Goals of Medicare Part D met according to Reuters

In a recent article at Reuters, they note that in a study of 7,000 senior Americans, after 2006, when heart failure medication was covered through their insurance, the number of prescriptions filled was increased. They also found that in 2008, the out of pocket expenses for seniors decreased 16% while prescriptions filled increased by 7%. All of this shows that the goals of Medicare Part D, helping seniors, especially those with low incomes, afford needed medications, are being met.

Florida challenging healthcare reform

According to Reuters, Florida is going to the Supreme Court to challenge the current healthcare plan recently passed in Congress. Florida, along with 17 other states, have formed together to bring a lawsuit to charge the federal government with violating states rights and forcing them to spend money they do not have available. Many believe that because of the supremacy clause in the Constitution, the Federal Government will have more power than the State government. Read the full article here.

Democrats closer to healthcare agreement

According to Reuters UK, the Democrats are getting close to a healthcare agreement. Both the House and the Senate are making negotiations to find a way to agree on a final healthcare bill before it goes to be signed by the president. There is a push to have this done before early next week when the Democrats lose the majority as former Senator Kennedy's replacement is voted in to office. Next week, they will also be facing other key issues in health care coverage including coverage of abortion and illegal immigrant. Another key issue still to be resolved is how the government run healthcare will be paid for. Read the full article here.

Key changes needed for Medicare reform

According to a new article at Reuters, they believe the first steps in reforming healthcare have begun. Pharma Research and Manufacturers of America have agreed to cost savings measures as well as hospitals accepting Medicare cuts. The article then goes on to look at two other things that would be critical to Medicare reform: linking doctors pays to improving patients health and boosing the payments for primary care. Read the full article here.

Economy to Blame for Healthcare Payment Difficulties

More Americans are putting off health care costs due to the economic climate in 2009. Reuters reports that, Thomson Reuters, "conducted a Pulse survey of 100,000 homes to inquire about health insurance woes reporting that about 17.4% of homes admitted to postponing or waiting for health care in 2009." The report stated that, "40% of homes are postponing medical care for the next three months, with 15% foregoing regular doctor checkups." Homes that earned less than $50,000 per year were three times more likely to have trouble paying medical bills.

Where does healthcare reform stand?

Reuters has an article laying out where certain matters stand when it comes to healthcare reform for the United States. In this article, they look at what is currently going on in the Senate and the House. Read the full report here.