http://www.patientassistance.com/news.html en-us Thu, 08 May 2008 18:20:37 GMT 5 http://www.patientassistance.com/news/a-comparison-of-health-care-policy-in-the-2008-presidential-election.html Jul 17th, 2008 Portable, affordable Health Care - at least two things Senators Barack Obama and John McCain can agree upon. Under both candidates’ health care plans, the cost of care would be significantly lower than it currently is, and would insure all Americans are covered. Health insurance would not be jeopardized from a change of job or time off between jobs. A few of each candidate’s points overlap, w... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/john-mccains-health-care-reform-plan-2008-presidential-election.html Jul 16th, 2008 Giving the individual the ability to make their own health care choices based on their needs and financial ability is the basis of Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain. With over 47 million uninsured currently living in the United States, McCain's plan addresses the need to provide more control to those who are in need rather then attempt to fit them into a more generalized system. McCain... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/barack-obamas-health-care-reform-plan-2008-presidential-election.html Jul 15th, 2008 The health care reform platform that Presidential Candidate Barack Obama has presented falls very much in line with the beliefs that the Democratic Party stand firmly behind. His goal focuses primarily on providing health care coverage to as many individuals as possible through spending additional savings that would occur through a discontinuing of tax cuts imposed by the Bush administration for t... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/health-care-policy-in-the-2008-presidential-election.html Jul 14th, 2008 One of the more largely debated issues in the upcoming 2008 Presidential race is the current situation of the United States healthcare system. While both Democratic nominee Barack Obama and Republican nominee John McCain have clearly defined healthcare plans that they intend to introduce when they enter office, the differences in approach are staggering. As the healthcare industry in one way or an... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/the-gap-increases-as-business-sponsored-healthcare-decreases-in-new-york.html Jul 8th, 2008 In the state of New York, there are over 2.4 million uninsured individuals. Over half of those 2.4 million uninsured individuals live in New York City. From 2004 to 2006, the rates for the uninsured increased statewide by 1.8% and citywide by 1.6%.<br /> <br /> After several successful years with the New Yorks public health insurance program, the rate of uninsured individuals was steadily dropping. Unfortun... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/medicaid-reach-extended.html Jul 1st, 2008 In one portion of a series of moves that will take over 100,000 residents off of the uninsured list, Maryland has increased the pool of those eligible for Medicaid. <br /> <br /> The states initiative is also increasing coverage to children as well as assisting small businesses in offering coverage to employees. Other bills aim to lower prescription drug costs to seniors, possibly lowering drug costs across... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/connecticuts-new-affordable-health-plan-kicks-off.html Jul 1st, 2008 The Charter Oak Health Plan has its first member.<br /> <br /> Andrea Bryant, a 57-year old waitress from Manchester was the first member of the state’s new health coverage initiative. The program is open to those who don’t qualify for existing programs and are not insured by an employer. <br /> <br /> Rates for the plan range from $75 to $259 a month. Bryant, who has been without health insurance for two years, ... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/is-underinsured-really-as-bad-as-uninsured.html Jun 30th, 2008 It’s no secret that those Americans who go without health insurance are of major concern. In an ideal world, no one would have to go without it. <br /> <br /> But even those who do have health insurance are finding that it’s not enough. While they’re covered for things like the flu and the dentist, what about a broken bone? Cancer treatment? Surgery? When the worst happens, will you have to foot the b... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/doctor-proposes-plan-to-improve-montanas-child-health-care.html Jun 30th, 2008 There are 35,000 children in Montana without health care insurance – one of the highest rates in the country. They come from families of all shapes and sizes, not just low income. <br /> <br /> This is of major concern for the state. As the song states, “the children are our future” and unhealthy children don’t have as bright a future. <br /> <br /> A ballot initiative (titled Healthy Montana Kids) proposed b... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/uninsured-class-action-suit-dismissed.html Jun 27th, 2008 Uninsured health care patients who claimed they were discriminated against by insurance companies had their class action suit dismissed by a federal appeals court. <br /> <br /> In the suit, lawyers argued that insurance companies gouge uninsured patients and charged unfair prices which, they said, qualify as “unconscionable commercial conduct” under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.<br /> Senior U.S. Distr... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/debt-reduction-plan-to-increase-uninsured.html Jun 27th, 2008 In an attempt to reduce a $17.2 billion deficit for the next fiscal year, Gov. Arnold Schwartzeneggar has proposed to tighten eligibility rules and increase premiums for state health care programs. <br /> <br /> This proposal would increase the number of uninsured in California by 15 percent in the next three years, according to health care advocates. <br /> <br /> Premiums would also increase for children enrolled i... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/report-finds-poor-health-care-practices-increasing-system-broken.html Jun 26th, 2008 About one in five people (20 percent) in the U.S. reported not getting or delaying needed medical care over the past 12 months, according to a report by the Center for Studying Health System Change. This figure is up from 14 percent (one in seven) from 2003. <br /> <br /> In 2007 over 59 million people reported some sort of health care problems – 36 million delayed care while 23 million went without it. T... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/southwest-last-in-country-in-health-insurance-coverage.html Jun 26th, 2008 According to a government study by the Center for Disease Control, the Southwest has the lowest rate of health insurance coverage. Nearly 30 percent of non-elderly adults and 18 percent of children are uninsured. <br /> <br /> New England has the largest portion of insured people with less than half (11 percent non-elderly, 4 percent children) the rate of uninsured as the Southwest.<br /> <br /> The results were base... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/college-age-youths-one-of-largest-groups-of-uninsured.html Jun 25th, 2008 According to a study by the Commonwealth Fund titled “Rite of Passage: Why Young Adults Become Uninsured and How New Polices Can Help, 2008 Update” 19-29 year olds are one of the biggest portions of the population that are without health insurance. <br /> <br /> The number in that bracket make up 30 percent of the near 47 million uninsured after a climb to almost 14 million people in 2006. Only 41 perce... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/ama-president-to-defend-the-uninsured.html Jun 25th, 2008 American Medical Association President Nancy Nielson has experience struggling with the cost of healthcare. As a graduate student, she herself had coverage, but not her three children. <br /> <br /> Paying for pediatric care on a case-by-case basis, Nielson has made it her goal to make sure no other parent has to experience this. <br /> <br /> In Chicago last week, Nielson said she would use all her power and sway wi... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/health-care-hits-hard-in-newark.html Jun 24th, 2008 <em>The health care crisis is a national issue. But some cities are feeling it more than others.</em><br /> <br /> According to a 13-city report released Monday by Families USA, health care costs are beginning to exceed what many city workers earn – thus lessening health care coverage plans. So while providing health care for the uninsured has been a problem, this is a whole new animal. <br /> <br /> The closing of... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/st.-lucie-county-aims-to-open-health-care-center-for-uninsured-by-2009.html Jun 24th, 2008 St. Lucie County has been hard by the economic downturn - and its residents are feeling the effects in the form of poor health care.<br /> <br /> Government officials, hospitals and charities in the County are working together in order to open a health care facility for the uninsured and working-poor residents by 2009. According to a 2002 survey, almost one in four adults in the County did not have health c... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/health-study-state-fiscal-problems-warrant-serious-consideration.html Jun 23rd, 2008 An April 2008 study by the Kasier Commision on Medicaid and the Uninsured titled “Medicaid, SCHIP and Economic Downturn: Policy Challenges and Policy Responses” showed that even slight economic downturns would have a significant effect on the cost of Medicaid and details solutions Congress may take in order to assist in state economic affairs. <br /> <br /> The study states that a “one percentage poin... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/single-payer-healthcare-receives-voter-support.html Jun 20th, 2008 Outside of San Francisco’s Moscone Center, more than 1,000 protesters showed their support for two bills - Sheila Kuehl’s SB 840 and Congressman John Conyers’ HR 676 – that would establish single-payer healthcare.<br /> <br /> More than 1,300 private health insurance companies – members of the lobbying group America’s Health Insurance Plans - met inside. The organization spent over $7 million i... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/the-great-american-challenge-rising-healthcare-costs.html Jun 18th, 2008 <p>At the Health Reform Summit held in Washington this past Monday, Federal Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke had a chance to make clear that one of the greatest economic challenges that the American people will have to face is their healthcare system. During the meeting, Bernanke said that &quot;Per capita health care spending in the United States has increased at a faster rate than per capita income fo... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/wisewoman-program-helps-direct-care-to-women-in-need.html Jun 17th, 2008 <p>Taking preventative measures is easily one of the best methods to reduce the cost of your healthcare related needs. In women over the age of 40, the risk of Cardiovascular Disease increases so significantly that one out of every three women have some form of Cardiovascular Disease and over 52% of deaths caused by it are women (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/WISEWOMAN/">WISEWOMAN</a>). Because of t... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/patient-assistance-for-flood-victims.html Jun 16th, 2008 In an effort to aid those affected by the flooding in the American Midwest, CountyRxCard.com and PatientAssistance.com will be focusing their resources on aiding those in need. Over the past three weeks, the increase in rainfall has resulted in nine rivers reaching or matching their record breaking levels. Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin were all affected by the flooding with Iowa... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/house-to-introduce-healthcare-bill-for-small-business-and-self-employed.html Jun 12th, 2008 <p>In an effort to support the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP Act) that was introduce by Senate in April, the House of Representatives have announced their support for a companion legislation that was set to be introduced this week by La Crosse Democrat Ron Kind. The bills goal is to even out the playing field for small business owners and self employed individuals who are currently p... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/25-million-underinsured-americans-according-to-new-study.html Jun 11th, 2008 <p><em>&quot;Here in the United States, you can have health insurance all year long and still go into medical debt or face bankruptcy&quot; - Cathy Schoen (</em><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/10/BUD1114PTO.DTL&amp;hw=uninsured&amp;sn=001&amp;sc=1000"><em>San Francisco Chronicle</em></a><em>, 6/10)</em></p><br /> <p>When identifying issues in our healthcare system, muc... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/massachusetts-manditory-healthcare-law-cuts-number-of-uninsured-in-half-but-can-it-last.html Jun 4th, 2008 <p>In 2006, a law was passed that greatly improved the availability of insurance coverage for Massachusetts residents. The law imposed steep fines on all but the smallest businesses for a failure to provide their employees and their dependants with health insurance. In accordance with the new law, residents of Massachusetts where required to list their insurance status on their 2007 tax return. Th... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/volunteer-doctors-may-receive-increased-protection-in-delaware.html Jun 2nd, 2008 <p>There are numerous solutions available for the uninsured in regard to receiving <a href="http://www.patientassistance.com/programs.html">free prescription medication</a> or <a href="http://www.yourrxcard.com">discounted prescription medication</a>, but the most difficult hurdle that an uninsured American is faced with is finding a facility that offers free visits with a physician. While these <... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/the-dangers-in-misrepresenting-uninsured-statistics.html May 29th, 2008 <p>Did you know that since the early 1990s, the percentage of uninsured Americans has not experienced much change? In 1996, the 16.2 percent of Americans where unemployed, compared to 15.8 percent in 2006.</p><br /> <p>What many overlook when they see the information presented in this fashion is that during that decade long gap, America faced an increase of 3.5 million in the number of uninsured indivi... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/patientassistance-pledges-support-to-national-diabetes-goal.html May 28th, 2008 <i>BATON ROUGE, LA, 5/28/2008</i> - PatientAssistance.com, in a continuing effort to provide the uninsured and underinsured with health care and prescription drug assistance, announced today their support for the <a href="http://www.nationaldiabetesgoal.com/">National Diabetes Goal</a> (NDG) which aims to increase awareness and improve the management of Type 2 Diabetes to the 45% of Americans at r... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/safeguard-yourself-against-rising-healthcare-costs.html May 21st, 2008 <p>If you were to pinpoint the largest issue in the healthcare system in the United States today, you would have to look past the 47 million Americans who are currently uninsured. The real issue in our healthcare system is cost, and the level at which the cost effects the system is much larger than it has ever been before. </p><br /> <p>In the last eight years, healthcare premiums have gone up over 98%... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/pharmacists-recommend-generic-medications-to-cut-consumer-drug-costs.html May 16th, 2008 <p>The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has reported a rise of 54% in the cost of prescription drugs used by older Americans between 1999 and 2006. This study followed the prices of more than 150 prescription drugs commonly used by older Americans, showing a frightful increase of over 30% more than the general inflation rate of their studied years. While many individuals continue to ... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/poor-process-prevents-uninsured-from-using-provided-help.html May 14th, 2008 <p>Right now, there are over 12 Million uninsured Americans who are eligible for Medicaid or State Children's Health Insurance Program but are in no way enrolled for them. That is more than 1/4th the total number of uninsured people in America, and unfortunately half of them are children.</p><br /> <p>A report done by the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation has found that the reaso... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/why-more-doctors-should-use-email.html May 9th, 2008 It's become a growing trend in America for people to do most of their communication through the internet, e-mail, or text messaging as opposed to using the phone. While you may not always been in an appropriate environment to answer your phone, you can easily respond to a text message or e-mail without there being much of an issue. So in a field like the healthcare industry, that is so drive by te... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/in-sickness-and-in-healthcare.html May 8th, 2008 <strong>Until The Economy Do Us Part</strong><br /> <br /> Marrying for health insurance is no longer something that people joke about. Over 7% of Americans have stated that they or someone they lived with have married for health insurance benefits alone. Adding someone on to an already existing coverage plan through marriage has become infinitely easier than attaining your own health care coverage through ... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/failing-economy-effects-children-most.html May 6th, 2008 <strong>America's Children Are At Risk</strong><br /> <br /> According to a recent study completed by Gerry Fairbrother of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, over 50% of our nations states will not have enough funding to help the 47 million Americans who are currently uninsured. While insurance provided through Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program are not completely funded ... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/ama-predicts-rise-in-uninsured-costs.html May 5th, 2008 <strong>Patient Assistance Programs: Solutions To Fight Rising Insurance Premiums</strong><br /> <br /> According to the American Medical Association, last year alone, the cost placed on the medical system was in excess of $100 billion. To cover this cost, the 158 Million insured Americans paid an average of $632.91 in additional premiums on their own insurance to cover those who have none. While spread out... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/cover-the-uninsured-week-how-can-you-help.html Apr 28th, 2008 Did you know that there are over forty seven million Americans that are currently uninsured? A better question is, did you know that you can actually do something about this? This week (April 27th – May 3rd 2008) marks the fifth annual <a href="http://www.covertheuninsured.org">Cover The Uninsured Week</a>, a program sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which focuses on keeping peopl... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/express-scripts-studies-consumer-healthcare-behavior.html Apr 25th, 2008 From a financial standpoint, a generic medication is a much cheaper but just as effective alternative to a brand name prescription medication. With prices for prescription medication continuing to go up, it's baffling to think that a majority of patients won't make the switch to a generic unless they are actually forced to do so. Express Scripts Inc., a mail order PBM, has realized that there is m... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/higher-co-pays-for-expensive-drugs-continue-to-hurt-those-in-need.html Apr 22nd, 2008 It's no secret that the prices of prescription medication have been increasing over the past few years. The uninsured have been faced with much higher unsubsidized prices reflecting the full impact of these actions, but now they aren't the only ones feeling the sting in their bank accounts. A system called Tier 4, which started out only effecting Medicare prescription plan patients, has made it's ... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/instymeds-offers-self-checkout-for-prescription-medication.html Apr 22nd, 2008 Patients of RediMed, the Fort Wayne based urgent care clinics, are first in the country to experience purchasing their prescription medications through an ATM style machine known as InstyMeds. Prior to equipping three of their facilities with these machines last month, RediMed didn't have the ability to offer all the medications their patients would need. But now, not only can they offer these med... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/where-wal-marts-4-generic-prescription-program-falls-short.html Apr 22nd, 2008 Low Income? Uninsured? Looking for a way to save on your prescription medication costs? Since September 2006 Wal-Mart has been trying to capture patients just like you with their $4 Generic Prescription Program. With such a low price, it's no wonder that Wal-Mart has been able to increase their reach in that specific market, but the program isn't as beneficial as it would seem.<br /> <br /> The medications ... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/patientassistance-com-is-helping-uninsured-patients-get-free-medication.html Apr 21st, 2008 Pharmaceutical companies offer low-income individuals or families medication at zero cost. PatientAssistance.com consolidates over 1,000 patient assistance programs and makes it easy for individuals to find the medication they need.<br /> <br /> Baton Rouge, Louisiana, February 21, 2008 - Visitors to PatientAssistance.com can find over 1,000 different Patient Assistance Programs to choose from. Even though... http://www.patientassistance.com/news/patientassistance-com-lists-500-free-clinics-in-the-united-states.html Apr 21st, 2008 To further help the members of PatientAssistance.com we have listed clinics that are free to use. There services range from dental care to message therapy to mental help. Please select through your state to find clinics in your area.