When the legislation was passed for Bush’s prescription drug benefit in 2003, costs were said to be approximately $400 billion over the next decade. In great contradiction with this estimate, the centers for Medicaid and Medicare have admitted that costs will actually be around $724 billion.

Considering the Bush administration’s history of saying one thing and doing another, this understatement of cost comes at no surprise. The supposedly helpful benefit will, in most cases, only provide savings for people on the lowest income level; while those on mid-level incomes who spend between $2250 and $5100 on medications will pay at least a $37/month premium and a $250 deductible, with no additional savings.

The plan was designed with a “hole” in its coverage, so that people spending between $2250 and $5100 on medications each year will receive no additional compensation or savings: They are still saving just $1500. After the $5100 line is crossed, Medicare compensates patients for 95% of their spending on drugs.

Besides the “hole” in prescription drug coverage, this plan offers far fewer benefits than those of many private employers. As a result, those employers could easily lower their standards.

I don’t claim to know much at all about this administration’s prescription drug benefit plan, Read the rest of this entry »

Millions of Americans suffer with Peripheral Neuropathy and until recently there was no specific treatment available. Peripheral Neuropathy is often associated with Diabetes, but can occur on its own. Typical treatments in the past included physical therapy, medication and in severe cases even surgery, all of these therapies offer little or no relief. Neurologist, Family Physicians and Podiatrists are now referring their patients for Anodyne Therapy with excellent results.

Anodyne Therapy is the only FDA approved treatment specifically for Peripheral Neuropathy. Anodyne Therapy utilizes the healing power of infrared light to stimulate increased nerve function and blood flow to decrease pain and improve feeling. Anodyne Therapy is completely painless, covered by Medicare and extremely effective. Medical research has shown that patients treated with Anodyne therapy experience the following results:

Significant pain relief : 88% , Increased sensory perception 96%, return to normal sensory perception 60% and an overall 72% increase in daily activity levels. There are no side effects and few contra indications for Anodyne Therapy and because it works on the underlying cause of the problem the results are long lasting.

The symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy usually effect the feet and calves but can also effect the hands and arms. Peripheral Neuropathy can present itself in a number of different ways including; numbness, pain, loss of feeling, weak muscles, difficulty walking and an odd feeling often described as ” a wet sock squeezing the feet.” These symptoms often effect older patients with diabetes and lead to secondary problems including difficulty with walking, balance and the basic activities of daily living.

“A typical patient receiving Anodyne Therapy will receive 24-30 sessions and start to notice results about half way through their treatment plan. Read the rest of this entry »