by Leigh Ann Otte, managing editor

My Family Doctor has learned that Boniva and Tamiflu are no longer covered by the recently announced Medicare-discount agreement.  Whether their manufacturer Roche Pharmaceuticals will instate its own discount is unclear.

On June 20, the powerful trade group Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America made big news, announcing their members would offer a 50-percent discount to most people in the dreaded Medicare Part D doughnut hole. But today, the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest reported Roche is leaving PhRMA.

My Family Doctor asked Roche whether they would still offer the discount. (more…)

by Leigh Ann Hubbard, managing editor

In an interesting turn of events, relief is coming for seniors. Drug manufacturers are going to help pay for some medicines!

This sounds great, definitely, but we want to know from you: How much will it really help?

The News
Today, President Obama and industry trade group Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America announced a big deal, part of which involves the dreaded Medicare Part D doughnut hole.

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by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Health-care rationing is coming, but what form will it take?  Limiting by age?  Predicted life expectancy?  And who will make these decisions?

Two recent medical review studies give us a glimpse into the future. (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

The debate over universal health care should get hot and heavy this year.  By far, our most popular article is “Doctors Debate Universal Health Care Pros and Cons.”  Check it out and join the discussion.  Two things are certain:  No one has a surefire answer, and no matter what happens, it’s going to affect your pocketbook.

We will be in a great experiment, with us as guinea pigs.  Sure, they have universal health care in other countries, but in no nation so vast and diverse as ours. And what is universal health care anyway?  To me, it just means everyone has health care.  Everyone wants that.  The debate is how to implement it–and can we afford it. (more…)

by James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H.

Do you understand Medicare Part D? Do you even know what it is? How about your elderly loved ones?

Medicare open enrollment starts November 15 and ends December 31. During this time every year, Medicare participants can change or tweak their Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan.  Start early so everything is in place by the time the new coverage kicks in on January 1.

If you’re under Medicare age, consider helping loved ones with their decision.  There are several options and it can get complicated.

Here’s some help to get you started.

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