Approximately 19 million U.S. adults reported receiving treatment for diabetes in 2007, more than double the 9 million who said they received care in 1996, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. AHRQ also found that between 1996 and 2007: — The number of people age 65 and older treated for diabetes increased from 4.3 million to 8 million; for people age 45 to 64, the increase was 3.6 million to 8.9 million; and for 18 to 44 year-olds, the increase went from 1.2 million to 2.4 million.

The first drug to treat the underlying disorder instead of the symptoms of Fragile X, the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, shows some promise according to a new study published in the January issue of Science Translational Medicine. Researchers from Rush University Medical Center helped design the study and are now participating in the larger follow-up clinical trial. The data from the early trial of 30 Fragile X patients, found the drug, called AFQ056, made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, helped improve symptoms in some patients.

An enrollment or a subscription may be cancelled or not renewed by Plan for the following reasons:  (a) Failure to pay the Membership Fee if the Subscriber has been duly notified and billed for the Fee and at least 15 days have elapsed since the date of notification. Cancellation of membership will be effective upon the date of mailing the notice of cancellation.  (b) Fraud or deception in the use of the discounted fee Membership or knowingly permitting such fraud or deception by another. Cancellation of membership will be effective upon the date of mailing the notice of cancellation;

(c) If at any time we determine that you intentionally gave us incomplete or incorrect material information and our decision to accept your enrollment was based, in whole or part, on that misinformation, we may cancel your membership. Cancellation of membership will be effective upon the date of mailing the notice of cancellation.

(d) If a Participating Provider is unable, after reasonable effort, to establish and maintain a satisfactory dentist-patient relationship with a Member, and Member declines to seek desired dental services from another Participating Provider. Notice of such termination must be in writing by the Plan and eligibility will cease fifteen (15) days after receipt of postage-paid mailing of such notice. Following termination, the Plan will refund any Membership Fee received by it on behalf of such Member during the period of one (1) month prior to such termination.

(e) Upon a Dependent’s no longer living with and financially dependent upon the Subscriber, as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Cancellation of Dependent’s membership will be effective on the last day of the month for which a prepayment fee was made on behalf of the Dependent.

(f) If eligibility lapses while a Member is undergoing treatment for an ongoing condition, the Member will have a thirty (30) day grace period for full reinstatement of eligibility without a lapse in coverage. (g) In the event the proper Membership Fee amount is paid after cancellation of the Subscriber, the Plan will reinstate the Subscriber without requiring a new application unless the Plan shall, within twenty (20) business days: 1) refund the payment made or 2) issue to the Subscriber a new enrollment form. Covered Services in Progress will continue until the Services are completed. A Subscriber who believes that his or her membership has been cancelled or non-renewed because of his or her dental health status or requirements for dental care services may request that such action be reviewed by the Director of the Department of Managed Health Care by contacting the Department at the telephone number stated in Paragraph 17 below. If after canceling this Agreement for nonpayment of the required Membership Fee Plan receives the Membership Fee within 30 days, Plan shall reinstate the Member as though the cancellation had never occurred; provided, however, that Plan need not reinstate the Member if payment is not received within 30 days of the issuance of the notice of cancellation; in such a case, a new application will be required and if accepted the original contract will be reinstated. The notice of cancellation will clearly state these conditions and procedures.

The Plan is a Discount Dental Fee Plan. Each Plan Member is entitled to receive discounts on specified Dental Care Services from a Participating Provider. Members are entitled to receive predetermined discounts for certain listed Dental Care Services from Participating Providers and to receive a 15% discount off the Participating Provider’s normal retail prices for all other unlisted Dental Care Services. The vast majority of dental fees are contracted for at levels significantly reduced from the dentist’s usual fees. Fees for unlisted Dental Care Services are contracted for at a 15% discount off of the Participating Providers usual and customary fee for such Services. Fees for discounted Dental Care Services vary by region.

The Plan reviews the terms and conditions regarding Services, Dental Care Services eligible for discounts, and the discounted fees on an annual basis and each is subject to change, modification, or substitution by Plan each year on January 1. Plan will deliver to the Member a notice in writing at least 30 days prior to implementing any such changes. The Plan will also deliver to the Member a notice in writing indicating any changes in premium rates, discounted fees or services at least 30 days prior to the contract renewal effective date. If a Member wishes to confirm the discounted fee for a particular Dental Care Service, or would like to know the business hours for a Participating Provider, he/she should telephone a Plan representative at the toll-free number 1-888-NDC-ENROLL (1-888-632-3676), located on the Membership card, or go to the Plan’s website at www.NewDentalChoice.com. Plan may at some future time offer discount fee programs for other, non-dental care services, such as vision and prescription drugs. If Plan decides to offer such other discount fee programs, it will do so by means of a supplementary rider to this Agreement. Individual will be notified of the opportunity and procedures to subscribe to such other discount fee plans.

Share of Cost, People can be reassured that while alcohol may slow down digestion after a rich calorific meal, enjoyed by many during the Christmas season, it will not cause indigestion symptoms such as heartburn, belching and bloating, finds research in the Christmas issue published on bmj.com.

Share of Cost, When the Institute of Medicine’s blue ribbon Pain Committee met on Jan. 4 the American Pain Society was well represented. Seven of the 19 Committee members belong to APS and three are past presidents of the organization. “The appointment of seven APS members to the IOM Pain Committee is a great honor for our organization.

Share of Cost, New national child abuse statistics for 2009 show additional declines in sexual abuse, a small increase of child maltreatment fatalities, and flat rates for physical abuse and neglect, according to an analysis of federal child maltreatment data by the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire. “Many of us worried about possible large increases in 2009 due to worsening economic conditions,” said David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes against Children Research Center and one of the analysts.

Share of Cost, The risk of esophageal cancer among patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not as high as many may think, according to new research from University of Michigan gastroenterologists. GERD is considered a relative risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, but the absolute risk is not known, says Joel Rubenstein, M.D., M.Sc.

Share of Cost, The risk of esophageal cancer among patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not as high as many may think, according to new research from University of Michigan gastroenterologists. GERD is considered a relative risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, but the absolute risk is not known, says Joel Rubenstein, M.D., M.Sc.

a) Each Member must use a Participating Provider in order to receive services. The Plan does not assign Members to Participating Providers and Member is free to select and receive Dental Care Services from any Participating Provider. Participating Providers for Member’s geographic area may be located using Plan’s website or by telephoning the Plan at 1-888-NDC-ENROLL (1-888-632-3676). The Plan maintains an extensive network of general dentists and specialists. In most geographic areas there are specialist dentists in reasonable proximity to where Members reside. In some more rural areas, however, some specialties may not be available. Should the need arise, Members should call the Plan or consult the Plan’s website to determine where a particular specialty may be found in the Member’s area.

b) The Plan does not require notification from the Member if Member wants to change from one Participating Provider to a different Participating Provider. These rules of selection and freedom to change Participating Providers apply both to general dentists and to specialists. Member shall be solely responsible for any charges for any dental treatment received from a Non-Participating Provider under any circumstances or for any reason.

c) Unless the Member or the Plan requests otherwise, a Participating Provider withdrawing or being terminated from the Plan is obligated to provide, following the date of his or her termination from the Plan, Dental Care Services to a Member in the course of commenced but uncompleted treatment by the Provider on the date of such withdrawal or termination from the Plan at the discounted fees to which the Member is entitled under this Agreement until the course of treatment has been completed.

d) Should the Plan cease to be in business, the Participating Provider is obligated to continue to provide Dental Care Services to Members at the discounted fees to which the Member is entitled under this Agreement until the Member’s paid annual membership terminates.

e) The Plan will post on its website the names of Participating Providers who (1) have given notice to Plan that they intend to withdraw from the Plan’s provider network; (2) are being terminated from the Plan; or (3) become unable to perform as a Participating Provider This notice under normal circumstances will be posted no less than sixty (60) days before the Provider will cease to be a Provider in the Plan, although in instances where the Provider is being terminated for reasons of cause or otherwise becomes unable to perform as a Provider, the website notice may be posted in fewer days. Therefore, Members are encouraged to consult the Plan’s website to determine the status of a particular Participating Provider, or they may call the Plan’s toll-free number and speak with a Member Services Representative (1-888-632-3676).

You must be a California resident to enroll in this plan. There is a six-month waiting period for minor services and no coverage for major services. $25 calendar-year deductible per member with $500 calendar year benefit maximum per member. This is a brief overview of the exclusions and limitations of the policy. Please review the Evidence of Coverage and Health Service Agreement before purchasing this plan.

Introduction to the Value Smile PPO:  Blue Shield’s dental plans are administered by a Dental Plan Administrator (DPA) which is a dental care service plan and which contracts with Blue Shield to underwrite and administer the delivery of dental services through a network of Participating Dentists.

Before Obtaining Dental Care Services: You are responsible for assuring that the Dentist you choose is a Participating Dentist. Note: A Participating Dentist’s status may change. It is your obligation to verify whether the Dentist you choose is currently a Participating Dentist in case there have been any changes to the list of Participating Dentists. A list of Participating Dentists located in your area, can be obtained by contacting a Dental Plan Administrator at 1- 888-679-8928. You may also access a list of Participating Dentists through Blue Shield Life’s internet site located at http://www.blueshieldca.com.

Choice of Dentists: The Value Smile PPO is specifically designed for you to use Participating Dentists. Participating Dentists agree to accept a Dental Plan Administrator’s payment, plus your payment of any applicable Deductible and Copayment, as payment in full for Covered Services. This is not true of Non-Participating Dentists. Participating Dentists submit claims for payment after Dental Care Services have been rendered. Payments for these claims go directly to the Participating Dentist. You or your Non- Participating Dentists submit claims for reimbursement after services have been rendered. If you receive Dental Care Services from Non-Participating Dentists, you have the option of having payments sent directly to the Non-Participating Dentist or sent directly to you. A Dental Plan Administrator will notify you of its determination within 30 days after receipt of the claim. Participating Dentists do not receive financial incentives or bonuses from Blue Shield Life.

Dental Necessity Exclusion All Services must be of Dental Necessity. The fact that a Dentist or other provider may prescribe, order, recommend, or approve a service does not, in itself, make it of Dental Necessity, even though it is not specifically listed as an exclusion or limitation. The Plan may limit or exclude benefits for services that are not of Dental Necessity.

Calendar Year Deductible: There is a Calendar Year Deductible of $25 that applies to all Covered Services and supplies furnished by Participating and Non-Participating Dentists 1. It is the amount that you must pay out of pocket before benefits will be provided for Covered Services. This Deductible applies each Calendar Year. This Deductible applies separately to each covered Insured, each Calendar Year. Except as noted, the Calendar Year Deductible of $25 applies to all covered Services and supplies furnished by Participating and Non-Participating Dentists. It is the amount that you must pay out of pocket before benefits will be provided for Covered Services. This Deductible applies each Calendar Year. The Calendar Year Deductible does not apply to those dental Services considered by Blue Shield Life to be diagnostic or preventive. Services that are considered diagnostic or preventive by Blue Shield Life are listed in the section entitled Summary of Benefits and Insured’s Copayments.

Calendar Year Maximum Payment: Your Plan pays up to a maximum of $500 each Calendar Year for Covered Services and supplies provided by any combination of Participating and Non-Participating Dentists.

You are reviewing the Dental Insurance PPO Value Plan $500 Max Underwritten by Blue Shield of California. This dental plan offers individual and family dental services to eligible residents in the household, including their lawful spouse, domestic partner and dependent children subject to the guidelines noted in the policy and issued by the company. Dependents may include all unmarried children under the age of 26 who are chiefly dependent on the subscriber for support and maintenance. This plan is for members age 64 and under if you are 65 and over please select another plan. The dental insurance plan offers your choice of network dentist and you can change your dentist anytime by notifying the company.

Your savings are in place when you visit your dentist so you just show up for your dental appointment and make your co-payment – what could be easier? The dentists must meet the Plan’s standard of quality and service. All have agreed to provide dental care at a low cost available only to its members. There is no waiting period for your diagnostic and preventive services to start. Just a reminder your mail-in application must be received by the company on or before the 20th of the month prior to the following month’s coverage effective date. Review the sample schedule below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental services.  You are reviewing the Dental Insurance PPO Value Plan $500 Max Underwritten by Blue Shield of California. This dental plan offers individual and family dental services to eligible residents in the household, including their lawful spouse, domestic partner and dependent children subject to the guidelines noted in the policy and issued by the company. Dependents may include all unmarried children under the age of 26 who are chiefly dependent on the subscriber for support and maintenance. This plan is for members age 64 and under if you are 65 and over please select another plan. The dental insurance plan offers your choice of network dentist and you can change your dentist anytime by notifying the company. Your savings are in place when you visit your dentist so you just show up for your dental appointment and make your co-payment – what could be easier?

The dentists must meet the Plan’s standard of quality and service. All have agreed to provide dental care at a low cost available only to its members. There is no waiting period for your diagnostic and preventive services to start. Just a reminder your mail-in application must be received by the company on or before the 20th of the month prior to the following month’s coverage effective date. Review the sample schedule below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental services.

Reviewing the MultiFlex Dental Insurance Classic Plan Max 2000 Underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company. This dental insurance plan offers individual and family dental benefits for members age 64 and younger. If you are 65 years of age or older please select another dental plan. A family membership covers the head of household including spouse (if not legally separated or divorced from you); unwed child from the moment of birth, until the child attains age 19; and unwed child who is a student may be covered until age 26 provided such child is a full-time student and more than 50% dependent on you for support and maintenance and proof of the child’s enrollment as a full-time student has been submitted.

The dental insurance plan offers you a free choice of dentists and you can change your dentist anytime by notifying the company. Your savings are in place when you visit your dentist so you just show up for your dental appointment and make your co-payment – what could be easier? You can enroll anytime you prefer… Just a reminder that your online request must be processed on or before the 5th of the month for coverage to be effective the same month. Please review the dental benefit co-payments below and see how easy it is for you or your entire family to enjoy these quality dental benefits