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Good Governance Guidance Published For Primary Care Trust Provider Committees, UK
The Appointments Commission and the Department of Health have published guidance to help Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) with their governance arrangements for Provider Committees.
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As Flu Pandemic Declared, Leaders Must Focus On Poor Countries To Avert 'Bleaker Picture'
As the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert for Influenza A (H1N1) to its highest level, humanitarian specialists are calling on governments and health authorities globally to strengthen poor communities" access to primary health care and protect the most at risk.
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Influenza Monitoring By The US Military
The recent global swine flu outbreak has underscored the critical need for good surveillance and access to rapid epidemiological data. The US military, starting with early monitoring efforts in the 1970s, has developed a broad-based influenza monitoring system. In an article published in the September 2009 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers describe this little-known national jewel that has repeatedly made notable contributions to global influenza control through close collaboration with CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the WHO, and many other partners.
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Medigap Plans In Illinois To Benefit From Medicare Advantage Reimbursement Cuts

HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that planned cuts to Medicare Advantage reimbursement will benefit organizations offering Medicare supplement plans in Illinois. According to the recent Illinois Health Plan Analysis, the shift from Medicare Advantage to Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, will likely benefit Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, the state"s top Medigap insurer. Medicare Advantage plans have traditionally not been strong in the Illinois market because of the state"s generous retirement benefit culture. In June 2009, the penetration rate for Medicare Advantage in Illinois was 10 percent, well below the national average of 24 percent. However, in recent years, companies such as HealthSpring entered the state with Medicare Advantage plans that offered many of the same benefits as Medicare supplement policies at a lower price, prompting growth in the state"s Medicare Advantage market. However, with reimbursement cuts planned for Medicare Advantage plans in 2010, recent growth in Illinois may be stalled. "Traditionally, Illinois has not had a high Medicare Advantage reimbursement rate, and now planned cuts will mean reimbursement for Medicare Advantage will be reduced even further. With decreased federal funding, Medicare Advantage plans in Illinois will need to reduce benefits or increase premiums," said Paula Wade, assistant director, Health Plan Analysis. "Current Medicare Advantage members may shift to Medicare supplement policies, which will be attractive because of their stability and cost relative to Medicare Advantage plans. As the largest Medicare supplement policy writer in the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois stands to benefit from this shift, particularly because it offers guaranteed issue at all ages." Why Pharmaceutical Companies Need Health Plan Analysis Health Plan Analysis identifies key health plan trends, allowing pharmaceutical companies to create comprehensive strategic plans and sales strategies at state and local levels. Updated quarterly, Health Plan Analysis provides a detailed look at plan design and financials, as well as information about mergers, legislation and other influencers driving healthcare in a particular region. About HealthLeaders-InterStudy HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a Decision Res, Inc. company, is the authoritative for managed care data, analysis and news. HealthLeaders-InterStudy


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