AP: White House at Odds With Bishops Over Abortion Nov 23, 2009
The bill would forbid including abortion coverage as a required medical benefit. However, it would allow a new government insurance plan to cover abortions and let private insurers that receive federal subsidies offer plans that include abortion coverage. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
New baseline of opinion on health care Nov 23, 2009
Unlike Clinton's plan, which would have created a new government regulatory system to monitor premiums and benefits, Obama's builds more on the current private insurance system ... His workers had excellent health benefits, he says ... As a result, he opposed the Clinton plan, fearing it could lead to higher costs and fewer benefits. (USA Today -- News)
Monterey Exploration Ltd. Provides an Operational Update With Respect to Certain of Its Operations in the Groundbirch Area of Northeast British Columbia Nov 23, 2009
The micro-seismic data will be used in the evaluation of the 4 - 30 well and to assist in the design and optimization of the Corporation's future horizontal drilling and completion operations of the Montney formation in the Groundbirch area ... The second 100 percent horizontal location at 2 - 21 - 80 - 21W6M (the "2 - 21 well") continues to drill ahead on schedule at approximately 2,000 meters depth and is estimated to reach total vertical depth for formation log evaluation at the end of... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
First Quantum Minerals to Acquire Kiwara PLC Nov 23, 2009
Neither Kiwara nor First Quantum's securities have been or will be registered under the applicable securities laws of any state or jurisdiction of USA, Republic of Ireland and Japan and, subject to certain exceptions, may not be offered or sold within USA, Republic of Ireland and Japan or to or for the benefit of any national, resident or citizen of USA, Republic of Ireland and Japan. Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements". (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Fun ways to get fit Nov 23, 2009
And as an added benefit that you may never had known you needed, the circular movements of the hips and abdomen will apparently massage your internal organs. "Emotionally, belly dancing puts you back in touch with your feminine essence and definitely leaves you feeling more confident and happier with your body," says Tenille. (iAfrica.com)
The live export industry cares about its animals Nov 23, 2009
However, it gets rather tiresome to hear about atrocities to animals, and environmental degradation, being justified by "jobs" and "economic benefits" ... Crime, gambling, drugs, the sex industry all could be justified by "jobs" and "economic benefits" too. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
AP News in Brief Nov 23, 2009
The bill would extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, crack down on insurance company practices that deny or dilute benefits and curtail the growth of spending on medical care nationally. In the final minutes of a daylong session, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Wages for city projects debated Nov 23, 2009
It pays $11 an hour, with benefits, at many hotels, he said ... Had the legislation that council is considering been in place in 1997, it would have required that all employees at the 176-room Residence Inn receive pay, benefits and paid leave equivalent to the average enjoyed by workers at other sizable hotels citywide ... 50 an hour only applies to inexperienced workers, and employees get a raise and benefits after 90 days. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Smiling on Facebook costs Canadian her insurance Nov 23, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next (Channelnewsasia.com)
Looking for an edge in education? Nov 23, 2009
Thumbs Up: We can see reason for concern on both sides: city leaders are right to be looking at the possibilities of some sort of testing of rental homes for contamination from methamphetamine; rental housing association members have valid concerns about a blanket rule that could cost them a lot of money for little real benefit. It seems that a meeting last week between association members and the city manager produced some healthy dialogue and perhaps informed both sides. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Which insurance plan to buy? Nov 22, 2009
Usually there is no maturity benefit in term policy ... There are three types of term plans level benefit, increasing benefit and decreasing benefit. (India Times)
Dear Fellow Guinea Pig Nov 22, 2009
Immediately, as the Senate takes up health care legislation, we receive the chief benefit of the proposal. Laughter is not only good for the soul, it s good for the body, too. (Townhall.com)
Free to Choose Nov 22, 2009
that opening the market for insurance sales across state lines will result in a "race to the bottom," in which "insurers compete to sell bare-bones policies at the lowest price, lacking benefits such as maternity care.". This rationale is the equivalent of saying that consumers looking for a cell phone should not be allowed to purchase the because it lacks the features of the , or that people should be prevented from buying the Ford Ranger because the Ford F-250 Super Duty is a bigger, better... (Townhall.com)
NYT: Sen. Lincoln at heart of debate Nov 22, 2009
Ray Hanley, who was the Medicaid director in Arkansas from 1986 to 2003, said that in a poor state like Arkansas, where nearly 500,000 people are uninsured, many would benefit from the subsidies. . (MSNBC -- Politics)
Kathryn Lopez: Why I'm not a fan of the U.S. government Nov 22, 2009
Currently, as one of the Heritage papers points out, there are 8 million federal employees who receive health care through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. There are over 250 different health insurance carriers in FEHB, all of whom are prohibited from paying for elective abortions in these plans because they receive subsidies from the government. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Medicare conference combats confusion over plans Nov 22, 2009
Her advice on Medicare Advantage plans: Get a summary of benefits because each plan has a different mix of costs and benefits. Most have prescription drug benefits ... Speakers also provided extensive information on Medicare Part D (prescription drug benefits) and changes for 2010. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Physical Therapy Assistant, PTA Nov 22, 2009
Assists physical therapist in the evaluation process in the areas of gait, functional mobility, and coordination. Assists in the evaluation of other areas as directed ... Identifies indications for and assists in evaluations at appropriate intervals under the direction of the physical therapist. (Pensacola News Journal)
Read the story Nov 22, 2009
The debate centers on the relative risks and benefits of various methods of trying to pick up breast cancer at an early stage ... How should a woman and her physician think about the relative risks and benefits of breast cancer screening. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Cancer screenings under scrutiny Nov 22, 2009
"The benefit of talking about screening is that people will get their screening. That's the benefit: that people are discussing these issues.". CNN's Karen Denice, Saundra Young and Sabriya Rice contributed to this report. (CNN)
Senate Health Bill Faces Crucial Vote Nov 22, 2009
" The White House issued a statement late Friday praising the Senate measure. "This bill provides the necessary health reforms that the administration seeks - affordable, quality care within reach for the tens of millions of Americans who do not have it today, and stability and security for the hundreds of millions who do," the statement said. The White House had hoped to have a health care bill on the president's desk by the end of the year. Now they're talking about trying to get it done... (CBS News)
A ‘progressive’ path to reform Nov 22, 2009
Instead of a public option, create a basic benefit option. This will cover the needs of most Americans by providing each person a primary care physician, hospital access, and a prescription drug benefit at lower cost ... Associations and small employers should receive tax benefits to join together in multiple-employer arrangements so they can provide the same coverage to their employees as large companies. (Boston Globe)
Early screening still saves lives Nov 22, 2009
And while risk-benefit analysis can be a useful tool, the cold practice of statistical analysis shouldn t play an outsized role in setting policy ... But when it comes to breast cancer, statistics suggest a clear, if modest, benefit to screenings at earlier ages. (Boston Globe)
Yoon pushes proposed ordinance on term limits for mayor Nov 22, 2009
Of course, Morrissey, like any politician in Massachusetts who moves up the political ladder, would see a tangible benefit, too ... About those earmarks Democratic US Senate candidate Alan Khazei has been a harsh critic of congressional earmarking - funding for pet projects tucked into spending bills by lawmakers, often to the benefit of the clients of lobbyists who raise campaign funds ... -based insurance and health benefits management company, and has business interests and other assets worth... (Boston Globe)
Comparison of Democratic Health Care Bills Nov 22, 2009
BENEFITS PACKAGE: All plans sold to individuals and small businesses would have to cover basic benefits. The government would set four levels of coverage: The least generous would pay an estimated 60 percent of health care costs per year; the most generous would cover an estimated 90 percent. (ABC News -- Wire)
New Cancer Guidelines Say to Start Mammograms at 50, Not 40 Nov 22, 2009
"The benefits are less and the harms are greater when screening starts in the 40s," said Dr. Diana Petitti, vice chair of the panel ... Women 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every other year until they turn 75, after which the risks and benefits are unknown ... The cancer society feels the benefits outweigh the harms for women in both groups. (Fox News)
Looking for an edge in education? Nov 22, 2009
Thumbs Up: We can see reason for concern on both sides: city leaders are right to be looking at the possibilities of some sort of testing of rental homes for contamination from methamphetamine; rental housing association members have valid concerns about a blanket rule that could cost them a lot of money for little real benefit. It seems that a meeting last week between association members and the city manager produced some healthy dialogue and perhaps informed both sides. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Teachers oppose 'cuts' Nov 22, 2009
Teachers said the lack of a contract and recent changes in benefits have been disheartening ... The two sides are deadlocked on salary, benefits and workday issues ... School Board Chairman David Ford posted a letter to the districts Web site this week, urging teachers to accept a 2 percent increase in wages and benefits each year. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
COMMENTARY: Health care reform rebuttal Nov 22, 2009
These proposed bills have so many taxes, fees, penalties and fines imbedded in them that a true evaluation of the cost to individuals is difficult, if not impossible, to measure. They are also riddled with mandated provisions that leave you and your doctor very little choice in the way your health care will be managed. (Benson San Pedro Valley News Sun, AZ)
Historic health care bill nears key Senate vote Nov 22, 2009
At a 10-year cost approaching 1 trillion, the measure is designed to extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, crack down on insurance company practices that deny benefits, and curtail the growth of spending on medical care nationally. It is clear to me that doing nothing is not an option, said Landrieu, who noted the legislation includes 100 million to help her state pay the costs of health care for the poor. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Doctors warn against reform; protest met with protesters Nov 22, 2009
The Democrats' version of health care reform is not socialized medicine, and it won't undercut Medicare benefits for seniors, Johnson said. Those opposing the bills before Congress have had to back away from assertions that health care reform will create "death panels" to decide who lives and dies, she said. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
White House at odds with bishops over abortion... Nov 22, 2009
The bill would forbid including abortion coverage as a required medical benefit. However, it would allow a new government insurance plan to cover abortions and let private insurers that receive federal subsidies offer plans that include abortion coverage. (The Drudge Report)
Tax would hit H1N1 vaccine manufacturers... Nov 22, 2009
The real problem is that we won't find out until at least until 2015 because the benefits don't go into effect until 2013, while the increased taxes, etc go into effect immediately. Second, you are a buffoon for voting for the hopey changey narcissist. (The Drudge Report)
Republican congressmen meet to discuss flaws in Obamas health care reform plan (2) Nov 22, 2009
Their plan includes personal mandates, employer mandates and creates dozens of new government agencies and boards like the Health Benefits Advisory Committee and Comparative Effectiveness Research Commission. ObamaCare will ultimately lead to rationed care, higher taxes and job losses, Barton said. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Democrats Unite to Hold Off Senate GOP Health Care FilibusterSens. Landrieu, Lincoln, Nelson vote to debate, but may not back bill later. Nov 22, 2009
Further, she said the provision will benefit Louisiana with $300 million, not the $100 million estimated by CBO.. 1. (ABC News)
White House defends Senate health bill Nov 22, 2009
W.H. defends Senate health bill, attacks Bush prescription drug benefit - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room ... W.H. defends Senate health bill, attacks Bush prescription drug benefit ... The White House on Saturday defended the Senate's version of healthcare reform and attacked the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit passed under the Bush administration in 2003. (TheHill.com)
McCain takes up 'death panel' charge on floor Nov 22, 2009
I wonder if these Democrat congressional members can collect the next extended unemployment benefits like most of their constituents are getting now. It may get so bad that there might be a movement to amend the Constitution to require federal term limits. (TheHill.com)
Bond to vote 'no' for health care Nov 22, 2009
It was written behind closed doors and all the majority had to offer the American People is over 2,000 pages that will cost us over 2 trillion over 10 years, increase health care cost, raise taxes, cut Medicare benefits for senior, and that s not the kind of reform I believe that Missourians want. However, Bond does believe that the Bill will be passed through the Senate tonight, when they vote on the bill. (Cameron Observer, MO)
Letters for Friday, November 20, 2009 Nov 22, 2009
"anyways, i "understand" well the following:1) the carrying capacity of our economy to service current debt has not been reached (and feel free to notice the debt load during historical "war time" periods....and i trust you were this concerned when reagan ramped up the dept, during peacetime no less )2) medicare / medicaid = part of the health care problem. health care costs have been rising too fast, and sorry it is not due to russian mafia fraud rings or plaintiff attorneys (though i follow... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 22, 2009
Locke is considering a half-dozen changes that would either reduce the availability of benefits or cut child care and other support for working families ... But Smith said they are now reminding welfare mothers who are attending community college that it might make sense for them to depend instead on their small government Pell grants and stop using up their five-year lifetime on welfare benefits ... "If caseworkers are getting the message at the (community service office) that they have to... (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
Congress considers expanding Cobra subsidy Nov 22, 2009
If you are about to lose the subsidy, do not cancel your Cobra coverage but do shop around for an individual policy with "the benefit level you want and a premium you can afford," says Chris Hakim, director of Cobra solutions with eHealthInsurance. Check online and with a licensed agent. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
da Vinci Approved in Japan Nov 21, 2009
The Company's mission is to extend the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the broadest possible base of patients ... This ultimately has the potential to raise the standard of care for complex surgeries, translating into numerous potential patient benefits, including less pain, a shorter recovery and quicker return to normal daily activities. (Primezone Releases)
Center Bancorp, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend of $.03 Per Share Nov 21, 2009
The Bank, through its Private Banking Division which includes its wholly owned subsidiary, Center Financial Group LLC, provides financial services, including brokerage services, insurance and annuities, mutual funds, financial planning, estate and tax planning, trust, elder care and benefit plan administration. Center additionally offers title insurance services in connection with the closing of real estate transactions, through two subsidiaries, Union Title Company and Center Title Company. (Primezone Releases)
Paraprofessionals have their say about pay Nov 21, 2009
The payroll adjustment resulted in a significant loss of pay and a change to benefits ... Smith also brought up the issue of a loss of sick benefits ... With the change in the way they were paid also came changes in their benefits. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
Health Bill Hoax ... Nov 21, 2009
It's easy to achieve savings when you front-end the taxes and phase in the supposed benefits later ... Registration Benefits. (Investors Business Daily)
W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. Announces 30 June 2009 Financial Results and Gives Corporate Update Nov 21, 2009
These non-cash compensation expenses are included in "employee compensation and benefits" ... W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition June 30, December 31, 2009 2008 ----------- ----------- (unaudited) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $26,280,651 $35,158,939 Fees receivable 1,204,796 502,288 Receivable from clearing broker 9,690 19,042 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (net of accumulated amortization of $617,790 at June 30, 2009 and December 31,... (Primezone Releases)
Help Your President — Kill ObamaCare! Nov 21, 2009
" And since "the rich" provide jobs, they would hire fewer people, spend less on their businesses and take fewer risks. Costs would explode far beyond government projections which conveniently limit the estimated price tag to only the first decade. Expect insurance companies to deny requests for medical treatment more frequently than today. Why? The bill would require insurers to take people with pre-existing illnesses, so denying requests for treatment would be the only potent weapon to reduce... (Investors Business Daily)
Diabetes Month Highlights Prevalence, Difficulties With Delays in Receiving Disability Benefits Nov 21, 2009
Initial application denials on claims that eventually are awarded means individuals must needlessly wait months or even years before receiving their benefits ... For example, according to a September 2009 report by the SSA Inspector General3, a man from Oregon filed for disability benefits in August 2005 because of a back injury and diabetes ... According to the beneficiary, he fell behind on his mortgage and medical bills while waiting for benefits. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Chamber creates health insurance option Nov 21, 2009
The Greater Chamber selected United Healthcare to provide business owners with a competitive option health care insurance, vision and dental plans and other benefits. United Healthcare has tailored plans designed to fit the needs of small to medium-sized companies. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Kathryn Lopez: Why I'm not a fan of the U.S. government Nov 21, 2009
Currently, as one of the Heritage papers points out, there are 8 million federal employees who receive health care through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. There are over 250 different health insurance carriers in FEHB, all of whom are prohibited from paying for elective abortions in these plans because they receive subsidies from the government. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Senate Democratic leaders close in on health care vote Nov 21, 2009
Ron Wyden, who has been pressing to allow more Americans to use new insurance exchanges where commercial insurers would compete to offer plans to consumers who do not get health benefits through work. Wyden's proposal, which Reid agreed to add to the bill, would open the exchanges to about 1 million workers who could not afford the health plans offered by their employers, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office. (AZCentral -- News)
Are you fit enough to fight fires? Nov 21, 2009
One of the chief reasons, other than the benefits to the body, is exercise stimulates the mind to run more smoothly ... Just because a particular job whether its an accountant, insurance adjuster or telemarketer doesnt require strenuous exercise, there are benefits to staying healthy, just the same. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Braintree police contracts presented to town council Nov 21, 2009
This means that nine police officers earning full benefits, including the Quinn Bill, remain in the police station dispatching calls, he wrote ... Based on the present salary schedule for civilian dispatchers under the AFSCME contract, Sullivan added that a civilian dispatcher at the highest step earns almost half of the salary of the average police officer and will not earn the benefits that police personnel are entitled to under collective bargaining. (Braintree Forum, MA)
Viewpoints: 2008 AIG bailout squanders trust in financial system Nov 21, 2009
The gist of the report is that government officials made no serious attempt to extract concessions from bankers, even though these bankers received huge benefits from the rescue. And more than money was lost. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
New reports on cancer tests complicate health debate Nov 21, 2009
Republican lawmakers seized upon the recommendations as evidence of what government-controlled health benefits would mean. "This is how rationing starts," declared Jon Kyl of Arizona, the party's second-in-command in the Senate. (The Palm Beach Post)
State's elected officials' pay to be cut Nov 21, 2009
Schmidt's and Waldie's primary concern in the letter appeared to be whether the Citizens Compensation Commission could legally slash lawmakers' per diem and car allowance benefits by 18 percent - as the panel voted to do in July. Lawmakers collect $173 for each day they are in Sacramento, up to $400 a month for automobile leases, as well as state contributions for health benefits ... Those benefits are also scheduled to be cut by 18 percent next month - in addition to the pay cuts. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Tame Holiday Costs with Frugal Fun, Energy-Efficient Lighting, Gifts, Road Trip Tips, Advises Alliance to Save Energy Nov 21, 2009
together to locate "Energy Hogs," and " that continue using energy when idle/turned off. Pay the local kids to shovel your driveway. Better to give them some extra spending money than to use it towards the purchase of a smog-producing, gas-guzzling snow blower. No roasting chestnuts over an open halogen torchiere! It can burn hot enough to cause a fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Instead, give yourself the gift of an energy-efficient ENERGY STAR- certified... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Origo Film Group, Raleigh Studios Budapest and FotoKem Announce Alliance for Raleigh's New State of the Art Studio in Hungary. Nov 21, 2009
"Our goal has been to establish a studio in Europe that will support producers with very strong American and European brands. Having a highly respected company like FotoKem on the lot is a major benefit for the production community. We couldn't be more pleased," said Michael Moore, president of Raleigh Studios. FotoKem's lab, digital service and visual effects operations will be outfitted with the very latest in technology and host services not available anywhere else in the region. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
SIRIUS XM to Broadcast 'Doctor Radio Reports: What Every Woman Needs To Know About Mammograms' Nov 21, 2009
Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the business combination transaction involving SIRIUS and XM, including potential synergies and cost savings and the timing thereof, future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "will likely result," " are expected to," "anticipate," "believe,"... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
'Songs for Sara' Benefit Concert for a Brain Injured Child featuring America's Got Talent's Donald Braswell Nov 21, 2009
Songs for Sara' Benefit Concert for a Brain Injured Child featuring America's Got Talent's Donald Braswell - Yahoo ... Songs for Sara' Benefit Concert for a Brain Injured Child featuring America's Got Talent's Donald Braswell ... PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Donald Braswell, 4th place winner from TV's "America's Got Talent" 2008 season, and William Stokking, retired principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, are featured in the "Songs for Sara" Benefit Concert for Sara Ann... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Food: If words were food, nobody would go hungry Nov 21, 2009
Depending on how far this goes, the trend could undo much of the benefits of new investment. The price rises of 2008 were traumatic. (The Economist)
Sen. Wyden wins big healthcare concession Nov 21, 2009
Wyden has worked tirelessly to reform our health system, and I am pleased to have his support," Reid said.The Wyden-Reid-Baucus amendment does not go that far, but it would open up the health insurance exchanges to considerably more people than the bill as currently written. Under Reid's version of the Senate bill and under the House-passed bill, the vast majority of people who receive health benefits from their jobs would be ineligible to shop for insurance on the exchanges, which instead would... (TheHill.com)
Mammography Debate Has Raged for Decades Nov 21, 2009
With longer follow-up, the HIP data suggested the benefits of screening in terms of reducing death in women was limited to women ages 50 and older ... However, disagreements persisted about the purported benefits of screening in younger women and about the appropriate screening interval. (ABC News)
Click to read:Change Ahead for Cervical Cancer Detection Nov 21, 2009
The official paper stating the evidence has not yet been released to the press by the ACOG. The change in the ACOG recommendation is based on the risk vs benefit assessment, where the risk is increased infant mortality. The USPSTF recommendation is based on the risk vs benefit ratio where the risk is the anxiety of the patient. (CBS News)
Healthcare Big First Vote Saturday Nov 21, 2009
2 million could lose wages and benefits ... The Senate bill would empower the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to decide benefits, mandates and choices allowed in all health care plans, not just the government option. (Human Events Online)
Senate vote next step on health bill road Nov 21, 2009
A large number of House Democrats are adamantly opposed to taxing such policies, arguing that such a move would hurt union members who traded higher salaries for more generous benefits. Another key sticking point: the dispute over a government-run public option. (CNN)
