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? >>>>> ? >>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------? >>>>> To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: >>>>> mailto:[log in to unmask] >>>>> In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn? >>>>> ? >>>> ? >>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------? >>>> To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: >>>> mailto:[log in to unmask] >>>> In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn? >>>> >>>> >>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>> To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: >>>> mailto:[log in to unmask] >>>> In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn >>> >>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: >>> mailto:[log in to unmask] >>> In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: >> mailto:[log in to unmask] >> In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: > mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn