Before I forget: Alzheimer's news

If knowledge is power, then some recent news on the Alzheimer's front is a real shot in the arm:

"In the biggest such study to date, research institutions including the University of Miami have identified four genes implicated in causing Alzheimer's disease."

Unfortunately, there are believed to be "as many as 100 genes linked to Alzheimer's;" still, scientists involved in the study believe that they're well on the way to identifying the rest within the next few years. Of course, that doesn't guarantee that there is a cure, or that we'll find it if there is. On the other hand, the more we learn, the more likely it becomes that we'll at least begin to understand the mechanism. And this, in turn, could "help pharmaceutical companies create drugs aimed specifically at the faulty genes," as well as helping identify folks with an increased risk of contracting the dread disease.

In addition to the human cost, there's big bucks involved, as well: "Alzheimer's today afflicts 3 to 5 million Americans and costs $24.6 billion a year for healthcare."

Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Waivers in the air

"Hallelujah, come on, get waivers!" is apparently the newest hit tune in DC-land. Last time we checked, the count was up to 1,040. But that's so yesterday. For those keeping score at home, the total has now climbed to 1,168 waivers, up 128 (or over 10%). At this rate, of course, by the time 2014 rolls around, only suckers will be required to play by ObamaCare© rules.

Don't worry, though, there's still time to get your own ObamaWaiver©.

A Billion here, a Billion there, pretty soon...

Last fall, we posted an email conversation with one of our readers, the subject of which was the fact that retiree health plans are "exempt from certain PPACA requirements."

Turns out, that word "exempt" is only a part of the story:

"Investigators ... have discovered that a little-known provision in [ObamaCare©] has allowed the federal government to pay nearly $2 billion to unions, state public employee systems, and big corporations to subsidize health coverage costs for early retirees."

Ahem.

About that "little-known provision;" some of us not only knew about it, but actually reported on it over half a year ago:

"The folks in Washington that gave us the "bridge to nowhere" have done it again, this time with health insurance ... (Early Retirement Reinsurance Program) as announced by HHS is supposed to make it easier for employers to provide health insurance to early retirees. Congress authorized $5 billion of money they did not have to fund this program until 2014."

So, according to the Examiner, 40% of the funding for this program has already been paid out, with 3 years worth of retirees still in the wings. At this rate, the program will be bust in about half that time.

What then?

MVNHS©: Suckers!

In a cruel April Fool's Day prank, Englishfolks suffering under the Much Vaunted National Health System© will now be subsidizing their Scottish brethrens' prescription costs:

"All prescription charges have been abolished in Scotland, leaving England the last part of the UK still charging for some prescriptions."

Nice!

The folks who bring us Glenfiddich join those responsible for Guinness and rarebit in passing off the cost of their meds to the producers of Bangers and Mash.

Tapadh leibh!

Hey, Where's MY ObamaWaiver©?

Hey boys and girls, do you know what Anthony Weiner, the State of Maine, and a bunch of unions all have in common? That's right, they're getting ObamaWaiver©s, and you can, too. It's fun, easy and best of all, it's free*.

[*Well, except for the cost of donations to the Democrat party, of course]

"How do I get my waiver" you ask?

Couldn't be simpler!

Just click here, fill out the request form, and Bob's your uncle!

Isn't ObamaCare© great?!

Blue Cross Goes Green

Many Blue Cross plans across the country will be announcing their plans to join the "green" movement and hope to transition to a totally paperless company by the end of next year.

No more paper claim forms, no paper premium statements, no more paper EOB's or paper/plastic ID cards.

Members will be encouraged to handle all processes via the internet. Those who lack internet access will be given a special toll free number to call.

Since ID cards will become a thing of the past, members will be provided with free apps for their smart phones, allowing them access to medical services.

In light of this transition, participating Blue Cross plans will be changing their logo to . . . Green Cross.

Cavalcade of Risk #128: Call for submissions

Russell at Chatswood Consulting hosts next week's Cavalcade of Risk. Submissions are due this Monday (the 4th), and Russell asks that you include:

■ Your blog's url
■ Your post's url
■ The post's trackback URL (if available)
■ A (brief) summary of the post

And PLEASE remember: ONLY posts that relate to risk (not personal finance tips and the like).

You can submit your post via Blog Carnival.