I’ve never been a big fan of online directories! Why? I honestly believe that a lot of online directories are started by people who see easy targets amongst small businesses that are desperate to get more traffic to their websites. It is painful to see small businesses shell out good money to be part of a site that may be just a way for someone else to get a little more money. It is even more painful to know that this added expense may need to be covered by the very patient that some online directories state they are helping.

Amgen, the makers of Neulasta, introduced the first medical co-pay assistance program in oncology. The Neulasta FIRST STEP Program provides assistance to eligible low-income chemotherapy patients that need help covering their co-insurance or co-payment.

Health insurance is supposed to help cover the cost associated with our health care. That’s why most individuals are shocked to find their insurance claim is denied. Receive a denial and you’ll have more out-of-pocket health care costs. So, what do you do when your health insurer refused to pay your claim? Fight it.

Republican address on health care, delivered by Dr. Charles Boustany (R-LA) following President Obamas speech to a Joint Session of Congress.

Botox is used to treat many different illnesses including, but not limited to, strabismus, blepharospasm, and cervical dystonia. Individuals with these medical conditions may be eligible to receive financial assistance for Botox.

A lot of patients know for a fact their primary care provider participates with their insurance plan. These same patients fail to verify specialists, labs, and even hospitals. All of which can be the source of very expensive medical bills if not covered by your insurance.

The Wall Street Journal created a chart that compares key points of the various health reform proposals that have been created. This chart included the latest health reform proposal by Senator Baucas.

It is recommended that you read the proposals (if you can do it without falling asleep) to make a good educated opinion of these proposed bills. This chart is a good quick reference.

Galderma, the makers of Epiduo, has an “Instant Savings” card for patients to save $20. Epiduo is a prescription medication that is sometimes prescribes for acne.

The problem is that it also includes multiple fines for those who don’t get health insurance. In fact, fines for not getting insurance start at $750 a year for individuals and $1,500 for families. Families of four with a household income of approximately $66,000 would pay the maximum fines if they fail to get health insurance. These fines could be up to $3800.

I truly believe President Obama missed an excellent opportunity to win over critics of his health care reform. Fixing Medicare, a program he said is going broke and needs to be fixed, would prove to a lot of Americans that safe, efficient, and effective reform is possible. This success would ease the road to passing health care reform.