Doctors can’t be happy with this
FDA may let patients buy drugs without prescriptions – Washington Times.
Rising cost of insurance
Generic for Lipitor Now Available
On November 30, 2011 Ranbaxy Laboratories launched the generic equivalent for Lipitor, atorvastatin. Â Ranbaxy will be the sole manufacturer of this generic drug for the next 180 days. Â Other manufacturers of the drug will be available in May 2012.
The savings at the beginning will be minimal, but once May 2012 roles around we should see substantial savings. Â This means big savings to consumers and payers alike.
Long-Term Care Costs Continue To Rise
According to a 2011 MetLife market survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services and Home Care Costs national average rates for a private nursing home room increased 4.4% to $239 daily or $87,235 annually.
Some other statistics:
- In 2010 66% of nursing home residents were women. Â The median age of residents was 82.7.
- Current estimates show that the average age of an assisted living resident is 86.9 years old.
- The median length of stay in an assisted living facility is 25.6 months.
- The majority (87%) of nursing homes surveyed provide Alzheimer’s or dementia care; of those, 80% charge the same rate for care
- Almost three-quarters (72%) of assisted living communities surveyed provide Alzheimer’s and dementia care, 50% of which charge an additional fee for the service.
The 2011 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, and Home Care Costs can be downloaded from www.MatureMarketInstitute.com.
Here’s the link:
November is Diabetes Awareness Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Â This is a cause that we personally have a stake in because my father in law had diabetes. Â Our family participates in the Louisville ADA walk each year. Â I’m also proud to say that my wife’s family is the number one fund-raising family and friends team. Â They’ve been number one now for I’d say at least the last six years.
Here’s your newsletter
Small Business Tax Credit
With businesses winding down for the 2011 calender year, this tax credit calculation tool will come in handy to the many small business customers that health insurance companies have. Â This link is from United Health Care and goes over the small business tax credit.
Certain small businesses that offer health benefits are now eligible for health care tax credits. These vary depending on the tax-exempt status of the organization and employer contribution toward health benefits.
- Eligible employers must pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees.
- There must be no more than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, not counting owners or their family members.
- Average annual wages of employees must be less than $50,000 per FTE.
We are not tax advisors, so please consult your personal tax advisor if you have any questions regarding this tax credit.