or at least that is how a great many people who live with pets feel – they are a part of their family.

Unfortunately, the laws of this and other nations have not always reflected this same belief and have failed to protect animals. Although the first laws passed in English-speaking nations to prevent animal cruelty were enacted in Ireland in 1635, and were followed in North America, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, in 1654, and in England in 1654, they were based on the view of animals as property only and essentially protected the animals’ “owners” more than the animals themselves. (more…)

Tags: animal cruelty, animal rights, pet laws

The Medicare Secondary Payer Statute requires that no payments for treatment or services for a beneficiary be made by Medicare when payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be made under a workmen’s compensation law or plan of the United States or a State or under an automobile or liability insurance policy or plan (including a self-insured plan) or under no fault insurance.

Notwithstanding the terms of the secondary payer statute, Medicare may make conditional payments, which payments must be reimbursed to Medicare if it is demonstrated that such primary plan has or had a responsibility to make payment with respect to such item or service. (more…)

Tags: fixed percentage option, medicare, medicare secondary payer statute, msprc