Medicare Seeks to Cut Drug Costs for People in Part D Plans
Jan. 7, 2022 — The Biden administration said this week it intends to challenge insurance companies to deliver better service to people enrolled in Medicare, including applying discounts on drugs covered by Part D more directly to their pharmacy costs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Thursday unveiled a 360-page proposed rule […]
Supreme Court May Back COVID Vaccine Mandate for Health Workers
Jan. 7, 2022 — The U.S. Supreme Court appeared to agree Friday with the federal government that it is within its rights to require health care facilities that accept Medicare or Medicaid dollars to vaccinate workers against COVID-19, but justices seemed more skeptical that the government can order other large businesses that they must require […]
New MRI Technique Might Help Spot MS Sooner
By Cara MurezHealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Jan. 7, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Researchers in Austria say a new MRI technique may lead to faster diagnosis and treatment for people with multiple sclerosis. The technique can detect biochemical changes in the brains of people with MS early in their disease, according to findings published Jan. 4 in […]
Beyond Chicken? KFC to Serve Up Plant-Based Meals
By Cara Murez and Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Jan. 6, 2022 (HealthDay News) — First, there was Beyond Meat. Next up? Beyond Fried Chicken. KFC announced Wednesday that it will begin offering a plant-based chicken in some of its meals on Jan. 10, from the same company known for its […]
The Psychology of New Year’s Resolutions
In a time as rocky and uncertain as the COVID-19 era, there is at least one thing that is almost guaranteed right now: those New Year’s resolutions we made for 2022 may be looking a little shaky already. People love to set goals, and setting objectives can lead to meaningful change. But let’s face it: We aren’t necessarily great […]
CDC Panel Recommends Pfizer COVID Boosters for Ages 12-15
This story was updated at 8:09 p.m. Jan. 5, 2022. Jan. 5, 2022 – A CDC advisory panel today recommended that 12- to 17-year-olds in the U.S. should get the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot 5 months after a primary series of vaccinations. The CDC had already said 16- and 17-year-olds “may” receive a Pfizer booster […]
COPD: Can Marijuana Help?
As more states approve marijuana for medical use, its perks — both possible and proven — seem to be growing like, well, weeds. The drug, which comes from the cannabis plant, is used to ease nerve pain, calm nausea during chemo, treat glaucoma, and even manage posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research shows it can open […]
Biologics for RA: Connecting With Others
When you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and take a biologic, the best source of daily-life advice, coping tips, and comfort may be people who are in the same boat. People with RA say they like to connect with other patients in online support groups to share frank talk about daily life with their disease, including […]
Need a Pandemic Change? Go Mediterranean (Diet)
Jan. 4, 2022 — If the pandemic has you feeling restless, locked down, eager for adventure, here’s an idea: Go Mediterranean. While the idea of a trip there may be too arduous, with testing and the spread of the Omicron variant, the Mediterranean diet could be the change of pace you need. It promises to […]
FDA Backs Pfizer Booster for 12- to 15-Year-Olds
Jan. 3, 2022 — The FDA on Monday authorized the first COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for American adolescents ages 12 to 15. Besides updating the authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the agency also shortened the recommended time between a second dose and the booster to 5 months or more, based on new evidence. In […]