Health Edge News

New Promise For Improved Breast Cancer Treatment

ScienceDaily (Feb. 1, 2009) — Mount Sinai Hospital researchers have unveiled a new technology tool that analyzes breast cancer tumours to determine a patient's best treatment options. The tool can predict with more than 80 per cent accuracy a patient's chance of recovering from breast cancer.

More . . .

ScienceDaily (Dec. 18, 2008) — Tamoxifen may worsen breast cancer in a small subset of patients.

Research published in BioMed Central's open access journal Breast Cancer Research suggests that in patients who show reduced or absent expression of the protein E-cadherin, commonly used anti-oestrogen drugs such as tamoxifen may promote more harmful cancer cell behaviour.

More . . .

New! Two business day shipping on popular Nestle items.

MD-direct announces two business day shipping guarantee on our best selling Nestle products. Order items like Nutren Jr., Glytrol and Carnation VHC and receive your order in two business days nationwide. Check your item for offer availability.

Important notice regarding Nestle Nutrition

Nestle nutrition has increased it's wholesale prices substantially. In an effort to maintain our prices at the same level or nearly the same level we have had to make some changes in our shipping and stocking policy.

Most Nestle items should be in stock once again and ready to ship on Friday, June 20th. Customers in the northeast U.S. should continue to receive items in the usual 1-2 business days. However, customers on the west coast may temporarily have to allow 5 business days for orders to arrive. This should be remedied by the end of next month, however, and all customers will once again be receiving their items in the usual 1-3 business days nationwide.

Our prices on childrens enteral nutrition will be remaining the same for now. These products include Peptamen Jr. and Nutren Jr.

Prices on Carnation nutritional shakes and VHC must be increased although we have tried to keep the rise as small as possible.

Part "D" update. Tools for "donut hole" planning.

With the dreaded "donut hole" about to kick in for many part "D" recipients take some time to see where your coverage stands.

Here is the latest benefit calculator from medicare-partd.com. Find out when, and for how much you'll be expected to pay. And when you'll move back into coverage. To find out at a glance what your cash expenses are going to be for the year try the out of pocket calculator here.

Don't forget, if you are having trouble paying for your prescriptions inside hole try the Partnership for Prescription Assistance here. You may qualify for free drugs but under current rules they will not count toward drug purchases to bring you back into coverage.

For those looking to plan for next year: Be sure to see this New York Times article. Nearly a quarter of  all part "D" recipients could avoid the hole entirely by switching to generic drugs. Although it can be tough to talk about finances with your doctor it's the first step to a plan to contain your costs! Ask your doctor if generics are a viable alternative for you or a spouse and let them help.

401k holders can sue to recover losses.

The decision by the supreme court covers the some 50 million individuals who have invested in retirement plans and could open a flood gate of "fiduciary misconduct" lawsuits.

Wall Street is notriously dog eat dog and the culture says losing investors should never cry foul over losses. However, the new precedent does not apply directly to stock losses but to those who manage the funds. If claimants can prove misconduct or negligence (such as failing to follow specific directions of the client regarding investment choices) 401k holders may sue to recover losses.

More . . .

Medicare 911 - Where to turn when you need help.

Re-enrollment season for Medicare and Part "B" brings questions and sometimes confusion. Are you adequately covered? Are you going to fall between the cracks because you forgot something important?

What if you signed up for a new plan and you discover it won't work for you? What if you were pressured into signing something you don't fully understand? Do you have recourse or do you have to live with the consequences?

1. "I need help understanding how part D works?" If you want an overview of your Medicare options visit the interactive Medicare counselor at the non-profit Medicare Rights Center  "MI Counselor uses easy-to-understand language and timely information to help you learn the ins and outs of Medicare". This interactive counselor can answer the most common questions seniors have about their coverage.
2. "How can I get unbiased information and sign up for a plan in a safe place?" Compare part "D" and Medicare advantage plans on your terms at the Medicare.gov web site. You can quickly find and compare plans and view your current coverage online. You can also view plans by state and compare coverage options.
3. "I can't pay for my Medications" Once again you can visit the MRC for a by-state list of Medicaid resources, counselors and special discount programs. Or click here for a list of drugs by name and programs which can provide free or deeply discounted medications. For help now call the Social Security administration at 1-800-772-1213. If you qualify Medicare may pay for all of your prescription drug costs.
4. "Help! I got pressured into signing up for a plan!" Call medicare at 1-800-633-4227 for live help or visit the Medicare FAQ page.

The "rules of engagement" for Part D and Medicare advantage sales agents.

Know your rights and know how to spot those who are breaking the rules!

Part D and Medicare advantage means big money for insurers which also means aggressive sales people, pushy tactics and sometimes deception. Before you choose a plan make check to make sure your own interests are being served.

Reported: Merlin Jones, 67, of Dallas complained to consumer advocates that he had to chase an overzealous agent off his front yard last month after the man tried to badger him into buying a private Medicare plan.

Reported: Era Boyd, 83, of Dallas said an agent came to her home two weeks ago, launched into a long, confusing sales pitch and then began pressing her for her Social Security number.

Reported: Numerous examples of advantage plan salespeople going door to door and approaching Seniors in supermarkets with a high pressure sales pitch. That's against Medicare rules and should be reported to Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

Before switching to a private plan, seniors should confirm that their doctor and other health care providers will accept it. Remember, never make a decision on the spot or sign something that seems confusing or just not right. Many states and senior service organizations provide free and unbiased counseling to help you choose the right plan.

In California visit: http://www.calmedicare.org/

For New York: http://hiicap.state.ny.us/

Florida: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/News/PressReleases/2005/Oct-Dec/110905.html

How to get help: If you think you've been misled or pressured into an advantage plan call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

"Wild West" for drug insurance swindlers.

Holiday season coincides with the open enrollment period for Medicare prescription drug coverage, and regulators are warning that an increasing number of unscrupulous insurance agents also view it as open season for preying on older adults.

snip

"Seniors think they are signing up for a prescription-drug program and what they are really being sold is Medicare Advantage," says Laura Dillon, an examiner with the New York State Insurance Department.

Click here for the rest of the story . . .

Click here for Medicare.gov enrollment and plan tools . . .

Click here to report Medicare fraud or deceptive practices . . .

Medicare re-enrollment time is also scam season.

Here is a short list of ways to identify Medicare fraud and protect yourself from shady part "d" operators.

read more | digg story