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Two new studies offer some solace to those who can't control their weight despite diet and exercise by providing more evidence that genetics may play a role in obesity.More >> Two new studies offer some solace to those who can't control their weight despite diet and exercise by providing more evidence that genetics may play a role in obesity.More >> Addie Parker was a happy 4-year-old who appeared to have the flu. But within hours she was in a coma.More >> Addie Parker was a happy 4-year-old who appeared to have the flu. But within hours she was in a coma.More >> Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Catching up on your sleep on weekends may help protect you from developing diabetes, a small, early study suggests.More >> Catching up on your sleep on weekends may help protect you from developing diabetes, a small, early study suggests.More >> Adding an organ donation option to the average Facebook user's profile prompted a dramatic rise in potential donors, researchers report.More >> Adding an organ donation option to the average Facebook user's profile prompted a dramatic rise in potential donors, researchers report.More >>
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Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Whooping cough cases are escalating in the United States, and many American adults are unknowingly exposing vulnerable babies to the potentially deadly disease because their vaccinations are not up to date.More >> Plenty of Americans are eager to use their mobile phones and tablet computers to better manage their health care, a new poll finds -- though the nation has a way to go before we're all consulting Dr. Smartphone.More >> Plenty of Americans are eager to use their mobile phones and tablet computers to better manage their health care, a new poll finds -- though the nation has a way to go before we're all consulting Dr. Smartphone.More >> Being picked on by your brother or sister may seem like a normal part of growing up, but for some kids the bullying may be a source of depression and anxiety, a new study suggests.More >> Being picked on by your brother or sister may seem like a normal part of growing up, but for some kids the bullying may be a source of depression and anxiety, a new study suggests.More >> For dads aiming at marital bliss, a new study suggests just two factors are especially important: being engaged with the kids, for sure -- but also doing a fair share of the household chores.More >> For dads aiming at marital bliss, a new study suggests just two factors are especially important: being engaged with the kids, for sure -- but also doing a fair share of the household chores.More >> Anyone who has ever been a volunteer knows that it feels good to help others, but researchers have found a less obvious benefit: volunteering can help reduce older adults' risk of high blood pressure.More >> Anyone who has ever been a volunteer knows that it feels good to help others, but researchers have found a less obvious benefit: volunteering can help reduce older adults' risk of high blood pressure.More >>
The senate approved the new prescription drug benefit program for Medicare today. The $395 billion overhaul is the biggest expansion made to Medicare in 38 years. The plan is geared to making your prescriptions much cheaper. How much cheaper? We found out.
Anyone with more than about $800 a year in total drug spending should save under the new bill. This is how it will work. For the 15.4 million low-income seniors in America who have individual incomes below $13,055 and couples with incomes below $17,619, they'll pay no premium, no deductible, and pay only $1 to $5 dollars for prescriptions. The expected savings is $2600.
The standard deduction available to the 25 million other seniors who make more than the above-mentioned incomes works like this. You purchase drug coverage from a private health plan. You pay a $35 monthly premium for the card and have a $250 deducible. Then the card covers 75 percent of your drug costs. That's a savings of about $1500 a year.
None of this kicks in until 2006. So, in the meantime, seniors will be able to buy a prescription drug discount card. It will be available in April 2004. Here's how that will work. You buy the Medicare-backed discount drug card for $30 and it's estimated that card will save you 15 to 25 percent
