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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.…

Editor’s Dose: We’ve got your back

In this month’s Web Exclusive Feature, we’ve got your back covered – literally. The title of February’s feature is “Get Back in Action” and talks about how to avoid back pain, which according to experts, is the second most common reason for visits to a primary care physician. There are a number of reasons…
On love and jealousy and keeping the relationship healthy

We know we should be happy if our spouse has a regular paycheck or has embarked on a successful campaign to losing weight in the New Year. But sometimes that green-eyed monster called jealousy interferes with our good feelings. Instead, we wallow in self-pity because we gave up our paying job to stay home…
PCMA Letter: Here to help you safely keep your admirable resolutions

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Everyone was eating…even the mouse! During the holidays we enjoy celebrating with friends and family. We overeat and drink more than we should. Excuses for overindulgence are as easy to find as holiday cheer. Following the holidays, either out of penance for…