Description: The widening gap in life span between high- and low-income Americans may be eroding the progressivity of Social Security retirement benefits. Differential longevity trends have had the effect of raising lifetime benefits for high earners but not for low earners. Social Security’s long-term financial problems result in part from an increase in average life expectancy driven by wealthier people living longer, and, thereby, collecting more benefits. Policymakers should not use funding shortfalls attributable to these trends as an excuse to cut monthly benefits alike for those who have gained (high earners) and for those who haven’t (low earners).

Description: Help consumers understand their rights in health care and understand how technology is embedded into the health care industry. On top of that, you will also hear about topics related to professionalism. During this webcast, you will learn about: ▪ An overview of the health insurance market ▪ Health care provider billing and contracting ▪ Recent trends with insurers and health care providers ▪ Identify areas of excessive billing and fraud ▪ The impacts of technology on billing practices ▪ An understanding pharmacy benefits, including discounts and rebates

Description: Letter from the editor for the January 2013 publication.