ASCOG Advocate: April 10, 2013

Vincent Price in 1944.

On this date, in 1953, Warner Brothers premiered the movie House of Wax starring Vincent Price.   This movie was the first of it's kind released by a major American studio. 

What made this movie unique?

Medicare's antiquated payment system proves difficult to change, literally requiring and act of Congress. 

Increases to Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates are not expected to benefit consumers.  Meanwhile, Medicare cuts threaten non-profit hospitals.

A new CDC study shows younger Americans, in order to save money, are twice as likely to skip medications than older Americans eligible for Medicare.

Annette Funicello dies from complications due to multiple sclerosis.  Other stars who have battled the disease include Richard Pryor, Teri Garr and Montel Williams.

For more than a decade, Margaret Thatcher battled dementia.

Alabama legislators passed two bills to make it easier to prosecute elder abuse.

Denver primary care physicians are taking advantage of the benefits of having mental health professionals in their practices.

New York doctor Gustave Drivas faces 20 years in prison for defrauding Medicare out of $77 million, employing cash kickbacks to beneficiaries who received unnecessary medical procedures.

Stem cell therapy successful in treating joint pain and arthritis in aging dogs.

Caregivers can suffer from PTSD.

Cement Senior Center is on the brink of closure.