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Medicare drug plan spending drops $6B in 2008
USA Today - 10-30-2008 - In a rare bit of good news for taxpayers, the cost of the Medicare prescription drug program fell $6 billion this year — savings driven by the widespread use of low-cost generic drugs. The prescription drug program for seniors has cost about one-third less — about $50 billion — than originally estimated since it started in January 2006.
Time to check Medicare plans
Modesto Bee - 10-30-2008 - This time of year, Medicare recipients are advised to review their health plans for changes to premiums, deductibles and other costs that could punch a hole in their pocketbooks. From Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, Medicare beneficiaries are allowed to make changes to their medical and prescription drug coverage. The 2009 changes to Medicare insurance plans take effect Jan. 1.
Court reverses ruling on would-be doctors
San Francisco Chronicle - 10-31-2008 - Would-be doctors in California with dyslexia or other disabilities that affect their reading skills aren't entitled to extra time or other accommodations on the medical school entrance exam, a state appeals court said Thursday, reversing a lower-court decision.
Leading Medical Groups Advise Against Avandia
Wall Street Journal - 10-31-2008 - By Jennifer Dooren - The clouds around GlaxoSmithKline PLC's diabetes drug Avandia darkened, with leading medical groups in the U.S. and Europe calling on doctors not to use the former top-selling drug.
Diabetes Rate Nearly Doubles; More Scrutiny of Avandia
Wall Street Journal - 10-31-2008 - By Jacob Goldstein - A triple-barreled shot of diabetes news: The CDC came out with state-by-state estimates of diabetes rates yesterday, a watchdog group called for a ban on GlaxoSmithKline’s diabetes drug Avandia, and the American Diabetes Association recommended against use of the drug.
