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On the “macro” level, AHCA officials report to the Florida Legislature that Medicaid reform is going ahead smoothly, that “only 10 complaints” have been received by Deputy Secretary for Medicaid Tom Arnold’s office so far, and that choice counseling is proceeding so well that a whole book of congratulatory letters is being compiled (although it is not clear who the writers of these letters are).
Then there is what may be called the “micro” level. This includes the reports from Medicaid consumers themselves, the advocates who work on their behalf, and the providers who serve them. At this level the picture is not quite as rosy.
At the second of a series of Medicaid Reform Consumer Roundtables sponsored by Florida CHAIN, Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition (MRAC), Community Foundation of Broward, the Coordinating Council of Broward, and the Health Foundation of South Florida, consumers described some of the issues they are facing as they move through the reform enrollment (and in some cases, disenrollment) process. Read more
Duval County Health Care Town Hall Meeting
Jan 30 5:30pm-7:30pm
Main Library, Downtown Jacksonville
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc., in conjunction with Florida CHAIN, the Coalition for the Uninsured, Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition, and Managed Access To Child Health, Inc. invites you to a Duval County Healthcare Town Hall Meeting. Major community organizations are united in seeking answers and solutions to Medicaid Reform, Mental Health services, and Medicare Part D. Be there to share your experiences, ask your questions, and receive the information you need! Contact: 904/394-0042.
KidCare Changes Anticipated in Florida Legislature
Although the 2007 legislative session is seven weeks away, lawmakers are giving their promise to make needed changes to KidCare, the state’s health insurance program for children.
The House Healthy Families Committee held a panel discussion Tuesday to learn why families have problems enrolling their children in the four different KidCare programs and why enrollment has dropped so dramatically in the past two years.
Because of the enrollment decrease, Florida has been forced in recent years to send unspent federal money back to Washington, D.C. Democrats and Republicans alike demanded to know how much money Florida sent back to be redistributed to other states, but officials from the Agency for Health Care Administration didn’t have an easy answer.
Children’s advocates say it’s around $140 million.
Dyke Snipes, the state’s Medicaid finance director, said that over time, Florida has both lost and gained federal funding, but the state is about $30 million ahead. To be commended is Rep. Bill Galvano, the committee chairman, for ordering AHCA officials to return with exact figures.
The problems associated with KidCare – made more complicated by separate federal funding streams under Title XIX and Title XXI – are highlighted in a Senate report released in early fall. It recommends consolidating eligibility and enrollment functions that are now performed by multiple state agencies.
A bill proposed by the Senate Health Policy Committee would address some of those issues but contains a number of disturbing elements that consumers should watch.
The bill – which is backed by the HMO industry -- would put KidCare functions under the Agency for Health Care Administration. In fact, the bill would create a KidCare pilot program in the five counties where the same HMOs are being paid by the state to enroll Medicaid consumers as part of the “Medicaid Reform” initiative.
Interestingly enough, the proposed KidCare bill would let HMOs limit the “amount, duration and scope” of Medicaid services such as therapies – the same language the industry put in legislation that spells out how they will operate Medicaid reform health plans.
The bill would also:
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Create a “minimum set of quality assurance and access standards” for health care coverage under KidCare but not for Medicaid;
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Allow AHCA – or its contracted designee – to set eligibility guidelines for special needs children, a function that should be left to medical professionals.
The Senate Health Policy Committee did not take a vote on the proposed bill and plans to hold public hearings throughout the state. Sen. Mandy Dawson, who chairs the committee, urges child and family advocates to attend these hearings and offer their advice and experiences dealing with KidCare.
Advocates will be submitting their own bill to address the complexities of the current KidCare program and expand coverage. Florida CHAIN will keep you posted on bill numbers and committee assignments.
Miami-Dade Seeks New Medicaid Dental Vendors for Children
After vigorously defending a pilot project in Miami-Dade County that provides dental care to Medicaid children, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is looking for new vendors to make it work.
The agency has posted on its website an “open, non-competitive application” for the dental program, which, just a few months ago, received scathing reviews from independent auditors. Both audits, including one commissioned by AHCA, stated that the program cost more money while serving fewer children.
AHCA officials insist that they have not ended the contract with Atlantic Dental Inc. (ADI), the group that lobbied for and got special legislation that created the pilot project more than three years ago.
In fact, AHCA officials defended ADI and the dental health program and in September 2006 renewed its contract for another two years, despite efforts by Florida CHAIN and other advocacy groups.
“The decision to continue the pilot program was made after careful consideration of many factors, including the fact Medicaid participants are pleased with the ADI program,’’ wrote then-AHCA Secretary Christa Calamas in response to Florida CHAIN’s action alert.
“We recognize the areas in need of improvement and are committed to working with ADI to increase reporting of utilization data by establishing clear requirements and milestones which must be met in the first year of the new contract. In addition, we will include contract provisions which give Medicaid the ability to take appropriate action, including contract termination, should ADI not meet those reporting milestones.”
The notice, posted on the AHCA website Jan. 4, states that prospective applicants must have at least two years experience with administering a capitated dental plan for children on Medicaid or other SCHIP program.
The application for prospective applicants now notes that this is not a single source contract.
AHCA is to be applauded for opening this project up to new vendors who can demonstrate an ability to serve Medicaid children in Miami-Dade County, provide quality dental care, and save taxpayer money.
Given the difficulties experienced by consumers in the Miami-Dade pilot, it is recommended that AHCA contract directly with Dental Prepaid Plans to allow for data collection, accountability, and assurance that children are seen on a timely basis. The contract must provide enforceability to ensure sufficient providers for children on Medicaid have adequate access to care and that all necessary treatment including restorative care is delivered.
We look forward to close attention being paid to future evaluations of pilot projects such as Medicaid reform. Former Secretary Calamas is the staff director for the House Health Innovation Committee which will oversee and evaluate Medicaid reform.
Gov. Crist Names Florida’s First Surgeon General to Be “Great Advocate”
Last week, Gov. Charlie Crist named Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros as his Department of Health Secretary and the state’s first Surgeon General.
As such, Viamonte Ros will be the state’s spokesperson on all matters of health, as well as heading the department responsible for Florida’s public health services including disease prevention, immunizations, and epidemic control.
“Crist said that by giving Viamonte Ros the newly created title of surgeon general, she would be a ‘great advocate’ on major issues, especially children's health,” reported the St. Petersburg Times.
"I really will do my very best in everything I can to be able to provide all Floridians with easily accessible, affordable and quality health care," Ros said after being introduced by Crist.
Ros said she would study changes in Massachusetts and California designed to provide coverage to those states' uninsured. Health care for all is under consideration in a number of states, and is a current topic of Florida news stories and opinion pieces. More than three million Florida residents lack health insurance. (See article below for more information on the new national campaign to cover the uninsured.)
The new focus and the creation of a state surgeon are part of Crist’s bigger vision of restructuring the Department of Health. The surgeon general would also focus on children’s health issues, early intervention and better awareness of substance abuse and mental illness.
Cuban-born Viamonte Ros has a Harvard master's degree in public health, and a University of Miami medical degree. She most recently worked for Armor Correctional Health Services in Broward, where she was responsible for hiring medical professionals to work in jails in Florida and other states.
Health Care Coalition for the Uninsured (HCCU) Forms to Expand Coverage Nationally
A new coalition of the largest physician, hospital, business, insurance, pharmaceutical, and consumer organizations in the U.S., also known as “Strange Bedfellows,” has announced a historic agreement to work together to expand health coverage for the uninsured. These organizations, which have often clashed on health policy issues, committed to a consensus-building process whose goal is “to cover as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.”
The first phase of the agreement, which is designed for enactment in 2007, involves expanding children’s health coverage. It seeks additional money in the federal budget to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and to automatically enroll low-income children in SCHIP and Medicaid when they apply and are deemed eligible for other means-tested programs. It also creates a new tax credit for children in families with incomes above SCHIP eligibility levels. With Congress scheduled to consider SCHIP reauthorization this year, the unprecedented agreement and new coalition will bring key new voices to the fight for children’s coverage.
Thanks to our partner Families USA: The Voice for Health Care Consumers for this text. Click here to learn more about the new coalition and the agreement.
It’s Not What You Know,
But How You Say What You Know
January 12, 2007
Mike Flaherty outlines the essence of effective messaging
to Florida CHAIN staff and MRAC members
How does an organization package a message to an audience that would rather not hear it? This was the fundamental question addressed by Mike Flaherty, of Flaherty and Associates, at a presentation in Fort Lauderdale to Florida CHAIN staff and Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition (MRAC) members, part of a project funded by the Health Foundation of South Florida and Community Foundation of Broward.
Flaherty, a long time writer and journalist based in Wisconsin, advises nonprofit organizations on marketing and messaging on issues the media and policy makers may find difficult to grasp or too dangerous to grapple with. For the purpose of this presentation, he guided participants toward crafting a cohesive strategy on how to engage the media, Legislature, policy makers and other stakeholders in a dialogue on Medicaid reform that puts consumers’ interests first.
Florida CHAIN contracted Flaherty’s services as part of its continuing efforts to convert consumers’ and advocates’ concerns about Medicaid reform into a specific course of action with measurable outcomes and a clear goal. This in light of the key role the Legislature will be taking in deciding when or if to expand Medicaid reform statewide, beginning in July 2008.
“The important thing is that if you state a problem you must also state a solution,” says Flaherty. He adds that for the media to really become engaged and call on Florida CHAIN and its coalition partners as the experts on the ground on how Medicaid reform affects consumers, the organizations’ responsibility is to speak off the same page and consistently repeat a core message.
“Often advocates are so immersed in their work and believe so strongly in what they do, that they assume everyone else is just as taken by their issue as they are,” says Lisa Margulis, Florida CHAIN Executive Director. “We saw this as an opportunity to share with a marketing expert who is far removed from the specifics of our daily work, what we know about the issue of Medicaid reform and what we are concerned with to have him help us effectively deliver our message to the key players in the upcoming debate who may need see a consumer perspective in the Medicaid reform debate” she added.
Accordingly, Flaherty urged participants to make it a priority to identify and make available to the media consumers who can put a “human face” on the effects of Medicaid reform. Meanwhile, Flaherty will produce a document outlining a proposed messaging strategy that will be made available to those advocates, individuals and organizations who wish to contact legislators and the media about the issue.
Medicaid Reform Consumer & Advocate Experiences Contradict AHCA Report
January 26, 2007
Medicaid reform in Florida seems to be a topic discussed at two very distinct levels. On what one may call the “macro” level, AHCA officials report to the Florida Legislature that reform is going ahead smoothly, that “only 10 complaints” have been received by Deputy Secretary for Medicaid Tom Arnold’s office so far, and that choice counseling is proceeding so well that a whole book of congratulatory letters is being compiled (although it is not clear who the writers of these letters are).
Then there is what may be called the “micro” level. This includes the reports from Medicaid consumers themselves, the advocates who work on their behalf, and the providers who serve them. At this level the picture is not quite as rosy.
At the second of a series of Medicaid Reform Consumer Roundtables, sponsored by Florida CHAIN, Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition (MRAC), Community Foundation of Broward, the Coordinating Council of Broward, and the Health Foundation of South Florida, consumers described some of the issues they are facing as they move through the reform enrollment (and in some cases, disenrollment) process.
Issues that arise from forums such as these reveal problems of an individual nature that can be resolved by AHCA District offices if they are made aware of them, as well as systemic ones resulting from what many believe was a rush to implement Medicaid reform before the end of the past Governor’s administration and before many of its tassels were unbundled.
Consumer advocates including Florida CHAIN anticipated some of these difficulties before implementation, such as providing an adequate number of competent and well-informed Choice Counselors at both the Tallahassee call center and on the field in Broward and Duval. For instance, because AHCA has yet to provide information to Choice Counselors such as Preferred Drug Lists, and because plans haven’t made public their dental providers lists, many consumers have had to rely on incomplete information to make their plan choice.
In addition, outreach to hard-to-reach populations in the disabled and homeless communities is still lacking, and when many of these consumers receive the enrollment packets and call either choice counselors or the plans themselves, they are directed to websites under the assumption that they can access computers and the internet.
Other issues have become apparent as enrollment unfolds. In some instances, plans have not included providers previously available to Medicaid consumers, resulting in recipients having to travel long distances while relying on unpredictable plan-provided transportation or public transportation to get the care they need. Doctors covered by Medipass before are not part of the Medicaid reform plan. One consumer had to change ALL of his doctors (4) because no plan included them. Another one had to travel 52 miles to find a specialist in his plan. What once took one bus to access now takes two.
One plan requires a patient to seek physician prior authorization for the same medication every 30 days. Another insisted to a patient that his long time primary care physician was in fact a specialist and could not be seen without prior authorization.
There is continued concern about developmentally disabled individuals and dual eligibles (receiving both Medicare and Medicaid benefits) being categorized as mandatory enrollees and receiving packages and confusion between the AHCA sponsored Enhanced Benefits component and the cash incentives many HMO’s include as part of their plans.
In fairness, some AHCA district officials have gone out of their way to help solve individual issues they can handle. By the same token, ACS continues to adjust its personnel to meet some needs (it recently hired a nurse to staff its call center to answer medically related questions other choice counselors were not prepared to handle).
Still, so as to not lose sight of whom this reform is intended to benefit, if and when the Legislature votes to expand this experiment statewide, it must consider the experience of those most closely affected by reform, the Medicaid consumers, instead of relying solely on prepared reports.
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 Andrew Leone at 954/684-9895 or andrewl@floridachain.org
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RECENT HEALTH ARTICLES
January 26, 2007
Florida News & Opinions
KidCare and SCHIP
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Drug Coverage, Drug Costs
Other Medicare, Medicaid
Health Insurance and Costs
Other Health Issues
National News & Opinions
Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP
Medicare Drug Coverage, Drug Costs
Other Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP
Health Insurance and Costs
Other National Health Issues
KidCare and SCHIP
Kids' health insurance contract worth $87.3M
A Dallas company said it has received a five-year, $87.3 million contract to administer Florida's child health insurance program. Affiliated Computer Services (NYSE: ACS) said the Florida Healthy Kids Corp. (FHKC) awarded the contract. The Florida Legislature established the Florida Healthy Kids Corp. in 1990 as a public-private partnership. The business process outsourcing and information technology solutions firm said the contract may be extended for up to five additional years at FHKC's option. Contract terms call for ACS to provide information technology development and third-party administration services for the Florida child health insurance program (CHIP), Florida KidCare. The program provides health care to children not eligible for Medicaid. ACS is to process applications for eligibility, collect premiums from eligible members, enroll members into appropriate health plans and operate a call center to assist program participants. The Florida KidCare program consists of MediKids, Healthy Kids and Children's Medical Services for kids with special health care needs. (South Florida Business Journal, 1/8/07)
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Drug Coverage, Drug Cost
Medicare beneficiaries in Florida can now get face-to-face drug counseling
Insurance giant Humana and the Florida Medicare Quality Improvement Organization announced a project Friday designed to help seniors use their prescription drugs more appropriately and effectively. Beneficiaries will be able to meet in-person with caregivers who will counsel them on how to get the most of their medications. The program is funded by a three-year grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Data from the project will be released in late 2007, and if it proves successful in improving health outcomes and reducing costs, it could be extended to other states. (1/12/07, UPI)
Other Medicare, Medicaid
Many patients say they struggle to discern how much they actually owe
Surgery for an arthritic shoulder sent John Brown to the hospital, but the 79-year-old retired mechanical engineer says charges totaling $125,331 on the bill he received were almost enough to give him a heart attack. Brown was relieved to see the bill also stated he owed St. Lucie Medical Center only $952 and Medicare was going to pick up $8,133 of the cost. Nevertheless, the bill was unclear about who, if anybody, was going to pay the remaining $116,246. (1/16/07, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers)
Health Insurance and Costs
Analysts: Bush health-insurance plan may reduce employer plans
President Bush's proposal to give tax deductions to cover people without health insurance likely won't help many of them, and may encourage employers to cut medical coverage, health-care analysts said. (1/25/07, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Who pays for the uninsured?
Healthcare leaders met in Miami to discuss innovative ways to provide coverage for the uninsured while saying the president's plan has no chance. With healthcare reform ideas appearing everywhere from the White House to the governor's mansion in California, a couple dozen healthcare leaders in Florida gathered Tuesday in Miami to discuss a broad, middle-of-the-road solution that would combine public and private cooperation to cover America's 46 million uninsured. (1/24/07, Miami Herald)
She went to the ER in the first place because she had no health insurance: Coral Springs mother died from massive overdose given by Broward General nurse
The Coral Springs mother went to the emergency room feeling sick after running out of medicine. But instead of just getting a refill, she died when a nurse gave her a massive overdose of a seizure drug, according to hospital officials and state records. (1/24/07, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Health-caring: State must consider expanded coverage
Almost one in five Floridians under age 65 is without health insurance, half a million of them children. The total estimated number of residents who have no health insurance is 2.7 million in a state of almost 18 million. In Leon County, 10 percent to 14 percent of the population is believed to be without health insurance - somewhat lower than the state average. That fact no doubt contributed to the defeat in November of a countywide referendum on a half-percent sales tax to provide basic health coverage for Leon County's uninsured. Florida should learn the lesson that the property-insurance crisis is now teaching us: The time for new solutions is before the crisis becomes almost unmanageable. (1/21/07, Tallahassee Democrat)
Low-cost care efforts see little interest
The "if you build it, they will come" theory might work in the movies but not necessarily with local programs designed to help people without health insurance. With nearly one in five Palm Beach County residents under 65 without health insurance, the county medical society and health-care district recently launched two major efforts aimed at improving care and coverage to the uninsured. But so far, fewer than 600 residents have used the assistance. (1/21/07, Palm Beach Post)
EDITORIAL: The Luck Of a Broken Leg
As an actor, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger knows that in show business, "Break a leg" is a wish of good luck before the curtain goes up. In fact, he broke his leg. As it turned out, the good luck turned out to be for the residents of California. Now he's proposed universal-health-care insurance for everyone in the Golden State. Other governors, including Florida's Charlie Crist, will surely want to pay attention to what Gov. Schwarzenegger is doing and saying about health-care reform. They won't even have to break a leg to follow his example. (1/15/07, Lakeland Ledger)
Reversing U.S. healthcare's 'death spiral'
Brian Keeley, head of South Florida's largest healthcare company, discusses what to do about the nation's health problems and his own firm's role. As chief executive of Baptist Health South Florida, he has created over the past 20 years a strong nonprofit system of five hospitals in affluent southern Miami-Dade County and the Keys at a time when many stand-alone facilities were going under or being sold to for-profit chains. Like many industry leaders, he is convinced the country's healthcare system is in a ''death spiral,'' because the number of uninsured keeps rising. These people tend to skip primary care and end up in emergency rooms, where they run up big bills that they frequently can't pay, meaning hospitals must charge private insurers more to make up for these losses. That tends to make private health insurance less affordable, causing more companies to drop coverage, increasing the number of uninsured, and so on. (1/15/07, Miami Herald)
Other Health Issues
Free clinics: Facilities treat uninsured, poor and homeless
You feel sick, just terrible. The only thing making you feel worse? You have no money and no health insurance. Where can you go for medical care? You might find help at one of three free clinics in the area -St. Joseph's Medical Center, Health and Hope Clinic, both in Pensacola, and Good Samaritan Clinic in Gulf Breeze. Serving those without health insurance -- the homeless, the unemployed and the under-employed -the clinics are free, but patients must fill out an application to show income eligibility based on federal poverty guidelines. Some clinics also offer free medication or dental care. (1/21/07, Pensacola News Journal)
South Floridian is state's first surgeon general
Gov. Charlie Crist named a South Florida doctor to be the state's first surgeon general and health secretary. She backs a controversial health plan. Refusing to rule out a big-government, California-style health insurance plan for Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist on Wednesday tapped an admirer of the proposal to be the state's first surgeon general as well as the state's health secretary. In announcing the appointment of Dr. Ana M. Viamonte-Ros, a South Florida physician and daughter of Cuban immigrants, Crist said she was the perfect fit for his administration and the proposed surgeon general post, a public-advocacy office that will ''highlight'' and help solve Florida's healthcare troubles, particularly among children. (1/18/07, Miami Herald)
NATIONAL NEWS & OPINIONS
Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP
Medicare Drug Coverage, Drug Cost
House Passes Medicare Drug Bill: Measure Would Require Government to Seek Lower Prices
The House on Friday voted 255-170 to approve a bill (HR 4) that would require the HHS secretary to negotiate prices directly with pharmaceutical companies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and report to Congress in six months.All House Democrats and 24 House Republicans voted in favor of the bill, which Democrats had pledged to pass in the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress. The bill states that the HHS secretary "shall negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers the prices that may be charged" to private Medicare prescription drug plans. The bill would allow insurers that sponsor Medicare drug plans to negotiate lower prices than those obtained by the government. The 2003 Medicare law prohibits the government from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies under the drug benefit. (1/13/07, Washington Post)
CMS Actuaries Conclude That H.R. 4 Would Have No Effect On Lowering Drug Prices
Independent actuaries at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have reviewed H.R. 4 and concluded that government negotiations mandated in the bill would not produce any savings. "Although the bill would require the Secretary to negotiate with drug manufacturers regarding drug prices, the inability to drive market share via the establishment of a formulary or development of a preferred tier significantly undermines the effectiveness of this negotiation," explained Paul Spitalnic, Director of the Parts C and D Actuarial Group in the Office of the Actuary. "Manufacturers would have little to gain by offering rebates that aren't linked to a preferred position of their products, and we assume that they will be unwilling to do so." (1/17/07, CMS)
Baucus Proposes Allowing, Not Requiring, Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus said he would like to change the language in the current House bill (HR 4) that would "require" the government to negotiate Medicare drug prices. Instead, Baucus said he would simply remove the current prohibition on negotiations from existing law (PL 108-173). (1/16/07, CQ HealthBeat)
Bush Threatens Veto of Medicare Drug Bill, but a Senator Is Seeking a Middle Ground
President Bush threatened on Thursday to veto legislation that would require the government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to obtain lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries. But chances for passage of some version of the legislation increased when a pivotal figure, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said Congress should repeal a provision of the 2003 Medicare law that prohibits such negotiations. The chairman, Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana, said he did not favor price controls, but did believe that Medicare should be able to negotiate prices in ''discrete areas where seniors need our help the most.'' (1/12/07, New York Times)
EDITORIAL: The Wrong Prescription: Government should not negotiate drug prices in Medicare
"One of the key challenges in health policy is to understand which drugs, tests and therapies are most cost-effective," and "solutions are most likely to be found by competing private entities," the editorial states. The editorial concludes, "The better approach is to let each insurer offer its own version of the right balance, see whether it attracts customers - and then adapt flexibility." (1/13/07, Washington Post)
EDITORIAL: Negotiating Lower Drug Prices
The bill scheduled for a vote on Friday "is sufficiently flexible to allow older Americans to benefit from the best efforts of both the government and the private drug plans" and "should pose no threat to the free market," a New York Times editorial states. The bill would not require the secretary to negotiate the prices of all 4,400 drugs used by beneficiaries, and a "smart secretary could simply determine which prices paid by the plans seemed most out of line with the prices paid by other purchasers and then negotiate only on those drugs." (1/12/07, New York Times)
Other Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP News
New means to rein in Medicare: The cost of the federal health plan is set to soar. Asking the well-off to pay a little more makes senseCongress is moving to let the government use its mass purchasing power to buy drugs for Medicare recipients and negotiate for lower prices," but "a better way to reduce costs in this expensive health care plan would be a 'means test' for users. Traditionally, liberals have worried that forcing the wealthy to pay more for the same Medicare benefit would erode support for the program," and conservatives "have argued that means testing is nothing more than a hidden new 'success tax,'" according to the editorial. However, the editorial states, "with Medicare costs about to skyrocket, it's time to abandon old prejudices and take a fresh look at means testing." (1/16/07, Christian Science Monitor)
Children Dropping Off Medicaid Rolls(AP) For several years, there has been a steady increase in the number of children enrolling in Virginia's health insurance program for the poor. Beginning July 1, state officials say, an unprecedented slide began. Over the following five months, about 12,000 children dropped off the state's Medicaid rolls. "An entire year's growth has been wiped out," said Cynthia Jones, chief deputy director for the state's Department of Medical Assistance Services. The drop-off, Jones points out, began about the time a new federal law took effect. The law states that U.S. citizens applying for Medicaid or renewing their participation must present proof of their citizenship and identity. The law emerged out of concern that illegal immigrants were obtaining access to health insurance coverage sponsored by the government. The states experiencing declines are adamant that U.S. citizens and certain legal immigrants are dropping off the Medicaid rolls, not illegal immigrants. (1/10/07, AP)
Health Insurance and Costs
The 2007 State of the Union Address: The President's Health Insurance Proposal Is Not a solution
While it is encouraging that President Bush made health care a theme of last night's State of the Union address-an issue of great importance to the new Congress and to the public-his proposal to offer tax deductions to those who buy health insurance would do little to cover the nation's nearly 47 million uninsured. It also falls far short of initiatives taking shape in states such as Massachusetts, California, and Pennsylvania. (1/24/07, Commonwealth Fund)
Bush Revives Some Past Proposals and Offers a New Initiative on Health Insurance
President Bush delivered a domestic agenda to Congressional Democrats on Tuesday that was, in large part, modest and a reiteration of past proposals. Where he did break ground — on health care — his initiative was quickly dismissed by leading Democrats and seemed unlikely to form the basis of bipartisan action. There were some notable omissions in Mr. Bush’s speech. He did not offer a new proposal for dealing with the long-term financial problems in Medicare and Social Security, although he again identified those entitlement programs as a challenge that must be confronted. Nor did he make the grand gesture that might have spurred Congressional Democrats into the bipartisan talks on entitlements that administration officials insist they want.(1/24/07, New York Times)
President Bush Proposes Health Coverage Expansion Based on Tax Changes
In a "remarkable shift," a plan for covering more of the uninsured that would treat health insurance as a taxable benefit was a major focus of President George Bush's sixth State of the Union address, though the "overture to the new majority" met with strong opposition from Democrats. (1/24/07, Washington Post)
Bush Revives Some Past Proposals and Offers a New Initiative on Health Insurance
President Bush delivered a domestic agenda to Congressional Democrats on Tuesday that was, in large part, modest and a reiteration of past proposals. Where he did break ground - on health care - his initiative was quickly dismissed by leading Democrats and seemed unlikely to form the basis of bipartisan action. (1/23/07, Cover the Uninsured)
Lawmakers Unveil Bill that Would Help Fund States' Efforts to Cover Uninsured
A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers unveiled legislation that would provide federal funding for state initiatives to provide health care coverage to the nation's more than 46 million uninsured. (1/22/07, CQ HealthBeat)
Issue of the Uninsured Gets Attention from Unusual Coalitions, States, Congress and the President
The issue of the uninsured is receiving renewed attention from a range of disparate groups that often have competing agendas, including states, consumer advocates and business groups, as well as attention in Washington. (1/22/07, Washington Post)
OPINION: Bush's Health Proposal Gets Mixed Reaction
The proposal to expand health coverage by altering the tax structure that President Bush outlined in his State of the Union address received widespread editorial attention. (1/22/07, New York Times)
OPINION: Renewed Interest in Health Coverage May Finally Prompt Political Action
With disparate groups joining together to call for expanded health coverage, and states addressing the issue as well, "a genuinely comprehensive reform plan" is evolving that will lead to universal coverage. (1/24/07, Washington Post)
SCHIP Expansion Plan Taking Shape
The health care industry's "strange bedfellows" got back together to push a proposal designed to provide insurance for most of the nation's children and many adults who lack coverage. (1/22/07, CQ HealthBeat)
Powerhouse Coverage Coalition—How Much Juice Does It Really Have?
Analysts who have seen passions wax and wane in Washington over the decades for universal health coverage are taking seriously the broad coalition of diverse groups seeking dramatic action to cover the uninsured. (1/22/07, CQ HealthBeat)
Unprecedented Alliance of Health Care Leaders Announces Historic Agreement to Help Reduce the Numbers of America's Uninsured
Most of the nation's largest health care organizations today announced that they have agreed on a proposal that would significantly expand health coverage for America's almost 47 million uninsured, starting immediately with expanded coverage for children in 2007. Calling itself the Health Coverage Coalition for the Uninsured (HCCU), the group is made up of 16 influential, national organizations that have played leading roles in every federal health policy debate of the last 30 years, often on opposing sides. (1/18/07, HCCU)
Report: Many States Increasing Efforts to Cover Uninsured
A third of states have taken steps to cover more of their uninsured residents but a new federal law may be undercutting some of those efforts, according to a study by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. (1/16/07, CQ HealthBeat)
Nation's Leading Physician Groups Join Together To Announce Principles For Reforming The U.S. Health Care System
Ten of the USA's leading physician associations speak with one voice to release principles to reform the U.S. health care system. This unity among physician groups is intended to help provide the impetus for bipartisan Congressional action to cover the uninsured. Recognizing that many newly elected Members of Congress campaigned on fixing the heath care system, the Principles serve as a guide for Congress to improve both individual health and the collective health care system in the U.S. (1/16/07, American College of Physicians)
Reps. Kennedy, Ramstad Promote Mental Health Parity Bill
Reps. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) and Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) on Tuesday in Providence, R.I., held the first public hearing in a tour across the U.S. to gain support for legislation that would require health insurers to cover mental illness at the same level as they cover physical illness. The two representatives said they hope the hearings will help "dissolve the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction." The legislation would require health insurers to provide reimbursements, copayments, deductibles and limits on physician visits for mental health care at the same level as for physical care. (1/17/07, AP)
Congress Fights over Children's Health Insurance Program
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) "is about to become the first battleground in the effort by newly empowered congressional Democrats to force Washington to take on health care." (1/15/07, Los Angeles Times)
States, Bridling At Insulin's Cost, Push for Generics
As they examine their state health care budgets, 11 of the nation's governors have identified one big-ticket item they think should cost less: insulin. The drug cost state Medicaid programs $500 million in 2005. And in the face of an epidemic of diabetes, the governors are asking why there is no cheaper generic version of a drug that, in one form or another, has been used since the 1920s. (1/11/07, New York Times)
Other Health Issues
Preventive Care Gets Low Marks on AHRQ Quality Report Card
Although quality of care improved overall, preventive care got low marks in 2006 on the annual quality-of-care report card issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (1/22/07, CQ HealthBeat)
Government Says Health Care Improving
The nation's minorities, poor and uninsured especially are missing out on the preventive screening and counseling they need, according to government reports Thursday. Overall, the quality of the U.S. health care system continues to improve at a modest pace. When it comes to preventive care though, the rate of improvement lags. (1/11/07, AP)
Center to Develop Hispanic, Native-American Health Policy Leaders
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of New Mexico will open a center for health policy at the university by Fall 2007 to increase the number of Hispanic and Native American scholars engaged in the health care debate. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy will focus on recruiting minorities into social sciences doctoral programs and retaining Hispanic and Native American students through financial, social and cultural support. It also will conduct independent research on health care access, cost and quality, and offer interdisciplinary research workshops on specialized health topics. The center expects to train roughly 100 students within five years. More than 30% of UNM's 32,300 students are Hispanic and 12% are Native American. (1/11/07, AHA News Now)
January 26, 2007
Florida CHAIN Website Resources
Grants and Fellowships
Organizations and Services
Manuals, Guides and Toolkits
Technology and Audio Visual Materials
Audioconferences and Webcasts
Media Programming
Web Sites, Web Features
Videos
Periodicals and Books
Reports and Studies
New Listings
New Listings: Medicare, Medicaid
New: Health Insurance, Health Care Costs
New: Health Equity Issues
New: Other Health Issues
Florida Reports
Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIPS
Federal Budget/Health Care
Health Insurance, Health Costs, Health Care Reform
Health Equity Issues
Other Health Issues
FLORIDA CHAIN WEB SITE RESOURCE UPDATE
Florida Medicaid Reform PowerPoint Presentation
Educate your colleagues and/or employees on Florida Medicaid Reform basics. with Florida CHAIN's PowerPoint presentation for public use. Feel free to call Florida CHAIN for more information about Medicaid reform or about the PowerPoint: 954/791-7314.
The Florida CHAIN web site now includes resource information in Spanish.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
New grant listings
Fresh Ideas: Improving the Health of Immigrant and Refugee Communities
Application Deadline: Apr 13
This initiative aims to give immigrants and refugees the tools and support they need to improve and maintain their own health. Today, more than 30 million immigrants and refugees live in the United States. They often have high rates of chronic health problems, due at least in part to difficulties they have getting appropriate social and health services. Language barriers, lack of education and cultural differences sometimes make it harder for immigrants and refugees to obtain culturally appropriate services, outreach or other information that could help them live healthier lives.
NIH: Community Participation in Research
Deadline: May 18
The goal of this funding opportunity announcement is to support research on health promotion, disease prevention and health disparities that is jointly conducted by communities and researchers. This funding opportunity announcement will utilize the National Institutes of Health research project grant (R01) award mechanism and runs in parallel with an announcement of identical scientific scope, PAR-06-247, that solicits applications under the exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) award mechanism.
HRET Leadership Fellowships
Limited space is still available in the 2007-2008 classes of the Fellowships in Patient Safety and Cultural Competence. Take this opportunity to nominate an individual or team--either from your own organization or from other associated organizations--positioned to make the most of this intensive learning experience. Limited scholarship funding is available. Call 312/422-2625 for more information.
Continuing grant listings, in order of submission deadlines
Community Access to Child Health Implementation Funds Program
Deadline: Jan 31
American Academy of Pediatrics has released a 2007 Call for Proposals for the Community Access to Child Health Implementation Funds program. CATCH provides grants to support pediatricians in the planning or pilot stages of the implementation of community-based child health initiatives. Grants should lead to the initialization of implementation projects aimed at increasing access to medical homes and other needed services. A pediatrician must lead the project and be significantly involved. Priority will given to projects serving communities with the greatest demonstrated healthcare access needs and health disparities. Grants of up to $10,000 each are awarded each year on a competitive basis to pediatricians who want to address the local needs of children in the community. This is a six-month implementation grant. Only applicants from US and territories are eligible, and must be members of AAP.
Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice to Support Healthcare Advocacy Work With Communities of Color
Deadline: Feb 2
A program of FamiliesUSA, the Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice is designed to foster the advancement of social justice through participation in healthcare advocacy work that focuses on the unique challenges facing many communities of color. Through this fellowship, Families USA hopes to expand the pool of talented social justice advocates from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups. The goals of the Wellstone fellowship program are to: address disparities in access to health care; inspire Wellstone Fellows to continue to work for social justice throughout their lives; and increase the number and racial and ethnic diversity of up-and-coming social justice advocates and leaders.
Healthy Eating Research: Building Evidence to Prevent Childhood Obesity - Round 2
Deadline: Feb 13
Healthy Eating Research is a national Robert Wood Johnson Foundationprogram that supports research on environmental and policy strategies to promote healthy eating among children to prevent childhood obesity, especially among low-income and racial/ethnic populations at highest risk for obesity. This second round of funding focuses on children's food environments and policies in selected community settings: preschool, child-care, school and after-school environments, as well as nearby food outlets.
Building Human CapitalApplication deadline: Feb 15The Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program fosters the development of physicians who will lead the transformation of American's health care. These future leaders will conduct innovative research and work with communities, organizations, practitioners and policy-makers on issues important to the health and well-being of all Americans. Program highlights include: leadership training; mentoring; protected research time; national networking; and health services and community-based research training.
The Effect of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination/Bias on Healthcare DeliveryDeadline: variable
The purposes of this Funding Opportunity Announcement are: (1) to improve the measurement of racial/ethnic discrimination in healthcare delivery systems; (2) to enhance understanding of the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination in healthcare delivery and its association with disparities; and (3) to reduce the prevalence of racial/ethnic health disparities.
is seeking visionaries with an incredible, new idea that could change your community, country, or world. Are you an entrepreneur who won't rest until your idea has been brought to life? If so, apply for an Echoing Green Fellowship. You could receive up to $90,000 in seed funding and support to launch a new organization that turns your innovative idea for social change into action. Find out whether you qualify. For more information contact jeremy@echoinggreen.org.
NIH: Social and Cultural Dimensions of Health
Application deadline: variable
The ultimate goal of this program announcement is to encourage the development of health research that integrates knowledge from the biomedical and social sciences. This announcement invites applications to (a) elucidate basic social and cultural constructs and processes used in health research, (b) clarify social and cultural factors in the etiology and consequences of health and illness, (c) link basic research to practice for improving prevention, treatment, health services, and dissemination, and (d) explore ethical issues in social and cultural research related to health.
Changes in Health Care Financing and Organization
Application Deadline: Open
This Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program supports policy analysis, research, evaluation and demonstration projects that provide policy leaders timely information on health care policy and financing issues. This Call for Proposals is intended to support projects that: 1) examine significant issues and interventions related to health care financing and organization and their effects on health care costs, quality and access; and 2) explore or test major new ways to finance and organize health care that have the potential to improve access to more affordable and higher quality health services.
Funding for Community-Based Approaches to Improve Care for Vulnerable Populations
Deadline: Rolling
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is accepting applications for its Fresh Ideas: Community-Based Approaches to Improve Care for Vulnerable Populations grant program. The purpose of this program is to promote community-based approaches to health and health care problems that interact with social problems. Examples include inadequate housing, poor education and poverty. Priority is given to projects that focus on hard-to-reach populations such as new immigrants and refugees and at-risk adolescents.
Research Proposals on Disparities Issues
Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation seeks to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2 and/or depression. To that end, RWJF invites research proposals that offer solutions towards reducing health care disparities. RWJF encourages researchers to include data and analyses in their proposals to help us better understand these disparities related to: sub-ethnic and other marginalized groups (e.g., Mexican, Puerto Rican, Vietnamese and American Indian); and acculturation factors (e.g., generation, years in US, age of migration and language proficiency). RWJF will consider projects of up to $75,000 with a one-year time frame.
State Coverage Initiatives
Through funding from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, State Coverage Initiatives offers both policy planning and demonstration grants. SCI grants are designed to support states in the early stages of planning coverage expansions and those states that have decided on a new coverage expansion mechanism and seek assistance designing and implementing the program. Specific new grant opportunities are announced on the Web site and through the e-newsletter, St@teside; however, states may submit project ideas at any time. For specific info, contact isabel.friedenzohn@academyhealth.org or 202/292-6726
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.
ORGANZATIONS AND SERVICES
Newly posted resources are at the top of the list.
Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is a comprehensive independent source of health care information and assistance for older adults and people with disabilities. Multiple 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.
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.
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
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.
Southeast Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (SFCCC)
SFCCC works to reduce the cancer burden and cancer disparities in Southeast Florida, including Broward, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties. The SFCCC includes representatives from more than 60 public and private organizations, agencies and health care providers, as well as cancer survivor and advocacy groups. SFCCC aims to increase awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment among populations at high risk. The Collaborative meets quarterly at various locations in the region.
MANUALS, GUIDES, TOOLKITS
Newly posted resources are at the top of the list.
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)
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.
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
Applying for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy: A Tool Kit for Advocates
Access to Benefits Coalition provides these Tools You Can Use to help people apply for the extra help available through the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.
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.
Florida Healthy Kids Marketing and Public Relations Tool Kit
Healthy Kids asks users to please forward updates on items used, including how they were used, numbers distributed and feedback on effectiveness. Call center staff need to be aware of any efforts so they know which items are out in each community and are prepared to address questions. Send requests to floyda@healthykids.org or fax to 850/224-0615.
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.
TECHNOLOGY AND AUDIO/VIDEO RESOURCES
Audio Conferences and Webcasts
Dated events listed chronologically; standing webcasts listed last
Health Action 2007 Webcast
NOW!
Just because you won't be in Washington this week doesn’t mean you have to miss all the action! With this webcast, you can watch conference plenary sessions, as they happen, as Senators Barack Obama, Edward Kennedy, Gordon Smith, and Sherrod Brown, along with other prominent health care advocates, address the health care issues we all care about. To check for the days and times of specific plenary sessions, see the conference program online.
Advancing the State of the Art of Community Benefit
Feb 6 12:00 noon EST
In this audioconference, you will hear from two Catholic health systems that helped design and implement the Advancing the State of the Art of Community Benefit (ASACB) demonstration project. The ASACB demonstration has brought together a diverse group of hospitals in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada to develop and implement a series of uniform standards to align hospital governance, management, and operations, and to make optimal use of limited charitable resources to address unmet health-related needs.
Federal Budget Advocacy Made Simple
Sign up by clicking on the date.
Feb 1 12:30 pm-2:00 pm EST
The President's budget will be out on February 5. Will you be ready? Sign up for an online Coalition for Human Needs training session to learn: What's at stake for human needs in the coming year's budget decisions, including the basics: how the budget process works, when decisions are made, and who makes them; and practical tools to help you make the case for the right budget priorities. Contact mdonahue@chn.org or 202/223-2532 x27.
ACHI Audio Conference
Feb. 15 2:00 pm ET
Maximizing Community Benefit's Impact on Community Health
National Town Hall Meeting on Children’s Health Coverage
During Campaign for Children's Health Care's town hall meeting, Senators Max Baucus (D-MT), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), and Gordon Smith (R-OR) expressed their bipartisan support for expanding children’s health coverage. This bodes well for efforts to achieve health coverage for all kids. An archived Web cast of the 35-minute national town hall meeting is available on the campaign’s Web site.
Media Programming
Web Sites, Web Features & Databases
Newest postings are listed at the top of State and National Web Resources sections below
State Web Resources
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.
"2006 Kids Count” Report
The annual report measures each state in terms of 10 statistics, including infant mortality, teen birth rate and infants born with low birthweights. The report finds no change in U.S. infant mortality since 2000, less than a percentage point increase to 7.9% in 2003 in the percentage of infants born weighing less than 5.5 pounds and a decrease in the teen birth rate from 48 births per 1,000 girls in 2000 to 42 births per 1,000 in 2003. (6/27/06, Annie E. Casey Foundation)
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
National Web Resources
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.
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 HHS Web Site Promoting Long-Term Care Planning
The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information Web site provides comprehensive information about long-term care planning, services and financing options, along with tools to help people begin the planning process. The clearinghouse Web site is designed to increase public awareness about the risks and costs of long-term care and the potential need for services, and to provide objective information to help people plan for the future. The new Web site also supports the "Own Your Future" education campaign, a joint federal-state initiative designed to increase consumer awareness about planning for long-term care.
CVS/pharmacy Helps Seniors Find The Right Medicare Part D Plan
CVS/pharmacy has launched an online Medicare Plan Comparison Tool. The tool is available through the web and at CVS pharmacies. Designed to help millions of eligible seniors find the Medicare Part D plan that best suits their needs, the user-friendly CVS/pharmacy Medicare Plan Comparison Tool is part of CVS/pharmacy's ongoing efforts to educate seniors about their Medicare Part D options.
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.
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.
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.
Comprehensive source of Hispanic data
Recent release from the Census Bureau with data and linkage to sources covering many areas.
Statehealthfacts.org Data Updates
New updates include 2005 Medicaid Spending and Enrollment, Adult Overweight/Obesity Rates, and Child Health for 2005. New 2003 child health data from the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health on the percentage of children who are overweight and children who have accessed mental health services have also been added and are available by state and region.
Private Health Insurance 101 Tutorial
This new Kaiser Family Foundation narrated slide tutorial provides an overview of the private health insurance system, discussing basic concepts that are important in understanding private health insurance and how it works, such as risk spreading/risk selection, pluralism, costs, coverage, and regulation. Tutorial slides can be downloaded.
Updated Medicare 101 Tutorial
The newly expanded Kaiser Family Foundation tutorial gives an overview of Medicare, describes how it works and explores the program's challenges. The tutorial has been updated to include the latest information on Medicare spending, the prescription drug benefit and future challenges.
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.
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.
Covering Kids & Families Web Site
New layout includes Back to School Campaign resources; Communications Action Center, a one-stop outreach resource; new Covering Kids & Families Policy Center; new promising strategies section; resources for families looking for information about low-cost and free health care coverage; streamlined free materials ordering section; new PSA featuring Bernie Mac; royalty-free photos; resources for event planners. For more information, call 202/338-7227 or email coveringkidsandfamilies@gmmb.com.
New Community Health Action Web Site
This website is intended to give leaders at community-based organizations, easy and ready access to important information on healthcare issues. The site also features a free quarterly newsletter called Community Health Advocacy News & Views with resources and information.
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 New 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.
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)
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.
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.
2006 Federal Poverty Guidelines
The Southern Institute on Children and Families, National Program Office for Covering Kids & Families has made available the 2006 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Compiled from the 2006 HHS Poverty Guidelines, these guidelines provide income levels for families at 50%, 100%, 125%, 133%, 150%, 185% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
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.
Videos
Covering Kids & Families Video
Parents' Action for Children, a 2006 national supporter, has created a flash animation video in partnership with Covering Kids & Families that promotes the availability of low-cost and free health care coverage for eligible families. Parents’ Action for Children plans to promote the video to their membership of more than 35,000 parents across the country who are working to improve the lives of children and families in their communities. View the video today! For more information, contact 202/338-7227 or coveringkidsandfamilies@gmmb.com
Problems with the Medicare Drug Program and How to Fix Them: Video
This new 14-minute video produced by Families USA features trusted newsman Walter Cronkite discussing the problems within the new Medicare prescription drug benefit and offering solutions for the Part D program. The video offers an authoritative look at Medicare’s prescription coverage. First-hand experiences come from retirees from across the country, who offer an up-close look at the troubles the new drug benefit has generated, from the headaches of sorting through dozens of plans to the financial tolls the program will take on so-called beneficiaries. A dedicated community pharmacist shares his insights on the roll-out of Part D and knowledgeable consumer advocates analyze the politics at the core of the creation of the Medicare drug program. Watch the Video Online or Request a Copy
PERIODICALS AND BOOKS
Kaiser Health Disparities Report: A Weekly Look at Race, Ethnicity and Health
This free, weekly report from kaisernetwork.org and the Kaiser Family Foundation, synthesizes news coverage from hundreds of print and broadcast news sources related to health and health care issues that effect racial and ethnic communities. The report also highlights new studies and journal articles, initiatives, developments in the field, and upcoming events.
Emergency Use Only: Curbing Unnecessary Emergency Room Use Through Education, Accountability and Physician Engagement
This 35-page special report details how to target and reduce unnecessary and inappropriate ED use, with details on: initiatives and interventions for decreasing non-urgent ED use, mining data to target high-utilization, high-cost individuals, implementing an ED case management program, communicating proper ED use to targeted populations and enlisting physicians' support in care redirection and appropriate ED use.
No Place Like Home
While Americans may not be familiar with the term "medical home," they know when they don't have one-that is, a primary care practice that provides them with accessible, continuous, and coordinated care. A new column explains why medical homes are the foundation of patient-centered care, and why every American should have one. (December 2006, Commonwealth Fund)
Covering Health Issues - A Sourcebook for Journalists
The newest edition of the Alliance for Health Reform's 300-page guide, "Covering Health Issues," is now available for downloading. The guide is useful for anyone interested in health policy issues. Each chapter contains key facts, an overview, expert sources with telephone numbers, story ideas, helpful websites and a discussion of current policy proposals.
REPORTS AND STUDIES
New Listings
New Listings: Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP
Medicare Drug Plan Costs Vary By State, Even Under Lowest-Cost Plans
Prescription drug plan costs can vary by thousands of dollars for seniors in different states, even under the lowest-cost Medicare drug plan available, according to a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Critics said the findings were based on old data and that widely acknowledged problems reflected in that data have been fixed. (1/22/07, CQ HealthBeat)
Triple Jeopardy for Vulnerable Children: Greater Health Needs, Less Access, Poorer Primary Care
Key findings included: Eligible children are more likely to be insured in states in which the State Children’s Health Insurance Program is an expansion of Medicaid; Many parents do not understand SCHIP, and non-English speakers are less likely to enroll their children; Insurance is necessary, but not sufficient. For insurance to have a beneficial effect, children must also have a regular provider and receive care when they need it; Children with the greatest health care needs have the greatest difficulty in obtaining primary care. (December 2006, RAND Corporation)
New Listings: Health Insurance, Health Costs
Borrowing to Stay Healthy
Report documents how low and middle income households are turning to credit cards to pay for medical care...While uninsured respondents had the highest levels of credit care debt, even respondents with health insurance were not shielded from the medical debt problem. These findings, combined with the industry trend of increasing deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs, call into question whether it is prudent to rely on borrowing as a method to pay for needed health care. (January 2007, The Access Project)
Quality of Chronic Disease Care in Community Health Centers
Although the quality of chronic disease care in community health centers (CHCs) compares favorably with care received in other settings, gaps exist, particularly for the uninsured, a study by Harvard Medical School researchers found. This is important, the researchers contend, because publicly funded CHCs are caring for growing numbers of Americans-more than 15 million and counting. Of this group, 23 percent are uninsured and 64 percent are members of minority or immigrant groups. (Nov-Dec 2006, Health Affairs)
Health Care Spending: An Encouraging Sign?
A federal report on national health care spending in 2005 indicates that spending slowed for a third straight year and, as a percentage of gross domestic product, held nearly constant from 2004 to 2005. Though the news is encouraging, spending growth in 2005—6.9 percent—continued to outpace inflation and growth in wages for the average U.S. worker. Clearly, rising health care costs continue to be a major concern. The Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System has stated that the nation must strive to achieve greater value while simultaneously decreasing the rate of growth of health spending. Among the steps that could achieve these goals are: increasing transparency and public reporting of cost and quality information, rewarding quality and efficiency, and expanding the use of information technology and systems of health information exchange. (January 2007, Commonwealth Fund)
New Listings: Health Equity Issues
National Healthcare Disparities Report, 2006
The 2006 NHDR uses the same measures of quality as its companion National Healthcare Quality Report (NHQR) to monitor the Nation's annual progress toward eliminating disparities in health care. Racial/ethnic group comparison focus on 22 core measures of quality and 6 core measures of access that support reliable estimates for Whites, Blacks, Asians, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Hispanics; income group comparisons highlight 17 core quality measures and 6 core access measures.
Providing Language Services in State and Local Health-Related Benefits Offices: Examples from the Field
This report outlines an eight-step approach to helping benefits offices develop language strategies tailored to their clients' specific needs. (January 2007, Commonwealth Fund)
New Listings: Other Health Issues
The ninth Commonwealth Fund Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey highlighted the perspectives of a diverse group of experts on what the health care priorities for the 110th Congress should be. The survey found that covering the uninsured is at the top of the list, with 88 percent of respondents saying that covering the uninsured is "absolutely essential" or "very important." Other top priorities include controlling rising health care costs, reforming Medicare to ensure long-term solvency, and increasing the use of information technology to improve the quality and safety of patient care. Opinion leaders' responses closely align with the principles laid out by the Fund's Commission on a High Performance Health System, creating a compelling case for change. (January 2007, Commonwealth Fund)
Public Roles of U.S. Physicians: Community Participation, Political Involvement, and Collective AdvocacyPhysicians are naturally concerned with the health of their own patients, but to what extent are they also civic-minded? That is, are they concerned about social and economic issues that affect the health of their patients beyond the doors of their practices? Do physicians have a responsibility to advocate for public health issues and contribute to the society that grants them professional status? The answer, according to physicians themselves, is yes. (11/20/07, JAMA)
More Than 25,000 Surveys Show Patients Very Satisfied With Their Doctors' Care
Patients nationwide generally are very satisfied with the care they receive from their physicians, according to a year-end analysis of more than 25,000 surveys compiled by the online site www.drscore.com. Almost half of the surveys gave the doctors scores of 10-extremely satisfied. Two-thirds gave ratings of 8, 9 or 10, meaning the patients were at least very satisfied with their doctors' care. (December 2006)
Florida Reports
Miami-Dade and Monroe County 2006 Health Profiles
Health Council of South Florida has released downloadable Health Profiles that provide answers to 10 commonly asked questions about county demographics, health needs, and resources.
Florida Senate Interim Project Report on Florida KidCare Organizational Streamlining and Administrative Simplification
The Florida KidCare program provides health care coverage to over 1.4 million children. KidCare is an "umbrella” program, the components of which include Medicaid for children, Healthy Kids, Medikids, and Children’s Medical Services Network. Linking these has resulted in a complex administrative structure, with different financial eligibility requirements, benefit designs, service delivery systems, cost sharing equirements, and multiple administrative entities. This administrative structure has created barriers to access, although many have been or are being addressed. This report recommends further incremental approaches for organizational streamlining and administrative simplification. A model for comprehensive reorganization is also provided for consideration. (October 2006, Florida Senate)
Medicaid Changes: What will they mean for Broward and Duval counties, and beyond?
This document is Briefing #1 by researchers at Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute engaged in a two-year evaluation of the Medicaid reform pilot counties for both Florida counties. The evaluation is assessing how these changes affect Medicaid beneficiaries’ ability to access needed care as well as the impact on community health providers.(September 2006, Georgetown University Health Policy Institute)
State of Working Florida 2006
Research Insitute on Social and Economic Policy (RISEP)'s annual Labor Day report reviews economic data to provide a comprehensive picture of workers and their families. Data on wages, employment, industries, and benefits show how workers are faring in Florida 's economy. Key 2006 findings include: almost 20% of Florida’s residents had no healthcare coverage in 2002-2005, worse than all but two of the nation’s states; median wage well below national norms; drop in family incomes; positive outcomes from new state minimum wage law.
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.
Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIPS
SCHIP Experience: Trends in Access to Medicaid and SCHIP Coverage
With states generally in better financial shape since the fiscal crisis earlier in the decade, many have expressed interest in improving access to their Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs. A new 50-state survey shows that one-third of states (17) increased access to health coverage in 2006, and no state cut income eligibility in Medicaid and SCHIP for the first time in four years. (1/9/07, Kaiser Foundation)
No Bargain: Medicare Drug Plans Deliver High Prices
For the top 20 drugs prescribed to seniors, the report examined prices charged by the VA compared to the prices charged by the five companies with the largest enrollment in the Medicare (Part D) drug program. Those companies, UnitedHealthcare/PacifiCare, Humana, Wellpoint, Member Health, and WellCare, enrolled almost two-thirds (65 percent) of the Medicare beneficiaries participating in Part D during 2006. Medicare drug plan prices for the top drugs prescribed to seniors are 58 percent higher than the same drugs provided to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a report released today. According to the report, the prices charged by plans sponsored by the five companies are 50-75 percent higher than the VA price for Celebrex; 51-82 percent higher for Lipitor (10 mg); 69-95 percent higher for Nexium; 205-261 percent higher for Fosamax; 435-522 percent higher for Protonix; and 1,066-1,229 percent higher for Zocor (20 mg). (1/9/07, Families USA)
U.S. Residents Across Political Spectrum Support Government Price Negotiations For Medicare Prescription Drugs
While there is debate in Washington about whether and how to do it, substantial majorities of Democrats (92%), Independents (85%), and Republicans (74%) support allowing the government to negotiate drug prices under Medicare (85% overall, including 65% strongly and 20% somewhat favoring it). There is also widespread support for permitting Americans to buy lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada (79%, including 55% strongly and 24% somewhat). Eight in 10 people believe drug price negotiation will make medications more affordable, while 31% believe it will result in less research and development by U.S. drug companies. When faced with a choice between the government trying to solve the health care cost problem by dealing directly with providers and insurers and limiting what they can charge versus giving consumers tax incentives to buy high-deductible coverage and encouraging them to shop for lower prices and better quality, most people (59%) choose direct government action over the more market-oriented solution (34%). That was true across the board for Democrats (66%), Independents (58%), and Republicans (52%). (12/8/06, Kaiser Family Foundation)
Seniors and the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
The survey examines seniors' views and experiences with the Medicare prescription drug benefit. According to the survey, one in 20 seniors who are enrolled in a Medicare drug plan say they expect to switch plans for 2007. The survey also finds that 76% of seniors enrolled in a drug plan say that their experiences have been positive, though 73% of seniors overall say the drug benefit is "too complicated." The Kaiser Family Foundation also released a report describing 35 Medicare beneficiaries' experiences and understanding of the benefit. (12/19/06, Kaiser Family Foundation)
Medicare Should Take Leading Role in Reducing Health Disparities
The federal Medicare program should take a much more active role in reducing disparities in health care for racial and ethnic minorities, according to a new report released by an independent panel of the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI). The panel finds that these disparities pose a pressing national problem. (12/15/06, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)
Final Report and Recommendations: Medicaid Commission
Fundamental reform is needed in order to ensure the long-term fiscal sustainability of the Medicaid program. More than simply sustaining the program, the Commission believes that Medicaid can and must continue to provide quality care to promote the best possible health for all beneficiaries. Taken as a whole, the recommendations set forth in this report promote Medicaid's long-term fiscal sustainability, while also emphasizing quality of care. (12/29/06, Medicaid Commission)
Too Close to Turn Back: Covering America’s Children
The report calls on Congress to ensure that the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has funding needed to cover more children, eliminate red tape barriers to child health coverage, and address quality and accountability of child health coverage. (12/12/06, Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center for Children and Families)
Federal Budget/Health Care
Congress Punts on Children's Health Care in Favor of Tax Shelter for Wealthy As one of its final acts, Congress chose to attach to the tax extenders bill a provision making Health Savings Accounts more lucrative as tax shelters for wealthy individuals even as Congress refused to provide funds needed to ensure that up to 600,000 low-income children keep their health insurance through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program in 2007. It has been known all year that without additional SCHIP funding, 17 states would face SCHIP shortfalls in 2007. The Administration included a proposal in its budget to address these shortfalls. Various bills to resolve the problem were introduced in Congress. But when decision time came, Congressional leaders declined to act. Coverage for up to 600,000 low-income children will be at risk as a result. When it came to making HSAs more lucrative as tax shelters, by contrast, Congressional negotiators charted a different course. They took a special-interest HSA bill that had never been considered on the floor of either the Senate or House and attached it to the same bill to which they declined to attach the needed SCHIP resources. (12/7/06, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities) StatementRelated Fact SheetBackground Analysis on HSA ExpansionBackground Analysis on SCHIP Funding Shortfall
Health Insurance, Health Costs
The Commonwealth Fund Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey: Assessing Congressional Priorities
Expanding health insurance coverage for the uninsured should be the top health care priority for the new Congress over the next five years, according to 88 percent of respondents to the latest Commonwealth Fund Health Care Opinion Leaders survey. Other top priorities include moderating rising health care costs, reforming Medicare to ensure long-term solvency, and increasing the use of information technology. The opinion leaders' responses closely align with public views on health care reform, as well as the principles laid out by the Fund's Commission on a High Performance Health System. (December 2006, Commonwealth Fund)
Kaiser/Hewitt Retiree Health Benefits Survey
A survey of 302 large private sector employers that offer retiree health coverage conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 58 percent of the companies raised premiums for Medicare-eligible retirees, and 24 percent raised cost-sharing for Medicare-eligible retirees. Other findings include: Out-of-Pocket costs for
retirees continue to rise for employer health coverage; and About one in 10 firms eliminate retiree health benefits for future retirees. (December 2006, Kaiser Family Foundation)
Health Care Spending in the United States and OECD Countries
Health spending is rising faster than incomes in most developed countries, which raises questions about how these countries will pay for future health care needs. The issue may be particularly acute in the United States, which not only spends much more per capita on health care than any other country, but which also has had one of the fastest growth rates in health spending among developed countries. Despite this higher level of spending, the United States does not achieve better outcomes on many important health measures. (January 2007, Kaiser Family Foundation)
(second annual) EBRI-Commonwealth Fund Consumerism in Health Care Survey
Consumer-driven health plans are not catching on. This year's survey finds that enrollment in CDHPs and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) is virtually unchanged since 2005. Only 1 percent of the privately insured population ages 21 to 64 is currently enrolled in a CDHP. CDHPs have not been attracting significant numbers of previously uninsured people. Despite some policymakers' expectations that the lower premiums and tax benefits of CDHPs would substantially reduce the number of uninsured, adults in these plans are no more likely to have been uninsured prior to enrollment than are adults with more comprehensive coverage. (12/7/06, Commonwealth Fund)
Health Equity Issues
Health Insurance Plans Make Strides in Addressing Gaps in Care Experienced by Minorities in U.S.
Americans receive health care services that are in sync with the latest scientific evidence only about half the time. Studies also find that racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. receive a lower quality of care than non-minorities and are at greater risk for certain diseases. (12/5/06, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)
America's Health Rankings: A Call to Action for People and their Communities
The United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention?, have released this 2006 edition, to stimulate public conversation concerning health in our states, as well as provide information to facilitate citizen participation. Participation in all elements is encouraged: personal behaviors, community environment, clinical care and public and health policies. Florida's rank among states went from 40 in 2005 to 41 in 2006.
Improving Health & Reducing Disparities through Prevention: Challenges, Implications, and Opportunities
An innovative report calling for a broad and strategic response to reducing inequitable health outcomes by identifying and discussing key strategies that build on the successes of a variety of fields not previously applied or considered relevant to health disparities reduction. (December 2006, Prevention Institute)
Examining the Health Disparities Research Plan of the National Institutes of Health: Unfinished Business
This final report of an Institute of Medicine committee charged with assessing the NIH Strategic Plan to Reduce and Ultimately Eliminate Health Disparities is now available. The report recommends ways to improve oversight and coordination of the Strategic Plan and to assure that needed research on health disparities is being carried out as effectively and expeditiously as possible. The recommendations are intended to help NIH achieve its minority health and health disparity Strategic Plan objectives. (Institute of Medicine)
The 2005 National Healthcare Quality Report (NHQR) and 2005 National Healthcare Disparities Report (NHDR) are available on AHRQ's Web Site. The 2005 NHQR is a comprehensive national overview of quality of health care in the United States. The 2005 NHDR tracks disparities in both quality of and access to health care in the United States for both the general population and for congressionally designated priority populations.
Other Health Issues
Health, United States, 2006
This 30th report on the health status of the nation is submitted by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to the President and Congress of the United States in compliance with Section 308 of the Public Health Service Act. The 559-page report was compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics served in a review capacity. The Health, United States series presents national trends in health statistics. Each report includes an executive summary, highlights, a chartbook, trend tables, extensive appendixes, and an index. Contents include: Fertility, Natality, Life Expectancy and Mortality; Health Behaviors, Status, Risk Factors, Determinants and Measures; Health Care Access, Utilization, System Influences, Expenditures, Resources and Personnel; Health Insurance Coverage and Payors; Uninsured Population; Age, Race and Ethnicity and Poverty; Alcohol and Drug Use; Physical Activity and Limitations; Dental Care and Access; and a Special Section on Pain. (November 2006, HHS, CDC, NHCS)
Toward More Effective Use of Research in State Policymaking
This report presents a four-stage framework to support effective use of research in health policymaking and improve communications between researchers and state policymakers and program administrators. The authors discuss practical lessons and communication strategies gleaned from interviews with researchers and policymakers across the country. Also featured is a case study of Massachusetts's groundbreaking health care reform legislation, designed to expand health insurance coverage to all state residents. (December 2006, Commonwealth Fund)
The Oral Health of Children A Portrait of States and the Nation 2005
The Health Resources and Services Administration presents this chartbook highlighting the major findings of the National Survey of Children's Health on children's oral health. This survey, the first of its kind, presents national- and State-level information on the health and well-being of children and their use of health services, including oral health and dental care. The survey includes many positive findings about children's oral health.
STATE HEALTH EVENTS AND NOTICES
January 26, 2007
NORTH FLORIDA
AHCA Public Meetings on Florida Senior Care Pilot
Jan 30 1:00 pm-2:30 pm (CST) Milton City Hall Council Chamber, 6738 Dixon Street
Feb 1 1:00 pm-2:30 pm (EST) One Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd, Viera
The Agency for Health Care Administration, in conjunction with the Department of Elder Affairs, invites all interested persons to a meeting on Florida Senior Care. AHCA and DOEA are mandated by Florida statute to create an “integrated, fixed-payment delivery system for Medicaid recipients who are 60 years of age or older. AHCA shall implement Florida Senior Care initially on a pilot basis in two areas of the state.” AHCA received federal approval for waiver applications to implement two pilots: The Panhandle Pilot Area- Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties; and the Central Florida Pilot Area- Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. These meetings are primarily intended to provide outreach and education to Medicaid beneficiaries about the program. An overview of the proposed program will be provided, as well as an opportunity for public comment. Per ADA, special accommodations are available by contacting 850/487-2618 or hermess@ahca.myflorida.com.
Duval County Healthcare Town Hall Meeting
Jan 30 5:30pm-7:30pm Main Library, Downtown Jacksonville
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc., in conjunction with the Coalition for the Uninsured, Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition and Florida CHAIN and Managed Access To Child Health, Inc. invite you to a Duval County Healthcare Town Hall Meeting. Our major community organizations are UNITED in seeking ANSWERS and SOLUTIONS to Medicaid Reform, Mental Health services, and Medicare Part D. Be there to share your experiences, ask your questions, and receive the information you need! Contact: 904/394-0042.
12th Annual Children's Week
March 25-April 1 Tallahassee
This statewide event brings thousands of parents, children, professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens together to share valuable knowledge and information about children's issues across the state and in our Tallahassee. This year, Children's Week has teamed up with the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, the Florida Dept of Health's Step Up Florida program and Prevent Child Abuse Florida's Winds of Change to host dozens of events and activities during February and March to promote the health, safety and well-being of children and families in Florida. Communities are inviting elected officials and families to come together and participate in local forums, receptions, events, arts & crafts fairs, reading round-ups, children's hand art and other fun, informative and educational events and activities designed to highlight the needs of Florida's children and families. For a full listing of events before and during Children's Week, click here. Contact Jason@childrensweek.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA
2007 AcademyHealth Annual Research MeetingJune 3-5 Orlando
Presentation of cutting-edge health services research is the cornerstone of this meeting, offering opportunities for researchers to share important findings with policymakers and providers who can move the research into action. This year's ARM is organized around 21 themes, including Gender & Health.
WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA
11th Annual Medicaid/Medicare Conference Set
March 13-15 Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
This yearly event offers vital information on nuance and change in Medicaid/Medicare regulations to stay current with the issues that surround Medicaid and Medicare. Reimbursement, risk management, valuation, acquisition and many other concerns facing providers, insurers and lenders will be reviewed.
Joining FORCEs Against Cancer
May 18-19 Tampa
This is the only national conference for individuals and families affected by BRCA or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Make friends, get support, network, and listen to the top experts speak about break-throughs regarding hereditary cancer. The conference will have sessions of interest to anyone concerned about hereditary cancer: cancer survivors, high-risk individuals, those with a BRCA mutation or family history of cancer, and health care providers who treat high-risk patients. Space is limited. Register before March 2 for a $30 discount. Continuing education credit for nurses and genetic counselors.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Events
American Lung Association of Florida Meeting for Community Input
Jan 30 noon-1:00 pm 2701 North Australian Ave, WPB
American Lung Associationis seeking input from West Palm Beach area residents, who are not Lung Association volunteers or employees, in order to evaluate and improve their programs and services. Your opinion will help to shape future community resources provided by the American Lung Association of Florida. Participants must RSVP to 850/224-0174 or amandaf@moore-pr.com and lunch will be provided.
Notices
STATEWIDE NOTICES
ALERT on Stopping Deadly MRSA Infections in Hospitals
Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, urges you to tell your governor to make stopping methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in hospitals a priority. MRSA is a deadly “super bug,” antibiotic-resistant, and often incurable infection. An estimated 17,000 people die each year from MRSA. Hospital patients with MRSA are four times as likely to die, will stay far longer in the hospital, and will pay far more. Hospitals can do more to stop this “super bug” by prioritizing infection prevention. Your governor can give them strong incentives to improve. In the last two years: 42 states have considered bills, 16 states have passed hospital infection public reporting laws, and now we need to focus on MRSA
NATIONAL EVENTS AND NOTICES
January 26, 2007
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
For the Common Good: What Role for Social Insurance?
Feb 1-2 Washington, DC
Social insurance - Social Security and Medicare - pools risk broadly to ensure income and health security for older Americans. Yet, younger families face growing risks due to widely fluctuating incomes, rising health costs, and declining coverage. What mix of policies will strengthen economic security for all Americans, and how can we finance them in growth-enhancing ways? These issues are addressed during this National Academy of Social Insurance conference.
Race and Class Inequalities in Health
Abstract submission deadline: Feb 2
June 19-22 Boston
Conceptual and data-based papers are requested for presentation at the annual Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) meeting in 2007. There will be a contributed paper session on Race and Class Inequalities in Health and those working in this area are encouraged to submit abstracts of their work. Accepted abstracts will be distributed at the June meeting and will also be published in a Supplement issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Women of Color: Addressing Disparities, Affirming Resilience, and Developing Strategies for Success -- Minority Women's Health Summit
Abstract submission deadline: Feb 9 5:00 pm EST.
August 23-26 Washington DC
Community Benefit 101: the Nuts and Bolts of Planning and Reporting Community Benefit
Feb. 2007 Baltimore
April 2007 San Francisco
Catholic Health Association, leader in the community benefit field for 20 years, is offering a seminar that covers the basics of community benefit in not-for-profit health care. This event presents a valuable introduction for persons new to the topic and a useful review for those who are already doing the work of community benefit planning an reporting.
Institute for Public Health & Faith Collaborations
Application deadline: Feb 26
April 15-19 Memphis, TN
The Fifth National Institute for Public Health and Faith Collaborations is holding this training event for faith and health leaders. Applications are being accepted for 8 TEAMS of four to five persons.
Spring Training for Health Champions
March 7-9 New Orleans
Topic tracks of this annual event include: access to care; chronic disease prevention and management; community benefit excellence; and community health assessments. The Maximizing Access to Care track will discuss and debate approaches to making health care more accessible during sessions, such as Consumer Driven Health Care - Myth or Reality?, Ensuring Care for Low-Income Residents: Coverage and Safety Net Models and Winning Approaches for Increasing Access to Care. Ron Pollack, Founding Executive Director of Families USA, the major national consumer advocacy group in support of expanded health care coverage, will be delivering the closing keynote address on March 9.
Facing Race
March 22-24 New York City
This conference will bring together key policy advocates, academics, researchers, organizers and activists interested in exploring innovative strategies and successful models for changing public policy to produce more racial equity. The persistence of deep racial disparities in an array of areas--such as education, employment, health care and housing--points to the need for more strategies and new policies to address systemic inequities. This conference hopes to unite the movement by building bridges across issues and communities to amplify the concerns of communities of color in the intellectual, policy and popular debates that lie ahead.
Mobilizing Partnerships for Social Change
April 11-14 Toronto
This is the 10th Anniversary Conference of Community-Campus Partnerships for Health. CCPH promotes health through partnerships between communities and higher educational institutions.
5th Annual Integrative Medicine for Healthcare Organizations Conference
April 12-14 San Diego
Health Forum and the American Hospital Association invite you to this two-and-a-half day program, customized to provide you and your team with top-notch educational sessions, in-depth case studies, skill building workshops, onsite visits to successful integrative medicine centers, a cutting-edge poster and exhibit forum and ample time for networking. Information on the educational program will be available in late fall 2006.
Bridging the Health Care Divide: Research and Programs to Eliminate Cancer Disparities
April 18-20 New Orleans
This conference of the American Cancer Society seeks to bring together researchers, community groups, physicians, nurses, social workers, public health leaders, lay persons, advocates, and policy makers to describe successful, sustainable models to eliminate cancer disparities.
7th Annual Diversity Challenge at Boston College: Race and Culture Intersections in Scientific Research and Mental Health Service Delivery for Children, Adolescents, and Families
Proposal submission deadline: April 21
October 2007
Presentations should focus on developments in research, professional practice, education or social justice initiatives as they pertain to promoting the mental health and redressing the mental health disparities for racial and ethnic minority children, adolescents, and families. Researchers, practitioners, educators, medical service providers, employee assistance personnel, government agencies, spiritual healers, and providers of community services are encouraged to submit proposals.
Community Benefit 101: The Nuts and Bolts of Planning and Reporting Community Benefit
April 24 San Francisco
For today's tax-exempt health care organizations, planning and reporting community benefit are critically important functions. Catholic Health Association, the leader in the community benefit field for 20 years, is offering a seminar that covers the basics of community benefit in not-for-profit health care, a valuable introduction for persons new to the topic and a useful review for those who are already doing the work of community benefit planning and reporting. Attend with your org's community benefit team and plan an integrated, practical approach to community benefit programming that your group can initiate on your first day back in the office.
Advancing Science-Based Prevention: Creating Real World Solutions
May 30 - June 1 Washington, D.C.
All participants are encouraged to submit abstracts for individual paper and poster presentations, organized paper symposium, poster forums, roundtable discussions/scientific dialogues and technology demonstrations for the Society for Prevention Research 15th Annual Meeting.
2007 AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting
June 3-5 Orlando
Presentation of cutting-edge health services research is the cornerstone of this meeting, offering opportunities for researchers to share important findings with policymakers and providers who can move the research into action. This year's ARM is organized around 21 themes, including Gender & Health.
The Changing Face of Health Education and Health Promotion
June 7-9 Seattle
This national health education and health promotion conference is cosponsored by the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Proposals are encouraged for concurrent sessions, pre or post-conference workshops, or poster presentations at the 2007 National Health Education Conference & SOPHE's 2007 Midyear Scientific Conference.
2007 CSTE Annual Conference: Eliminating Health Disparities: Data to Action
June 24-28 Atlantic City, NJ
Abstract proposals are being sought by the Program Planning Committee for the 2007 Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Annual Conference.
Health Equity and Environmental Public Health - From Local to Global
July 11-13 Columbus, OH
The NACCHO Annual 2007 Conference will be the year's largest gathering of local public health officials in the United States. This conference will provide a vital and central venue for local health officials and their public health partners to examine strategies, share ideas, and plan actions designed to address issues of health inequity and environmental public health from local to global perspectives.
Global Primary Health Care Strategies
July 21 - Aug 11
The Dept of Health Policy and Management of the Univ. of South Florida College of Public Health, with Jamaican Southern Regional Health Authority offers this graduate field course in Treasure Beach Jamaica. The course will cover strategies for providing access to health care services for disadvantaged rural populations as a part of its focus. The 3 credit course will be coupled with an hour of field practicum credit for a total of 4 semester hours of credit. Mornings will be spent in the field in the Black River Health District on projects that will feed into afternoon class sessions. The 4 credit program, including tuition, lodging, field travel, course materials, pickup and return to Montego Bay airport and 12 dinners will cost $3500 for both Florida and out of state participants. Airfare is extra.
AUDIO AND WEB EVENTS
Health Action 2007 Webcast
NOW!
Just because you won't be in Washington this week doesn’t mean you have to miss all the action! With this webcast, you can watch conference plenary sessions, as they happen, as Senators Barack Obama, Edward Kennedy, Gordon Smith, and Sherrod Brown, along with other prominent health care advocates, address the health care issues we all care about. To check for the days and times of specific plenary sessions, see the conference program online.
Federal Budget Advocacy Made Simple
Feb 1 12:30 pm-2:00 pm EST
The President's budget will be out on February 5. Will you be ready? Sign up for an online Coalition for Human Needs training session to learn: What's at stake for human needs in the coming year's budget decisions, including the basics: how the budget process works, when decisions are made, and who makes them; and practical tools to help you make the case for the right budget priorities. Contact mdonahue@chn.org or 202/223-2532 x27.
Advancing the State of the Art of Community Benefit
Feb 6 12:00 noon EST
In this audioconference, you will hear from two Catholic health systems that helped design and implement the Advancing the State of the Art of Community Benefit (ASACB) demonstration project. The ASACB demonstration has brought together a diverse group of hospitals in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada to develop and implement a series of uniform standards to align hospital governance, management, and operations, and to make optimal use of limited charitable resources to address unmet health-related needs.
ACHI Audio Conference
Feb. 15 2:00 pm ET
Maximizing Community Benefit's Impact on Community Health
NOTICES
Nominations for the Community-Campus Partnerships for Health Annual AwardNomination deadline: Feb 16
The award recognizes exemplary partnerships between communities and higher educational institutions that others can aspire to. We welcome nominations from any country or nation. The award will be presented at CCPH's 10th anniversary conference, April 11-14, 2007, in Toronto.
JAMA Theme Issue: Interventions to Improve Health among the Poor
Call for Papers Manuscripts Deadline: May 1
Poverty is an inveterate consequence and cause of ill health. Without financial resources, people cannot pay for basic human needs: food, water, sanitation, housing, and health care services. To help disseminate research into interventions that specifically address the needs of the poor, JAMA will publish a theme issue on poverty and human development in October 2007. JAMA will consider manuscripts that report original research of interventions targeted to address poverty, hunger, access to care, and prevention of disease that are based on careful consideration and analysis of local context, evidence, and environments and that are directly targeted to serve the poor.
CAMPAIGNS AND INITIATIVES
Health Care for America
The Economic Policy Institute has released a progressive Health Care for America plan, a proposal for guaranteed, affordable health care for all Americans building on Medicare and employment-based insurance. Institute for America has announced a nationwide effort to discuss and debate how to get good health care coverage for all Americans while controlling spiraling health care costs. The Institute is collaborating with the Medicare Rights Center and a network of citizen action groups to foster public forums and internet discussion groups designed to create a groundswell of public support for action on health care for all. Many of these groups were active in the successful grassroots movement to stop President Bush’s plan to privatize Social Others are working to pass innovative state health care coverage plans.
Get Ready for Cover the Uninsured Week 2007
April 23-29
Mark your calendars and plan how you and your community can help get America's more than 46 million uninsured -- including 8.3 million children -- covered. The 2007 week will focus on covering kids as an important first step toward covering all Americans. Congress must reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) this year and has the opportunity to make it stronger. Public programs such as SCHIP and Medicaid currently provide coverage to millions of children -- children who otherwise wouldn't be able to get the care they need.
Join Mental Health America's New Advocacy Network
Building on nearly a century of advocacy, Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association) is spreading the message that mental health is fundamental to the health and well-being of every person and the nation as a whole. Mental Health America has launched its Advocacy Network to create a community of concerned citizen advocates. This site will be the gathering place for individuals who want to know more about mental health and wellness, and understand the issues confronting our nation and communities. Most important, it will be an environment where citizens take action. Join thousands of other Americans in protecting the rights of individuals with mental illnesses and promoting access to care for all who need help. Sign a petition calling on Congress to embrace a Vision for Change and make mental health a priority in 2007 and beyond.
Get Ready for Cover the Uninsured Week 2007!
April 23-29
Mark your calendars and plan how you and your community can help get America covered. With the help of supporters like you, Cover the Uninsured Week 2006 was a tremendous success, with: more than 4,700 events; 60,000 emails sent to the U.S. Congress; former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter once again served as Honorary Co-Chairs, and 10 former Surgeons General and Health and Human Services secretaries signed an open letter to the American people; more than 200 national organizations and more than 3,500 local organizations participated. Please visit www.CoverTheUninsured.org to download guides to get started planning events such as press conferences, health and enrollment fairs, and interfaith breakfasts. Additional information will be posted as plans for 2007 develop.
January
Cervical Health Awareness Month: Jan
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
(818) 909-3849 (818) 780-8199 Fax
info@nccc-online.org www.nccc-online.org/awareness.php
National Birth Defects Prevention Month: Jan
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
(888) MODIMES (663-4637)
askus@marchofdimes.com www.marchofdimes.com
National Blood Donor Month: Jan
AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks)
(301) 215-6526 (301) 907-6895 Fax
publicrelations@aabb.org www.aabb.org
National Glaucoma Awareness Month: Jan
Prevent Blindness America
(800) 331-2020 (847) 843-8458 Fax
info@preventblindness.org www.preventblindness.org
February
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month: Feb
Prevent Blindness America
(800) 331-2020 (847) 843-8458 Fax
info@preventblindness.org www.preventblindness.org
American Heart Month: Feb
American Heart Association
(800) 242-8721
inquire@americanheart.org www.americanheart.org
National Children’s Dental Health Month: Feb
American Dental Association
(312) 440-2500
publicinfo@ada.org www.ada.org/goto/ncdhm
National Wise Health Consumer Month: Feb
American Institute for Preventive Medicine
(248) 539-1800 x222
sjackson@healthylife.com www.healthylife.com
Give Kids A Smile Day: Feb 2
American Dental Association
(312) 440-2500
publicinfo@ada.org www.ada.org/goto/gkas
National Wear Red Day: Feb 2
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Health Info. Center
(301) 592-8573 (240) 629-3255 TTY (301) 592-8563 Fax
nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/hearttruth
National Women's Heart Day: Feb 16
Sister to Sister: Everyone Has A Heart Foundation, Inc.
(301) 718-8033 (301) 718-8620 Fax
info@sistertosister.org www.womansheartday.org
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Feb 25-Mar 3
National Eating Disorders Association
(800) 931-2239 Information and Referral Helpline
(206) 382-3587 (206) 829-8501 Fax
info@nationaleatingdisorders.org www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
March
National Brain Injury Awareness Month: March
Brain Injury Association of America
(703) 761-0750 (703) 761-0755 Fax
publicrelations@biausa.org www.biausa.org
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: March
Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
(800) 227-2732 (877) 35-COLON (352-6566)
(703) 886-4413 Fax
cindy.iverson@preventcancer.org www.preventcancer.org/colorectal
National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month: March
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
(800) 225-6495 (954) 938-8708 Fax
annette@msfocus.org www.msfocus.org
National Nutrition Month®: March
American Dietetic Association
(800) 877-1600 x4771 (312) 899-4790 Fax
nnm@eatright.org www.eatright.org
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week: Mar 5-11
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
(800) 344-4867 (212) 986-3240
MSAwarenessweek@nmss.org www.nationalmssociety.org
Brain Awareness Week: Mar 12-18
Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives
(212) 223-4040 (212) 593-7623 Fax
bawinfo@dana.org www.dana.org/brainweek
American Diabetes Alert Day: Mar 28
American Diabetes Association
(800) DIABETES askada@diabetes.org
www.diabetes.org/communityprograms-and-localevents/americandiabetesalert.jsp
April
Foot Health Awareness Month: April
American Podiatric Medical Association
(301) 581-9227 www.apma.org
National Child Abuse Prevention Month: April
Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families
(800) 394-3366 info@childwelfare.gov www.childwelfare.gov/preventing
National Public Health Week: April 2-8
American Public Health Association
(202) 777-APHA (2742) (202) 777-2500 TTY
nphw@apha.org www.apha.org/nphw
World Health Day: April 7
WHO Regional Office
(202) 974-3000 www.who.int/world-health-day/
National Infant Immunization Week: April 21-28
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(800) CDC-INFO (232-4636) English/Spanish
nipinfo@cdc.gov www.cdc.gov/nip/events/niiw/
Cover the Uninsured Week: April 23-29
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
(202) 572-2928 info@covertheuninsured.org www.covertheuninsured.org
2007 WalkAmerica: April 27-29
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
(888) MODIMES (663-4637) (800) 525-WALK (9255)
walkamerica@modimes.org www.walkamerica.org
May
American Stroke Month: May
American Heart Association
(800) 242-8721 inquire@americanheart.org www.americanheart.org
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: May
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
(800) 7-ASTHMA info@aafa.org www.aafa.org
Hepatitis Awareness Month: May
Hepatitis Foundation International
(800) 891-0707 hfi@comcast.net www.hepfi.org
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month: May
American Academy of Dermatology
(888) 462-DERM (3376)
mediarelations@aad.org www.aad.org
Mental Health Month: May
National Mental Health Association
(800) 969-6642 www.nmha.org
National High Blood Pressure Education Month: May
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Health Information Center
(301) 592-8573 (240) 629-3255 TTY
nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/nhbpep_kit/
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month: May
National Osteoporosis Foundation
(202) 223-2226
communications@nof.org www.nof.org
Melanoma Monday: May 1
American Academy of Dermatology
(888) 462-DERM (3376)
mediarelations@aad.org www.aad.org
High Blood Pressure Sunday: May 6
International Society on Hypertension in Blacks
(404) 880-0343 ishib@ishib.org www.ishib.org
National Alcohol- and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week: May 13-19
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
(800) NCA-CALL (622-2255)
national@ncadd.org www.ncadd.org
National Women's Health Week: May 13-19
Office on Women's Health
U.S. Department of HHS
(202) 690-7651
sharon.ricks@hhs.gov www.womenshealth.gov/whw
National Women's Check-up Day: May 14
Office on Women's Health
U.S. Department of HHS
(202) 690-7651
sharon.ricks@hhs.gov www.womenshealth.gov
World No Tobacco Day: May 31
WHO Regional Office
(202) 974-3890 http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/en/
June
National Headache Awareness Week: June 3-9
National Headache Foundation
(888) NHF-5552
info@headaches.org www.headaches.org
Sun Safety Week: June 3-9
Sun Safety Alliance
(703) 837-4202 pschneider@sunsafetyalliance.org
www.sunsafetyalliance.org
National Cancer Survivors Day: June 3
National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation
(615) 794-3006 info@ncsdf.org www.ncsdf.org
National Men's Health Week: June 11-17
Men’s Health Network
(888) MEN-2-MEN (636-2636) Men's Healthline
info@menshealthweek.org www.menshealthweek.org
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