A recent study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics found that one-third of Medicare beneficiaries were either unfamiliar or very unfamiliar with the program's benefits.  These rates were particularly high among minorities and low-income households.

Click here to read the entire article.

On September 18th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a new program, Ask Medicare, to provide family caregivers healthcare information, services, and resources. The website includes links for information on Medicare basics, financial assistance, and community resources. Caregivers can also sign up for an e-newsletter, alerting them to new caregiving services and programs.

Click here to read the press release.

Click here to visit the new website.

Through the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has formed the Medicaid Integrity Group.  This new initiative will ensure that Medicaid claims are for services that were properly documented, billed properly using the appropriate procedure codes, covered by Medicaid, and appropriately reimbursed according to State polices, rules or regulations.

Click here to read the entire article.

Women In Government today issued policy recommendations on the current state of heart disease prevention in America. The policy recommendations were updated after reconvening the Heart Disease Task Force for a day and a half meeting that brought together national experts on issues including the current state of heart disease prevention in America, state programs and policies working to prevent heart disease, racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease, prevention services for seniors, and gender considerations and barriers in diagnosing and treating heart disease among women.

Read the Press Release.

Read the Task Force Recommendations.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have found that patients who are accompanied to their medical visists are more satisfied with their healthcare compared to those who are not accompanied. 

Read the Article.

Volume 1, Issue 2

The second issue of Health Matters explores why women are more likely than men to ignore heart attack warning signs, the most and least heart-friendly cities in the US, and what policies legislators are enacting in their districts to foster heart-healthy lifestyles for their constituents. To receive more information or obtain a copy of the publication, please e-mail us at medicare@womeningovernment.org.

Women In Government Issues New State Policy Recommendations for the Prevention of Heart Disease In Women.

Click here to view our video presentation on Disease Prevention & Early Detection.

To read the press release, click here.

To download the policy recommendations, click here.

Women In Government has produced an audio news release about cholesterol education and prevention. Click here to listen to the release.

Click here for more information and resources.

Women In Government is pleased to announce the availability of a new brochure on cardiovascular disease, including information on high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the "good" cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides.

Click here to download the brochure.

Volume 1, Issue 1

Welcome our first quarterly publication of Health Matters. This publication brings news and information on policy topics related to Medicare's preventive services, disease prevention and health promotion. To provide feedback on this publication, please email us at medicare@womeningovernment.org.

Women In Government President, Susan Crosby, shares important information on women and heart disease for February, American Heart Month.

Listen to the Public Service Announcement.

Listen to the 60 second PSA.

Click here to download template outreach materials for American Heart Month.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that nearly $36 million will be distributed to State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) to help people with Medicare get more information about their health care choices.

Read the Press Release.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that nearly $36 million will be distributed to State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) to help people with Medicare get more information about their health care choices.

Read the Article.