thanks Patti
Ray
Rayilyn Brown
Director AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
[log in to unmask]

--------------------------------------------------
From: "PATTI ZAPF" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 6:40 AM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Home Health Care Medicare Benefit

> each Medicare home health care session is 60 days.
>
> if the patient shows signs of improvement at the end of 60 days, the home
> health care benefit can be renewed. if no signs of improvement, Medicare
> views this as maintenance and will not pay another 60 day benefit.
>
>
> On Sep 25, 2009, at 9:40 PM, rayilynlee wrote:
>
>> thanks, Patti, was that Medicare benefit for a total of 6 days or 6 days
>> a week?
>>
>> Ray
>> Rayilyn Brown
>> Director AZNPF
>> Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
>> [log in to unmask]
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> From: "PATTI ZAPF" <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2009 6:15 AM
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Home Health Care Medicare Benefit
>>
>>> Rayliyn
>>>
>>> I didn't know about the benefit either until recently, alan's
>>> neurologist mentioned it for at home health physical therapy. Our
>>> neurologist and her nurse questioned alan's need and i said he isn't
>>> driving, i'm working, he needs exercise, which is very difficult for
>>> him. and they understood.
>>> That made me smile.
>>>
>>> PD has it compassionate side, as we both enjoy the warm smile we get
>>> and gentle expression received when someone understands this disease
>>> and knows of it's nasty effects. These past 16+ years of PD, i have
>>> noticed this compassion amongst many. The one thing i have not
>>> enjoyed during alan's pd is a person's response to PD of OH, I'M SO
>>> SORRY. I hate that. I'm like it is what it is and we are moving on.
>>> I know people mean well, really, and are somehow trying to make me
>>> feel better or... they are really deep down, so glad it's us and not
>>> them. My mind sometimes can be mean.
>>>
>>> Anyway, alan and i called medicare and asked what other home health
>>> benefits there are. We were amazed and excited!!! There are definite
>>> time rules on these benefits, but benefit times can be renewed and
>>> there are guidelines that Medicare exactly tells you.
>>> Call Medicare and ask them about home health care @ 1-800-MEDICARE.
>>>
>>> Now we had to find the right certified home health care agency to
>>> bring these benefits to our home.
>>> We googled home health care for our small town, 30 miles east of
>>> dallas. With these results, we were able to see hhc agency comparisons
>>> of our selected needs and % of patient improvement in those needs,
>>> during a hhc session. That was great to see and helpful.
>>>
>>> We called the HHC agency that had the highest %. It took talking to 2
>>> gals that could have done a better job on answering the phone, but the
>>> 3rd was a charm ( she help start this agency) and alan and i felt
>>> confident.
>>>
>>> The next day our neurologist faxed the doctor order to the this
>>> agency, and that afternoon, a very nice nurse called and scheduled the
>>> initial evaluation of alan's hhc need. The RN was here the next day,
>>> yesterday, for an hour, and she was a delight and very knowledgeable.
>>> There was that caring compassion again. It's a gift to be cherised.
>>>
>>> i also did due diligence, with the texas dept of aging and they helped
>>> me see on their website, if there were any complaints to this hhc
>>> agency. There were some complaints from 2007, with their other
>>> facility, not the one we were using. I called the gal i spoke with at
>>> the hhc agency we liked, left a message, and the owner of the agency
>>> called me back to explain the complaints and what they have done to
>>> correct them. We were satisfied with her response.
>>>
>>> Alan will get a home health aide to come every day for 6 days, an hour
>>> each time, to help him bath, shave, dress, fix a light meal, and do a
>>> few dishes!!!. sounds too good to be true! i will be anxious to hear
>>> what actually goes down. the RN left a folder that each hhc person
>>> will enter their session info into, for us to keep. alan may keep his
>>> own calender of events.
>>>
>>> i am going out of town for 6 days, to visit my folks in chicago area.
>>> they are mid 80's and my dad has a syndrome that is affecting his
>>> balance and speech. i miss them a lot and will savor these days
>>> together. I will bring some business work with me, so i can reward
>>> myself from this trip, with some money making success:>) Hoping alan
>>> does really well while i'm gone. our son will stay over at night and
>>> the weekend.
>>>
>>> It's opening season for deer that weekend and our son will miss out,
>>> but he adores and loves his dad and loves me, and wants to help out:>)
>>> alan and weston have done much deer hunting together thru the years:>)
>>> it's been a bond builder and yummy! i got to go one time! our
>>> daughter has fished, but never hunted. her wonderful husband we'll be
>>> a part changing this,
>>> i think.
>>>
>>> Patti cg 16
>>>
>>> ps. hhc could have a lot of abuse to it, but Medicare has some built-
>>> in check points every 3 years (if you get good grades or more often if
>>> you get bad reports, and as long as there is enough staff), i figure
>>> more check points in the future.
>>> The bad apples rock this boat.
>>> For now, i am not mentioning one word about home health care and
>>> reform... i promise!
>>>
>>>
>>>> Patti
>>>>
>>>> I didn't know there was a home care Medicare benefit. I have help
>>>> two days a week which I have always paid for. Its costly. For about
>>>> a year I did have a Medicare nurse who came once a month to check on
>>>> me. Then they stopped it. It was an experimental program I found
>>>> out about at a AZNPF yearly meeting or a symposium.
>>>>
>>>> In my first years of PD in CA I looked into long term care and
>>>> learned then that Medicare would pay for it if you were destitute and
>>>> could find an available bed. Apparently there are different levels
>>>> of assisted living in nursing homes. You could go from bad to worse
>>>> (after spending ALL of your own money of course.
>>>>
>>>> I have always lived alone and am going to try to stay at home as long
>>>> as I can. I would be interested in any information you might have on
>>>> this benefit. I am 73 and have Medicare as my primary and Anthem
>>>> Blue Cross/Blue Shield as my secondary.
>>>>
>>>> thanks, Ray
>>>>
>>>> Rayilyn Brown
>>>> Director AZNPF
>>>> Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
>>>> [log in to unmask]
>>>>
>>>> --------------------------------------------------
>>>> From: "PATTI ZAPF" <[log in to unmask]>
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 5:02 AM
>>>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>>>> Subject: Re: PARKINSON'S AND HEALTH CARE REFORM
>>>>
>>>>> Dear Alison:
>>>>>
>>>>> the hmo isn't the only option when you are disabled<65. there are
>>>>> medicare advantage ppo's too. These PPO network's allow you to use
>>>>> in and out of network providers and also include rx drug coverage.
>>>>> The PPO plans have a monthly premium.
>>>>>
>>>>> yes, i agree with you... it is very difficult sorting thru all the
>>>>> options on Medicare.
>>>>> i don't believe many seniors are up to the task, especially those in
>>>>> their 80's
>>>>> and those without internet.
>>>>>
>>>>> Single payor sure sounds simple.
>>>>> Who ever can figure out what the actual costs will be for Medicare,
>>>>> with all the baby boomers coming on board over the next few years,
>>>>> will win the grand prize. If all providers were honest, maybe the
>>>>> figure would be easier to figure out.
>>>>>
>>>>> Everyone's dilemma...How do you find providers that you believe in?
>>>>> If you live close to the big city, there is no problem finding a
>>>>> specialist. who may or may not be a good fit. When doctors send you
>>>>> for labs or x-rays do you question them why? Do your other doctors
>>>>> duplicate these same procedures? I have noticed medical lawsuits,
>>>>> insurance executive salaries, and the want for more income driving
>>>>> part of the medical train.
>>>>>
>>>>> Two years ago, i signed my husband up for a MA ppo and after one
>>>>> month disenrolled him because i got worried about all those copays
>>>>> adding up, which would cost more then the Part B $135 deductible +
>>>>> 20%. plus the hospital copay was $800 on this PPO plan, so we
>>>>> decided to gamble on just medicare parts a & b for his coverage,
>>>>> with no supplement and he bought a Part D drug plan. you thought i
>>>>> would have figured that out before enrolling him in the PPO, but it
>>>>> was an after thought after talking with a client that was using
>>>>> their PPO, that pushed me to switch him back to original medicare.
>>>>> the Medicare guarantee that allows you to try a Medicare Advantage
>>>>> plan and then switch back to original Medicare if you don't like it,
>>>>> only lasts the first 12 months of Advantage coverage.
>>>>>
>>>>> right now our savings are slowly depleting, my income is not growing
>>>>> like i want it to.
>>>>> it's hard to focus on my job, when caregiving in itself has been a
>>>>> full time job. these last couple months i notice new signs of
>>>>> advancing PD symptoms and for the first time i am seeing a mild
>>>>> cognitive impairment. i'm exploring extended care options, which i'm
>>>>> just beginning to understand, for down the road needs
>>>>>
>>>>> I am also exploring the home health care benefit thru Medicare. i
>>>>> am going out of town for 6 days next week and our neurologist wrote
>>>>> a prescription for home health care, as alan doesn't drive and
>>>>> requires assistance. our cost = 0 (benefit thru Part A Medicare).
>>>>>
>>>>> an RN comes today to make an evaluation of his needs during his home
>>>>> health care assistance. i am asking for an aid to help him bath,
>>>>> dress, and prepare a light meal. i am also asking for a physical
>>>>> therapist to come and an RN to check his rx intake. this is a huge
>>>>> relief. i office in our home, so alan is used to help around the
>>>>> clock. Home health will only be a very small portion of each day
>>>>> and I am so thankful for their professional help, plus i am counting
>>>>> on our son to help in the evenings. the isolation factor is another
>>>>> worry. gosh, getting older is complicated!
>>>>>
>>>>> for those PWP without caregivers... you are amazing and my hat goes
>>>>> off to you.
>>>>>
>>>>> in reflection~
>>>>> i remember the early years of PD when you couldn't tell Alan had
>>>>> PD... we started a local PWP support group that had 3 other PWP show
>>>>> up to our first of 4 meetings. They were in their 70-80's, with
>>>>> advanced symptoms. That sure scared us both and we dissolved the
>>>>> group, because at the time, we really didn't want to know the end
>>>>> of the story. I also remember our retired neurologist giving me a
>>>>> big hug one time and said how he wished for me, things would be
>>>>> different. i really didn't understand what he was saying, now i
>>>>> do. My husband is the greatest guy, full of love and knowledge.
>>>>> At this point, he is not able to meet many of my needs, which i
>>>>> miss. The good news is, i am remaining healthy and happy:>)
>>>>>
>>>>> patti cg 16
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sep 22, 2009, at 5:48 PM, [log in to unmask] wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Dear Patti,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you for your suggestions.? We've printed them out to look at
>>>>>> more carefully in case we've overlooked anything.? We've met with
>>>>>> representatives from numerous health insurance companies, phoned?
>>>>>> many others, spoke with the health insurance department and?
>>>>>> volunteers "trained" in?comparing the different plans and how to
>>>>>> find the best options under the circumstances.? Insurance plans
>>>>>> differ tremendously from state to state and the question remains as
>>>>>> to why health insurance must be so incredibly complicated and
>>>>>> "stacked" against the people needing health care the most.?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you for your offer to assist off line.? I may reach out to
>>>>>> you for more information about your perspective on the current
>>>>>> system and what is currently being discussed.??If you would take
>>>>>> the time to read the "Open letter to Congressman Phil Hare and
>>>>>> Senator Richard Durbin; A fundraiser for one does not equal health
>>>>>> care for all," your comments and insight would be greatly
>>>>>> appreciated in helping move the debate forward in another venue,
>>>>>> www.PassHR676.org ? focused entirely on health care?reform.?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you in advance for visiting?www.PassHR676.org by typing it
>>>>>> into the address bar.??You have to log on and register to write a
>>>>>> comment, but can write your comments anonymously.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Feel free to leave an address for the ListServe so others can find
>>>>>> their way back to?an invaluable resource with?tremendous insight
>>>>>> from those in the trenches.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Thank you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Alison Landes
>>>>>>
>>>>>> [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: PATTI ZAPF <[log in to unmask]>
>>>>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>> Sent: Mon, Sep 21, 2009 7:56 am
>>>>>> Subject: Re: PARKINSON'S AND HEALTH CARE REFORM
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> hmo's have a $0 plan premium monthly cost, the secondary plan has a
>>>>>> big monthly premium.?
>>>>>> hmo plans include a rx drug benefit, the secondary plans do not.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> hmo doctors need lots of traffic, so they can make some money.?
>>>>>> all doctors don't graduate at the top of their class and in many
>>>>>> cases, hmo doctors can be those doctors who have struggled to
>>>>>> graduate.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> those just turning 65 and decide to enroll in a secondary plan,
>>>>>> like popular Plan F, will pay over $100 month, more like $130- $150
>>>>>> mo for this secondary plan. Each year this secondary premium will
>>>>>> increase.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> on either plan: hmo, secondary plan, or no secondary plan, you
>>>>>> still have to pay Medicare part B premium of at least $96.40 month,
>>>>>> unless you qualify for extra help.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> Maybe your sister should go back to original medicare and not buy a
>>>>>> secondary plan. This switch is only allowed once during the first
>>>>>> 12 months of her hmo enrollment. If she doesn't buy a secondary
>>>>>> plan (too expensive) after the switch back to original Medicare,
>>>>>> she'll pay the part B annual deductible of $135 + 20% of doctor
>>>>>> visit costs., which is usually very small and she gets to see the
>>>>>> doctors she wants. she would still have the part B $96.40 premium.
>>>>>> the drawback is she would have the part A deductible of $1064, each
>>>>>> time she had a hospital stay.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> it's hard to determine what the year may bring in medical costs but
>>>>>> if she doesn't require any hospitalization, she could see any
>>>>>> doctor accepting medicare and only be responsible for the part b
>>>>>> $135 deductible annually + 20% of the office visit. this has worked
>>>>>> out well for my husband and several medicare clients i work with.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> if she does have a hospital stay, she can work out a monthly
>>>>>> payment arrangement with the hospital with no finance charges
>>>>>> added, but payments must be made on time.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> it's all a gamble, but with your hands tied in a hmo, because you
>>>>>> have to use network doctors and hospitals only, she could back to
>>>>>> original medicare (part a & b) for a year without a supplement plan
>>>>>> and see how it works out. if it doesn't work well, she can switch
>>>>>> to a hmo, ppo, or buy a supplement (AARP offers a guarantee issue)
>>>>>> at open enrollment.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> the other draw back is, she would need to buy a rx drug plan. Plan
>>>>>> costs range from $13mo to $100mo. if she goes to medicare.gov, they
>>>>>> have a nifty rx drug calculator that compares drug costs and
>>>>>> monthly plan premiums, with all the plans available in your state.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> call medicare at 1-800-medicare for help with their website and
>>>>>> adding your medications, unless you live in Texas, then call me and
>>>>>> i will help you. 1-800-510-6097.?
>>>>>> Have ready your drug names, amount you take, and how often you take
>>>>>> them.?
>>>>>> If you live in Texas, you can fax me your list and we'll calculate
>>>>>> your drug costs for 2010 plans, after October 15, when new plans
>>>>>> come out. fax me@ 972-771-8455.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> the Medicare rx drug calulator shows when you get in the donut
>>>>>> hole, what your monthly costs are, and a way to budget. if her
>>>>>> income is below around $12,000 year she can qualify for assistance,
>>>>>> thru social security.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> i know some of the rx drug plans offer FREE generics. check out
>>>>>> your current rx drug plan and see if this is available. Humana's
>>>>>> Medicare Advantage hmo and ppo plans do offer free generics, thru
>>>>>> their mail order service Right Source. Aetna's do too. Humana and
>>>>>> Aetna have their own drug calculator's that are easy to use on
>>>>>> their websites.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> I wish the USA would allow all generics, like entacapone for
>>>>>> COMTAN', which we buy in Canada now, during the donut hole.?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> patti cg?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>> On Sep 20, 2009, at 3:45 PM, rayilynlee wrote:?
>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Alison is advocating for HR 676 and her email to me explains how
>>>>>>> > PWP, especially young-onset PWP, are impacted by our present
>>>>>>> health
>>>>>>> > care system.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> We need HR 676 Medicare for All because we are no longer a tribal
>>>>>>> or > farming community where sick people are hopefully taken care
>>>>>>> of by > the private sector or kindness of neighbors.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> I do not wish to offend anyone, but don't you think this is >
>>>>>>> important enough for us to talk about? If you are not affected,
>>>>>>> > just delete.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Ray?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Rayilyn Brown?
>>>>>>> Director AZNPF?
>>>>>>> Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation?
>>>>>>> [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> From: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Sent: Sunday, September 20, 2009 9:46 AM?
>>>>>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: PARKINSON'S AND HEALTH CARE REFORM in Washington?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Hi Ray,?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> If you have to get an email to me quickly, my computer is usually
>>>>>>> > open to [log in to unmask] . Otherwise, the
>>>>>>> [log in to unmask] > is best. My AOL account bounces emails
>>>>>>> back with anything over > 1,000 emails. I'm often at the limit at
>>>>>>> the [log in to unmask] address.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> My sister, diagnosed in 1998 at age 44, is on an HMO Medicare >
>>>>>>> Advantage Plan. Our father, in his 80's, was diagnosed with >
>>>>>>> Parkinson's 2 years ago, is on Medicare and a secondary policy.
>>>>>>> > Fran has to get referrals to see a specialist each and every
>>>>>>> time.
>>>>>>> > The specialists are the doctors that her primary physician
>>>>>>> refers her > to. They are not necessarily the doctors we would
>>>>>>> choose. >
>>>>>>> Second opinions from another specialist are few and hard to come by
>>>>>>> > as the primary physician does the referrals. HMO Medicare
>>>>>>> Advantage > Plans restrict the hospitals a patient can go to.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Physical therapy; Dad can see anyone he chooses. My sister has to
>>>>>>> > go to the physical therapist she is referred to. Often times
>>>>>>> the > physical therapy center they refer to is owned by the
>>>>>>> Medicare > Advantage company.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> How many Parkinsonians fall into the "donut" hole and either have
>>>>>>> to > rely on the mercy of the drug company to donate medicine or
>>>>>>> go to > Canada to buy it less expensively. The drug companies
>>>>>>> are doing > just fine financially. Pfizer this year was fined
>>>>>>> $2.3 billion this > year for violations involving paying
>>>>>>> physicians speaking fees for > basically "pushing" their drugs.
>>>>>>> Drug companies consider these > fines the cost of doing business.
>>>>>>> Health insurance and > pharmaceutical companies are making a
>>>>>>> fortune at the expense of > people who are fighting for their
>>>>>>> health.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> It would be far better for Parkinson's patients if they could see
>>>>>>> > the specialists of their choice who would actually spend some
>>>>>>> time
>>>>>>> > examining them rather than being bombarded by xrays and MRIs
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>> cat > scans by primary care physicians who find it necessary to
>>>>>>> "cover" > themselves so they won't be sued.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> A Parkinson's patient shouldn't have to fight to see a nutritionist
>>>>>>> > when they are losing weight and bone mass due to Parkinsons and
>>>>>>> need > personalized help by someone trained in the field rather
>>>>>>> than being > handed several pages of photocopied materials on
>>>>>>> diet, which has > happened.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> H.R. 676 is approximately 27 pages in length. H.R.676 details are
>>>>>>> > on the Thomas.gov website. It lists sponsors, complete
>>>>>>> legislation
>>>>>>> > and summary of legislation at http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/
>>>>>>> thomas. > I've copied the Summary from the thomas.gov site, below.
>>>>>>> The entire > legislation and sponsors are at the link above.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF H.R.676?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> HR 676 would institute a single payer health care system by >
>>>>>>> expanding a?
>>>>>>> greatly improved Medicare system to everyone residing in the U. S.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> HR 676 would cover every person for all necessary medical care
>>>>>>> > including prescription drugs, hospital, surgical, outpatient
>>>>>>> > services, primary and preventive care, emergency services,
>>>>>>> dental,
>>>>>>> > mental health, home health, physical therapy, rehabilitation >
>>>>>>> (including for substance abuse), vision care, hearing services
>>>>>>> > including hearing aids, chiropractic, durable medical
>>>>>>> equipment,
>>>>>>> > palliative care, and long term care.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> HR 676 ends deductibles and co-payments. HR 676 would save hundreds
>>>>>>> > of?
>>>>>>> billions annually by eliminating the high overhead and profits of
>>>>>>> the?
>>>>>>> private health insurance industry and HMOs.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> In the current Congress, HR 676 has 86 co-sponsors in addition to
>>>>>>> > Conyers. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced SB 703,
>>>>>>> a > single payer bill in the Senate.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> HR 676 has been endorsed by 566 union organizations in 49 states
>>>>>>> > including 134 Central Labor Councils and Area Labor Federations
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>> > 39 state AFL-CIO's (KY, PA, CT, OH, DE, ND, WA, SC, WY, VT, FL,
>>>>>>> WI, > WV, SD, NC, MO,MN, ME, AR, MD-DC, TX, IA, AZ, TN, OR, GA,
>>>>>>> OK, KS, > CO, IN, AL, CA, AK, MI,MT, NE, NY, NV & MA?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> It is endorsed by the California Nurses and the California Nurses
>>>>>>> > Organizing Committee and by 16,000 physicians in Physicians for
>>>>>>> a > National Health Program (PNHP). It has been endorsed by the
>>>>>>> United
>>>>>>> > States Conference of Mayors.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> COPIED FROM THE THOMAS.GOV SITE;?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> H.R.676?
>>>>>>> Title: To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for
>>>>>>> > all United States residents, improved health care delivery,
>>>>>>> and for
>>>>>>> > other purposes.?
>>>>>>> Sponsor: Rep Conyers, John, Jr. [MI-14] (introduced 1/26/2009)
>>>>>>> > Cosponsors (86)?
>>>>>>> Latest Major Action: 1/26/2009 Referred to House committee. Status:
>>>>>>> > Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in
>>>>>>> addition
>>>>>>> to > the Committees on Ways and Means, and Natural Resources, for a
>>>>>>> > period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each
>>>>>>> case for > consideration of such provisions as fall within the
>>>>>>> jurisdiction > of the committee concerned.?
>>>>>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------?
>>>>>>> SUMMARY AS OF:?
>>>>>>> 1/26/2009--Introduced.?
>>>>>>> United States National Health Care Act or the Expanded and Improved
>>>>>>> > Medicare for All Act - Establishes the United States National
>>>>>>> Health > Care (USNHC) Program to provide all individuals residing
>>>>>>> in the > United States and U.S. territories with free health care
>>>>>>> that > includes all medically necessary care, such as primary
>>>>>>> care and > prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care,
>>>>>>> long-term care, > mental health services, dental services, and
>>>>>>> vision care.?
>>>>>>> Prohibits an institution from participating unless it is a public
>>>>>>> or > nonprofit institution. Allows nonprofit health maintenance >
>>>>>>> organizations (HMOs) that deliver care in their own facilities to
>>>>>>> > participate.?
>>>>>>> Gives patients the freedom to choose from participating physicians
>>>>>>> > and institutions.?
>>>>>>> Prohibits a private health insurer from selling health insurance
>>>>>>> > coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this
>>>>>>> Act. > Allows such insurers to sell benefits that are not medically
>>>>>>> > necessary, such as cosmetic surgery benefits.?
>>>>>>> Sets forth methods to pay institutional providers of care and
>>>>>>> health > professionals for services. Prohibits financial
>>>>>>> incentives between > HMOs and physicians based on utilization.?
>>>>>>> Establishes the USNHC Trust Fund to finance the Program with
>>>>>>> amounts > deposited: (1) from existing sources of government
>>>>>>> revenues for > health care; (2) by increasing personal income
>>>>>>> taxes on the top 5% > income earners; (3) by instituting a
>>>>>>> progressive excise tax on > payroll and self-employment income;
>>>>>>> and (4) by instituting a small > tax on stock and bond
>>>>>>> transactions. Transfers and appropriates to > carry out this Act
>>>>>>> amounts that would have been appropriated for > federal public
>>>>>>> health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, > and the
>>>>>>> State Children's Health Insurance Program.?
>>>>>>> Requires the USNHC Program to give first priority in retraining and
>>>>>>> > job placement and USNHC employment transition benefits to >
>>>>>>> individuals whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced
>>>>>>> administration.?
>>>>>>> Requires creation of a confidential electronic patient record
>>>>>>> system.?
>>>>>>> Establishes a National Board of Universal Quality and Access to
>>>>>>> > provide advice on quality, access, and affordability.?
>>>>>>> Provides for: (1) the eventual integration of the Indian Health
>>>>>>> > Service into the Program; and (2) evaluation of the continued
>>>>>>> > independence of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health
>>>>>>> programs.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Sincerely,?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Alison Landes?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----?
>>>>>>> From: rayilynlee <[log in to unmask]>?
>>>>>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Cc: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Sent: Sat, Sep 19, 2009 10:17 pm?
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: PARKINSONS AND HEALTH CARE REFORM in Washington?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Alison?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> You don't have to convince me. What I need to do is find the parts
>>>>>>> > of HR 676 that would help people with Parkinson's in order to
>>>>>>> sneak > it into the PIEN. I'm all for Medicare for All, but have
>>>>>>> to find a > way to promote HR 676 on PIEN by connecting it with
>>>>>>> Parkinson's > disease. We just came out of a dustup re my comments
>>>>>>> and others > about HR 3200. Some people on the List can't stand
>>>>>>> controversy even > when it affects their health.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> My letter to legislators should call for support of HR 676, right??
>>>>>>> mainly because the other legislation does not help PWPs??
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> I'll go back to to the sites you mention and see if I can take a
>>>>>>> > look at HR 676.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Ray?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Rayilyn Brown?
>>>>>>> Director AZNPF?
>>>>>>> Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation?
>>>>>>> [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> From: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 6:57 PM?
>>>>>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Cc: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: PARKINSONS AND HEALTH CARE REFORM in Washington?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Hi Ray,?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Thank you for your reply. H.R. 676, the United States National
>>>>>>> > Health Insurance Act, is single--payer, expanded and improved
>>>>>>> > Medicare for All. If you log onto the site
>>>>>>> www.PassHR676.org , I've
>>>>>>> > attempted to provide background information, bringing folks up
>>>>>>> to > speed on what has been going on behind the scenes for 3 years
>>>>>>> that > I've been involved.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> The ABOUT page provides background information and the MULTIMEDIA
>>>>>>> > page has assortment of videos and articles that reveal the
>>>>>>> truth > about our health care crisis. Wendell Potter, a former
>>>>>>> CIGNA > executive, is interviewed by Bill Moyers and has
>>>>>>> testified before > congress about how the health insurance
>>>>>>> industry is ripping off > consumers.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> The average person on the street does not realize the depth of
>>>>>>> > deception in that mainstream media wants advertising dollars,
>>>>>>> Wall
>>>>>>> > Street wants return on investment for stockholders and our
>>>>>>> elected > officials reap millions of dollars in campaign
>>>>>>> contributions. > Senator Max Baucus has received over $3million
>>>>>>> dollars from the > health insurance industry.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> The health insurance and pharmaceutical industries, special
>>>>>>> interest > groups and lobbyists are spending close to $2 million
>>>>>>> per day to > defeat health care reform. Executives who are earning
>>>>>>> multi-million > dollar salaries and billions in stock options
>>>>>>> want the status quo.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Young onset patients with Parkinson's and others under the age of
>>>>>>> 65 > were essentially forced onto HMO Medicare Advantage Plans by
>>>>>>> the > last administration attempting to privatize Medicare. The
>>>>>>> only way > to get access to Medicare Part D for prescription drugs
>>>>>>> was to get > onto HMO Medicare Advantage Plan if you didn't have a
>>>>>>> secondary > policy and had a pre- existing condition precluding
>>>>>>> your getting > access to a secondary policy.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> HMO Medicare Advantage Plans were paid an extra 14% above what was
>>>>>>> > paid to regular Medicare. Where Medicare has a 3%
>>>>>>> administrative > overhead, private insurers have close to 30%
>>>>>>> overhead. Watch some of > the videos. Listen to the videos with
>>>>>>> Congressman Anthony
>>>>>>> Weiner > (D-NY) or Eric Massa (D-NY) or Senator Bernie Sanders (I-
>>>>>>> VT).?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Congressman Phil Hare, who is in former Lane Evan's seat in >
>>>>>>> Illinois, is a co-sponsor of H.R. 676. Lane Evans was a sponsor of
>>>>>>> > H.R. 676. We are fighting a huge uphill battle because the
>>>>>>> grass > roots, has limited resources in comparison to corporate
>>>>>>> America.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> What is really needed is a total, comprehensive overhaul of our
>>>>>>> > campaign finance system. There is a link to that on the
>>>>>>> ACTION > page. I think the site is www.change-congress.org .?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Do you know that Senator Max Baucus had a total of 13 doctors,
>>>>>>> > nurses and patient advocates arrested when they attempted to
>>>>>>> voice
>>>>>>> > their objection to the fact that he was leaving single-payer
>>>>>>> health > care off the table. Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D- IL)
>>>>>>> has been > sponsoring this same bill since 2003. There are now 86
>>>>>>> co-sponsors > signed on. Congressman Anthony Weiner submitted an
>>>>>>> amendment to > substitute the language of H.R. 676 (single-payer)
>>>>>>> for H.R.3200. > Nancy Pelosi and Waxman asked him to hold off on
>>>>>>> the vote in the > session right before the August recess in
>>>>>>> exchange for floor vote in > the full House of Representatives in
>>>>>>> September. Then all hell broke > lose with the Tea Party Patriots
>>>>>>> and the Town Hall Meetings in August.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Mainstream Media, especially Fox, covered the Tea Party Express ad
>>>>>>> > nauseum. They have a super expensive luxury coach bus with 12 >
>>>>>>> sleeping berths driving cross country. Mad As Hell Doctors,
>>>>>>> www.MadAsHellDoctors.com
>>>>>>> > , are driving cross country in a group owned recreational
>>>>>>> vehicle, > stoppingin 27 cities nationwide. It has not been
>>>>>>> covered yet on > Mainstream Media. They are supporting single-
>>>>>>> payer health care.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> If you know anyone in Illinois, their comments on the website
>>>>>>> www.PassHR676.org
>>>>>>> > in reference to the OPEN LETTER to Rep. Phil Hare and Sen.
>>>>>>> Dick >
>>>>>>> Durbin would be very helpful. It talks about the $100,000 >
>>>>>>> collection they are taking up for their friend and former
>>>>>>> colleague, > Lane Evans, who has Parkinson's and Lewy Body
>>>>>>> Dementia. His > expenses in the assisted living facility are
>>>>>>> beyond his reach. H.R. > 676 would help with these costs for all
>>>>>>> Americans and we wouldn't > have 47 million uninsured. Our
>>>>>>> representatives cannot take up > collections for themselves and
>>>>>>> not own up to the fact that they are > selling out the people
>>>>>>> who elected them to office.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> All single-payer means is that funds would be paid to the
>>>>>>> government > and they would in turn pay the doctors and medical
>>>>>>> providers. We > would get rid of all insurance companies. They are
>>>>>>> unnecessary. > They put profits before people, making profits by
>>>>>>> denying care. > Wendell Potter was an executive with Cigna for 18
>>>>>>> years. He knows > full well what went on but it didn't even
>>>>>>> register with him until he > saw what was going on with REMOTE
>>>>>>> ACCESS MEDICAL one weekend when > visiting his parents in
>>>>>>> Tennessee.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Look for that video on the MULTIMEDIA page as well. It's all >
>>>>>>> there. It's really quite simple. We don't need health insurance
>>>>>>> > companies. We need Medicare for All. We would save $400
>>>>>>> billion > annually with H.R. 676.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Congressman Anthony Weiner is finally having success getting the
>>>>>>> > Congressional Budget Office to score H.R. 676. Senator Edward >
>>>>>>> Kennedy, Senator Paul Wellstone both wanted all Americans to have
>>>>>>> > access to health care. There's even a video on the site where
>>>>>>> > Barack Obama says "If we were starting from scratch, single-
>>>>>>> payer > would be the way to go." There are too many of our
>>>>>>> representatives
>>>>>>> > raking in millions of dollars in campaign contributions from
>>>>>>> the > health insurance and pharmaceutical companies.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Listen to Senator Bernie Sanders video on the MULTIMEDIA page. It's
>>>>>>> > been a racket. Medicare should be able to negotiate for
>>>>>>> better >
>>>>>>> prices on drugs. It's possible to buy drugs from Canada for half of
>>>>>>> > what they charge in the U.S. Did you see the Michael Moore
>>>>>>> movie, > SICKO? If not, rent it. Wendell Potter says Michael Moore
>>>>>>> was >
>>>>>>> right. The insurance companies did what they could to spin it to
>>>>>>> > make it sound like he was wrong.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Look at the video and article about T.R. Reid who did the >
>>>>>>> documentary for PBS Frontline, "Sick Around the World." They asked
>>>>>>> > him to do "Sick Around America." When he saw how they edited
>>>>>>> it,
>>>>>>> he > was furious as even PBS Frontline altered his message. He
>>>>>>> refused > to have them use his name and he walked out.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Again, the ABOUT page on www.PassHR676.org explains the background.
>>>>>>> > The MULTIMEDIA page has lots of videos and articles, many of
>>>>>>> which > one would not readily see on mainstream media. The issue
>>>>>>> has been > confused. First they tried to pass the "Public Option"
>>>>>>> now they're > moving to "Co-Ops." Both of these are destined to
>>>>>>> fail. We need > Single-Payer. The powers that be, of course, like
>>>>>>> things the way > they are.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Single-payer health care, expanded and improved Medicare for All,
>>>>>>> > everybody in, nobody out. It is NOT socialized medicine. You
>>>>>>> can > see any doctor or go to any hospital you want.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Thanks for your assistance. Let me know if you want more >
>>>>>>> clarification.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Sincerely,?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Alison Landes?
>>>>>>> www.PassHR676.org?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> -----Original Message-----?
>>>>>>> From: rayilynlee <[log in to unmask]>?
>>>>>>> To: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Sent: Sat, Sep 19, 2009 3:00 pm?
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: PARKINSONS AND HEALTH CARE REFORM in Washington?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Alison?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> I will be glad to help you and "push" this on PIEN, but I'm
>>>>>>> confused > as to what HR 676 is - single payer plan? campaign
>>>>>>> finance reform? > I favor both but can't begin to attack this
>>>>>>> until I know what I'm > talking about. Alison, a way has to be
>>>>>>> found to reduce the size of > the letter, even I couldn't digest
>>>>>>> it all. What I got from it was > that there has been an effort
>>>>>>> to raise money for Lane Evans, but the > million+ other Parkies
>>>>>>> don't have $ to defray economic disaster. > But my question is
>>>>>>> why do we want HR 676? Is it a single payer plan > or a campaign
>>>>>>> finance reform bill? I'm pretty skilled at getting > to the point
>>>>>>> when I know what it is, so let me hear from you.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Ray?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Rayilyn Brown?
>>>>>>> Director AZNPF?
>>>>>>> Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation?
>>>>>>> [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> From: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 9:11 AM?
>>>>>>> To: [log in to unmask] ; [log in to unmask] ; >
>>>>>>> [log in to unmask] ; [log in to unmask] ; [log in to unmask] ;
>>>>>>> [log in to unmask]> ; [log in to unmask] ?
>>>>>>> Cc: [log in to unmask]
>>>>>>> Subject: PARKINSONS AND HEALTH CARE REFORM in Washington?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Hello Fellow Advocates,?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> As some of you know, my sister was diagnosed with Parkinson's in
>>>>>>> > 1998 at age 44. I started Take Charge! Cure Parkinson's in
>>>>>>> 1999. > There is a short bio about what I've been working on
>>>>>>> since that time > on the blog www.PassHR676.org . It is one of
>>>>>>> the earlier entries.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Your input would be most welcome, particularly in regards to the
>>>>>>> > entry titled "Open Letter to Representative Phil Hare (D-IL)
>>>>>>> and > Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), fundraising for 'one' does
>>>>>>> not equal
>>>>>>> > health care for all. If you would spend a few minutes looking >
>>>>>>> around the site, full information about what is going on behind the
>>>>>>> > scenes in this debate has been difficult to come by, as you
>>>>>>> will
>>>>>>> see.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Please do take the time to register at www.PassHR676.org and leave
>>>>>>> a > comment there for Congressman Phil Hare and Senator Dick
>>>>>>> Durbin. > This is very important in order for us to advance our
>>>>>>> position and > to be heard. Congressman Phil Hare and former
>>>>>>> Congressman Lane > Evans are both supporters of H.R. 676.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> If you LOG ON, you can post your comment on the site. Congressman
>>>>>>> > Phil Hare and Senator Richard Durbin have received the letter
>>>>>>> at > their office. I've left word that we've invited people in
>>>>>>> Illinois
>>>>>>> > and nationwide to register their comments regarding health
>>>>>>> care >
>>>>>>> reform and how patients with Parkinson's are impacted, young onset
>>>>>>> > patients in particular.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> If not 65, young onset patients would, in most instances, have to
>>>>>>> > rely on HMO Medicare Advantage Plans, rather than Medicare, as
>>>>>>> they
>>>>>>> > would be unable to get a secondary policy for Medicare Part D
>>>>>>> due
>>>>>>> to > a "pre-existing" condition.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> The ABOUT section at the website explains the background of the
>>>>>>> > reform effort and the MULTIMEDIA has myriad videos and
>>>>>>> articles that > reveal more of what is going on behind the
>>>>>>> scenes.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> The overriding issue is that the U.S.A. desperately needs campaign
>>>>>>> > finance reform in order to serve the people instead of
>>>>>>> special >
>>>>>>> interest groups.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> I've sent a copy of this to the ListServe.?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Sincerely,?
>>>>>>> ?
>>>>>>> Alison Landes?
>>>>>>> Founder & Editor?
>>>>>>> www.PassHR676.org?
>>>>>>> Executive Board Member?
>>>>>>> Floridians for Health Care?
>>>>>>> ?
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