Helpful Health Care Links: October 31, 2014

The word Health surrounded by a collage of words related to healThis week, our helpful health care links focus on a variety of topics — an update on new Ebola quarantine guidelines and a breakthrough in medical research with the approval of a new Meningitis vaccine. We also included an informative article from NPR about some important things to consider before undergoing surgery. All are worth your time. And, as always, if you ever come across a healthcare story that you think merits more attention, please send it our way!

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Obama Defends U.S. Ebola Guidelines, Backs American Volunteers in Africa (Reuters)

President Obama stated that the adopted policies in the U.S. shouldn’t discourage those who wish to fight the West African Ebola outbreak. Instead they should be applauded, and, when they return, authorities can work with them to make sure they are monitored prudently when they return.

Patients Do Better After Surgery If They Do ‘Prerehab’ First (NPR)

Patients are encouraged to participate in a rehabilitation program after a surgery, but research is showing that beginning that plan pror to the procedure could speed up recovery.

First Vaccine for Deadly Form of Meningitis Approved in the U.S. (The Washington Post) 

The FDA approved a vaccine for one of the five forms of the deadly disease bacterial meningitis.

Arsenic in Gluten-Free Food: How Worried Should You Be? (NPR)

For those who suffer from Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, rice-based foods and flours tend to be a popular solution for a wheat-free diet. However, trace elements of arsenic have been found in many of these foods.

Petition Drive To Limit Hospital Charges Gets OK From State (Crain’s Detroit Business)

The Board of State Canvassers in Michigan approved a petition drive to limit what hospitals can charge the uninsured and underinsured.

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Are Criminals Using ObamaCare to Steal Personal Information?

The simple answer is “Yes.”

A growing number of criminals are using ObamaCare to steal  patients’ personal information.

The government is warning seniors on Medicare: If someone asks for your personal information for a state insurance exchange under the new healthcare law, he’s probably a crook. Those exchanges don’t apply to seniors.

No consumer, young or old, should give out medical information or pay up-front “enrollment” fees, the government says.

Those are just two of the scams that federal officials anticipate as more and more patients sign up under the Affordable Care Act.

What Should You Know?

1)  Never give out personal information to someone who contacts you saying you need to sign up for ObamaCare.   It’s likely a criminal.

2)  If you suspect fraud, call  800-318-2596, TTY 855-889-4325.  This number will connect yous to federal call centers for reporting fraud or attempted identity theft.

3)  Anyone who is officially allowed to sign patients up for ObamaCare should be able to present official credentials.  If there is any doubt, you should ask for a number to call to confirm the person’s identity.

Remember:  1) make sure you know if you qualify for ObamaCare (download my ebook, Easy Healthcare: Obamacare  to find out); 2) that Medicare is not affected by ObamaCare, and 3) where to call if you suspect fraud: 800-318-2596.

Knowing these facts may save you from a criminal who is trying to steal your identity or money.

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HS-Book_Covers_OCaresmallAre you looking to cut through all the noise and find out what ObamaCare really is, what it does, and, most importantly, what it means to you? MyHealthSpin’s “Easy Healthcare: ObamaCare” ebook guide leaves the politics behind and gives you a straightforward, timely rundown of the changes the law made and whether or not they impact YOU.

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How Does ObamaCare Impact Your Medicare Coverage?: VIDEO

There are a lot of rumors circulating about how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — otherwise known as ObamaCare — may or may not impact individuals currently on Medicare or about to start using Medicare coverage. In an effort to cut through this noise, in this video, MyHealthSpin founder Lori-Ann Rickard discusses whether or not ObamaCare has any impact on Medicare plans, what’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, and whether or not there’s any truth to the “health care rationing” rumor that has surrounded the Affordable Care Act. If you have fears about how ObamaCare might affect your Medicare coverage, this video is definitely worth your time!

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HS-Book_Covers_OCaresmallAre you looking to cut through all the noise and find out what ObamaCare really is, what it does, and, most importantly, what it means to you? MyHealthSpin’s “Easy Healthcare: ObamaCare” ebook guide leaves the politics behind and gives you a straightforward, timely rundown of the changes the law made and whether or not they impact YOU.

Available for download NOW!