some democrats accused the
Bush administration of using the advertising campaign to support
president's reelection. The Bush administration also received complaints
from lawmakers about drug importation from Canada .
Heart Plan may Reduce Death Risk for Elderly (March
11, 2004)
In order to reduce elderly heart patients' risk of dying, doctors have to
follow a few simple guidelines. According to the study, convincing doctors
to adopt standard practices for patient care will decrease the risk by
25%. Kim Eagle, from the University of Michigan , presented this study at
the American College of Cardiology.
Among
Cancer Doctors, a Medicare Revolt (March 11, 2004)
Many doctors may refuse to treat cancer patients anymore in their offices,
due to the federal Medicare program. Years ago, cancer patients had to be
hospitalized and then received chemotherapy. This habit had uncomfortable
consequences for patients, like nausea or weight loss. Then doctors were
able to treat patients in their offices. Although it was much more
convenient for patients, the new method of payment for cancer doctors
could make it impossible for them to support the cost of this practice.
Doctors would have to send ill people back to the hospital.
Medicare Marketing Within Legal Bounds, GAO Says
(March 11, 2004)
A new controversy appeared regarding the new Medicare law advertisement
campaign, Democrats considering ads and brochures were
"overwhelmingly political or partisan." Democrats critic the
spots as an attempt to support President Bush's reelection prospects. The
ads mention the provision of benefits but do not announce the additional
fees Medicare will charge or the program's financing gaps.
Reality for Boomers: Benefits Must be Cut (March 9,
2004)
Baby boomers coming to retirement will increase government spending, which
implies reforms, as Federal Reserve Chairman, Alan Greenspan, recommended.
The expenses of programs supporting care for the elderly like Social
Security, Medicare and Medicaid, should be cut. Other solutions may be
moving back the retirement age or cutting benefits for the wealthiest
seniors. Moreover the problem of future retiree women needs to be
resolved, since they live longer than men, but with lower benefits.
Lawmakers Grill Thompson on Canada Drugs (March 4,
2004)
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson is criticized due to
his ban on imported drugs from Canada. He is one of the stronger persons
opposed to the measure, while two-thirds of people interviewed support the
importation. Many people believed the new Medicare will help progress, but
it's still not the case. In order to go ahead on that topic, Thompson has
to certify the safety of imported drugs. That's not going to happen for a
long time. "I cannot certify that all drugs coming into America are
safe," he said.
Using
New Medicare Billions, H.M.O.'s Again Court Elderly (March 9, 2004)
Medicare, the public health insurance, has consistently served older
persons who have required medical treatment and ranks well with its users.
However, the Bush administration wants seniors to subscribe to private
health insurance through H.M.O. companies. However, remembering how
H.M.O.'s abandoned them when profit levels dropped, many elderly seem
reluctant to choose an H.M.O. again. Today, with the administration's
financial help, the H.M.O are coming back. This story shows that some
elderly have not forgotten their disappointment when Humana, United
Healthcare and AvMed Health Plans let them down only a few years ago.
Medicare Nominee Avoids Senators' Queries (March 8,
2004)
Mark McClellan, chosen by President Bush to run Medicare, refuses to
answer senator's questions regarding his opinion on importation of drugs
from Canada, until he gets the nomination. Both Republican and Democrat
senators feel upset by his silence on this key policy issue. Some people
worry about McClellan study on importation drugs, arguing he will make an
unbalanced report since he opposes imports. However, his abilities to run
the program are not questioned. He has all the qualifications required and
worked in both Republican and Democrat administration.
Area Seniors say Canadian Mail-Order Drugs are
Safe (March 8, 2004)
Importing drugs from Canada has developed into a huge business, since the
Canadian drugs are half the price of the American one's. Many seniors feel
confident in it; even through the government wants to talk people out of
it by arguing the drugs may be unsafe. Importation of drugs into the US is
illegal, since the Food and Drug Administration must approve all the
drugs. The Bush administration will create a task force to study the
importation, and to determine how many drugs are coming in the US by mail.
United Methodists Offer Drug Benefits to Members
(March 8, 2004)
The United Methodist Church just made available a drug benefit to its 8.3
million members by offering a free card that gives discounts for
prescription drugs or contact lenses. This benefit would be available to
all members, regardless to their income or what, if any, health insurance
they may have. What, if any, conflicts over not for profit status of
churches are still unclear.
GOP Targets Seniors' Long-Term Care (March 8, 2004)
In order to shrink Medicaid expenses, the Senate wants to increase control
over eligibility to the program, targeting at the same time long-term care
for seniors with limited resources. Seniors using Medicaid for occasional
medical expenses, like short stays in nursing homes, will be the first
victims. The Senate wants to target people who own other assets and then
don't need federal help. In order to reduce the expenses, the Senate also
proposed to cancel the "spousal refusal," the right to decline
to contribute toward a spouse's care.
Helping the Elderly Stay Put (March 4, 2004)
Elderly New Yorkers have faced terrible choices between paying their rent
or getting home health care aides who could care for them due to Medicaid
income regulations. Most older persons prefer to "age in place"
rather than enter an institutionalized setting. A recent ruling may permit
them to place part of their income in a special living-expense trust for
the disabled. This potential boost from the New York State Department
could help hundreds, if not thousands, of aging residents on fixed incomes
to claim benefits under Medicaid while remaining in their homes.
Cancer Patients Brace for Medicare Changes (March 4,
2004)
The new Medicare law made major changes in drug reimbursement and both
patients and doctors worry about a possible financial gap. In fact, until
now, Medicare reimbursed some off-label uses of cancer drugs, but it may
no longer be available, even if some patients recovered thanks to this
kind of medicine. Moreover, the amount reimbursed to doctors who
administer medicines in their offices may be dismissed. Then doctors will
send their patients to the hospital for treatment.
Study Aims to Improve Senior Health Care (March 3,
2004)
In order to save money and, at the same time, improve health care for
seniors, a nursing home in central Iowa is testing a new health care
model. The program aims at prevention in order to reduce hospital
admissions. Dr. Robert Bender and his physician's assistant, working full
time at the nursing home with 50 patients conducted the test. They give
advice to patients, help them to understand what they have to do to remain
in good health. At the end of this year, they will estimate how much money
the program saved. Dr. Bender explained his project: "Can we improve
how we take care of folks, decrease their suffering and at the same time
cut costs?"
Vitamin B-12 Levels Linked to Bone Loss in Aging Women (March 3, 2004)
Dr. Katie Stone and her team discovered that old women with low levels
of vitamin B-12 were more likely to suffer from bone loss. Vitamin B-12,
found in animal products like meat, cheese or eggs, was known for its
action on the nervous system. It seems that a new property was discovered.
According to Dr. Steve Cummings, "A larger, randomized trial would be
needed to determine whether treatment with supplemental vitamin B-12 could
reduce rates of bone loss in elderly women."
U.S. to Study Importing Canada
Drugs but Choice of Leader Prompts Criticism (February 26, 2004)
The Bush administration plans a study regarding the importation of
drugs from Canada and have name Dr. Mark B. McClellan to direct it. This
choice faces critics, since McClellan, commissioner of food and drugs, is
opposed to all form of importations from Canada. How can he be objective?
For months, many US states, legislatures and citizens, particularly older
persons, have advocated for imports since the drugs cost much less.
Senators Threaten to Stall
Nomination (February 25, 2004)
Mark McClellan, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, will be
nominated as director of the Federal Medicare Program, but everyone does
not support his nomination. Many senators, Democrats and Republicans,
criticize his opposition to lower-cost medicine importation from Canada.
As a matter of fact, the FDA refuses to allow importation of cheaper
drugs, saying they are not safe. In reality, the FDA wants to protect the
powerful U.S. drug industry and its high profits.
Health
Plans Boost Benefits for Seniors (February 24, 2004)
The
Bush administration is encouraging people to subscribe to private health
plans rather than to Medicare. To convince senior citizens to accept
private plans, they focus on all the financial advantages they offer, like
higher benefits for seniors or lower fees. However other parameters must
be considered: the private plans are not as flexible as Medicare regarding
choice of doctors and hospitals, and patients must respect the assigned
practitioners. Consequently, private health care will increase
inequalities between US seniors.
Conflict
Batters Medicare Bill (February 10, 2004)
Seniors, Democrats, and even some Senators who voted for the new
Medicare law have stepped up their criticism since they discovered that
costs will be far higher than what the Bush administration claimed. Even
more, critics believe the Bush administration handed this lavish gift to
the pharmaceutical and health insurance firms. Today one-third of the US
public views the Medicare bill negatively. And now a new controversy has
emerged around a Republican Party ad firm getting the public contract to
"Sell the New Medicare."
Centenarians'
Inner Secrets Are Slowly Revealed (February 24, 2004)
The New York Times interviewed Dr Nir Barzilai, the director of the
Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in
the Bronx, on his study about longevity. For five years, Dr Barzilai
investigated the genes and habits of 300 Ashkenazi Jews who lived to be an
average of 100. He seems to be "looking for ways to make old age
better." However, he worries that this study could make people think
that genes decide everything, stopping them from living in a healthy
environment. Also, if this research leads to the creation of a drug, do we
really want to have an anti-aging drug?
New Medicare Benefit Is Likely to Be a Boon For
Costliest Drugs (February 24, 2004)
The new Medicare law, starting in 2006, plans to extend drug coverage to
millions of American seniors. At the same time, analysts predict an
increase in the use of expensive drugs until then unaffordable to many
pensioners. Even if Medicare could limit the demand of some patients or
recommend preferred lists of drugs, the drug companies, specialized in
very expensive medications, will make huge profits.
Elderly
Work up a Sweat for Exercise (February 20, 2004)
New research suggests that physical activity helps people stay healthier
and independent longer. The study doesn't focus on a particular activity;
just a walk or indoor activities can be helpful. Even if physical activity
can be good medicine, experts recommend everyone to check with their
doctor first.
Seniors Curious of Drug Cards (February 19, 2004)
In about three months, US senior citizens will be able to apply for the
Medicare-endorsed drug discount card. The new Medicare law created this
card to help about 10 million senior citizens without drug coverage.
Seniors will have to pay a monthly premium as well as a co-pay to receive
coverage for 75 percent of their drug costs. However, after the coverage
limit of $2,250, the out-of-pocket expenses have to reach $3,600 before
being covered again by the government.
Pfizer
Cuts Supplies to Canadian Drugstores (February 19, 2004)
Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug manufacturer, decided to stop
supplying drugs to Canadian mail-order pharmacies. Indeed, many US seniors
need to purchase medicine from Canada where prices can be 30 to 75 percent
lower than in the US. Pfizer's new measure shows once again that drug
companies are more concerned with their US profits than making sure
consumers have access to the drugs they need. The very tense relations
between US drug companies and Canadian retailers could make it hard for
patients in both countries to buy their life-saving prescription
medications.
US
Presidential Campaign Targets Old People (February 18, 2004)
The run-up to US Presidential election involves persuading the hearts and
minds of older Americans, among others. Here's an example: The US
television network CBS refused to air MoveOn.org's advertisement
criticizing Bush's policies on the federal deficit during the Super Bowl,
while still planning to run a White House-sponsored ad praising the new
Medicare bill.
MoveOn.org cried foul, and even traditionally conservative groups
criticized the Medicare ad as blatant election-year propaganda. After
MoveOn.org members made over 50,000 phone calls and emails, CBS agreed to
pull the Medicare ad in order to remain consistent with its longstanding
policy on advocacy advertising. Still, other networks, including ABC, NBC,
and Fox, keep running the White House ads while silencing political
opposition. If you live in the US, find out what you can do to hold the
networks, the White House, and the campaigns accountable!
Fraud Kicks in Months Ahead of Medicare Drug Discount
Card (February 17, 2004)
Federal officials have already discovered fraud cases related to the
Medicare drug discount cards, even though enrollment for the cards does
not begin until May. Investigators have caught people selling false,
unapproved cards door to door to seniors and gathering personal
information. Under the new Medicare law, the federally-approved discount
cards are supposed to provide a small amount of relief until Medicare drug
benefits go into effect in 2006.
Parkinson's Research Focuses on Links to Genes
and Toxins (February 10, 2004)
New research on Parkinson's disease indicates that interaction between
genetic inclinations and chemical disorders may generate the disease. Dr.
Federoff of the University of Rochester believes this discovery could help
to slow the progression of the disease. Fortunately, scientists have made
progress, from the discovery of dopamine in 1960 to the identification of
two genes that affect protein malfunction linked to Parkinson's.
ImClone's Cancer Drug Is Back, and U.S. Approval Is
Expected (February 11, 2004)
The drug company ImClone expects to gain F.D.A. approval for its drug
Erbitux, a treatment for colorectal cancer. The news comes as ImClone
chief executive Waksal sits in prison and his friend Martha Stewart stands
trial for sharing inside information before the F.D.A. rejected the
long-awaited drug three years ago. Erbitux, when used in combination with
other drugs, has shown to make a substantial difference for a small
percentage of patients who don't respond to traditional chemotherapy.
However, since the drugs must be used in combination, the costs are
expected to be high.
Genes Influence Memory in Families with Alzheimer's
Disease (February 10, 2004)
New research on families with a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease
reveals that genes influence memory performance. The study concerned 1,036
persons from 266 families living in the Dominican Republic and Puerto
Rico, and revealed that memory capability may be 50 percent genetic.
Scientists hope that identifying a "memory gene" may help
isolate the genetic factors of Alzheimer's disease. However, the study
showed that the apolipoprotein E gene, which has been linked to increased
risk of Alzheimer's disease, does not have an impact on memory abilities.
Newsletter Addresses Medicare Questions (February
10, 2004)
The Medicare Rights Center, an independent organization based in New York,
provides weekly information on the new Medicare law in its newsletter,
"Dear Marci." "Everybody is confused about how it's going
to work," said author of the newsletter, Ms. Naomi Newman. The most
frequent questions from seniors concern drug costs, home care and
supplemental coverage. The new law puts many seniors under pressure, and
this weekly newsletter is a great idea to help seniors figure out what's
going on.
In Search of the Anti-Aging Gene (February 10,
2004)
Biology professor Lenny Guarente has spent much of his career looking for
an anti-aging gene, even as others laughed at the quest. Professor
Guarente began his research in the 1990s to find a drug to prevent people
from getting old, or at least slow the aging process. In 1995 he
discovered a gene in yeast that regulates the aging, and later tests
showed that similar genes may exist in all living beings - including
humans. Such a discovery could lead to developments that would increase
life expectancy by as many as 40 years.
Companies Limit Health Coverage of Many Retirees
(February 3, 2004)
Many companies in the US are cutting back health benefits for retirees.
Instead, some companies are offering group plans, but without company
subsidies, many retirees have seen their monthly premiums soar
unexpectedly. Unlike pension financing, companies are not required set
aside funds to pay for health benefits for retirees, and some economists
predict that companies will stop offering retiree health insurance
completely in the next few decades.
The Fat of the Land (February 2, 2004)
The World Health Organization announced that worldwide obesity has
increased dramatically, plaguing 300 million adults with a sort of
"malnutrition of excess." To address the obesity crisis, W.H.O.
is promoting a "global strategy on diet, physical activity and
health" that includes advice on reducing sugar, salt and fats.
However, the American food industry has pushed the Bush administration to
challenge the plan, objecting especially to recommendations limiting
advertising of unhealthy diets to children. Big Sugar seems to have won
the administration's favor over world health experts, but officials will
have to decide if money is more important than life.
Alzheimer's
Research Aims to Stop a Ticking Time Bomb (February 1, 2004)
Margaret Pericak-Vance of Duke University and a team of researchers
discovered a gene that may influence the progress of Alzheimer's disease.
The gene, called GST01 or "Gusto," controls the brain's
inflammatory response and may produce a protein that accelerates
deterioration, producing symptoms earlier in life. If the discovery is
confirmed, scientists should be able to create a therapy that delays the
onset of Alzheimer's symptoms by as many as ten years.
Bush's Aides Put Higher Price Tag on Medicare Law (January 30, 2004)
The Bush administration announced that the new Medicare law will cost
at least $530 billion over 10 years, one-third more expensive than
administration's estimates when Congress passed the bill late last year.
With a ballooning $500 billion federal deficit, many lawmakers say the
announcement confirmed their fears about the plan. Conservative
Republicans attack the law as an example of too much social spending,
while Democrats say the higher price tag reflects the huge financial
payoffs to the drug industry and insurance companies.
Costs and Savings in Medicare Change on Wheelchairs (January 30, 2004)
A few months ago, soaring demand for power-wheelchairs led Medicare
administrators to crack down on fraud and abuse by strictly controlling
reimbursement claims for the chairs. Before the reform, Medicare
recipients or wheelchair providers received 80% reimbursement for the
$5,200 chairs, but health experts say Medicare is now denying
reimbursement to many older and disabled people who need them. Andrew
Imparato of the American Association of People with Disabilities says
that, as usual, "People who have not committed fraud are penalized,
and the punishment doesn't fit the crime."
The
Medicare Index (January 28, 2004)
President Bush says his new Medicare law "keeps a basic
commitment to the elderly." However, journalists Sherrod Brown and
Stephen Doyle present some basic statistics that show "the president
may have fulfilled a commitment or two, but not to the nation's
elderly." This short briefing might shed some light on why the new
Medicare law was passed.
Parkinson's
misdiagnosed (January 28, 2004)
Recent research by Paul Hagerman of the University of California
shows that many cases of tremors and dementia in old age may be
misdiagnosed. According to his study, almost 10% of patients diagnosed
with atypical Parkinson's may in fact suffer from FXTAS, a recently
discovered illness caused by a mutation in the X chromosome. FXTAS strikes
men more often than women, since women have another X chromosome to
compensate for the damaged one. While scientists still know relatively
little about the disease, the recent research may at least help to prevent
misdiagnosis and prescription of inappropriate drugs.
Medicare
Drug Bill is Bad News for Seniors (January 2004)
The new Medicare law is bad for seniors, but it might not be good for
Republicans either as dissatisfaction with the plan grows. Seniors are
angry about three major issues: the paltry drug coverage, the pressure to
shift to private insurance and HMOs, and the probability that employers
will suspend their own retiree drug coverage. Not only will the Medicare
reforms end up costing many seniors more money than before, it also
doesn't allow patients to choose their own doctor. Republicans should be
forewarned that citizens may react with a penalty-vote in the next
elections. In the end, the only winners left are drug companies and
private insurance.
Maryland Alzheimer's Report Makes Policy
Suggestions (January 27, 2004)
Maryland Attorney General J. Joseph Curran published a report that he
hopes will lead to better protection and support for the state's 85,000
Alzheimer's victims. With the baby boom generation getting older, states
will face growing numbers of Alzheimer's patients who are extremely
vulnerable to abuse and manipulation. New regulations and support
structures are necessary to address the financial and human costs of the
illness, and prevent abuse by caregivers or relatives.
Declining Testosterone Might Put Men at Risk for
Alzheimer's High Levels could Afford Protection, study suggests (January
27, 2004)
A recent study by Susan Resnick at the National Institute on Aging showed
that men with high testosterone levels may be less likely to suffer from
Alzheimer's disease than men with low levels. Scientists found that
Alzheimer's sufferers had blood levels of testosterone at half the levels
of healthy men, and in one case, testosterone levels dropped a decade
before the onset of the disease. However, doctors warn that men should not
begin to take testosterone to protect against the disease, since the
hormone is linked to stroke and may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
F.D.A. Begins Push to End Drug Imports (January 24,
2004)
As part of a Bush administration push to stop drug imports, the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) announced that most of the 2,000 packages of
Canadian drugs in a recent federal inspection contained potentially unsafe
medicines. State and local leaders dispute the findings, arguing the FDA
has yet to find a single patient harmed by drugs imported from Canada. At
the heart of the debate is whether the Bush administration values
citizens' right to affordable essential medicines over the interests of
powerful drug companies.or not.
Home Care Becomes Option for Elderly, Disabled in
La. (January 22, 2004)
Elderly and disabled people in the state of Louisiana now have the option
to receive home-based care services under a new state program. The program
will cost the state $19 million by the end of the fiscal year, but
lawmakers say it may eventually save money by letting more able seniors
receive part-time home care in place of full-time nursing home care.
Seniors on Medicaid or collecting Social Security disability, with a
monthly income under $552, are eligible for the program.
Tracking Alzheimer's: New Tool Would Help Measure
Plaque Deposits in Patients (January 22, 2004)
Two American scientists have discovered a new tool to detect plaque
deposits in the brains of living Alzheimer's patients, a development that
could lead to earlier detection and better understanding of the disease.
Plaque deposits are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, but doctors
previously had no way to detect them in living patients. The first trials
of the procedure, in Sweden, detected plaque deposits in a patient who had
just begun to show slight signs of cognitive decline.
Drug
Companies Get Too Close for Med School's Comfort (January 20, 2004)
Each year, the pharmaceutical industry spends $4.8 billion on
marketing new and expensive drugs directly to doctors, devoting an average
of $6,000 to $11,000 on each individual doctor. Drug company
representatives also commonly target medical students by sponsoring
journals, holding meetings, and buying dinners. While doctors claim that
the visits do not affect their medical advice, new studies show that drug
companies often steer doctors toward newer, much more expensive drugs that
often have no significant benefits over older generics.
Tai Chi might help
elderly avoid falls (January 15, 2004 )
According to a new study led by Dr. Steven L. Wolf of the Emory
University School of Medicine (Atlanta), practicing Chinese tai chi may
reduce older people's chances of falling. The study of 311 elderly people,
mostly women, showed that those who practiced tai chi over the course of
48 weeks were half as likely to fall as those assigned to wellness
education classes. Further studies are necessary to figure how and to what
extent tai chi helps.
Pfizer Moves to Try to Stop Drugs
From Canada (January 14, 2004)
Drug company Pfizer wants to prevent Canadian online pharmacies from
selling medications to the United States. The company sent a letter to
wholesalers last week forbidding retail pharmacies from selling to
"any person that you know, or have reasonable grounds for believing,
will or may export Pfizer products out of Canada." Pfizer fears it
will lose its profitable US market, since Canadian government price
controls make imported drugs much less expensive than domestic drugs.
Every year, one million American buy imported Canadian drugs, and sales
across the border are increasing.
Wis. Governor Scolds Bush on Medicare (January 10,
2004)
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle says President Bush's new Medicare law may
result in higher drug prices for many Wisconsin residents. Wisconsin and
other states had been able to keep drug prices, and the tax burden, low by
negotiating bulk discounts with pharmacies on medications, but the federal
bill bans the practice. In the end, Gov. Doyle argues, the law represents
a big handout to prescription drug companies and a larger burden on
tax-payers.
Quand Bush se déguise en social-démocrate
(January 8, 2004)
(Article in French)
President George Bush touts his new Medicare law as a great reform, but
60% of American citizens will not benefit from the new law. Many
middle-class seniors will have to pay more to keep the same level of
coverage and maintain quality care. The only real beneficiaries of Bush's
reforms are drug companies, which welcome new protections for high drug
prices.
PCO plan in cross hairs (January 2004)
New Mexico's Private Care Option Program was created in 1999 to allow
elderly to use Medicaid to fund in-home care, but the program now costs
the state $70 million this year alone. Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort says the
program benefits too many people, and argues that family members should
provide in-home care without government subsidies. Advocates for the
elderly have another explanation: the program has grown more than
anticipated because the need for it was far greater than legislators
realized.
Grâce à Internet, les Américains
s'approvisionnent au Canada (January 8, 2004)
(Article in French)
In Canada, 140 online pharmacies sell drugs and medications to US
consumers. Government-regulated Canadian drug prices are often 30% or 50%
cheaper than in the US, where drug companies can choose to charge high
prices for essential medicines. Many states, such as Minnesota, Illinois
and Vermont, want to import Canadian drugs, despite disapproval from the
US Food and Drug Administration. Recently, the FDA prevented the city of
Springfield, Illinois, from buying medicines for its 3,000 city employees
and retirees.
Care for the aging poor (January 5, 2004)
A recent Colorado Medical Services Board decision will leave 4,000
elderly, poor, legal immigrants without essential health care. The
immigrants, including Hispanics, Russian-Jews, and Vietnamese, will no
longer be covered for hospital visits, and their reimbursement rates for
doctors will be slashed dramatically. This Denver Post editorial condemns
the decision, arguing, "The true measure of a society isn't how
prosperous its wealthiest citizens are but how it tends to the neediest.
Surely Colorado's shoulders are big enough to carry these elders."
Fitness-seeking boomers taking exercise
outdoors (January 5, 2004)
Baby boomers are looking to their future by paying attention to exercise
and healthy living. But many boomers are forgoing endless hours at the gym
for activities like snowshoeing and hiking that allow them to get outdoors
and spend time with family. Sport and fitness companies increasingly
target the needs and desires of the boomer generation, which owns more
than 70% of disposal income in the United States.
Hospital admissions jump 3% as population ages
(January 4, 2004)
In southeast Wisconsin, the number of patients admitted to hospitals
increased by 3% over the past eleven months. An aging population, as well
as the trend for older people who have lived elsewhere to come home to
retire, has meant greater health care needs and higher costs. Hospitals
are seeing a sharp increase in complex surgeries and sicker patients. Bill
Bazan, area vice president of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, says the
goal remains prevention, and keeping as many people as possible from
needing expensive hospital treatment.
More sensitive test norms better predict who might
develop Alzheimer's disease (January 4, 2004)
Standard screenings to detect brain degeneration are not suitable for
highly intelligent people, a new study shows. The study by Dr. Dorene
Rentz, published in the January issue of Neuropsychology, shows that signs
of Alzheimer's are found later in highly intelligent people; after
detected, however, their decline is much faster. Dr. Rentz and her
colleagues argue that IQ-adjusted norms would more effectively screen out
all people at risk for brain degeneration.
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