In Brief

The global market for disposable and reusable respiratory equipment should hit $21 billion by 2010, according to a study by Kalorama Information. Citing the rise in incidences of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the study reports that the U.S. market — which has some 20 million asthma sufferers, or 60 percent of the world market — can look for $10 billion in sales this year.

The senior citizen patrol project for the Medicare program helped recover more than $83,000 in the first half of 2005, according to the HHS Office of Inspector General. The project educated 193,000 retired professionals by teaching them to identify and report fraud, waste and abuse. In total, 358 complaints resulted in money recouped to Medicare or in some other action.

CMS has proposed expanded Medicare coverage for cardiac rehab to include additional beneficiaries, including patients following coronary artery bypass surgery and angina, heart valve repair or replacement, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and heart or combined heart-lung transplant.

Health care disparities among Hispanics are increasing, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recently determined. The agency found that among Hispanic adults, diabetes care declined from 2000 to 2002 — from 44 to 38 percent — while it improved for white adults from 50 to 55 percent. Patient-provider communication reported by Hispanic patients also declined, while it improved among white adults.

Gov. Phil Bredesen, who was criticized for cutting Tennessee’s Medicaid program last year, is working on a plan that would provide health insurance to 600,000 uninsured residents. The plan would split costs among beneficiaries, employers and the state. If a trial is successful, Bredesen said he will ask for federal funding in 2007, when the state’s waiver for TennCare, its Medicaid program, expires.

CMS has approved a plan that would expand Colorado’s children’s health insurance program by 4,000. Children in families whose income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are now eligible for the Children’s Basic Health Plan+. Previously the requirement was 185 percent. The CBHP plan is funded by tobacco tax revenues.

Former Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has launched a publicity campaign to promote his universal health care plan, which he hopes to put on the statewide election ballot in November. Under the plan, the state would use public funds to provide basic coverage for all U.S. citizens in Oregon, regardless of income. Individuals could purchase additional coverage or benefits using their own money. By implementing his plan, Oregon could force Congress to consider making similar changes nationally, said Kitzhaber, who is considering running for a third term as governor to promote the plan.