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? >>>>>>> ? >>>>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------? >>>>>>> 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 > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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