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Pop Quiz: Test your knowledge of managed-care plans

Preventing health insurance mishaps by knowing how you’re covered THERE’S NO GETTING around the fact that healthcare insurance plans can be complicated and confusing. There are many different types of plans, such as managed-care plans, and each has its own set of rules and requirements. However, having the right information — down to the smallest…
Health insurance update: Who falls in the coverage gap and how can they get insured?

“I think most of the providers that volunteer feel a moral and ethical obligation to help take care of those people.” — Dr. David Loewy, volunteer with We Care of Polk County LOCAL RESIDENTS who have issues getting health insurance coverage are fortunate in that there are many agencies here that offer a wide range…
Medicare and end-of-life care: What’s changing?

New proposed policy encourages the process of advanced-care planning END-OF-LIFE DECISIONS are complicated and fraught with emotion, but a recent announcement by Medicare will hopefully offer some clarity to those facing such tough decisions. In early July, Medicare announced plans to pay doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants for conversations with patients concerning end-of-life care.…

PCMA Letter: Looking at breast cancer in a different light

It is unavoidable that illness effects many peoples’ lives, not just that of the afflicted. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, while this disease is serious and at times life threatening, it should not be looked at with fear. As with diabetes and heart disease, cancer is another…
Healthy Cook: Cooking ideas for the cancer patient

Cooking ideas for the cancer patient and her family Drugs can do miracles these days, but the body has a wonderful aptitude for helping itself get better. Like using the proper octane in a car, we have to fuel the body with nutrients that help it do its job. This is just as important, if…
Healthy Cook: Enjoy good food without bad acid reflux

Some maladies don’t sound too bad. Heartburn could be something to do with affection. Some sound as bad as they are. GERD can’t sound nice. It hurts, and you know it. The proper name is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease . . . acid reflux to you. Or heartburn. Stomach acid backs up and makes you feel…