New data out of the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) confirms that Social Security delivers good dependable returns. Indeed, as much as Republicans would like to privatize Social Security, the current...
Diane Archer
CVS Caremark accused of $1 billion in Medicare drug fraud
Pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs)–middlemen who determine the list of approved drugs for health insurers and pay pharmacy claims– argue that they drive down drug prices. But, they also...
When to avoid preventive care services
Medicare covers a wide array of preventive care services, which can offer tremendous benefits. But, some preventive care services may cause more harm than good for people towards the end of life. Liz...
CMS approves new enrollment hook for Medicare Advantage plans
While at first glance a Medicare Advantage plan may seem like a better deal than traditional Medicare, appearances can be deceiving. If you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you severely limit...
Let’s make medicines a public good again
Fran Quigley writes for The Other 98 percent that it is time to make medicines a public good again. He explains that it is only recently that we began treating medicines as a commodity that could be...
Barbara Bush chooses comfort care at end of life
Nearing the end of her life, Barbara Bush opted for comfort care, sometimes called “palliative” care. She chose not to seek medical interventions to treat her congestive heart failure...
Are fish oil supplements just another red herring?
There appears to be precious little evidence of the benefits to individuals of fish oil supplements, according to research out of the University of Auckland in New Zealand and, more recently, a US...
Medicare covers diabetes prevention program
More than 29 million Americans, including almost 12 million older adults, have type 2 diabetes. That’s almost 10 percent of adults in the United States and more than 25 percent of adults over...
To live longer, limit your alcohol intake to five drinks a week
A new meta-study of nearly 600,000 people from 19 countries, published in The Lancet may give you pause before you take your next drink. The big takeaway: Less alcohol is better for your health. The...
Protect your eyesight: Free and low-cost vision care
Your ability to see well is precious. But, your vision is likely to deteriorate as you age. Some people develop eye diseases that have no early warning signs, including age-related macular...