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Let's Talk: John G. Boyle

John Boyle was only 6 months old when he was diagnosed with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), a primary immune deficiency (PI) that occurs almost exclusively in males. People with XLA have very few B cells, the specialized white blood cells that help protect the body against infection. That diagnosis helped shape the course of John's life in unexpectedly positive ways, eventually leading to a career path in the nonprofit sector and opening the door in 2017 to becoming the president and CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF). Today, John works to connect more members of the PI community to the foundation to help improve their standard of care,… full article (pdf)

Product Guide

An App a Day for Mental Clarity

Telemedicine. Remote work. DoorDash dinners. And online therapy sessions? The pandemic has turned our world into a remote-centric one, where pretty much everything can be ordered from that handheld computer, also known as the smartphone. Yet, as everything moved online to slow the spread of COVID-19, many psychological issues surfaced. Anxiety, depression, addiction and suicide have all risen alongside COVID-19. And as these issues began to soar, companies expanded employee health benefits, tacking on virtual therapy and meditation apps to wellness programs. Some health insurance companies have even begun offering apps as a perk to members. Enter the world of wellness apps for mental health.… full article (pdf)

Ask the Experts

Reader: Was the IVIG Demonstration Project Extended Past Dec 31, 2020?

Abbie: I have good news. On Dec. 21, 2020, Congress passed the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Division CC, Section 104 of this legislation extends the Medicare IVIG Demonstration through Dec. 31, 2023. Beneficiaries enrolled in the demonstration as of Nov. 15, 2020, will be able to continue with no re-enrollment required. Suppliers can continue to provide and will be paid for demonstration services provided to eligible and enrolled beneficiaries beginning Jan. 1, 2021. For more information, see med.noridianmedicare.com/web/ivig… full article (pdf)