Archive for December, 2009
What Age Do I Start Screening? (Mammograms)
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ
Many women (and men) are confused about the recent, controversial comments made by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force regarding breast cancer screening. The group, established in 1984 and operating as an independent panel of private-sector experts, said in November they no longer support mammography screening for women under the age of 50. Instead, they recommend biennial screening start at 50 and continue through age 74.
The USPSTF based their revised recommendation on two studies analyzing benefits and harms presented by early screening. Modalities reviewed were breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, film and digital mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging. (more…)
Aetna to Leave 600,000 In the Cold
Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under Health Insurance
Aetna’s home page encourages individuals and families to “choose and use your plan.” As the new year approaches, that slogan may change to “use and lose your plan.”
In 2010 Aetna, the third largest private health insurance company, intends to force more than 600,000 of its current customers to lose their health coverage by making plans cost prohibitive. Why? To raise the company’s profit margin. (more…)
