tagged w/ Health Insurance
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Moore policy talk---
"But don't insult me and 300 million Americans by calling this "health-care reform." At least you've stopped calling it "universal health care." We will not have universal health care or anything close to it. I wish the president and the Democratic leadership would just stand up and say, "We're sorry, America. We didn't get the job done you sent us here to do. We're weak and scared and unable to communicate the simplest of messages to the American people. Therefore, our bill will guarantee that 12 million of you will still have NO health insurance. And that's because we have decided to leave the greedy, private insurance industry in charge of our system. Forgive us for this and for continuing to allow profit to be the determining factor as to whether a patient gets the help she or he needs."
Please, Democrats—just say that—then pass this poor excuse of a bill.
Pass it because, if President Obama takes a fall on this one, I don't know if he'll be able to get back up. And then NOTHING will get done. We can't have that. (And thank you Dennis Kucinich for hanging in there right up to the end and being the only one out of the 435 members to speak the awful truth.)
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-03-17/the-pure-greed-of-obamas-phony-health-care-reform/Moore policy talk---
"But don't insult me and 300 million Americans by... more
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I’ve been a little under the weather this month, and nothing gets a guy angrier at the American medical system than having to use it. And, right off, I’ll tell you, I have pretty good insurance. I didn’t used to, and I paid a high price for that mistake, so now I send off a hefty part of my monthly income for a private plan that comes very close to qualifying as a “Cadillac plan” under the merged Senate health care reform bill. Yet, even with this deluxe package—one that increased in price some 17% this year—I have paid a couple extra hundred bucks in co-pays and prescriptions in the last few weeks.
That is a quick recap of my personal ride on the cost curve—the cost curve President Obama and his health economists economist (singular) insist is going to get bent by the reform package we are now all supposed to get behind, pass, and cheer as if it is the magic inevitable we’d been working toward all along. But, of course, the things that have made my maladies so pricey—insurance and pharmaceuticals—are, by all accounts, going to be spared the rod of reform.
There is no drug re-importation, no direct drug price negotiation, no ban on “pay for delay,” and no way to accelerate generic competition for expensive classes of biologics. None of that is in the Senate bill that is now to be swallowed whole by the House, and it is all but certain that none of the PhRMA deal-busting provisions I just listed will make it into the reconciliation “fix” that is supposed to follow. The fact that a year’s worth of wrangling has been wasted trying to avoid upsetting Rahm and Barack’s BFFs in the Pharmaceutical lobby is now barely a blip on the radar.
Still at issue, though in a Kafkaesque way, is the other half of the equation: meaningful competition for the private insurance industry in the form of a viable public option. A majority of House members voted for it last year, Bernie Sanders claims he has a majority of votes for it in the Senate, and the President campaigned on its behalf throughout 2008, and yet, when all the votes are taken, who here is willing to bet that we will get a public option as part of comprehensive health care reform?
Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin claims he will whip for a public option in the Senate—if the House sends him one. Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she supports a public option, and would put it in the House sidecar if only the Senate had the votes to pass it. And, of course, President Obama says he would prefer a public option, but he doesn’t think it could get the votes.
But, behind the scenes, Durbin is actively whipping against a public option amendment coming to the floor; Pelosi will not allow the public option an up-or-down vote in the House; and, Obama has made a series of campaign-style appearances, and mobilized his minions, all to underscore that it is “time” (as opposed to year ago, when it was, I guess, not time) to pass a health care bill. . . and that would be the Senate bill. . . and, you know, whatever.
For some reason, a program that enjoys the support of overwhelming majorities of Democrats, independents, or Americans as a whole—slice it any way you like—has become synonymous with “hot potato.” No one wants to be the one who has to take the blame for killing it—but, bizarrely, absurdly, maddeningly, no one wants to be the one that gets the credit for passing it.I’ve been a little under the weather this month, and nothing gets a guy angrier... more
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Counseling Service Cuts Hit Special Needs Children Hard
New America Media, News Feature, Vivian Po / Video: Jacob Simas, Posted: Mar 08, 2010
Alameda resident Kyle To is only 11, but he has been battling Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for years. Now he has been diagnosed with non-verbal learning disabilities and Asperger’s syndrome. But To will no longer receive counseling services or a second assessment because the Healthy Families program in California, which provides low-cost insurance for children, has stopped reimbursing those services.
“I called every therapist from Oakland to San Leandro,” said his mother Emily To. but none of them is willing to accept him.”
Other parents with children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are worried that the health coverage for their children will become even more frayed after further service cuts to California’s public health care system were proposed earlier this year.
The problem is not necessarily lack of insurance. Of children with special health care needs, 96.9 percent were insured either through public or private insurance or both in 2005-2006, according to kidsdata.org, a resource website on the health and well-being of California’s children. But 35.7 percent of the children had inadequate insurance coverage.
Health professionals believe the number is even higher today because reimbursements from public health insurance plans are decreasing.
Kyle To does not qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s health insurance program for low-income families, because his father earns slightly more than the eligible income. But they also cannot afford the estimated $300 monthly premiums for private insurance.
read the rest at
www.NewAmericaMedia.orgCounseling Service Cuts Hit Special Needs Children Hard
New America Media, News... more
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Virginia's General Assembly is the first in the nation to approve legislation that bucks federal health care reforms by banning mandatory health insurance coverage.
Without debate, the House of Delegates voted 80-17 Wednesday to accept Senate amendments to a bill that supporters say preserves Virginia's prerogatives as a state.
Thirty-four other legislatures have filed or proposed similar measures rejecting health insurance mandates.
But Virginia's legislature, scheduled to adjourn Saturday, is the first to finish work on a bill. The measure goes to Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, who plans to sign it.
The measures are advancing nationally as Republicans capitalize on voter discontent over Democratic-backed federal health care reform efforts in Congress.
March 10, 2010 -- Richmond, VA
http://www.foxsanantonio.com/template/inews_wire/wires.national/30db8d20-www.foxsanantonio.com.shtmlVirginia's General Assembly is the first in the nation to approve legislation... more
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With all the debate over health insurance reform/
how does it change the normal poor man torn/
between scorin' food or staying out of pouring rain storms/
abused in pain/
these same people, often offered nothing to gain are ashamed/
blame goes towards the system, aka. the game of political decisions/
this minor incision in the lives were all living will cost us, just like religion/
the money is missing, but no one is listening/
so why not read what is written?/
a crisis is near, the hunting seasons here and we're the deer/
wear orange hunting gear and go to jail for years/
this whole situation really grinds my gearsWith all the debate over health insurance reform/
how does it change the normal... more
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Get Breaking News Alerts
Share Comments 203 "This shocking increase isn't unique," said the report, being presented by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at a news conference Thursday. "Across the country, families have seen their premiums skyrocket in recent years, and experts predict these increases will continue."
With his drive for health care overhaul bogged down, President Barack Obama has seized on the Anthem premium increases as Exhibit A to make his case for sweeping change before a bipartisan White House summit next week. California officials say 700,000 households face increases averaging 25 percent overall and as high as 39 percent for some.Get Breaking News Alerts
Share Comments 203 "This shocking increase... more
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When Annie Brown’s daughter, Isabel, was a month old, her pediatrician asked Brown and her husband to sit down because he had some bad news to tell them: Isabel carried a gene that put her at risk for cystic fibrosis.
See the Full Story on How The Government is Keeping Your Childs DNA...Without your Consent....http://ctpatriot1970.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/parents-the-government-has-your-baby%E2%80%99s-dna-without-your-permission/
While grateful to have the information — Isabel received further testing and she doesn’t have the disease — the Mankato, Minnesota, couple wondered how the doctor knew about Isabel’s genes in the first place. After all, they’d never consented to genetic testing.
It’s simple, the pediatrician answered: Newborn babies in the United States are routinely screened for a panel of genetic diseases. Since the testing is mandated by the government, it’s often done without the parents’ consent, according to Brad Therrell, director of the National Newborn Screening & Genetics Resource Center.When Annie Brown’s daughter, Isabel, was a month old, her pediatrician asked... more
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go to: http://www.studenthealthcareaction.org/ to learn more and join the campaign!!!
A Valentine’s Day Break-up
We are all frustrated with the current state of our health care
system. But despite the pressing need for real reform, over the past
year we've had to watch as real opportunities to pass progressive
legislation were squandered and lost. We've been waiting for reform
too long to remain silent, so this Valentine's Day it's time to say
what's on our minds.
No one likes breaking up, but sometimes it has to be done. For
Valentine’s Day the Student Healthcare Action Network asks you to end
your un-healthy relationship with a politician, an organization or an
official who has particularly disappointed you during this past year’s
fight over health care reform. We are asking all of you to make your
own short video about your break-up. We will be collecting everyone's
break-up videos on our website and using them in a special Valentine’s
Day action.
Express your frustration, sadness, feelings of betrayal, AND your
continuing commitment to real reform. Let everyone know that the
health care system is not going to fix itself, that we still need
reform more than ever and we won't settle for anything less.
If you want inspiration for your own videos check out our sample
break-ups at www.studenthealthcareaction.org. Then make your video as
straightforward, dramatic, ridiculous, sarcastic, etc. as you want.
The wider variety of videos we get the more exciting they will be to
watch. When you're done with your video, upload it to YouTube and
email us the link between now and February 14th.
You might have someone in mind that you have been just dying to
break-up with, but in case you don't we have included a list of
suggestions below:
The Democrats (for caving to every interest group, for letting fear of
election losses instead of best solutions shape the legislative
debate, etc.)
The Republicans (for putting political gain ahead of the good of the
country, or for spreading misinformation, etc.)
Your own Senator or Representative (not representing your needs or
opinions, caving to lobbyists, etc.)
President Obama (not putting enough pressure on congress, not giving
congress clear direction, taking too long to attack the lies being
spread, etc.)
After you make your own, ask your friends and families to join in!
This Valentine’s Day be true to universal health care, and say so long
to bad legislation.
Student Healthcare Action Network
http://www.studenthealthcareaction.org/go to: http://www.studenthealthcareaction.org/ to learn more and join the... more
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WZeinN
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1 month ago
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Kids' Dental Decay Takes a Bite out of School Attendance
OAKLAND, Calif.--The 5-year-old Asian American boy sat in the dentist’s chair in Dr. David Perry’s Alameda, Calif. clinic for over 90 minutes, his teeth drilled without general anesthesia.
His extensive tooth decay had also taken a toll on his physical health. The dentist determined that eight of his baby molars needed to be crowned, and six other teeth had to be extracted.
read the rest at
www.NewAmericaMedia.org
www.YouthOutlook.orgKids' Dental Decay Takes a Bite out of School Attendance
OAKLAND, Calif.--The... more
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News organization Raw Story has obtained an exclusive analysis that shows President Obama received a staggering $20,175,303 from the healthcare industry during the 2008 election cycle.News organization Raw Story has obtained an exclusive analysis that shows President... more
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jmsrmy
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added this
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2 months ago
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Trying to forecast the future of global healthcare is an ambitious undertaking, to say the least. Even trying to discuss the future of health insurance leads to heated debate and disagreement, as we've seen over the past few months. Not to be deterred, the team at Ergonomidesign took on this task, and created a short video outlining their vision of an Integrated Health Care Ecosystem.
The good news for our readers is that in this future scenario there seems to be plenty of work for product and interaction designers, in addition to actual healthcare professionals.
Check out Ergonomidesign's website, its full of enlightening information.
http://www.ergonomidesign.com/Default.aspx?ID=1685Trying to forecast the future of global healthcare is an ambitious undertaking, to say... more
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When it comes to health insurance reform, California State University, Northridge economist Glen Whitman emphasizes, "We have to make sure we don't just fix the parts that are broken. We also have to make sure we don't actually break the parts that are working very well. And it turns out that one of the areas that America is really great at is innovation."
Reason.tv's Ted Balaker sat down with Whitman to discuss his new Cato Institute policy analysis, coauthored with Raymond Raad, "Bending the Productivity Curve: Why America Leads the World in Medical Innovation."
Whether it's Nobel laureates in medical fields or the most important recent medical innovations, Whitman and Raad find that the U.S. has contributed more than any other nation, and in some cases, more than all nations combined. Whitman cites some key factors that account for America's innovative ways, and warns that if America adopts a more centrally planned health system we may not only innovate less but we might not know what innovations we're missing.
Interview shot by Alex Manning and Hawk Jensen; it was edited by Manning. Approximately 10 minutes.When it comes to health insurance reform, California State University, Northridge... more
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Kurt Nimmo
Infowars.com
December 19, 2009
Democrats deceptively argue that health care is legal under the commerce clause of the Constitution. The commerce clause relates to business, not individuals, but the Democrats have skewed the original purpose and intent of the Constitution.
When asked to point out where in the Constitution authority is granted to force an individual — ultimately at gunpoint — to buy government health care, Speaker of the House Pelosi said: “Are you serious?”
It is said Obama was a constitutional professor at the University of Chicago Law School (even this is a lie — he was in fact “a senior lecturer,” not a professor), so we should assume he has at least some knowledge of the principles of the Constitution. Obama likely knows that the Constitution does not mandate Americans be forced into a contractual agreement with a private party for health insurance.
Apparently, like his predecessor, Obama regards the Constitution as little more than a goddamn piece of paper.
Full Story and Video...http://ctpatriot1970.wordpress.com/2009/12/20/government-health-care-the-next-step-on-the-road-to-tyranny-and-slavery/Kurt Nimmo
Infowars.com
December 19, 2009
Democrats deceptively argue that health... more
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People, it's time to clean house in Washington. Everything must go, buildings cleaned out, wiped down, checked out for surveillance bugs and started over. Then, we put people from all walks of life back in office for shorter terms and re-boot this thing. Everyone in Washington is corrupt and the only way to save this country is to start fresh.People, it's time to clean house in Washington. Everything must go, buildings... more
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Tyrants and Plutocrats and Their Hubris,...What is It Good For?
-------------------sometimes,....absolutely EVERYTHING.
Republicans introduce an amendment that would compel the president and the cabinet to enroll in the government plan
By Alex Koppelman
Senate Republicans had what seemed like a pretty good idea when it comes to the fight over healthcare reform: Propose an amendment that would force all members of Congress to enroll in whatever form of public option is included in the final bill. That plan backfired, though, when their Democratic counterparts decided to actually support the amendment. So now the GOP's going further.
The latest version of the amendment is broader; beyond members of Congress, it also includes staff members, something that had been a sticking point for Democrats before. More than that, though, it would force President Obama and his cabinet into the public option.
"The White House and cabinet secretaries are working very hard for this massive overhaul of America's health care system," Grassley said in a statement reported by the Huffington Post's Ryan Grim. "It's only fair that if this bill becomes law, these individuals should themselves be subject to the reforms. The same is true for congressional staff. Quietly carving out leadership staff and committee staff behind closed doors is unacceptable. If the reforms are as good as their supporters say, the reforms should be good enough for everybody."
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2009/12/07/gop_amendment/index.htmlTyrants and Plutocrats and Their Hubris,...What is It Good For?... more
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As the majority leader of the Senate, the power to pass a public option is squarely in Reid's hands. Will Reid let three or four corrupt Senators owned by the insurance industry hold the public option hostage? Or will he use the reconciliation process to allow a simple majority vote on a public option?
The choice is Reid's and Reid's alone.
A petition circulates to Harry Reid: Get lobbyist-owned Democrats in line, or use reconciliation to pass a public option: http://action.firedoglake.com/reconciliation
During debate in the Senate this weekend, a handful of corrupt Democratic senators like Blanche Lincoln and Mary Landrieu, who have taken big donations from insurance companies, promised to vote against health care if it included a public option. If Harry Reid can't get them in line for a simple procedural vote, then he can use "reconciliation" and call for a majority vote on the public option. Otherwise, Harry Reid is using his power as Majority Leader to allow a handful of corrupt senators thwart the democratic process.
Goldman Sachs expects insurance stocks to rise by 59% in 10 years if there is no public option, but drop by 36% if there is one. That's what happens when nobody likes your product. Their fat profits depend on being the only game in town.
The American people understand that. That's why 72% support a public option, to end insurance monopolies, increase competition and control the crushing burden of health care costs for American families. A majority in the Senate understands that, too -- that's why 51 have said they will vote for a bill with a public option.
It comes down to a simple question: will Harry Reid allow for majority rule? Or will he let corrupt members of his own caucus block a majority of the public and Congress who want a public option?As the majority leader of the Senate, the power to pass a public option is squarely in... more
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Here is the link to the health care debate that is currently going on in the Senate. Not that we can all sit home and watch it however if you get a chance you should definitely tune in. This way you can hear all sides of the issue and make an informed decision. We the people have the power to get this bill through or make sure it does not get passed, it's up to us.
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/id/216339Here is the link to the health care debate that is currently going on in the Senate.... more
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