This week, we're taking a look at two Medicare-related concerns that have been in the news. We're also encouraging you to examine our Incontinence Care Management product line. You'll find that our incontinence management products are a high-quality, cost-efficient way to maintain your residents' dignity and promote healthy skin.

A new study in the journal Health Affairs found that numerous insurers have stopped serving the low-income segment of the Medicare Part D program because they are not being sufficiently reimbursed for the relatively high medication use among this population. Because of this, many insurers have increased their premiums for all beneficiaries, leading millions of people to switch prescription drug plans. The study's authors note that when Medicare Part D was created, the hope was that competition between private plans would lead to lower premiums for beneficiaries - but this hasn't happened. To learn more, click here. To view our original blog post on this topic, click here. Two federal courts, in Pennsylvania and Vermont, recently ruled that the current Medicare standards used for deciding whether a patient is eligible for skilled nursing facility or home health care are too strict. The courts found in favor of an 81-year-old Pennsylvania woman whose skilled nursing care, physical therapy and occupational therapy were discontinued following a hip replacement because Medicare alleged she hadn't improved and wasn't likely to. In Vermont, the court sided with a 66-year-old woman who was improperly denied coverage for home therapy that she needed to keep her condition from worsening after she suffered two strokes. After the rulings, 17 House Democrats drafted a letter to President Obama asking for more relaxed standards, pointing out that many chronic conditions require regular therapy to prevent further deterioration. To learn more, click here. To view our original blog post on the rulings, click here. With Professional Medical as your distribution partner, you can enjoy the most respected names in incontinence management products at the most reasonable prices. Our exclusive Compliance® products are designed to address the unique demands of long-term care and deliver your desired clinical and financial outcomes. We offer: Adult Briefs Protective Underwear/Pull-Ups Adult Undergarments/Insert Pads and Pants Incontinence Products for Children Disposable Underpads Bariatric Incontinence Care If you're a registered user on promedsupply.com, you can learn more about the items in our Incontinence Care Management category by clicking on Online Catalog and then selecting Incontinence Care Management. If you're not registered on the site yet, your ProMed Customer Care Professional will be happy to get you set up.