Archive 072209

July 22, 2009
	National Health Care Reform for Our Children TAKE ACTION NOW! At this critical point in the House of Representatives deliberations on Health Care Reform, your help is needed now to ensure access to affordable comprehensive health care for America’s uninsured children and families! Call your member of Congress TODAY at 202-224-3121. (Florida Child Healthcare Coalition) Read more

	Answers to Some Hard Questions About Health Care Reform New national reports are looking at some tough, critical questions about national health care reform: Is a Trillion Dollars Too High a Price for Reform? Will Health Care Be Rationed Under Reform? Is Using A Surcharge on High-Income Families to Pay for Reform Unfair? (Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN) Read more

	Tamecka’s Story: Unemployment + Lupus + Medicaid = Serious Illness + Serious Barriers to Care Tamecka is a 35 year old single mother who has Systemic Lupus with Stage 3 kidney disease. She is now hospitalized. When she worked for the State of Florida, her insurance co-pays often meant going without care to pay for family necessities. Now getting unemployment and Medicaid benefits, her $797 monthly share of cost means trouble finding specialists to see her. (Leah Cook, Florida CHAIN) Read more

	Florida Covering Kids & Families Holds Back-to-School News Conferences and Enrollment Fairs Across State As a result of the past two years' highly successful Florida KidCare Back-to-School outreach campaigns, the AHCA has again asked Florida Covering Kids and Families of the University of South Florida’s Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies to coordinate this year’s campaign and to provide technical assistance to targeted areas across the state. (Patrick Cannon, Florida Covering Kids & Families) Read more

	Medicaid Prescription Drug Roundtable in Tampa Tuesday, August 11 1- 4 PM (includes lunch) Tampa DCF Office. RSVP required! If you are a Medicaid consumer having difficulty accessing prescription drugs, you are invited to anonymously participate in a Roundtable. The collected information will be disseminated to policymakers to help improve prescription drug access. Read more

	What Happened in the WellCare Scandal? An 18-month investigation of WellCare Health Plans, Florida’s largest Medicaid HMO, has ended. WellCare was found to have, through a fraudulent scheme, padded profits by keeping $41 million it was required to pay back to the State under the HMO’s contracts with the Medicaid and Healthy Kids programs. (Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN) Read more

	What Didn’t Happen Following the WellCare Scandal? WellCare was spared from prosecution for fraud but, more incredibly, was also spared any perceptible hit to its status as one of the State’s most-favored contractors. The company continues to be entrusted with managing health care access for vulnerable Floridians through hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of State contracts. Yet, WellCare still accounts for 43% of all enrollment in Medicaid managed care in Florida (excluding Medicaid Reform). (Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN) Read more

	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 is now sending out bulletins to publicize national health care reform efforts 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 the Health Care Reform Sections on our Events and Resources pages. Support Florida CHAIN Florida CHAIN is a non-profit organization supported by foundations, corporations and individual donations. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of our CHAIN Reaction e-newsletter or value our work and would like to make a donation, please click here or call Lisa Grossman at 954-986-6535 for more information.



	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

National Health Care Reform for Our Children

TAKE ACTION NOW!

At this critical point in the House of Representatives deliberations on Health Care Reform, your help is needed now to ensure access to affordable comprehensive health care for America’s uninsured children and families!

Please contact your member of Congress TODAY at 202-224-3121. Tell him or her: support good affordable, comprehensive health care reform NOW.

Why your calls are so important TODAY:

Yesterday the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee postponed the next phase in the mark up of the good health care reform bill, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, July 22. This delay is to allow the Committee a little more time to negotiate concerns among the “Blue Dog Democrats” and other members regarding the sections of the bill dealing with the important Exchange, Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Program, CHIP, the cornerstone of what is needed for true reform.

While there have been concerns about the impact of the House bill on low and moderate income families, this bill is still a major step forward for health care reform. The House bill does include strong provisions that will help millions of children and families gain affordable quality coverage. This is not the time to get caught up in a debate about saving specific programs. It is the time to stand firm on the principles for ensuring affordable comprehensive health care coverage for children and families.

Five good reasons all members of the House need to support America’s Affordable Health Choices Act to provide meaningful reform:

It ncludes a major expansion of Medicaid to extend coverage to the lowest income Americans;
It addresses longstanding concerns about Medicaid providers payment rates, improving access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries;
It helps low-income families afford health coverage and protects them against high out-of-pocket costs;
It includes a child-specific benefit package so that children who enroll in health coverage through the Exchanges will have benefits they need;
It envisions a future in which low-income people – children, their parents, and adults without children have access to stable coverage.

Guiding Principles for Reform and Improvements to the Current Child Health Care System

A focus to cover all children must include the following:

Coverage must be affordable:

Current system: Each state sets its own income eligibility level for Medicaid and CHIP within broad federal guidelines, creating a lottery of geography for children.
Recommendation: All states should be required to cover children up to at least 300 percent of the poverty level with no cost sharing, and families with incomes above that level should contribute on a sliding scale.

Benefits must be comprehensive:

Current system: The CHIP program does not require coverage of all medically necessary services in the way that Medicaid covers.
Recommendation: States should be required to provide all children enrolled in publicly sponsored coverage with the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit which guarantees access to all medically necessary services that are crucial to every child’s health and development. All Children need coverage that meets their unique developmental needs, and provides them with the preventative services, medical care, and oral and mental health benefits needed to launch them on a better trajectory in life.

The System must be simple:

Current system: Currently approximately two-thirds of uninsured children are eligible for health coverage under Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program but are not enrolled. Some states have adopted procedures like face-to-face interviews that make it more difficult for families to enroll their children in CHIP or Medicaid, and to keep them enrolled.
Recommendation: States should be required to eliminate administrative barriers that make enrollment and retention in CHIP and Medicaid more difficult, and must be required to adopt procedures such as automatic enrollment to ensure that all children get and keep health care coverage.

Please contact your member of Congress TODAY at 202-224-3121. Tell him or her: support good affordable, comprehensive health care reform NOW.

Coverage for All of America’s Children is Possible!

For further information, please contact:

Florida Child Healthcare Coalition Co-conveners:

Linda Merrell LindaKids1@aol.com

Diana Ragbeer Diana@thechildrenstrust.org

Karen Woodall fcfep@yahoo.com

Answers to Some Hard Questions About Health Care Reform

Is a Trillion Dollars Too High a Price for Reform?

(Summarized from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)

When the Senate HELP Committee released its initial reform proposal, the Congressional Budget Office set the price tag at a Trillion dollars, and that excludes the expanded Medicaid coverage to be added later. All told, the estimated price tag hit $1.6 Trillion and created enough of a stir to temporarily stop debate.

It’s a huge number, but it needs to be understood in context. For one, it’s a 10-year estimate. Also:

The 10-year estimated U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) is $187 trillion, so fixing health care will absorb less than 1% of the nation’s economy. More importantly, that $1.6 trillion does not include savings in government programs that would result, lowering the price tag to $1.2 trillion.

The 10-year total for all health care spending would be $33.0 trillion. The $1.2 trillion in new spending from reform is only a 3.5% increase in expected health costs.

Will Health Care Be Rationed Under Reform?

(Excerpted for brevity from Health Beat Blog)

Critics like Rep. Paul Broun, (R-GA) have warned that rationing of care will be an inevitable result of reform as proposed: “A lot of people are going to die?The savior allowing people to have quality healthcare at an affordable price is going to kill people.”

“We already ‘ration’ care in the worst way possible. Most of us have plans that use some sort of formulary to decide which drugs are covered. If we want the red pill [vs. the blue pill], we will most likely have to pay out of pocket for it. The same is true if we want to see a highly-recommended doctor who is not in our network.

“Americans will not fear ‘rationing’ so much if they are made aware of how much rationing currently goes on under today’s system. ‘In America, we strictly ration health care. But we don't ration medical care on the basis of need or anticipated benefit. We mainly ration on the ability to pay. And that is especially evident when you examine the plight of the uninsured [quoting Arthur Kellermann, Emory University School of Medicine, reported on NPR].’

“The uninsured get only half the care that insured Americans get; forgoing check-ups and preventive screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, not filling prescriptions, and waiting longer (so they are now sicker) to see doctors. This is rationing, clear and simple and it isn’t only an issue for those without insurance.

“But what about those who understand that expensive, unnecessary care should be restricted - for others, maybe - but worry about the prospect of being denied that ‘red pill’ that might be their last, great hope for a cure?

“Without healthcare reform, spending will continue to spiral, along with insurance premiums. More employers will drop benefits or raise the share of the premiums that employees must pay, and more Americans will find themselves uninsured. At that point, it won’t be a matter of whether you get the red pill or the blue pill, it will be a question of whether you get any pill.”

Is Using A Surcharge on High-Income Families to Pay for Reform Unfair?

(Summarized from Center for Budget and Policy Priorities)

The House reform proposal released last week (HB 3200) would raise about half of the money needed to pay for reform by levying a new surcharge on the highest-income Americans. Households with incomes between $350,000 and $1 million would pay an additional 1 to 1.5% and those with incomes over $1 million pay 5.4%.

According to the congressional Joint Tax Committee, the surcharge would:

Affect only the highest-income 1.2% of taxpayers.
Have no impact at all on 96% of small business owners, and significantly impact only 2%.

At the same time, the House plan would enhance the ability of small businesses to offer affordable, quality health insurance to their employees.

Between 1979 and 2006, the top 1% of households:

Saw their tax rate fall from 37% to 31.2%.
Saw their after-tax income increase by 256%, compared to an increase of 21% for families in the middle of the income range.

Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN

REAL STORIES FROM FLORIDA HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS

Tamecka’s Story: Unemployment + Lupus + Medicaid = Serious Illness + Serious Barriers to Care

Tamecka is a 35 year old single mother of three children. She was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 2007 which is an auto-immune disease that affects the soft tissues in the body, including all organs, eyes and skin. Her condition has also affected her kidneys leading to stage three kidney disease. Luckily she hasn’t been placed on dialysis however, she must continue chemotherapy treatment every month or she will have to begin dialysis treatment and face the possibility of a transplant.

While Tamecka was working for the State of Florida she had health insurance. She had to see many specialists and even with coverage, she had enormous co-pays because of the number of medications she’s required to take. Many months her co-pays would average up to $500 and because of this several months she had to choose between buying food for her family or her medication. Many times Tamecka chose to feed her family rather than purchase all of the medications she requires and as a result, she was hospitalized on several occasions and missed work.

Then Tamecka was laid off, and now she depends on unemployment and her monthly benefits don’t cover her basic needs like groceries and rent. She is now on Medicaid and is required to pay a share of cost. Therefore she must max out her share before her Medicaid benefits will kick in. She must spend at least $797 per month to access the benefits. In addition, although she lives in a large city, Orlando, she hasn’t been able to find a rheumatologist that will accept Medicaid.

This month Tamecka was hospitalized due to a flare up that caused her eyes to swell preventing her from closing her eyes and has chronic pain and nausea. Many times doctors and specialists aren’t willing to take her on as a patient because there is no assurance that she will max out her share of costs that month and leave them potentially unpaid. Tamecka also worries that her condition will cause a laundry list of what will be considered pre-existing conditions that will cause her to be denied coverage in the future.

“This is a poor quality of life and the bureaucracy should provide health over wealth and not dictate whether I live or die. Without having adequate health care, my situation is grave because I have a disease which is systemic and requires constant treatment.”

Unfortunately, as we go to print, Tamecka’s situation has not changed. She remains hospitalized but did express her anticipation regarding the changes that are currently taking place in Congress which she hopes will help those with serious needs like hers.

Leah Cook, Florida CHAIN

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

Florida Covering Kids & Families Holds Back-to-School News Conferences and Enrollment Fairs Across State

As a result of the past two year’s highly successful Florida KidCare Back-to-School outreach campaigns, the Agency for Health Care Administration has again asked Florida Covering Kids and Families of the University of South Florida’s Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies to coordinate this year’s campaign and to provide technical assistance to targeted areas across the state.

A major thrust of this effort includes news conferences and enrollment fairs taking place during August in four parts of the state: Orange, Palm Beach, and Pinellas counties, as well as the Panhandle area. Each event will offer endorsements of Florida KidCare by community leaders and parents, free giveaways for children, and Florida KidCare information and application assistance. These events are intended to encourage parents to put health insurance for their children at the top of their back-to-school checklist.

While all details have not yet been finalized, three of these events have been scheduled:

The Orange County Healthy Start Coalition will hold its event from 9am-1pm Saturday, August 8 at the 9^th Annual School Supply Giveaway at Jones High School in Orlando. The event is sponsored by State Senator Gary Siplin and Orlando City Commissioner Daisy Lynum. Confirmed speakers include Senator Siplin, Orange County Healthy Start Coalition Executive Director Linda Sutherland, Florida KidCare Parent Aracely Robledo, and Dr. Toni Moody, pediatrician.

The Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County will hold its news conference and enrollment fair as part of National Health Center Week at the Community Health Centers at Pinellas Park, Saturday, August 15.

The Palm Beach Florida KidCare Coalition will take part in the La Palma Health Fair from 11am-5pm, Saturday, August 29 at the South Olive Community Center in West Palm Beach.

The news conferences and enrollment fairs are one component of Florida Covering Kids and Families’ statewide outreach effort that includes forming partnerships with businesses (such as Publix, Sweetbay, and Albertsons) and working to build sustainable coordinated outreach efforts throughout Florida.

Patrick Cannon, PhD

Coordinator, Florida Covering Kids & Families

Medicaid Prescription Drug
Roundtable in Tampa

Tuesday, August 11th

1- 4 PM (includes lunch)

(At the Tampa DCF Office. RSVP required!)

If you are a Medicaid consumer having difficulty accessing prescription drugs, you are invited to participate in a Roundtable where the collected information will be disseminated to policymakers to help improve prescription drug access. (Anonymity will be preserved.)

In addition, you will leave with information and resources that will empower you to advocate effectively.

RSVP required!

Contact Lisa at lisag@floridachain.org or 954-986-6535
or Scott at 813-972-2618 to reserve your spot now.

$10 travel stipends will be available for those in need. Only 20 slots are available so RSVP now!

What Happened in the WellCare Scandal?

In May, it was widely reported that an 18-month investigation of WellCare Health Plans, Florida’s largest Medicaid HMO, was drawing to a close. The chain of events began in October 2007 with a raid of the company’s Tampa headquarters by 200 federal agents. WellCare had padded profits by keeping $41 million it was required to pay back to the State under the HMO’s contracts with the Medicaid and Healthy Kids programs.

More precisely, WellCare was required to spend at least 80% of the Medicaid funds earmarked for mental health treatment on actual patient care. If it didn’t spend the minimum, the company was supposed to return the difference to the State. Similarly, under the Healthy Kids (CHIP) program, WellCare was also required to spend at least 85% of all funds received on actual patient care. In both cases, WellCare failed to spend the required amount, but kept the money and intentionally covered it up by claiming expenses inappropriately.

By reaching an agreement with the Offices of the U.S. Attorney and State Attorney General, WellCare avoided prosecution for conspiracy to commit fraud. In return, the company agreed to pay a total of $80 million (the majority of which was repayment with interest), accepted 3 years probation, and submitted to 18 months of oversight by an independent monitor.

With prosecution deferred, the details suddenly seemed less relevant. This was supposedly the best and fairest way to proceed, because the executives who authorized the fraud were no longer with the company and because punishing WellCare further might hurt consumers and providers.

A few weeks later, WellCare also agreed to a $10 million settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which had been investigating the company’s earnings filings. Documents filed by the SEC in federal court shed additional light on the lengths to which WellCare went to cheat consumers and pad profits.

The SEC’s description of WellCare’s actions was not of a few isolated mistakes, but rather of a long-term, deliberate effort to “manipulate” programs that cover vulnerable Floridians in an effort to impress shareholders and potential investors.

Among the SEC’s findings: “WellCare devised a scheme to cheat the state and AHCA” and that “[i]n connection with this scheme, WellCare made materially false and misleading statements and omissions in its public filings?Through its fraudulent actions, WellCare falsified its books, records, and accounts? [and] violated?federal securities laws.”

In order to divert mental health funding, WellCare created a new company – Harmony Behavioral Health - to manage the mental health and substance abuse portion of its business. Over several years, WellCare paid Harmony one rate, but Harmony in turn paid providers at less than a third of that rate.

When asked, “WellCare further misled AHCA by submitting false data”. Later, when in danger of discovery, WellCare submitted more data that “omitted the pricing information in order to conceal the fact that its expenses were much lower than AHCA believed.”

With respect to Healthy Kids, WellCare also engaged in a “rate-swapping scheme” in which it secretly passed along money it would have had to refund to the State in the form of higher payment rates to two hospitals. In return, the hospitals agreed to accept lower Medicaid and Medicare rates. That freed up money to go to shareholders undetected.

Despite all this, WellCare still accounts for 43% of all enrollment in Medicaid managed care in Florida (excluding Medicaid Reform). Read the next article to find out how that’s possible.

Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN

What Didn’t Happen Following the WellCare Scandal?

The previous article described the lengths to which HMO giant WellCare went to defraud the State of more than $40 million intended to serve consumers in the Medicaid and Healthy Kids (CHIP) programs.

WellCare was spared from prosecution for fraud but, more incredibly, was also spared any perceptible hit to its status as one of the State’s most-favored contractors. The company continues to be entrusted with managing health care access for vulnerable Floridians through hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of State contracts. In fact, though both Medicaid and CHIP are administered through a state-federal partnership, the most notable response to WellCare’s actions at the State level has been the absence of any real response. For example:

Although Attorney General Bill McCollum stresses that the fight against Medicaid fraud is one of his office’s priorities, McCollum makes no mention of WellCare and its transgressions anywhere on his website. Other efforts by his office to halt much smaller-scale Medicaid schemes are trumpeted on the site, however. To understand why the company was spared criticism and perhaps scrutiny by the AG’s Office, it may be helpful to note that WellCare was the second largest corporate contributor to McCollum’s 2006 campaign.

One of the most significant pieces of health-related legislation enacted this past legislative session was SB 1986, a massive, 74-part bill hailed as a leap forward in combating Medicaid fraud and abuse in every form. Yet the bill will have little impact on potential HMO misconduct and on the State’s ability to prevent a repeat of the WellCare fiasco.

When WellCare quit the Medicaid Reform Pilot this spring because it wasn’t profitable enough, AHCA went to great lengths to explain to legislators and others how capacity to serve consumers in the affected counties would still be adequate. Yet WellCare was granted leniency in the fraud case in part because punishing the company further would supposedly threaten consumers.

AHCA is currently finalizing new contracts that will be used to oversee Medicaid HMOs for the next 3 years. That process also has been a missed opportunity to add provisions increasing HMO accountability.

Finally, on a separate but closely related note, there is no rule of any kind requiring HMOs to spend a minimum percentage of total Medicaid payments on patient care. The “80% rule” applies only to the portion of payments earmarked for behavioral health. Precisely the same concerns exist throughout Medicaid managed care, yet HMOs remain free to divert funds from patient care without limit or even detection.

Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN

July 27, 2009

Please confirm date, time and location for events, as they are subject to change after being listed here.

NEW: Health Care Reform Events

Southeast Florida
Southwest Florida

FL Audio and Web Events

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

OFA Pledge and Canvassing Event

Movies in the Park @ Memorial Park

July 31 5:00-7:00 pm , movie starts at 7:00 Memorial Park, 1620 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville
Volunteers needed to collect pledges of support for President Obama's health care principles and desire for reform. Come and enjoy a family movie after the event under the stars in Memorial Park. Picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcomed. Movie - Gremlins. RSVP to volunteer: 904-485-2325 or cadavyofa@gmail.com

Beaches Library Phone Bank

July 31; Aug 7, 14 4:00 pm Beaches Branch Library, Neptune Beach

Spread the truth about health care reform to Jacksonville’s beaches.

Health Care Town Hall

July 27 6:00 pm IBEW Hall, Jacksonville

Health Care Reform Town Hall with Senator Tony Hill and Representative Audrey Gibson.

AARP Florida Health Action Now Community Forum

July 30 1:00-3:00 pm Roadway Inn, 3455 SW Williston Road, Gainesville

AARP hosts a community discussion on prescription drug issues and health care reform. No charge. RSVP to nstanton@aarp.org

Defender of the Faith Ministries- Community Outreach Day

August 1 12:00 pm Defender of Faith Ministry, Jacksonville

Come out and Fellowship at the Community Outreach Day. This event will serve two main empowerment purposes including empowerment through health care reform.

Health Care Forum

Aug 6 4:30-6:30 pm Springfield Community Center 3729 E 3rd St, Panama City

The public is invited to join a community conversation with AARP State Director Lori Parham to hear what is happening with health care reform and issues AARP is emphasizing. AARP will share feedback from members across the country and we want to hear from you. No charge. For additional information call 866-595-7678 or email flaarp@aarp.org

Beaches Library Phone Bank

Aug 14 4:00 pm Beaches Branch Library, Neptune Beach

Spread the truth about health care reform to Jacksonville’s beaches.

Green Fest/Conference

Sept 5 Jacksonville Children’s Commission

Shifts begin at at 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Part of Festival/Conference includes separate symposia for women and men featuring medical professionals with dialogue on health reform, cardiovascular issues, green pharmaceuticals, holistic healing.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

AARP Florida Health Action Now Community Forum

July 30 9:30-11:00 am Leesburg Venetian Gardens, 201 E Dixie Ave

AARP hosts a free community discussion for the public on health care reform. Reservations not needed. 866-595-7678

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

Health Care Phonebank

July 29, Aug 5, Aug 12 4:30 pm Brevard DEC Headquarters, Melbourne

Weekly phonebanks will recruit new volunteers as well as collect pledges in support of health care reform.

Pledge Drive @ 1st Annual Barack Obama Birthday Bash 2009

August 1 Brothers Park, Melbourne

Shifts begin at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 am, 2:00 PM, 4:00 am

Help collect pledges at a booth and throughout the 1st Annual Barack Obama Birthday Bash hosted by Brevard Youth Action Network. Come out and celebrate our President's Birthday and collect a few pledges in support of health care reform.

Community Conversation on Health Care Reform

Aug 7 1:00-3:00 pm, Brannon Center, 105 S Riverside Dr, New Smyrna Beach

The public is invited to hear Bill Ternent, AARP Congressional District Coordinator, moderate a community conversation about health care reform an seeking views on related issues. Also, AARP will share feedback from across the country. No charge. RSVP to 386-424-2280. For additional information contact 866-595-7678 or flaarp@aarp.org

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

Counteract the Misinformation Canvas

July 29 Shifts at 11:00 am, 5:00 pm 8004 Fountain Ave, Tampa

This event will involve walking the neighborhood, telling folks the basic points about how the proposed health care plan will work, and giving out the flyer. Citizens are encouraged also to call Senators Nelson and Martinez and Congresswoman Castor.

Genesis Open House For the Uninsured & 15 Year Anniversary

Aug 1 Shifts at 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm Genesis Newtown Medical Group, 3333 N Washington, Sarasota

Genesis Health Services, Inc. will host a community event with Free Health Screenings including Blood Pressure, Diabetes Tests, HIV Testing, Bi-Polar Screening, Body Mass Index Calculations, and Chair Massage. Free Diabetic Supplies will be provided upon request. Volunteers will distribute Florida Healthy Kids applications. Refreshments will be served for all attending, along with games, face painting and a Bouncy House for the children. Music will be provided by a local DJ and WTMY radio will broadcast live during the event. Volunteers are needed to help with health screening, distribute health information, serve food, and collect health survey forms. Especially needed are mental health counselors to administer the bi-polar screening instrument and nurses. Contact: 941-321-3081

House Meeting on Health Care Reform

Aug 2 3:00 pm 2901 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Apt 1908, Tampa

Round Table discussion about what should be included in health care. Please bring a dish.

AARP Florida Health Action Now Tele-Townhall

Aug 4 1:30-2:30 pm 866-595-7678, St. Petersburg

The public is invited to learn more about AARP Florida's work toward health care reform. No charge. RSVP to mcyr@aarp.org click here.

Health Care Reform Community Meeting

Aug 5 11:00 am Private home, Sarasota

The host’s experience acknowledges the savings to be recognized by retraining the current Medical Managers of our Nation's Health Care resources by sending them back to school to reintroduce them to the value of providing appropriate medical services. Join him and others to discuss the comprehensive Health Care Reform as outlined by President Barack Obama.

Healthcare Reform Town Hall with Rep Betty Reed

Aug 6 6:00 pm Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, 1002 E. Palm Ave, Tampa

President Barack Obama has stated “Let there be no doubt, healthcare cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year. Join an evening of discussing a topic that is so important to many of us. We will be joined by healthcare staff, doctors, nurses, but most importantly you! Sky rocketing healthcare have frozen our wages, crippled state budgets and is preventing the economic recovery that our country truly needs.

AARP Florida Health Action Now Community Forum

Aug 21 9:30-10:30 am CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway, Hudson

AARP hosts a free community discussion for the public on health care reform. RSVP not needed. 866-595-7678

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Planned Parenthood Health Care Reform Florida Phone Bank
July 28 10:30 am-1:00 pm West Palm Beach
For those who cannot come to the office, arrangements will be made to make calls from homes. For more information or to RSVP, contact public_affairs@ppsoflo.org or 561-472-9942 or 786-594-4741

Health Care Reform Phone Bank

July 29, Aug 5, Aug 12 4:30 pm SEIU, 333 NW 41^st St, Miami Beach

Come out to phone bank and show America, Miami Supports health care reform.

National Health Care and Potential Impacts in Florida

July 29 9:00 am–1:00 pm Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami

National Coalition on Health Care, Collins Center for Public Policy presents a panel of experts. AARP Health LTC State Government Relations Director Dr. Joan Lamphere will share vital information on National Health Care Reform and impact in Florida. Registration is complimentary and a continental breakfast will be available. No charge. Click to RSVP or contact jmiller@nchc.org or ckaufman@nchc.org.

Ringing for Health Care Reform

July 29 4:30-8:30 pm All Broward Realty, 4325 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Join in calling South Floridians to speak with them about health care reform, get pledges of public support for the President's health care principle and recruit new volunteers.

Public Option NOW Healthcare Rally

Aug 13 4:00 pm Sen. Nelson’s office, Coral Gables

Rally for a strong public option must meet four key criteria: it should be national, available to anyone, ready on day one, and publicly run. No weak half-measures--like the regional, private co-op plan--are acceptable.

Hands Across America for Public Health Insurance

Aug 23 3:00-4:00 pm TBD, Boca Raton

People across the country holding hands at the same time in support of quality, affordable health care - in support of President Obama's desire to make sure the plan has a public option so that costs are driven down for all.

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

FLORIDA AUDIO AND WEB EVENTS ON NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM

AARP Florida Health Action Now Tele-Townhall

Aug 4 1:30-2:30 pm 727-592-8008

The public is invited to join a Tele-Townhall to learn more about AARP Florida's work toward health care reform. No charge. RSVP to mcyr@aarp.org or visit http://www.capitolconnect.com/aarp/alert_detail.aspx?AlertID=6620

Telephone Townhall Meeting on Health Care Reform

Aug 18 1:00-3:00 pm

866-595-7678

The public is invited to join a community conversation with AARP State Director Lori Parham to hear what is happening with health care reform and issues AARP is emphasizing. AARP will share feedback from members across the country and we want to hear from you. No charge, RSVP not necessary. For additional information please call 866-595-7678 or email flaarp@aarp.org

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE REFORM EVENTS & NOTICES

OTHER STATE EVENTS & NOTICES

NORTH FLORIDA

2010 Children's Week

April 11-16 Tallahassee

A full week of activities has been posted online.

Notices

CENTRAL FLORIDA

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.

Diabetes Class in Spanish

Aug 29 8:00 am-2:30 pm Florida Technical College, 12689 Challenger Parkway #130, Orlando

The class is in Spanish and is completely free. Includes screening, breakfast and lunch. Registration required at 407-339-2001.

Beyond October Campaign Against Cancer

Sept 9 6:00-10:00 pm Rosen Center, Orlando

The Beyond October Campaign, a health and education initiative to fight for a cure and reduce the number of new cancer cases with prevention forums, education, and early diagnosis of cancer. In 2008 the State of Florida had 102,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed. Out of compassion for the plight of women diagnosed with cancer and as a preventive measure, together with community leaders, we are carrying this cancer awareness message to the communities in Central Florida to raise the public’s awareness about the severity of breast and ovarian cancer. Call 407-430-6753.

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

Events

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

“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

Rep. Yolly Roberson Annual Back to School Health Fair

Aug 15 9:00 am – 2:00 pm MDC North Campus, 11380 NW 27 Ave, Miami

Many health screenings at this Back to School family event. English, Creole, Spanish, all ages. Service providers needed. Call 305-650-0022.

SE Florida Community Cancer Council Meeting

Aug 25 9:30 am Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter

Presenter will be Dr. John Cleveland, who heads the cancer research department at Scripps. After the meeting, Dr. Cleveland will give a tour of his department and laboratory.

Full details, including directions and parking information, will be sent with the usual meeting notice as we get closer to the date.

Key Clubhouse Debut Event

Aug 27 6:00 – 8:30 pm Miami Science Museum

The event will feature a presentation on the ICCD Clubhouse by guest speakers, including the Directors and Members of Vincent House, a model ICCD Clubhouse in Pinellas Park, Florida. The event is free and open to the public. This will be a unique opportunity to hear about a cutting edge model of psychosocial rehabilitation and meet other people in the community who are interested in mental health recovery. Contact 305-757-4082 or keyclubhouse@earthlink.net.

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 AND CAMPAIGNS

Department of Health Chronic Disease Survey

DOH is currently assessing chronic disease incidence and prevention needs in the State of Florida and we are requesting your help. This short survey was created to obtain public opinion as we plan how to best prevent and control chronic disease in Florida over the next five years. Please take 5-7 minutes to complete this 10-question survey and feel free to forward the survey on to others.

NATIONAL EVENTS & NOTICES

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

Weight of the Nation Conference | DNPAO | CDC
July 27-29 Washington, C
CDC's Inaugural Conference on Obesity

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.

Medicare’s 44^th Birthday Single Payer Rally and Lobby Day

July 30 Washington, DC

Unions, doctors, nurses, seniors, faith groups, and individuals will gather in DC to show Congress and President Obama their support for a national, single-payer healthcare system and demand the passage of HR 676.

Community Benefit 101: The Nuts and Bolts of Planning and Reporting Community Benefit
Oct 13-14 St. Louis
Planning and reporting community benefit are now key functions of Catholic-sponsored and other not-for-profit health care organizations. The Catholic Health Association, the leader in the community benefit field for 20 years, is offering a one-and-a-half day seminar for new community benefit professionals that covers the basics of community benefit programming. Workshop topics include a framework developing and implementing community benefit programs, policies needed to support these programs, and what counts and doesn’t count as community benefit.

Communities Joined in Health Annual Conference
Oct 22–23 Austin, TX
Integrating Community Health: Success in a New Era. Special conference room rate $98 with free internet.

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.

Overcoming Disparities: Building Successful Diabetes and Obesity Programs
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.

AUDIO AND WEB EVENTS

ACHI Webinars (Now Upgraded from Phone Conferencing):

Recipe for Developing and Sustaining a Successful Community Benefit Framework
Aug 20 2:00-3:00 pm ET

This webinar will highlight the journeys of two hospitals – Lowell General in Massachusetts and Middlesex in Connecticut – to strengthen their community benefit programs by instituting programmatic, governance, executive, managerial, and community communications practices in keeping with an overall strategy. The presenters will share their “key ingredients” for successfully making community benefit an organizational priority, including board-approved policies and new staff capacity, plans to both get the entire organization involved in community benefit, and to bring together key community partners that share common goals for health and wellness. Registration fee $40 members, $80 non-members

Online Course - Orientation to Healthcare
September 14-25
This two-week online course focuses on the roles of four key groups in the healthcare system: patients, hospitals, physicians, and insurers/managed care organizations. In addition to describing each of these groups, their key characteristics, and their major challenges and issues, this online course will illuminate their interrelationships and relationships with other elements of the healthcare system.

One Community’s Practical Guide to Conducting Successful Community Assessments that Lead to Powerful Outcomes
Sept 17 2:00-3:00 pm ET

This session will present key elements of Healthy Hall’s organization, execution, and use of an assessment for health and broader community improvement. Healthy Hall is an organization of community volunteers and leaders that has guided three community assessment projects in Hall County, Georgia over the past ten years. The presentation will include assessment methodologies, the respective expertise and roles of community partners and of a hired consultant, specific findings that underline the need to focus on disparities reductions, and methods for communicating results in a fashion digestible and usable by the community at large. Registration fee $40 members, $80 non-members

Community Benefit Scorecard: Bridging Community and Health System Goals
Oct 15 2:00-3:00 pm ET

A community benefit scorecard elevates the work of community benefit departments by clearly stating the focus, intent, and accountability of key initiatives. This session will describe the process for selecting elements of the scorecard, including linkages between community collaboratives, health system strategic planning, and operational goals. Registration fee $40 members, $80 non-members

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

New listings, in order of submission deadlines

CHIPRA Outreach Grants

Teleconference call for applicants: July 22 2:00– 4:00 pm ET

Abstract deadline to hanseng@ahca.myflorida.com: July 31

Letter of intent deadline to hanseng@ahca.myflorida.com: July 27

Application deadline: Aug 6 electronic, Aug 10 mail

$40 million in federal funds for outreach to enroll uninsured children in CHIP and Medicaid is now being made available. This $40 million represents the first round of $80 million in federal outreach grants that HHS will award to state and local organizations (such as government agencies, non-government organizations, tribes, faith-based groups, and schools) over the next four years. The outreach grants, which will range between $25,000 and $1 million, will be awarded with a preference given to organizations that serve areas with a high percentage of uninsured children and to organizations that specifically serve racial and ethnic minorities. Grants will be awarded by Sept. 30, 2009.

Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund
Deadline: Aug 28

CVS Caremark Community Grants Program Accepting Grant Applications for Programs Serving Children With Disabilities and the Uninsured
Deadline: Oct 31

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to nonprofits and schools working to provide disabled children and youth under age 21 with health and rehabilitation programs and active play opportunities alongside their non-disabled peers.

Fundraising Training Events

Fundraising Library Orientations

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

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

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.

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.)

Tom's of Maine's '50 States for Good' Initiative

Deadline: Aug 30
Five awards of $20,000 each will be given to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working to make lasting, positive changes in their communities. Help your favorite nonprofit get $20,000 in sponsorship funding. Tom’s is looking for applications for community involvement projects. A review panel will narrow down applications to 50 finalists, which will be posted on Tom’s web site for voting to select the 5 projects to be awarded funding.

The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida

Deadline: Sept 11

The focus for the Grants Winter Cyle is on community health clinics and outreach programs. Grants will be awarded to diverse, philanthropic solutions that improve program capacity and reduce barriers to access, nurture community health leadership to reinforce local solutions, foster innovation and sustain quality and leverage financial, human and other resources to maximize measurable impact.

Unitarian Universalist Association: Fund for a Just Society
Deadline: Sept 15

The Fund for a Just Society provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada that address issues of social and economic justice. The Fund supports organizations that use community organizing to bring about systemic change leading to a more just society and mobilize with those who have been disenfranchised and excluded from resources, power, and the right to self-determination. Consideration is given to projects that are less likely to receive conventional funding because of the innovative or challenging nature of the work or the economic and social status of the constituency. The maximum grant amount is $15,000; however, most grants range between $6,000 and $8,000. Requests are reviewed two times per year.

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.

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.

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.

Dade Community Foundation

Deadline: Nov 15

Grants will be awarded in broad fields of education, health, human services, arts and culture, environment, economic and community development. Priority will be given to programs or projects that use community relationships as a key strategy for enhancing their reach, effectiveness, and results; build relationships, particularly among diverse ethnic and racial groups; reach and engage those whose needs are not being met adequately by existing community resources; pursue strategies that address new and emerging needs or approach existing ones more effectively; strengthen organizational capacity to improve results for communities and individuals they serve; build on strengths and assets of people and communities and engage them in problem solving; focus on the root causes of a problem; and leverage additional private or public resources, both financial and volunteer. For more information, contact 305-371-2711.

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.

Note: Items in brown are related to health care reform.

NEW SECTION: Health Care Reform Resources

Florida

National

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

HHS Releases State-Specific Online Reports Highlighting Need for Reform
HHS has released a series of state-specific reports on the “health care status quo,” which she said highlight the urgent need for health reform. The reports include data such as the rising cost of health coverage and the uninsured, and the impact of failing to adequately invest in disease prevention. (6/26/09, DHHS)

Webcast: Will Health Reform Limit Patients' Choices?

How might health reform affect our choices? How could health information technology help us make more intelligent choices? How much choice do we really have now? How much choice do we need? These questions were recently addressed by health policy experts at a National Press Club briefing sponsored by the Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The briefing provided reporters with access to experts and non-partisan research that will continue to inform the reform debate. Panelists included:Uwe Reinhardt, Ph.D., a health economist at Princeton University;Joe Antos, Ph.D., a health economist at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in Washington;Daniel Callahan, Ph.D., a medical ethicist and co-founder of The Hastings Center in New York State; andFormer Congressman Tony Coelho, chair of the Partnership to Improve Patient Care.

Universal Coverage and Access: Critical to Achieving Health Equity

Congressional briefing powerpoint presentation by Ron Pollack. (5/27/09, Families USA)

RAND COMPARE

Rand Corporation’s COMPARE Initiative provides information and tools to help policymakers, the media, and other interested parties understand, design and evaluate health policies. Site includes policy options and analysis, and “HOT” legislation page.

Access Denied video

Accidents Happen video

Children’s Defense Fund encourages all to view and share these videos depicting the importance of health coverage for all children.

I'm fighting for health care reform because... (finish the sentence)
Health care reform isn’t about numbers and statistics – it’s about real problems that people face each day. Sharing your experience can help make complex policy issues understandable for leaders in Washington. Every single one of us -- especially in this tumbling economy -- has either been personally affected by the health care crisis or has a loved one, coworker, friend, or neighbor who has suffered. Families USA wants to hear your story. Sharing is simple -- we've created an easy-to-use tool, so all you have to do is finish the sentence below. Once you’ve given your reason, check back often. Your comments may appear on our site, and we may contact you to ask if we can share your story with members of Congress.

RWJF Health Care Consumer Confidence Index

The inaugural report (June 2009) of the new monthly RWJF Index has been released online. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched a new research tool: the RWJF Health Care Consumer Confidence Index (RWJF Index). The first of its kind, the RWJF Index will provide a monthly snapshot of Americans’ attitudes about health care. Analysis of the data is being provided by the University of Minnesota’s State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC). The RWJF Index has begun during this critical moment in the health reform debate to serve as a valuable measurement in the months to come, helping with understanding of how changes in the health care system affect the average health care consumer. These monthly data points can be used to make the case for health reform and position the issue in a broader context.

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

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

Tobacco-Free Business Florida

Tobacco-Free Florida has created a new satellite website for businesses. The site has posters that can be downloaded to display at workplaces, as well as a pledge to be tobacco free. If the business takes the pledge, they are automatically entered to win a $500 giftcard for an employee lunch! The phone number for the state's toll free tobacco cessation quitline, Florida Quit-for-Life Line, is 1- 877-U-CAN-NOW.

New: National

CDC Launches New Environmental Public Health Tracking Network
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces the launch of the Web-based Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, a surveillance tool that scientists, health professionals, and – for the first time – members of the public can use to track environmental exposures and chronic health conditions. (7/7/09, CDC)

CDC LEANWorks! New Website to Help Employers Combat Obesity and Reduce Health-Related Costs
CDC has unveiled, a Website designed to help businesses address obesity. LEAN stands for Leading Employees to Activity and Nutrition. (7/25/09, CDC)

Continued Listings: Florida

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).

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

Webcast: Making the Case for Prevention: Tales from the Field
The Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation co-sponsored this event featuring a panel of experts examining a range of prevention measures to improve the health of communities and the general population. Panelists addressed the following questions: What types of prevention models are working for business and government? What impact on health have prevention programs had? Does the evidence prove that prevention can cut costs? What emphasis should be placed on community vs. clinical prevention? What improvements need to be made in public health infrastructure, workforce and training to improve prevention efforts?

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

The Clock Is Ticking: More Americans Losing Health Coverage

Each week, another 44,230 Americans lose health coverage. That adds up to a staggering 2.3 million people losing coverage per year, which further makes the case for the urgency of action on health reform. This new report provides the first ever state-by-state data on the number of people who are expected to lose health coverage between the beginning of 2008 and the end of 2010. Numbers are broken down per week, per month, and per year. (7/16/09, Families USA)

Should Health Benefits Be Taxed So More Can Be Insured?
Health Affairs and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released the latest in a series of Health Policy Briefs, which provide objective, non-partisan analysis of policy proposals related to health reform. (7/9/09, Health Affairs)

Private and Public Insurance Choices Would Help Reduce Administrative Health Care Costs by $265 Billion Over 10 Years

As lawmakers debate how to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system, a new report from The Commonwealth Fund projects that including both private and public insurance choices in a new insurance exchange would save the United States as much as $265 billion in administrative costs from 2010 to 2020. Congressional leaders are attempting to keep 10-year federal budget costs of health care reform legislation under $1 trillion. (7/16/09, Commonwealth Fund)

Fork in the Road: Alternative Paths to a High Performance U.S. Health System

Expanding health coverage to nearly all Americans through a national insurance exchange could reduce national health expenditures by between $1.2 trillion and $3 trillion over 11 years, estimates a new study. The study estimates that an insurance exchange offering a choice of private health plans could save an estimated $1.2 trillion over 11 years, when combined with certain other reforms proposed by a Commonwealth Fund commission. Including in the exchange a public plan that reimburses health care providers at rates midway between current Medicare and private plan rates could save $2 trillion over 11 years, while a public plan that reimburses providers at current Medicare rates could save $3 trillion, the study adds. (6/24/09, Commonwealth Fund)

Cost Implications of Three Health Reform Scenarios, with Alternative Public Plan Options

A comprehensive approach to health insurance, provider payment, and care delivery system reforms has the potential to slow health care cost increases while achieving near-universal coverage. The potential savings for families, businesses, and the federal government vary markedly, however, depending on whether or not a public insurance plan option is included and how such a plan is structured, according to a new analysis from The Commonwealth Fund. (6/24/09, Commonwealth Fund)

AFL-CIO 2009 Health Care for America Survey

The results of the online 2009 Health Care for America Survey, sponsored by the AFL-CIO and Working America, reveal deep problems that must be fixed. A total of 23,460 people responded to the survey, which was conducted between April 1 and May 31, 2009. And more than 6,000 people took the time to tell heart-wrenching stories about the toll of health care costs, lack of insurance, systemic flaws in our health care system and the economic downturn. (July 2009, AFL-CIO)

Health benefit tax could single out Florida
Employer-based health insurance in South Florida costs 21% more than the national average, so the region would be in the cross-hairs if a Senate proposal to tax the most expensive plans goes anywhere. (7/11/09, Miami Herald)

Three Proposals to Pay for Health Care Reform: Impacts on People in Your State
State Fact Sheets and Analysis

Congress will likely pay for health care reform partly by finding savings in the existing health care system and partly by raising revenue in other ways. There are several ways that Congress can raise this additional revenue without hurting families who are already struggling to pay for health care and other necessities. CTJ has analyzed three of these progressive revenue options -- the House Ways and Means Committee surcharge proposal, the President's proposal to limit itemized deductions for high-income taxpayers, and a proposal formulated by CTJ to make the Medicare tax fairer and more progressive. (July 2009, Citizens for Tax Justice)

Some States May Have to Foot More of the Health Care Overhaul Bill
Thus far, battle lines in the health care debate "have been drawn largely in partisan terms," but due to the fact that certain states will have to bear more of the costs of reform, "lurking regional divisions could fracture Congress even further" and make it more difficult to find a compromise. (7/6/09, Los Angeles Times)

Changes to the Tax Exclusion of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance Premiums: A Potential Source of Financing for Health Reform

"Many have suggested that reducing or eliminating the tax exclusion of employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) could generate significant additional tax revenue to fund expansions in health insurance coverage," write the authors of a recent paper that explores "revenue and distributional consequences of several policy options that would alter the ESI tax exclusion. The paper examines the "a cap, or dollar limit, on the amount of employer-sponsored health insurance premiums excluded from taxable income" as well as "an index that determines how this cap might grow over time." The authors conclude, "in addition to providing a source of funding for health reform and incentives for seeking less expensive coverage, limiting the tax exclusion would mitigate the huge inequities built into the current treatment of employer contributions to premiums." (6/1/09, Urban Institute)

Medicare Offers Mixed Lessons For Possible 'Public Plan'

Of Medicare, which provides coverage to more than 45 million elderly and disabled, NYT says: "How closely a new public plan would resemble Medicare is unclear. Still, Medicare's record offers insights into the benefits and pitfalls of public health care. While it has driven down costs though its sheer market dominance, Medicare has also been extremely slow in using its power to encourage or compel more effective health care. And, of course, providing health care for older Americans has been expensive. Medicare is expected to represent an estimated 13 percent of next year's federal budget. (7/4/09, New York Times)

Most Americans Want Health Reform But Fear Its Side Effects
A majority of Americans see government action as critical to controlling runaway health-care costs, but there is broad public anxiety about the potential impact of reform legislation and conflicting views about the types of fixes being proposed on Capitol Hill, according to a new poll. Sixty-two percent of Americans support the public plan option under health reform, but when respondents were told having a public plan meant some health insurers would go out of business, support dropped to 37 percent. (6/24/09, Washington Post/ABC News)

Health Affairs/RWJF Policy Brief: A Public Health Insurance Plan
Strong divisions among lawmakers and interest groups have developed over whether or not a public plan should be included in health reform legislation. Supporters argue that a plan could lower administrative costs and leverage greater bargaining power to reduce health care costs for enrollees. Those opposed to a public plan say that a public plan would not be fiscally responsible or sustainable. Opponents also argue that a new government-run plan would crowd private insurance companies out of the market and eventually lead to a universal system of government-run health care. (6/19/09, RWJF)

Primary-Care Doctor Shortage May Undermine Reform Efforts
As the debate on overhauling the nation's health-care system exploded into partisan squabbling this week, virtually everyone still agreed on one point: There are not enough primary-care doctors to meet current needs, and providing health insurance to 46 million more people would threaten to overwhelm the system. (6/20/09, Washington Post)

Health Reform & Adolescents

A new report finds that many American adolescents are suffering from unmet physical, reproductive and behavioral health needs. The report finds that many adolescents are uninsured and have limited options for purchasing insurance that meets their unique health needs. also explores the issues of patient confidentiality, finding that the vast majority of health insurance agencies violate adolescents’ privacy by mailing home an explanation of benefits statement for services billed by providers. This often discloses sensitive and confidential services such as STD screenings and treatment. (6/26/09, First Focus)

New Report: Private and Public Insurance Choices Would Help Reduce Administrative Health Care Costs by $265 Billion Over 10 Years
As lawmakers debate how to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system, a new report from The Commonwealth Fund projects that including both private and public insurance choices in a new insurance exchange would save the United States as much as $265 billion in administrative costs from 2010 to 2020. (7/16/09, Commonwealth Fund)

House Health Bill’s High-Income Surcharge: A Reasonable Approach

“The House surcharge proposal is reasonable and well-targeted. In recent decades, incomes have grown disproportionately for households at the top of the income scale, while their taxes have fallen substantially. Moreover, despite charges to the contrary, the proposal would have only a small impact on small businesses.” (7/17/09, CBPP)

Legislating Under the Influence Health Care Report
A recent poll found that 60 percent of voters believe Congress puts the interests of campaign contributors over constituents, and 79 percent are worried that dependence on large campaign contributions will prevent Congress from tackling the important issues facing America today. A look at the numbers shows that citizens are right to worry. Major health care interests have spent $1.4 million per day this year lobbying Congress, so you can bet the legislative battle will not simply rest on the merits of each side’s argument. Health care-related industries wield tremendous influence in Washington and have sustained an expensive, high-intensity campaign to protect their own interests. (6/24/09, Common Cause)

Avalere Analysis of Proposed Elimination of Coverage Gap

Proposed health reform legislation from the House of Representatives will completely eliminate the Part D doughnut hole in 14 years, but would provide more immediate assistance to people using high-cost specialty drugs by progressively narrowing the coverage gap. (June 2009, Avalere Health)

Senate Finance Committee Faces Difficult Choices In Lowering Cost of Health Bill
Subsidy Changes Could Leave Some Without Affordable Coverage

The Senate Finance Committee is seeking to reduce the cost of its health reform bill to approximately $1 trillion over ten years, but faces difficult choices in doing so. Among the modifications it is considering are changes in subsidies intended to help low- and moderate-income families and individuals afford insurance. Some of these changes which would make it more difficult for moderate-income households (those between 300 percent and 400 percent of the poverty line) to afford insurance, which would likely result in a number moderate-income people remaining uninsured. At the same time, these changes would be preferable to changes that would adversely affect people with incomes below 300 percent of the poverty line, where the consequences of rolling back subsidies or benefit packages would be still more severe. (7/1/09, CBPP)

New: Florida Reports

Florida Medicaid grew 13% in past year
Spurred by high unemployment, Florida Medicaid enrollment grew by more than 13 percent in the past year to 1.6 million, according to new state data. Still, only two of three Floridians who qualify for Medicaid are enrolled. (7/1/09, Health News Florida)

Florida Medicaid, KidCare enrollment up

The number of women and children enrolling in Medicaid, the safety net health care program for the poor, and KidCare is expected to rise as the state economy continues to lag, a reports says. The News Service of Florida reports that state economists spent Monday going over new forecasts for both the Medicaid program – which is funded with a combination of state and federal money – and KidCare, the state-subsidized children’s health insurance program.Those latest forecasts show an 8 percent growth in the number of pregnant women who are below the poverty line and enrolled in Medicaid during the fiscal year that ended on June 30. But that growth is expected to surge to nearly 15 percent in the coming year.The numbers are even more dramatic for children. (7/21/09, Health News Florida)

New Listings: Medicaid

New Listings: Children's Health Care

New Listings: Medicare

Impact Of Medicare Part D On Medical Spending
After enrolling in Medicare Part D, seniors who previously had limited or no drug coverage spent more on prescriptions and less on other medical care services such as hospitalizations and visits to the doctor's office, according to a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health study. The study also found that seniors who had relatively good drug benefits prior to enrolling in Medicare Part D spent somewhat more on prescriptions and, at the same time, increased their spending on other medical care services. (7/2/09, New England Journal of Medicine)

Study Examines Cost, Benefits Of Extending Medicare Drug Use
"A new large-scale study of medical records found that the extra cost of extending prescription coverage to Medicare enrollees was substantially offset by lower spending on other medical care for people who previously had limited or no prescription-drug coverage. ?The findings could be used to bolster the case for wider drug coverage under new plans that may emerge from the federal government's health-insurance overhaul plan, since it indicates that drug coverage might curb other medical costs." (7/1/09, Wall Street Journal)

New Listings: Federal/State Budgets

An Update on State Budget Cuts
At Least 39 States Have Imposed Cuts That Hurt Vulnerable Residents, But the Federal Economic Recovery Package Is Reducing the Harm

39 states have addressed their budget shortfalls by reducing services to their residents, including some of their most vulnerable families and individuals. Cuts have included services in public health and to the elderly and disabled. (7/29/09, CBPP)

State Budget Troubles Worsen

“At least 48 states addressed or are facing shortfalls in their budgets for the upcoming year totaling $166 billion or 24 percent of state budgets. “New data show a majority of states expect shortfalls in 2011 as well. Aggregate gaps through 2011 likely will exceed $350 billion.” (7/29/09, CBPP)

New Fiscal Year Brings Painful Spending Cuts, Continued Budget Gaps In Almost Every State

“The 2010 fiscal year begins for most states July 1. It brings an austere continuation of recession-driven cuts in essential services and poor prospects for improvement through 2011, according to a series of updated reports on state budget conditions.” (7/29/09, CBPP)

New Listings: Health Insurance, Health Care Costs

The Clock is Ticking: More Americans Losing Health Coverage

With each passing week that meaningful health care reform is not enacted, more families in every state are losing health coverage... Families USA based its state numbers on national estimates published in the peer-reviewed policy journal Health Affairs in May 2009. These estimates project that 6.9 million more Americans, primarily people in working families, will lose health coverage by the end of 2010. These report breaks down these numbers by state, making it clear that no community is unaffected by the stampeding problem. As health care costs have soared in recent years, employers and hard-working families have been forced to make tough choices. The report does not fully capture the acceleration of this trend caused by the rising unemployment: (July 2009, Families USA)

Hidden Costs of Health Care: Why Americans Are Paying More But Getting Less
HHS has released a report documenting the rising out-of-pocket expenses for Americans with employer-based health coverage. With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. (July 2009, DHHS)

43.8 Million Americans Uninsured in 2008 include almost half of Floridians
An estimated 43.8 million Americans had no health insurance in 2008, according to a new CDC report. That’s 700,000 more people than in 2007 and 2.8 million more than in 1997. Only 56 percent of Floridians under age 65 had private health coverage last year, according to a new federal survey. One-fourth of the others were uninsured and the rest were covered by a government program.Massachusetts had the lowest percentage of uninsured residents under age 65 (3.4%), and Texas had the highest (22.9%). An estimated 8.9% of children had no health insurance, the same as in 2007 but down from 13.9% in 1997. (7/01/09, CDC)

Health Insurance Coverage Trends, 1959–2007: Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey

This CDC health coverage trends report, which shows that the number of Americans under 65 without health insurance has increased by more than 20 million since its lowest point in 1978. The data are from the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey. (7/01/09, CDC)

Miami's patient co-pays highest
In a list of the 10 U.S. hospitals with the highest out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients, six are in Miami-Dade. Note: The highest-cost hospital, Cedars Medical Center, is now University of Miami. (7/8/09, US News & World Report)

A Standard for Health Insurance Coverage
In the issue brief, researchers compare existing state benefit mandates with the services and providers covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program's (FEHBP) Blue Cross and Blue Shield standard benefit package—a level of comprehensive coverage generally available in employer-sponsored health plans. (7/23/09, Commonwealth Fund)

Number of Americans With Private Health Coverage Drops to Lowest Level in 50 Years
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "the percentage of Americans with private health insurance has hit its lowest mark in 50 years," with about 65 percent of non-elderly Americans having private insurance in 2008, down from 67 percent in 2007. (7/2/09, AP)

Many Insured Americans Face Bankruptcy From Medical Costs
"An estimated three-quarters of people who are pushed into personal bankruptcy by medical problems actually had insurance when they got sick or were injured," leading many experts to say that "simply giving everyone an insurance card will not be enough to fix what is wrong with the system." (7/1/09, New York Times)

Prescription Drugs: Overview of Approaches to Control Prescription Drug Spending in Federal Programs
"The increasing cost of prescription drugs has put pressure to control drug spending on federal programs such as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), Medicare Part D, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and Medicaid," according to a summary of a recent GAO report, where the office explores approaches used by the FEHBP and other federal programs to control prescription drug spending. (6/24/09, GAO)

U.S. Hospitals Feeling The Squeeze
Revenue has plummeted; cash-strapped patients are skipping visits and under-compensated cases are increasing. As a result, a pattern of cost-cutting has emerged as hospitals have tried not to sacrifice quality, access and safety. There has also been the elimination of entire departments as well as often subsidized services like mental health. Such cuts, which can translate into longer wait times, less up-to-date technology and fewer services, are bound to affect patients." (6/24/09, Forbes)

Individual Health Insurance Market Failing Consumers

The individual health insurance market is not a viable option for the majority of uninsured adults, a new Commonwealth Fund report finds. Seventy-three percent of people who tried to buy insurance on their own in the last three years did not purchase a policy, primarily because premiums were too high. (7/21/09, Commonwealth Fund)

Out-Of-Pocket Health Care Costs Rise For Workers With Employer Coverage

The 161 million Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance are facing substantial increases in out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, according to a study published today on the Health Affairs Web site. URL here The study, authored by researchers from the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) and Watson Wyatt Worldwide and funded by The Commonwealth Fund, examines trends in the comprehensiveness of employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) from 2004 to 2007. It finds rising rates of underinsurance and unaffordability, particularly for poorer and sicker people. (6/2/09, Commonwealth Fund)

New Listings: Health Disparities

Blacks More Likely To Die of Ovarian, Breast Cancer When Receiving Same Treatment as Whites
Blacks receiving treatment equal to whites are more likely to die of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers but not many other types of cancer, according to a study published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. (7/9/09, Washington Post)

New Listings: Other Health Issues

FL quality rated below average in new federal report
Quality of health care in Florida is rated “weak” or “very weak” on five of a dozen measures, with the worst scores going to diabetes and respiratory care. Florida’s strengths are in home-health care and cancer treatment, the report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The state received an average score in five categories. (6/30/09, AHRQ)

IOM Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities Report
A new report from the Institute of Medicine recommends 100 health topics that should get priority attention and funding from a new national research effort to identify which health care services work best. It also spells out actions and resources needed to ensure that this comparative effectiveness research initiative will be a sustained effort with a continuous process for updating priorities as needed and that the results are put into clinical practice. (June 2009, IOM)

PRC National Health Report – 1995-2008 Detailed Findings
This 2009 PRC National Health Assessment is a systematic, data-driven approach to identifying the health status, behaviors and needs of Americans. This bi-annual national study of 1,000 American adults is based largely on the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, as well as various other public health surveys and customized questions. PRC grants public access to this national study. This study is a follow-up to similar national surveys conducted by PRC in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005.
(June 2009, Professional Research Consultants)

More Children Hospitalized with Obesity
The number of children hospitalized with a diagnosis of obesity nearly doubled between 1999 and 2005, to 42,429, according to a study published online by Health Affairs. Over the period, obesity-related hospitalizations increased 8.8% per year among 2-5 year olds, 10.4% per year among 6-11 year olds, and 11.4% per year among adolescents. The total cost of obesity-related hospitalizations for children increased from $125.9 million in 2001 to $237.6 million in 2005, measured in 2005 dollars. The data are from AHRQ Inpatient Sample. (7/9/09, AHA News Now)

Adult Obesity, Related Health Care Costs Climbing
Spending on health care for obese U.S. adults rose by 82% between 2001 and 2006, to $303 billion, according to a new AHR report. Over the same period, the number of obese adults increased by nearly 11 million, to 58.9 million people. The findings are from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. (July 2009, AHRQ)

US Obesity Trends by State 1985–2008
CDC reports that the proportion of obese U.S. adults rose by 0.5 percentage point in 2008 to 26.1%. "As obesity increases among all age groups, we are seeing chronic diseases in much younger adults compared to a few decades ago," said William Dietz, M.D., director of CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity. "For example, we now see young adults who suffer from heart disease risk factors and other conditions such as type 2 diabetes that were unheard of in the past." Includes ppt presentation and animated map. (July 2009, CDC)

Continued Listings: Health Care Reform Reports

Health Disparities: A Case for Closing the Gap
The United States spends more than any other nation in the world on health care. Despite consistent increases in spending, disparities among demographic groups persist. Low-income Americans and racial and ethnic minorities experience disproportionately higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options, and reduced access to care. With unemployment on the rise, the disparities already apparent among these groups will continue to increase. This new report demonstrates the need for reform that reduces costs to make health care affordable; protects a patient's choice of doctors, hospitals, and insurance plans; invests in prevention and wellness; and assures quality, affordable health care for all Americans. (June 2009, US DHHS)

Reducing Medicaid and Medicare Drug Costs Could Help Pay For Health Reform

By lowering the costs that Medicaid and Medicare pay for prescription drugs, Congress could generate substantial savings to help pay for comprehensive health reform that achieves universal coverage. (6/11/09, CBPP)

Maintaining Current Value of Itemized Deductions For High - Income Taxpayers Could Help Pay For Health Care Reform

If Congress rejects the President’s proposal to help pay for health care reform by limiting the value of itemized deductions for high-income filers, it should at least prevent those subsidies from expanding in 2011, as they would under current law. Simply keeping the value of itemized deductions for filers in the top two brackets at their current levels would raise $68 billion over ten years according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. (6/10/09, CBPP)

Some Media Reports Mischaracterize CBO Estimate of Senate “HELP” Health Reform Bill; Final “HELP” Bill Likely To Cover Many More People Than Partial Draft CBO Analyzed

The news media are widely reporting that, according to a partial and preliminary Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis, health reform legislation that the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) is developing would cut the number of uninsured by only 16 million people while costing $1 trillion over ten years. That conclusion, however, is incorrect. The CBO analysis covers only a part of the HELP plan (the parts for which the Committee gave CBO detailed specifications) and does not include major elements of the plan that would further substantially reduce the number of uninsured. (6/16/09, CBPP)

Crossing Our Lines: Working Together to Reform the U.S. Health System

This report aims to provide quality, affordable health coverage for all Americans and includes recommendations to improve quality and control costs. Authors Howard Baker, Tom Daschle and Bob Dole address key issues, including the need for strong insurance reforms that require guaranteed issue; the elimination of medical underwriting for pre-existing conditions and rating limitations; new state and regional coverage options through exchanges; reforms that constrain cost growth; and financial assistance through Medicaid and tax credits. The two-year consensus-building process has been supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (6/17/09, The Leaders' Project on the State of American Health Care)

New Polls Find Support For Health Reform, Fear Of Costs
A series of new polls show support for major health care reform, but trepidation about certain policy proposals, and anxiety about quickly growing health care costs, the possibility of losing coverage, and the federal budget deficit in general. (6/19/09; AP, WSJ, NYT, SF Chronicle in MedNews Today)

Insurers Support Coverage Mandate Because It's Good for Business
Having previously fought the health care reform efforts of President Bill Clinton, the health insurance industry is now supporting a major overhaul of the system, particularly a requirement that everyone purchase coverage, mostly because it "faces a bleak future" if such a mandate is not adopted. (6/7/09, LA Times)

Employer Requirement Under Consideration For Senate Finance Committee Health Bill Could Discourage Hiring of Low-Income, Minority, Disabled Workers

"While an employer responsibility requirement is an essential component of health care reform, a proposal that the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee are considering for the forthcoming health legislation is flawed and would have serious unintended consequences, particularly for low-income and minority workers and workers with disabilities." (6/24/09, CBPP)

The Last Piece of the Puzzle: Providing High-Quality, Affordable Health Coverage to All Children through National Health Reform
This report provides a blueprint of how to fill in the health coverage gaps for children and build a family-friendly health care system that addresses children's unique needs. (May 2009, Georgetown University Center for Children and Families)

Explaining Health Care Reform: What are Health Insurance Exchanges?
Various health reform proposals being discussed suggest developing an 'exchange' or a market-place where uninsured individuals will be able to purchase coverage. This brief explains the purpose and function of exchanges, how they would relate to greater regulation of the insurance market, and some of the key questions likely to be addressed by any health reform proposal that calls for the creation of exchanges. (May 2009, KFF)

Rules of the Road: How an Insurance Exchange Can Pool Risk and Protect Enrollees
Several leading proposals for major health reform include a new entity — sometimes called an “exchange” — that would offer a choice of health insurance plans to individuals and, if designed well, provide insurance options that are affordable, comprehensive, and easy for consumers to compare. This report discusses features that should be included in a health insurance exchange so that it provides individuals with coverage options that are affordable, comprehensive and easy to compare. (5/31/09, CBO)

HHS Report, Forum Call for Health Reform to Reduce Disparities
Low-income Americans and racial and ethnic minorities experience disproportionately higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options and reduced access to care, according to a report released today by Health and Human Services that calls for reducing disparities as part of health reform. The report was released in conjunction with a White House forum on health reform and disparities. At a news briefing this morning, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus announced their reform priorities for reducing racial and ethnic health disparities. The groups called for elevating the National Institutes of Health’s National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities and strengthening HHS’ Office of Minority Health. They also called for a public health insurance plan option and adequate reimbursement for language and translation services. (6/9/09, DHHS)

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)

Continued Listings: Florida Reports

Medicaid Reform: Legislature Should Delay Expansion Until More Information Is Available to Evaluate Success

Nearly three years into a Medicaid privatization program former [Florida] Gov. Jeb Bush said could be a national model, state officials say they do not have crucial data to measure the program's effectiveness, including how many patients' treatments and prescriptions have been approved or denied. There is "little evidence" that the program "has improved health care or saved the state money." Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, which "oversees the pilot" told the AP in an email that due to an overhaul of their computer system, they "do not have usable data at this time." (6/2/09, OPPGA)

Malpractice Suits, Other Factors Contribute to Rise in Caesarean Births
In hospitals across the country but particularly in Florida, surgical births are becoming a given. Nearly 40 percent of Florida babies were born by C-section in 2008; in the Tampa Bay area, the rate is 38 percent. The U.S. rate in 2007 (the most recent year available) was 31.8 percent. A decade ago, the national rate was 21 percent and Florida's was 23 percent. Many doctors believe that the increase in caesarean section births in the U.S. over the last decade has been fueled by three main factors -- fear of malpractice lawsuits, a decrease in vaginal births after c-sections and rising rates of obesity. (6/17/09, St. Petersburg Times)

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)

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.

Senate Finance Committee Faces Difficult Choices In Lowering Cost of Health BillSubsidy Changes Could Leave Some Without Affordable Coverage

Senate Finance Committee Faces Difficult Choices In Lowering Cost of Health Bill
Subsidy Changes Could Leave Some Without Affordable Coverage