Finally Friday Edition

And another long week-end ahead. I don't usually take off when my office is closed, but this week, I think I will. Still tired from my medication incident, so I can use some extra time for me. But first, the news:

Let's start with good news -- Americans are living longer. But it's all about what you do with that extra time, isn't it?

Yesterday, as previously reported (below), the Obama Administration found rate hikes by Trustmark to be unreasonable, ordering the company to either rescind them or justify them. This is just one way the health reform law is starting to combat high insurance premiums.

A new study shows, though, that premiums could rise as much as 25% without the individual mandate.

A group of patient advocates has asked the Department of Health and Human Services to extend the deadline for comments on the essential health benefits proposal (which would allow states to determine which benefits are essential).

Cigna and Weill Cornell Physicians of New York have agreed to team up to create a new care delivery model, an accountable care organization, with registered nurses performing care coordination tasks.

What's the role of pharmacists in health reform? To encourage people to comply with their medication regimen, which saves money in the long run.

California has county health plans -- a public option of a sort -- profiled today by Kaiser Health News.

Vitamin D levels decrease one marker of inflammation (c-reactive protein), but too much may cause an increase in CRP. How much is enough? Vitamin D has been essential to me in dealing with my Crohn's.

CVS Caremark will pay $5 million to consumers for deceptively advertising costs of medication through one of its Medicare Part D plans.

A new test might someday help spot lung cancer in its earliest stages.

Swedish doctors replaced a cancerous windpipe with an artificial one.

And that's today's news. Have a great day! Jennifer