ARCHIVED ISSUES

August 7, 2008

Make Florida CHAIN's Updated Website Your Resource

 

Go to Florida CHAIN's just updated website www.floridachain.org to find the latest news; get comprehensive information about Medicaid Reform; apply for Florida KidCare; view the KidCare Coordinating Council’s annual report; discover resources for those without insurance; find members of the Florida Legislature's 2008 health care committee; use our town hall meeting template; access health care resources in Spanish;view Florida CHAIN’s publications and more. Just visit www.floridachain.org and mark it as one of your favorites.  

Cover Florida Symposium Draws Large Crowd

The Cover Florida plan swept through the 2008 Legislature and passed so quickly that there was very little opportunity for analysis or public discussion. But on July 24th, about 50 Florida residents did just that at the Cover Florida Symposium, hosted by Florida CHAIN and Human Services Coalition. They also discussed trends in health policies aimed at covering the uninsured and reforming the broken healthcare system. By Lisa Margulis, Florida CHAIN. Read more
Cover Florida: State Clarifies that Lack of Clarity Intended

 

Beginning with the law that created Cover Florida, through the Invitation to Negotiate for providers, to the recent bidder's conference - at every stage of this program's development AHCA and OIR have stopped short of specifying what the balance between the need for consumer protections and adequate benefits with the need to make coverage affordable, actually looks like. By Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN  Read more

 

Report Shows State Altered Numbers In Reporting Savings in Medicaid Reform Pilot Experiment

On July 25th, Florida CHAIN released a well-publicized report that looks at information submitted by AHCA, finding that the state is saving less money than is being eported.  Numbers that were released in AHCA’s Medicaid Reform Quarterly Report show an inflated estimate of what the State would have spent on Medicaid had Medicaid Reform not been implemented. The Florida CHAIN study contrasts that with a more accurate calculation suggested by HHS. By Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN. Read more

Long-Anticipated Medicaid Reform Evaluation Released Quietly

The release of required  Medicaid Reform Pilot evaluations by OPPAGA, the Legislature’s research and evaluation arm, once expected highlight the successes, has instead come and gone with little or no fanfare. In fact, OPPAGA’s findings seem to reinforce the ongoing notion that Reform still fails to deliver on its promises.  By Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN. Read more
Desperate Defense of Reform Woefully Deficient 

In contrast to the continuing reports of concerns about Medicaid Reform’s performance, there has been little meaningful success to report. Now, James Madison Institute (JMI) has rushed to press an “evaluation “extolling the Pilot Program - almost entirely misinterpretations, often of others’ outdated data. Its clear purpose was to defend its preconceived conclusion: “Florida’s pilot project not only ought to be continued . . . but also. . . extended to the remainder of the state. By Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN. Read more

Despite Increasing Racial Gap and Lack of Decrease in Infant Mortality, Florida Fails to Invest in Solutions

 

The recent release of 2005 U.S. infant mortality data by the CDC revealed a halt in a decade-long decline in poor birth outcomes. Black babies were 2.4 times more likely to die before age one as white babies during this period. Like recent national trends, Florida’s progress in improving birth outcomes has been flat since 1998, with a widening gap between whites and blacks. By Carol Brady, NE Florida Healthy Start Coalition. Read more

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


Florida Covering Kids and Families of the University of South Florida’s Lawton and Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies is conducting another KidCare Back-to-School outreach campaign, including news conferences and enrollment fairs in Pasco, Palm Beach, and Brevard Counties, as well as the Panhandle area. By Patrick Cannon, Florida Covering Kids & Families. Read more

Florida CHAIN Survey of Florida Congressional Candidates on Health Care

 

During June 2008, Florida CHAIN contacted the campaign offices of ALL candidates who legally qualified to run in Florida’s 25 Congressional races, regardless of political affiliation. This included both candidates running without opposition and write-in candidates. Each was asked to complete an identical two-page survey related to the nation’s health care system as well as federal health programs and policies. Questions included: Greatest Challenge Facing America’s Health Care System; Potential Priority Goals for Congress; Issues Potentially Warranting the Attention of Congress; Potential Congressional Action to Increase Coverage; and Potential Action Regarding SCHIP and Medicare.  Access the report to read more

Poll Re: Floridians’ Financial Woes’ Impact on Accessing Health Care Deserves Closer Look

Last month’s well-publicized results of a survey conducted by NPR, Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health, that examined the “pocketbook problems” facing Floridians, were unsurprising, with health care costs looming large. 32% of Floridians reported problems paying for health care or health insurance in the past year; the number jumps to 47% of families with annual incomes below $40K. By Greg Mellowe, Florida CHAIN. Read more

TAKE ACTION: Sign the Petition to Stand Up for Health Care

Making a major impact on the national health care debate will only happen if activists like you continue to come together to make a strong, united call for real reform. TAKE ACTION by signing the petition to send John McCain and Barack Obama a clear message that the American people will hold the candidates accountable for improving our nation's health care system so that no one is left out. Petition and website from Families USA.

CONTRACT FOR FLORIDA'S MENTAL HEALTH/ SUBSTANCE ABUSE REFORM

TREATMENT WORKS!
WHAT WORKS COSTS LESS!

Seize the opportunity to teach Florida's voting public and candidates for legislature about the benefits to everyone of reforming our Mental Health/ Substance Abuse System.  (Submitted by Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay) Read more about how you can help

Medicaid Reform Alternatives Roundtable Brings Together Consumers, Providers, Legislative Aides & Advocates

A group of 23 Florida consumers, providers, legislative aides, attorneys and advocates sat down together to discuss policy, with the goal of creating meaningful alternatives to Medicaid reform, in this project of Florida CHAIN. The findings and recommendations are being compiled with other resources to help develop a concrete proposal that will be delivered to Florida legislators. By Lisa Margulis, Florida CHAIN. Read more

Medicaid Glitches Point to Staffing Concerns as Surgery Again Delayed

Medicaid’s failure to execute a simple change of address has diminished Gail Knight’s ability to walk. Repeated delays due to clerical lapses, denials of payment, and being required to renew her eligibility before her renewal date continue to postpone necessary surgery, while Gail worries about keeping her mobility and handling medical bills. By Linda Vaughn, Florida CHAIN.  Read more

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 

 

 

Cover Florida Symposium Draws Large Crowd

The Cover Florida plan swept through the Legislature and passed on the last day  of the 2008 Session. It passed so quickly that there was very little opportunity for analysis or public discussion. But on July 24th, a group of about 50 Florida residents did just that.

 

The Cover Florida Symposium, hosted by Florida CHAIN and Human Services Coalition, was one of only a few opportunities where consumers, advocates, and providers could discuss, analyze and pose questions about the Governor’s new Cover Florida plan.  The broader purpose of the Cover Florida Symposium, however, was to discuss local, state and national trends in health policies aimed at covering the uninsured and reforming the broken healthcare system.

 

Presenters included Janet Perkins, Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning; Bill Newton, Florida Consumer Action Network; Santiago Leon, Health Care for All-Florida. The event was moderated by Judy Rosenbaum, a retired Medicaid Program Administrator. Also included on the panel was Karen Halperin, Governor Crist’s Deputy Policy Chief. 

 

Most voters on both sides of the aisle agree that our healthcare system needs to be fixed and many complicated plans will compete for their favor. However, unless the public is educated about the benefits and pitfalls of the various models, they will be disengaged from the debate and their political leaders will lack the will to address the situation. What is important in the near future is that the political will to address healthcare reform exists. This will only happen if voters are engaged and reform is demanded. 

 

The goal of the symposium was to discuss what Americans really want in healthcare reform and to analyze whether recent efforts like the Cover Florida program will meet the needs of the uninsured. Whether it is an unregulated market solution that eliminates mandates and drives down costs , a public-private venture such as the one in place in Massachusetts or an overhaul of the current system remains to be seen.

 

Submitted by Lisa Margulis,

Communications Director, Florida CHAIN

 

 

Cover Florida: State Clarifies that Lack of Clarity Intended

 

First, it was the law that created Governor Crist’s Cover Florida health insurance coverage initiative. Then, it was the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) that solicited proposals from insurers to provide that coverage.  And during the past few weeks, it was the bidder’s conference at which insurers asked questions, the template for the contract between insurers and the State and the responses to written questions received from interested parties.  

 

At every stage, in their increasingly detailed explanations of the process that the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) will use to balance the need for consumer protections and adequate benefits with the need to make coverage affordable, they’ve stopped short of specifying what that balance actually looks like.

 

And now that 276 submitted questions have been answered (or left unanswered), it seems likely that most everything that the State intends to say about its expectations - prior to sitting down to negotiate with insurers - has been said.  There is no doubt now that Cover Florida is intended to be a pure experiment, albeit partially controlled, with the State hoping to organically concoct- in the negotiation laboratory a creature that it could not define on paper in advance. And the reagent that will make it all happen is deregulation.

                                                                                                                           

In fairness, no one involved in the discussion has insisted that the experiment will succeed, and there is recognition that it must not be permitted to run amok and create a monster. OIR and AHCA have reiterated their commitment not to turn loose any insurance company to market coverage to uninsured Floridians that  fails to meet its expectations.  At the same time, insurers seem to be wondering whether anyone will actually buy the coverage they can make available.

 

Although there are no formal protocols for the Cover Florida negotiations, the experiment is not a completely free-form exercise. The agencies have spelled out some parameters, safeguards and even innovative standards, as discussed in the last issue of CHAIN Reaction. Yet this is essentially an ad-hoc “to-do” list that that the agencies are hoping will suffice in place of the entire Insurance Code.

 

But first and foremost, the Cover Florida architects intend to rely on the two-edged sword of vigilant staff scrutiny to keep the experiment in control. So, for example, they deliberately avoid specifying any minimum level of benefits, but instead pledge to carefully evaluate proposals to assure “the most robust and comprehensive benefits for Floridians”.

 

Neither are there any of the mandates of traditional coverage, but the agencies “would like to see respondents list and define any additional state health care mandates that will be provided.” They decline to define concepts like “sufficiency of the provider network”, but will “review the network in relation to the benefits offered and the expected numbers of enrollees projected to participate.” They even articulate the “expectation” that an insurer “provide adequate documentation that the services are available through a reasonable number of providers, so enrollees do not have a difficult time gaining access to providers for [whatever] benefits they have purchased.”

 

State negotiators essentially believe that they can get the best deal for uninsured Floridians and will know a good plan when they see it. That may very well be so. But laws and rules are put in place because there is a chance that they won’t know a bad plan when they see it, especially if they don’t see or aren’t told everything. It’s not the best-case scenarios that are of concern to consumers, but rather the worst-case scenarios. And where the need to keep costs down meets the need to promise more services, the pressure to cut corners (or worse) will mount.

 

These concerns are heightened further by the fact that issues of affordability are left almost as wide open. For instance, “[c]ost sharing is not defined?however, cost sharing will be handled in accordance with current industry standards.” They further note that “affordable is a definition that will be interpreted differently for each individual eligible for a Cover Florida product.” Fortunately, however, the agency did clarify that deductibles, copayments and other fees are part of the benefit design process and, like specific benefits themselves, cannot be changed without notifying the agencies.

 

But there are no standards for determining how much is too much. Agency staff have also made it clear that the Governor’s announced goal of $150 monthly premiums, which is mentioned nowhere in the Cover Florida legislation, is not in fact a target of any kind. Premiums may be significantly higher, especially in high-cost areas like South Florida or for older enrollees. (“Medical underwriting” is prohibited, however, meaning that sicker enrollees can’t be charged higher premiums because of their poor health, and coverage is “guaranteed issue, guaranteed renewal”, so all otherwise eligible applicants can get and keep coverage as long as they pay the premiums.)

 

At the end of the day, uninsured Floridians will be standing outside the locked laboratory door. Hopefully, pamphlets, not pitchforks, will be the appropriate response to the creature that emerges.

 

Submitted by Greg Mellowe,

Policy Director, Florida CHAIN

 

 

 

Florida CHAIN Report Shows State Altered Numbers In Reporting Savings in Medicaid Reform Pilot Experiment

On July 25th, Florida CHAIN released a report, Is the Medicaid Reform Experiment Saving Florida Money? State Alters Question To Ensure Desired Answer. The report looks at information submitted by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and finds that the state is saving less money than what is being reported.  

 

Numbers that were released in AHCA’s Medicaid Reform Quarterly Report show an inflated estimate of what the State would have spent on Medicaid had Medicaid Reform not been implemented. The Florida CHAIN study contrasts that with a more accurate calculation suggested by Health and Human Services (HHS).  

 

Florida CHAIN's Cost Savings brief was picked up by four daily newspapers, Sun Sentinel, Florida Health News (online), Orlando Sentinel, and Miami Herald (article and letter to the editor), as well as several radio stations.  

 

To date, AHCA has not issued a response to Florida CHAIN's findings.

 

The original press release follows:

Report Shows State Altered Numbers In Reporting Savings in Medicaid Reform Pilot Experiment

Orlando, FL - On Friday, July 25th, the statewide consumer health care advocacy organization, Florida CHAIN released the report, “Is the Medicaid Reform Experiment Saving Florida Money? State Alters Question To Ensure Desired Answer”. The report looks at information submitted by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and finds that the state is saving less money than what is being reported.  Click here to access the brief online at the Florida CHAIN website.

 

Florida’s Medicaid Reform pilot experiment was implemented in Broward and Duval counties in the fall of 2006 and permits managed care organizations to control the amount, scope and duration of services received by Medicaid beneficiaries.  The primary impetus for the Medicaid Reform experiment is controlling the growth in the State’s Medicaid budget. Thus, the onus is on the State to prove cost savings. 

 

Numbers that were released in AHCA’s Medicaid Reform Quarterly Report show an inflated estimate of what the State would have spent on Medicaid had Medicaid Reform not been implemented. The Florida CHAIN study contrasts that with a more accurate calculation suggested by Health and Human Services (HHS). 

 

Specifically, the State reported saving 20% per person per month so far this year, but if the State had instead used the growth estimates they should have used, the savings would have been only 4%. And even that supposed 4% savings disappears when you consider that: 1) not all Medicaid spending is considered in the calculation, and 2) that the benefits and services that Reform plans must offer are, by definition, less expensive than what non-Reform plans are required to offer.

 

“An evaluation is only as good as the questions that are asked," said Laura Goodhue, Florida CHAIN’s Executive Director. "In this case, not only are the questions wrong, but there are other factors, like consumers inability to access the care they need as well as new costs incurred by local governments for uncompensated care that are not even considered as part of this analysis."

 

“Proponents of so-called Medicaid reform have been unable to find a study that supports the wisdom of the project so rather than admitting the project is lacking, they have decided to shoot the arrow and then draw a bull’s-eye around it,” said Rep. Dan Gelber (D- Miami Beach). 

 

“Declaring success is a far cry from achieving it,” he said.

 

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Florida CHAIN is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health of all  Floridians by promoting access to quality, affordable health care. CHAIN stands for Community Health Action Information Network and should be capitalized. Florida CHAIN’s website is www.floridachain.org.  

 


Long-Anticipated Medicaid Reform Evaluation Released Quietly

As the Medicaid Reform experiment has unfolded, an interesting trend has emerged: some anticipated dates in the timeline that were once expected to provide opportunities to highlight the successes of the Pilot have instead come and gone with little or no fanfare.

 

One such event is the release of evaluations of the performance of the Reform Pilot completed by OPPAGA (Office of Program Planning and Government Accountability), the Legislature’s research and evaluation arm. When the Legislature established the Reform Pilot, it required OPPAGA to assess “cost savings, consumer education, choice, and access to services; coordination of care; and quality of care... and include recommendations regarding statewide expansion...”

 

OPPAGA is currently in the process of releasing a series of eight reports that, one topic at a time, address these issues. Five of these reports have been issued to-date. So far, however, the evaluations have been fairly limited in scope, and the findings generally corroborate long-recognized realities about Reform.  As a result, the reports seem to have generated little discussion so far. It is important to note, however, that OPPAGA itself was severely constrained by the ongoing unavailability of service and other data necessary to meaningfully evaluate Reform.

 

However, because a number of entities monitoring the Pilot might be perceived as having a biased perspective of Reform, including both the James Madison Institute (see related article) and Florida CHAIN itself, the OPPAGA reports, produced by a legislatively sanctioned and more independent source, are nevertheless an important resource.

 

The findings presented in the OPPAGA reports published as of this writing include the following:

 

Regarding the extent to which Reform plans have used available flexibility to provide additional benefits:

 

·      “There is limited variation in the health services offered by the [Reform] plans, and they are also generally similar to managed care plan options offered in non-Reform counties.”

 

·      “Medicaid Reform plans have customized their service offerings somewhat for different beneficiary groups, although this customization has been limited by federal and state requirements.”

 

·      “Although Medicaid Reform plans have taken some advantage of the flexibility to customize benefits, the services they offer differ minimally from those prescribed under the Medicaid state plan.”

 

·      “Because... [Provider Service Networks] are currently paid on a fee-for-service basis, they have less financial flexibility to offer extra services than do HMOs.”

 

·      “...Non-Reform HMOs cannot charge co-payments for any services?Three of the 16 Medicaid Reform HMOs currently charge co-payments for some services.”

 

Regarding the effectiveness of choice counseling:

 

·      “...[AHCA] has consistently met or exceeded its goal that 65% of newly eligible beneficiaries select a health plan after receiving choice counseling. However, stakeholders and disenrollment data indicate that some?experience problems selecting a? plan that best meets their needs.”

 

·      “...Reform disenrollment data suggests that information received by beneficiaries could be confusing, outdated, or incorrect? approximately 24% of the 40,508?who voluntarily disenrolled or requested a plan change?did so because their primary care or specialist physicians were not in the plan in which they enrolled.”

 

·      “AHCA... has made a number of changes to improve choice counseling materials and procedures. However, these changes do not appear to fully address the difficulties that beneficiaries experience...AHCA should consider making the plan comparison materials easier to understand...”[T]hese materials are currently written at the eleventh-grade reading level.”

 

Regarding Enhanced Benefits credits for performing healthy behaviors:

 

·      Through April 2008, beneficiaries had earned $13.8 million in credits for performing healthy behaviors (maximum $125 per consumer per year). But only 11% of those credits had been redeemed. For one, “most credits earned by beneficiaries have been for routine physician office visits which they likely would have gone to without the incentive to earn credits....”

 

·       “...Because beneficiaries do not receive statements that reflect earned credits for up to 90 days following the completion of healthy behaviors, they may not associate completing healthy behaviors with the?credits?”Also, “despite incentives, beneficiaries have not participated in some healthy behaviors at all.”

 

·       “Reform beneficiaries have experienced difficulty redeeming credits”, although
“AHCA is taking steps to address some of these concerns?.”AHCA should continue to pursue ways to make it easier for beneficiaries to redeem credits at pharmacies.”

 

Regarding the opportunity to “opt-out” of Reform to buy private, employer-based coverage:

·       “Since Reform was first implemented...less than 1% of... Reform beneficiaries have enrolled or even expressed interest in participating in the opt-out program.”

 

·       “As of...  March 2008, only 19 beneficiaries were enrolled in the opt-out program, while a total of 30 beneficiaries had enrolled since September 2006”, at “an average administrative cost per enrollee of $3,668.”

 

Regarding enrollment in Reform plans:

 

·      “Of the 16 Reform health plans operating in Broward County, Staywell serves one-fourth (25.7%) of the Reform beneficiaries...HealthEase is serving nearly one-half (48.3%) of the Reform plan beneficiaries in Duval County.” (Note: Staywell and HealthEase are administered by Wellcare, which confessed last week that it owes the Florida and Illinois Medicaid programs $46.5 million through the first half of 2007 due to overbilling.)

 

OPPAGA’s findings seem to reinforce the ongoing notion that (at least in the areas reviewed so far) Reform still fails to deliver on its original promises, despite AHCA’s ongoing efforts.  And Florida is now two full years into the Pilot.

 

Submitted by Greg Mellowe,
Policy Director, Florida CHAIN 

 

Desperate Defense of Reform Woefully Deficient

 

In contrast to the continuing reports of concerns about the performance of the Medicaid Reform experiment, there has been little meaningful to report in terms of successes. It may be for this reason that the James Madison Institute (JMI) felt compelled to rush an evaluation extolling the Pilot Program to press. Just such a report, authored by Michael Bond, Professor of Finance at Cleveland State University and Research Fellow for JMI, was released last month.

 

Unfortunately, the “evaluation” consists almost entirely of misinterpretations or misrepresentations of others’ analysis of often outdated data. The clear purpose the work was to defend the report’s preconceived conclusion: “Florida’s pilot project not only ought to be continued in the places where it is already underway, but also that the reforms instituted under this pilot project ought to be extended to the remainder of the state.

 

JMI defines itself as a research and educational organization “engaged in the battle of ideas”. In fact, the last page of the evaluation itself solicits donations to support its ongoing work. The report is clearly intended as an advocacy tool, not as credible analysis. Needless to say, it is expected that organizations like both JMI and Florida CHAIN engage in advocacy initiatives in support of their missions. However, such efforts cannot legitimately be passed off as credible evaluations at the expense of meaningful scrutiny and debate.

 

 A few examples of clarifications or corrections that must be made include the following:

 

JMI:    The trend in state spending on Medicaid was simply unsustainable. Had it continued unabated, the program could have consumed roughly 60 percent of the projected state budget by 2015.

CHAIN:  Such pronouncements have been continuously used to justify the push to expand the Reform Pilot; all have been shown to be hyperbole at best. The State’s projections of what Medicaid would have cost if left unchecked are drastically overstated, as the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) concluded in its report to Congress on precisely that subject. And like interest earned on a bank balance, the error is compounded as the estimates look further out into the future. The GAO found that Florida overstated the amount that would have been spent on Medicaid through 2011 alone by $6.9 billion.  JMI’s forecast for 2015 is similarly flawed.

 

JMI:   But for most of the insured — and for Medicaid beneficiaries in particular — their amount of cost sharing is small or often zero. The end result is related to the long-standing law of supply and demand: People use more care than they would if they were directly paying with their own hard-earned cash.

CHAIN:    Medicaid eligibility in Florida for a working parent is set at 21% of the federal poverty level, or $303 a MONTH for a family of three. SSI recipients (persons with severe disabilities) receive $637 a month, and cannot work without risking their Medicaid coverage. In fact, the vast majority of Medicaid beneficiaries in Florida live in poverty - usually deep poverty. The most notable exceptions – and even these must be very low income – are some children under the age of 6 and pregnant women. In short, these households are struggling to meet their most basic needs, not squandering resources they could otherwise use to meet substantial Medicaid cost sharing requirements. The JMI report was apparently authored in Ohio, however, and so there may be some confusion about who actually has Medicaid coverage in Florida.

 

JMI:  An important part of reform is the development of a way to provide beneficiaries with easy-to-understand information on plan quality and outcomes.

JMI:  What can be hoped for in the long run as a result of promoting forms of marketplace competition in Medicaid? This continuous quality improvement would accelerate productivity gains in medicine and slow the medical inflation rate to a more sustainable level over time.

CHAIN:  JMI offers no factual basis for these and a number of other assertions made in the report. In particular, no information on plan quality and outcomes of any kind has been made available to date in Reform.

 

JMI:  Many of the reform plans chose to expand benefits beyond those required by law.

JMI:   [T]he amount of [Enhanced Benefit credits] actually used by beneficiaries to purchase?items?is far below what was anticipated...One of the proposed changes involves giving beneficiaries a debit card for [Enhanced Benefit] expenditures.

CHAIN:    These are two among several instances in which the report cites inaccurate or at best obsolete information.  The additional benefit offerings were minimal (and offset many times over by the reductions in benefit levels), and AHCA has abandoned the debit card proposal. Please see the related article on the reports issued by OPPAGA refuting these particular conclusions.

 

JMI:   Thus, for those two [groups of beneficiaries required to participate in] the reform, the actual per capita expenditures were more than 14 percent below the budgeted amount? Actual [per capita] for the SSI population declined by .32 percent in the first year? The Children and Families [per capita] declined by 14.0%. Total reform per capita expenditures declined by 7.2%.

CHAIN:   The so-called “budgeted amount” is actually the inappropriately inflated estimate of what Medicaid spending would have been without the Reform waiver described above.  Substituting appropriate assumptions, it becomes apparent that Medicaid Reform did not save any money whatsoever in the first year, and in fact cost more per capita than the version of Medicaid it replaced. A critique of AHCA’s similar claims of cost savings in the second year of Reform are the subject of a separate report released by Florida CHAIN in July.

 

In short, the JMI report, although impressive and weighty at first blush, must be dismissed outright or at least seen for what it is: an advertisement for Reform.

 

Submitted by Greg Mellowe,

Policy Director, Florida CHAIN

 

Despite Increasing Racial Gap and Lack of Decrease in Infant Mortality, Florida Fails to Invest in Solutions

 

The recent release of 2005 U.S. infant mortality data by the CDC revealed a halt in a decade-long decline in poor birth outcomes. The national infant mortality rate increased from 6.78 deaths per 1000 live births in 2004 to 6.86 in 2005. Black babies were 2.4 times more likely to die before age one as white babies during this period.

 

Like recent national trends, Florida’s progress in improving birth outcomes has been flat since 1998, with a widening gap between whites and blacks. The statewide infant mortality rate in 2006 was 7.2 deaths/1000 live births, unchanged from 2005. Provisional data for 2007 indicates no significant decrease in the rate.

 

While the overall rate has remained steady, racial disparities have increased over the last ten years. In 1998, black babies were 2.2 times more likely than whites to die before their first birthday; in 2006, infant death rates for blacks were 2.6 times higher.

 

State lawmakers funded a Black Infant Mortality Initiative in 2007-08 with one-time funding in an effort to address this gap in eight Florida communities that experience the biggest racial disparities in infant health.  Continued funding for the initiative was not considered during the recent session because of state budget shortfalls.

 

State support for Healthy Start, Florida’s primary infant mortality reduction initiative, was also recently cut by four percent due to lower state revenues projected in the current fiscal year.

 

Carol Brady, Executive Director
Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition

  
 

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

As a result of last year’s highly successful Florida KidCare Back-to-School outreach campaign, the Agency for Health Care Administration 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 early August in four parts of the state: Pasco, Palm Beach, and Brevard Counties, as well as the Panhandle area. Each event offers speeches by community leaders, free giveaways for children, and Florida KidCare information and application assistance. The message of each of these events is to encourage parents to put health insurance for their children at the top of their back-to-school checklist.

 

Two such events were recently held, and media coverage was extensive, including TV, radio, and print. 

 

The Pasco event, held August 1st, was sponsored by Premier Community HealthCare Group, Inc. at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Speakers at the news conference included: State Senator Mike Fasano (District 11); Dade City Mayor Scott Black; Tony Lister, Executive Director, Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce; Susan Hutson, Chair, Florida KidCare Coalition of Pasco County; Dr. Rosario Bala, pediatrician; and Melody Floyd, a Florida KidCare parent. Florida KidCare application assistance was provided and free backpacks and school supplies were distributed to attendees.

 

The Palm Beach event, held August 3rd at the Shoppes of Cresthaven in West Palm Beach, was sponsored by Kid Finders Network, Inc. and LaBovick & LaBovick. Approximately 600 people attended the enrollment fair, which featured Florida KidCare application assistance and materials, a DJ, clown, community resources, and other fun activities and giveaways for children.

 

News conference speakers in Palm Beach included: State Senator Dave Aronberg (District 27); State Senator Shelly Vana (District 85); Jeri Muio, West Palm Beach City Commissioner (District 4); Claudia Tuck, Director, Palm Beach County Health and Human Services; Sherri Milstead, Executive Director, Kid Finders Network, Inc.; Judith Klinek, Assistant Superintendent, Palm Beach County School District; Tana Ebbole, CEO, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County; Juliette Sallette, LaBovick & LaBovick; and Patrick Cannon, Florida Covering Kids and Families.

 

Two more news conferences and enrollment fairs are slated for this week.

 

The Panhandle event, sponsored by the Panhandle Area Health Network (PAHN), will take place from 10am-1pm, Friday, August 8 at the Hudnall Building in front of Jackson Hospital, 4250 Hospital Drive, Marianna, Florida.

 

Scheduled speakers include: Don Brown, State Representative (District 5); Rosie Smith, Director of Public Relationships and Marketing, Jackson Hospital; Annie Hollister, PAHN Executive Director; Dr. Joseph Sherrel, Owner of North Florida Pediatrics in Marianna and Sneads and a PAHN Board Member; William Long, Administrator, Jackson County Health Department and PAHN Board Member; Anna Brunner, RN, Jackson Hospital; and Reverend Ben Peters, Pastor of Fountain of Life Assembly of God and a Florida KidCare Parent.

 

The Brevard County event, sponsored by Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, will take place from 10am-1pm, Saturday, August 9 at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 2295 Adams Street, Palm Bay, Florida. Speakers scheduled to appear include: Florida State Representative Mitch Needelman (District 31); Helen Voltz, Brevard County Commissioner; Milo Zonka, Palm Bay City Council; Kathy Meehan, Melbourne City Council/Vice Mayor; Pastor Dr. Harvey L. Riley, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church; Sandra Pelham, Brevard KidCare Coalition; Dr. William Knappenberger, Medical Director, CMS; Ronnie Sims, Florida KidCare Parent; Liz Loika, Nurse Practitioner, Brevard Health Alliance; and Dr. Jack Sidoran, ACCESS.

 

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. 

 

Submitted by Patrick Cannon, Ph.D.,

Coordinator, Florida Covering Kids & Families

 

Photo captions

 

Top: Approximately 600 people attended the Palm Beach Back-to-School Enrollment Fair. The fair featured Florida KidCare application assistance and materials, a DJ, clown,  community resources, and other fun activities and giveaways.

 

2nd Down: State Senator Mike Fasano (District 11) speaks about the importance of enrolling families in Florida KidCare at Pasco County’s news conference.

 

3rd Down: Marlene Rivera, a Florida KidCare parent from West Palm Beach, speaks about how Florida KidCare has given her peace of mind.

 

Bottom: Palm Beach new conference speakers included: (front row, l-r) Claudia Tuck, Director, Palm Beach County Health and Human Services; Sherri Milstead, Executive Director, Kid Finders Network, Inc.; Judith Klinek, Assistant Superintendent, Palm Beach County School District; (back row, l-r) Juliette Sallette, LaBovick & LaBovick; Patrick Cannon, Florida Covering Kids and Families; Tana Ebbole, CEO, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County; State Senator Dave Aronberg (District 27); State Senator Shelly Vana (District 85); Jeri Muio, West Palm Beach City Commissioner (District 4)

 

Poll Re: Floridians’ Financial Woes’ Impact on Accessing Health Care Deserves Closer Look

 

Last month, the results of a survey conducted jointly by NPR and public opinion researchers at the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health examining the “pocketbook problems” facing Floridians, including but not limited to high gas prices, the housing crisis and unaffordable health care. A representative sample of 1,358 Floridians was surveyed by phone over a two-week period ending June 4.

 

The release of the survey results was well-covered in the media. Overall, the researchers’ conclusions were anything but surprising: “many families are struggling to get by; jobs, the cost of gas and health care and housing stand out as big components of these struggles.” 

 

Zooming in on health care costs as a specific contributor to Floridians’ economic woes, 32% reported experiencing problems paying for health care or health insurance during the past year, trailing only gas and housing, both of which have made headlines throughout the year. When considering only families with annual incomes below $40K, that percentage leaps to 47%.

 

In addition, half of all respondents reported experiencing three or more serious financial problems due to changes in the economy. This likely indicates that a significant number of other Floridians aren’t struggling with health care costs only because they chose to pay for health care instead of meeting some other critical family need.

 

A number of other health-related poll findings that were not widely reported, but are equally compelling and important for decision-makers to understand, include:

 

·        28% of respondents reported that they or a member of their family had trouble paying medical bills during the past two years, with an amazing 14% (half of those with burdensome medical debt) reporting that they were contacted by a collection agency about those unpaid medical bills.  Based on this rate, roughly one million Florida households have recently been pursued by a collection agency due to outstanding medical debt!

 

·        More than half (54%) indicated that they either postponed getting a needed health care service, skipped a recommended test or treatment, or avoided or delayed filling a prescription due to cost.

 

·        Four in ten opined that reducing the cost of health care and health insurance would go a long way towards helping fix the country’s economic problems. A similar proportion speculated that assuring that all Americans have health coverage would also help fix the economy. By comparison, about one-third thought that cutting taxes would have such an effect.

 

·        Three-fourths said they would support a proposal to create a new health plan to expand coverage. By a margin of almost 2 to 1, these supporters favored investing significant public funds to assure that most or all Americans are covered, in lieu of undertaking a much more limited effort.  This may be of interest to those following the progress of the new Cover Florida initiative, which uses no public funding but consequently will struggle to provide adequate and truly affordable coverage to uninsured Floridians.

 

Submitted by Greg Mellowe,

Policy Director, Florida CHAIN

  

 

"CONTRACT FOR FLORIDA'S MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE REFORM"

TREATMENT WORKS!

WHAT WORKS COSTS LESS!

 

 

In November 2008, 100% of the seats in the Florida House of Representatives and 50% of the seats in the Florida Senate are up for election! Seize the opportunity to teach Florida's voting public and candidates for legislature about the benefits to everyone of reforming our Mental Health/Substance Abuse System. The simple truth is that Treatment Works!  and  What Works Costs Less!

 

A Campaign for the "Contract for Florida's Mental Health/Substance Abuse System Reform" is underway. To see the Contract CLICK HERE.  This document and a Briefing Paper (CLICK HERE to see the Briefing Paper) have been mailed to all Legislative candidates in the Tampa Bay Region for their consideration, signing and return.  The goal is education and increasing awareness during a season when the interested voting public is paying attention to issues.  Specific candidates are not being endorsed.

  • The "CONTRACT" has been prepared with input from the whole Tampa Bay Region and Florida Mental Health/Substance Abuse System Reform Community.
  • The online Tampa Bay Region Mental Health Town Square (provided by Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay) is ready to display which candidates say they will commit to the "CONTRACT".  CLICK HERE to see that site.  Keep it on your Favorites list to check back often.
  • Also, Group pages are ready for people to join to be part of the education campaign in their own counties.  CLICK HERE to see those Group pages and to sign up to volunteer.

The reforms Candidates are being asked to commit to will save tax dollars for Floridians, not only help people who need treatment and care. Community based services, early diagnosis and intervention save money. There are savings to businesses. There is less demand on hospitals and the criminal justice system. The 2008 Legislature ignored these truths. They made unwise drastic cuts in services that will end up costing Floridians more and ignored reforms that would save money if enacted.

 

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!

  • Ask every candidate you meet, "Have you signed the 'Contract'?".  Know the Contract language and review the Briefing Paper to understand our positions and the facts backing them up.  
     
  •  Volunteer your time to help promote the "Contract" in any way you can.  CLICK HERE to join the Group pages on the Tampa Bay Region Mental Health Town Square (sponsored by Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay) so you get alerts about events in your county.

This is an important opportunity to educate the voting public about the benefits to all Floridians of Mental Health/Substance Abuse Reform. 

At the same time, candidates are being asked to make their public committment to Mental Health/Substance Abuse Reform.  CLICK HERE to view the pages where we display which candidates have made the commitment to support the "Contract for Florida's Mental Health/Substance Abuse System Reform"

Have a real impact on policy for the State of Florida. Support for these issues will save society money, in addition to more humanely helping those who need treatment and care.  It’s essential to step up and teach the rest of Florida how this campaign is for the benefit of all Floridians, not just for those who need treatment and care.  That is because Treatment Works! and What Works Costs Less!

Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay
c/o USF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 102
Tampa, FL 33612-4742
Voice               813.972.2618       
execdirector@mhagreatertampabay.org  
www.mhagreatertampabay.org

Medicaid Reform Alternatives Roundtable Brings Together Consumers, Providers, Legislative Aides & Advocates

 

It was one of those events when the essence of the afternoon could only be described as magic. A group of 23 consumers, providers, legislative aides, attorneys and advocates sat down together to discuss policy. Their goal was to create meaningful alternatives to Medicaid reform.

 

The Medicaid Reform Alternatives Roundtable, a project of Florida CHAIN, provided a special opportunity for stakeholders who seldom participate in the development of policies to share ideas, learn from each other, and develop meaningful solutions which they’d support.

 

In four small discussion tables, the 23 participants discussed how aspects of Medicaid managed care could be fixed or improved, what Medicaid managed care should be replaced with, to what extent Medipass should remain in place, what standards should be in place, and how they should be monitored and enforced. Specific recommendations were collected on answers to these questions with regards to benefits and services, access to care, choice, and transparency and accountability.

 

The findings and recommendations that were generated from the Roundtable are currently being compiled with other resources to help develop a concrete proposal on Medicaid reform alternatives that will be delivered to Florida legislators.  Subscribers can expect to view a summary of the feedback and edited video of the Medicaid Reform Alternatives Roundtable within the next month.  

 

 Submitted by Lisa Margulis,
Communications Director, Florida CHAIN

 

REAL STORIES FROM FLORIDA HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS

 

Medicaid Glitches Point to Staffing Concerns as Surgery Again Delayed

 

Medicaid’s failure to execute a simple change of address has diminished Gail Knight’s ability to walk.  

 

Gail, a Florida resident since 1999, lives with her beloved nine year old service dog, Captain.  “He gets me up if I fall, helps take out the garbage and brings me things I need.  He senses when I need his help to give me momentum to walk.  I’d have a tough time making it without him.”  

 

Unfortunately, Captain couldn’t help Gail when she was forced to delay the surgery she needed to help her walk.  When Gail’s primary care physician called to get authorization for her surgery, the Medicaid representative said she had disappeared and had been declared inactive. This, in spite of Gail’s notifying the Medicaid office four times – in writing – that her address had changed.   

 

Over several months she sent three letters to Medicaid at three different office (including to the Executive Director of her area Medicaid office) to let them know she had moved.  And, again in November, when she sent in her bills, she notified them a fourth time that her address had changed. 

 

When she called the Medicaid office they denied having received any notice from her. However, during the course of the conversation it was discovered that they had received her notification but the new information had never been entered into the computer.  

 

Gail reasonably thought this meant she would finally be able to schedule her surgery.  She was told instead that even though her yearly renewal was not due for more than a month, she would be required to go through the renewal process before they would grant authorization for the surgery.  The delay in surgery was increasingly affecting her ability to walk and to drive a car.   Now there would be further delays –avoidable ones.

 

All the time Gail was trying to solve the change of address problem, unbeknownst to her, Medicaid was denying payment for her doctor bills.  Now, in ever growing pain, she waits for her surgery next month, worrying about the ongoing problems of getting the doctor bills paid - one of which is over $3,000.  Even more troubling is the apprehension she feels that the bureaucracy will fail her again – resulting in increasing disability.       

 

A frustrated Gail said: “With Medicaid, they say whatever is easiest for them.  They don’t bother to verify or check with their supervisor.  They seem to just be floating in limbo there.  When the company took over they just didn’t seem to do any training.    They can’t take a caseload like that and just give it to a few people working on computers.”

 

So, this woman who often took Captain with her to visit residents in nursing homes while she could still manage walking on the tile floors – waits in hope that another clerical error won’t cost her the use of her legs. 

 

Submitted by Linda Vaughn, 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

August 7, 2008

State Events 
     North Florida

     Central Florida     

     East Central Florida    

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

 

National Events 
     Conferences 
     National Audio and Web Events

     National Notices

     National Campaigns

 

STATE EVENTS & NOTICES

NORTH FLORIDA   

 

Developing Effective Farmworker Outreach Programs 

Sept 9  1:00 pm - Sept 10   4:00 PM  Comfort Suites, Tallahassee 

Delivered by Farmworker Health Services, Inc., a national leader in farmworker health outreach. Space is limited to 20 participants. RSVP by Aug 20. View Event Fees  View Event Summary  View Event Agenda

 

 

Notices

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA

 

2008 Florida Conference on Aging

Aug 11 -14  Orlando Resort at SeaWorld

Call               (850) 222-8877        for more information

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA 

Events

 

2008 Minority Health Disparities Summit
Aug 13-15   Grand Hyatt, Tampa Bay

The Florida Department of Health (DOH), Office of Minority Health (OMH) announces the Summit. This year’s theme is “Bridging the Gap: Embracing Solutions to Eliminate Health Barriers.” It will examine health barriers that contribute to health disparities. The goal is to present solutions and/or interventions to these barriers to help bridge the health gap in Florida. Individuals can register for the conference in June for $100, or $110 after July 18. CEUs for select sessions. Rooms may now be reserved at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay for $117 per night by calling               (813) 871-1234        or               (800) 233-1234       . Poster presenters, exhibitors and sponsors needed. Contact Thometta_cozart@doh.state.fl.us or               (850) 245-4444       , ext. 2035.

 

Worry-Free Advocacy

Aug 26  9:00 am-4:00 pm  Children's Board of Hillsborough County, 1002 E. Palm Ave, Tampa

Ever wondered what the difference is between advocacy and lobbying? Curious to know how and if your 501(c)(3) agency can get involved in election-related activities? Like to know how to accurately keep track of advocacy-related activities? If you answered yes to any of these, join this full-day workshop on lobbying and advocacy rules for nonprofit staff, boards and clients. Brought to you by Alliance For Justice with Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Children's Campaign, and Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay. Fees: $55.00.  

 

Taking Advocacy to the Next Level: Reaching Your Goals

Sept 9   9:00 am-12:00 noon  St. Anthony's Carillon Outpatient Center, 900 Carillon Pkwy, St. Petersburg

This half-day session will focus on cutting edge strategies groups can utilize to achieve real change in Florida and your local communities. Key building blocks include establishing an advocacy agenda, tools for grassroots advocacy, identification of opportunities, and organizing campaigns. Special attention to how groups can align their work and unite efforts around a common goal. The session promises to be a useful and practical tool for individuals and groups committed to grassroots advocacy and change,  designed for community advocates, grassroots organizers, and organizational advocacy leaders. Presented by Children's Campaign with Allegany Franciscan Ministries, and Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay. Fees: $35.00.

 

National Academy State Health Policy 21st Annual State Health Policy Conference
Oct 5-7  Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina
NASHP's annual conference will help you navigate the choppy seas of health policy. It is your chance to meet with policymakers from other states, learn about promising programs and best practices, and gain new insights on how to tackle health care needs with 4 plenaries (including State Reforms, and The State of Health Care in Florida) and 25 workshops planned. It is a dynamic gathering of state executive branch agencies, legislators, and legislative staff. Open dialogue and idea exchange are hallmarks of the conference.

 

Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Medicaid Reform in Florida - Year 2

Oct 15    9:00 am-4:00 pm   Marriott Tampa Airport

Researchers at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute, with support from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Florida Health Policy Center, and the Florida Philanthropic Network, will host this event to examine Florida's experience with Medicaid reform. Contact jwt24@georgetown.edu or               202-687-2471       .

 

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

 

Florida Health Care Coalition Third Annual South Florida Conference
Empowering Healthcare: A Look at Key Components
Aug 13   Signature Grand, 6900 State Road 84, Davie

 

Alliance for Retired Americans Health Care Forum
Aug 20  1:00 - 3:00 pm  Monaco Club House, Kings Point, Delray Beach
Congressman Robert Wexler will keynote this discussion of vital information about health care for today's retired Americans, toward implementing policies that ensure seniors and people with disabilities access to affordable prescription drugs. The forum’s main goal is to discuss single payer health care and social security in America. Many other elected officials have been invited and are expected. Contact:               561-865-0679        or               561-312-4349        

 

Seeking Solutions for Uninsured Children in Florida
Aug 21  4:00 pm - 6:00 pm   United Way of Miami-Dade,3250 SW 3rd Ave, Miami
Join interactive discussion with representative from Florida Healthy Kids (invited) and the Florida Department of Children and Families, on Developing Partnerships for KidCare Legislation: 2009.  Sponsored by Project YAY (Youth Advocating for Youth), a program of the Human Services Coalition and Florida CHAIN in partnership with the Florida Child Health Care Coalition, which is funded by the Health Foundation of South Florida. A light meal will be served. For more information or to request sign interpretation, auxiliary aides and services, or print material in alternative formats at least 7 days in advance:               305-576-5001        x32 or megb@hscdade.org

 

South Florida Cancer Control Collaborative meeting

Aug 21  10:00 am to 2:00 pm Hospice by the Sea, 1531 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Boca Raton Networking & coffee start at 9:30. Contact: Dorothy Parker, MHS,               305-243-1120       , Manager, Disparities & Community Outreach Core, UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

 

Dialogue on Health Across Cultures: A Workshop on Cultural Competency in Cancer Care for South Florida

Sept 20   Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale/Davie

The Southeast Florida Cancer Control Collaborative invites you to attend its cultural competency workshop. The program is designed for participants to: gain a better understanding of the diversity of cultural values, attitudes and beliefs that impact health behaviors and the use of health care services in South Florida; educate health care providers about the importance of a culturally sensitive environment, materials and resources; and increase awareness of race, ethnic and gender disparities, as well as language and cultural barriers in accessing cancer care. More info: MGonzalez16@med.miami.edu or               305-243-4821       .

 

Notices

 

Ovarian Cancer Survivors Sought to Teach Students

The Florida Department of Health and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance are looking for ovarian cancer survivors who might be interested in participating in the Survivors Teaching Students (STS) Program. They are looking for about 5 women from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and/or Martin counties. Pass this along. Contact Mary Shafer               (850) 245-4444        ext 3854 or Mary_Shafer@doh.state.fl.us

 

Women Beyond Cancer is a national non-profit organization that provides free retreats for women dealing with cancer. Its Chairwoman lives in Miami Beach and is interested in letting others know about their services, and in being part of the Collaborative. Contact murfeebrwn@aol.com

 

FLORIDA AUDIO CONFERENCES AND WEBCAST

STATEWIDE NOTICES  

New Florida Cancer Drug Donation Program

This program was created during the 2006 Legislative Session, to provide access to the drugs and supplies used to treat cancer to patients who are uninsured and do not qualify for Medicare, third-party insurance or any other state or federal programs.  Section 499.029, Florida Statutes, authorizes the donation of cancer drugs and supplies by any person or entity to a participant facility for re-dispensing to an eligible recipient.  Facilities holding an Institutional Class II Hospital permit in Florida may elect to participate in the CDDP by submitting a notice of participation to DOH.  As a participant facility, the hospital pharmacy would accept donated cancer drugs and supplies from eligible donors, inspect the donated cancer drugs and supplies for authenticity, and dispense the drugs and supplies to eligible patients.  Who are uninsured and are not eligible for third-party insurance coverage, Medicaid, or any other state or federal assistance. For more information about the Cancer Drug Donation Program, please visit the program website at www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/ddc/cancer  or E-mail: cddp_mqa@doh.state.fl.us 

NATIONAL EVENTS & NOTICES

 

CONFERENCES AND EVENTS 

 

The Annual Conference on Assessment Initiative

August 18-20   Atlanta, GA

Sponsored by CDC, this meeting will focus on sharing information on innovative systems and methods that improve the way data are used in public health programs, services, and policies at the local and state levels. Sessions will address data dissemination, health assessment research, applied data analysis, presentation techniques, and community health-assessment processes and outcomes.

 

The Association for Community Health Improvement National Conference

Proposal Deadline for Breakout Sessions: Aug 8

March 11-13     Los Angeles

This annual conference hosts more than 450 professionals from hospitals, health systems, foundations, public health, and community health organizations for a gathering that stimulates real change and improvement in how community health programs are planned, run, and evaluated. There will be four tracks: Leading Community Health Assessments to Set Priorities, Programs, and Policie; Achieving Community Benefit Excellence; Improving Health by Addressing Our Social and Built Environments; Building the Skills of Community Health Leaders (for Today and the Future)

Becoming the Healthiest Nation in a Healthier World

Conference: Sept 9-12   Sacramento

This annual National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) conference will be the year's largest gathering of state and local public health officials in the United States, jointly sponsored with Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).

 

Sixth National Conference on Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations

Sept 21-24   Minneapolis

Held biennially since 1998, this is one of the most respected and well supported events on cultural competence and health disparities reduction in the United States. It is co-produced by Drexel University School of Public Health's Center for Health Equality, Resources for Cross Cultural Health Care, and the USDHHS Office of Minority Health Care. This year's theme is "Partnerships for the Future: Supporting Practitioners and Advancing the Field through Innovation, Policy and Research."

 

Climb to New Heights-Metrics for Community Health Solutions
Oct 22-24   Seattle
The annual conference of Communities Joined In Action invites you to increase the skills of community health leaders to create integrated systems of care; learn to quantify and use powerful metrics to demonstrate improved health status and convert these measures into community supported plans to sustain positive health outcomes.

AUDIO AND WEB EVENTS     

Poverty Prep Webinar

August 19  2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT

The U.S. Census Bureau will release its annual data about poverty, income, and health insurance in the U.S. on August 26. This webinar will help you: Find and understand national and state numbers when they're released; See accurate trends over time-whether your state fares better or worse than the national average; Compare the new data (from 2007) with what is known about the 2008 economic woes, and Talk about the new findings to help build the growing movement for a national commitment to dramatically reduce U.S. poverty. When you register, you will receive information so you can participate on Aug 19. You will view the presentation via your computer and listen either through your computer or by phone. Co-sponsored by the Coalition on Human Needs, Half in Ten: From Poverty to Prosperity, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Voices for America's Children

 

ACHI audio conference:

Conducting High Quality Community Health Assessments: Two Communities Illustrate Contrasting Approaches
August 21 2:00-3:00 (ET)

$40 (members) and $80 (non-members)  

NOTICES

 

Stand Up for Health Care

Families USA has launched this new action project with the goal of persuading our elected leaders to provide quality and affordable health care for all.

 

Get Help With Back to School Medicaid & SCHIP Events

Register Your Event and Receive 50 Free School Supply Kits!

Cover the Uninsured and CKF offer fifty FREE Back-to-School supply kits will be available to the first 250 event planners who register their enrollment events. Each school supply kit is designed to fit into a student's three-ring binder and includes two pencils, an eraser and a plastic ruler. Visit the Event Planning Center to sign up and qualify.  Get new ideas for events. Order free back to school materials. Get help from the with News Conferences . And more.

 

Health Care for America Now Launch

Health Care for America Now, an unprecedented coalition of major organizations including labor unions, large community-based membership groups, women's groups, DC think tanks, doctors, nurses, small businesses, and leading netroots activists, will launch a new $40 million campaign to push for quality, affordable health care for every American.

 

Social Determinants of Health: A Call For Papers

On Nov 8, 2008, The Lancet will publish a theme issue devoted to the social determinants of health. We invite submission of research papers, reviews, viewpoints, and comments with an emphasis on action-what the doctor, public-health worker, policy maker, and politician can do to reduce inequalities and tackle the broad interplay of economic and social forces affecting health.  

CAMPAIGNS & INITIATIVES

2008                                                                                 

 

August


Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
Prevent Blindness America
info@preventblindness.org
www.preventblindness.org  

 

National Immunization Awareness Month
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm

 

September


Healthy Aging® Month
Educational Television Network, Inc.
info@healthyaging.net
www.healthyaging.net/agingevents.htm  

 

National Cholesterol Education Month
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Health Information Center
nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov
hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/cholmonth         


National Pediculosis Prevention Month/ Head Lice Prevention Month
National Pediculosis Association, Inc.
npa@headlice.org
www.headlice.org  

                                            
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
nocc@ovarian.org
www.ovarian.org                                   


Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
National Prostate Cancer Coalition
info@fightprostatecancer.org
www.fightprostatecancer.org  

                                                    
National Suicide Prevention Week – September 7-13
American Association of Suicidology
info@suicidology.org
www.suicidology.org                        


October


"Talk About Prescriptions" Month
National Council on Patient Information and Education
4915 Saint Elmo Avenue, Suite 505
Bethesda, MD 20814-6082
              (301) 656-8565       
              (301) 656-4464        Fax
ncpie@ncpie.info
www.talkaboutrx.org  


Healthy Lung Month
American Lung Association
info@lungusa.org
www.lungusa.org  

 

Let's Talk Month
Advocates for Youth
tom@advocatesforyouth.org
www.advocatesforyouth.org     

                      
National Dental Hygiene Month
American Dental Hygienists' Association
media@adha.net
www.adha.org                     

 

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Project
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
ck@pcadv.org
dvam.vawnet.org    

                                                 
National Mammography Day – October 17

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org               


National Health Education Week – October 20 - 24
National Center for Health Education
ray@nche.org
www.nche.org

 

November

                                       
American Diabetes Month
American Diabetes Association
askada@diabetes.org
www.diabetes.org  

                               
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Alliance
info@lungcanceralliance.org
www.lungcanceralliance.org  

 

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
Alzheimer's Association
info@alz.org
www.alz.org  

 

National Hospice Palliative Care Month
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
jradulovic@nhpco.org
www.nhpco.org                          

 

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
information@pancan.org
www.pancan.org           

                                                    

Great American Smokeout – November 20
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org                             

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week – Nov 25-Dec 1
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
iffgd@iffgd.org
www.aboutgerd.org  

                                            

December       


World AIDS Day – December 1
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
unaids@unaids.org
www.unaids.org/en/default.asp   

August 7, 2008

New listings, in order of submission deadlines 

Behavioral and Social Science Research on Understanding and Reducing Health Disparities
Letters of Intent Receipt Dates: Aug 20, 2008; Aug 20, 2009
Purpose is to encourage behavioral and social science research on the causes and solutions to health and disabilities disparities in the U. S. population. Health disparities between, on the one hand, racial/ethnic populations, lower socioeconomic classes, and rural residents and, on the other hand, the overall U.S. population are major public health concerns.

 

Connecting Schools with Community-Based Organizations to Increase HIV Testing Among Youth, Especially Youth at Highest Risk for HIV Infection

Deadline: Aug 21

The purpose of this announcement is to provide supplemental support to a grantee for program expansion: Category 3: Preventing HIV Infections by Providing CBA to Organizations that Serve Youth at High Risk for HIV Infection. The grantee will create a guidance document for school health staff on how to work with community-based organizations to increase HIV testing among youth.

 

Unitarian Universalist Association: Fund for a Just Society

Deadline: Sept 15
The Fund for a Just Society, a program of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 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.

 

Finding Answers Third Call for Proposals

Brief proposals deadline: Sept 18

Submissions are for projects to evaluate interventions with the potential to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparities in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes.

 

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.

Continuing listings, in order of submission deadlines     

Cancer Prevention and Control Activities
Deadline: Aug 11
The purpose of the program is to assist with: developing and disseminating comprehensive information on cancer prevention (including addressing risk factors such as tobacco use, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity), early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship; promoting the analysis and development of evaluation, surveillance and research data, and its translation into public health messages, practice and programs.

 

2009-10 Packer Policy Fellowships

Deadline:  Aug 15
This Australian-American Health Policy Fellowships Program offers a unique opportunity for outstanding, mid-career U.S. health policy researchers and practitioners to spend up to 10 months in Australia conducting original research and working with leading Australian health policy experts on issues relevant to both countries.

 

Department of Health and Human Services Understanding and Promoting Health Literacy (R21)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): Aug 22, 2008; April 24, 2009; December 24, 2009
Application Submission/Receipt Date(s): Sept 24, 2008; May 25, 2009; Jan 25, 2010

Physician Advocacy Merit Award
Deadline: Sept 2
The Institute on Medicine as a Profession offers three $10,000 Merit Awards each year to recognize physician advocates for their commitments and accomplishments.  

2009-10 Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice
Deadline: Sept 5
The Commonwealth Fund Harkness Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals--academic researchers, clinicians, managers, government policymakers, and journalists--from Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to spend up to 12 months in the United States conducting a policy-oriented research study, working with leading U.S. health policy experts, and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the participating countries' health care systems.  

Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida Announces Deadlines for 2008

Sept 12 (Winter Cycle)

The Blue Foundation board of directors has identified community-based health clinics and outreach services as a priority focus for the foundation's grantmaking. The greatest percentage of the Blue Foundation funding will be to identify, nurture, and sustain such activities to benefit uninsured and underserved population.

2008-2009 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars  
Deadline: Oct 3
This program is designed to build the nation’s capacity for research, leadership and policy change to address the multiple determinants of population health. The program is based on the principle that progress in the field of population health depends upon multidisciplinary collaboration and exchange. Its goal is to improve health by training scholars who have completed doctoral studies by Sept 2009 and have significant research experience. Up to 18 2-year stipends will be awarded.

GE Healthcare Charitable Giving Program
Deadline: Nov 1
The GE Healthcare Charitable Giving Program provides support to nonprofit organizations in the United States that focus on youth education and/or promote healthy lives. For the Youth Education grant category, the focus is on underserved communities with low graduation rates; core competencies (math, science, reading, writing); arts in education; and early childhood development programs. For the Healthy Lives grant category, the focus is on childhood obesity; women’s healthcare; and cancer, heart disease, and diabetes prevention and education programs. An application eligibility quiz is available on the website listed above.

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. 

  

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. 

 

Research on Social Work Practice and Concepts in Health (R03)

Closing date for applications: May 7, 2009, Multiple deadlines

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) issued by the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research solicits Small Research Grant (R03) applications from organizations/institutions that propose to develop empirical research on social work practice, concepts, and theory as these relate to the NIH public health goal of improving health outcomes for persons with medical and behavioral disorders and conditions.

 

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). 

 

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.

 

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 

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.

August 7, 2008

Florida CHAIN Website Resources

Organizations and Services

     Florida

     Children's Health Care

     Medicare

     Prescription Medications

     Health Disparities

     Other

Manuals, Guides and Toolkits

     Children's Health Care

     Medicaid

     Medicare

     Uninsured

     Health Disparities

     Other

Technology and Audio Visual Materials

     Media Programming

     Web Sites, Web Features

          Florida

          Children's Health

          Medicaid

          Medicare

          Health Disparities

          Other

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

Periodicals and Books

Reports and Studies

     New Listings

        New Listings: Medicaid

        New Listings: Children's Health Care

        New Listings: Medicare

        New Listings: Federal/State Budget

        New: Health Insurance, Health Care Costs

        New: Health Disparities

        New: Other Health Issues

     Florida Reports

     Children's Health Care

     Medicaid

     Medicare

     Federal/State Budgets

     Health Insurance, Health Care Costs

     Health Disparities

     Other Health Issues

FLORIDA CHAIN WEBSITE RESOURCE UPDATE

Florida CHAIN Website Updated

www.floridachain.org was updated in August 2008. Find comprehensive information about Medicaid Reform including background information, evaluations, media coverage, consumer experiences, correspondence with AHCA, and more. Apply for Florida KidCare, access the KidCare renewal flyer, or view the KidCare Coordinating Council’s annual report. Discover resources for people who are uninsured. Find the contact information of Florida’s health committee members. Use our town hall meeting template to create your own town hall. Access health care resources in Spanish. Learn more about Florida CHAIN’s activities, board of directors, and partners. View Florida CHAIN’s publications. Just visit www.floridachain.org and mark it as one of your favorites.  For feedback or suggestions, contact Lisa Margulis at lisam@floridachain.org or               954-986-6535       . 

 

ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES

Newly posted resources are at the top of each Topics List.

 

Florida

 

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.

 

Children's Health

 

IPUT, Informed Parents United Together: Advocating for Universal Education and More!

This nonprofit agency works at an individual local network level to educate parents
and increase their advocacy for Inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in General Education environments. Check out the IEP Tool Box. 

 

Medicare

 

AARP's Public Policy Institute
This website offers an array of publications addressing health care issues that are now available online, including such titles as Quick Health Facts 2008: A Compilation of Selected State Data and Doors To Extra Help: Boosting Enrollment In The Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy.

 

Medicare Rights Center (MRC) has an Rx Hotline for Nonprofit Professionals as one component of its comprehensive independent source of health care information and assistance for older adults and people with disabilities. It helps with understanding or explaining the Medicare prescription drug benefit to clients. Call RxHelp, a national hotline dedicated for nonprofit professionals serving the Medicare population, operated from 10 am to 6 pm EDT. Dial 877/RXHELP-0 (              877/794-3570       ).Other services include: a telephone hotline; a database of case advice; education and training; public policy work; electronic newsletters; and communications with local and national media outlets. To help you understand your Medicare health plan choices, the Medicare Rights Center offers Medicare Interactive (MI), a web-based Medicare counseling tool.

 

Access to Benefits Coalition

The nonprofit ABC is dedicated to ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes know about and make the best use of all available resources for accessing prescription drugs and reducing their costs. ABC is working through local community coalitions to inform beneficiaries and their families, as well as the professionals who serve them, about Medicare Part-D. Extra Help is provided online or in person; find out if you or someone qualifies by going to BenefitsCheckUpRx?. Publications include: Applying for the Low-Income Subsidy: A Tool Kit for Advocates; and Pathways to Success: Meeting the Challenge of Enrolling Medicare Beneficiaries with Limited Incomes

 

A Healthier US Starts Here: CMS Prevention and Wellness Initiative

This spring and summer, as part of the "A Healthier US Starts Here" initiative the US Department of Health and Human Services and CMS will join with local officials and partners, to raise awareness of the importance of preventing chronic disease and illness, promote Medicare preventive benefits and provide information about how beneficiaries can take action to maintain and improve their health.

 

Prescription Medications

 

The AZ&Me? Prescription Savings

This new AstraZeneca program provides medicines free of charge to community free clinics, community health centers and hospitals that serve the uninsured.  AstraZeneca plans to provide medicines to hundreds of thousands of patients at approximately 150 facilities by the end of 2008.  The new program builds on current AstraZeneca patient assistance programs by extending prescription drug assistance directly to the sites where uninsured patients interact with healthcare providers, supporting patients at one central place where they can get the medicine and care they need. In light of the updates to their patient assistance programs in the last year, AstraZeneca has decided to no longer participate in the Together Rx Access program after January 31, 2008.  They offer AstraZeneca programs that provide medicines free of charge to those making up to $30,000 for an individual, or $60,000 for a family of four. More info:               1-866-325-8198       

 

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance
is a service sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry that offers a single point of access to more than 475 patient prescription assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Through referrals by organizations, more than 260,000 people in Florida have received assistance with their prescriptions medicines. They have launched a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of SCHIP and its reauthorization, including a website and TV and print ads. They also have updated their FAQs and Fact Sheet to include SCHIP.

 

The Prescription Project

This project is led by Community Catalyst in partnership with the Institute on Medicine as a Profession.  Funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Project seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest created by industry marketing by promoting policy change among academic medical centers, professional medical societies and public and private payers. In addition the Project will advance state and national level policy solutions. The Project will sponsor a wide range of activities to achieve its goals, including research and policy analysis; national and community-based forums; outreach to the media; and meetings with key decision-makers, including deans of medical schools, health care administrators, business leaders, policy makers and consumers. These include the Prescription Project Weekly Reader, a readable, relevant way to keep members and friends of the Project informed about what is happening at the intersection of medical conflict-of-interest issues and prescription drugs.

 

Together Rx Access

is a prescription savings program sponsored by 10 pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer.  It provides savings on a wide range of prescription products at the pharmacy counter to eligible patients without prescription coverage.  For more information, call               1-800-444-4106       

 

Health Disparities

 

Health Resources in Haitian Creole

Provided by Florida Association of Community Health Centers, Inc.

 

The National Resource Center on Public Health Preparedness Needs of Culturally Diverse Communities is a new online central clearinghouse of resources and an exchange site to facilitate communication, collaboration, and networking among key players working to empower and eliminate disparities for culturally diverse communities in emergencies.

African American Health Coalition (AfAHC)
During a time when our country faces tough economic decisions, many programs are being cut that provide information and health services to diverse communities. One such program, the African American Health Coalition (AfAHC), remains committed to providing services to the African and Hispanic-American population in Houston, Texas. Read more

National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities
A joint initiative of the Drexel University School of Public Health's Center for Health Equality and the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health, the site features hundreds of cross-referenced annotated resources in over 40 languages highlighting research, training and education opportunities, measurement and evaluation tools, effective risk communication strategies, and other successful programs and projects.

 

National Health Law Program (NHeLP) Resources

Language access continues to be a significant barrier to health care for individuals with limited English proficiency. Over 23 million individuals—almost 9 percent of the population—speak English less than “very well” and likely need assistance communicating in the health care arena. In an attempt to provide tools for health care providers and others, NHeLP has released a series of reports outlining promising practices for providing language services in health care settings. In mid-April, the National Health Law Program and the American College of Physicians released Language Services for Patients with Limited English Proficiency: Results of a National Survey of Internal Medicine Physicians. Other resources include Providing Language Services in State and Local Health-Related Benefits Offices: Examples from the Field, which outlines how state and local benefit offices can provide language services and Language Services Resource Guide for Healthcare Providers which offers information on how to provide language services including translator agencies, training programs, and health care symbols. 

 

Refugee Health Information Network 

RHIN is a national collaborative partnership, managed by refugee health professionals, whose objective is to provide quality multilingual, health information resources for those providing care to resettled refugees and asylees. RHIN places its greatest emphasis on identifying, collecting, and making quality available materials that have been produced in refugee languages. Sources of these materials include federal, state and local public health agencies; national organizations; health care agencies; community-based organizations; academic institutions and international organizations. RHIN also strives to identify news and events, as well as other information resources useful to health providers serving refugees.

 

Training Alliance for Communities of Color
This website is from National Health Policy Training Alliance for Communities of Color, a partnership between Families USA, the Joint Center Health Policy Institute (HPI), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, and the National Medical Association (NMA). Their mission is to empower community leaders, elected officials, and journalists from communities of color with pertinent information about health policy developments in order to: expand their capacity to address and catalyze action on crucial health and health care issues; bolster the skills of leaders from communities of color to play a more influential role in shaping and creating health policies that are of relevance to their respective communities; and engage diverse leaders in national health policy development. 

The National Hispanic Resource Help-Line               1/800-473-3003        provides support for Latinos throughout the nation who need information about educational, health and human service providers. To become part of their database, click here.

 

Other

 

Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Promising Practices
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a diverse, national coalition of more than 100 partner organizations, is committed to raising awareness of policies and practices that save lives and reduce health costs through more effective prevention and management of chronic disease.

 

Community Clinical Oncology Program
State-of-the-art clinical trials in your community medical practice
CCOP is a network for conducting cancer prevention and treatment clinical trials by community medical practitioners. This network connects academic centers (Research Bases who design and conduct the trials) with community physicians (CCOP, MB-CCOP) who accrue patients to those trials.

 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

has released a new brochure, Women and Depression, about the many dimensions of major depression in women. It can be downloaded. The 13-page brochure highlights symptoms, causes, women of color, life stages, and treatment, with additional sections on seeking professional help, self-help, preventing recurrent depression, and helping other women. Bulk copies for community education can be purchased on-line.

 

MANUALS, GUIDES, TOOLKITS

 

Newly posted resources are at the top of each Topics List.

 

Children's Health

 

Monitoring and Assessing the Use of External Quality Review Organizations to Improve Services for Young Children: A Toolkit for State Medicaid Agencies

State Medicaid agencies typically contract with external quality review organizations (EQROs) to assess the quality of health services provided through Medicaid managed care plans. But only a handful of states are using these organizations to improve the quality of preventive and developmental services for young children. This toolkit shows state Medicaid officials how they can work with EQROs to evaluate and improve the quality of preventive and developmental services delivered to children enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans. (July 2008, Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., and George Washington University)

 

First Focus Children's Budget 2008
This new publication informs readers of the sad state of funding for children's programs. Over the past five years, only one percent of every new, real non-defense dollar has been spent on children. The book provides an analysis of the over 180 federally funded programs that assist America's children. Downloadable book, fact sheet, powerpoint presentation. (2008, First Focus)

 

Alliance for Health Reform has developed an online toolkit on child health coverage. The toolkit provides links to resources that will improve the user’s understanding of how children get coverage in the U.S. and the importance of public programs and employer-sponsored health insurance to children.

 

Cover the Uninsured Storybook - The Success of SCHIP: How the State Children's Health Insurance Program Helps America's Working Families

This is a 15-page, downloadable booklet that shares the touching stories of 23 families that have benefited from coverage provided through SCHIP. Download it today to share with opinion leaders in your community. Order Free Materials: FREE English and Spanish promotional materials featuring the               1(877) KIDS-NOW        hotline, which parents can call to find out if their uninsured kids are eligible for SCHIP or Medicaid, are available to augment your outreach efforts. Order fans, bookmarks, posters and more to distribute in your community while supplies last.

 

Helping Pediatric Practices Implement Parental Depression Screening
A new online manual helps pediatric clinicians successfully screen parents for depression, discuss with them the impact depression can have on their children, and refer parents for counseling. Rates of major depression peak during women's childbearing years. Research has shown that maternal and paternal depression can affect parenting behaviors and, ultimately, harm children's health and development. Because pediatricians have frequent contact with parents, they have opportunities to screen for depression and intervene when necessary. Accumulating data about the adverse effect of parental depression on child health, development, and behavior have provided an impetus among pediatric practices for changing clinical care.

 

Medicaid

 

Return on Investment Calculator for Medicaid Quality Initiatives

The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) has launched the Return on Investment Forecasting Calculator for Quality Initiatives, a Web-based tool designed to help Medicaid stakeholders identify programs with the potential to both improve health care quality and control costs.  It can generate realistic return on investment (ROI) estimates for quality improvement initiatives.

 

The Basics of Medicare and Medicaid
The primers help explain Medicaid and Medicare, including an overview, how they work, who they serve and how they are funded. The Medicare primer is new, and the Medicaid primer has been updated with the most current information (Kaiser Family Foundation, "The Basics of Medicare and Medicaid," (3/19/07, Kaiser Family Foundation)

 

The Medicaid Matters web site is a resource for people working across the country to protect Medicaid, the health insurance that 50 million rely on. It stores a ready-to-use toolkit of messages, materials and dissemination ideas. Users are able to download, at no cost, tested messages emphasizing the importance of Medicaid and the threat now facing the program. Messages are enhanced by high quality, full color photography. One set of materials is designed to be ready to print. Once downloaded, they can be forwarded to any print house or copy shop without any further formatting. The second set of materials is designed so that components of the product can be adapted to suit the needs of that organization or constituency that wishes to use them.

 

Medicare

 

Toolkit: Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans

The toolkit contains links to resources on general information about Medicare private fee-for-service plans, advantages and incentives of using the plans and the difficulties that beneficiaries have faced with the plans, including enrollment fraud. The toolkit also includes a list of experts and Web sites for further information on the plans. (7/12/07, Alliance for Health Reform)

 

Medicare Advantage Tutorial on the basics of Medicare Advantage and types of MA plans, as well as trends in MA enrollment, characteristics of beneficiaries and the impact of MA plans on traditional Medicare. And an updated  Medicare Health and Prescription Drug Plan Tracker with MA plan enrollment data for June, containing local, regional and national data on MA plans and stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans. (7/17/07, Kaiser Family Foundation)

 

The Basics of Medicare and Medicaid
The primers help explain Medicaid and Medicare, including an overview, how they work, who they serve and how they are funded. The Medicare primer is new, and the Medicaid primer has been updated with the most current information (Kaiser Family Foundation, "The Basics of Medicare and Medicaid," (3/19/07, Kaiser Family Foundation)

 

Medicare Rights Center Part D appeals manual
This free, comprehensive, easy-to-understand guide is for advocates who help people with Medicare get the drugs they need.This 25-page manual offers a complete overview of the entire appeals process, real-life case examples from MRC's Client Services department, a glossary of important Part D appeals terms, a sample appeals protocol for advocates, and links to important resources and documents. All in consumer-friendly language

 

New/Updated Resources Medicare Drug Plan Resources
In advance of the 2007 Medicare drug plans open enrollment period beginning Nov. 15, Kaiser Family Foundation has issued a series of new and updated resources based on ongoing research including consumer surveys:

Updated fact sheet providing state-specific data about Medicare drug plan options for 2007, including stand-alone drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans, and information on premiums, gap coverage, and availability to beneficiaries who qualify for full low-income assistance.

Updated Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit fact sheet, with a revised estimate that 4 million people will be affected by the coverage gap in 2006, as well as current enrollment and low-income subsidy participation and updated Medicare per capita drug spending.

Updated Talking About Medicare online consumer guide, reflecting 2007 benefit changes, to help people with Medicare and their families understand options and make decisions based on their personal situations; includes information about financial assistance for those with limited incomes, supplemental insurance options, and Medicare Advantage.

 

Uninsured

 

The Opportunity for National Health Reform in 2009 is a PowerPoint presentation from Community Catalyst that provides a broad overview of the current health care environment, a history of prior reform efforts, and possible scenarios for the future. The presentation focuses on building the capacity of state consumer advocates to influence the national effort, facilitating state advocacy group participation in policy and design and implementation, promoting federal policy that supports state programs, and working to protect vulnerable populations. Click on the orange box labeled “The Opportunity for National Health Reform in 2009” 

 

Community Benefit & Charity Care: State-by-State Maps
ACHI has updated national, state-by-state maps of hospital association and government Web sites and documents on community benefit and charity care.  States are linked to either recent statewide reports on community benefit or charity care, or to state reporting requirements or guidelines.  View the two maps here.  Write to communityhlth@aha.org with suggested updates or additions.

 

Community Benefit Bibliography Updated
ACHI has updated its annotated bibliography of published community benefit articles. Among the additions are several new pieces written since mid-2007, some reflecting on upcoming changes in IRS reporting.  Download the bibliography here

 

The Consumer Guide to State Health Reform

Community Catalyst and Families USA new Web-Based Guide to State Health Reform for Advocates. More and more states are prioritizing health care reform to address the coverage gaps that exist, the affordability crisis that continues to worsen, and the increasing costs of health care.  Community Catalyst and Families USA are pleased to announce the release of a unique web-based guide to state health reform for consumer advocates working to strengthen and expand health care coverage in their states.  A Consumer Guide to State Health Reform provides a detailed look at the building blocks of comprehensive health care coverage.

 

Fact Sheets and Primer on the Uninsured
The Kaiser Family Foundation has collected links to some resources on the topics of health coverage and the nation’s uninsured population to assist you in your work related to these issues:

The Uninsured and Their Access to Care

Covering the Uninsured: Growing Need, Strained Resources

Massachusetts’ New Law to Cover the Uninsured

Women's Health Insurance Coverage

The Uninsured: A Primer

 

Health Disparities

 

Critical MASS Toolkit: Taking Community ACTION on Health Disparities
Designed to help communities and grassroots coalitions take charge in the fight against disparities, this toolkit was developed by Critical MASS to support individuals and communities like yours in efforts to: Understand the different causes and impacts of disparities in health; Learn where and how to look for data and patterns regarding health; Use group action as a strategy to address health disparities and related issues in communities

 

Medicaid and SCHIP: Critical for Latino Families Facing Financial Hardship is a new fact sheet that discusses how Medicaid is important to low-income Latino families, especially during economic hard times. The fact sheet argues that having access to Medicaid benefits prevents Latino families from having to compromise their health care or finances. (4/10/08, national Council of La Raza)

 

Disparities Toolkit for Collecting Patient Race, Ethnicity, and Primary Language Data

The updated version of this web-based toolkit is now available free of charge on the HRET Web site, thanks to HRET and AHA support. The new edition, which can be viewed online and downloaded as a PDF, is easy to navigate and offers important new material.

 

Women's Health Policy: Coverage and Access to Care Tutorial

The tutorial provides an overview of women's health care needs and concerns, and discusses important issues stemming from women's health coverage and access to care and reviews central policy challenges in improving women's access to care (Feb 2008, Kaiser Family Foundation)  

 

Race Matters 

This toolkit was created to help advocates and leaders address race and power structures within their work to help create equitable opportunities for all.  (Voices for America's Children and The Annie E. Casey Foundation)

 

A Patient-Centered Guide to Implementing Language Access Services in Healthcare Organizations

The guide was created to assist health care organizations in better serving their clients with limited English proficiency and decrease disparities in access to health care. (DHHS Ofc. of Minority Health)

 

Amigos en Salud Online Disparities Toolkit
Pfizer has created a free toolkit to help community health centers reduce racial health disparities. The program, called Amigos en Salud/Friends in Health, involves training community health workers to be a bridge between minority communities and the healthcare system. 

 

Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities: A Quality Improvement Initiative in Medicaid Managed Care ToolkitCenter for Health Care Strategies
The toolkit examines the experiences of a workgroup - comprising 10 Medicaid health plans and a state primary care case management association - that adopted strategies to identify and address racial and ethnic health disparities in birth outcomes and immunizations, asthma care and diabetes care. (January 2007)

 

Families USA is offering Making Public Programs Work for Communities of Color: An Action Kit for Community Leaders, from its Minority Health Initiatives Department. The kit provides community leaders with information, tools, and resources to engage in health advocacy and improve the health and well being of their communities. Emphasizing the importance of public programs in reducing racial and ethnic health disparities, the kit contains: a summary and statistics of racial and ethnic health disparities and the role public programs can play in reducing them; an overview of Medicaid (and SCHIP) and Medicare, including their relationships to communities of color; fact sheets on improving health coverage for racial and ethnic minority groups; state and local case studies on health advocacy; advocacy tools including a powerpoint presentation, and lists of organizations and publications. Contact:               202/628-3030        or rpanares@familiesusa.org.

 

Other

The Community Health Promotion Handbook: Action Guides to Improve Community Health
Partnership for Prevention and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have worked together to bridge the gap between research and practice by developing these Action Guides. 

 

Updated! State-by-State Community Benefit Requirements and Reports
ACHI has updated its interactive maps with state-by-state requirements and voluntary reports on hospital community benefit.  Located on the Community Benefit Resources page, these maps are based on research by ACHI and by the Catholic Health Association.  Visit the interactive maps to learn how each state is working to tell its community benefit story.

 

2008 Federal Poverty Guidelines 
HHS has released its updated guidelines. (1/23/08, Federal Register)

 

Environmental Health Disparities Fact Sheets

These US EPA fact sheets address disparities in secondhand smoke exposure and asthma among African American and Hispanic American children. The intended audiences are parents and community-based organizations working on environmental health issues of specific minority populations.

GoingSmokeFree.org: A Toolkit for Implementing Smoke-Free Laws
The site is a clearinghouse for activities, events, and tools states and communities need to plan, implement and support new or expanded smoke-free laws. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in partnership with the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, has created this free online resource to help states and communities implement smoke-free laws.

 

New Web Tool Provides Samples of Report Cards on Health Care Quality

With rising interest in information about the quality of care delivered by health care providers, HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has developed a new Web tool demonstrating a variety of approaches for health quality report cards. The new Health Care Report Card Compendium is a searchable directory of over 200 samples of report cards produced by a variety of organizations. The samples show formats and approaches for providing comparative information on the quality of health plans, hospitals, medical groups, individual physicians, nursing homes, and other providers of care.

 

Slides, Resource Links Added to Community Health Assessment Toolkit
ACHI has added a downloadable slide set illustrating the Community Health Assessment Toolkit's six steps, checklists, and other features.  Use it as a quick orientation for yourself or share it to build understanding among your community partners. The slides are accessible without logging in.  We've also updated and expanded the resource links in each step. 

  

Five Guidelines for Developing Customer-Friendly Websites
This new Covering Kids & Families publication is intended to help state agencies and other organizations do a

better job of helping people find information on the Web about Medicaid, SCHIP and other government services by producing a customer-friendly sites

TECHNOLOGY AND AUDIO/VIDEO RESOURCES 

Media Programming

Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?

This seven-part series for PBS broadcast and DVD release will, for the first time on television, sound the alarm about our glaring socio-economic and racial disparities in health--and seek out root causes. While we pour more and more money into drugs, dietary supplements and new medical technologies, it turns out there is much more to our health than bad habits, health care or unlucky genes. The social conditions in which we are born, live and work profoundly affect our well-being and longevity. The series is part of an ambitious Public Impact Campaign conducted in partnership with leading public health, policy, and community-based organizations, pointing out that investing in our schools, improving housing, integrating neighborhoods, better jobs and wages, and giving people more control over their work, are as much health strategies as smoking diet and exercise.

  

Web Sites, Web Features & Databases

 

Newly posted resources are at the top of each Topics List.

 

Florida

 

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

 

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.

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.

 

Statehealthfacts.org Updates Data on Medicaid & SCHIP Coverage for Children
Statehealthfacts.org has updated information on eligibility levels for children in Medicaid and SCHIP and parents and pregnant women in Medicaid using survey data from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured (KCMU). The latest information on Medicaid and SCHIP enrollment practices for pregnant women and children and renewal practices is also now available. Overall SCHIP spending for FY 2006 and Federal SCHIP spending data from FY 1998 through FY 2006 are also now available. Recent additions to the site include new information on children's demographics and health insurance status from analysis of the Census Bureau's March 2005 and 2006 Current Population Surveys. These additions include the distribution of children by race/ethnicity, the distribution of children by citizenship status, and health insurance coverage among low-income children living near poverty.

 

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).

 

Statehealthfacts.org provides free, up-to-date, and easy-to-use health data on all 50 states, covering more than 500 health topics. 

 

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

 

Children's Health

Healthy Counties Database on Youth Obesity

A new resource containing more than 100 profiles of model policies, programs and initiatives that counties nationwide enacted to prevent childhood obesity. (June 2008, National Association of Counties)

 

Children’s Health Coverage Conversation Guide

Children’s Defense Fund offers help with opportunities to talk about important issues with your friends and family, such as children's health coverage. Health coverage is going to be discussed on the campaign trail, on the nightly news and as a key reason why working Americans are having a difficult time paying their bills. Beware, there is a lot of misinformation out there! This guide provides helpful responses you can use to explain why health coverage for all children is a step forward for children that will improve the lives of all of us.

 

Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health
The Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI) presents the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health. This resource is a no-cost, easy-to-use website that puts national, state, and regional survey findings right at your fingertips. You'll find: interactive data search tools; personalized technical help by email or telephone and information and examples to help you use data more effectively.

 

Online Parent SCHIP Information
To assist in the growing problem of America's uninsured children, medical insurance hub HealthInsuranceFinders has added information to assist parents in finding and understanding all of their health insurance options: a State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) section with an overview of State Children Health Insurance Programs for each state.


State By State National Survey of Children’s Health Data Resource Center Dataset
The DRC Child Health Indicators version of the 2003 NSCH Dataset is now available. Added to the data sets are the 65 Child Health Indicators for the DRC online data query and the National Chartbook. Also included are Healthy People 2010 relevant indicators and key socio-demographic variables.

 

Medicaid

 

Medicaid Calculator

You can show your state officials that cutting Medicaid is a big mistake with this revised and updated Medicaid Calculator from Families USA. Simply click on your state and use the worksheet to find out how much your state stands to lose in jobs, wages, and business activity.

 

Fact Sheets on Medicare, Long-Term Care Spending; Medicaid; Long-Term Spending Data
Fact sheets, Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project: The Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project has released two new fact sheets on Medicare and long-term care and Medicaid policy that aims to protect the incomes and resources of spouses of nursing home residents who are trying to enroll in Medicaid. The project also has updated its 2005 national long-term care spending estimates.  (February 2007, Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project)

 

Medicaid Fact Sheets Tool

Compare your state's Medicaid program and the population it serves to other states and the nation by visiting Kaiser's new interactive online State Medicaid Fact Sheets tool.

 

Interactive Tools on Medicaid

The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured presents the State Medicaid Fact Sheets and the Medicaid Benefits Online Database, two interactive tools featuring the latest key data, information and services provided for each state’s Medicaid program. Both tools allow for easy access to the data which can then be printed, saved and emailed.

 

Medicare

 

Understanding Advance Beneficiary Notices

Usually, health suppliers and providers have an idea of whether or not Original Medicare will pay for your health services. However, there are some services that are only covered in specific circumstances and a supplier or provider might not know if Medicare will cover it for you. An Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) is a notice that suppliers and other medical providers are required to give you when they offer you services or items that they know or have reason to believe Medicare will not pay for in this individual case, even though Medicare may cover it at other times. Read the full article from Medicare Rights.

 

Finding out What Has Been Covered: Understanding Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and Explanations of Benefits (EOBs)

The MSN is a summary of all claims Medicare has processed for you during the previous three months. The MSN is not a bill. It will contain information about submitted charges, the amount that Medicare paid, and the amount you may be responsible for. If you have a Medicare private health plan, your plan may also send you this information in an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) notice. The EOB will contain similar information fields to the MSN but these fields’ titles may vary among plans. Read the full article from Medicare Rights.

 

Know What You Should Pay for Outpatient Services with Original Medicare

Much of the time, payment for Original Medicare-covered services is a smooth and easy process. If you have Original Medicare and you see a provider who agrees to accept the Medicare-approved cost of services, you simply pay the provider a coinsurance. However, there are several factors that can complicate the situation. Avoid problems by knowing when you can be asked to pay for Medicare-covered services, how much you should be charged, and what your providers’ responsibilities are to submit claims to Medicare. Read the full article from Medicare Rights.

 

CMS Updates Web Site to Help Medicare Beneficiaries Better Compare Drug Plans Price, Coverage, Quality

CMS has launched a revised version of the Medicare Drug Plan Finder Web site that allows beneficiaries to sort plans offered in their communities by annual costs based on prescriptions, monthly premiums, coverage levels in the so-called "doughnut hole" and other factors and view the information in one chart. (October 2007, CMS)

 

Online Interactive Medicare Advantage Comparison Tools
Before making the switch to Medicare Advantage, beneficiaries can compare plans to determine their needs. Then they can review each plan using the “Guidelines for Considering Medicare Advantage”  from the Center for Medicare Advocacy. More information about Medicare Advantage managed care plans is online at Medicare.gov. More recent FAQs on private fee-for-service plans is available through CMS.

 

Fact Sheets on Medicare, Long-Term Care Spending; Medicaid; Long-Term Spending Data
Fact sheets, Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project: The Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project has released two new fact sheets on Medicare and long-term care and Medicaid policy that aims to protect the incomes and resources of spouses of nursing home residents who are trying to enroll in Medicaid. The project also has updated its 2005 national long-term care spending estimates.  (February 2007, Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project)

 

Uninsured

Ask the Experts: High-Risk Pools

In this webcast, panelists discuss how high-risk pools work, including their funding, the benefits they provide, and the premiums that are charged to enrollees. Panelists also discussed how high-risk pools are a factor in helping stabilize the individual insurance market, as well as what role they might play in a reformed health care system. (7/15/08, KFF)

 

Election Year Health Reform Messaging (ppt presentation)

This election season we are working hard to promote comprehensive health care reform. But how do we talk about health care in a way that resonates with voters? Drew Westen, psychologist and author of “The Political Brain”, and Celinda Lake, political strategist and President of Lake Research Partners, recently completed cutting-edge research that identifies persuasive narratives, messages, and counter-responses to support health care reform. This project, funded jointly by Families USA, Herndon Alliance, and AARP, developed and rigorously tested a set of principled stands on health care reform. Rather than just produce a set of key words or phrases, the project developed a menu of narratives and the counter-responses to predictable attacks on the narratives.

 

Interactive Online Side-by-Side Comparisons of Presidential Candidate Health Care Proposals
The online tool allows users to customize side-by-side comparisons by selecting as many as four candidates for comparison that can then be formatted into a printer-friendly format. [Kaiser Family Foundation]  

 

Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Updates Medicaid Benefits: Online Database with 2006 Data

Using this tool, Medicaid benefits can be compared across the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the US Territories or by specific service. The online tool contains Medicaid benefits survey data from 2003, 2004 and 2006 with information about benefits covered, limits, co-payments and reimbursement. It includes an interactive map, an expandable list of benefits, and the ability to compare data across the three survey periods. 

  

Families USA’s State Coverage Expansions Resource Center

Many states are taking steps — expanding public programs, launching new state programs, and reforming private insurance — to make it possible for more people to get coverage. This new Resource Center will help you find out what the states are doing. Click here. The State Coverage Expansions map guides you to information on key state expansions, with fact sheets, links to legislation, and links to state advocacy groups. Comparing State Expansions is a series of tables that show you the key elements of these new proposals/laws state-by-state. How are states financing their expansions? Who is covered? What benefits do they get? Will small businesses be helped? All this and more is covered in the tables. If your state is doing similar efforts that are not yet on our map, click here to call or send Families USA an e-mail.

 

Health08.Org, A Hub for Information about Health Care and The Presidential Campaign 

With health care emerging as one of the hot topics in the 2008 presidential election, this new ad-free Kaiser Family Foundation Web site will provide analysis of health policy issues, the results of regular public opinion surveys, and news and video coverage from the campaign trail. It will feature original content produced by Kaiser as well as health-related resources from various campaigns, other organizations, and news outlets. The site will offer summaries of candidates' health reform proposals, basic facts and information about the health system, the results of Kaiser tracking surveys examining the public's views on health issues and their perceptions of the candidates' views on health care, syntheses of health news coverage, podcasts and video from the campaign trail, and interviews with candidates and other key players in the health reform debate.

 

Uninsured Tutorial, Module, and Reference Library

This KaiserEDU.org page contains comprehensive resources including links to key research, policy analysis, and the latest data and statistics on the uninsured. 

  

Health Care Coverage in America: Understanding the Issues and Proposed Solutions includes a corresponding PowerPoint presentation.  (Cover the Uninsured)

 

Healthcare Coverage Options Database: Assistance for Obtaining Health Coverage

This Web site provides information on health insurance options for low-income U.S. residents. The site includes comprehensive information on large-scale programs like Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and the federal Health Care Tax Credit Program, as well as hundreds of smaller state, federal, and private programs.

 

Health Disparities

 

State Expansion Resource Center from Minority Health Initiatives at Families USA features states that have expanded, or are working to expand coverage, on a more comprehensive scale. Here too you will find the most recent headlines.

 

Unified Health Communication 101: Addressing Health Literacy, Cultural Competency, and Limited English Proficiency

is a free online learning experience designed to help health professionals improve their patient-communication skills, increase their awareness and knowledge of factors that affect their communication with patients, and implement patient-centered communication practices. The course, developed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), comprises five modules and is estimated to take a total of 5 hours to complete. The course may be completed at the user's own pace and may be taken for credit (CEU/CE, CHES, CME, and CNE) or not for credit.

 

Guide to Health Programs (Guia de Programas de Salud)

This easy-to-use bilingual guide in Spanish and English is available for free to anyone looking for basic information on health insurance, nutrition, and other public programs. (California HealthCare Foundation, October 2007)

 

“Race, Ethnicity and Health Care” tutorial

Online from Kaiser Family Foundation.

 

Systematic Review of Current Disparities Research Interventions Identifies Successful Strategies for Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care

Complete body of reviewed research available through new interactive tool. (10/11/07, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)

The Context of Health: What Are We Really Doing To Change It?
Healthy People 2010 recognizes that communities, States, and national organizations will need to take a multidisciplinary approach to achieving health equity—an approach that involves improving health, education, housing, labor, justice, transportation, agriculture, and the environment. [95-slide ppt]

Think Cultural Health is a new web page that provides a wealth of resources and information on the issues of cultural competence in health care and health care disparities. (DHHS Office of Minority Health)

 

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's new disparities Web page includes publications and information listed according to racial/ ethnic group, as well as by topic area.

 

National Cancer Institute Spanish Web Site

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has launched a new Web site, cancer.gov en español tailored to the needs of the U.S. Hispanic/Latino community. The Web site is completely in Spanish and is one of the latest tools developed by the NCI in its efforts to address cancer health disparities. It is intended to meet the needs of Hispanic/Latino cancer patients, their families and health care providers, who are either Hispanic/Latino or serve such patients.

 

Facing Race 2007

The Applied Research Center (ARC) and COLORLINES Magazine have made various resources from their conference available on the ARC Web site, the ARC blog, and on the Facing Race wiki

US Racial Disparities Update

Kaiser Family Foundation issued a new data update that shows the percentage of whites, African Americans, and Hispanics in all 50 states and the District of Columbia that are uninsured, enrolled in Medicaid, and living in poverty. The data also provide a quick glance at disparities in rates of infant mortality, diabetes-related mortality, and AIDS cases between these racial and ethnic groups.

 

Faith Based Efforts and Resources 

Families USA has posted a new page on the Minority Health Initiatives section of the Web site with links to various to encourage faith leaders to become involved in health care advocacy.

 

Factline: Tracking Health in Underserved Communities
This website is sponsored by the National Library of Medicine and Meharry Medical College that highlights health disparities in underserved communities. Factline presents information about health disparities faced by women, members of minority groups, the elderly and others.  The focus of the website is two-fold: presenting significant findings from scholarly research in public health on the subject of health disparities and providing bibliographic references to the literature in which these findings are established.  The framework for the research is Healthy People 2010.

 

New Database for Medical Language Access
The Medical Leadership Council on Cultural Proficiency has unveiled a first-of-its-kind database designed to assist physicians and others in providing improved language access and culturally competent health care. With more than 350 initial entries, the searchable, internet-based, free-to-the-public database includes contact information for interpreters, nonprofit organizations, hospitals, public health departments and others that provide health information and services in languages other than English. Users, including physicians, nurses, social service workers, patients and the general public, can search for listings by county, by language, or by type of service.

 

2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines Now Available
The Southern Institute on Children and Families has made available the 2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Compiled from the 2007 HHS Poverty Guidelines, these guidelines provide income levels for families at 50%, 100%, 125%, 133%, 150%, 185% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Information is provided for the continental United States and separately for Alaska and Hawaii.

 

Women's Health Insurance Coverage Fact Sheet
As the cost of health insurance continues to rise, women in particular may face difficult challenges affording coverage because they are disproportionately low-income and can have poorer access to employer-based insurance. This fact sheet describes the major sources of health insurance coverage for women ages 18-64, including employer-sponsored insurance and Medicaid. It provides information on the more than 17 million women who are uninsured and summarizes the major policy challenges facing women in the health insurance sector. (Feb 2007, Kaiser Family Foundation)

 

Comprehensive source of Hispanic data
Recent release from the Census Bureau with data and linkage to sources covering many areas. 

Rural Communities Statistics and Information
The Rural Assistance Center has added to its Web site a new resource providing continuously updated demographics and statistics, documents and resources and contacts for all 50 states. RAC said the federally funded "State Resources" addition is designed to help health care providers and human services representatives in rural communities with activities such as locating and competing for funding opportunities and networking.

 

Immigrant Health Policy Reference Library
This new compendium summarizes data and research on immigrants’ health coverage and access to care. The library also includes a list of organizations that conduct analysis on the impact of major health policies on immigrants and presents research on specific populations, including Latino, African and Asian immigrants.

 

Other

 

Health, United States, 2007

is a compilation of more than 150 health tables. Nearly one in five U.S. adults - more than 40 million people - report they do not have adequate access to the health care they need, according to the annual report on the nation's health released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report also contains a special section focusing on access to care, which shows that nearly 20 percent of adults reported that they needed and did not receive one or more key services in the past year including medical care

 

America's Health Rankings: A Call to Action for People and Their Communities
This report ranked states' overall health based on 20 well-being factors, including poverty levels for children, violent crime, obesity, and racial and ethnic health disparities. The report indicated that health disparities remain between minorities and whites. In addition, the report shows that Hispanics have the lowest percentage of access to routine dental care and colon cancer screenings. (November, 2007, United Health Fdn., American Public Health Assn., Partnership for Prevention)

 

Latest Health Policy Facts and Data

The Kaiser Family Foundation has launched Kaiser Fast Facts, featuring QuickTakes and Kaiser Slides - two sources of facts, data and slides about the nation's health care system and programs.

 

Tracking the Presidential Candidates on Health Care
The Kaiser Family Foundation's health08.org website offers resources for following health care developments during campaign season. The website serves as a hub of information about health and the election, including original content produced by Kaiser and easy access to health-related resources from the campaigns, other organizations and news outlets.

 

Consumer Health Information for You and Your Family
Keeping up with the latest consumer health information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just got easier. FDA has a new Web page to provides comprehensive and timely consumer information. A free monthly e-newsletter, FDA Consumer Health Information  will alert consumers to content contained on the page.

 

Metropolitan Quality of Life Data
Diversitydata.org allows visitors to explore how metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. perform on a diverse range of social measures via a dataset of socioeconomic indicators in the form of tables, thematic maps, and customizable reports. The data cover various racial/ethnic, income and nativity groups. Multiple data sources have been used to show data for numerous domains such as housing opportunities, economic opportunities, residential integration, and health.

 

New Online Medical Dictionary Reference Tool

MediLexicon International Limited, corporate owners of Medical News Today, was pleased to announce on Nov. 11 the launch of a new medical dictionary tool. This dictionary search is a joint collaboration between MediLexicon and Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, who have provided the data.

American Community Census Data Online
The new poverty, income, and health insurance data from the U.S. Census Bureau released on August 29, 2006 is available online. This year, it has more state and local data than in previous annual surveys.

     

State Level Data on Health Coverage & the Uninsured

Kaiser Family Foundation's interactive web tool includes the health insurance status of the state’s population (those with various types of health coverage or who are uninsured), and demographic information (such as income, race/ethnicity, age, gender) for those who are uninsured, have employer-based insurance, or Medicaid. Information about Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries can be found in those respective categories. Find data from other categories on the website that relate to Health Coverage & Uninsured.

 

The Johns Hopkins INFO Project's OneSource Database

This provides one-stop access to over 360,000 resources and six separate databases with a single mouse click or search term. OneSource users can quickly search for reports, articles, documents, posters and pamphlets, photos, web sites, Q&As and news articles through a single interface. An enhanced search and browse capability makes finding global family planning, reproductive health and population information faster and more simple than ever.  Enter your terms in the search box. Select the resource type you want to look for, or search all six databases at once, and click Search.  

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

The Deadliest Disease in America, is a documentary produced by URU The Right To Be, Inc, which chronicles the stories of four individuals who experienced racism while seeking medical care. The film serves as a vehicle to foster discussion about the U.S. health care system and what strides are being made to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. For more information, to view the trailer, and to see a list of conference tour locations, click here.

 

Viewpoints: The Health Care Debate

This new series online from Kaiser Family Foundation Broadcast Studio features interviews with leaders of organizations representing health care providers, insurers, policymakers, employers, labor unions and consumers sharing their views on shortcomings in the nation's health care system and how it could be improved.

The Alliance for Health Reform recently hosted a briefing, Racial and Ethnic Disparities: States and Feds to the Rescue?, which examined what states and the federal government are doing to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities, and how they can continue narrowing the health gap. For more information and to view the webcast or listen to the podcast, click here.

The Kaiser Family Foundation hosted a webcast, State Initiatives to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, that examined current state efforts to improve access to care and health outcomes for minority populations in Massachusetts, Georgia, and Ohio. Panelists on the webcast also discussed how these initiatives fit into a state’s larger reform efforts and the role of the federal government. For more information and to view the webcast, click here.

The Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and the National Minority Health Forum’s webcast of the recent two-day meeting, Health Equity and Justice Now!, includes the opening session and panel discussions covering a range of topics such as health care costs, health disparities, health quality, health equity, and social justice. To view the webcast, click here.

The Partnership for Quality Care hosted a summit, “Confronting the Chronic Care Challenge,” that focused on improving value in delivering care to patients with chronic conditions. In particular, the second panel of the summit focused on changing delivery systems to reduce inequities in health care. To view the entire summit or specific panels, click here.

 

Sick People or Sick Societies?

We are healthier than ever before, and we live longer, but improvements in health are not distributed evenly. The rich outlive the middle classes, who outlive the poor. Swedes and Japanese live longer than Canadians, and Canadians, longer than Americans. Freelance journalist Jill Eisen discovers that the reasons have little to do with our health care systems. FREE download available for limited period.

 

Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?

This seven-part series for PBS broadcast and DVD release will, for the first time on television, sound the alarm about our glaring socio-economic and racial disparities in health--and seek out root causes. While we pour more and more money into drugs, dietary supplements and new medical technologies, it turns out there is much more to our health than bad habits, health care or unlucky genes. The social conditions in which we are born, live and work profoundly affect our well-being and longevity. The series is part of an ambitious Public Impact Campaign conducted in partnership with leading public health, policy, and community-based organizations, pointing out that investing in our schools, improving housing, integrating neighborhoods, better jobs and wages, and giving people more control over their work, are as much health strategies as smoking diet and exercise.

Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? 

Hosted by the Black Women’s Agenda, the workshop featured a panel discussion of this PBS documentary produced by California Newsreel. View the entire panel discussion online.

 

Partnerships to Achieve Health Equity 

This Society for Public Health Education summit featured a series of plenary sessions dealing with the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities by focusing on health behavior dissemination, research, and implementation. Videos and transcripts available online.

 

Can Tax Credits Be a Linchpin for Health Reform? Lessons from the Factory Floor

In a policy field notoriously beset by ideological and partisan division, one of the few ideas enjoying support across the philosophical spectrum is the use of federal income tax credits to cover the uninsured. The only credit of this sort now available-the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), serving workers displaced by international trade-aids no more than 15 percent of eligible households.  (4/1/08, Urban Institute)

 

PERIODICALS AND BOOKS

 

Social Epidemiology: Strategies for Public Health Activism
By tracking the distribution of disease and pinpointing relevant risk factors, social epidemiology reveals how social problems are intrinsically linked to the health of populations.  The practice also takes into account the psychosocial, biological, and medial determinants of disease and health.

 

Health Disparities in the United States: Social Class, Race, Ethnicity, and Health
"Clearly articulates the problem of health disparities and how socioeconomic status and race and ethnicity are interwoven. Barr has brought together a vast amount of material in a conceptually meaningful way that hopefully will be digested by those in training to be medical professionals."

 

The Public Health Observatory Handbook of Health Inequalities Measurement

This new South East Public Health Observatory handbook primarily focuses on the measurement and interpretation of health inequalities.

 

Ahora Hablo! Medical Edition,"Simple Steps to Communicate with Spanish-speaking Patients 

Unlike other medical Spanish books on the market, this book is pocket-sized and includes vocabulary for dental and vision care as well as many specialized areas such as obstetrics and cardiology.  It retails for $9.95.  It is being picked up independent and college book stores as well as hospitals and clinics. For more information: m.h.graham@ahorahablo.com or call               414-331-7178       

Florida Dept of Health Women’s Health Newsletter

The FL Dept of Health website has a Women’s Health page with a new quarterly Women’s Health Newsletter. The April-June 2008 will be online.

REPORTS AND STUDIES

New Listings

New Listings: Medicaid

Precarious Position: States Must Balance Declining Revenues with a Growing Need for Medicaid

This paper from describes how Medicaid fared in state budgeting decisions this year, and how Medicaid cuts harm state economies as well as the people who depend on it. In tough economic times, the Medicaid program is more essential than ever. (July 2008, Families USA)

New Listings: Children's Health Care

U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Rises for First Time in Decade
The almost decade-long decline in U.S. infant mortality has hit a snag, with CDC data showing the rate increased from 6.78 per 1,000 children in 2004 to 6.86 in 2005. Black babies were 2.4 times as likely to die as white babies before their first birthday. Researchers say low birth weight, shorter gestations and premature births account for the increase in mortality. (July 2008, CDC) 

New Listings: Medicare

Medicare Part D: Drug Pricing and Manufacturer Windfalls

In 2006, prices paid for drugs used by people with Medicare and Medicaid under the Part D drug benefit cost $1.7 billion more than when Medicaid paid for the same drugs before the start of Part D. The transfer of drug coverage for the dual eligible beneficiaries from Medicaid to Medicare Part D has resulted in large windfalls for the drug manufacturers. There are 29 large drug manufacturers who produce the 100 drugs used most often by dual eligible beneficiaries. In total, these manufacturers received $3.7 billion more from the Medicare Part D insurers in 2006 and 2007 than they would have received if the dual eligible beneficiaries had obtained the drugs through Medicaid.  (July 2008, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform)

 

Health Care Opinion Leaders' Views on the Future of Long-Term Care

The 15th Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey asked a diverse group of experts for their perspectives on the future of long-term care in the United States. Four of five of the experts surveyed believe that it is important or very important to secure adequate financing of long-term care, improve quality of long-term care facilities, and develop a health care workforce that is sufficient in size and skill to provide long-term care. Adding a long-term care benefit to Medicare, financed by a premium, is favored by nearly four of five respondents. Over two-thirds (69%) say it is important or very important for presidential candidates' health reform plans to address quality and financing of long-term care. (7/21/08, Commonwealth Fund)

 

Medicare Changes Can Complement Health Reform

The U.S. health care system faces well known problems. At the same time, Medicare con­fronts major financial challenges and leaves big gaps in benefit protection. Changes to Medicare, if properly designed, can complement system-wide health care reform and the two should be pursued simultaneously. (7/31/08, CBPP)

 

Medicare Advantage Organizations: Actual Expenses and Profits Compared to Projections for 2005

This reports that Medicare Advantage plans, on average, projected spending 90.2 percent of total revenue on medical services but actually spent 85.7 percent. This resulted in an extra $1.14 billion in profits in 2005. (6/24/08, GAO)

 

New Listings: Federal/State Budgets

Facing Deficits, Many States Are Imposing Cuts That Hurt Vulnerable Residents

This report highlights the areas that states are targeting for cuts due to budget constraints. At least 13 states have implemented or are considering cuts that will affect low-income children’s or families’ eligibility for health insurance or that will reduce their access to health care services. (8/5/08, CBPP)

New Listings: Health Insurance, Health Care Costs   

Report Says Florida Health Plan Will Probably Not Reduce Uninsured
A report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonprofit policy research group in Washington, D.C., concluded that Cover Florida, a health plan recently implemented to provide coverage to some of Florida’s 3.7 million uninsured, is not likely to succeed. (7/21/08, CBPP)

 

Health Care and the Economy in Two Swing States: A Look at Ohio and Florida According to a poll of Florida and Ohio residents, “one in four people say they're having trouble paying their medical bills,” and many of them are middle-class with insurance and some even earn six-figure salaries, reports “All Things Considered.”(7/24/08, NPR/Kaiser Family Fdn, Harvard School of Public Health)

 

Increase in Working-Age Adults with Major Chronic Conditions

As the number of working-age adults who have major chronic conditions grew between 1997 and 2006, those without health coverage in this group experienced substantial erosion in access to health care, according to a new study by Kaiser Family Foundation researchers published today as a Exclusive. (7/22/08, Health Affairs Web)

 

AHRQ Analyzes Public Spending on Health Care

Public spending on health care averaged $2,612 per person in 2002, constituting 56% of all health care spending, according to a new study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The average American over 65 received $6,921 in public spending for health care in 2002, more than five times as much as the average child, the authors estimate. (7/29/08, AHA News Now)

 

Investments in Disease Prevention Yield Significant Savings, Stronger

A small strategic investment in disease prevention could result in significantly lower U.S. healthcare costs, a new report finds. Communities found that an investment of $10 per person, per year, in community-based programs designed to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and prevent smoking could save the country more than $16 billion annually within five years -- a return of $5.60 for every $1 spent. Out of that total, Medicare would save more than $5 billion, Medicaid more than $1.9 billion, and private payers more than $9 billion. (July 2008, RWJF/ Trust for America's Health)

 

High-Quality, Universal Health Care Is Possible -- With No Premiums or Deductibles

Imagine, instead, a proposal for health care reform that guarantees free, high-quality health care for all Americans. No premiums. No deductibles...If this all sounds too good to be true, you need to read Healthcare, Guaranteed: A Simple, Secure Solution for America by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel...The charm of the proposal is four-fold:...it offers a funding mechanism that is fair and efficient and could deliver high-quality care nationwide. It regulates insurers...[and] insulates our health care system from the lobbyists[.] (7/16/08, Health Beat)

 

Prevention for a Healthier America: Investments in Disease Prevention Yield Significant Savings, Stronger Communities

Even though America spends more than $2 trillion annually on health care, more than any other nation in the world - tens of millions of Americans suffer every day from preventable disease... Keeping people healthier is one of the most effective ways to reduce health care costs. (July 2008, Trust for America's Health)

 

Falling Behind: Americans' Access to Medical Care Deteriorates, 2003-2007

This report shows the number and proportion of Americans that reported going without or delaying needed medical care increased sharply between 2003 and 2007. One in five Americans—59 million people—reported not getting or delaying needed medical care in 2007, up from one in seven—36 million people—in 2003. Cost of care was an often-cited obstacle, as were increasing rates of health system barriers, such as health plan prior-authorization requirements. (June 2008,Center for Studying Health System Change)

 

A Third of Uninsured Suffer From Chronic Illness

Nearly a third (11.4 million) of uninsured U.S. adults age 18 to 64 suffer from at least one chronic condition, according to a study in today's Annals of Internal Medicine. In addition, uninsured chronically ill individuals are less likely than those with insurance to have visited a physician in the past 12 months (22.6% vs. 6.2%) and are more likely to visit the emergency department for routine care (7.1% vs. 1.1%). Furthermore, "Low-cost or free services, if available, may be at locations, times, or settings that discourage uptake," they said. "These barriers lead to diminished access to care that negatively affects health-related outcomes, an effect that may be pronounced among individuals with chronic disease." (8/5/08, AHA News Now)

 

Uninsured Immigrant Population on the Rise

The number of uninsured immigrants in the U.S. increased from 6.9 million in 1994 to 12.3 million in 2006, an 80% increase, according to a study released yesterday by the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The uninsured native-born population increased from 29.7 million to 34.1 million, a 15% increase over the same time period. As a result, immigrants accounted for more than half of the total increase in the uninsured population. According to the study, nearly 60% of the uninsured immigrant population is concentrated in four states: California, Florida, New York and Texas. [AHA News Now, 8-6-08]

Some Insurers Pay Doctors More to Help Lower Costs
Insurers nationwide, as well as federal and state government agencies, are experimenting with the idea of paying primary care physicians more so that they will give more attention to their patients, which could help "save thousands of dollars downstream on unnecessary tests, visits to expensive specialists and avoidable trips to the hospital" (7/21/08, New York Times)

Health Insurance Coverage: Early Release of Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 2007
This new study finds that lack of health coverage was greatest in the South and West, with 30 percent of adults under age 65 and 18 percent of children lacking coverage. The brief also provides state-specific estimates for the uninsured and estimates for those enrolled in high-deductible health plans. (7/30/08, CDC)

Health Care and the Economy in Two Swing States: A Look at Ohio and Florida

This report examines the pocketbook problems facing people in Ohio and Florida. The surveys take an in-depth look at the impact of medical bills on family finances and health care, and they provide insight into the ways that health care costs affect people's daily decisions. (7/16/08, KFF)

 

Wellness Programs Save Millions in Medical Costs According to Study
A report entitled "Prevention for a Healthier America" by Trust for America's Health, a nonprofit health advocacy group, "found that programs encouraging physical activity, healthy eating and no smoking were a better investment than those concentrating primarily on treatment" and "could save states hundreds of millions in health-care costs." (7/18/08, Washington Post)

 

USA Today Examines Problems With Individual Insurance Market
An article addresses the difficulties many people face in trying to get health care coverage through the individual market, noting that "insurers selling individual policies try to pick the healthiest applicants to lower their risks" and in most states "can consider an applicant's health history in deciding whether to offer coverage and how much to charge." (7/17/08, USA Today)

 

Public and Private Health Insurance: Stacking up the Costs

This report examines different ways of providing health insurance to families with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The brief finds that total medical spending is much lower when coverage is provided through Medicaid or CHIP than it is when coverage is provided by private insurance because out-of-pocket spending is much lower. (6/24/08, Health Affairs) 

 

Moving Away from Employer-Based Coverage: Don't Forget Public Opinion

This reports that between 63 and 81 percent of people said that eliminating employer-based insurance and having to buy insurance on their own would make their current financial situation worse. There were no meaningful differences by party affiliation—party identification was not a good predictor of how a person answered the question. The article further discusses how the public and voters feel about undergoing such a large change. (6/26/08, KFF)

New Listings: Health Disparities 

 

Survey of Low-Wage Workers
This survey provides a detailed look at the real life experiences and views of low-wage workers and assesses their financial challenges, including difficulties obtaining and paying for health care[.] (8/4/08, The Washington Post, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard University)

 

Immigrants Deported, by U.S. Hospitals

High in the hills of Guatemala, shut inside the one-room house where he spends day and night on a twin bed beneath a seriously outdated calendar, Luis Alberto Jiménez has no idea of the legal battle that swirls around him in the lowlands of Florida. Shooing away flies and beaming at the tiny, toothless elderly mother who is his sole caregiver, Mr. Jiménez...remains cheerily oblivious that he has come to represent the collision of two deeply flawed American systems, immigration and health care.  (8/3/08, New York Times)

 

CDC Revises 2006 Estimate of New HIV Cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Friday updated its estimate of new HIV cases in the U.S. in 2006, from 40,000 to 56,300 adolescents and adults. The revised estimate is based on a more precise, direct method for estimating annual HIV incidence. Fifty-three percent of newly infected individuals were men who had sex with men, while infection rates among blacks were seven times as high as whites and almost three times as high as Hispanics. The report can be found in the current issue of the (8/4/08, Journal of the American Medical Association)

 

A Burden No Child Should Bear: How the Health Coverage System Is Failing Latino Children

This report highlights Latino children’s access to common forms of coverage and the different factors that may affect their ability to obtain insurance and care. Disparities in health coverage put Latino children at a disadvantage from a young age, and the effects of these disparities can persist throughout their lives. (7/9/08, NCLR)  

 

Left Behind! Black America: A Neglected Priority in the Global AIDS Epidemic

illustrates a clear and startling gap between the U.S. government’s appropriate concern about AIDS overseas, and its ongoing denial of the epidemic at home – despite the fact that, in areas of the United States such as Detroit, Newark, New York, Washington D.C. and the Deep South, HIV levels among segments of the Black community approach those of many severely affected countries in Africa. For example, HIV prevalence among middle-aged Black men in Manhattan is almost as high as overall prevalence in South Africa, home to the world’s largest population of people living with HIV. (2008, Black AIDS Institute)

 

AIDS among Latinos on Rise

"AIDS rates in the nation's Latino community are increasing and, with little notice, have reached what experts are calling a simmering public health crisis. Though Hispanics make up about 14 percent of the U.S. population, they represented 22 percent of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses tallied by federal officials in 2006. (7/23/08, Washington Post)

 

Unequal America

The United States no longer boasts anywhere near the world's longest life expectancy. It doesn't even make the top 40. In this and many other ways, the richest nation on earth is not the healthiest. This finding is unsettling on its face, but scholars find further cause for concern in the pattern of health disparities. Poor health is not distributed evenly across the population, but concentrated among the disadvantaged. (July-August 2008, Harvard Magazine)

 

Early-Life Origins of the Race Gap in Men's Mortality

This is a seminal paper identifying potential links between access to socioeconomic opportunities and racial gaps in men's mortality. The authors...examine the association between early-life socioeconomic conditions and all-cause mortality. The authors found that differences in early-life social conditions...and adult socioeconomic achievement contribute to Black-White differences in men's mortality risk.  (7/18/08, Medscape Medical News)

 

Community Efforts to Expand Dental Services

Many communities are working to expand dental services for low-income people. These efforts range from providing preventive care...to filling cavities and providing other restorative services, and, in some cases, offering rehabilitative services, such as orthodontics and periodontics. Funding support for these services and participation from dental students and professionals are integral to these efforts. (July 2008, HSC)

New Listings: Other Health Issues   

 

Latest Scorecard Shows U.S. Health System Not Improving

In its first national scorecard released two years ago, The Commonwealth Fund's Commission on a High Performance Health System found that the United States fell far short of benchmarks for access, quality, efficiency, and other key measures of health system performance. The 2008 edition of the scorecard paints an even bleaker picture. The United States fell to last place among 19 countries in deaths from treatable or preventable diseases. (7/17/08, Commonwealth Fund)

 

Emergency Room "Super Users" Tax the System
In response to the problem of overcrowded emergency rooms throughout the United States, researchers are focusing on "the super users who turn to hospital emergency rooms dozens, even hundreds, of times" and account for a disproportionate amount of the costs. (7/13/08, Star-Ledger)

 

Patient Comprehension of Emergency Department Care and Instructions: Are Patients Aware of When They Don't Understand?  

Every year, more than 115 million patients enter emergency rooms at hospitals around the nation. And more than three-quarters of them leave with an impression of what happened or what should happen next that doesn't match what their emergency care team would want.More than three-quarters of patients (78 percent) do not fully understand the care and discharge instructions they receive in the emergency department, and the vast majority of them are unaware that they do not understand what doctors have told them. (July 2008, Annals of Emergency Medicine)

 

Satisfaction with Retail-Based Health Clinics Remains High

U.S. adults who have used these health clinics in a pharmacy or retail chain are generally pleased, as almost all are very/somewhat satisfied with the quality of the care (90%), cost (86%) and staff qualifications (88%) and they believe retail-based healthcare clinics can provide low-cost basic services to people who cannot afford care (78%) and to anyone at times when doctors' offices are closed (81%). (7/1/0/08, WSJ.com/Harris Interactive Health Care)

 

Patient Reports Can Add To Efforts To Identify, Reduce Adverse Events In Hospitals

Hospitals' efforts to improve patient safety rely on several methods of monitoring and evaluating the occurrence of adverse events: including incident reports from members of the health care team, automated surveillance of clinical data, and review of medical records. Surveying patients about their experiences can provide additional important information. Nearly 23 percent of patients reported experiencing a complication during or immediately after their hospital stay, compared with about 11 percent of patients whose adverse events were identified through medical record review. (7/15/08, Annals of Internal Medicine)

 

The 2008 Hospital Check-Up Report: Physician Perspectives on American Hospitals finds that there continues to be a gap in the physician-administration relationship, and physicians report a need for administrators to be more responsive to the ideas and needs of medical staff. (2008, Press Ganey Associates)

Florida Reports

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.

Medicaid

 Children's Health Care

Colocating Health Services: A Way to Improve Coordination of Children's Health Care?
Pediatric practices wishing to strengthen their capacity to serve as medical homes may want to consider having other practitioners and service providers colocate. The new brief shows that by providing a variety of children's services--from mental health care to nutritional counseling--in the same setting, a rarely explored practice that can enhance its ability to address the multiple needs of children and their families under one roof to maximize access and coordination. (7/8/08, Commonwealth Fund)

Medicare 

Social Security Disability Insurance Beneficiaries in the 24-Month Medicare Waiting Period, by State and SSI Receipt

Over 635,000 individuals, or 7.9 percent of all Social Security Disability (SSDI) recipients, were in the waiting period for Medicare in December 2007. People who receive SSDI benefits qualify for Medicare, but only after a 24-month waiting period. (July 2008, Social Security Admin Ofc. of Policy)

 

Medicare Advantage Plans In 2005 Made $1.14B More In Profits Than They Projected, GAO Report Finds 

Private insurers participating in the Medicare Advantage program in 2005 spent less on medical services for beneficiaries and recorded larger profits than projected. According to the report, the plans on average projected spending 90.2% of total revenue on medical services but actually spent 85.7%. The disparity resulted in an extra $1.14 billion in profits. Under the rules of the program, insurers recording more profits than expected are required to spend the additional funds on extra health services for beneficiaries. (July 2008, GAO)

 

Medicare Paid As Much As $92M to Medical Suppliers Using ID Numbers Of Dead Physicians

Medicare from 2000 to 2007 paid between $60 million and $92 million to medical suppliers that used the identification numbers of dead physicians to file fraudulent claims, according to a report presented on Tuesday by the   (7/8/08, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs)

 

Association Between the Medicare Modernization Act and Patient Wait Times and Travel Distance for Chemotherapy
When the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 was passed by Congress and signed by President Bush, there were still several concerns that it would have a substantially negative effect on chemotherapy patients because of the stipulated reductions in reimbursements to physicians for drugs given during outpatient chemotherapy care. However, a new study finds that since 2003, there has not been a large change in travel distances nor patient wait times for Medicare patients who receive chemotherapy. (7/9/08, JAMA) 

Federal & State Budgets/Health Care

Many States Imposing Cuts that Hurt Vulnerable Residents
As a new fiscal year begins in most states, at least 20 states have made or proposed budget cuts that threaten vital services for many residents. Targeted areas include: Public health: 13 states; Elderly and disabled services: 6 states. (7/2008, CBPP)  

29 States Face Total Budget Shortfall of at Least $48 Billion in 2009

32 states faced or are facing budget problems. Most states have already adopted new or revised budgets that address their ‘09 shortfalls.  In order to present a complete picture of the economic downturn’s impact on state finances, the report includes both states that have closed these shortfalls and those that are still deliberating.  Closed shortfalls are noted as such. (7/2008, CBPP)

 

A Balanced Approach to Restoring Fiscal Responsibility

Sixteen leading economists and budget experts issued a major critique today of a recent proposal to address future federal budget deficits through radical changes in budget procedures for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. They believe there are better ways to begin tackling projected deficits, which they describe in their critique. (7/9/08, CBPP)

 

States Finding Ways to Expand Social Programs Despite Setbacks

Bush administration policies and a weak economy have hindered state initiatives to further expand Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), analysts said. Researchers noted a sharp change between 2007 and 2008. Many states last year sought to expand these programs but instead had to scale back their initiatives in 2008 and either make cuts or find other funds, said researchers, who said increased federal funding is necessary to help states provide needed coverage with these programs. In addition, the possibility of a recession has negatively affected Medicaid such that many states are having trouble addressing budget shortfalls in fiscal 2008, said two new reports released by the group. Still, states are finding creative ways to get around these roadblocks. (7/10/08, Families USA in Washington Health Policy Week in Review, Commonwealth Fund) 

Health Insurance, Health Care Costs

 

Change the Model

Being a primary care physician is an increasingly tough business these days...[y]et primary care physicians are a key driver of value in health care, whether from the individual patient's point of view or from a population health point of view. Repeated, well-constructed studies comparing national systems within the United States show that health care systems with universal, convenient, affordable access to primary care do better in every measure. (7/7/08, H&HN)

 

Public and Private Health Insurance: Stacking Up the Costs
Analyses of data from the 2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey indicate that total medical spending is much lower when coverage is provided by Medicaid or SCHIP than it is when coverage is provided by private insurance. (6/24/08, Health Affairs)

 

Drugmakers Offer Aid to People 'on the Edge'

Offered by major pharmaceutical companies and publicized through Web-based information clearinghouses and TV ads, PAPs [prescription assistance programs] have blossomed where good corporate citizenship meets good public relations. The result: Big Pharma gives free medication to patients with low incomes.  (7/1/08, Washington Post)

 

Coverage for All: Inclusion of Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders in State Healthcare Reform Initiatives 
Frustrated by inaction at the federal level to address the growing number of uninsured Americans, states are increasingly moving forward on healthcare reform.  Although state initiatives have been the subject of front page new no one has examined the impact of their programs on people with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. (June 2008, NAMI & National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare)

 

Insured Population Experiencing Health Care Access Problems

The gap is narrowing between the insured and uninsured as more people with health insurance reported access barriers to health care in 2007. About 20 percent of the U.S. population delayed or was unable to get access to medical care when they needed it, up from 14 percent four years earlier, (June 2008, Center for Studying Health System Change)

 

Prospects of US Health Care Reform Plans From a Human Rights Perspective
The dysfunctional state of health care in the United States is debated vigorously among politicians and the public alike, but few see health care reform as part of a movement to advance social and economic rights. However, the failure to develop a health care system that guarantees equal access to care for everyone can be directly attributed to successive US governments’ resistance to recognizing the human right to health and health care. (June 2008, Health and Human Rights)

 

McCain Health Care Plan Would Lead to More People Dropping Employer Coverage
Both liberal and conservative health care analysts agree that the health care plan proposed by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain "would strengthen the individual and small-group insurance market" by pulling some workers away from their employer-based coverage. (7/6/08, AP)

 

How Many Are Underinsured? Trends Among U.S. Adults, 2003 and 2007
The number of underinsured U.S. adults--people who have health coverage that does not adequately protect them from high medical expenses--has risen dramatically. A new Commonwealth Fund study published today as a Health Affairs Web Exclusive finds that as of 2007, there were an estimated 25 million underinsured adults in the U.S., 60 percent more than the 16 million underinsured in 2003. Most of this growth came from rising uninsured rates among middle- and higher-income families. (6/10/008, Commonwealth Fund) 

Health Disparities

 

Trends in Mortality from Common Cancers in the United States by Educational Attainment, 1993-2001
Conclusion: The recent declines in death rates from major cancers in the United States mainly reflect declines in more highly educated individuals.  (7/8/08, Journal of the National Cancer Institute)

 

Low Socioeconomic Status Increases Risk of Death after Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) have more advanced cancers at diagnosis, receive less aggressive treatment, and have a higher risk of dying in the five years following cancer diagnosis, according to a new study. (6/23/08, ScienceDaily)

 

'Neglected Infections Of Poverty' In The U.S. Are Disabling Hundreds Of Thousands Of Americans Every Year

An analysis published June 25th in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases highlights that diseases very similar to those plaguing Africa, Asia, and Latin America are also occurring frequently among the poorest people in the United States, especially women and children. These diseases - the "neglected infections of poverty" - are caused by chronic and debilitating parasitic, bacterial, and congenital infections. (7/25/08, PloS)

 

Poor and Uninsured Patients More Likely To Experience Racial Discrimination
A new study in Health Services Research tried to disentangle the impact of a patient's racial and ethnic background, being poor and having no health insurance on the likelihood they would report having experienced racial or ethnic bias in the healthcare they received. (6/26/08, Medical News Today)

 

Health Centers: America's Primary Care Safety Net Reflections on Success, 2002-2007
For more than 40 years, health centers in the United States have delivered comprehensive, high-quality primary health care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. During that time, health center grantees have established a tradition of providing care for people underserved by America's health care system: the poor, uninsured, and homeless; minorities; migrant and seasonal farmworkers; public housing residents; and people with limited English proficiency. (June 2008, Health Resources Services Admin)

 

Hospital Stays Resulting from Excessive Heat and Cold Exposure Due to Weather Conditions in U.S. Community Hospitals, 2005  

This report used a database that is nationally representative of inpatient stays in all short-term, non-Federal hospitals. People from communities with average household incomes of $36,999 or less were hospitalized more than twice as often as people who came from wealthier areas where average household incomes topped $61,000. The rate of hyperthermia hospital admissions for uninsured patients was significantly higher (17 percent) than hospital admissions for uninsured patients as a whole (5 percent). (July 2008, AHRQ)

 

US Leads World in Substance Abuse
The United States leads the world in rates of experimenting with marijuana and cocaine despite strict drug laws, World Health Organization researchers said. Countries with looser drug laws have lower rates of abuse, the researchers report in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Medicine. (7/1/08, Reuters)  

Other Health Issues 

 
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