HEALTH HAPPENINGS
Know the Signs of Stroke
Only a fraction of stroke patients each year are getting to hospitals in time to receive a treatment that makes a difference between disability and full recovery.

LEGAL LINES
Estate Must Pay Taxes Due Before Suing for Redetermination
The Eighth Circuit recently ruled that an estate that has elected to defer taxes under §6166 must be current on its installment payments before filing suit for redetermination of estate taxes.

MEDI-MINUTES
HCFA Announces Payment Increase For Hospitals
Hospitals across the U.S. would see a 2.55% increase in Medicare payment rates in fiscal year 2002, according to a proposed rule issued by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA).

NATIONAL NOTES
House Passes Retirement Act
The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would sharply increase the annual contribution limits for IRAs and 401(k) plans.

OF INTEREST
Committee Considers Simplifying Retirement Plan Distribution Rules
The Senate Finance Committee is considering legislation to simplify retirement plan distribution rules by removing references to half-years.