Archive 060509

June 5, 2009
	Publicize Your National Health Care Reform Events With Us, and Check Out Our New Resources With National Health Care Reform dominating our agendas, Florida CHAIN will start sending weekly alerts publicizing national health care reform efforts happening all around Florida. So add us to your distribution list or forward the information to lisag@floridachain.org so we can help you spread the word. And check out our new Health Care Reform Sections on the Events and Resources pages, starting with this issue of CHAIN Reaction.

	Senate Health Care Reform Legislation - A Preview The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has begun the process of narrowing down the nature and scope of health care reform prior to the expected filing of legislation later this month. They've explored improving care, reducing costs, coverage options, and financing. This airing clears the picture somewhat, but much remains unclear.(Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN) Read more

	Retail Clinic Movement: Not Much “In Store” for Underserved “Retail clinics” (i.e., small, walk-in medical clinics located inside a larger host retailer) , have been praised for their convenience and accessibility. More retail clinics currently operate in Florida than in any other state. However, a new study suggests those descriptors may not apply for everyone. (Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN) *Read more*

	When Consumer Stories (Somehow) Aren’t Enough During the past year, heightened serious concerns about Florida Medicaid have threatened access to care for thousands of vulnerable recipients. Florida CHAIN appropriately shares real stories, but we can't reach even a small fraction of Florida's 2+ million recipients. Absent a large consumer outcry, concerns are dismissed or downplayed. (Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN) *Read more*

	Medication Costs Bring Couple Dire Hardship I'm 56 and my husband, 61 was just hospitalized with a TIA and shingles. We worked all our lives and now are struggling because of several medical conditions. My husband became partly disabled through exposure to Agent Orange in Viet Nam. Since the VA started taking the costs of his prescriptions out of his disabled veteran's check, we can't pay rent and are turning the car in to the bank. *Read more*

	Legislative Wins and Losses for People with Developmental Disabilities While many suffered cuts to their budgets this legislative session, several human services programs did very well this year, including programs offering behavioral services for individuals with developmental disabilities. (Margaret Hooper, Developmental Disabilities Planning Council) Read more

	Governor Crist Signs Cigarette Tax Into Law! Governor Crist has signed into law a $1.00 per pack of cigarettes tax increase calling it a “public health” issue , rather than a tax issue. It’s been a challenging journey, but one that will bring invaluable benefits to our state in the form of reduced smoking related deaths and increased funding for health care for low income individuals. (Leah Cook, Florida CHAIN) Read more

	Programs for Mothers, Babies Avoid Budget Ax Key services for mothers and babies in Florida—including Medicaid and Healthy Start— were spared significant cuts by the 2009 Legislature. The cuts would have resulted in a loss of federal funds and eliminated services for more than 40,000 families. (Carol Brady, Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition) Read more KidCare Open to 50,000 More Children and Access Improved for Others For years, families and advocates have urged the legislature to eliminate numerous obstacles for families that desperately need health insurance coverage for their children. The efforts finally paid off. The successful Senate Bill 918 streamlines Florida KidCare in a number of ways. (Leah Cook, Florida CHAIN) Read more Florida KidCare Regional Meetings Invitation This summer, Florida Healthy Kids is hosting three regional meetings across the state to share and discuss valuable program information with partners and advocates of Florida KidCare. These meetings will also feature brainstorming sessions designed to encourage new outreach tactics for underserved populations. Read more and register to guarantee a spot at one of these updates.

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	CHAIN Reaction is a bi-weekly publication of Florida CHAIN (Community Health Action Information Network), a statewide consumer advocacy organization that works toward access to quality health care, empowering people to actively shape their world by participating in civic life and caring for each other’s well being. Florida CHAIN: 3167-B Gardens East Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 info@floridachain.org www.floridachain.org

Senate Health Care Reform Legislation - A Preview

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has begun the process of narrowing down the nature and scope of health care reform prior to the expected filing of legislation later this month. Throughout the month of May, the Committee explored three key dimensions of health care reform: 1) improving care and reducing costs, 2) coverage options, and 3) financing the system. The airing and analysis of issues clears the picture somewhat, but much remains unclear.

With respect to the issue of coverage options – the “what” of health care reform - Committee Chair Max Baucus, (D-Montana) and the ranking Republican on the committee, Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), jointly released a 63-page document analyzing coverage options. The Committee also heard from experts and from one another on the subject.

The document presents all of the following concepts and options, many of which will sound familiar – and more:

A mandate (referred to as a “personal responsibility requirement") that almost all Americans obtain health insurance coverage. The penalty for not being insured would be a tax equal to a percentage of what one would have had to pay to purchase the “lowest” coverage option available through the Exchange, though some exemptions would apply.

An end to the practice of denying coverage based on health status (“guaranteed issue and renewal”).

Significant restrictions on the extent to which rates for individual and small group coverage may vary from one person to another.

Establishment of a national on-line “Health Insurance Exchange”, which will provide information about coverage options and facilitate the process of securing coverage.

A requirement that all insurers make four different coverage options available through the Exchange: lowest, low, medium and high levels of benefits.

A requirement that insurers offer, at a minimum, the following types of benefits as part of any coverage offered: prevention and wellness, primary care, emergency services, hospitalization, physician services, prescription drugs and other benefits, with no lifetime or annual limits on coverage.

Expansion of Medicaid coverage to include millions more low-income, uninsured Americans. This could involve raising income eligibility levels, either for some groups or across-the-board. This could be implemented through the traditional Medicaid structure (with premium assistance for low-income workers) or insurers might be allowed to offer Medicaid coverage options through the Exchange.

Elimination of the 2-year wait for Medicare coverage for persons receiving Social Security Disability and creation of a temporary (until the Exchange is set up) Medicare buy-in program for uninsured individuals ages 55-64.

Availability of tax credits for households with incomes under 400% of the poverty level to offset the cost of purchasing coverage. (Very low-income households would qualify for subsidized coverage, but as income increases, subsidies are phased out and tax credits phased in.)

Creation of a "pay or play" system for employers, in which businesses would pay a significant tax if they declined to offer coverage to all full-time employees in addition to paying at least half of the premiums. (An alternative option would require employers to offer coverage). At a minimum, the coverage offered would need to be equivalent to the “lowest” option available through the Exchange. Small businesses would also receive tax credits to make their participation feasible.

Increased emphasis on prevention and wellness in both Medicare and Medicaid, including the elimination of co-pay requirements for many such services. Also, employers who establish such programs could also get tax credits.

Finally, the document does not help resolve the biggest controversy in the reform debate thus far, namely what a publicly administered plan competing with private plans should look like. The alternatives floated cover the spectrum: 1) a Medicare look-alike program, 2) a system of public third party administrators that would recruit provider networks and negotiate rates in each region, 3) state-administered public plans, and 4) a “reformed and better regulated market (i.e., no public plan at all).

Through these discussions, some lines on the road map through Congress are beginning to emerge. We’re a long way from seeing the final route, however, let alone arriving at our destination.

Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN

Retail Clinic Movement: Not Much “In Store” for Underserved

“Retail clinics” (i.e., small, walk-in medical clinics located inside a larger host retailer) , have been praised for their convenience and accessibility. However, a new study suggests those descriptors may not apply for everyone.

From 2006 until the recession took hold, the number of “retail clinics” grew dramatically throughout much of the nation. More retail clinics currently operate in Florida than in any other state.

Supporters praise retail clinics as innovative and beneficial, even for the uninsured, many of whom lack a regular primary care doctor or who need the night and weekend access. Physician groups and others, however, have criticized the retail clinic boom, citing concerns about quality and continuity of care. The fact that the model does not support prevention, coordination of care or follow-up is a key flaw.

For their part, industry representatives have generally conceded that a retail clinic can’t substitute for a medical home, but they do claim that they serve as an entry point into the system. They also point out that retail clinics may actually be indispensable given the dire shortage of primary care physicians and the persistent threat of outbreaks (e.g., swine flu). They might also play a pivotal role if significantly more people secure health coverage as a result of reform.

The real impetus for the retail clinic movement, however, is that there is money to be made. For example, data from one retailer shows that 95% of clinic patients with prescriptions filled them at the store pharmacy, and 90% made a general purchase.

The biggest question then, for those concerned about the plight of uninsured and medically underserved Floridians, is whether retail clinics actually expand access or are simply a convenient option for those who have access regardless. A study published last week in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests the latter.

At a minimum, according to the authors,“[r]etail clinics are?in moreadvantaged neighborhoods, which may make them less accessiblefor those most in need.”Of the 930 retail clinics identified by researchers, only 123 (13%) were located in specific census tracts considered medically underserved by federal HHS. The authors also found that the census tracts where retail clinics do exist had significantly fewer minorities, less poverty and higher median incomes.

Zooming in on a Florida example, a similar trend is apparent. We examined the 4-county Central Florida region, identifying a total of 26 retail clinics currently in operation. These are distributed among 4 different host retailers (CVS, Publix, Walgreens and Wal-Mart). The companies collectively have well over 100 stores in Central Florida, so clinics are clearly placed in only a few select stores.

In fact, only 3 of the 26 clinics (12%) were located in census tracts specifically designated as medically underserved. Even these are of questionable accessibility to medically underserved residents, as they are located in a tourist corridor, in a regional shopping district and on the travel path to an extremely affluent area, respectively. Admittedly, a few other clinics not located in need areas nevertheless sit along very high-traffic roads used by just about everyone. But in general, assuming the current business model holds, it will be difficult to take the notion that retail clinics are key agents in expanding access to quality care seriously.

Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN

When Consumer Stories (Somehow) Aren’t Enough

During the past year, already serious concerns about Florida's Medicaid managed care system have heightened further. Florida CHAIN has called attention to at least a half-dozen such concerns because they threatened to impact access to care for thousands of vulnerable Medicaid recipients.

As consumer advocates, our goal is always to appropriately share individual stories that illustrate any concerns we raise. However, we simply can't reach even a small fraction of the 2+ million Medicaid recipients in Florida. But absent a large consumer outcry, AHCA and other skeptics have dismissed or downplayed the concerns.

We subscribe to the rule of thumb that every example we do hear about represents many more that we don't hear about, particularly given the barriers many Medicaid recipients face. But we will not respond on that basis alone, as illustrated by these two issues

1. Conversion to HMOs

In April, Florida CHAIN expressed concerns about the impact of the conversion of two Medicaid provider networks (NetPass and Access Health Solutions) into HMOs (Molina and Sunshine). We asserted that the result of that conversion was to forcibly reassign vulnerable recipients to an HMO for the first time as well as remove many from access to their mental health plans. We also noted that federal Medicaid regulations requiring that enrollees be notified in advance of the change and its potential impact were apparently being ignored.

AHCA took issue with those claims. But we not only had information from numerous partner organizations about the problem, we also reviewed problematic notices sent to recipients. In addition, we looked at some of the only information we have: AHCA's own Medicaid enrollment reports. Those reports showed that, immediately after the conversion, both NetPass and Access Health lost all their members, while Sunshine and Molina immediately suddenly had just as many members (more, in fact). So either everyone made a conscious decision to remain with the new HMOs, or no one knew they could switch elsewhere (particularly to MediPass, where access to their mental health plan would have continued). Clearly, the first scenario did not occur.

2. Medicaid Options' Meltdown

EDS became the State's new enrollment broker for Medicaid in July. In that role, they are responsible for helping recipients through the "Medicaid Options" hotline when they become eligible, during their open enrollment period, when they need to switch plans, etc. Complaints about EDS poured in well into 2009. AHCA acknowledged but downplayed the problem, eventually even refusing to provide data about the number of forced assignments to HMOs.

Again, since consumer complaints were not enough to tip the scales, we looked at what little data we do have. The fact is, the MediPass program (in which care is managed by a primary care doctor) somehow lost more than 49,000 enrollees - an astounding 11% drop - over the first 3 months of EDS' contract, even though total managed care enrollment remained generally unchanged over the same period. The effect of these events is still being felt.

Consumer stories are essential to helping decision-makers understand how real problems affect real people. If only they were enough to prompt a real response in the case of Medicaid managed care.

Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN

Medication Costs Bring Couple Dire Hardship

I'm 56 and my husband is 61. We have worked all our lives and now we are struggling because of our medical situations.

A lot has happened in the past 2-3 weeks. I got a call from my husband's office week before last and they were taking him to the hospital. They thought he had another heart attack. He had a major heart attack in 1992 (at the age of 44), and then a couple of years ago had another heart attack at work and had to get two stents. This time they think he had a TIA and also had shingles.

He receives a 20% disability from the VA due to his having diabetes and they determined it was a direct result of exposure to Agent Orange when he was in Viet Nam.

He gets his medication from the VA. They had given us the meds for quite some time, but then made him start paying for them. Because we didn't have the money, they continued with the meds, but this month didn't pay him his disability check ($243), and are keeping his stimulus check.

This really caused us a problem. We are taking his car back to the bank today because we cannot afford the payments. Our rent of $750 is due Friday and we can't pay it. I'm going to see if they will let us pay it on the third Wednesday of June when I get my SSDI.

However, that puts our other bills behind and I will be out of my Effexor on Friday and cannot buy it. Medication is a huge issue for us.

I'm telling you all this to further explain how many, many people are in the same situation we are, and some are in an even worse situation. The stress is overwhelming.

Our home phone, cable, and internet are bundled and we are going to have to let that go also due to money. I hope to be able to keep my cell phone.

When I can get myself together I do want to try to do something to help others in my situation.

Florida CHAIN Seeks Stories

Florida CHAIN welcomes contributions from health care consumers who are interested in sharing their experiences with readers of CHAIN Reaction. If you have a story to share, please contact lisam@floridachain.org

Legislative Wins and Losses for People with Developmental Disabilities

While many suffered cuts to their budgets this legislative session, several human services programs did very well this year, including programs offering behavioral services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

During the last few hours of the 2009 legislative session, lawmakers finally agreed to restore proposed cuts to behavioral services. Now, Medicaid providers at Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities (ICF/DDs) can contribute increased revenue toward Medicaid funding and draw down additional federal matching dollars by assessing quality assessment fees.

With regard to the Medicaid Buy-in Program & Persons with Disabilities sponsored by Senator Crist, the original bill provided for Medicaid eligibility for certain persons with disabilities under a Medicaid buy-in program, subject to specific federal authorization. The proposed Work Incentive Medicaid Coverage program would have continued to offer Medicaid coverage to people with disabilities who are working. And, once they enrolled in the program they would have had the opportunity to earn more and save more than the allowable limits for regular Medicaid and still retain their health care coverage through the State’s Medicaid Program.

Unfortunately, this bill was changed to form a workgroup to hammer out more details on how to implement this program. Also, the group would have required that the four relevant state agencies sit down and work on the best way to implement this program in Florida. But, unfortunately, the bill passed through two committees in the Senate and but was never heard on the House side and died as a result.

However, House Bill 745 relating to Prepaid Services for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities by Representative Ford was added to the conforming bill. This language established a study group to determine the feasibility of creating a prepaid service plan for children with disabilities modeled after the Florida prepaid college plan. The prepaid service plan will allow funds to be paid into a fund on behalf of a child and would be used for vouchers for services to help the child to transition into the workforce.

In addition, the Senate language that prioritizes the wait list was accepted with an implementation date of July 2010 to allow an extra year for participant and family input through the rule workshop and rule promulgation process.

For more information, visit http://www.fddc.org or call (850) 488-4180.

Margaret Hooper, Public Policy Coordinator

Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

Governor Crist Signs Cigarette Tax Into Law!

Congratulations to all who worked tirelessly to improve Florida’s health! It’s been a challenging journey, but it is one that will bring invaluable benefits to our state in the form of reduced smoking related deaths and increased funding for health care for low income individuals.

Last Wednesday, Governor Crist signed into law a $1.00 per pack of cigarettes tax increase calling it a “public health” issue , rather than a tax issue. This was a significant measure for a Governor who has always maintained his opposition to taxes. Governor Crist said he hopes the tax hike will result in saving thousands of lives each year.

Florida had not increased its cigarette tax since 1990 while most states have increased theirs and have invested the money generated into education and health care programs. Until the implementation of the new legislation, Florida’s cigarette tax has been one of the lowest in the nation. At 33 cents per pack, we were ranked the 46^th lowest cigarette tax in the nation. However, as of July 1, 2009 Florida's new cigarette tax is $1.33 per pack. The new revenue is expected to generate more than $900 million each year which will be placed in a Health Care Trust fund that will be used to offset Medicaid costs.

Tobacco use imposes enormous costs on our state. The burden on the Medicaid program alone exceeds $1 billion annually and total smoking-related health costs are nearly $5 billion per year, with the combined costs - including lost productivity - exceeding $11 billion. As a result of the increased cigarette tax, Florida can expect to see a significant decrease in the number of new smokers.

The increased cigarette tax will also provide a dedicated source of revenue for important programs for our most vulnerable citizens. Florida CHAIN applauds the Governor’s action and believes this is a responsible way to raise much needed revenue while reducing smoking rates and alleviating the severe toll that smoking exacts on Floridians and their health.

Leah Cook, Florida CHAIN


	Programs for Mothers, Babies Avoid Budget Ax Key services for mothers and babies in Florida—including Medicaid and Healthy Start— were spared significant cuts by the 2009 Legislature. A proposed reduction of more than 20 percent ($9.5 million) in state Healthy Start dollars was eliminated during the session, along with a proposed roll-back in Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women. The cuts would have resulted in a loss of federal funds and eliminated services for more than 40,000 families. Both proposals generated significant opposition from advocacy partners and local communities that depend on this funding to provide care for nearly 200,000 expectant and new families annually. Efforts by the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions to earmark a future source of funding for maternal and child health programs in the state were also unsuccessful, however. This potential source of revenue was a proposed 40-cent per pack assessment on cigarettes sold by companies who did not participate in the state’s tobacco settlement agreement. Such a move would have raised about $90 million annually. In the end, the legislature adopted the $1 cigarette tax for all manufacturers, but did not pursue the tax for non-participating manufacturers. Two other key initiatives sought by maternal and child health groups similarly stalled due to funding shortfalls. Expansion of the Black Infant Health Practice Collaborative, initially implemented in seven Florida counties with significant disparities in birth outcomes, was not pursued despite initial plans to add eight additional counties. A pilot project to establish a Nurse-Family Partnership program in two southwest Florida communities was also shelved due to lack of available funding. The program offers intensive nurse home visiting program for first-time, low income parents. Carol Brady, Executive Director Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition KidCare Open to 50,000 More Children and Access Improved for Others For years, families and advocates have been urging the legislature to eliminate numerous obstacles for families that desperately need health insurance coverage for their children. The efforts finally paid off. Senate Bill 918, sponsored by Senator Nan Rich and co-sponsored by Representative Jimmie Patronis increased children’s access to health care by streamlining the Florida KidCare Program in a number of ways including limiting the wait time for families and extending eligibility. Governor Crist signed vital legislation on Tuesday eliminating several barriers for families seeking health insurance for their children under the KidCare Program. During his press conference, Governor Crist, remarked, “We have a responsibility to ensure that the children of Florida grow up safe and healthy so they can have the opportunity to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. The legislation I sign today helps Florida’s families access affordable health insurance.” The new law will: Decrease the wait period for children with other insurance, employer based or private insurance from 6 months to 2 months, potentially increasing the number of children enrolled in KidCare. Provide several good cause exceptions to the wait period for children who have access to other insurance. Improve retention rates for children currently covered by reducing the waiting period for late premium payments from 60 days to 30 days. Allow for electronic verification of income making it easier for families to enroll eligible uninsured children. While this is a significant step in covering some of the 800,000 uninsured children, there is still a lot of work to be done. The Governor and Legislature must build on this momentum to ensure that every one of Florida’s children is covered. Leah Cook, Florida CHAIN FLORIDA KIDCARE REGIONAL MEETING INVITATION This summer, Florida Healthy Kids will be hosting three regional meetings across the state in an effort to share and discuss valuable program information with partners and advocates of Florida KidCare. These meetings will also feature brainstorming sessions designed to encourage new outreach tactics for underserved populations. In order to guarantee a spot at one of these program updates, please complete the registration form below. These meetings are provided free of charge; however, seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each regional meeting will include: Welcome and introductions Operations update Legislative changes overview (state and federal) Application revisions summary Back to School marketing efforts Brainstorming session Your participation in these meetings is valued and encouraged. If you are interested in attending, please fill out the registration form below. One registration form must be completed per person and must be submitted by the date noted below. You may submit your registration information via email at the address at the bottom of the page, or via fax at (850) 224-0615. An email confirming your registration, along with further information on the location of the meeting, will be sent upon receipt of this form. Name: Business/Organization: Street address: City: Zip: Office fax: Office phone: Email address: Please select the meeting you plan to attend: ____Wednesday, June 17: Miami, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST) Please submit registration form by COB on June 12. ____Tuesday, June 23: Orlando, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EST) Please submit registration form by COB on June 19. ____Tuesday, June 30: Tallahassee, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EST) Please submit registration form by COB on June 26. Please complete this form, and email it to Amber Floyd at floyda@healthykids.org or fax it to (850) 224-0615. Forms must be submitted by the deadline listed above Note: click here to view or print this document in pdf format

June 16, 2009

NEW: Health Care Reform Events

Southeast Florida
Southwest Florida

National

Other State Events & Notices
North Florida

Central Florida

East Central Florida

     West Central Florida
     Southwest Florida
     Southeast Florida
     Florida Audio and Web Events
     Statewide Notices

Other National Events & Notices
Conferences
National Audio and Web Events

National Notices

National Campaigns

HEALTH CARE REFORM EVENTS & NOTICES

NORTH FLORIDA

Planning Meeting for Health Care Rally on 6/27
June 16 7:00-9:00 pm 881 Woodbine Drive, Pensacola
This will be a meeting to continue planning the National Health Care Rally & finalize plans for June 27. If you volunteered to investigate organizations to participate in our Rally be prepared to share your findings. Contact: 850-433-5377

BO's Health Care Reform Kickoff
June 17 11:30 am-12:30 pm Lake Ella (No. Monroe across from Golden Coral), Tallahasee
This event will include info about Obama's Health Care Reform. Participants will walk around Lake Ella once to promote living healthy, then meet in the gazebo at Lake Ella where there will be water and Fruit Platters. There will be guest speakers and also individuals speaking on why Health care reform is important to them. Your participation encouraged and if you believe you can help make this event a success in any way please contact 239-839-5139.

Geriatric Wellness and Prevention Approach: Organizing Kickoff
June 20 1:00-5:00 pm Location to be determined, Pensacola or Pace
Speakers committed to cost cutting with bar of healthcare service delivery raised. Commitment to excellence and informative information on the aging process, wellness and prevention strategies,and presentation of cost effective adaptations for maintaining independence. Ending with an open forum to share stories, gather information, questions, or view of solutions for cost reduction and increased quality of life.

Organizing Alachua County Rural Areas for Health Care Reform: Kickoff
June 27 10:00 am Hawthorne Homecoming Festival, Hawthorne
The Rural Areas in Alachua County will join together in an effort to get the word out concerning President Obama's "Health Care Reform". We will stand with the President by organizing "National Health Care Day of Service" events throughout the County.

Health Care Rally
June 27 8:00 am-1:00 pm Palafox Street, Pensacola
Pensacola's Health Care Rally is an opportunity to learn more about CHIP - Children Health Insurance Plan, participate in free health screenings, donate canned goods to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry and obtain health information from many health oriented organizations in Pensacola. Rally volunteers also needed. Contact: 850-470-0691

Health Care Services Provided and Demonstrated For Chronic Diseases
June 27 12:00 noon-2:00 pm St. Andrews Towers, 24 Harrison Ave, Panama City
Professional Nurses and other medical personnel have been requested to come and administer "sugar testings to attendees, as well as demonstrate how to and where to inject insulin for faster and better results, and how to administer Blood Pressure Tests. They will also educate on Healthy Foods. Contact: 850-215-3395

Education and Opportunities in Health Care for All: Women's Health Expo
June 27 10:00 am-4:00 pm Panama City Mall, 2150 Martin Luther King Blvd
There will be a public exhibit booth. Information will be distributed with resources for individuals in the Panama City area who have no insurance and/or limited ability to pay. There will be information on Bay County Health statistics. Information will also be provided on the various proposed solutions to the health care issues for the future. Contact: 850-914-2447

A Path to Affordable Health Care for American Citizens
July 2 6:30-7:30 pm Welaka Baptist Church, 670 3rd Ave (CR309), Welaka
With so many in this rural community unable to afford health care, and a clinic with income limits so low that most uninsured working people can't afford to go to the doctor, this meeting will have someone from the clinic to help understand why so many working neighbors cannot afford health care at a rural clinic. An insurance company speaker will also explain their roadblocks. This meeting is "all ears", looking for suggestions.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Talk About Healthcare
June 16 12:00 noon-1:00 pm Private home, Kissimmee

Health Care for a Healthy America
June 20 5:15-6:45 pm Private home, Davenport
Americans of all walks of life will join hands for a common purpose: Health care is not a luxury! Health care is a necessity! The change for a better health care system is an urgency of now! The status quo health care system must go. The change must happen by August of 2009! Let's organize!

Juneteenth Multicultural Celebration
June 20 10:00 am-5:00 pm Fort Mellon Park, 600 E 1st St, Sanford
Festivities include entertainment, guest speakers, NASCAR, United Black Drag Racers
Association, UPS show car, historic exhibits, interactive science experiments, face painting, kids' games, health screenings, military recruiters, the FBI, The US Secret Service, and law enforcement information, college information, voter registration, job information, and many, many information vendors. And Free food. Contact: joanr58@yahoo.com or (407) 732-4889

Walk in on Senator Nelson
June 23 10:00 am–all day Sen. Nelson's Orlando office, Landmark Two, 225 E Robinson St, Suite 410
Get organized to pass a STRONG PUBLIC INSURANCE PLAN in Congress. WE MUST CHANGE Senator Nelson's MIND!!! "Walk into Senator Nelson's" local office and tell him what you want. Go at any time, and bring as many people as you want. If you can't attend the "Walk In" you can still participate. After the "Walk In" there will be a "Fax In". We are asking everyone to send your "health care stories". You can write your own, or we have an email you can complete in less than 5 minutes. Contact: healthcarenow2009@gmail.com

Family Physicians of Leesburg-National Health Care Day of Service
June 27 10:00 am-1:00 pm Family Physicians at Leesburg, 801 E. Dixie Ave, Suite 101, Leesburg
Come and volunteer in a health care service project at the Family Physicians of Leesburg as a great way to activate a volunteer base across the Leesburg Community and Tri-County area to advocate for the Presidents's policy agenda while building a sustainable grassroots volunteer organization on the ground. This effort is part of organizing for real health care reform. It will help build and stregthen the Leesburg community and help us further the President's goals by making us more effective advocates. Blood Pressure, Glucose and cholesterol screening and other health related services will be available as well as a PowerPoint Presentation of The Obama Administration Health Care Reform Plan. Refreshments will be provided. Hosted by Allen Schwartz, MD. Contact: 352-396-9648

Lake Wales Health Care Fair and Town Hall
June 27 1:00-2:00 pm Location to be determined, Lake Wales
Come out and find valuable resources in our community for health care. Then ask questions about how health care reform will effect you. Find ways to get involved in bringing about reform. A fun and informative day. Contact: 863-232-6032

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Healthy Communities - KID CARE sign up!
June 27 11:00 am-2:00 pm The Birth Place, 1130 E. Plant St., Winter Garden
Please attend for information on ACCESS to health care for pregnant women, sign up your child for Florida KIDCARE health insurance and learn about helpful health care resources in your community.

Festival de la Familia Annual Hispanic Health Initiative Health Fair
June 27 8:00 am–3:00 pm Central Florida Fairgrounds , 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando
This 9th annual event will include a table to capture local health care stories, as well as many health screenings and the Prevent Cancer Foundation Super Colon™ display, career fair, music, prizes, more for the whole family. More than last year's 1500 attendees are expected by HHI and its 60+ community partners. For more information call: 407-339-2001 or 1-866-377-2583

Health Care Reform Roundtable
June 27 12:00 am-2:00 pm Location to be determined, Lakeland

Healthcare booth
July 4 4:00-8:00 pm Central Winds Park, Winter Springs
Volunteers needed at 4:00 and 6:00 to assist with blood pressure screenings and in assisting participants with short healthcare survey.

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

Health Reform Health Fair
June 27 9:00 am-1:00 pm Location to be determined, New Smyrna Beach
Come together to support President Obama's Health Care Reform Initiative! Contact: 386-428-0110

STAND For Change in Flagler County (Flagler C.H.I.P.s Fair for Kids)
June 27 9:00 am-noon Flagler County Food Pantry, 1510 Old Moody Blvd., Bunnell
Show your support for President Obama's health care principles and attend this day of service. Bring a "healthy" food donation of canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly, soup, fruit or paper products. Steve Parris, Community Health Manager, Healthy Communities, from Daytona Beach will be in attendance to provide information and promotional items for Florida KidCare.

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

National American Healthcare Day
June 18 12:00 noon Location to be determined, Largo
Rally support for President Obama and Sen Kennedy's bill to pass

The Time is Now: Healthcare Reform
June 20 2:00–4:00 pm Largo Library 120 Central Park Dr, Largo
Join Healthcare for America Now, Florida Consumer Action Network and SEIU: Change that Works for a discussion about the inequality in our healthcare system and a special training on what we can do to promote national healthcare reform. For more information, call 813- 877-6712 or 727-373-3661

Optimum Health Care: Organizing Kickoff
June 23 6:00-8:00 pm 8875 Hidden River Pkwy, Tampa
Bring to public awareness the need for healthcare to include all people but even more so to include mental health care. Total wellness includes mental, physical and spiritual. Event hosted by Rothstein Management Group, involved in quality mental health care from a holistic perspective. Contact: 813-381-0080

Children's Health Insurance Program Education and Food Drive
June 27 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm Wal-Mart, 3501 34th St. S., Saint Petersburg
Join a shift at Wal-Mart to: (1) Educate families about how to gain access to the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). (Millions of eligible participants are unaware of how to sign up.) (2) Run a food drive. (3) Enlist support for health care reform. This will be a fun way to serve the community and help spread the message about the need for health care reform! Contact: 727-278-0425

We Care - HealthCare
June 27 10:00 am-3:00 pm Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center, 8005 - 15th St, East, Sarasota
Dissemination of printed information regarding weight and exercise, CHIP and other insurance programs, and colonoscopy; blood pressure screenings and other wellness screenings; healthy food collection for the All Faith's Food Bank. Contact: 941-345-6574

Tampa Bay's Health Fair For Health Care - A Walk For Change
June 27 9:00 am-2:00 pm Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa
This event is to encourage the essentials of preventative health care and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle in the community. OFA volunteers encourage the community to attend for an afternoon of health-related activities including a "Walk for Change", blood drive and health screenings. The outreach team from Florida KidCare will provide information on enrolling uninsured children in the program. This event will also provide information on the Health Care Reform Plan to promote change and improvement of our current health care system. Letters to congress and Fair District Florida petitions will be available for signing. You can also get information on joining your Health Care Reform Neighborhood OFA Team. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Contact: 813-505-1028

We Demand Health Care that Works
June 27 10:00-11:00 am Location to be determined, Largo/Clearwater area
Part One... Prescription Drug Collection; Part Two... Legislator "postcard-ing" and call-in. Please sign up to help - you'll be able to choose something effective, that you'll find easy to do, and will support efforts nationwide to demand health care that works for everyone! Contact: 641-715-3900 x57347

Health Care Reform Day of Action: "Many Stories, One Voice!"
June 27 10:00 am-4:00 pm DEC Headquarters, 317 E Main St, Tavares
This is a call to action for community neighbors to have their voices heard. Come share your personal health care story and what you want to see, Fill out a simple Healthcare story form and it will be sent on to congress and the president as part of a national effort to gather the voice of the people. Video interviews will be taken only of those who consent to do so. This is our chance. Our personal stories are our ammunition to fight for real healthcare reform and to ask for what we want. Please let your voice be heard. Refreshments will be served.

WCC4Change Cares About KidCare
June 27 10:00 am-noon Central Pasco County, Intersection of BBD and 56, Land O Lakes Recreation Center, 54 Post Office, Wesley Chapel
Pass out water and information on the Florida KidCare Program (CHIP)and the President's health care reform principles at key intersections and local parks in Central Pasco County. Contact: 813-333-4456

We've Got the Blues Over Healthcare
June 27 10:00 am-2:00 pm Edgewater Park, Dunedin (Main St & Alternate 19, by the marina)
Wear a BLUE shirt, bring a healthy picnic lunch, and tell your healthcare story -- on video or on paper. All stories will be sent to President Obama and Capitol Hill. Enjoy a live blues jam and other entertainment at this family picnic & rally. Contact: 727-348-6682

Educating on Healthcare Reform
June 27 10:00 am-2:00 pm Locations to be determined, Sun City Center
In several sites around Sun City Center we will be giving out information and collecting names for a petition to be sent to local congressman and Florida's Senators to tell them we need healthcare reform. Contact: 813-634-9099

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Club CHANGE Health Care Organizing Kickoff
June 16 7:00-8:00 pm Stuart Women's Club, 729 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart
This meeting for Club CHANGE of Martin County will focus on how the organization can support President Obama's agenda for Health Care reform which has TOP priority for 2009. Participants will also discuss the Volunteer Day of Service for Health Care on June 27. Contact: 772-221-0405

Health Care Phone Bank
June 18 6:30-8:30 pm Private home, Miami
Make phone calls to ask for health care legislation support.

Martin County Health Care Step Up: Organizing Kickoff
June 20 7:00-9:00 pm Private home, Hobe Sound
This gathering will discuss how to mobilize support to MOVE Congress in a direction that will help Americans, not just American Insurance Comanies, American Pharmaceuticals, and the FOR Profit Medical Care Establishment. The group will work to HELP CONGRESS Understand, what their employers Demand!

Walk in on Senator Nelson
June 23 9:00 am–all day Sen. Nelson's WPB office, 500 Australian, Suite 125
Get organized to pass a STRONG PUBLIC INSURANCE PLAN in Congress. WE MUST CHANGE Senator Nelson's MIND!!! "Walk into Senator Nelson's" local office and tell him what you want. Go at any time, and bring as many people as you want. If you can't attend the "Walk In" you can still participate. After the "Walk In" there will be a "Fax In". We are asking everyone to send your "health care stories". You can write your own, or we have an email you can complete in less than 5 minutes.

Walk in on Senator Nelson
June 23 9:00 am–all day Sen. Nelson's Broward office, 3416 S University Dr,
Davie
Get organized to pass a STRONG PUBLIC INSURANCE PLAN in Congress. WE MUST CHANGE Senator Nelson's MIND!!! "Walk into Senator Nelson's" local office and tell him what you want. Go at any time, and bring as many people as you want.

Press Conference on Release of National AFL-CIO Healthcare Survey
June 23 1:00 pm Pipefitters Local Union 725, 13185 NW 45 Ave, Miami
Part of nationwide press conferences releasing survey conducted by Peter Hart Research Associates (25,000 folks responded in 7 weeks) local Miami workers, elected officials and union and community leaders. Contact: 305-593-8886.

The Domino Effect of Healthcare Inequality: SEIU Unites Hispanic Women for Reform
June 24 6:30-8:30 pm Robert King High Towers, 1405 NW 7th St, Miami
. . . because healthcare inequality affects more than just our health. Hispanic women comprise 37% of the uninsured in the U.S. so our voices must be front and center in the healthcare reform debate. Join the growing movement for healthcare reform in Florida to ensure our voices are heard. For more information, contact 585-520-6542 or rosemary.rivera@hepny.org.

Palm Beach County Healthcare Disparities Community Dialogue
June 24 6:30-8:30 pm South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach
Join SEIU: Change that Works and Healthcare for America Now! for a healthcare reform panel discussion with leaders of the community and a special screening of Unnatural Causes, the acclaimed documentary series broadcast by PBS that tackles the root causes of our alarming socio-economic and racial inequities in health. Contact: 561-376-8109 or 561-213-6561

Rally for Health Care Reform!
June 25 5:00-7:00 pm corner of Okeechobee and Parker, West Palm Beach (park at Kravis Center or City Place)
In solidarity with the National Rally being held in DC the Same Day, Now is the time to show Washington the power of the people. The economy is not working for working families today—and health care is a major part of the problem. Across America, families are making hard decisions between paying for health care and paying for other necessities and struggling with a system that is too often cruel and inefficient Come Support Improved and Expanded Medicare For All: H.R. 676 and S. 703. Bring a sign supporting single payer and wear a blue bandanna. Contact: 561-891-3664 or 561-601-9150.

Health Care Reform Breakfast
June 26 8:00-9:00 am Out of the Blue Café, 2426 NE 2nd Ave, Miami
Olveen Carrasquillo, M.D., MPH, world renowned expert on health policy, health disparities and access to care, will discuss how proposed legislation this year meets President Obama's principles of health care reform.

Health & Wellness Festival - Helping Our President FIX America's HC System
June 27 10:00 am-4:00 pm Legion Park, Miami (64th & Biscayne Blvd)
OFA and WFO and Miami On The Move and friends will be hosting this event including healthcare service providers for blood pressure and cholesterol screening, Wellness providers, Health Care Reform information, healthy food and recipes and Green Market. Bring healthy food to contribute to a food drive, in partnership with local organizations. Learn about Health Care Reform and why health care must be fixed this year. Meet local Health and Wellness resources.

Petition Drive in Support of Public Healthcare Option
June 27 10:00 am-2:00 pm Meeting at The Falls, Macy Parking Lot, 97th Ave & SW 136th St, Miami
Participants will demonstrate and ask people to sign a petition in support of the Public Health Option. People arriving at 10:00 am will park at The Falls Mall, Macy Parking lot, and there will be shuttles to 97th Avenue. Please bring your own banners if possible. Contact: 305-251-9430

March and Rally for Single Payer Healthcare
June 27 5:00-7:00 pm Start: Griffing Park,W Dixie & NE 123rd St, No. Miami
At 5:00, participants will walk to a 6:00 rally at MOCA Plaza on NE 125th St.to build popular support for HR676, the US National Health Insurance Act. HR676 is John Conyers' bill to establish a not-for-profit, publicly-funded "single payer" healthcare system. Every other developed country and many poorer ones provide the security of guaranteed publicly-funded healthcare for their people. Bring single payer signs and wear blue bandannas. Contact: 305-895-5515

Support Health Care Reform
June 27 12:00 noon – 1-hour shifts start along Indiantown Road, Jupiter
Demonstrate support for health care reform by holding signs at one or more intersections. Each participant will create his or her own sign from cardboard or poster board and bring it to the assigned intersection at a time to be determined. Contact: 561-747-9389

Obama's Health Care Day of Service - Education in Integrated & Holistic Therapies and Health Care Reform & Healthy Food Drive
June 27 11:00 am-4:00 pm The Metraiya Center, 112 NW 14 Way, Dania Beach
Come and support President Obama's and OFA's National Health Care Day of Service, with a day of Education and Resources on why we need to stand strong and committed and demand not only Health Care for ALL Americans, but that we also have a CHOICE in the type of Health Care we choose for ourselves and families. There will also be an opportunity to become better informed and have a better understanding on Obama's Universal Health Care Plan and the obstacles we are facing. Also please contribute to a healthy food drive. Contact: 954-292-9467

Lowering Health Care Costs!
June 27 12:00 noon-2:00 pm Private home, Greenacres
View 15 minutes of video clips of how to reduce health care costs and how certain suits against the FDA Corruption have been started. After this, there will be a discussion on everyone's ideas how to reduce costs & get more organized.

Getting Involved With Healthcare Reform: Organizing Kickoff
June 28 4:00-6:00 pm 401 Center Street, Jupiter

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

OFA/Yes, We Can - Help! Collier County
Tuesdays 9:00 am Naples
Volunteers' weekly support of President Obama's Health Care Reform for the USA

Health Care for Everyone: Organizing Kickoff
June 16 7:00-8:00 pm Private Home, Estero
This is a chance to help President Obama with his Reform plan. The group willo brainstorm ways to pass information on to neighbors, friends and family about the need for Healthcare Reform. Change does not happen on its own. The group intends to educate others on the benefits for everyone to have a health care plan in this country that allows men and wonen, young and old alike the opportunity to treat health issues and to prevent illnesses before they strike. Click above or contact RMSMITH0318@aol.com

OFA/Yes, We Can - Help! Collier County Free Screening of "Sicko": Organizing Kickoff
June 20 1:30-4:30 pm Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave, Naples
Click above to RSVP as seating is limited. Film begins at 2:00 pm sharp. Read about the film at http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/checkup Contact: 239-692-8201

Letters to Congress Campaign
June 27 9:00 am-2:00 pm & other days 7-11 in Gateway Community, Fort Myers
Teams will call, set up a stand outside of businesses and canvas in their communities to have people do one or more of the following: sign a petition, sign a pre-made letter, or fill out a tell-my-healthcare-story letter. These letters will be sent to Congressman Connie Mack, and Senators Mel Martinez and Bill Nelson.

Health Care for All on Pine Island and Matlacha: Organizing Kickoff
June 27 12:00 noon-1:00 pm Gulf Access Realty, 4120 Pine Island Rd, Suite A, Matlacha
Opportunity for people to get together and discuss Health Care options and ideas. Quality Health Should not be a privilege, it is a basic human right!

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM EVENTS & NOTICES

Families USA Conference Call with Senator Christopher Dodd
June 18 6:00 pm EDT
Sen. Dodd has been leading the charge to fix our health care system. Now he wants you to have a seat at the table as he enters the final stretch. If we're going to reform our health care system - if we're really going to make sure every American has the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have high-quality, affordable health care no matter what - then we have to act now. Congress has two choices right now: They can get health care reform done, or they can fail to act and let the crisis continue to worsen.

OTHER STATE EVENTS & NOTICES

NORTH FLORIDA

Notices

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Festival de la Familia Annual Hispanic Health Initiative Health Fair

June 27 8:00 am–3:00 pm Central Florida Fairgrounds , 4603 W Colonial Dr,

Orlando

During the past nine years, HHI and its community partners, have provided thousands of FREE health screens such as: diabetes, cholesterol, B/P, PAP, pregnancy, hepatitis, BMI, HIV/AIDS, vision, complete kidney screening, and many more. This year, in addition to the health information and services normally offered, HHI is bringing to Orlando, for the first time, the Prevent Cancer Foundation Super Colon™ display. This is an inflatable, 20-foot long, 8-foot high replica of a human colon, an interactive educational tool to teach that colorectal cancer is Preventable, Treatable and Beatable. Career fair, music, prizes, more for the whole family. More than last year’s 1500 attendees are expected by HHI and its 60+ community partners. Additional sponsors are sought. For more information call: 407-339-2001 or 1-866-377-2583

NACCHO Annual Conference 2009
July 29-31 Orlando
The theme of the conference is, “The New Public Health - Working Across Sectors to Leverage Investment in Communities.” Conference tracks include Quality Improvement & Performance Standards; Successful Multisector Investments in the Community’s Health; The Value of Public Health Interventions; and the Power of Public Health. MAPP users are encouraged to submit abstracts that showcase how their process has helped them work across sectors to leverage investments.

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

Events

AHCA Pharmaceuticals and Therapeutics Committee

June 24 Airport Marriot Hotel, Tampa

Florida Coalition for Open Access Steering Committee Meeting, the state wide collaborative effort to preserve proper medications for medicaid recipients is centered on the activities of this P & T Committee. The agenda for June review includes ADHD drugs and anti depressants. Contact execdirector@mhagreatertampabay.org if you have any interest in assisting advocacy at that and other meetings.

2009 Florida Conference on Aging

Aug 24-26 St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Resort.

For more information: 850-222-8877 or www.fcoa.org. For reservations, call 800-808-9833.

Notices

Pinellas residents can get free discount drug cards, which may not be used in conjunction with any health insurance plan, including Medicare and Medicaid, but will help those seeking discounts on drugs.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Events

Videoconference on Health Disparities

June 9 1:30-4:00 pm Clinical Research Bldg Rm 1539A, 1120 NW 14th St, Miami

Comprehensive Cancer Center's Disparities and Community Outreach Core invites you to watch a videoconference presented by the University of North Carolina: Breaking the Cycle: Investigating the Intersection of Educational Inequities and Health Disparities. There will be opportunities for discussion during and after the videoconference. For more information, contact 305-243-8299. Click here to register for online viewing.

“Armed for Fall” Health Fair

Aug 1 9:00 am–2:00 pm 18501 NW 7^th Ave, Miami Gardens

Sponsored by Holy Family Episcopal Church (Community Service Ministry). Immunizations for children and adults, teen health, screenings, English, Spanish, Creole. For more information including service provider information, please contact 954-720-0412 or 954-732-1251.

2^nd Annual Back to School Community Health Fair

Aug 8 10:00 am -2:00 pm Deicke Auditorium, Plantation

FREE Health Screenings and Education presented by Woman2Woman Breast Cancer Foundation and Florida Medical Center. Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Cholesterol Testing, Body Mass Index, Posture Evaluation and Screening, and Wellness Information and Health Education/Counseling on Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Asthma, Sickle Cell Disease, Colorectal Cancer, Women’s Health Issues, Osteoporosis, Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, and other forms of cancers, Support Groups/Programs, Nutrition, Exercise, Information on Medicaid benefits, Family Counseling Services, Education, Prevention, Care/ Treatment. In addition, there will be a Children’s Corner to educate children on hand washing, hygiene, safety, and nutrition as well. The focus of the health fair will be on health promotion, prevention, and wellness for the community. June 5 cutoff to sign as a vendor. For more information: 954-703-1529 or Keandra.gray@w2wbcf.org. Appt needed for Bone Density Test; call 1-866-442-2362

Notices

Cancer Survivor Smokers or Recent Quitters Wanted for Survey

The Tobacco, Obesity, and Oncology Laboratory at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and UM’s Psychology Department is conducting a qualitative study of cigarette smoking among cancer survivors who are either (1) current smokers or (2) recently quit. The study involves attending a one-session focus group and completing a brief survey. Participants will receive $40 for attending the focus group. 1-877-850-8665 or 305-243-2907

FLORIDA AUDIO CONFERENCES AND WEBCAST

STATEWIDE NOTICES

NATIONAL EVENTS & NOTICES

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Overcoming Disparities: Building Successful Diabetes and Obesity Programs
Call for Proposals Deadline: June 15
Forum: Nov 18-19 Arlington, VA
Each year, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) convenes its Annual Disparities Partnership Forum. The overall goal of the partnership forum is to explore collaborative methods for decreasing type 2 diabetes and obesity in high-risk populations. To request a submission template and call form, please contact Monique Lindsy at mlindsy@diabetes.org.

2009 National Medical Association Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly
June 15: Advance Registration Deadline

July 25-29 Las Vegas

For the past 113 years, the National Medical Association (NMA) has conducted its Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, the nation’s foremost conference devoted to medical science and African American health. The 2009 NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly offers an exciting venue to interact with 5,000 African American physicians, academicians and scientists as well as other allied health professionals.

Disparities in Health in America: Working Towards Social Justice
June 20-26 University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
The goal of the workshop is to provide a comprehensive approach to the issue of health disparities. In addition, to also provide the attendee with a broad base of knowledge related to a bio-psychosocial approach in addressing health disparities. This workshop should be of interest to physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals, social workers, students, fellows and health educators, community members, and civic and governmental leaders.

Race and Class Inequalities in Health
Conference: June 23-26 Anaheim, CA

Conceptual and data-based papers are invited for presentation at the annual Society for Epidemiologic Research meeting. There will be a contributed paper session on Race and Class Inequalities in Health. Accepted abstracts will be distributed at the June meeting and will also be published in a Supplement issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology. Submit online For inquiries about this specific session on Race and Class Inequalities in Health, contact Irene Yen: irene.yen@ucsf.edu or Pat O'Campo: pat.ocampo@utoronto.ca

Community Benefit: Moving forward with Evidence-Based Policy and Practice
June 27 Chicago
This is a pre-conference to the AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting, hosted by the Saint Louis University School of Public Health Department of Health Management & Policy, and will be held from 9 am to 4 pm at the Chicago Hilton. Sixty to seventy-five participants are expected to convene to identify priority issues in each of ten select topic areas pertinent to community benefit. Participants will be both invited and self-selected; all will be asked to do a modest amount of preparatory work prior to attending the conference.

Presentation Opportunities for Child Health Services Researchers

June 27 Chicago

Proposals for research panels and posters are being accepted for the 2009 Child Health Services Research Meeting to be held on June 27 in Chicago. This meeting, now in its 11th year, features the latest in child health services research and policy.

2009 Disparities Conference: Health Equity Through the Cancer Lens
July 28-29 Las Vegas
American Cancer Society annual event: “We know of programs and policies that have led to improved cancer outcomes and health equity. Now we must act. We know what to do: Intervene, Advocate and Communicate.” If you have the responsibility for developing or implementing programs to improve health outcomes among the underserved, a health professional involved in providing patient care, or a leader responsible for crafting health messaging for the public, patients, providers and/or policy-makers, this conference will directly benefit your work and you will leave with specific next steps to use.

Diversity Matters: An Ongoing Conversation
Nov 2-3 Vancouver, BC

Proposals are currently being accepted for this conference , which is open to professionals, educators, managers, executives, ethicists and researchers in health care, social services, and community service and development; government leaders and policy-makers; as well as consumers and all those interested,. It focuses on cultural competencies in healthcare, education, research and community services. Among keynote speakers, Dr. Roberto Lewis-Fernandez will present on Reduction of Healthcare Disparities Through Cultural Competence: Barriers and Solutions to Consumer Engagement and The Role of Cultural Idioms of Distress in Psychiatric Diagnosis.

AUDIO AND WEB EVENTS

15th Annual Summer Public Health Research Videoconference on Minority Health
June 9 1:30-4:00 pm (ET)
Sponsored by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Program for Ethnicity, Culture, and Health Outcomes: Breaking the Cycle: Investigating the Intersection of Educational Inequities and Health Disparities

Webinar -Back to School Outreach: Strategies for Connecting Uninsured Children to Health Coverage

June 11 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET

America's Promise Alliance presents this free webinar. All Kids Covered focuses on connecting uninsured children to health coverage. All organizations that serve young people and/or their families can play an important role in helping to build awareness about the availability of Medicaid, CHIP or Community Health Centers. As parents focus on preparing their children for a successful school year, it's a great time to reach out to them and encourage them to apply for coverage. This webinar will share best practices in outreach during Back to School Time. RSVP by June 8th to CarolineB@americaspromise.org for call-in and login instructions

ACHI Webinar - Priority Setting for Community Benefit: A Primer on Matching Community Need and Organizational Effort
June 18 2:00 (ET)
This session will establish the community needs assessment as the starting point linking the community benefit plan and program priorities. Biel will discuss the importance of adopting a formal priority setting process, and share techniques and tools for making it happen. This will include discussion of explicit priority setting criteria, tools and discussion questions to help guide the process, and real case examples from a variety of hospitals. Register for the session online.

Webinar - The Skinny on Childhood Obesity
June 24 Noon (ET)
This web conference, provided in collaboration with Saint Louis University School of Public Health, will explore effective strategies for obesity prevention and weight reduction in children. Learn why obesity has become a serious medical and social problem for our children today and communities tomorrow. The presentation will address the selection of strategies and partners across settings, including healthcare, schools and homes. Tools for measuring the impact of efforts to reduce childhood obesity will be covered.

NOTICES

Premier Cares Award
Deadline: July 31
The Premier Cares Award was established to recognize exemplary, innovative efforts that have made health services more accessible to the medically underserved, particularly as demonstrated in superior health outcomes. Programs exhibiting these characteristics are requested to submit an entry.

CAMPAIGNS & INITIATIVES

Visit the National Health Information Center for a complete list of the 2009 National Health Observances and contact information for resources

June 5, 2009

New listings, in order of submission deadlines

Aetna Regional Community Health Grants
Deadline: June 15

This program currently focuses on funding programs that offer community-based health education, prevention, and early detection efforts to address the obesity epidemic and on programs designed to improve overall health literacy. Aetna is especially interested in improving racial and ethnic health care equality. Aetna will consider requests ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. In this round, applications will be accepted from eligible communities in states including Florida.

HHS Funding Available to Strengthen Non-Profits, Faith-Based Groups
Deadline: July 7
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the availability of grants worth $50 million from the Strengthening Communities Fund, a new fund created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The fund will strengthen nonprofit and faith-based organizations that aid families and communities struggling in the economic downturn.

Health Services Research Impact Award
Deadline: July 29
Has your research made an impact? AcademyHealth has issued a call for nominations for the fifth annual Health Services Research Impact Award which recognizes outstanding research that has been successfully translated into health policy, management, or clinical practice and, as a result, had a positive impact on health and health care. The lead researcher of the winning impact will receive $2,000, and the research will be disseminated widely as part of AcademyHealth's ongoing efforts to promote the field of health services research.

Active Living Research: Investigating Policies and Environments to Support Active Communities
Deadline: July 29
Active Living Research is a national program of RWJF that supports research to identify promising policy and environmental strategies for increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary behaviors and preventing obesity among children and adolescents. We place special emphasis on strategies with the potential to reach racial/ethnic populations and children living in lower-income communities who are at highest risk for obesity. Grants funded under this call for proposals (CFP) are expected to advance RWJF’s efforts to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

RWJF Health & Society Scholars
Deadline: Oct 2

The Scholars program provides two years of support to postdoctoral scholars at all stages of their careers to build the United States' capacity for research and leadership to address the multiple determinants of population health and contribute to policy change. The program is based on the principle that progress in the field of population health depends upon multidisciplinary collaboration and exchange. Up to eighteen scholars will be selected to train at one of six nationally prominent universities. Scholars receive annual stipends of nearly $100,000.

Fundraising Training Events

Meet the Funders-Palm Beach County

June 24 9:00-11:00 am Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, WPB

As a follow-up to the standing room-only spring Meet the Funders event, the Community Foundation is once again hosting this forum, a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to hear from an esteemed panel of leaders from major funders in our community. Register today, space is limited. To register, please email prowan@cfpbmc.org.

Meet the Funders-Martin County

July 10 9:00-11:00 am Peter & Julie Cummings Branch, Martin County Library, Palm City
Sponsored by the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and hosted by the Library Foundation of Martin County. Register today, space is limited. To register, please email prowan@cfpbmc.org.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

Grantseeker Webinar: June 15 1:30–3:00 pm

Grantseeker Webinar: June 17 2:30-4:00 pm

Letters of Inquiry Deadline: July 15

The Community Foundation will soon announce new grant guidelines in response to the current economic climate. The guidelines will be explained through a series of webinars. To register please go to and click on the "Upcoming" tab and "Register" for the session of your choice. A recording will be available on the Foundation’s website shortly after June 17.

Fundraising Library Orientations

July 16 10:00 am-noon Funding Resource Center Library at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, 700 South Dixie Highway, Suite 200 in West Palm Beach

August 20 10:00 am-noon Funding Resource Center Library at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, 700 South Dixie Highway, Suite 200 in West Palm Beach

September 17 10:00 am-noon Funding Resource Center Library at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, 700 South Dixie Highway, Suite 200 in West Palm Beach

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties offers free resources for organizations seeking grant funding? The Funding Resource Center is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center, Inc., a nationwide network of libraries, community foundations and other nonprofit agencies. The best way to learn about the Center and what it offers is attending a library orientation with Daryl Houston, Program Officer. Spaces fill up quickly so email prowan@cfpbmc.org or call 561-659-6800 to reserve your spot. Registration is strongly recommended since walk-ins cannot be assured of seating (dates are subject to change). To learn more about the library and the resources available please click here.

Continuing listings, in order of submission deadlines

Seed Grants for Dementia Day Programs
Deadline: July 1

The Brookdale Foundation works to advance the fields of geriatrics and gerontology and to improve the lives of senior citizens. The Brookdale National Group Respite Program supports community-based efforts throughout the U.S. to develop social model respite programs for elders with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia, and their families. The initiative awards seed grants to service providers that are planning to implement new, dementia-specific Group Respite or Early Memory Loss programs. Up to 40 programs will receive grants for $7,500 in the first year. Grants are renewable at $3,000 in the second year, based upon evaluation of the first year's activities and potential for future continuity of the program.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Investigator Awards

Deadline: July 7 (Stage 1 Brief Proposals)

The RWJF Investigator Awards in Health Policy Research funds highly-qualified individuals to undertake broad studies of the most challenging health policy issues facing America. RWJF will award approximately 10 grants of up to $335,000 each to investigators from a variety of disciplines to support projects that combine creative and conceptual thinking with innovative, policy-relevant solutions. The RWJF welcomes applications from investigators in the health, social, and behavioral sciences, as well as other fields. They seek a diverse group of applicants, including minorities, early-career investigators, and individuals who work in nonacademic settings such as research firms and policy organizations. Fourteen matching grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to independent, private, community, and corporate grantmakers working to improve the health of residents in their communities.

RWJF: Local Health Collaboration Partnerships
Brief Proposal Deadline: July 7
Local Funding Partnerships a collaborative program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and local grantmakers, supports innovative, community-based projects throughout the United States. Through LFP, a local grantmaker proposes a funding partnership with RWJF to provide seed money for a new project that addresses the health or health care problems of people who are not reached by traditional health and social services or for whom existing services are insufficient. Projects are expected to create meaningful change by addressing health in the context of complex social factors that impede good health for society's most vulnerable people. Programs that address access to medical care – such as the start-up of community health centers, mobile vans, dental services, or school-based health centers – also are not likely to be competitive. LFP provides grants of $200,000 to $500,000 per project, which must be matched dollar for dollar by local grantmakers such as community foundations, family foundations, corporate funders, etc.

Active Living Research and Healthy Eating Research
Letters of Intent Deadline: July 17
The Active Living Research and Healthy Eating Research joint call for proposals for 2009 Rapid-Response Round 2 Grants. This CFP supports time-sensitive, opportunistic studies to evaluate changes in policies or environments with the potential to reach children who are at highest risk for obesity, including African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander children (ages 3 to 18) who live in low-income communities or communities with limited access to affordable healthy foods and/or safe opportunities for physical activity. Research studies may focus on one or both sides of the energy balance equation - on physical activity (including sedentary behavior), healthy eating, or both.

Public Welfare Foundation
Letters of inquiry due: 6-8 weeks before deadlines

Deadlines: July 27

The Public Welfare Foundation supports efforts to ensure fundamental rights and opportunities for people in need. The Foundation looks for carefully defined points where funds can make a difference in bringing about systemic changes that can improve the lives of countless people. 2009 funding priorities include a Health Reform program that fosters the development of strong systems of advocacy with expertise in health policy, organizing community and interfaith groups, and building coalitions

American Academy of Pediatrics: Community Access to Child Health Program Planning Funds
Deadline: July 31

The Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program, a national program of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is designed to improve access to health care by supporting pediatricians and communities that are involved in community-based efforts for children. The CATCH Planning Funds program provides grants from $2,500 to $12,000 for pediatricians in the U.S. and its territories to develop community-based initiatives that increase children's access to medical homes or to specific health services not otherwise available. Planning project activities must lead to sustainable, community-based child health initiatives that increase access to care, especially for underserved children, and address health disparities among children. (Grants are also available for pediatric residents, but limited to a maximum of $3,000.)

Wal-Mart Foundation State Giving Program
Online Application Deadlines: Sept 18

The Wal-Mart Foundation State Giving Program awards grants at the state and regional level to programs that have a strong impact within the communities the company serves. The program provides grants of $25,000 and up in categories including Health and Wellness; these grants strive to improve access to healthcare, reduce healthcare disparities, and promote healthy lifestyles. The Foundation has a particular interest in supporting veterans and military families, traditionally underserved groups, individuals with disabilities, and people impacted by natural disasters.

Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment Research Consortium
Deadline: Oct 6
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development solicit cooperative agreement grant applications from institutions to conduct randomized controlled trials to test innovative interventions that address issues immediately germane to the childhood obesity epidemic and runs parallel with a separate Funding Opportunity Announcement.

The Humana Foundation
Proposals accepted: Nov 1-June 15

The Humana Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in communities where the company has facilities in states including Florida. The Foundation is committed to serving the needs of children, families, and seniors in their quest to build healthier lives and communities. Special consideration is given to proposals that focus on the following areas: health and fitness efforts that lead to better lifestyles; literacy activities that lead to improved health experiences; and the development of technology, tools, and resources that lead to healthy communities.

Frueauff Foundation
Deadline: Dec 15
The Frueauff Foundation supports mental health services, organizations serving at-risk youth and other community programs. Since its founding, hospitals and health agencies have been recipients of Foundation awards. Equipment, outreach programs, staff positions, screening and education materials are just a few examples of grants given. Health education programs for at-risk children and their parents, support for the critically ill, AIDS/HIV education programs, and nursing scholarships have all received awards in the past decade. Specific institutions and specific programs, rather than national organizations, are usually given.

Department of Health and Human Services Understanding and Promoting Health Literacy (R21)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): December 24, 2009
Application Submission/Receipt Date(s): 25, 2010

NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings
Application Deadline: May 8, 2011
The purpose of the program is to support high quality conferences/scientific meetings that are relevant to its scientific mission and to the public health.

Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation
Requests are accepted from Jan 1 through Aug 31
The Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that are dedicated to providing direct care or services for children with special needs, acute illnesses, or chronic disabilities. Preference is given to small organizations that might not otherwise be helped. Grants support new ideas and approaches to providing services as well as equipment purchases.

Advancing technology to improve healthcare sevices: Verizon Foundation

Applications accepted: Jan 1 through Nov 30
The mission of the Verizon Foundation is to improve education, literacy, family safety, and healthcare by addressing Verizon's commitment to deliver technology that touches life. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that benefit communities in the locations the company serves within the United States. One of the Foundation’s priority categories is Education and Literacy, with emphasis on innovative, technology-based approaches to literacy and K-12 education. In addition, through the Safety and Health category, the Foundation supports initiatives that contribute to the safety and well-being of families, with emphasis on domestic violence prevention and technology for healthcare and healthcare accessibility.

Chronic Illness Self-Management in Children and Adolescents
Multiple Closing Dates, Jan 10, 2010
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to solicit research to improve self-management and quality of life in children and adolescents with chronic illnesses. Biobehavioral studies of children in the context of family and family-community dynamics are encouraged. Children diagnosed with a chronic illness and their families have a long-term responsibility for self-management. The child with the chronic illness will have a life-long responsibility to maintain and promote health and prevent complications. Research related to biological/ technological factors, as well as, sociocultural, environmental, and behavioral mechanisms that contribute to successful and ongoing self-management of chronic illnesses in children is also encouraged.

Occupational Safety and Health Research
Application Deadline: March 6, 2010
The purpose of this grants program is to develop an understanding of the risks and conditions that are associated with occupational diseases and injuries, to explore methods for reducing risks and for preventing or minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions in the workplace, and to translate significant scientific findings into prevention practices and products that will effectively reduce work-related illnesses and injuries.

Planning Grant for Oral Health Promotion across the Life Span (R21)
Closing date for applications: May 7, 2010, Multiple deadlines
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is intended to encourage and support meritorious oral health promotion research directed at improving oral health and preventing diseases and/or their sequelae across the lifespan.

Community Participation Research Targeting the Medically Underserved (R01)
Expiration Date: May 15, 2010
The ultimate goal of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) with a special review issued by the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH) is to solicit Research Project Grant (R01) applications that propose research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities that is jointly conducted by communities and researchers and targets medically underserved areas (MUAs) and medically underserved populations (MUPs) as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Community Participation Research Targeting the Medically Underserved (R21)
Expiration Date: May 15, 2010
The ultimate goal of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH) is to solicit Exploratory/Developmental (R21) grant applications that propose research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities that is jointly conducted by communities and researchers and targets medically underserved areas (MUAs) and medically underserved populations (MUPs) as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings
Deadline: May 8, 2011
The purpose of the program is to support high quality conferences/scientific meetings that are relevant to its scientific mission and to the public health.

Community Participation in Research (R01)
Expiration Date: May 8, 2011
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) issued by the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), National Institutes of Health (NIH) solicits R01 grant applications that propose intervention research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities that communities and researchers jointly conduct.

The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Health Care Delivery (R01)

The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Health Care Delivery (R21)

The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Health Care Delivery (R03)

Expiration Date: May 8, 2011

Grant applications are encouraged from institutions/ organizations that propose to: (1) improve the measurement of racial /ethnic discrimination in health care delivery systems through improved instrumentation, data collection, and statistical/analytical techniques; (2) to enhance understanding of the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination in health care delivery and its association with disparities in disease incidence, treatment, and outcomes among disadvantaged racial/ethnic minority groups; and (3) to reduce the prevalence of racial/ethnic health disparities through the development of interventions to reduce the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination on health care delivery systems in the United States.

Exploratory/Developmental Grants Program for Basic Cancer Research in Cancer Health Disparities
Deadline: Nov 23, 2011
Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) and the Division of Cancer Biology (DCB), at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), invite grant applications from investigators interested in conducting basic research studies into the causes and mechanisms of cancer health disparities.

Translational Research for the Prevention and Control of Diabetes and Obesity
Deadline: March 1, 2012
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) encourage NIH Research Demonstration and Dissemination Project grant (R18) applications from institutions/ organizations to test the effectiveness of interventions for the prevention and control of diabetes and obesity that have a high potential to be adopted, and sustained in applied health care settings.

Research on Clinical Decision-Making in People with or at-Risk for Life-Threatening Illnesses
Application Deadline: May 7, 2012
This funding opportunity seeks to stimulate research on the decision-making processes made by persons at risk for and those faced with life-threatening illness. These illnesses are ones that almost always lead to death in a fairly short period of time if left untreated, but may be chronic or even cured if dealt with early in the disease process. Decision-making can occur from the point of adopting preventive behaviors through the end of life.

Community-Based Partnerships for Childhood Obesity Prevention and Control: Research to Inform Policy
Deadline: May 7, 2012
The purpose of this FOA, issued by the NICHD, is to enhance childhood obesity research by fostering the formation of local, state, or regional teams consisting of researchers, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., community representatives, public health practitioners or officials, educators) in order to identify research questions and hypotheses, design and implement the relevant research, and translate the research into evidence relevant to potential policy efforts in this area.

Cancer Surveillance Using Health Claims-based Data System
Deadline: May 7, 2012
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), encourages grant applications for research entailing the use of health claims data for cancer surveillance. Cancer surveillance may include assessment of patterns of care, quality, and outcomes of care, and health disparities across the continuum of treatment.

2009 Aetna Foundation Regional Community Investment Programs
Various Deadlines
Information regarding the Regional Community Grants Program and Healthy Community Outreach Program including funding categories, schedule, target markets, and the online application process is now available on the Aetna Foundation website.

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation
Ongoing deadline for Letters of Interest
The Ben & Jerry's Foundation offers competitive grants to not-for-profit, grassroots organizations throughout the United States which facilitate progressive social change by addressing the underlying conditions of societal and environmental problems. Grant applicants need to demonstrate that their projects will lead to societal, institutional and/or environmental change; address the root causes of social or environmental problems; and lead to new ways of thinking and acting. Awards are granted ranging from $1,001 - $15,000.

Nathan Cummings Foundation
Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time

The Nathan Cummings Foundation is rooted in the Jewish tradition and committed to democratic values and social justice, including fairness, diversity, and community. The Foundation seeks to build a socially and economically just society that values nature and protects the ecological balance for future generations, promotes humane health care, and fosters arts and culture that enrich communities. An additional goal is to strengthen the capacity of the Jewish community to work for social and economic justice, both in the United States and Israel. Funding priority is given to projects that have an impact at the state, multi-state, or national level.

Kresge Foundation Grantmaking Programs in Health and Environment

Deadline: Open

Both the Health and Environment Programs address health and environment-related social issues, particularly those affecting minority, low-income, and other underserved communities.

United Health Foundation - Health Services Programs Supported Nationwide
Deadline: Open

United Health Foundation works to improve health outcomes for all Americans. Support is provided to nonprofit organizations that serve the health needs of people and communities throughout the US. The Foundation's priorities are: to enhance the quality of health and medical care services by providing reliable, scientifically-based information to support decisions made by health professionals, communities, and individuals; and to expand access to medical care and health-related services for individuals and families who live in challenging circumstances. Grants generally range from $1,000 to $50,000.

Educational Foundation of America

Rolling Acceptance
The mission of the Educational Foundation of America is to improve individual lives and surroundings through education and awareness, in hopes of bettering humanity and the world we inhabit. The Foundation provides grants to progressive nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that offer specific programs with broad impact. The Foundation’s areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the environment, reproductive freedom, theatre, education, medicine, drug policy reform, democracy, peace and national security issues, and human services. Online letters of inquiry are accepted at any time through the website listed above.

Johnson Foundation: Wingspread Conferences
Letters of inquiry accepted at any time.
The mission of the Johnson Foundation is to cultivate ideas that sustain community – people living in harmony with one another and their environment. The Foundation pursues this mission through Wingspread Conferences, small meetings of thoughtful inquiry convened in an atmosphere of candor and purpose. The Foundation co-sponsors conferences with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or government agencies that work in the following areas: education, media, family, democracy and community, and sustainable development and the environment. The conferences are held at Wingspread, the Foundation's headquarters and educational conference center located near Racine, WI.

Fulbright Scholar Award

Multiple deadlines
Applications continue to be accepted for some Fulbright Scholar awards for lecturing, research or combined lecturing/research awards in public health during the 2008-2009 academic year. Faculty and professionals in public health may apply for awards specifically in their field, as well as one of the many "All Discipline" awards open to any field.

Ladder to Leadership: Developing the Next Generation of Community Health Leaders
Application deadline: Varies
Ladder to Leadership: Developing the Next Generation of Community Health Leaders is a collaborative initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Center for Creative Leadership. The initiative aims to enhance the leadership capacity of community-based nonprofit health organizations serving vulnerable populations. It will develop critical leadership competencies for 270 early- to mid-career professionals through an innovative, sixteen-month leadership development curriculum

Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation Community Improvement Programs
Applications accepted throughout the year.

Provides support to nonprofit organizations that improve communities and positively impact lives. The grantmaking emphasis is on programs that help children and families, animals, or the environment. Average grant $2,500.

Donors Forum of South Florida on-line database
The new online searchable Donors Forum of South Florida database has up-to-date information about funders in South Florida. This resource— which is also available in hard copy — presents continuously updated information about the giving interests and procedures of funders with a track record of investing in the South Florida area and working collaboratively with others. To order, email leot@donorsforumsf.org or call 305/371-7944.

Directory Of Health Policy Fellowships

This Kaiser directory contains new listings for undergraduates, graduate students and professionals searching for summer, school-year, or post-doctoral positions.

June 5, 2009

NEW SECTION: HEALTH CARE REFORM RESOURCES
Florida Health Care Reform Resources

National Health Care Reform Resources

Organizations and Services

New: Florida

New: National

Continued Listings: Florida

Manuals, Guides and Toolkits

New: Florida

New: National

Continued Listings: Florida

Technology and Audio Visual Materials

Media Programming

Web Sites, Web Features

New: Florida

New: National

Continued Listings: Florida

Webinars, Audio, Videos and Films: Web, Rent/Purchase. Theater

Periodicals and Books

Reports and Studies

NEW SECTION: New Health Care Reform Reports

New: Florida Reports

New: National

NEW SECTION: Continued Listings: Health Care Reform Reports

Continued Listings: Florida Reports

NEW: HEALTH CARE REFORM RESOURCES

Florida Health Care Reform Resources

Florida SEIU Health Care Reform Database

Florida SEIU invites organizations and individuals to enter their information in a Community Partners database for health care reform efforts.

National Health Care Reform Resources

Health Affairs and RWJF Health Policy Briefs

Health Affairs and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are pleased to announce a new series of Health Policy Briefs aimed at providing clear, accessible overviews of timely and important health policy topics. The first brief explores the current debate over cutting payments to Medicare Advantage plans - the privately run health plans that now serve almost a quarter of Medicare enrollees. Health Policy Briefs will be available at no cost on the Health Affairs Web site, and you may sign up to be alerted to new briefs by email or RSS feed. The briefs will also be available via a direct website link.

Community Catalyst Timeline for State Advocacy Work
Community Catalyst is looking ahead to some of the major opportunities for state advocacy on national health reform in the coming months. The timeline some of the major Congressional activities in the health reform debate and suggested ways for state advocates to be involved and engaged. During these months and beyond, Community Catalyst will continue to provide our partners with alerts, updates, message points, and analyses.

The Healthcare Equality Project
The Healthcare Equality Project (HEP) is a national partnership between community-based and nationwide organizations, faith networks, labor groups, and advocates working together to achieve comprehensive health care reform and health care equality. Its goal is to ensure that health care reform efforts go beyond simply expanding coverage and become an engine for reducing disparities that plague women and racial, ethnic, and other minorities. Its mission is to ensure that the health care reform that is enacted works for everyone. HEP has four specific goals that are designed to build a grassroots and advocacy campaign around health care reform: 1) to develop a public education and advocacy campaign to build awareness of health care disparities among racial and ethnic minorities across the nation; 2) to work with key congressional members to achieve necessary health care reform; 3) to develop and promote policies that address health care disparities; and 4) to strengthen the national network of health care equality advocates, including national organizations, faith-based groups, and student groups.

RWJF Daily News Digest on Health Reform!

Having the right information at the right time is an essential step in changing health care policy and practice for the better. To further this goal, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has launched its first ever Daily News Digest. This new service, focused on health reform, is a comprehensive daily look at what’s happening in the mainstream media, policy press and the blogosphere. Sign up to have this useful resource delivered to your inbox.

Webcast: Health Insurance Exchanges: See How They Run

looks at insurance exchanges and examines the following questions: What is meant by a health insurance exchange, and how might it work? Who would be allowed to seek coverage through the exchange? What rules would govern the conduct of plans offering coverage? What’s in it for the consumer?

Senate Finance Committee Hosts Three Roundtables to Discuss Key Elements of Health Care Reform: Delivery System, Coverage, and Financing

Between April and May, Senate Finance Committee (SFC) Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA) hosted a series of three roundtable discussions on health care reform. The roundtable topics covered the health care delivery system, coverage, and financing. These roundtables were intended to encourage discussion between SFC members and health care policy and industry experts. They were also intended to inform the development of a comprehensive health care reform bill later this summer. Soon after each roundtable, the SFC released a policy paper detailing options for addressing each issue. The three roundtables were open to the public, and webcasts and the three policy papers are available on the Finance Committee Web site at www.finance.senate.gov.

ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES

New: Florida Organizations and Services

New: National

Pfizer MAINTAINS Helps Unemployed Pay for Medicine

Pfizer MAINTAINS may be able to help if you: Are taking a Pfizer medicine; Became unemployed since January 1, 2009; Have no prescription coverage; and Are experiencing financial hardship. The program, which applies regardless of prior family income, will be open for enrollment through December 31, 2009. It is designed to help recently unemployed Americans and their families who are uninsured and who are taking Pfizer medicines to continue treatment for free for up to one year or until they become re-insured (whichever comes first). More than 70 Pfizer primary care medicines are available through the program. For those who do not qualify for Pfizer MAINTAIN, there may still be help available through www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com, a family of patient assistance programs.

Continued Listings: Florida

Health Insurance Resource Center has been providing consumers with health insurance information and navigation advice since 1984. They include special resources for Florida at http://www.healthinsurance.org/florida

Insurance claim denied? Here's where to get help
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: Investigates complaints against insurers, including denials of claims. Online: floir.com Phone: 1-877-693-5236
Subscriber Assistance Program: Reviews disputes between individuals and their managed-care plans. Online: fdhc.state.fl.us/MCHQ/Consumer/SPSAP/ Phone: 1-888-419-3456
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, SHINE: Helps consumers navigate the Medicare appeals process. Online: floridashine.org Phone: 1-800-963-5337
Medicare Rights Center: National group helps Medicare clients understand their rights and benefits. Online: medicarerights.org Phone: 1-800-333-4114
Florida Legal Services: Free help for low-income adults denied prescription-drug coverage from Medicaid or Medicare Part D. Online: floridalegal.org Phone: 1-800-436-6001

Medicare Access Network of Florida
Do you know of any Medicare Part D beneficiaries who have questions about their plan? If so, feel free to direct them to one of the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) free counseling sites for help that are located throughout Broward and Miami-Dade. To make an appointment, or for questions, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1- 800-963-5337).

South Florida Smoking Cessation Programs
South Florida Cancer Control Collaborative has also started a list of smoking cessation links. Click here to view the list.

(Florida) Hispanic Health Initiatives
In Florida, almost half of the 3 million uninsured adults are Hispanic. Central Florida has continued to see the rates of the uninsured increase and the availability of culturally competent services decrease. One agency, Hispanic Health Initiatives, Inc (HHI), is the only health services facility in Central Florida created to specifically address the needs of the Hispanic community. Since its inception in June of 2000, this volunteer-driven, community-based organization has worked to connect medically underserved families with free or low-cost health care services. Read more.

The Florida Discount Drug Card
is designed to lower the cost of prescriptions for Florida residents who are 60 and older and without prescription drug coverage or who fall into the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage gap; OR under age 60, without prescription drug coverage, and with an annual family income of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Qualifying incomes include those below: $30,636 (individual); $41,076 (family of two); $61,956 (family of four). It can give eligible participants a discount on virtually all drugs and be used at all participating pharmacies.

Florida Relay Service 711

The Florida Relay Service is the communications link for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind, or Speech Impaired. Through the Florida Relay Service, people who use specialized telephone equipment can communicate with people who use standard telephone equipment. To call Florida Relay, dial 7-1-1, or use the appropriate toll free numbers: 800-955-8771 (TTY); 800-955-8770 (Voice); 800-955-1339 (ASCII); 877-955-8260 (VCO-Direct); 877-955-5334 (STS); 877-955-8773 (Spanish); 877-955-8707 (French Creole) In emergencies, Relay users should call 9-1-1 directly or the emergency services center in their community. Note: 711 can't be accessed from many buildings with a switchboard system because the PBX system won't recognize it, and consumers need to dial 1-800-955-8771 from them. Florida Relay customer service is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year: 1-800-676-3777 (English); 1-800-676-4290 (Spanish)

Southeast Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (SFCCC)

SFCCC works to reduce the cancer burden and cancer disparities in Southeast Florida, including Broward, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties. The SFCCC includes representatives from more than 60 public and private organizations, agencies and health care providers, as well as cancer survivor and advocacy groups. SFCCC aims to increase awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment among populations at high risk. The Collaborative meets quarterly at various locations in the region.

MANUALS, GUIDES, TOOLKITS

New: Florida

New: National

Continued Listings: Florida

TECHNOLOGY AND AUDIO/VIDEO RESOURCES

Media Programming

Web Sites, Web Features & Databases

New: Florida Listings

Updated Hospital & Health Plan Data on Florida Health Finder

The Agency for Health Care Administration announced the release of updated health plan quality and hospital inpatient data on Florida Health FinderConsumers can access and compare the most recent quality of care and patient satisfaction measures for Florida HMOs and PPOs. In addition, the website now contains hospital inpatient data for July 2007 through July 2008. The most current Hospital Financial Data Book is also available, showing an analysis of hospital financial results for fiscal years ending in 2007.

Kids Count

Annie E. Casey Foundation recently updated its online database, , which contains state-, city-, and now community-level data for more than 100 measures of child well-being. This database can generate custom reports for specific geographic areas and compare them based on a particular topic (for example, poverty, education, and health/health insurance).

New: National

Data.gov Launched
Federal CIO Council has launched Data.gov. Created as part of the President's commitment to open government and democratizing information, Data.gov will open up the workings of government by making economic, healthcare, environmental, and other government information available on a single website, allowing the public to access raw data and transform it in innovative ways.

Family Support Foundation for Mental Illness

is a newly launched website devoted to increasing awareness and understanding of mental illness issues, supporting legislation that benefits those suffering from mental illness and their families, and fundraising and events that help support qualifying families with significant unreimbursed mental healthcare expenses and other non-profit organizations that have been strong and effective leaders on issues consistent with the Foundation's mission. The website provides information and resources on mental illness and the suffering that it causes.

Continued Listings: Florida

Florida Census Data
Here is a very helpful link to a map of Florida that has each county hyperlinked to its US Census data, including: racial/ethnic populations, education level, income, federal dollars they receive, etc.

Updates to www.FloridaHealthFinder.gov Website

AHCA has announced a major redesign of this site and the addition of a new hospice comparison tool. The site contains interactive tools that give Floridians the opportunity to compare pricing and performance for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, emergency rooms, health plans, nursing homes, and pricing on prescription drugs. The easy to use website provides health outcome information for over 150 conditions and procedures in Florida’s health care facilities and is linked to an extensive health care encyclopedia.

statehealthfacts.org

This web site recently added new data on Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare. New data from the Congressional Research Service on CHIP enrollment and projected federal allocations have been added for all states and the nation. In addition, data on the distribution of enrollment in CHIP by family income level for fiscal year 2008 and the projected federal CHIP allotments under the CHIP Reauthorization Act for FY 2009 are available for all states and the nation. Statehealthfacts.org also added new data from HHS and the Government Accountability Office about temporary federal Medicaid relief provided by the federal economic stimulus plan to states from October 2008 through March 2009, along with the total estimated federal stimulus allocations to each state through December 2010. The Web site also added new data from an analysis by the Urban Institute and the Foundation's Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured of 2005 CMS data on dual eligibles. The new data include Medicaid spending for dual eligibles by service, Medicaid spending per dual eligible, dual eligibles as a percent of total Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and the distribution of dual eligible enrollment.

SHADAC Launches Redesigned State Health Access Assistance Web Site
The new RWJF Web site gives users easy access to research and resources related to issues of health insurance coverage, data collection methods and state health policy.

Florida Medicaid Reform Evaluation Project

The website provides information on the evaluation and access to key publications, talks, and presentations produced by the MRE team. The University of Florida (is conducting a five-year evaluation of the state’s Medicaid Reform Demonstration Project under a contract with AHCA, Florida’s state agency for health policy and planning. The evaluation will be conducted over the period of Florida’s Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver (July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2010), as approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by the Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy at UF. The overall objective is to assess whether Florida's Medicaid Reform accomplishes its stated objectives of delivering quality healthcare services while achieving better health outcomes and enrollee satisfaction at a more predictable lower cost. For further information, contact (352) 273-6073 or mre@phhp.ufl.edu

Florida's Community and Migrant Health Centers Brochure UPDATED 9/07

A low literacy brochure describing services offered at Florida's CHCs with a map of all CHC locations and phone numbers. English Brochure Spanish Brochure Haitian Creole Brochure

First Steps: A Guide for Parents of Young Children with Developmental Disabilities

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council’s most popular publication ever has been revised and updated with critical info for any parent or family member of a young child with a developmental disability. The publication is a reliable source of info for parents at the beginning of a new journey. They will learn a new vocabulary, discover advocacy skills they never knew they had, and meet new people who will become important in their life as friends, teachers, doctors, therapists and caregivers. This is a valuable tool to help guide parents in the initial steps of their journey as well as a resource they can visit again and again as they, their child and their families grow through the coming years together. The publication is available in both English and Spanish, as well as in a full color version and a black and white version – both are in Acrobat Reader format (PDF) and available in two sections – Chapters 1 to 5 and Chapters 6 to 10 – for your convenience downloading the publications.

Florida Health News, free online non-profit news service
The Florida Health Policy Center has announced the launch of an independent, free, non-profit news service: Florida Health News Inc. FHN will post health-related stories reported around the state, highlight the Florida impact of national stories, and track state health legislation. The news service also will feature original coverage of major health policy developments and a free Monday-through-Friday news service. You can visit the site and subscribe to the e-mail news service by clicking on the link: www.FloridaHealthNews.org. To send your comments, story tips and news of conferences and other events, or get more information, contact pat.curtis@floridahealthnews.org or 850/556-1668.

Florida Health Insurance Coverage of Children 0-18 (2004-2005)
Kaiser Family Foundation has released information about this on-line resource.

Florida Association of Community Health Centers (FACHC)

The following resources have recently been added to the FACHC web site:

Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish-speaking Adults (SAHLSA-50) A new health literacy test than can be used to screen for low health literacy among Spanish speakers.

Health Coverage and Access to Care for Hispanics in "New Growth Communities" and "Major Hispanic Centers" A 2006 Report from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured

Spanish Language Mental Health Manual for Health Promoters Developed by the California- Mexico Bi-National Health Initiative.

Florida Health Care Website for Consumers
A new Web site for Florida health-care consumers officially launches today, courtesy of the Florida Hospital Association. The site offers links to information on doctors, hospitals and health-care plans as well as checklists to help consumers ask the right questions. It is intended largely as a portal to other, established sites. There are links to sites for Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, among others.

State of Florida Health Care Consumer Websites
The recently expanded FloridaCompareCare.gov aims to improve care and reduce costs by giving citizens the tools to compare outcomes and prices between health care providers and medical services. Through this website one can see data on certain conditions and procedures related to quality of care, pricing and performance at the state’s hospitals and ambulatory (outpatient) surgery centers. In 2005, Florida became the first state to publicly report infection and mortality rates in each hospital. In July 2006, Florida became the first state to publicly report separate pediatric quality of care data. In addition, adult data can now be broken out specific to ages 65 and over. Additional new breakdowns include types of facilities.

FloridaHealthStat.com provides health care information to assist consumers, health care professionals, and researchers in making well-informed health care decisions and in researching the status of health care in Florida. MyFloridaRx.com provides consumers with the retail prices of the most commonly used prescribed drugs by pharmacy across Florida. For questions or comments regarding any of Florida’s consumer websites, contact 850/922-7036.

Medicaid Applications Online 24/7 and in Neighborhoods
Local partners can direct families to their area sites or online to apply for Medicaid and other benefits. The Web Application is generally preferable as the data makes it into the Florida system more quickly and there is a reduced chance of data entry errors.

Florida KidCare Applications can be completed online

Website Offers Free 24 Hour Health Information to Floridians to address concerns and inquiries

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) Secretary encourages health care consumers to visit www.FLHealthSource.com whenever they need information about a licensed health care professional. DOH’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) maintains FLHealthSource.com. The site provides health care consumers with a host of information, including license status, office address, and disciplinary information for all health care professionals licensed in Florida. The site also provides additional information for the five profiled professions –medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, chiropractic physicians, podiatric physicians and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs).

Florida Progressive Information Network (FLPIN)

offers a nonpartisan communication system designed to link progressive organizers with progressive activists. Individuals may sign up free of charge to receive alerts on a variety of progressive issues from other organizations participating in the Network. In order to make FLPIN work, it must be used on a regular basis. The more information put in, the more valuable it is as a tool. Link FLPIN to organization websites. A training manual is at www.flpin.net/alert.pdf. For more information or assistance, contact jen@floridahumanist.org

Webinars, Audio, Videos and Films: Web, Rent/Purchase, Theater

PERIODICALS AND BOOKS

Adolescent and Family Health E-newsletter Returns

The Institute for Youth Development announces the return of Adolescent and Family Health.

REPORTS AND STUDIES

New Listings

New Health Care Reform Reports

Health Reform: Cost of Failure

examines three different scenarios that could occur if the U.S. does not reform its health care system. It concludes that in the best case scenario, inaction could increase family and individual spending by at least 46 percent and nearly double government expenditures as more U.S. residents become eligible for programs such as Medicaid and CHIP. (5/21/09, RWJF)

White House: The Economic Case for Health Care Reform
Slowing the annual growth rate of health care spending by 1.5 percentage points would improve Americans’ standard of living, and reduce the federal budget deficit and the unemployment rate, concludes a new report by the White House Council of Economic Advisors. In addition, expanding coverage would increase the economic well-being of the uninsured, likely increase labor supply and improve the functioning of the labor market. The three-member council advises the president on the formulation of both domestic and international economic policy. (6/2/09, The White House)

Report Recommends Ways to Increase Coverage Among Children
This report recommends expanding Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program eligibility to help cover the nearly 9 million remaining uninsured children in the U.S. It suggests allowing families with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level to enroll in Medicaid and children in families with incomes up to 300% of the FPL to enroll in CHIP, while providing flexibility for states wishing to expand eligibility further. For ineligible families, it recommends establishing an insurance exchange and providing subsidies to help them afford coverage. Ensuring access to care will require major new federal resources, it said, suggesting that the federal government require Medicaid and CHIP reimbursement rates to be comparable to Medicare. (5/29/09, Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center for Children and Families)

Designing Benefit Standards for a Health Insurance Exchange

explains that, in any exchange that is created as part of health reform, it is crucial to establish benefit standards so that all plans cover a comprehensive range of services, thereby ensuring that individuals and small businesses have a choice of affordable, comprehensive plans. These benefit standards would protect people with particular medical conditions from facing excessive costs, and they would better enable consumers to compare plans based on price and quality. (5/21/09, CBPP)

Ensuring Affordable Health Coverage and Health Care Services in an Insurance Exchange

finds that any health reform proposal that requires everyone to obtain health insurance must establish mechanisms to make health coverage and health care affordable. It also identifies four key components that any successful exchange should have: minimum standards for benefit packages, limits on the degree of variation in different benefit packages, limits on the number of different plan choices, and a requirement that insurers in the exchange offer the full range of benefit packages. (5/21/09, CBPP)

Medicaid as a Platform for Broader Health Reform: Supporting High-Need and Low-Income Populations

summarizes the problems that low-income individuals face in today's health care system and explores policy options for expanding Medicaid to cover more of this population as a base for broader health reform efforts. The report finds that Medicaid can provide a strong foundation that can help ensure the success of broader reform efforts by maintaining coverage for the poor and sick while providing a vehicle to reach low-income adults. (5/12/09, KFF)

Meeting Enrollees’ Needs: How Do Medicare and Employer Coverage Stack Up?

finds that elderly Medicare beneficiaries reported greater overall satisfaction with their health coverage, better access to care, and fewer problems paying medical bills than those under age 65 who are covered by job-based plans. This study was designed to examine whether a public plan could potentially improve access to necessary services and reduce the burden of medical bills for individuals under age 65. (5/12/09, Commonwealth Fund)

Building Momentum as Democrats Forge Health Care Reform
This review of recent action on health reform discusses industry and provider groups' pledge to reduce spending by $2 trillion over the next 10 years, noting that the groups' pledge was a "recognition that the pace of reform is quickening and they wanted to be a full participant in negotiations." It also addresses congressional action, including discussions of a public insurance option and how lawmakers are attempting to address the cost of reform. (5/14/09, NEJM)

Forging a New Plan For Health Care: Principles and Priorities for Sustainable Reform

The U.S. stands poised to enact dramatic and far-reaching changes to health-insurance markets in the name of expanding insurance coverage to the more than 45 million uninsured and controlling rapidly rising health-care costs in both the public and private sectors. Early signals from Congress and the administration indicate that many of these changes will involve expansions of existing government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, massive new regulation of private insurance providers, and trillions of dollars in new federal spending that will have to be financed through new taxes or substantial rationing of patient access to health-care goods and services. This paper makes the fiscal and political case for bipartisan health-care reform that: addresses dysfunctions in the existing health-care-delivery system; expands access to affordable private health insurance in an incremental and fiscally responsible manner; and improves market-based options for consumer access to information on health-care quality. (May 2009, Manhattan Institute for Policy Research)

Tax on Employer Health Benefits Could Be Used to Pay for System Overhaul
"A new tax on employer-provided health insurance is emerging as a likely option to finance an overhaul of the nation's health-care system," but opposition to the plan is coming from many directions. (5/22/09, Washington Post)

Study Lends Urgency to Passage of Health Care Legislation
A study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that in 10 years the number of uninsured Americans could reach beyond 65.7 million and health care costs could more than double, a situation that is motivating lawmakers to pass a bill to revamp the health care system by the end of the year. (5/21/09, Reuters)

Too Great a Burden: Americans Face Rising Health Costs

Nearly one in four Americans under the age of 65—some 64.4 million people—will spend more than 10 percent of their pre-tax family income on health care in 2009.... And 18.7 million non-elderly Americans.... are in families that will spend more than 25 percent of their income on health care in 2009. What’s even more troubling is that most of these Americans are in families who already have health insurance. 82.6% of Americans in families that spend more than 10% of income on health care are insured, and 76.4% of Americans in families that spend more than 25% of income on health care are insured.With the economy in decline and unemployment at its highest rate in decades, more people are out of work and losing their health coverage as a result. Yet even those with insurance are exposed to thinner coverage and higher out of pocket costs. The need to secure true health reform has never been more urgent: The economic security of American families lies in the balance. (May 2009, Families USA)

Limiting the Tax Exclusion For Employer-Sponsored Insurance Can Help Pay For Health Reform; Universal Coverage May Be Out of Reach Otherwise

Congress is unlikely to be able to finance health reform legislation that includes universal coverage unless it limits the exclusion of employers’ health insurance payments from workers’ income and payroll taxes. Limiting the exclusion could provide significant revenues for health reform without eroding employer-sponsored insurance or causing other undesirable side effects - if the cap and the rest of the health reform legislation are well designed. (6/2/09, CBPP)

Paying for Health Reform

The next in a series of reports about how policymakers could pay for health reform that extends insurance to all Americans and slows the growth of health care costs:
Curbing Flexible Spending Accounts Could Help Pay For Health Care Reform

Reversing the Erosion in Alcohol Taxes Could Help Pay For Health Care Reform

Taxing High-Sugar Soft Drinks Could Help Pay For Health Care Reform (5/27/09, CBPP)

Report Highlights National Cost of Chronic Disease
The U.S. spent an estimated $1.7 trillion treating patients with one or more chronic diseases in 2007, about three-quarters of total health care spending. “The health of our nation and our economy will only improve when we move from a ‘sick-care’ system focused on treating chronic diseases to a true health care system devoted to prevention and wellness,” said former Surgeon General Richard Carmona, M.D., PFCD chairperson and president of the Canyon Ranch Institute. Reducing the prevalence of chronic disease through an increased focus on wellness is one pillar of the AHA’s framework for reform, Health for Life: Better Health. Better Health Care. The AHA is a national PFCD partner. (5/14/09, second annual Almanac of Chronic Disease by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease)

Key Priorities to Help Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries

discusses three actions Congress should take to improve the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) as part of health reform. (May 2009, Families USA)

Medicare: Helping Low-Income Seniors and People with Disabilities

examines the high out-of-pocket costs Medicare beneficiaries face and how health reform should improve existing programs that help them afford these costs. (May 2009, Families USA)

New: Florida Reports

Nonprofits & The Economy Survey
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and Allegany Franciscan Ministries recently released the full results of the Nonprofits and the Economy Survey. Over 300 nonprofit organizations responded to the survey, which asked them about their current challenges, the impact the economic downturn is having on the services they offer and their most pressing funding needs. To schedule a presentation for your organization, please contact the Community Foundation at 561-659-6800 ext. 121 or kparmelee@cfpbmc.org. (May 2009, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and Allegany Franciscan Ministries)

New Listings: Medicaid

New Listings: Children's Health Care

Cost Sharing In Medicaid And CHIP: How Does It Affect Out-Of-Pocket Spending?

Adding even modest cost-sharing requirements for children insured through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program could significantly increase the health spending burden faced by families enrolled in those programs. While premium contributions and copayments by families covered by Medicaid or CHIP can lower government spending, policymakers should proceed carefully to avoid large increases in the families’ financial burdens, the study’s authors said. “Cost sharing has the potential to confront many families with a choice between financial hardship and reductions in their children’s enrollment and use of services,” the study says. However, capping out of pocket medical spending at 5% of family income would help ease the financial burden considerably, while only “modestly” reducing savings in government spending. (6/2/09, Health Affairs)

Express Lane Eligibility and Beyond: How Automated Enrollment Can Help Eligible Children Receive Medicaid and CHIP

explores how automated enrollment strategies have achieved remarkable results, dramatically increasing program participation while lowering administrative costs and reducing erroneous eligibility determinations. The paper also addresses operational details about implementing some of the strategies described in this report. (4/21/09, Urban Institute)

New Listings: Medicare

The Long Wait: The Impact of Delaying Medicare Coverage for People with Disabilities

According to congressional committee reports on the 1972 legislation, the original purposes of the waiting period were to keep program costs down, avoid overlapping with private insurance, and ensure that Medicare coverage would be available only to those whose disabilities are truly severe and long-lasting. . . . With health reform and universal coverage prime topics of current policy discussions, ending the Medicare waiting period may become a moot issue. However, even universal coverage provisions may require that existing public programs maintain responsibility for the populations they now serve. One way or another, the policy that has been left in place for 37 years—and which today puts nearly 2 million people in limbo—should not be allowed to continue.” (May 2009, Commonwealth Fund)

Medicare Hospital Fund Will Be Insolvent By 2017, Two Years Earlier Than Expected, Trustees Say
The trust fund that Medicare uses to pay for beneficiaries' hospital care will be insolvent by 2017, as the program since last year has been paying out more than it collects in taxes and interest, in part due to the worsening economy, according to a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission report. This estimated date of insolvency is two years earlier than that predicted by the trustees last year. Medicare would have to deposit $13.4 trillion -- $1 trillion higher than last year's estimate -- into an interest-earning account today in order for the hospital fund to pay its scheduled benefits over the next 75 years, according to MedPAC. The program's total unfunded obligation, which includes doctor and prescription drug benefits, is $37.8 trillion, MedPAC said. These calculations include a 21% payment cut for providers scheduled to take effect this year. However, Congress typically has eliminated this reduction. (5/13/09, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission in Wall Street Journal)

Where Does the Burden Lie?: Medicaid and Medicare Spending for Dual Eligible Beneficiaries

fills in gaps in information about dual eligibles by analyzing their demographic and health characteristics, as well as their patterns of service utilization and spending under both Medicare and Medicaid. These seniors are generally low-income, in poor health, and have considerable health care needs, making them one of the most costly populations to be covered by public insurance. (4/30/09, KFF)

The Continuing Cost of Privatization: Extra Payments to Medicare Advantage Plans Jump to $11.4 Billion in 2009

concludes that payments to MA plans in 2009 are projected to be 13 percent greater than the corresponding costs in traditional Medicare—an average of $1,138 per MA plan enrollee. If these beneficiaries were enrolled in traditional Medicare instead, more than $150 billion could be saved over 10 years, which could be used to finance improved benefits for the low-income elderly and disabled or for expanding health coverage. (5/4/09, Commonwealth Fund)

Health Insurance Coverage for Older Adults: Implications of a Medicare Buy-In

examines the barriers to securing affordable coverage in the current marketplace for uninsured people ages 55-65, as well as how a Medicare buy-in program could improve health coverage for this group. (5/14/09, KFF)

Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries Give Their Coverage Higher Ratings Than Do Those With Employer Sponsored Insurance
Elderly Medicare beneficiaries are more satisfied with their health care, and experience fewer problems accessing and paying for care, than Americans with employer-sponsored insurance (ESI), according to a study. Medicare’s Strong Performance In Consumer Satisfaction, Access To Care And Other Areas Suggests That Many Adults Under Age 65 Would Choose A Public Health Insurance Option If It Were Offered As Part Of Health Reform. (5/12/09, Health Affairs)

Home Health Interventions Associated With Lower Medicare Spending And Re-Hospitalizations For Patients With Chronic Illness
Medicare patients with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure that used home healthcare within 3 months of being discharged from a hospital cost the program $1.71 billion less and had 24,000 fewer re-hospitalizations than similar patients that used other forms of post-acute care over a two-year period. The analysis also found that if cumulated to the full set of Medicare beneficiaries in the study group that utilized other forms of post-acute care, the program would have saved an additional $1.77 billion. (May 2009, Avalere Health)

Health Insurance and Health Care Access Before and After SSDI Entry

The findings diminish some of the arguments justifying the Medicare waiting period. They suggest that private insurance crowd-out due to the extension of public coverage would be limited to a minority of beneficiaries: those with inferior private coverage and those for whom COBRA, with its high premiums, was the only coverage option—less than one-third of all beneficiaries in the waiting period.” (May 2009, Commonwealth Fund)

Health Insurance Company Proposes Ways to Cut Medicare Spending
UnitedHealth Group Inc., which is the largest participant in the Medicare program, has offered 15 suggestions for saving $540 billion over 10 years on Medicare costs, including "sending patients to less expensive, more efficient doctors, reducing hospital visits by the elderly and cutting unnecessary care." (5/27/09, AP)

Meeting Enrollees' Needs: How Do Medicare And Employer Coverage Stack Up?

People 65 and over with Medicare are more satisfied with their health coverage than those with employer-based insurance, according to a new report. Only 32 percent of older people with Medicare reported having at least one negative insurance experience, which includes expensive medical bills for services that are not covered, high cost-sharing, and physicians’ not taking their insurance, compared with 44 percent of people with employer coverage. (May 2009, Health Affairs)

New Listings: Federal/State Budgets

New Listings: Health Insurance, Health Care Costs

Recession Prompting Patients to Delay Care, Physicians Say
Many patients are deferring physician visits due to cost concerns during the economic recession, according to a new survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Nearly 90% of family physicians said their patients have expressed concern over their ability to pay for health care, and 73% report an increase in uninsured patients visiting their offices. About 58% of physicians had seen an increase in appointment cancellations, while 60% had seen more health problems caused by patients forgoing needed preventive care. (5/20/09, AHA NewsNow)

The Recession’s Toll on Employees’Health: Results of a New National Business Group on Health Survey

Millions of Americans with employer-provided health benefits are facing substantial increases in their out-of-pocket costs, according to a new study. The higher costs are particularly burdensome for people who are sick or have modest incomes. (5/27/09, National Business Group on Health)

Even with Employer Health Coverage, Many Workers Find Themselves Underinsured
Millions of Americans with employer-provided health benefits are facing substantial increases in their out-of-pocket costs, according to a new study published.. The higher costs are particularly burdensome for people who are sick or have modest incomes. (6/2/09, Health Affairs)

Hard Times And Health Insurance: How Many Americans Will Be Uninsured By 2010?
The number of uninsured Americans could reach a projected 52 million in 2010 absent any policy changes. However, the study’s authors pointed out that the number could be even higher because their projection does not take into account the significant job losses that occur during a recession. “Given major uncertainties about the depth and length of the recession, about federal and state policy responses, and about the effect of any public policy response, it would be foolish to attempt to offer precise forecasts of the number of uninsured Americans,” the authors said. “These caveats notwithstanding, our work demonstrates that if personal income grows as slowly as projected?and health care costs grow at the rate projected?then the number of uninsured people is likely to grow by at least 6.9 million during 2008-10.” (5/28/09, Health Affairs)

Hidden Health Tax: Americans Pay a Premium
According to this study "the average U.S. family and their employers paid an extra $1,017 in health care premiums last year to compensate for the uninsured." When the uninsured do obtain care, they struggle to pay as much as they can afford. Often the uninsured cannot afford to pay the entire bill, and a portion of it goes uncompensated. To make up for these uncompensated care costs, doctors and hospitals charge insurers more for the services provided to patients who do have health coverage. In turn, the costs that are shifted to insurers are passed on in the form of higher premiums to consumers and businesses that purchase health coverage. (5/28/09, Families USA)

More Small Businesses Stop Providing Health Insurance to Employees
Rising health care costs and the worsening economic recession are forcing more small businesses to drop the health insurance benefits they provide to workers in order to avoid layoffs and stay in business. (5/26/09, Wall Street Journa)

Hospital Quality And Intensity Of Spending: Is There An Association?

High-cost hospitals do not necessarily achieve better health outcomes than lower-cost hospitals. A recent study used end-of-life treatment quality measures to compare the highest-spending 20 percent of hospitals, which spent an average of $34,742 on treatments, to the lowest-spending 20 percent of hospitals, which spent an average of $16,059 on treatments. Despite the wide gap in spending, the difference in performance was negligible. (May 2009, Health Affairs)

Coverage When It Counts: What Does Health Insurance in Massachusetts Cover and How Can Consumers Know?

details the complex challenges consumers face when making choices about which health insurance plan to purchase. The authors use Massachusetts as an example to suggest a new method for evaluating health insurance plans and make recommendations for states that are working to increase transparency in health insurance pricing. (5/8/09, RWJF)

New Listings: Health Disparities

Women at Risk: Why Many Women Are Forgoing Needed Health Care

examines how rising health care costs coupled with eroding health benefits are having a substantial effect on Americans' ability to get health care, particularly women. In 2007, 52 percent of women reported having problems obtaining needed care due to cost, and 45 percent had accrued medical debt or reported having problems with medical bills. (5/11/09, Commonwealth Fund)

Study Reveals Wide Variations In Depression Diagnoses Among Ethnic Groups
Whites experiencing depression are far more likely to be diagnosed by a physician than other ethnic groups, according to a new Consumer Health Sciences (CHS) study presented today at the 14th Annual ISPOR (International Society for Pharmacoeconomic and Outcomes Research) Conference in Orlando, Florida. The study reveals that 76% of whites with self-reported depression symptoms are officially diagnosed, compared to just 58.7% of blacks, 62.7% of Hispanics and 47.4% of Asians. The study's results were drawn from the 2008 US National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS), a nationally representative, self-administered survey conducted annually via the Internet. Topics covered include the health status, attitudes and outcomes among adults 18 or older. (5/21/09, Medical News Today)

Dramatic Growth In Cancer Rates Among US Elderly, Minorities Predicted
Over the next 20 years, the number of new cancer cases diagnosed annually in the United States will increase by 45 percent, from 1.6 million in 2010 to 2.3 million in 2030, with a dramatic spike among minorities. (4/30/09, Science Daily)

Hard Times in the Heartland – Health Care in Rural America
Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Hard Times in the Heartland provides insight into the current state of health care in rural areas and the critical need for health care reform. (5/9/09, US Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Trends in Child Health 1997-2006: Assessing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Low Birthweight

looks at the prevalence of low birthweight among Hispanic, African American, and white children under age 18. (April 2009, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies)

Trends in Child Health 1997-2006: Assessing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Asthma examines disparities in the rates of asthma between African American, Hispanic, and white children under age 18. (April 2009, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies)

Race and Socioeconomic Factors Affect Opportunities for Better Health

This brief examines how both race and modifiable social factors such as education, income, and the condition of the neighborhoods where people live, play a role in health care disparities. (April 2009, RWJF Foundation's Commission to Build a Healthier America)

Improving Access to Language Services in Health Care: A Look at National and State Efforts

The brief examines state and national efforts to address language barriers, and it highlights the challenges and successes of language services work in California, Minnesota, and New York. (April 2009, Mathematica Policy Research)

Differences in Control of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes by Race, Ethnicity, and Education: U.S. Trends from 1999 to 2006 and Effects of Medicare Coverage

Researchers have found that providing Medicare coverage for those ages 65 and older reduces racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in the overall rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (4/21/09, Annals of Internal Medicine, sponsored by The Commonwealth Fund)

Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities; A Business Case Update for Employers
This brief examines three areas: causes of health disparities in the workforce, why employers need to address disparities in health and health care, and steps employers can take to address health disparities. (February 2009, National Business Group on Health)

New Listings: Other Health Issues

Hospitals Begin to Move Into Supermarkets
The number of hospitals in the U.S. that are affiliated with walk-in clinics in large retail chains, such as Wal-Mart or CVS is rising, as hospitals view the collaborations as a means of expanding their business. (5/25/09, New York Times)

The Geographic Accessibility of Retail Clinics for Underserved Populations
Retail clinics – medical clinics within retail stores that provide urgent and routine preventive care – are more likely to be located in areas with fewer minorities and lower levels of poverty, despite claims that their placement is determined by physician shortages and higher uninsured populations. Just 13.6% of the total 930 retail clinics nationwide are located in medically underserved areas. “To the extent that location correlates with accessibility, this distribution may undermine efforts to promote access for underserved populations,” the study’s authors said (5/25/09, Archives of Internal Medicine)

Continued Listings: Health Care Reform Reports

Continued Listings: Florida Reports

Floridians 50-to-65 Losing Coverage

In Florida, the ratio of workers ages 50 to 65 who lacked health coverage in a study two years ago had tripled in this decade to 18 percent, an AARP study found. A spokesman said the numbers have doubtless grown since then because of the recession in a trend AARP views as alarming. (5/8/09, AARP in Tampa Tribune)

Medicare Fraud Prevalent In South Florida

Just 2% of Medicare beneficiaries in the U.S. live in South Florida, but the area accounted for 17% of Medicare's total spending on inhalation drugs in 2007 because of potential fraud, according to a new fraud report. (April 2009, HHS Office of Inspector General)

Reports Criticize Health Care At U.S., Florida Immigration Detention Centers
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency routinely delays, denies or provides low-quality medical care for detained immigrants in ill-equipped facilities nationwide, according to two new reports (March 2009, Human Rights Watch and the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center)

A Closer Look at Tobacco Taxes: “Florida’s Fiscal Crisis: The Prescription”
This report recommends: Raise the cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack and increase the tax on "other tobacco products" to 100% of the wholesale price. It is estimated that this change in tax rate will add an additional $1,000.8 million to the state's recurring general revenues. (March 2009, Florida Center for Fiscal & Economic Reform)

ASTHO 2008 Florida Snapshot: Activities to Promote Health Equity
The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) has published online snapshots highlighting state activities that promote health equity. Nearly every state is represented. This online tool features an overview of each state’s health priorities, a flowchart outlining the organization and infrastructure of state departments of health, each state’s activities and/or organizations that address the social determinants of health.

Florida among 10 worst states for adult diabetes
In just one decade, Florida has gone from having one of lowest rates of adult diabetes in the country to cracking the top 10 worst, federal health officials reported Thursday. Diabetes more than tripled in Florida in the past decade while it was doubling at the national level, according to CDC. (10/31/08, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

Florida CHAIN Issue Brief: Health Plans' Persistently Consumer-Unfriendly and Divergent "Preferred Drug List" Posting Practices Exemplify Unresolved Challenges in Medicaid Reform

As with other benefits made available under the Medicaid Reform Pilot Program, the prescription drugs covered by health plans (called Preferred Drug Lists, or PDLs) are permitted to deviate significantly from standard Medicaid. Although this flexibility has been touted as increasing consumer choice, meaningfully informed choice is still not possible given the lack of simple and direct access to usable information about those options. In particular, longstanding problems in Reform with respect to accessing plans' PDLs on-line have still not been resolved. These problems may stem from AHCA's reluctance to impose requirements ensuring clarity, accessibility and uniformity of consumer information, as well as from its apparent unwillingness to enforce even the weak requirements it has already imposed.

Dying for Coverage in Florida

More than six people die each day in Florida because they do not have health insurance. A new Families USA report is the first-ever state-specific report of its type, based on a ground-breaking national study by the Institute of Medicine, which in 2002 forged the direct link between a lack of health coverage and deaths from health-related causes. The report also finds that:Between 2000 and 2006, the estimated number of adults between the ages of 25 and 64 in Florida who died because they did not have health insurance was more than 13,600. Across the United States, in 2006, twice as many people in that same age category died from a lack of health insurance as died from homicide. (March 2008, Families USA)

HHS Failed To Show Budget Neutrality Before Approving Florida, Vermont Medicaid Waivers
HHS did not ensure that two Medicaid pilot projects in Florida and Vermont would be budget neutral before approving them. Under federal law, states can obtain a federal waiver for pilot programs to test new ways of delivering care under Medicaid if they can show that spending would not rise faster than it normally would. However, in approving the Florida and Vermont programs, "HHS approved spending limits that were higher than the limits that would have been granted if HHS had held the states to limits based on benchmark growth rates," the report found. In addition, "HHS' basis for approving the higher spending limits was not fully supported by documentation," according to GAO. (March 2008, GAO)

State of Breast Cancer Report Names Florida as One of the "Most Restrictive" for State Assisted Breast Cancer Treatment
Florida is part of a minority of states that still determines a woman ineligible for Medicaid-funded treatment unless she was screened through the state program, restricting access to care for those diagnosed elsewhere. The Florida Suncoast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is on a mission to lobby the state legislature to change laws affecting women seeking Medicaid-funded treatment for breast cancer. The affiliate also encourages survivors, their families and the Tampa Bay community to contact their local and state representatives, urging them to revisit the laws governing breast cancer treatment. The Report provides information on advancements in diagnosis, treatment and research that have made breast cancer a survivable disease for more than 2 million people in the United States. The report also explores cultural, social, educational and financial barriers – or disparities – that prevent many people from getting screening and receiving life-saving breast cancer care. (11/26/07, Susan Komen Fdn)

Florida Funding For Safety-Net Hospitals Could Be Affected By Proposed Property Tax Cuts

Proposed cuts to Florida property taxes could reduce funding for safety-net hospitals in fiscal year 2009. The "low-income pool" of local and state tax dollars, which receives federal matching funds to reimburse hospitals that provide care to low-income and uninsured residents not covered by Medicaid, is mostly funded by ad valorem property tax revenue. Gov. Charlie Crist (R) and state lawmakers have proposed cutting those taxes this year. (1/3/08, Tampa Tribune)

Too Great a Burden: Florida Families at Risk A Report on the Impact of Healthcare Costs on Florida Families

Over the past eight years, relentless growth in health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs has made spending on health care an increasing burden. For many Floridians, this means that health care is consuming an ever-growing share of their budgets, forcing them to make difficult sacrifices in other areas so they can make ends meet. And for many hard-working families, the burden of these health care costs has become too great to bear. (Dec 2007, Families USA)

Miami-Dade Health Profiles 2007

The Health Council of South Florida released the South Miami-Dade 2007 Health Profile in fall 2007. The South-Miami Dade Health Profile is the second in a series of area Health Profiles prepared for Miami-Dade County's Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning as part of the Building Better Communities General Obligations Bond Program which seeks to improve access to primary care throughout Miami-Dade County. A Health Profile of the Miami Beach Service Area was released in July, and one focusing on the North Miami-Dade Service Area will be released in December. Comparative data is included for Miami-Dade as a whole. The profiles provide a general overview of the population, health needs and resources available in the Service Areas.

(Florida) AHCA's Annual Report on Medicaid Reform

(delivered 10/1/07)

Annie E. Casey Foundation: 18th KIDS COUNT Data Book

This is the recently released new edition of this national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the United States. By providing policymakers and citizens with benchmarks of child well-being, the Foundation seeks to enrich local, state, and national discussions concerning ways to secure better futures for all children. Information is also available in an online database that enables users to generate custom graphs, maps, ranked lists, and state-by-state profiles. Both the book and the online database can be accessed on the website listed above.

2007 Miami-Dade County Community Health Report Card: Health improvement through benchmarking, priority setting and leadership engagement

Intended as a “call to action” for area health care advocates and policy makers, the report assesses how well systems and institutions are meeting residents’ needs. It analyzes and synthesizes 93 health indicators, examines pervasive continuing racial and ethnic disparities, and sets targets for ten priority need areas including access to health care and coverage.

Florida Children’s Action Agenda 2007/2008 Available Online
Florida state Senators Nan Rich and Durell Peaden and Representatives Loranne Ausley and J.C. Planas have released the final recommendations of the 2006 Florida Children’s Summit. The Summit participants learned a lot, and the next Summit in Fall 2008 will reflect that. In 2008 they will spend substantially more time in workshops hashing out recommendations and will secure experienced workshop facilitators who are knowledgeable about the topics they are facilitating. Also, they will institute a process to ensure that when leaving the 2008 Summit - or very shortly thereafter - all will know the Summit recommendations.

Report looks at uninsured in Florida
This report from the Research Institute on Social and Economic Policy at FIU documents and breaks down Florida's uninsured figures, finding 18.5% of the total Florida population uninsured. The report looks at employment and industry data related to lack of coverage, and proposes a partial solution.