Sunday, April 29, 2012

3 Tips to Lose Weight Fast and Keep it off!

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Check out this web page link for a no cost weight-loss trial period.

Shedding pounds fast is any substantial challenge.

Resolve
The primary suggestion regarding the best way to shed extra pounds rapidly is always to completely focus. Just be very crystal clear of your objective for healthier dieting.

Pay no attention to
Prevent ingredients which are recognized to create cellular layers regarding body fat on the body system. Prevent vacant calorie consumption without exceptions including soda pops, beer, in addition to packaged treats.

Include
Consume a great deal of veggies and fruits. They are really low in excess calories and also loaded with essential nutrition. Include dietary fiber rich fruit and veggies into your day-to-day eating routine. Fiber will keep your system filled to get a significantly longer period as compared with several other snacks.

Exercise
The best strategy to make sure you drop some weight naturally is definitely by performing exercises on a daily basis ! Stay with no matter what program you actually get started together with.


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In Hopeful Sign, Health Spending Is Flattening Out

Much of the slowdown is because of the recession, and thus not unexpected, health experts say. But some of it seems to be attributable to changing behavior by consumers and providers of health care — meaning that the lower rates of growth might persist even as the economy picks up.

Because Medicare and Medicaid are two of the largest contributors to the country’s long-term debts, slower growth in health costs could reduce the pressure for enormous spending cuts or tax increases.

In 2009 and 2010, total nationwide health care spending grew less than 4 percent per year, the slowest annual pace in more than five decades, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. After years of taking up a growing share of economic activity, health spending held steady in 2010, at 17.9 percent of the gross domestic product.

The growth rate mostly slowed as millions of Americans lost insurance coverage along with their jobs. Worried about job security, others may have feared taking time off work for doctor’s visits or surgical procedures, or skipped nonurgent care when money was tight.

Still, the slowdown was sharper than health economists expected, and a broad, bipartisan range of academics, hospital administrators and policy experts has started to wonder if what had seemed impossible might be happening — if doctors and patients have begun to change their behavior in ways that bend the so-called cost curve.

If so, it was happening just as the new health care law was coming into force, and before the Supreme Court could weigh in on it or the voters could pronounce their own verdict at the polls.

“The tectonic plates might be beginning to shift,” said Karen Davis, the president of the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit research group in New York. “It’s hard to believe everything that’s been tried over the last decade to slow spending wouldn’t be making a difference.”

Experts were surprised, for instance, at a drop in spending on some hospitalized seniors — people enrolled in Medicare, whose coverage the recession should not affect. They also noted that some of the states where health care spending slowed most rapidly were states that were not hit particularly badly by the recession, suggesting that other factors were at play.

“The recession just doesn’t account for the numbers we’re seeing,” said David Cutler, a Harvard health economist and former adviser to President Obama. “I think there’s much more going on.”

The implications of a bend in the cost curve would be enormous. Policy makers on both sides of the aisle see rising health care costs as the central threat to household budgets and the country’s fiscal health. If the growth in Medicare were to come down to a rate of only 1 percentage point a year faster than the economy’s growth, the projected long-term deficit would fall by more than one-third.

The growth of health costs slowed in the 1990s as health maintenance organizations became more popular. That played a role in both gains in household income — less money on employer-provided health benefits means more money for raises — and in budget surpluses, economists argue.

Some experts caution that there remains too little data to determine whether the current slowdown will become permanent, or whether it is merely a blip caused by the economy’s weakness.

“If there’s something else going on, we don’t know what it is yet,” said Gail Wilensky, a health economist who headed Medicare and Medicaid during the administration of President George Bush. “The most honest thing to say is that, one, the reduction in use is greater than the recession predicts; two, we don’t understand why yet; and, three, you’d be foolhardy to say that we can understand it.”

She argued that the unusual decline in not just income but also wealth during the recession might be one factor cutting down on use of the health care system.

But many other health experts say that there is just enough data to start detecting trends — even if the numbers remain murky, and the vast complexity of the national health care market puts definitive answers out of reach.

Many experts — and the Medicare and Medicaid center itself — point to the explosion of high-deductible plans, in which consumers have lower premiums but pay more out of pocket, as one main factor. The share of employees enrolled in high-deductible plans surged to 13 percent in 2011 from 3 percent in 2006, according to Mercer Consulting.

That means thousands of consumers with an incentive to think twice about heading to the doctor. One study by the RAND Corporation found that health spending among people who shifted into a high-deductible plan dropped 14 percent — though the study also found that enrollees cut back on some care that tended to save money in the long run, like vaccinations.

A second factor is a dearth of expensive, novel drugs coming onto the market, experts said, as well as growing pressure to use generics. “There just aren’t as many blockbusters,” said Professor Cutler, the Harvard economist.

Finally, and most important, health economists point to a shift toward accountable care, in which providers are paid for the quality of care, not the quantity.

There are about 164 “accountable organizations” in the United States, according to research by Leavitt Partners. Hundreds of other insurers and health systems have enacted some of the features of accountable care, like assigning specially trained nurse practitioners to patients with multiple chronic conditions to make sure they take their medications and to prevent hospitalizations.


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Independent Study Shows That Health Insurers Will Pay $1.3 Billion in Rebates

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -04/27/12)- Health insurance companies' shares fell Thursday as independent study showed that health insurers will pay $1.3 billion in rebates. Nearly half of that sum is expected to be paid back from four major insurers: United Healthcare Group Inc., WellPoint Inc., Aetna Inc. and Coventry Health Care Inc. according to Goldman Sachs. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the Health Care Plans Industry and provides equity research on WellPoint, Inc. (WLP - News) and Coventry Health Care, Inc. (CVH - News).

Access to full reports can be found at:

www.ParagonReport.com/WLP

www.ParagonReport.com/CVH

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health insurers must spend 80 percent of premiums from individuals and small businesses, and 85 percent of premiums from large employers on health expenses and quality improvements. If an insurer does not spend enough on health costs it must refund the difference back to the consumer. According to a study published by the Kaiser Family Foundation approximately 31 percent of individual policyholders, or around 3.4 million people, are expected to get rebates.

Paragon Report releases regular market updates on the Health Care Plans Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.ParagonReport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

WellPoint is expected to pay out around $94 million on $33.2 billion in eligible premiums. The company announced that first quarter 2012 net income was $856.5 million, or $2.53 per share, including net investment gains of $62.4 million after-tax, or approximately $0.19 per share. Net income in the first quarter of 2011 was $926.6 million, or $2.44 per share, including net investment gains of $35.6 million after-tax, or approximately $0.09 per share.

Coventry Health Care is a diversified national managed healthcare company based in Bethesda, Maryland. The Company announced that they will release first quarter 2012 financial results on Friday, April 27, 2012. Allen F. Wise, Chief executive officer, will be hosting a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on that day.

Paragon Report provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. The Paragon Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:
www.ParagonReport.com/disclaimer


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Tips For Rapid Weight Loss ( How to Lose Weight Fast )

http://www.GoodByeBodyFat.com

This video is meant to give you tips for rapid weight loss.
10 Killer Tips for Rapid Weight Loss Oct 25, 2005 ... 10 Killer Tips for Rapid Weight Loss. ... 10 Killer Tips for Rapid Weight Loss. Retrieved August 18, 2008, ...Rapid Weight Loss Tips, Techniques and Strategies Mar 7, 2005 ... Rapid Weight Loss Tips, Techniques and Strategies. ezinearticles.com/?Rapid-Weight-Loss-Tips,-Techniques-and-Lose 10 pounds in 10 days - Rapid Start Weight Loss Lose 10 pounds in 10 days with this rapid weight loss plan. ... I want to know is there are any tips you can give me to lose weight?Rapid Weight Loss Tips, Techniques and Strategies Many are looking for rapid weight loss secret that will shed excess weight and turn you into a supermodel. Here are some rapid weight loss tips, 8 Tips To Create Rapid Weight Loss Diet Plan Oct 23, 2007 ... An effective option for people who want to achieve rapid weight loss. The following list of rapid weight loss diet tips will hopefully help 9 Rapid Weight Loss Tips » Diet & Nutrition » Articles Setting yourself realistic goals can be a great way to motivate you and keep you going. Aiming for 1-2 lb of fat loss per week is a good ballpark figure Articles | 10 Killer Tips for Rapid Weight Loss Make the most of your weight loss program by finding the most effective ways to burn fat will maximize your results and minimize your waistline rapidlyFast weight loss programs & Body sculpting exercises that work Free diet plans, fast weight loss tips & programs, & body sculpting exercise videos that'll ... What's the best fat burning diet pill for rapid weight loss?
Rapid Weight Loss is Water Diet Tips Sensible Advice on Fast Weight Loss, Rapid Weight Loss is Water
Loss. Fast Weight Loss. Diet Home - Healthy Diet Advice - Diet Nutrition - Special fast weight loss tips, fast loss of weight Lose Weight Fast - Six Sensible Tips for Long Term Weight Loss .... Perhaps most distressing of all, if you experience rapid weight loss, there's a good


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The Craziest Fad Diets

http://www.ogorgeous.com/products/apparel for cute Blogilates gear! In this vid, Cassey talks about some of the WORST diets out there. DO NOT try these as you will probably end up gaining back more weight than when you started.

Read my blog: http://www.blogilates.com/
Tweet me at http://www.twitter.com/blogilates
Talk to me on http://www.facebook.com/blogilates
Do some POP Pilates at http://www.youtube.com/blogilates
Cute gym bags: http://www.ogorgeous.com/


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Accretive Health Announces Termination of its Quality and Total Cost of Care Services Contract by Fairview Health ...

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Accretive Health, Inc. (NYSE: AH - News) said today that it has received notice of termination from Fairview Health Services of its Quality and Total Cost of Care (“QTCC”) services contract. The terms of the transition have yet to be determined. The Company will update its business outlook on its quarterly earnings call on May 9, 2012.

Accretive Health said that it regrets that the recent activities of the Minnesota Attorney General have created a situation where Fairview felt it necessary to cancel its work with the Company in QTCC. The Company intends to work with Fairview to preserve the good results that have been achieved and will continue to invest in this important area.

Accretive Health also said it has received reiterations of support from other clients who recognize the value of Accretive Health’s ability to help hospitals and other healthcare providers enhance their quality of care. This show of support is consistent with the Company’s mission of being a constructive and positive contributor to the American healthcare system.

About Accretive Health

Accretive Health partners with healthcare providers to help them more effectively manage their revenue cycles, strengthen their financial stability, and improve the quality of care they provide while reducing overall healthcare costs. Our people, processes and sophisticated integrated technology complement our clients' existing resources to enhance results for patients, physicians and staff. For more information, please visit www.accretivehealth.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This document contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding outstanding issues with the Minnesota Attorney General and the Company’s efforts to facilitate an orderly transition of its QTCC services at Fairview Health Services, which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012, under the heading "Risk Factors". The words "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "projects," "would," “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Although we believe that the expectations underlying any of our forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may prove to be incorrect and all of these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions, projections, or expectations prove incorrect, actual results, performance, financial condition, or events may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, estimated, or expected.

All forward-looking statements included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement that speaks only as of the date made and to recognize that forward-looking statements are predictions of future results, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the uncertainties and factors described above, as well as others that we may consider immaterial or do not anticipate at this time. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. Our expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown uncertainties and factors, including those described above. The risks and uncertainties described above are not exclusive, and further information concerning us and our business, including factors that potentially could materially affect our financial results or condition or relationships with customers and potential customers, may emerge from time to time. We assume no, and we specifically disclaim any, obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements. We advise you, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic reports that we file with or furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


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Jonah Hill on His Amazing Weight Loss

According to Jonah, the last time he was here, he looked like a Muppet, and now he's on Cosmo's Studmeter! He told Ellen about his amazing transformation, and his current living situation.


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High-Deductible Plans 'Quiet Revolution in Health Insurance'

As health costs rise, insurance plans characterized by lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs are on the rise in American workplaces. Health correspondent Betty Ann Bowser reports on the growing trend toward high-deductible health plans, and concerns that they may encourage delays in receiving needed medical care.


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Muscle Building Diet - The Best Foods To Build Muscle

http://www.weightgainmethod.com/ -? Discover How To Gain Weight & Build Muscle Fast!

If you're not sure what kind of foods you need in your muscle building diet, this video should help you out.

I went to the grocery store today and stocked up on a bunch of muscle building foods that I always include in my diet. Now this isn't an all inclusive list of food to include in your muscle-building diet but it should give you a good idea of the kind of stuff you should be eating. (I just went out and got the things I was running out of.)

Here are the foods I picked up in this video:

-Water!
-Lean ground beef
-Chicken
-Walnuts
-Almonds
-Spinach
-Whole Wheat Bread
-Brown Rice
-Bananas
-Tuna
-Yams
-Cottage Cheese
-Yogurt
-Eggs

I hope you got some ideas from this video about the kind of foods to include in your muscle building diet... And if you want more tips on how to build muscle fast, got to:
http://www.weightgainmethod.com/


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Mental Health Problems - God Damn Your Beautiful

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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Weight loss diet that (really) works

http://www.facebook.com/WetWolfTraining Click link to left to learn 3 weight loss diet mistakes you are making.

"Fast Weight Loss Diet - wow" "Tips For Rapid Weight Loss wow"

Everyone knows that most people would like to lose weight, but most don't seem to know the best way to lose weight. To start seeing differences, you have to make some changes in your habit and lifestyle.

Let me share a few very vital weight loss statistics Before I start:

- 64 percent of people in the United States are overweight - Obesity is responsible for 325,000 deaths every year. Alright as you can see Weight Management is a huge Problem in the United States, So we are constantly searching for that miracle drug to help us with weight loss diet.

You may not want to hear, it but it's true - there is no magic spell when it comes to losing weight. However, there are some things that you can do in order to lose fat as quickly as possible.

Here are six great weight loss tips:

If you favour the traditional route of diet and exercise, then the following tips given below should work greatly to help with weight lose diet:-

1. Eliminate Eating Junk Food.

Most of your efforts to reduce your weight will be unsuccessful of you are unable resist eating junk and processed foods. These primarily consist of fast foods and snack foods such as burgers, pizza, fries, potato chips etc. All of these foods offer very poor nutritional value and it consequently makes no sense at all to carry on eating them. Keep in mind - you will not be able to physically improve on an insufficient diet. You must look carefully at the contents of your cupboard, fridge and freezer and make certain that you switch all sugary and greasy foods with nourishing, healthy alternatives.

2. Drink a Lot of Water- Although you may have heard it over and over again, it is really true. Drinking water not only replenishes your system but also promotes weight loss. How is that possible? Well, as we all know, water is a fluid that directly passes your colon, so drinking water can flush away those toxins and unwanted fats. Drink at least 8 glasses a day for best results.

Water is essential to life and a healthy body. Dehydration will wreak havoc on you and your fitness goals. If you are dehydrated your body cannot function at its optimal level. For example, your muscles will loose strength, you won't burn fat as quickly, and you'll feel tired and fatigued.

3. Reduce the Size of Your Portions-

You should eat five or six small portions each day at regular intervals of about 4 - 5 hours. This will aid appetite suppression and boost your rate of metabolism, causing you to burn additional fat without the need for too much physical effort.

4. Lower Your Calorie Consumption Without Deprivation. Do this by steadily reducing the amount of calories that you get through by a small quantity each day. This will tot up very quickly, but be aware that you will not start to lose weight until you reach the point at which you are expending a more calories than you eat each day. This incremental approach will help to cut down snacking and binging, which would clearly put you straight back where you began.

5. You Want to Start Exercising Regularly-

This doesn't need to be anything excessive, but simply put: working out is almost certainly the most effective way to lose weight and enhance your general heath. Diets by themselves may assist you with losing some weight, but they are not able to improve your stamina, physical fitness, flexibility, mental state and help you achieve numerous other benefits in the way that regular exercise can.

Additionally, exercise is another technique to increase your metabolism, which, once more, helps you to burn off additional fat in less time.

6. Sleep Well- Practice a Good Night Sleep

Sleeping is a favorite quick weight loss tip since it is one of the most effortless. Do not understand the power of having enough sleep. It is vital to your overall weight loss plan. Medical research has proven that sleep deprivation would induce hunger, and improve appetite. This often results in excessive eating. Likewise, having sufficient sleep of at least 8 hours helps to bring a balance to the leptin level and aids weight loss.

There you have the Building block to A Permanent Weight Loss.

There are many ways in which an individual can choose to lose weight. The problem is that diet, and exercise alone for some people still isn't enough, and may leave them struggling to reach their weight loss goals. For many people changing their diet, exercising, and taking nutritional supplements or weight loss products in combination can be the perfect answer to lose weight.
My name is Maria Avalos and since 1992 I have been helping people just like you lose weight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3849910


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Health Highlights: April 26, 2012

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

No Evidence Cellphones Cause Brain Tumors: Experts

There is no convincing evidence that cellphones cause brain tumors or any other types of cancer, according to British experts who conducted a "comprehensive" review of available scientific evidence.

However, possible long-term health effects of cellphone use need to be monitored because the use of cell phones has become widespread only recently, said the Health Protection Agency's independent advisory group, Agence France-Presse reported.

The group also advised against excessive use of cellphones by children.

"Overall, the results of studies have not demonstrated that the use of mobile phones causes brain tumours or any other type of cancer," the group said, AFP reported. "The evidence suggests that radio frequency field exposure below guideline levels does not cause symptoms in humans."

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Measures to Prevent Spread of Mad Cow Disease are Effective: FDA

Existing animal feed safeguards meant to prevent the spread of mad cow disease from spreading through feed are effective, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

The FDA was responding to the Department of Agriculture's confirmation this week that a dairy cow in California tested positive for atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or mad cow disease). The cow did not enter the animal feed or human food supply.

The FDA is working with federal and state authorities to investigate the case.

"The FDA is confident in the effectiveness of the existing animal feed safeguards designed to prevent the spread of BSE through feed. Although current science suggests that atypical cases of BSE, such as this one, are unlikely to be transmitted through animal feed, the FDA will work with the USDA to complete a thorough epidemiological investigation. Importantly, scientific research indicates that BSE cannot be transmitted in cow's milk," said an FDA news release.

"We will continue to work closely with the USDA and state officials on this public health issue and will provide updates as information becomes available," the FDA said.

-----

Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide mental health care to veterans as quickly as it claims, according to an inspector general's report.

While the VA says that 95 percent of first-time patients seeking mental health care in 2011 received an evaluation within the department's goal of 14 days, the VA Office of Inspector General found that only half of patients were seen in that time frame, the Associated Press reported.

A majority of patients waited an average of about 50 days before they underwent a full evaluation.

The VA also says that 95 percent of new mental health patients in 2011 began treatment within 14 days of their desired date. But the inspector general found that this was true for only 64 percent of patients and the rest had to wait an average of 40 days, the AP reported.

-----

MedicalNewsCopyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.



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Friday, April 27, 2012

Report: Rebates from health care law will top $1B

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 3 million health insurance policyholders and thousands of employers will share $1.3 billion in rebates this year, thanks to President Barack Obama's health care law, a nonpartisan research group said Thursday.

The rebates should average $127 for the people who get them, and Democrats are hoping they'll send an election-year message that Obama's much-criticized health care overhaul is starting to pay dividends for consumers. Critics of the law call that wishful thinking.

The law requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of the premiums they collect on medical care and quality improvement or return the difference to consumers and employers. Although many large employer plans already meet that standard, it's the first time the government has imposed such a requirement on the entire health insurance industry.

"This is one of the most tangible benefits of the health reform law that consumers will have seen to date," said Larry Levitt, an expert on private insurance with the Kaiser Family Foundation, which analyzed industry filings with state health insurance commissioners to produce its report. Kaiser is a nonpartisan information clearinghouse on the nation's health care system.

Still, health insurance is expensive, and $127 may not even pay a month's worth of premiums for single coverage.

And the insurance industry says consumers should take little comfort from the rebates because premiums are likely to go up overall as a result of new benefits and other requirements of the law.

"The net of all the requirements will be an increase in costs for consumers," said Robert Zirkelbach, spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, the main industry trade group.

"Given that health care costs are inherently unpredictable, it's not surprising that some plans will be paying rebates to policyholders in certain markets," Zirkelbach added.

But the Kaiser report said the rebate requirement may be acting as a brake on the industry, discouraging insurers from seeking big premium increases to avoid having to issue refunds later and face possible criticism.

The new law has "provided an incentive for insurers to seek lower premium increases than they would have otherwise," the report said. "This 'sentinel' effect on premiums has likely produced more savings for consumers and employers than the rebates themselves."

The study found the largest rebates will go to consumers and employers in Texas ($186 million) and Florida ($149 million), where Govs. Rick Perry and Rick Scott have been among the staunchest opponents of the federal law. Both states applied for waivers from the 80 percent requirement and were turned down. Hawaii is the only state in which insurers are not expected to issue a rebate.

Here's how the rebates break down nationally:

More than 3 million individual policyholders will reap rebates of $426 million, averaging $127 apiece. These are consumers who are not covered through an employer and buy their policy directly. Consumers in Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Arizona are most likely to be eligible.

Insurance companies must notify policyholders, and the rebates are due by Aug. 1. Some companies have already begun to pay.

In the small-employer market, plans covering nearly 5 million people will receive rebates totaling $377 million.

Employers do not have to pass their rebates on to workers, and can also take them as a discount on next year's premiums.

Insurers serving large employers face a stiffer requirement. Under the law, they must spend 85 percent of premiums on medical costs. The study found that 125 plans covering 7.5 million people at large employers will give back a total of $541 million.

Most plans operated by major national employers are exempt from the requirement. The biggest companies usually set aside money to cover most of their workers' medical expenses. Typically they hire an insurer to administer their plan, but they do not buy full coverage from the insurer.

Separately, a Goldman Sachs report estimated insurers would pay rebates of $1.2 billion. Among major insurers, UnitedHealth would pay $307 million, Aetna $177 million, WellPoint $94 million and Coventry $50 million.

Supporters of the requirement say it will keep insures from padding their profits at the expense of unsuspecting consumers.

"Millions are benefiting because health insurance companies are spending less money on executive salaries and administrative costs and more on patient care," said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., a leading advocate of the rebate provision.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the report shows how Obama's law is "already strengthening the health care system for millions of Americans."

Like everything else about the overhaul, the future of the rebates depends on whether the Supreme Court upholds the law in a decision expected by early summer.

Seventeen states applied for waivers from the 80 percent standard, producing evidence that it would destabilize their private health insurance markets. Federal regulators granted adjustments to seven states, usually meeting each state's request part way.

Data from the nation's most populous state, California, were not ready and thus were not included. Final statistics on the rebates will be issued by the federal government in early summer.

____

Online: Kaiser report - http://tinyurl.com/d2bcvxy


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Health Highlights: April 27, 2012

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Holstein with Mad Cow Disease Put Down After Showing Signs of Illness: USDA

A dairy cow in California that was found to have mad cow disease was euthanized after it become lame and started lying down, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials said Thursday.

They also said that the Holstein cow from a dairy farm in Tulare County -- the nation's leading dairy-producing county -- was 10 years and seven months old. That contradicts a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes of California who said Wednesday that the cow was 5 years old, the Associated Press reported.

Routine testing at a transfer facility detected mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy -- BSE) in the cow. The animal was never destined for the meat market and posed no threat to the food supply, officials said.

The cow had atypical BSE, which is caused by a random mutation. The last two cases of BSE in the U.S. were atypical as well, the AP reported.

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Don't Use Hepatitis C Drug With HIV Drugs: FDA

The hepatitis C medicine Victrelis (boceprevir) should not be taken with certain ritonavir-boosted HIV protease inhibitor drugs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

Taking these medicines at the same time could reduce their effectiveness and allow levels of the hepatitis C virus or HIV in the blood to increase.

Ritonavir-boosted HIV protease inhibitors include ritonavir-boosted Reyataz (atazanavir), ritonavir-boosted Prezista (darunavir), and Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir).

"Patients should not stop taking any of their hepatitis C or HIV medicines without talking to their healthcare professional. Patients should contact their healthcare professional with any questions or concerns," the FDA said.

"Healthcare professionals who started patients infected with both chronic HCV and HIV on Victrelis while the patient was taking antiretroviral therapy containing one of these ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors should closely monitor patients for treatment response (no HCV virus detected in the blood) and for potential HCV or HIV virologic rebound (HCV or HIV virus is detected in the blood again after becoming undetectable)," the FDA advised.

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Consumers, Employers to Get $1.3 Billion in Health Insurance Rebates

Under the new U.S. health care law, more than 3 million health insurance policyholders and thousands of employers will receive a total of $1.3 billion in rebates this year, according to a report released Thursday by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan research group.

The law requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of the premiums they collect on medical care and quality improvement or return the difference to individuals or employers, the Associated Press reported.

Insurance companies must notify policyholders about the rebates and pay them by Aug. 1. Some companies have already started issuing rebates.

More than 3 million individual healthy insurance policyholders will receive a total of $426 million, which works out to an average of $127 per person, the AP reported.

On a state-by-state basis, the largest rebates will go to individuals and employers in Texas ($186 million) and Florida ($149 million). Hawaii is the only state in which insurers are not expected to issue rebates.

Rebates totaling $377 million will be sent out to small employers with plans covering nearly 5 million people. Employers are not required to pass their rebates on to workers, and are also allowed to take them as a discount on next year's premiums, the AP reported.

The Kaiser report's findings are based on an analysis of insurance industry filings with state health insurance commissioners.

The rebates are one of the most tangible benefits that consumers have seen to date from the Obama administration's health care law, according to Larry Levitt, a Kaiser Family Foundation expert on private insurance, the AP reported.

However, the insurance industry says new benefits and other requirements of the health care law will likely drive up premiums, negating any consumer benefit from the rebates.

But the Kaiser report said that the new health care law has "provided an incentive for insurers to seek lower premium increases than they would have otherwise," according to the report. "This 'sentinel' effect on premiums has likely produced more savings for consumers and employers than the rebates themselves."

-----

200 Now Sickened in Tuna-Linked Salmonella Outbreak

A salmonella outbreak linked to a frozen yellowfin tuna product has now sickened 200 people in 21 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said late Thursday.

In a statement, the agency said 28 people have been hospitalized but there have been no deaths reported.

The CDC says it is now including two types of salmonella in the "outbreak strains" -- Salmonella Bareilly (190 cases) and Salmonella Nchanga (10 cases).

On April 16, nearly 59,000 pounds of tuna product linked to the outbreak -- labeled Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA -- were recalled by Moon Marine USA Corp. of Cupertino, Calif. The product, which is scraped off fish bones, was sold to grocery stores and restaurants to make dishes such as sushi, sashimi and ceviche.

As reported early in the outbreak by the Associated Press, many people who became ill reported eating raw tuna in sushi as "spicy tuna."

As of Thursday, the CDC said illnesses linked Salmonella Bareilly had been reported in: Alabama (2), Arkansas (1), Connecticut (8), District of Columbia (2), Florida (1), Georgia (9), Illinois (15), Louisiana (3), Maryland (20), Massachusetts (24), Mississippi (2), Missouri (4), New Jersey (18), New York (33), North Carolina (3), Pennsylvania (7), Rhode Island (6), South Carolina (3), Texas (4), Virginia (9), Vermont (1) and Wisconsin (145). Illnesses linked to Salmonella Nchanga had been reported in Georgia (2), New Jersey (1), New York (5), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (1), the CDC said.

The CDC noted that salmonella illness is often serious for infants, older adults, pregnant women and persons with impaired immune systems, and these individuals should not eat raw or partially cooked fish or shellfish.

-----

No Evidence Cellphones Cause Brain Tumors: Experts

There is no convincing evidence that cellphones cause brain tumors or any other types of cancer, according to British experts who conducted a "comprehensive" review of available scientific evidence.

However, possible long-term health effects of cellphone use need to be monitored because the use of cell phones has become widespread only recently, said the Health Protection Agency's independent advisory group, Agence France-Presse reported.

The group also advised against excessive use of cellphones by children.

"Overall, the results of studies have not demonstrated that the use of mobile phones causes brain tumours or any other type of cancer," the group said, AFP reported. "The evidence suggests that radio frequency field exposure below guideline levels does not cause symptoms in humans."

-----


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Fast Weight Loss Diet from Weight Loss Bully - The Fast Weight Loss Diet Plan

http://bullydiet.com/ offers a fast weight loss diet called the Weight Loss Bully. If you want a body like these bikini girls you need a quick weight loss diet like the Weight Loss Bully fast weight loss diet plan. This is a great diet for women and a great diet for men.


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Raw Food Diet Explained

http://www.eatingforenergy.ca/rawfood101 CLICK HERE TO GET THE ENTIRE "RAW FOOD 101" COURSE FOR FREE!


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Let's Play - Amnesia - Deep ...Murky...Water | 004

If you want to see this series continue please rate! 1000 Ratings and i'll continue this series.

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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How Obamacare Will Make Health Savings Accounts More Costly

WASHINGTON - AUGUST 19: Health and Human Serv... WASHINGTON - AUGUST 19: Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius speaks during a news conference on August 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Image credit: Getty Images North America via @daylife)

In February, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a “guidance bulletin” regarding the compatibility of health savings accounts with Obamacare’s insurance regulations. According to HSA expert Roy Ramthun, the news isn’t good. “HSA plans will not be as affordable as they are today,” says Ramthun.

It all hinges around a technical term called “actuarial value.” Actuarial value is an insurance concept that defines, on average, the fraction of costs that a particular insurance plan will cover, versus requiring the beneficiary to pay directly. For example, a health insurance plan with an actuarial value of 70 percent would, on average, require its beneficiaries to directly pay 30 percent of the covered health expenses, through co-pays, deductibles, and the like. The rest would be paid indirectly, through the insurance premium.

The problem is that health savings accounts aren’t really compatible with conventional “actuarial value” calculations. If you have a consumer-driven health plan consisting of high-deductible insurance and a health savings account, and you don’t count the HSA as a “health expenditure,” the actuarial value of your plan could be extremely low. On the other hand, if HSA savings are counted as a form of health spending, the actuarial value of your plan could be quite high.

As usual, under our new health law, the government gets to decide these things on our behalf. Sections 1302 and 1402 of the Affordable Care Act regulate insurance plans offered in the individual and small-group markets (i.e., the markets for insurance for those who buy it on their own, and for small companies with less than 100 employees). Plans are required to have a minimum actuarial value of 60 percent (the “bronze plan”). I’ve written in the past about how this provision in the law will substantially drive up the cost of insurance, and damage the private insurance market through an adverse selection death spiral.

“The guidance is a mixed bag,” says Ramthun. The HHS guidance does allow employers to include the contributions they make to health savings accounts or health reimbursement accounts (HRAs). But contributions that individuals make into their own HSAs or HRAs won’t count. That’s particularly harmful to people who buy insurance for themselves on the individual market.

In the wonky language of the guidance bulletin: “In calculating the combined [high-deductible health plan] and HSA or combined employer health benefit plan and HRA, the [actuarial value] calculation would assume that the employer contribution to the HSA or HRA is used by the employee to pay for cost-sharing. Accordingly, these amounts would be credited to the numerator of the AV calculation…In the individual market, we intend to propose that HSA contributions paid directly by the individual would not count towards AV.”

“This will make it much more difficult for high deductible plans to meet the minimum actuarial value standard of 60 percent,” says Ramthun. “If they can’t, these plans will either not be available, or these plans will have to raise their values by covering additional benefit expenses. This in turns means the premiums will have to be increased to cover the additional expenses, meaning HSA plans will not be as affordable as they are today.”

The free-market approach to health care involves going in exactly the opposite direction: encouraging even more people to save money for their own health expenses using health savings accounts. It’s when you pay for something directly that you are most likely to make sure that you’re paying for value. When other people pay on your behalf—whether that third party is a private-sector insurer or the government—you’re not going to shop for value. The examples of Singapore and Switzerland show that paying directly for one’s own care makes a big difference. Obamacare’s central flaw is that the law makes it harder for us to do so.

Follow Avik on Twitter at @aviksaroy.


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Health and fitness agenda: CTIA Wireless

Wireless health takes the spotlight at the CTIA event in New Orleans, with a host of exhibitors on hand to display their latest mHealth innovations.

Australian Fitness & Health Expo
April 27-29
Sydney, Australia

At the Australian Fitness & Health Expo in April, eco-fitness, choreographed fitness classes, high tech fitness apps and internet-equipped gym gear are just a few of the innovations set to get fitness junkies amped. The annual trade-only fitness event is the largest health and fitness event in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 300 exhibitors will be on display, including popular trends Latin dance inspired Zumba classes, suspension-based TRX training, Crossfit core strength training, and functional or integrated training.
http://www.fitnessexpo.com.au/


27th CTIA Wireless 2012
May 8-10
New Orleans, LA, US

CTIA expects to welcome more than 1,000 exhibitors and more than 40,000 spectators in 2012. While the show covers wireless and converged communications, wireless broadband, mobile web computing and data industries, the Wireless Health Pavilion will present the latest offerings from companies providing health products, applications, and managing networks for both professionals and consumers.  http://www.ctiawireless.com


Bhakti Fest

May 11-13
Joshua Tree, California, US

Bhakti Fest is a four-day music festival celebrating devotion through chanting (or kirtan), yoga, meditation and community. Attendees gather on 450 acres of desert land with famed kirtan performer Jai Uttal on the bill, along with yogini Shiva Rea. The spring festival is three days; a fall festival (September 6-9) runs four days.
http://www.bhaktifest.com

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day
May 15
Worldwide

The 29th Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day is the largest grassroots movement against the disease that creates awareness and hope with a single gesture: light a candle. Over 1,200 community organizations in 115 countries will host local memorials to honor those who lost the fight and raise awareness about AIDS. To find out what is taking place in your area or to dedicate a virtual candle, go to: http://www.candlelightmemorial.org

World Health Assembly
May 21-26
WHO, Geneva, Switzerland

At the 65th World Health Assembly, topics on the table include universal health coverage, mental disorders, nutrition, and adolescent pregnancy. Stay tuned to the WHO website for more developments in the coming weeks.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/2012/wha65/en/index.html


BioFach China
May 24-26
Shanghai, China

Nuremberg’s massive BioFach heads to Shanghai with some 300 international exhibitors showcasing organic and wellness products. The event has a global presence with events in Sao Paulo, Tokyo, Mumbai, and Baltimore.
http://www.biofach-china.com
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Mobile Health Summit
May 29 - June 1
Cape Town, South Africa

The second edition of the GSMA-mHealth Alliance Mobile Health Summit, kicking off May 29, is designed for senior executives from the mHealth sector, with the event focusing on hot topics and issues in the industry while providing an opportunity for networking and deal-making.
http://www.mobilehealthsummit.com


World No Tobacco Day
May 31
Worldwide

World No Tobacco Day is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and this year's focus is on the need to expose and counter the tobacco industry's “attempts to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) because of the serious danger they pose to public health.” The WHO reports one billion people could die during this century because of tobacco use. http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2012/announcement/en/index.html


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Health Highlights: April 25, 2012

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Case of Mad Cow Disease Discovered in California

A fourth case of mad cow disease has been diagnosed in the United States, this time in California, but it poses no danger to human health, U.S. Agriculture Department officials said Tuesday.

"There is really no cause for alarm here with regard to this animal [a dairy cow]," USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford said during an afternoon news conference.

According to the Associated Press, Clifford did not say when the disease was discovered or exactly where the dairy cow had been raised. He said the animal was at a rendering plant in central California when mad cow disease was diagnosed during routine testing.

Mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), can be fatal to humans who eat the tainted beef, but the wire service reported that the World Health Organization has said that tests show humans cannot be infected by drinking milk from diseased animals. In people, eating contaminated meat is linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare and deadly nerve disease.

There have been three confirmed cases of mad cow disease in the United States, in Washington state in 2003, in Texas in 2005 and in Alabama in 2006, the AP reported.

Only a handful of cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease have been confirmed in people living in the United States, according to the AP, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said those were linked to meat products in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.

-----

Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide mental health care to veterans as quickly as it claims, according to an inspector general's report.

While the VA says that 95 percent of first-time patients seeking mental health care in 2011 received an evaluation within the department's goal of 14 days, the VA Office of Inspector General found that only half of patients were seen in that time frame, the Associated Press reported.

A majority of patients waited an average of about 50 days before they underwent a full evaluation.

The VA also says that 95 percent of new mental health patients in 2011 began treatment within 14 days of their desired date. But the inspector general found that this was true for only 64 percent of patients and the rest had to wait an average of 40 days, the AP reported.

-----

Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer

Emergency rooms in Los Angeles are treating teens who suffer alcohol poisoning after they try to get drunk on liquid hand sanitizers, which contain 62 percent ethyl alcohol.

In the last few months, six such cases have been seen in two San Fernando Valley emergency departments, according to the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press reported.

Some of the teens used salt to separate the alcohol from the sanitizer, resulting in a powerful drink similar to a shot of hard liquor. The teens can find distillation instructions on the Internet.

While there have only been a few cases so far, it could signal a dangerous trend, according to county public health toxicology expert Cyrus Rangan, the AP reported.

-----

Meds Helping Many Overweight Americans Control Cholesterol: Study

Despite the fact that two-thirds of American adults are overweight, only 13 percent have high total cholesterol, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Tuesday.

Experts suggest this discrepancy is largely due to the fact that so many American adults take cholesterol-lowering drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The CDC findings are from interviews and blood tests of about 6,000 adults in 2009 and 2010.

A federal government goal of having no more than 17 percent of adults with high total cholesterol was achieved more than 10 years ago for men and about five years ago for women, the AP reported.

Too much cholesterol -- a fat-like substance in the blood -- increases the risk of heart disease.

MedicalNewsCopyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.



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Al Franken Cries When Discussing Women's Health

Sen. Al Franken cries when discussing women's health during a Senate hearing.

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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Health Highlights: April 26, 2012

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

No Evidence Cellphones Cause Brain Tumors: Experts

There is no convincing evidence that cellphones cause brain tumors or any other types of cancer, according to British experts who conducted a "comprehensive" review of available scientific evidence.

However, possible long-term health effects of cellphone use need to be monitored because the use of cell phones has become widespread only recently, said the Health Protection Agency's independent advisory group, Agence France-Presse reported.

The group also advised against excessive use of cellphones by children.

"Overall, the results of studies have not demonstrated that the use of mobile phones causes brain tumours or any other type of cancer," the group said, AFP reported. "The evidence suggests that radio frequency field exposure below guideline levels does not cause symptoms in humans."

-----

Measures to Prevent Spread of Mad Cow Disease are Effective: FDA

Existing animal feed safeguards meant to prevent the spread of mad cow disease from spreading through feed are effective, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.

The FDA was responding to the Department of Agriculture's confirmation this week that a dairy cow in California tested positive for atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or mad cow disease). The cow did not enter the animal feed or human food supply.

The FDA is working with federal and state authorities to investigate the case.

"The FDA is confident in the effectiveness of the existing animal feed safeguards designed to prevent the spread of BSE through feed. Although current science suggests that atypical cases of BSE, such as this one, are unlikely to be transmitted through animal feed, the FDA will work with the USDA to complete a thorough epidemiological investigation. Importantly, scientific research indicates that BSE cannot be transmitted in cow's milk," said an FDA news release.

"We will continue to work closely with the USDA and state officials on this public health issue and will provide updates as information becomes available," the FDA said.

-----

Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide mental health care to veterans as quickly as it claims, according to an inspector general's report.

While the VA says that 95 percent of first-time patients seeking mental health care in 2011 received an evaluation within the department's goal of 14 days, the VA Office of Inspector General found that only half of patients were seen in that time frame, the Associated Press reported.

A majority of patients waited an average of about 50 days before they underwent a full evaluation.

The VA also says that 95 percent of new mental health patients in 2011 began treatment within 14 days of their desired date. But the inspector general found that this was true for only 64 percent of patients and the rest had to wait an average of 40 days, the AP reported.

-----


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Health Insurers Plan Over $1 Billion in Rebates

Health insurers will have to rebate about $1.3 billion to consumers and employers this summer, under a new health-care overhaul provision. Stefanie Ilgenfritz has details on Lunch Break. Photo: AP.


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Health Plans Will Pay $1B Obamacare Rebate For Not Spending Enough On Care

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 15: Health and Huma... WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 15: Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testifies during a Finance Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on President Obama's Fiscal 2013 budget request for the Department of Health and Human Services. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

More than $1 billion is headed to consumers and employers this summer from their insurance companies thanks to a part of the federal health law that requires a rebate from plans that don’t spend at least 4 of every 5  premium dollars on medical care.

A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates the rebates at $1.3 billion, which should arrive by August, from health plans that spent too much on administrative overhead. The money paid will be tax free to the recipients, according to rules on so-called medical-loss ratios that are part of the Affordable Care Act signed into law two years ago by President Obama.

Under the law, individual policies and those sold to small groups with 49 or fewer workers generally have to spend 80 percent of health plan subscriber premiums on health costs. Policies sold to businesses or groups with more than 50 workers typically have to spend at least 85 percent of premiums on medical care.

Supporters of medical loss ratios say they are important because they differentiate between how much of the premium goes toward medical claims and how much of the premium goes toward administrative expenses.


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Best Weight Loss Programs for Fast Weight Loss

http://www.weightlossdietsformenandwomen.com/ Methods, diets and products fast weight loss.Free E books How to lose 14 pounds in 14 days and Lose Fat Fast Learn the law of attraction and weight loss. Miricale foods that burn fat.


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How To Lose Weight Fast - Weight Loss Pills - Alli Diet Pills Reviewed - Appetite Suppressant

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Health@Google: "The Genetic Revolution and Predictive Medicine" with Dr. Brandon Colby

We stand at the forefront of the Genetic Revolution, which now allows us to personalize products and services to our genes. While the Information Age created unprecedented instantaneous worldwide access to our civilization's information, the Genetic Revolution provides a way for us to personalize that information to each individual. Because of this, information is able to evolve from being generalized to being all about one single person: YOU.

Brandon Colby, MD, is a world leader in the fields of genetic testing and predictive medicine. Dr. Colby will discuss the current and near-future technologies that are fueling the genetic revolution as well as the difference between genetic testing and genetic analysis. Specific focus will be applied to how genetic information is now being used by healthcare professionals to predict and prevent a large number of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer's. The talk will also include specific ways in-which you and your family can use the information contained within your genes to protect your health and wellness not in ten or five years, but today.


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Health Groups Rally for Public Health Fund

Public health groups are rallying the troops to try to help preserve the public health fund created under the 2010 health reform law, which Republicans now say they’ll raid to help pay for a student loan program.

Republicans call it a slush fund, while public health experts who called for the fund say it protects vital programs from the vagaries of year-to-year Congressional funding fights – fights like this one.

“For example, funding for rural health programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) decreased by more than $10 million from Fiscal Year 2008 to FY 2009, but then increased by nearly $10 million in FY2010. These types of fluctuations in funding streams make it difficult to maintain and enhance public health programs,” the American Public Health Association said in one plea sent to supporters.

The Prevention and Public Health Fund is meant to be used the fund will be used for programs at the local, state, and federal level to fight obesity, smoking, obesity and pandemics and bioterror attacks.

“By repeatedly proposing elimination of the Prevention and Public Health Fund, policymakers have focused on a series of short-term ‘fixes,’ and, in so doing, are jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of all Americans,” said Richard Hamburg, Deputy Director of the Trust for America’s Health.

“Thus far, policymakers have attempted to use the $15 billion Fund to pay for what appears to be a never-ending parade of offsets for other policy priorities. The health and wellness of Americans are not pawns to be played in a game of federal finances.”


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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Health-authority execs' free-spending ways detailed

A review of the financial practices of a northern Manitoba regional health authority has raised concerns over whether the province is providing sufficient oversight into health-executive spending.

The Finance Department audited the financial practices of the Nor-Man Regional Health Authority last year as part of a greater review of the RHA's operations. The department's report, a copy of which was obtained by the Free Press, raised questions about expense claims by the region's former chief executive officer and other executives. It concluded the RHA needed to improve its travel-expense policies.

"We were unable to review details of the (chief executive officer's) 2009/10 expense claims due to the overall lack of documentation," provincial investigators said in their audit completed last June.

They said the region's former health boss, Drew Lockhart, often supported travel-expense claims with copies of his personal credit card statements on which charges for hotels and airfare were highlighted.

To support meal claims, he submitted credit card slips for the total dollar amount. The slips did not name whose meals were being expensed or any other details often required by employers.

Lockhart resigned last May shortly before a separate operational review of the RHA was published. It capped months of turmoil in the vast northern health authority, which includes Flin Flon and The Pas.

Among the public complaints that sparked the review were long waits to see doctors, substandard care, poor board oversight and allegations of nepotism within the RHA. Lockhart's wife was at one point the RHA's director of planning, research and development.

The operations report, conducted by a panel led by Reg Toews, former chief executive officer of South Eastman Health, made 44 recommendations, all of which the government promised to implement. Included among them was firing Lockhart, who by then had resigned.

"I think that this report is a glaring example of government failure to properly provide oversight over health-care spending," Conservative health critic Myrna Driedger said Wednesday. "When the government doesn't have its eye on the ball, I think the system is open to financial abuse."

In its budget last Tuesday, the government announced it would rationalize Manitoba's 11 regional health authorities, reducing their number to five. The province has also introduced enabling legislation to cap RHA executive salaries and require health-authority CEOs to post their expenses online.

The government was motivated, in part, to carry out some of the proposed reforms by the Nor-Man audit, Health Minister Theresa Oswald said Wednesday. "Nor-Man, and what we saw there, did contribute to our decision-making, absolutely," she said.

Doug Lauvstad, Nor-Man's board chairman, said Wednesday his RHA had accepted and implemented all the recommendations the government made for improving its accounting procedures. "We know that policies needed to be tightened up and certain actions taken to ensure that appropriate approvals were done and in the right order," he said.

Lockhart was succeeded as CEO by Helga Bryant, whom Oswald said has done an "exemplary job" since being appointed last year.

But Bryant's future is in doubt. Under the province's amalgamation plan, Nor-Man will merge with the Burntwood Regional Health Authority next month.

The province hopes to save $10 million over the next three years through its RHA rationalization plan.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca

Among the issues raised in the report:

CEO expense claims were submitted and reimbursed without an itemized chronological expense listing.

The CEO claimed a total of $1,100 in unsupported vehicle expenses in claims between April and June 2010 without detailing vehicle mileage.

The CEO, his spouse, two other senior managers, five board members and "a relative of a board member" spent $915.21 ($91.52 each) on a dinner at an "upscale" restaurant.

The CEO's claimed meal expenses were often more than double the per-diem reimbursement rate used in the region by other senior managers. "Contributing to the higher expenses was the amount spent on tips, averaging over 25 per cent," the report said.

The CEO "inappropriately claimed and received approval for reimbursement" of a family YMCA membership to the Winnipeg Y costing $1,058.

Questionable accounting policies flagged:

Credit card slips and personal credit card statements were accepted to support claims for restaurant meals and even airfare.

Nor-Man's travel policy failed to require written pre-authorization for out-of-region travel.

The RHA's policy required receipts for hotel and rail travel expenses but was silent about requiring receipts for air travel, taxis and meal expenses incurred on RHA business.

-- source: Internal audit report on Nor-Man Regional Health Authority, June 2011


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Somaya Reece - Weight loss tips that work (protein shakes & eating habits)

For healthy recipes VISIT: www.MissReece.com
I'm tired of reading all of these false diets and false weight loss tips that are NOT ideal for real people. Real people have jobs, not enough time to workout, and cannot spend money on all of these phony fad diets. I lost over 21 pounds and am still losing without dieting. I started focusing on losing weight last year a little before September of 2011. It took a few months to get into a fully focused mode. When I focused I lost the weight! I didn't gain weight because I was eating bad. When I moved to New York it became extremely difficult to work out because the lifestyle is so different here as opposed to L.A where I hike everyday. I didn't do it with a diet or pills and I was able to keep my curves. It's been a fun transformation for me. I had a "make under" 6 weeks ago, a breast reduction. I haven't been able to work out, because of it I had to learn to adjust my eating to maintain the weight I have lost which is what motivated me to share my journey in these wight loss blogs.

This first blog I discuss protein shakes, bars, cooking and the unfortunate Hollywood pressure many women suffer which makes them want to get skinny or alter their bodies to fit in.

Get healthy not skinny!

I have also added a few before and after pics. I know those are always helpful.

I hope you enjoy my series of weight loss blogs. This is one of many to come :)


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Muscle Building Diet - The Best Foods To Build Muscle

http://www.weightgainmethod.com/ -? Discover How To Gain Weight & Build Muscle Fast!

If you're not sure what kind of foods you need in your muscle building diet, this video should help you out.

I went to the grocery store today and stocked up on a bunch of muscle building foods that I always include in my diet. Now this isn't an all inclusive list of food to include in your muscle-building diet but it should give you a good idea of the kind of stuff you should be eating. (I just went out and got the things I was running out of.)

Here are the foods I picked up in this video:

-Water!
-Lean ground beef
-Chicken
-Walnuts
-Almonds
-Spinach
-Whole Wheat Bread
-Brown Rice
-Bananas
-Tuna
-Yams
-Cottage Cheese
-Yogurt
-Eggs

I hope you got some ideas from this video about the kind of foods to include in your muscle building diet... And if you want more tips on how to build muscle fast, got to:
http://www.weightgainmethod.com/


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Yoga for Weight Loss - Diet.com Video

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Leave a comment below to enter our SpaFinder.com Giveaway telling us if you have ever been to a spa! We will select a winner on March 6th, 2012. *GIVEAWAY CLOSED*

Try this yoga sequence for weight loss featuring Erica and Sarah.

Visit Diet.com Today for healthy recipes! http://www.diet.com/recipes
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Visit Diet.com For More Videos!


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Health insurers to pay $1.3 billion in rebates: study

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Health insurers will pay $1.3 billion in rebates to consumers and employers this year under a provision of President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law that penalizes plans that devote too little of their premium revenues to health services, an independent study showed on Thursday.

The study, published by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, said the data illustrated some of the tangible benefits that consumers and employers could expect from the embattled 2010 law if it survives two major legal and political election-year challenges.

The rebates, which are due by August 1, stem from premiums paid in 2011 on plans representing nearly 16 million beneficiaries. But Kaiser, a nonprofit healthcare research group, said most of the money is expected to go to employers rather than consumers.

The healthcare law, Obama's signature domestic policy achievement, has proved unpopular with many voters and could be struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court by the end of June or repealed next year if Republicans gain control of the Congress and White House in the November elections.

If the law were overturned or repealed, insurers would no longer be required to comply with the rebate provision.

"While the health reform law as a whole continues to divide the American public, there are tangible changes taking place that benefit consumers," said Kaiser President Drew Altman.

"Greater regulatory scrutiny of private insurance is improving value and helping to get excess costs out of the system," he added.

Under the law, called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, health insurers must spend at least 80 percent of premium revenues on health expenses and quality improvements. The rule is intended to limit what insurers devote to marketing, administration and profits.

Kaiser found that some of the biggest rebate payouts are expected in states, including Texas and Florida, where the law faces some of its stiffest opposition from Republican politicians and other conservatives.

The study's overall projection parallels separate findings by investment bank Goldman Sachs, which estimated this week that the $850 billion health insurance industry would pay out about $1.2 billion in rebates on 2011 premiums.

Goldman said just over half that sum - $600 million to $650 million - can be expected from four major health insurers: United Healthcare Group Inc, WellPoint Inc, Aetna Inc and Coventry Health Care Inc.

The bank said its forecast was lower than the $1.4 billion initially predicted by the administration, partly because the government adopted a more industry-friendly policy than anticipated but also because of proactive pricing by insurers.

"The latter dynamic has arguably contributed to the recent increase in industry price competition," Goldman said.

Kaiser also found that 31 percent of consumers in the individual insurance market could expect to receive a total of $426 million in rebates, for an average of $127 per person.

About 20 percent of the insurance industry's market for large employers could receive $541 million, while more than one-quarter of the small group market that serves small businesses could look forward to rebates totaling $377 million.

A main source of public dislike for healthcare law is a provision that requires most Americans to buy private health insurance by 2014 as part of a plan to extend health coverage to more than 32 million people who are uninsured.

Reform advocates insist that much of the public's dislike for the law stems from a lack of knowledge about the advantages it offers to consumers and others.

(Editing by Mohammad Zargham)


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Health Highlights: April 25, 2012

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Case of Mad Cow Disease Discovered in California

A fourth case of mad cow disease has been diagnosed in the United States, this time in California, but it poses no danger to human health, U.S. Agriculture Department officials said Tuesday.

"There is really no cause for alarm here with regard to this animal [a dairy cow]," USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford said during an afternoon news conference.

According to the Associated Press, Clifford did not say when the disease was discovered or exactly where the dairy cow had been raised. He said the animal was at a rendering plant in central California when mad cow disease was diagnosed during routine testing.

Mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), can be fatal to humans who eat the tainted beef, but the wire service reported that the World Health Organization has said that tests show humans cannot be infected by drinking milk from diseased animals. In people, eating contaminated meat is linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare and deadly nerve disease.

There have been three confirmed cases of mad cow disease in the United States, in Washington state in 2003, in Texas in 2005 and in Alabama in 2006, the AP reported.

Only a handful of cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease have been confirmed in people living in the United States, according to the AP, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said those were linked to meat products in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.

-----

Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide mental health care to veterans as quickly as it claims, according to an inspector general's report.

While the VA says that 95 percent of first-time patients seeking mental health care in 2011 received an evaluation within the department's goal of 14 days, the VA Office of Inspector General found that only half of patients were seen in that time frame, the Associated Press reported.

A majority of patients waited an average of about 50 days before they underwent a full evaluation.

The VA also says that 95 percent of new mental health patients in 2011 began treatment within 14 days of their desired date. But the inspector general found that this was true for only 64 percent of patients and the rest had to wait an average of 40 days, the AP reported.

-----

Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer

Emergency rooms in Los Angeles are treating teens who suffer alcohol poisoning after they try to get drunk on liquid hand sanitizers, which contain 62 percent ethyl alcohol.

In the last few months, six such cases have been seen in two San Fernando Valley emergency departments, according to the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press reported.

Some of the teens used salt to separate the alcohol from the sanitizer, resulting in a powerful drink similar to a shot of hard liquor. The teens can find distillation instructions on the Internet.

While there have only been a few cases so far, it could signal a dangerous trend, according to county public health toxicology expert Cyrus Rangan, the AP reported.

-----

Meds Helping Many Overweight Americans Control Cholesterol: Study

Despite the fact that two-thirds of American adults are overweight, only 13 percent have high total cholesterol, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Tuesday.

Experts suggest this discrepancy is largely due to the fact that so many American adults take cholesterol-lowering drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The CDC findings are from interviews and blood tests of about 6,000 adults in 2009 and 2010.

A federal government goal of having no more than 17 percent of adults with high total cholesterol was achieved more than 10 years ago for men and about five years ago for women, the AP reported.

Too much cholesterol -- a fat-like substance in the blood -- increases the risk of heart disease.


View the original article here

Eat Like a Caveman - The Paleo "Caveman" Diet

http://paleorecipediet.vklt.com/ Learn how to eat and live like a "Caveman" by following the rules of the Paleo diet. The diet entails eating what our ancestors ate from the Paleolithic time period.


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Sukma Collector's health is stable: Manish Kunjam- NewsX

Even as the BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka's release has come as a big relief, the fate of Sukma Collector Alex Paul Menon hangs in balance. Sources say that negotiations for his release is expected to start today, as two Maoist named mediators Former national SC/ST commission chairperson BD sharma and Professor Hargopal have reached Raipur. Meanwhile, NewsX has spoken exclusively to Manish Kunjam, who has first hand information on the abducted collector's health. Kunjam was named by the Naxals as mediator for the release of Sukma Collector Alex Menon's release. But Kunjam had refused to mediate and instead had agreed to carry medicines for the collector

For more log onto: http://alpha.newsx.com/


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Abducted IAS officer is in good health: Kunjam

All India Adivasi Mahasabha president Manish Kunjam, who was rushed by the Chhattisgarh government with the medicine for abducted IAS officer Alex Paul Thomas, on Thursday returned after delivering it to the Naxals. http://ibnlive.com/livetv


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Fast Weight Loss Diet - Lose 14lb in 5 days

Learn more @ http://theharcombediet.com/ . Lose up to 14lb in 5 days with this simple, safe and effective fast weight loss diet by Zoe Harcombe. Visit theharcombediet.com for free diet sheets and tips.


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Top 10 Quick Weight Loss & Slimming Tips for a Summer Bikini Body

Top 10 Quick Weight Loss & Slimming Tips for a Summer Bikini Body

Without going on some huge diet plan or exercise program, how can you lose some inches off your waist quickly and safely? You don't necessarily have to take up Yoga, drink special tea or get slimming massages. There are basic good nutrition tips and fashion tips that make you look better now.

Music By Jimmy Gelhaar
http://www.jimmyg.us/

This video was produced by Psychetruth
http://www.youtube.com/psychetruth
http://www.myspace.com/psychtruth

Copyright © 2010 Target Public Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.


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Health insurance rebates on the way

Thanks to a provision in the health care reform law, millions of consumers will be receiving rebates from their insurers this summer.

By Aug. 1, insurers that failed to meet one of the early guidelines of the Affordable Care Act are going to issue rebates averaging $127 to certain policyholders, according to estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Last year, the Affordable Care Act started requiring health insurers to spend a certain percentage of the premium payments they receive toward patient care, such as doctor's visits and hospital stays, and quality improvement activities, including discounted gym memberships or wellness brochures, instead of things like administrative and marketing costs.

Under the law, large employer-sponsored plans must spend 85% of a policyholders' premiums this way, while insurance companies that cover individuals and small businesses have to spend at least 80%. If an insurer fails to meet that threshold, they must issue a refund.

Based on insurers' recent filings to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, those rebates will total $1.3 billion altogether this year, according to Kaiser.

What health care reform is (and isn't) doing now

A large share of this money, or $426 million, will go to consumers who bought their own insurance through one of 215 plans. Nationwide, these consumers -- roughly 3.4 million people -- will each receive an average rebate of $127, Kaiser said in its report.

Most likely, they will receive a check in the mail, although the rebate could be issued as a discount on future premiums. Actual amounts will vary by insurer, by state and the extent to which the insurer fell below the threshold, Kaiser said.

In some states, like Alaska and Maryland, the average rebate is estimated to be near $300, while in New Mexico and Maine, the average rebate will be just $1 (not even enough for the insurer to issue a check).

Those insured through a private employer or a state or local government plan could see nothing at all. Those rebates will mostly go to the group policy holder, although the money could be passed on to employees who contributed a portion of their paycheck to their premium last year.

Kaiser calculated the averages based on insurers' early estimates. Actual rebates will be based on the reports the insurance companies submit to the federal government later this summer, Kaiser said.

View this article on CNNMoney

More From CNNMoney.com


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Health Highlights: April 24, 2012

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Case of Mad Cow Disease Discovered in California

A fourth case of mad cow disease has been diagnosed in the United States, this time in California, but it poses no danger to human health, U.S. Agriculture Department officials said Tuesday.

"There is really no cause for alarm here with regard to this animal [a dairy cow]," USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford said during an afternoon news conference.

According to the Associated Press, Clifford did not say when the disease was discovered or exactly where the dairy cow had been raised. He said the animal was at a rendering plant in central California when mad cow disease was diagnosed during routine testing.

Mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), can be fatal to humans who eat the tainted beef, but the wire service reported that the World Health Organization has said that tests show humans cannot be infected by drinking milk from diseased animals. In people, eating contaminated meat is linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare and deadly nerve disease.

There have been three confirmed cases of mad cow disease in the United States, in Washington state in 2003, in Texas in 2005 and in Alabama in 2006, the AP reported.

Only a handful of cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease have been confirmed in people living in the United States, according to the AP, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said those were linked to meat products in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.

-----

Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide mental health care to veterans as quickly as it claims, according to an inspector general's report.

While the VA says that 95 percent of first-time patients seeking mental health care in 2011 received an evaluation within the department's goal of 14 days, the VA Office of Inspector General found that only half of patients were seen in that time frame, the Associated Press reported.

A majority of patients waited an average of about 50 days before they underwent a full evaluation.

The VA also says that 95 percent of new mental health patients in 2011 began treatment within 14 days of their desired date. But the inspector general found that this was true for only 64 percent of patients and the rest had to wait an average of 40 days, the AP reported.

-----

Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer

Emergency rooms in Los Angeles are treating teens who suffer alcohol poisoning after they try to get drunk on liquid hand sanitizers, which contain 62 percent ethyl alcohol.

In the last few months, six such cases have been seen in two San Fernando Valley emergency departments, according to the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press reported.

Some of the teens used salt to separate the alcohol from the sanitizer, resulting in a powerful drink similar to a shot of hard liquor. The teens can find distillation instructions on the Internet.

While there have only been a few cases so far, it could signal a dangerous trend, according to county public health toxicology expert Cyrus Rangan, the AP reported.

-----

Meds Helping Many Overweight Americans Control Cholesterol: Study

Despite the fact that two-thirds of American adults are overweight, only 13 percent have high total cholesterol, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Tuesday.

Experts suggest this discrepancy is largely due to the fact that so many American adults take cholesterol-lowering drugs, the Associated Press reported.

The CDC findings are from interviews and blood tests of about 6,000 adults in 2009 and 2010.

A federal government goal of having no more than 17 percent of adults with high total cholesterol was achieved more than 10 years ago for men and about five years ago for women, the AP reported.

Too much cholesterol -- a fat-like substance in the blood -- increases the risk of heart disease.


View the original article here

Dogs - A Healthy Future

This film, narrated by Clare Balding, looks at the issues affecting dog health and wellbeing in this country and what is being done in 2012 to help ensure that dog welfare stays at the top of the agenda.

'Dogs -- A Healthy Future', focuses on the main issues that affect dog health and welfare, including hereditary diseases, issues created by breeding dogs for the way that they look and the problem of cruel puppy farms that breed dogs for profit without regard for their health and welfare.

The film explores the steps that have already been taken to address these issues and the need for united action in order to ensure that the progress continues in 2012.


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Teen Weight Loss Tips!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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Health 2.0 Boston Code-a-Thon


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Report: Health care law rebates to top $1B

WASHINGTON (AP) — Insurance companies will have to return more than $1 billion this year to consumers and businesses, thanks to a new requirement in President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, a report released Thursday concludes.

That's real money, says Larry Levitt of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which analyzed industry filings with state insurance commissioners. The law requires insurers to spend at least 80 percent of the premiums they collect on medical care and quality improvements — or issue rebates to policyholders.

"This is one of the most tangible benefits of the health reform law that consumers will have seen to date," said Levitt, an expert on private health insurance. The nonpartisan foundation is an information clearinghouse on the nation's health care system, and its research is widely cited.

The report comes with a caveat. It lacks data on the nation's most populous state, California, because complete filings there were not available. Nonetheless, the analysis estimates that consumers and businesses in other states will receive rebates of $1.3 billion, in some cases in the form of a discount on next year's premiums.

The insurance industry says consumers should take little comfort from the rebates, because the companies expect premiums to go up overall as a result of new benefits and other requirements of the new law.

"The net of all the requirements will be an increase in costs for consumers," said Robert Zirkelbach, spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, the main industry trade group.

"Given that health care costs are inherently unpredictable, it's not surprising that some plans will be paying rebates to policyholders in certain markets," Zirkelbach added.

But backers of the rebate requirement say it will keep the industry from padding its profits at the expense of unwitting consumers. They say an efficiently-run insurer should not have any problem earning a healthy return after devoting 80 percent of premiums to medical care. Indeed, the law sets an 85 percent requirement for plans that serve large employers.

"Millions are benefiting because health insurance companies are spending less money on executive salaries and administrative costs, and more on patient care," said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., a leading advocate of the rebate provision.

The study found the largest rebates will go to consumers and employers in Texas ($186 million) and Florida ($149 million), where Govs. Rick Perry and Rick Scott, respectively, have been among the staunchest opponents of the federal law. Both states applied for waivers from the 80-percent requirement and were turned down. Hawaii is the only state in which insurers are not expected to issue a rebate.

Here's how the rebates break down nationally:

More than 3 million individual policyholders will reap rebates of $426 million, averaging $127 apiece. Consumers in Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Arizona are most likely to be eligible for the payments, due starting in August, from 215 insurance plans that did not meet the standards in the law.

In the small-employer market, plans covering nearly 5 million people will receive rebates totaling $377 million.

The study found that plans in the large employer market were more likely to be in compliance with the law's requirement. Nonetheless, 125 plans covering 7.5 million people reported to state regulators that they will give back a total of $541 million.

The report says the rebates are only one of the ways in which consumers may benefit from tighter scrutiny of the health insurance industry under the federal law, which provides funding for state regulators to monitor the companies more closely. Self-conscious insurers may be hesitating to push state regulators for premium increases as large as they were able to win in the past.

"This 'sentinel' effect on premiums has likely produced more savings for consumers and employers than the rebates themselves," the report said.

Fly-speck scrutiny of the insurance industry won't solve the problem of rising health care costs, the report acknowledged, but it "can help to ensure that consumers and businesses get greater value for their premium dollar."

The numbers in the report are estimates. Final totals won't be issued by the federal government until early summer.

Seventeen states applied for waivers from the 80-percent standard, producing evidence that it would destabilize their private health insurance markets. Federal regulators granted adjustments to seven states, usually meeting each state's request part way.

The future of the rebate requirement is uncertain, pending a decision by the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of Obama's law.


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