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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