The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

CDC advises all baby boomers be tested for hepatitis C

May is Hepatitis Awareness Month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is issuing draft guidelines proposing that all U.S. baby boomers get a one-time test for the hepatitis C virus.

One in 30 boomers – born from 1946 through 1964 – has been infected with hepatitis C, and most don’t know it. Hepatitis C causes serious liver diseases including liver cancer, which is the fastest-rising cause of cancer-related deaths, and the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.

The CDC believes testing will address the largely preventable consequences of this disease, especially since new therapies can cure up to 75 percent of infections.

“With increasingly effective treatments now available, we can prevent tens of thousands of deaths from hepatitis C,” CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., said in a statement.

More than 2 million U.S. baby boomers are infected with hepatitis C, accounting for more than 75 percent of all American adults living with the virus. Boomers are five times more likely to be infected than other adults. Yet most infected boomers don’t know they have the virus because hepatitis C can damage the liver for many years with few noticeable symptoms.

More than 15,000 Americans, mostly boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Deaths have been increasing steadily for more than a decade and are projected to grow significantly in coming years.

“Identifying these hidden infections early will allow more baby boomers to receive care and treatment, before they develop life-threatening liver disease,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention.

Current CDC guidelines call for testing only individuals with certain known risk factors for hepatitis C infection. But studies find that many boomers don’t perceive themselves to be at risk and aren’t being tested.

The CDC estimates one-time hepatitis C testing of boomers could identify more than 800,000 additional people with hepatitis C, prevent the costly consequences of liver cancer and other chronic liver diseases, and save more than 120,000 lives.

The CDC’s draft recommendations are available for a public comment period until June 8.

For additional information about hepatitis, visit www.cdc.gov/hepatitis.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

FTC fails halt the merger of two giant pharmacy benefit management companies

By Rita R. Robison

It’s troubling that the Federal Trade Commission didn’t stop the merger of the two largest pharmacy benefit managers, Medco and Express Scripts Inc.

A pharmacy benefit manager is a third party administrator of prescription drug programs. They’re mainly responsible for processing and paying prescription drug claims. They also are responsible for developing and maintaining the “formulary,” contracting with pharmacies and negotiating discounts and rebates with drug manufacturers.

Medco and ESI announced a $29 billion merger agreement in July 2011. The combined company would have more than 155 million American customers – creating a virtual monopoly that could lead to fewer independent community pharmacies, reduced access to generics and specialized treatments, and fewer options for consumers.

“I am deeply disappointed by the FTC’s decision to allow this $29 billion merger to proceed, creating a monolithic PBM with near monopolistic control of the prescription drug sale marketplace,” Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) said in a statement. 

“For many months I have warned the FTC to carefully consider this merger’s negative impact on the industry and consumers alike. The FTC’s decision puts community pharmacies, seniors, and sensitive populations at risk of having less access and choice for purchasing needed prescription drugs.”

The merger was subject to review by the FTC, which decided on a 3-1 vote not to oppose the merger. FTC Commissioner Julie Brill issued a dissenting statement opposing the decision and expressing concern that the merged company would hurt consumers and the industry. 

The merger has been challenged in federal court. Several states may bring legal action to prevent it.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Getting free shipping is my best consumer experience this week while new rules at health care offices irritate

By Rita R. Robison

I was pleased this week to save money on face and body soap, while a new Federal Trade Commission ruling was upsetting.

My best consumer experience: Saving money on shipping costs

Since I have allergies, I order some of my personal care products from N.E.E.D.S., a New York firm that specializes in items for sensitive consumers.

At last, they’ve begun offering free shipping and coupons.

On my order of a gallon of shampoo and body soap, I got my shipping costs of $11 canceled.

My worst consumer experience: Having to show my ID when I go to a medical appointment

It’s irritating. When you go to the doctor or other health care provider now, you have to show your identification. I went to two offices that I have gone to for 30 years, and I had to show the receptionist my driver’s license.

Apparently, it’s a new Federal Trade Commission regulation. The reason for the requirement, I was told, is that so someone else doesn’t use your insurance card.

It seems like more Homeland Security nonsense to me. You would think that the doctor’s offices I have been going to for 30 years would know me.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Banks, telecoms, electronics, retailers among companies requiring forced arbitration

If your bank, cell phone provider, employer, or other company that you conduct business with violated your rights or cheated you, would you want to be able to take them to court?

Many companies are now using fine print to stop consumers from taking legal action, according to Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group.

Below is Public Citizen’s listing of some of the largest corporations that have placed “forced arbitration” clauses in their terms of service. Forced arbitration blocks consumers and employees from holding companies accountable in court because they must take their claims to private, secretive tribunals that often favor the companies, the consumer group said in a statement.

Telecommunications: DirectTV, Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, Sprint, T-Mobile, Clearwire, Time Warner Cable, Tacfone.

Consumer banking and credit: Wells Fargo, US Bank, Regions Banks, BB&T, Discover, PNC Bank, Chase.

Student loans: Sallie Mae, Citibank, Chase, Discover.

Consumer electronics: Sony, Dell, Gateway, Electronic Arts, XBox Live.

Nursing homes: Candansk, Covenant Dove, Driftwood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Kindred Nursing Center, Manor Care of Florida, OP Winter Haven, SA-PG Sun City Center, Triad Health Management of Georgia.

Home builders: D.R. Horton, Pulte Homes, Centex Corp., Lennar, KB Home, Hovnanian Enterprises, NVR (Ryan), The Ryland Group, Beazer Homes.

Gift cards: Starbucks, Pep Boys, Gold’s Gym, Ticketmaster, Crocs, In-N-Out Burger, Red Mango, Patagonia, Discover.

Ecommerce and entertainment: amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Netflix, Hulu.

Employment: Hooters of America, Forever 21, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus Group, Macy’s West Stores, Yahoo! Inc.

Miscellaneous: New Leaf Academy, Orkin.

Public Citizen asks consumers to add more companies that are taking away their rights with forced arbitration by sending an e-mail to action@citizen.org.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

National Consumer Protection Week: Take action to become an alert, informed consumer

By Rita R. Robison

This week, March 4 through 10, is National Consumer Protection Week.

Here are some suggestions from consumer groups and government agencies on what consumers can do during this important consumer week to improve enhance their consumer lives.

NCPW.com

This is the website for the National Consumer Protection Week organization. For information on how to set up activities in your community, see its Great Outreach Ideas page.

National Association of Attorneys General

Check the Attorney General’s Office website in your state for the resources consumers need to make informed decisions on issues that include home foreclosures, investments, credit, and business opportunities.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Read about the steps the new agency has taken to help protect your financial interests.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The department urges consumers to learn more about their new health insurance rights and the resources offered by the Affordable Care Act.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The agency encourages consumers nationwide to protect themselves and make better-informed decisions by taking advantage of available resources. Information on credit, debit, and prepaid cards are offered.

Consumer World

The consumer information website urges people to reserve a copy of the great resource, the “Consumer Action Handbook for 2012” or read it online now.

Consumer Action

The consumer group offers a Take Action Center, reviews of consumer books, consumer news, and consumer action publications.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

The agency suggests consumers take a look at its HelpWithMyBank web page for answers and solutions for customers of national banks.

Federal Trade Commission

To learn about identity theft, investment scams, shopping tips, and telemarketing and telephone services, see the FTC’s Consumer Information web page.

Better Business Bureau

You can sign up to get a consumer tip a day from the BBB.

And don't forget to file consumer complaints when you have problems in the marketplace. Filing complaints lets companies and government regulators know when things are going wrong when consumers purchase goods and services.

 

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

By Rita R. Robison

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best: Seeing the Occupy Wall Street movement in my community

When I went over to TCTV, I heard from one of the producers that people were gathering in Sylvester Park in solidarity of the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations.

On my way home, I stopped by. I saw about 40 people crowded around two members of the Washington State Patrol. The park is owned by the state of Washington so the state patrol provides law enforcement there.

The group broke up, and an announcement was made about their agreement. People would be allowed to spend the night without a 14-day permit. The power would be left on in the gazebo. The Food and First Aid tents would be allowed to remain. No more tents could be put up, but people could sleep under tarps on the lawn or in the gazebo.

People then began a process to govern the protest. Facilitators and a timekeeper were chosen. People took turns saying what they’d like to see on an agenda. Many of those that spoke had issues they wanted covered such as health care, corporate greed, and jobs.

The meeting started with announcements. One woman brought musical instruments, so she wanted to know which instruments others had with them. The state patrol had indicated all music needed to stop at 9:30 p.m.

All in all, it was an orderly process.

Around 45 degrees, it was really cold. Some people brought their children. One was crying.

I agree with those in the United States and around the world who are protesting against the greed of Wall Street. I applaud the thousands of people who are gathering in a peaceful manner to make their voices heard.

My worst: Low-quality customer service at a medical supply store

When I went to a medical supply store to make a purchase, the clerk who helped me didn’t do a good job. She looked up my insurance and said I’d have to pay for the items because I hadn’t met the $2,000 deductible yet.

I about had a heart attack. Had my insurance suddenly changed so that my deductible had been increased to $2,000?

Fortunately, it was 4:50 p.m. I called my insurance company. I found out that the $2,000 the clerk saw in the computer was another number. It tracks how much I have paid out of pocket. When I’ve spent $2,000, then my insurance company pays 100 percent of my medical bills instead of 85 percent.

I went inside and made the purchase. I only had to pay the co-pay, not the full amount.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What was your best and worst consumer experience this week?

By Rita R. Robison

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best: Getting the right tool for the job

I finally picked out a company to paint my fence. My usual contractor was going to do it, but he got busy. The warm days of summer melted away.

The painters are coming Tuesday to pressure wash the fence with a chlorine solution. In addition to trimming my shrubs to get ready, I’m washing the fence and digging the dirt out from under it.

When I went to the hardware store, I picked out a small shovel with straight edge rather than a spade shaped one and a narrow trowel. I saw tool with three prongs on one side and a scrapper on the other. I thought it was too heavy, so I didn’t buy it.

However, after using the shovel and trowel, I found I needed something stronger. I went back to buy the tool I thought wouldn’t work well. It’s great for scrapping the dirt from under the fence.

It also will work well for removing moss from my flowerbeds, but that’s another project for another time.

My worst: Low-quality customer service from Regence

This year, Regence has taken over the administration of my health care plan.

I can’t believe how slow Regence is in processing claims.

I thought the former company was bad, with a six-weeks wait for claims to be processed. But Regence is much worse.

When I called to complain, the customer service representative said Regence realizes it’s behind. It has hired more claims processors, and they’re working evenings and weekends.

Regence is five to six months behind in processing insurance claims. I’m having to pay bills now from the beginning of the year because my deductible hasn’t been met. It’s unreal. It’s September.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Gallup is off the mark to call federal government an industry

By Rita R. Robison

Things were going well as I clicked through the list from a Gallup Poll of the most hated industries in America:

10. Advertising and public relations industry

9. Pharmaceutical industry

8. Airline industry

7. Education

6. The legal field

5. Banking

4. Healthcare

3. Real estate industry

2. Oil and gas industry

Then I clicked on No. 1: It was the federal government. I couldn’t believe it.

In every economics class I’ve ever taken, including consumer economics, it’s clear that businesses make and sell “widgets.” Government has a different function; it provides services. Business and government are two entirely different segments of the economy.

Dictionary.com defines industry as follows:

1. The aggregate of manufacturing or technically productive enterprises in a particular field, often named after its principal product: the automobile industry; the steel industry.
2. Any general business activity; commercial enterprise: the Italian tourist industry.
3. Trade or manufacture in general: the rise of industry in Africa.
4. The ownership and management of companies, factories, etc.: friction between labor and industry.

I don’t see any thing in the definition that would classify the federal government as an industry.

Gallup started polling about the popularity of American industries 10 years ago. Two years later, it added the federal government.

I think Gallup is way off with this poll that classifies the federal government an industry.

What do you think? Let me know in the Comment section below.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Health care reform now one year old, but action is needed so progress isn’t lost

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Today, I received an e-mail from Elisabeth MacNamara, president of the League of Woman Voters of the United States, commenting on the first anniversary of health care reform. MacNamara said:

Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act.

You’re 1 today, and wow what a year it has been. Since last year:

• Children are no longer denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

• Insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime limits on coverage.

• Young adults can stay on their parents’ health plans until age 26.

Together, we’ve made a lot of progress in the last year to ensure that more Americans have access to better, more affordable health care. But if some members of Congress have their way, our progress will be lost. No more coverage for children with pre-existing conditions. No more unlimited coverage. No more insurance for young adults getting on their feet.

The cost of repeal will be vast.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that repeal of the Affordable Care Act would add $230 billion to the national deficit over the next 10 years and leave about 54 million Americans without insurance.

And that’s why we must spring into action once again.

In the coming year, we have a lot to look forward to: new innovations to bring down health care costs, increased access to home and community care for the disabled, and expanded access to high-quality care for more American residents.

We have too much to lose to go back to where we started. We will not back down now. We will continue our work with local Leagues and volunteers to ensure true health care reform and coverage for all.

So Happy Birthday, Affordable Care Act. You’ve come a long way, and you still have so much to achieve. We're here to make sure that happens.

I agree with the League that health care reform has had positive results, and I support its continued implementation.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Obama’s State of the Union speech a disappointment for consumers

While eloquently worded with lofty ideas on how America can regain its greatness, President Obama’s State of the Union speech was a big disappointment for the consumers of America.

Reflecting the shellacking the Democrats took in the 2010 mid-term elections, Obama embraced conservative ideas that will hurt consumers. Most notable among them are limiting the amount of money consumers can sue for, reducing Medicare and Medicaid benefits, restructuring Social Security, and amending the health care reform law.

But perhaps the most notable omission for consumers in Obama’s address was the lack of the help for homeowners facing foreclosures. The banking industry and Wall Street giants have been bailed out and are making billions again.

But banks are dragging their feet in working with homeowners who want reduced payments or to negotiate a short sale. They’re insisting that consumers pay the inflated mortgagees that led to the housing bubble and the collapse of the economy.

Obama, reeling from the November election, is embracing cutting government regulations and reducing the size of the federal government – both big items on the conservative agenda.

These actions can lead to disaster. The BP oil spill showed America what a weak government agency and lack of regulations can do.

Obama achieved some consumer successes in his first two years in office: credit card reform, food safety, health care reform, and creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

However, his move to the right to appease conservative voters that he showed in tonight’s speech could lead to policies that hurt consumers, especially baby boomers who are preparing for retirement.

Let’s hope that this flowery speech was the best Obama and his advisers could come up with and that he’ll remember the needs of consumers, using the power of his veto pen to beat back ill-advised conservative legislation.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist