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05 - Medicare Laboratory Payment Policy
is a report on Medicare, the federal program that provides health coverage for the elderly and disabled. Medicare is the largest payer of clinical laboratory services, accounting for 29 percent of the nation's laboratory bill for inpatient and outpatient services. At the request of Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services arranged for the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies to evaluate payment policy alternatives and make recommendations to improve the system. This publication reports the results of the IOM's national survey. Copies of the survey are available for sale from the National Academy Press: 1-800-624-6242.
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06 - Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
is a free consumer education pamphlet published in the public interest by the Council on Family Health. With nearly 3 billion prescriptions being dispensed each year, more drugs becoming available over-the-counter, and the increased use of dietary supplements, the opportunity for drug interactions has greatly increased. The guide describes different types of drug interactions that can occur. Examples of interactions include: drug vs drug, drug vs food-beverage, and drug vs condition. Also included are tips for informing your health care provider before taking medication. Single copies of "Drug Interactions: What You Should Know" are available by writing to the Federal Consumer Information Center, Item #600G, Pueblo, CO 81009.
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07 - Long-Term Care Planning: A Dollar and Sense Guide.
Sixty-seven percent of Americans say the cost of long-term care is the greatest threat to their standard of living, according to the National Council on the Aging. It's not just expensive, it's complicated to buy, says the United Seniors Health Cooperative (USHC). Approximately 120 companies sell long term care insurance policies, and guidelines for what's appropriate vary widely. "Long Term Care Planning: A Dollar and Sense Guide" is the 2001 edition of the consumer guidebook published by the USHC in order to help consumers make informed decisions. 100 pages. $19.50. Contact the USHC: 1-800-637-2604.
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08 - Private Long-Term Care Insurance: To Buy or Not to Buy?
is a new special report from United Seniors Health Cooperative (USHC) intended for those who are concerned about the high cost of long term care. The national average cost of a nursing home stay is $153 a day, according to the MetLife Mature Market Institute. Medicare, Medigap, and regular health insurance do not cover long term custodial care, the type of care required by most frial elders. Custodial care is not designed to rehabilitate or restore the patient's health. The USHC report sells for $3.50 per copy. However, free copies are available to those who send a SASE to: USHC, Free Report, 409 Third Street, SW #200, Washington, DC 20024.
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