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FLORIDA
Medicare Part D
Medicaid Reform
KidCare
Underinsured Medical Debt Stories Sought
State Offers New Part D Supplement for Some Transplant and Cancer Patients
As of July 1, many chronically ill Floridians will not have to foot the bill for costly anti-rejection and cancer drugs not included under the new federal Medicare drug program.
The state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) will now cover the cost of expensive co-payments for former “Medically Needy” people who had slightly too much income to qualify for Medicaid.
AHCA is now accepting applications. Individuals who believe they might qualify should contact the agency as soon as possible at 1-850/487-4441 to request an evaluation.
To be eligible for this new Florida Pharmaceutical Expense Assistance, an individual must:
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Be a Florida resident;
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Have been a Medicaid recipient under the Florida Medically Needy program prior to January 1, 2006;
Be eligible for Medicare;
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Be a cancer patient or organ transplant recipient; and
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Request to be enrolled
There has been little marketing of this news, with the exception of patient and pharmacy notification. The Florida Transplant Survivors Coalition of Florida has posters for distribution to ensure chronically ill Floridians take advantage of this great opportunity.
You can obtain a poster by contacting mross@floridatransplantsurvivors.org.
Florida CHAIN commends state legislators for picking up the tab for these costly medications which are not covered under the federal government’s Medicare Part D program.
Medicaid Reform “Choice Counselors” Start New Job
As the Bush administration’s “cost-saving” Medicaid reform pilot project gets underway, the state is spending $12 million on counselors who will help consumers choose health care plans.
Florida signed the two-year contract with Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) to provide a toll-free number where “choice counselors” will help Medicaid consumers select a health care plan that suits them. The hotline is already in place for consumers in Broward and Duval counties, the two test sites for the Medicaid reform project.
There is concern among advocates and consumers about the inadequate number of choice counselors which include 43 at a call center in Tallahassee, 10 field workers in Broward, and 6 field workers in Duval.
ACS is developing a plan to include grassroots organizations and their staff as choice counseling trained “Ambassadors” to help spread the word on Medicaid reform. ACS officials have yet to divulge whether a budget has been set aside to engage these organizations in their outreach efforts.
ACS, which has a long history with Florida’s Medicaid program, beat out several competitors for the contract. A challenge to the contract forced AHCA and ACS to reconsider the rollout date and postpone beginning of enrollment from July 1st to July 24th.
"We took great steps prior to submitting our proposal to make contact with health planning councils and other organizations representing the disabled, mentally ill, faith-based organizations, and those representing cultural groups to ensure that we will be responsive to the needs of Medicaid recipients," said John Crysler, Managing Director of ACS Government Healthcare Solutions, in a company news release.
Choice counselors started taking calls from concerned Medicaid consumers on July 1, when ACS’ toll-free number went live only for general questions. Calls specific to the plans were being answered starting July 24th. Over the next eight months, more than 230,000 people may be calling ACS’ toll-free number for advice on picking a plan. They will want to know about co-pays, physicians in each network, coverage limitations and more.
As advocates for Medicaid consumers, Florida CHAIN is working with a Medicaid Reform Advocates Coalition in Broward and the Coalition for the Uninsured in Duval to ensure that ACS continues and expands its outreach efforts to hard-to-reach populations including the disabled, homeless, and others.
In addition, if state officials want to make Medicaid reform a success, it is imperative that choice counselors provide accurate information to beneficiaries and learn from the lessons of the Medicaid Part D debacle.
Federal agency finds only one-third of Medicare drug plan callers get complete and accurate information
The challenges have already been recognized on the federal level, as millions of seniors – many of them living here in Florida – face considerable difficulty getting accurate information about Medicare drug plans.
According to the Government Accountability Office, investigators made 900 calls to 10 of the largest drug plan sponsors in March and got complete and accurate answers only a third of the time. The GAO concluded in its report that Medicare consumers "face challenges in obtaining the information needed to make informed choices about the PDP [prescription drug plan] that best meets their needs."
Granted, Medicare consumers are faced with as many as 50 different drug plans offered by private companies. Just as in Medicare Part D, Medicaid consumers will be faced with choice information often difficult to decipher. The number of managed care plans currently offered for Medicaid Reform is 11 in Broward and 7 in Duval. Making the right choice will mean the difference between well being and peace of mind or potentially tragic consequences.
KidCare Studied for Administrative Streamlining
The Florida Senate will take a close look at the KidCare program this summer with hopes to make some significant changes to the children’s health care program during the 2007 legislative session.
One study will focus on KidCare enrollment policies and a second one will look into “organizational streamlining and administrative simplification.”
Sens. Durell Peaden (R-Crestview) and Nan Rich (D-Weston) were instrumental in getting these studies on the Senate staff’s summertime agenda. Often, the findings in these studies highlight needed changes in program areas and result in legislation the following session.
We applaud the studies, given the ever-changing policy decisions that affect this very important program.
Over the past three years, legislators have made significant changes in enrollment policies, resulting in a significant decrease in children covered by KidCare.
The KidCare program desperately needs streamlining, as four different entities run its operations. Three are state agencies and the fourth is a public-private organization.
For families with income up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, the state’s Medicaid program will cover children until they reach their first birthday. After that, children in this income bracket must be enrolled in a separate MediKids program that will cover them through age 5. Both programs are run by the Agency for Health Care Administration.
But at age five, these children must enroll in yet another program – Healthy Kids – until age 18. It is run by the public-private Healthy Kids Corp.
Traditional Medicaid also covers children ages 1 to 5, but only if their family income is 133 percent of poverty level. Medicaid will also cover children from age 6 to 18, but only for those families at or below 100 percent of the poverty level.
Streamlining these operations is sorely needed and will help administrators focus on serving children’s health care needs instead of shifting them from program to program every few years.
Seeking Underinsured Medical/Dental Debt Stories
Florida CHAIN is collaborating in a study with the Access Project that seeks to address the problem of under-insurance and inadequate insurance coverage. We are looking for individuals who have incurred medical or dental debt even though they have private insurance. Having to resort to credit card use, retirement funds, or home equity to take care of medical costs qualifies for our purposes. The goal of this study is to challenge policy approaches that shift even more costs to consumers. The study will also try to identify policies and approaches that can help alleviate the problem of medical debt among people with insurance.If you or someone you know is willing to participate in this study, immediately contact Andrew Leone at andrewl@floridachain.org or 954/684-9895 for a short phone interview.
Florida CHAIN thanks the many advocates who have taken the time to respond to our recent Get Active alerts. Your messages do make difference. Look for increased reporting on state legislation and weekly calls to action during the Florida session.
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HUNDREDS RALLY AT AVON PARK FOR FAIR IMMIGRATION
Access to Health Care at Risk
July 27, 2006
Hundreds of supporters of immigrant rights gather in Avon Park Florida for a prayer vigil.
A steady drizzle and occasional lightning didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of several hundred people from all over the state as they joined a prayer vigil on July 23 to oppose the Avon Park Illegal Immigration Relief Act, a proposed city ordinance that takes a get-tough stance on illegal immigration. The main organizers of the event included Florida CHAIN’s partnering organizations Florida Immigrant Coalition and Farmworker Association of Florida.
Hoping to affect the outcome of a public hearing and vote on the ordinance scheduled by the City Council of this Central Florida town at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24, event participants included farm workers, clergy from different denominations, Avon Park residents and business owners, as well as representatives of many advocacy organizations.
The ordinance, the "City of Avon Park Illegal Immigration Relief Act," mandates that:
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The city deny a license to any business that aided or abetted illegal aliens or immigration within the past five years.
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Property owners cannot knowingly allow illegal aliens to use, lease or rent property within the city, subject to a minimum fine of $1,000 per offense.
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English shall be the city's official language and all official forms and communications shall be conducted in English only.
The first item on the ordinance is of particular concern to Florida CHAIN, because it could limit access to health care by clinics and social service organizations that provide essential services to immigrants without requiring proof of legal residence. At the rally, Florida CHAIN's State Organizer Andrew Leone explained (in Spanish) that he represents an organization that believes that adequate health care is a right that should not be tied to an individual's or family's immigration status, and that Florida CHAIN opposes legislation that makes taking care of anyone who needs health care a legal offense.
Many gave moving testimonials of their own experiences as hard working immigrants whose intention “is not to take anything away from anyone. We just want to have the opportunity to work and provide our children a better future.”
They were surrounded by participants carrying signs calling for tolerance and for Federal immigration laws allowing those undocumented a path toward legalized status. Among the many messages shared were a vision for a country where health care will be viewed as a basic human right and will not be based on the migratory status of the individuals who need it.
ISSUE UPDATE: Avon Park Votes Against Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants
A city councilwoman said she prayed to God for guidance before casting the deciding vote against an ordinance that would have made a small central Florida community among the most hostile places in the country for illegal immigrants. But Councilwoman Brenda Gray and other council members say the proposal might not be dead. A heated meeting on the subject lasted more than five hours before the Avon Park city
council voted 3-to-2 last night against making English the city's official language. The proposed restrictions also included fines for those who offer jobs, services or housing to illegal immigrants. About 20 percent of Avon Park's nine-thousand residents are Hispanic. Avon Park is about 85 miles southeast of Tampa. (7/25/06, First Coast News)
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REAL STORIES
July 27, 2006
Ila Beard is a divorced mother of 2 from NE Florida who is unemployed.
At the time of her divorce, Ms. Beard's ex-husband was court-ordered to provide health insurance for their children, now 10 and 15. He opened a KidCare account but stopped making the required payments after a short time. To avoid losing the coverate she picked up the KidCare payments, but after a few months was told that she could not do so because her husband had been court-ordered. And so the insurance lapsed.
Ms. Beard filed with Child Support Services. Her ex-husband, who has since moved to Alabama, then signed up with BCBS of Alabama. However, the deductible of $500 is too high for her to make use of the insurance.
Her son has ADHD, requiring hundreds of dollars of medication each month. He also has hyper-allergies that cause golf-ball sized boils to appear on his body. She can no longer get the medications he needs.
When she contacted KidCare to try to get the children reinstated under her name, she was told she needed to provide proof that she was the custodial parent and to call again. When she did, she was asked to once again give the entire family information on the phone, only to be told the system had crashed and to call back.
She is about ready to give up on KidCare. She tried getting Medicaid but, because she receives $140 per week in child support, she does not qualify. Although staff at Healthy Start offered to help, they were told by KidCare they couldn't discuss the case with them because of privacy concerns.
Florida CHAIN Seeks Underinsured, In-Debt Stories
Florida CHAIN is collaborating in a study by the Access Project that seeks to address the problem of under-insurance and inadequate insurance coverage. We are looking for individuals who have incurred medical or dental debt even though they have private insurance. Having to resort to credit card use, retirement funds, or home equity to take care of medical costs qualifies for our purposes.
The goal of this study is to challenge policy approaches that shift even more costs to consumers.The study will also try to identify policies and approaches that can help alleviate the problem of medical debt among people with insurance.
If you or someone you know is willing to participate in this study, contact Andrew Leone at andrewl@floridachain.org or 954-684-9895 at your earliest convenience for a short phone interview:
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RECENT HEALTH ARTICLES
July 27, 2006
Florida Health Issues, News & Opinions
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Drug Coverage, Drug Costs
Other Medicare, Medicaid
Health Insurance and Costs
Other National Health Issues
Florida Health Issues, News Coverage & Opinions
Avon Park Votes Against Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants
A city councilwoman said she prayed to God for guidance before casting the deciding vote against an ordinance that would have made a small central Florida community among the most hostile places in the country for illegal immigrants. But Councilwoman Brenda Gray and other council members say the proposal might not be dead. A heated meeting on the subject lasted more than five hours before the Avon Park city council voted 3-to-2 last night against making English the city's official language. The proposed restrictions also included fines for those who offer jobs, services or housing to illegal immigrants. About 20 percent of Avon Park's nine-thousand residents are Hispanic. Avon Park is about 85 miles southeast of Tampa. (7/25/06, First Coast News)
Measuring medical charity
What do nonprofit hospitals do for communities for their tax-exempt status? The IRS wants to know.
in South Florida, as in the rest of the nation, have been showing richer bottom lines than much of their for-profit competition, and critics have complained they weren't doing enough to provide care for those who can't afford the bill. In South Florida, nine of the 12 most profitable hospitals are nonprofits that don't have to pay taxes. Their charity care is typically a minuscule fraction of revenue -- rarely more than 2 percent. The region's two Roman Catholic hospitals, Mercy and Holy Cross, provide a smaller percentage of charity care than do several for-profit hospitals owned by HCA, according to state data. Now, after failed battles in the courts and in Congress, critics have turned to the Internal Revenue Service, which last month announced plans to send nine-page questionnaires to 500 nonprofit hospitals asking them to detail what they do to earn their tax-exempt status. (7/23/06, Miami Herald)
Glitch has So. Fla. Medicare recipients overpaying
Thousands of South Florida seniors have been shorted up to $620 -- and counting -- on their Social Security checks since January because the government overcharged them for Medicare. The seniors joined HMOs that pay all or part of their $88 monthly Medicare premiums, but federal officials said this week that technical problems are still stopping Medicare and Social Security from adding the credit to their checks. Typically, seniors have their Medicare premiums deducted from their Social Security checks. That's supposed to stop for those who joined these HMOs, but it hasn't. As a result, seniors across the nation have overpaid, and refunds are slow in coming. (7/21/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
ER use in Dade less than expected
Miami-Dade ranked low in emergency-room usage, despite having high percentages of uninsured and immigrants. Places with large numbers of Hispanics, immigrants and the uninsured -- in short, places like Miami -- have emergency rooms overburdened with people seeking basic medical care, conventional wisdom suggests. But a new survey . . . finds that Miami-Dade County, with its abundance of all three groups, ranks near the bottom in per capita ER usage among 12 metropolitan areas studied in detail. (7/18/06, Miami Herald)
Florida patients can now donate drugs for cancer to the needy
For the first time, Florida will let cancer patients donate unused, unopened medications that otherwise would be thrown away, for use by people without health-care coverage. The new law (HB 371) that took effect July 1 is more restrictive than what other states have done. . . . But cancer patients and advocates hailed the law. And officials called it just a first step, saying they will push to expand drug donations next year. (7/18/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
OPINION: New independent living law gives more resources to those who need it.
A new law went into effect this month that will improve Florida's independent living transition services to teenagers in the foster-care program. It couldn't have come at a better time. The state isn't exactly the best parent, particularly for teenagers who have been stuck in foster care and find themselves ill-prepared to cope without assistance after turning 18. The situation is so bad the state's Road to Independence Program has been dubbed by critics the "Road to Homelessness." The legislation, originally crafted by state Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, extends from 18 to 20 the age at which teenagers leaving foster care can receive Medicaid health benefits.These benefits alone could make a big difference for someone trying to make the difficult transition from troubled teenager to self-sufficient adult. (7/17/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
OPINION: Leon County Trauma Center: Outlying counties should assist
Amid discussions about how our county should address the health-care needs of some 8 percent of county residents without some kind of health insurance comes encouraging news about raising the quality as well as the reach of medical care. Tallahassee City Commissioners last week voted to match Leon County's $300,000 annual contribution toward creating a trauma center at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. This center would mean residents from this area would have access to this life-saving service closer to home, rather than having to be taken 100 miles away or more to other regional hospitals. . . . Because the center, which must still get state accreditation, would surely be a life saver for citizens in counties surrounding Leon, it is fair to expect the counties to make a contribution to the trauma center. As a regional resource, outlying counties should share some of the responsibility for its operation. (7/17/06, Tallahassee Democrat)
If you land in the emergency room, don't count on seeing a specialist
The diagnosis was quick: stroke, brain hemorrhage, blood clot. But it took 11 hours to find a specialist to try to save Mary Stone. Not a single neurosurgeon in Palm Beach County, or across South Florida for that matter, was willing or available to take her case. The closest one found? A neurosurgeon at Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville, almost 260 miles away. (7/16/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
OPINION: Part D flawed; DRUG PLANS' COMPLEXITY HINDERS PRICE COMPETITION
A new investigation by federal monitors provides fresh evidence of the fundamental flaw in the Medicare Part D prescription-drug plan. The new benefit is so complex that insurers often provide inaccurate information about the drug plans for seniors. This reflects poorly on the insurers, but it also raises questions about the program's basic design. The premise of Part D was that competition among private drug plans would drive down the cost of prescriptions. For competition to work, however, seniors must be able to accurately compare plan costs. If drug plans are so complex that they defy accurate description, how can seniors choose the best plan for their needs and, thus, drive down costs? They can't. (7/13/06, Miami Herald)
Florida excels at screening infants for genetic diseases
Nationwide, only 9 percent of newborn babies get all the screening tests that can spot serious genetic diseases that can lead to disability or death, but Florida babies are more fortunate than those born in most other states, according to a new study. According to a report released Tuesday by the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Florida babies get 34 screening tests, including 28 of the 29 recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Eight of the tests were added by the Florida Department of Health in January, and screening for the remaining condition, cystic fibrosis, will be added to the test panel by 2007. (7/12/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Delray Beach vision clinic never loses sight of its role in helping low-income patients
Escobar opened her eyes wide in the crammed space and told the doctor about. . . her right eye. A few minutes later she came out into the crowded waiting room smiling. "They told me it could be an allergic reaction," Escobar, 53, said. "This eye exam could have cost me at least $300." Escobar is one of many uninsured patients who visit the Our Lady Queen of Peace vision clinic on Monday mornings. Many gather outside as early as dawn. Some travel from as far away as Broward County. . . . The volume of visitors dwarfs equipment, materials and volunteer doctors. (7/12/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
NATIONAL ISSUES
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Drug Coverage, Drug Costs
Group of Senators Encourage CMS to Make Part D Community Pharmacy-Friendly
Senate Finance Committee Chair Chuck Grassley and a bipartisan group of senators this week sent a letter to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan to promote efforts to examine activities that may undermine community pharmacies’ participation in Medicare Part D. (7/21/06, Medical News Today)
Windfall from Shifts to Medicare
The pharmaceutical industry is beginning to reap a windfall from a surprisingly lucrative niche market: drugs for poor people...The windfall, which by some estimates could be $2 billion or more this year, is a result of the transfer of millions of low-income people into the new Medicare Part D drug program that went into effect in January. Under that program, as it turns out, the prices paid by insurers, and eventually the taxpayer, for the medications given to those transferred are likely to be higher than what was paid under the federal-state Medicaid programs for the poor. (7/17/06, New York Times)
Prescription Drugs Cost Uninsured Americans Significantly More
Uninsured Americans pay 60 percent more on average for prescription drugs than the federal government does when buying medications in bulk for employees, retirees and veterans, according to a survey by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). (7/12/06, Baltimore Sun)
Medicare gap hits seniors in the wallet: Elderly falling into the 'doughnut hole'
The Institute for America's Future distributed a report yesterday that said 7 million Americans will fall into the
coverage gap. The group said the average Medicare Part D recipient will hit the doughnut hole on Sept. 22. About 42 million Americans are on Medicare, and some 22 million have prescription drug plans. A spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, a trade association based in Washington, D.C., disputed the figures, and cited a June 8, 2006, report by PriceCoopersWaterhouse that said 3.4 million Americans will fall into the coverage gap. (7/13/06, New Jersey Star Ledger)
Senate Backs Allowing Drugs From Canada
A proposal, approved 68 to 32, would create a loophole, applying only to drugs from Canada, in a ban on importing prescription medicine. (7/12/06, New York Times)
Federal report blasts call centers: Be careful when asking insurers about Medicare drug coverage: Federal investigators found many call centers provided wrong information.
Seniors should think twice about relying on guidance from private insurers when selecting a Medicare drug plan, government investigators indicate in a new report. Many of the 43 million people eligible for Medicare drug coverage rely on insurers' call centers for information about what plan would best meet their needs. In March, investigators made 900 calls to 10 of the largest drug plan sponsors. They said they got complete and accurate answers only a third of the time. Government Accountability Office investigators did not identify the insurers by name. They said call centers answered the large majority of calls with minimal delay, were courteous and often offered helpful suggestions. Yet, they were unable to answer 15 percent of the questions posed. Further, different operators within the same call center sometimes provided inconsistent answers. (7/11/06, Miami Herald)
Other Medicare, Medicaid News
Doctors warn that cuts would jeopardize treatment for Medicare, military patients
A federal mandate to trim Medicare payments will force more doctors to stop seeing elderly and military patients, the American Medical Association warned Tuesday. Jeremy Lazarus of the AMA said 45 percent of the group's physicians plan to decrease or stop taking new Medicare and military Tricare patients if Congress allows a planned 5 percent decrease in Medicare payments to physicians to go into effect as planned in 2007. (7/19/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
80 Senators Sign Letter Calling On Leadership To Pass Legislation Increasing Medicare Payments To Physicians
A group of 80 senators on Monday sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) that seeks congressional approval of an increase in Medicare physician reimbursements before adjournment in October. A recent American Medical Association survey indicated that 45% of physicians would accept fewer Medicare beneficiaries as patients and that 43% would accept fewer TRICARE beneficiaries as patients without congressional action to prevent the proposed reduction in reimbursements, which the letter states would "destabilize the program and put at risk all patients' access to health care." (7/19/06, CQ HealthBeat)
Bush Administration Plans Medicare Changes
The Bush administration says it plans sweeping changes in Medicare payments to hospitals that could cut payments by 20 percent to 30 percent for many complex treatments and new technologies. The changes, the biggest since the current payment system was adopted in 1983, are meant to improve the accuracy of payment rates. But doctors, hospitals and patient groups say the effects could be devastating. (7/17/06, New York Times)
Spending Growth In Medicaid Slows While Medicare Spending Growth Rate Increases
CMS on Tuesday reported that there has been a "sharp slowdown" in the growth of federal Medicaid spending in fiscal year 2006, while Medicare spending in the same year has increased more than expected. (7/14/06, Medical News Today)
Letter From 44 Senators Warns HHS Against Acting Independently To Cut Medicaid Spending
A bipartisan group of 44 senators in a letter sent to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt on Thursday said the Bush administration should not act on proposals that would reduce Medicaid payments for providers by $12.2 billion over five years, (6/30/06, CQ HealthBeat)
Health Insurance and Costs
Senate Panel Holds Hearing on SCHIP
The Senate Finance Health Subcommittee today began mobilizing support for legislation to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program, set to expire next year. At a hearing on SCHIP, a bipartisan panel of witnesses headed by Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-UT, and John Rockefeller IV, D-WV, praised the program, which was created by the 1997 Balanced Budget Act and provided coverage to 6.1 million children in fiscal year 2005. (7/25/06, AHA News Now)
Debating Health Care for Retirees: Retiree health care becomes a contentious issue
Retiree health-care benefits helped several generations of Americans deal with the ills that came with aging. Now a growing number of retirees are seeing their benefits cut or eliminated as companies struggle to contain health-care expenses. Meanwhile, fewer companies are offering retiree health-care coverage to their current workers. (7/25/06, AP)
Court Rules Maryland Coverage Law Preempted by ERISA
A federal judge ruled this week that the Employment Retirement Income Security Act preempts a new Maryland law requiring companies with more than 10,000 employees to spend at least 8% of their payroll on employee health benefits or pay a penalty to the state's health insurance program. "The decision sends a clear signal that employer health plans are governed by federal law, not a patchwork of state and local laws," said Sandy Kennedy, president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, which filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Maryland. (7/21/06, AHA News Now)
Judge Gives Wal-Mart Reprieve on Benefits
In a setback to state efforts to force employers to provide more generous health benefits, a federal judge yesterday struck down a Maryland law that was aimed at the nation’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores. The judge ruled that the federal law governing employer-provided health benefits takes precedence over the state law, which would have required companies with 10,000 or more workers to spend at least 8 percent of their payrolls on health insurance, or pay the difference into a state Medicaid fund. (7/20/06, New York Times)
Growing health-care cuts leaving retirees in a lurch
Retiree health care benefits helped several generations of Americans deal with the ills that come with aging. Now a growing number of retirees are seeing their benefits cut or eliminated as companies struggle to contain health care expenses. Meanwhile, fewer companies are offering retiree health care coverage to current workers. "People are being put in a very difficult situation," said Paul Fronstin, director of health research for the nonprofit Employee Benefit Research Institute in Washington, D.C. "Most don't realize how much money it's going to take to cover what they'll need for out-of-pocket costs." (7/19/06, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
The Minute Clinic Movement: Model for the Future or 60 Seconds of Fame?
Located in mini-malls and discount stores and sporting catchy slogans such as "You're Sick, We're Quick," a new wave of retail health clinics promise to transform a small piece of the health care landscape...As Americans are asked to pay more out of pocket for their medical care, they will begin to approach these purchases with more of a shopper's eye...Proponents believe retail clinics offer a way to help reduce inappropriate use of hospital emergency rooms for basic medical services. For the un- and under-insured, the clinics offer an alternative way to access primary care services. (7/18/06, California HealthCare Foundation)
Some Companies Cutting or Eliminating Retiree Health Care Benefits
Some U.S. companies, in a "struggle to contain health care expenses," are cutting or eliminating retiree health care benefits by either suspending benefits or requiring retired workers to contribute more. In addition, more companies are deciding to end health benefits for future retirees. Some retirees, who say the changes are unfair, are suing their former employers. (7/18/06, San Jose Mercury News)
OPINION: Business Leaders Must Step Forward to Craft a Universal Health Care System
"The employer-based system of health coverage is over," writes Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. (7/17/06, Wall Street Journal)
Aetna To Offer Employers Fee-for-Service Medicare Advantage Plan For Retirees
Aetna has announced plans to offer a nationwide, "fee-for-service" Medicare Advantage plan for employers to cover retirees ages 65 and older. The Medicare Open Plan would allow beneficiaries to use any physicians or hospitals that participate in Medicare. . . . Aetna states the plan will address a number of gaps in traditional Medicare coverage and will provide more benefits than most private, supplemental plans. (7/17/06, Medical News Today)
Demonstration Project Allows Insurers To Offer HSA-like Options To Medicare Beneficiaries
Congress has yet to make progress this year on legislation to promote further adoption of health savings accounts (HSAs), a darling of conservatives, but the Bush administration is taking steps on its own to integrate new health-insurance products into the Medicare program. This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled a demonstration project that would allow health-insurance companies to offer products similar to HSAs to Medicare beneficiaries. (7/13/06, The Hill)
Health Drive Targets Uninsured Children
The Campaign for Children's Health Care kicked off yesterday in an effort to extend federal health coverage to all children and raise awareness about the large number of uninsured children. The campaign...comes at a time when Congress prepares to question the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in the spring. SCHIP was created in 1997 to provide health care coverage to more than 5 million uninsured children in the U.S. However, according to the campaign, an additional 9 million children are without health insurance. (7/12/06, Washington Times)
Elderly to see hike in Medicare premiums
The elderly will face another double-digit rise in their Medicare premiums next year, resulting in monthly payments of nearly $100. The monthly premiums for supplementary medical insurance will rise from $88.50 to at least $98.40, the Bush administration projected Tuesday. That's an 11.2 percent increase, and it's possible the amount will be slightly higher. (7/11/06, Miami Herald)
Health Care Costs Set to Rise Again this Year
Medical costs for U.S. workers and retirees will rise again this year, even as companies scale back their coverage, according to two surveys, the Washington Post reports. (7/6/06, Washington Post)
After 4 Years, Health Group for the Poor Gets Started
More than four years after it was promised, a foundation created by state lawmakers to help New Yorkers get health care is, at last, up and running — and with much more money at its disposal than expected... The foundation has a broadly worded, three-part mandate from the state: to expand health insurance coverage for people who cannot afford it, improve access to care for people who have trouble finding it, and educate people about health issues and help them address those problems. (7/5/06, New York Times)
Other Health Issues
Not Just Black and White
That health disparities exist between whites and blacks in the United States is widely recognized, with the latter group faring far worse on many major health outcomes. But some experts are calling new attention to a host of lesser-known differences within the black population that they say may help explain the nature of such disparities and offer new clues about how to address them. (7/25/06, Washington Post)
Report Finds a Heavy Toll From Medication Errors
Medication errors harm 1.5 million people and kill several thousand each year in the United States, costing the nation at least $3.5 billion annually, the Institute of Medicine concluded in a report Preventing Medication Errors, released on Thursday. Drug errors are so widespread that hospital patients should expect to suffer one every day they remain hospitalized, although error rates vary by hospital and most do not lead to injury, the report concludedMedication errors harm 1.5 million people and kill several thousand in the U.S. annually, a report said. (7/21/06, New York Times)
The Minute Clinic Movement: Model for the Future or 60 Seconds of Fame?
Located in mini-malls and discount stores and sporting catchy slogans such as "You're Sick, We're Quick," a new wave of retail health clinics promise to transform a small piece of the health care landscape...As Americans are asked to pay more out of pocket for their medical care, they will begin to approach these purchases with more of a shopper's eye...Proponents believe retail clinics offer a way to help reduce inappropriate use of hospital emergency rooms for basic medical services. For the un- and under-insured, the clinics offer an alternative way to access primary care services. (7/18/06, California HealthCare Foundation)
Counterfeit Drugs Are A Danger To Everyone
The counterfeiting of prescription drugs is an illegal business that is growing fast. Several years ago, the FDA estimated that nearly 15% of imported pharmaceuticals contained unapproved substances, according to Lawrence Hardie, retired Supervisory Special Agent with U.S. Customs and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Piracy, counterfeiting and the theft of intellectual property now cost business $250 billion per year, according to the US Chamber of Commerce. (7/17/06, Medical News Today)
Report: 1 in 8 Babies Born Premature
Specialists called Thursday for more early ultrasound exams during pregnancy and tighter guidelines for infertility treatment as key first steps in battling a growing problem: One in eight babies now is born prematurely. That's more than 500,000 babies a year, a steadily rising number as the rate of premature birth has grown by more than 30 percent in two decades.
Helping these fragile infants survive and thrive costs the nation at least $26 billion a year, and there's little likelihood of improvement soon, says a sobering report from the Institute of Medicine. (7/14/06, Palm Beach Post)
Leaders In Patient Safety And Health Care Quality Call For Pilot Projects For Special Health Courts
Common Good, the bipartisan legal reform coalition, announced today that six leaders in patient safety and health care quality are calling for pilot projects for special health courts. The idea of special health courts, being championed by Common Good, has generated bipartisan support as a way of restoring reliability to medical justice. Both U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) and the Progressive Policy Institute, known in the 1990s as President Clinton's "idea mill," have endorsed the concept. So have hundreds of leaders in American health care and law. (7/6/06, Medical News Today)
OPINION: Hospital-Caused Deaths
The results may seem hard to believe, but if the so-called 100,000 Lives Campaign has prevented even half of the needless hospital deaths it is claiming, the medical system is becoming a whole lot safer for patients. A 1999 report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences estimated that up to 98,000 Americans die needlessly each year because of medical errors in the nation's hospitals. That provoked a flurry of reform efforts, including a campaign started in December 2004 by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a nonprofit organization based in Cambridge, Mass., to reduce hospital deaths by at least 100,000 over 18 months. (7/5/06, New York Times)
A Vision for a Healthier America: What the States Can Do
In a perspective piece responding to an article that highlighted the success of Arkansas legislation to combat childhood obesity, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee examines state governments' role in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing disease. According to Huckabee, governors can shift attitudes toward wellness through programs in communities, businesses and schools. (July-August 2006, Health Affairs)
The Prevention Challenge and Opportunity
David Satcher -- former U.S. Surgeon General, interim president of the Morehouse School of Medicine and director of the Center of Excellence on Health Disparities -- discusses areas in which the U.S. needs to increase its investment in preventive care. According to Satcher, preventive care is undervalued and poorly supported in the current U.S. health care system. Satcher writes that although there are challenges in implementing prevention programs, such programs will improve health, prevent pain and suffering, and lead to the development of a balanced and affordable health system. (July-August 2006, Health Affairs)
Preparing for the Unknown, Responding to the Known: Communities and Public Health Preparedness
More than four years after September 11, 2001, bioterrorism preparedness remains a high priority for federal, state, and local governments. With reasonably flexible federal funding, communities have strengthened their ability to respond to public health emergencies, according to assessments by stakeholders and market observers. (Health Affairs)
Return to Top
HEALTH ADVOCACY RESOURCES
July 27, 2006
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: Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIPS
New: Health Insurance, Health Costs, Health Care Reform
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
Medicare Part D Consumer Fact Sheet on Getting Drugs After the Transition Period
Provided by US Dept. of Health and Human Services.
The Florida CHAIN web site now includes resource information in Spanish. To access, click here.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
New grant listings
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.
HHS Announces $15 Million Collaboration on Prevention for Older Americans
As the leader of President Bush's HealthierUS Initiative, [HHS] Secretary [Mike] Leavitt has identified prevention as a priority issue in order to highlight the importance of preventive care and chronic disease management. "This new partnership, led by the Administration on Aging (AoA) and involving several HHS agencies, states, and various public and private organizations at the community level, will empower older people to take more control of their own health through life style and behavioral changes that have proven effective in reducing the risk of disease and disability among the elderly," said Secretary Leavitt. (7/6/06, HHS News)
Continuing grant listings, in order of submission deadlines
American Heart Association, Clinton Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Help Schools Create a Healthier Environment for Nation's Students
Applications available July 1
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has announced a new collaboration with schools to create environments that foster healthy lifestyles and prevent overweight and obesity among students. The Alliance works to address the issues that contribute to childhood obesity and to inspire all young Americans to develop lifelong healthy habits. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded the Alliance $8 million to support the Healthy Schools Program.
RWJF Caring Across Communities Grants
Initial brief proposals deadline: July 28
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation issued a call for proposals for a grant program to address the mental health needs of underserved children and youth, with a special emphasis on projects that help children of immigrant and refugee families overcome cultural and language barriers to mental health services. Caring Across Communities will award approximately $100,000 per year for up to 3 years to an estimated 15 geographically and ethnically diverse project teams. Participating organizations might include community mental health centers, multicultural service agencies, faith-based organizations, or other immigrant-or refugee-serving organizations with mental health expertise. An elementary, middle or high school can be either a sole site for services, or a significant provider in a network of care. Grantees must use approaches that are culturally and linguistically relevant to children and their families.
AcademyHealth Health Services Research (HSR) Impact Award
Deadline: July 28
AcademyHealth requests nominations of health services researcher that has made a positive impact on health policy and/or practice. The lead researcher of the winning impact will receive $2,000, and the research will be disseminated widely as part of AcademyHealth's ongoing efforts to promote the field of health services research and communicate its value for health care decision-making. The award will be announced at the 2007 National Health Policy Conference on February 12-13, and the winner will receive complimentary registration, travel and lodging to the conference.
Tobacco Policy Change: Tobacco Policy Change: A Collaborative for Healthier
Deadline: Aug. 1
This program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a national initiative that provides resources and technical assistance for local, regional, and nationally-based organizations and tribal groups interested in implementing effective tobacco prevention and cessation policy initiatives. Applicants must have demonstrated success in policy advocacy and grassroots organizing. Particular attention will be given to applicants working in communities or states most affected by tobacco-related disease and exposure. Grants will range from $75,000 to $150,000, depending on the strength of the proposal and matching funds.
RWJF Common Ground – Transforming Public Health Information Systems
Deadline: August 15
Common Ground will support state and local public health agencies collaboration in redesigning business processes and in developing collaborative requirements definitions for information systems to strengthen public health agencies that will help to improve preparedness and chronic disease prevention and control.
Packer Policy Fellowships
Application deadline: August 15
On behalf of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, The Commonwealth Fund announces this Australian-American health policy fellowship program. The Packer Policy Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for outstanding, mid-career U.S. professionals--academics, physicians, decision-makers in managed care and other private health care organizations, federal and state health officials, and journalists--to spend up to 10 months in Australia conducting original research and working with leading health policy experts on issues relevant to both countries.
Ronald McDonald House Charities -- Children’s Health Grant
Letter of Inquiry Deadline: Aug. 15
Ronald McDonald House Charities is accepting applications for its Children’s Health Grant programs. These grants are intended to support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children, that address a significant funding gap or critical opportunity, have a potential long-term impact and produce measurable results. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations.
American Psychiatric Foundation Offers Grants for Mental Illness Public Education and Outreach
Deadline: September 1
The American Psychiatric Foundation, a charitable and educational subsidiary of the American Psychiatric Association, is making up to $750,000 in total grant funds available over the course of three years (2005-07) to fund public education, information, and outreach initiatives that promote the early recognition and treatment of mental illness. The foundation seeks to fund new and innovative ideas and programs that promote public awareness of mental illness, the effectiveness of treatment, and the importance of early intervention.
NIH Behavioral and Social Research on Disasters and Health
Opening Date: Sept. 5
The purpose of this announcement is to stimulate research in the behavioral and social sciences on the consequences of natural and man-made disasters on the health of children, the elderly and vulnerable groups, with an ultimate goal of preventing or mitigating harmful consequences.
Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida Winter 2006 Grant Cycle
Deadline: September 15
The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida supports philanthropic, community-based solutions that address many different health care challenges facing Florida both today and in the future. Grants will be awarded to improve program capacity and reduce barriers to access, with a particular focus on the uninsured and underserved. The Foundation will focus a significant portion of its resources to maximize impact in the area of community-based health clinics and outreach services. The Foundation awards up to $1 million annually. Grants range in size from $10,000 to $100,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501 (c)(3) status and located in Florida.
Nominations Invited for RWJ Community Health Leadership Awards
Letters of Intent Deadline: Sept. 22
The Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program annually honors with $120,000 each, ten outstanding individuals who overcome daunting odds to expand access to health care and social services to underserved and isolated populations in communities across the United States. The program's goal is to elevate the work of its leaders through financial support, opportunities for growth and networking, and assistance raising awareness of their contributions. Candidates should be working at the grassroots level, have received no significant national recognition, and be in "mid-career," with no less than five and no more than fifteen years of community health experience. CHLP welcomes nominations from consumers, community leaders, health professionals, government officials, and others who have been personally inspired by people providing essential community health services. Nominations from development and public relations departments or professional grant writers cannot be accepted.
RWJF Health and Society Scholars Program Call for Applications
Deadline: October 13
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJ) issued a call for applications for the RWJ Health and Society Scholars Program, a two-year fellowship designed to build the nation's capacity for research, leadership and action to address the broad range of factors affecting health.
CVS/pharmacy Accepting Applications for Community Grants Program
Deadline: October 31
CVS/pharmacy supports the communities it serves by offering nonprofit organizations the CVS/pharmacy Community Grant. The Community Grants program is currently accepting proposals for the following: 1) Programs targeting children under the age of 18 with disabilities that address any of the following: health and rehabilitation services; public schools promoting a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs; and creating opportunities or facilities that give greater access to physical movement and play. 2) Healthcare services for uninsured people. All CVS/pharmacy Community Grant applications must be submitted online between January and October of each calendar year.
Applied Epidemiology Fellowship at CDC for Medical Students
Deadline: Dec. 4
Funded by Pfizer Inc. and administered by the CDC Foundation, this fellowship provides medical students with applied hands-on training experience in epidemiology and public health. Up to ten 3rd-4th year medical students from around the US will spend up to a year at the CDC, carrying out epidemiologic analyses in areas such as birth defects, injury, chronic disease, infectious disease, environmental health, reproductive health, and minority health. The program provides a stipend for living expenses.
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
Allegany Franciscan Ministries Capacity Building Scholarship
Allegany Franciscan Ministries will award, in Miami-Dade, Tampa Bay, and Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie areas, Capacity Building Scholarships throughout 2006 as long as funds are available. Scholarships of up to $300 may be requested to pay registration fees for conferences, seminars and other training opportunities for the staff and volunteers of nonprofit organizations in order to increase their capacity to deliver efficient and effective services to those in need. Organizations may submit scholarship applications at any time, preferably at least six weeks prior to the registration deadline of the conference or training program.
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.
Southeast Florida Cancer Control Collaborative (SFCCC)
SFCCC is a group of individuals and organizations working together to reduce the cancer burden and to reduce cancer disparities in Southeast Florida. The Southeast Region includes 8 of Florida's 67 counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie. The SFCCC includes representatives from more than 60 public and private organizations and agencies and health care providers, as well as cancer survivor and advocacy groups. By combining and sharing their organizational resources, the SFCCC aims to increase awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment among populations at high risk. Support for collaborative activities is provided by the Population Research Core at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (UM/SCCC). Membership is voluntary and open to anyone who works or lives in the Southeast Region. There are 3 Co-Chairs and 4 Workgroups: (1) Synergy and Networking, (2) Reducing Cancer Disparities, (3) Reducing Cancer Risk/Tobacco Control, and (4) Quality of Life/Palliative Care. In addition to addressing regional priorities, SFCCC activities address goals of the Florida Cancer Plan. The Collaborative meets quarterly at various locations in the region.
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. Publications include:
Questions to Ask when Considering a Medicare Health Plan; What do I need to know about the new drug benefit if I am in a Medicare HMO or other private health plan?; Medicare: A National Treasure for 40 Years.
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.
MANUALS, GUIDES, TOOLKITS
Newly posted resources are at the top of the list.
Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low Income Outreach Toolkit
CMS now offers an Extra Help/Low Income Outreach Toolkit. The outreach and education initiatives outlined in this plan are designed to identify all remaining likely Low Income eligible beneficiaries; ensure that they complete applications; and encourage them to actively choose their Medicare drug plans. Estimates show approximately 3 million Medicare beneficiaries remain who are likely to qualify for Extra Help but have not yet applied for it or enrolled in a Medicare drug plan. There is a May 16 - Nov. 15, 2006 Special Enrollment Period so those eligible for Extra Help can join a Medicare drug plan immediately without paying a penalty.
Florida Medicaid Reform Brochure
This Florida Medicaid reform brochure will be mailed to Medicaid and MediKids beneficiaries in Broward and Duval counties between 6/29 and 7/13.
Navigating the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Program: A Guide for People With Disabilities, Benefits Counselors, Disability Organizations and Others on Ensuring Adequate and Appropriate Access to Prescription Drugs
Written by a senior research scholar at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute, and a disability policy consultant, this guide provides information for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries about how to best use the Medicare drug benefit. The guide offers an overview of the drug plan in a question-and-answer format, as well as a discussion about possible denials of coverage, exceptions, grievances and appeals. (6/6/06, United Cerebral Palsy)
Consumer-Directed Health Care Resources
KaiserEDU.org recently posted new resources on consumer-directed health care, including a narrated slide tutorial, an issue module and a public poll analysis. The slide tutorial discusses the principles and models of CDHC, including health savings accounts. He also discusses CDHC financing, CDHC's impact on health care spending and related policy issues. The companion issue module summarizes the latest research and policy analysis on CDHC and covers CDHC's impact in the marketplace and on low-income populations, health insurance coverage, risk selection, and consumers' access to health information. The Public Opinions on HSAs examines how many Americans have heard of and understand what health savings accounts are (6/5/06, Kaiser Family Foundation)
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
Medicare Part D Consumer Fact Sheet on Getting Drugs After the Transition Period
Provided by US Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Fact Sheet Summarizes Medicaid and SCHIP Eligibility Rules for Immigrants
A new fact sheet from the Foundation's KCMU provides an overview of the current rules on immigrants' eligibility for Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program.
Medicare Rights Center Resources to Fix Part-D
MRC promotes fixing Part-D by making it available under Original Medicare and negotiating drug prices. Here are four resources to help educate others:
Presentation (Powerpoint) on Why We Need a Drug Benefit Under Original Medicare
"Part D - No Guarantee" Confusion Chart Flier
Why is the Privatized Part D Drug Benefit a Disaster?
The New Part D Prescription Drug Program: A Gamble for All Americans
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 a new resource, 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.
2005-2006 Healthy Kids Marketing and Public Relations Tool Kit now available
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. To make changes or additions to any design or use the trademarked logos or phone numbers, prior approval is required to ensure that accurate information is distributed. Send requests to floyda@healthykids.org or fax to 850/224-0615.
Health Literacy Fact Sheets
This series of nine fact sheets was created for those who are designing patient education materials for consumers with low health literacy skills. The sheets define health literacy, describe its impact on health outcomes, provide strategies to prepare appropriate educational materials to assist low-literate consumers, and provide resources for additional health literacy information and publications.
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
On the Road from Research to Practice: Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Webinar
Part I: Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Translation and Dissemination of a Health Education Research Agenda
July 25 2:00–3:00 pm (ET)
Part II: Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: Practice Implications for a Health Education Research Agenda
Aug. 29 2:00–3:00 pm (ET)
This Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) Webinar series will explore the role of health education research and practice in addressing the complex factors associated with racial and ethnic health disparities. This two-part series will showcase the release of SOPHE’s complementary journals on this topic, Health Education & Behavior and Health Promotion Practice, based on SOPHE’s meeting “Health Disparities and Social Inequities: Framing a Transdisciplinary Research Agenda in Health Education.” Hear presentations and commentary by contributing authors. Lessons from the latest Health Promotion Practice supplement on CDC’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) 2010 program will also be featured. Health educators can earn up to 2 Category Continuing Education Contact Hours by participating in both events. Click here to enroll for the webinar. Click here for more detailed information about the series.
Trust Counts Now: Hospitals and Their Communities
August 17. 11:00 am PT (12:00 MT, 1:00 pm CT, 2:00 pm ET)
ACHI Audio Conference.
Florida Statewide Infant, Maternal, and Reproductive Health Audioconference
Aug. 30 3:00-4:00 pm (ET)
The Infant, Maternal, and Reproductive Health Unit of Florida Department of Health will hold this fourth statewide audio conference in the series on best practices in women's health services. Guest presenters from the private sector will describe their women’s health wellness programs from perspectives of a small business and a large organization. For registration and more information, contact Cheryl_Robbins@doh.state.fl.us or call 850/245-4444, ext. 2980.
Policies and Procedures to Strengthen Community Benefit Accountability
Sept. 21 ACHI audio conference
Video/Forum to Assess Medicare Drug Benefit Implementation for Low-Income and Dual Eligible Beneficiaries
Explores key challenges in reaching low-income people on Medicare and reviews potential strategies for improving participation in the low-income subsidy program. Panelists discuss the early experiences of these beneficiaries and consider how to address ongoing challenges. A new video, produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Transitions 2006, which explores some of the issues and challenges experienced by dual eligibles, is also presented. (5/18/06, Kaiser Network)
The State of Latinos and HIV/AIDS in the United States
This Bienestar and AIDS Institute briefing allows members of Congress to learn more about the issues related to HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. Web page includes several power point presentations. (5/3/06, Kaiser Network)
Families USA Conference Call Audio Playbacks
Throughout 2006, Families USA is holding a series of conference calls on a range of health care topics for state and local advocates. Interested, but can't make it? Don't worry. You can catch up on what you missed by listening to the audio playback. To listen to these conference calls, you will need RealPlayer or Windows Media Player. Click here for listening instructions.
Media Programming
Remaking American Medicine?...Health Care for the 21st Century
Crosskeys Media® and Devillier Communications, Inc. announce a four-part series to be broadcast on PBS nationally every Thursday at 10 p.m. in October. Line-up and date for each show:
Silent Killer - October 5
Every year at least 98,000 Americans die - and countless more are injured - as a result of medical errors. This program begins by profiling the efforts of Sorrel King, whose 18-month-old daughter Josie was killed at one of the most respected hospitals in the world, Johns Hopkins.
First Do No Harm - October 12
This program focuses on the impact of medical errors in two hospitals and follows the efforts of physicians who are challenging their colleagues to live up to their oath to First Do No Harm. Confronts one epidemic of hospital-acquired infections that are shattering the lives of their victims.
The Stealth Epidemic - October 19
Chronic diseases like diabetes and congestive heart failure affect nearly 100 million Americans, and treatment of these illnesses consumes nearly 70 percent of all health care resources. Yet doctors are often unable to prevent needless suffering or even death, and these failures are threatening the viability of our entire health care system.
Hand in Hand - October 26
As medicine continues to become more and more technologically sophisticated and the systems that deliver medical care become more complex, the relationship between providers, patients and families is more important than ever.
"60 Minutes" Targets Hospitals' Billing of the Uninsured
"60 Minutes" segment transcript
"60 Minutes" responses to segment transcript
Web Sites, Web Features & Databases
Newest postings are listed at the top of State and National Web Resources sections below
State Web Resources
South Florida Cancer Data
South Florida Cancer Control Collaborative has published online updated cancer data for the Southeast Florida region. The tables are on the main SFCCC web page in PDF format. The updated tables are based on data from the 5-year period, 2000-2004. They include cancer incidence, mortality and percent late stage diagnosis for selected cancer sites by gender and race/ethnicity by county, and also include Florida rates. Data were extracted from the "gold standard" Florida Cancer Data System.
Florida Voter Registration Application Online
To apply to register to vote, fill in the PDF application online and print it out, or print the application and write in the information. Please use a black ballpoint pen. THE FLORIDA VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION REQUIRES AN ORIGINAL SIGNATURE. If the PDF application is filled in online, it must be printed out and signed prior to mailing.
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 Kids insurance application can be completed online
Families wanting to apply for the state's health insurance program for children can now apply online. Florida Healthy Kids has redesigned its Web site at www.healthykids.org to allow people to apply electronically for the KidCare programs, which include Healthy Kids, Children's Medical Services and MediKids. (2/16/06, Daytona News-Journal) More
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
Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy Online Database
Prevention Institute announces a searchable database, designed to provide community advocates, health professionals, policymakers and those working in related fields with concrete examples of local-level policies that have been adopted and/or implemented to improve nutrition and physical activity environments. From joint use agreements to formula restaurant ordinances, we hope to capture what cities, counties, special districts, regional bodies and school districts are doing to make healthy eating and activity a more realistic
option.
Covering Kids & Families New Web Site
Visit the site to use its new features, including: better-organized, streamlined layout; 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; new 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.
Updated Fact Sheet on Medicaid's Role for Dual Eligibles
Kaiser Family Foundation's Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured has updated a fact sheet on Medicaid's role in providing care to dual eligibles, low-income Medicare beneficiaries, and the transitioning of their prescription drug coverage from Medicaid to the new Medicare drug benefit.
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
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
Health Disparities: A Selected Bibliography
From the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Road Map for Addressing Public Health's Critical Needs
A special issue of the journal "Health Affairs" focusing on public health outlines a road map for addressing the field's critical needs. (7/13/06, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)
9th edition of the Pink Book (Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases)
This update provides physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners,
physician assistants, pharmacists, and others with comprehensive information on vaccine-preventable diseases. The Pink Book is published by the National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and made available
through the Public Health Foundation.
Best-Selling Healthwise(R) Handbook Gets Major Makeover
The Healthwise Handbook is now redesigned to keep pace with an ever-changing, expensive, and sometimes confusing, health care system. (6/20/06, BusinessWire)
Health Benefits Newsletter
Titles include: Variety of Strategies Needed to Curb Health Costs; Lower Medical Bills Through Health Coaching; Unveiling the True Cost of Health Care - For a Price; Obesity and Diabetes Rates Soar Among Hispanics, and Employers More Aware of Behavioral Risks.
Kaiser Family Foundation offers a weekly Medicare Q&A column that is being distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune News. The column answers questions from readers related to the new Medicare drug benefit.
REPORTS AND STUDIES
New Listings
New Listings: Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIPS
Senate Committee’s Inadequate Labor-HHS-Education Spending
The $142.8 billion recommended for Labor-HHS-Ed FY 2007 spending in annually appropriated programs was 5 billion more than the President’s request, and about $900 million higher than the figure the House appropriations Committee approved. (7/25/06, Coalition for Human Needs)
Medicare Part D Progress Report
The Center for Medicare Advocacy is releasing a progress report with policy solutions to improve the Medicare prescription drug benefit According to the report, "The design of Part D promotes enormous variation in the type of plans offered, enrollment experiences, covered drugs, what counts toward the Donut Hole coverage gap, plan costs, and appeals. Many people remain confused and frustrated by Part D's complexity and limitations." The report calls for a complete redesign of the prescription drug program that is standardized, available throughout the country, and administered through the traditional Medicare program. The report’s recommendations are: 1) A unified CMS formulary; 2) Elimination of the “Donut Hole” gap; 3) Replacement of the restriction on Medicare negotiating with drug companies with a requirement to negotiate prices on behalf of all 43 million beneficiaries; 4) Sufficient funding to correct systems problems; 5) Open enrollment at least in plans until these issues are resolved, and prohibition on plans changing formularies or raising costs for “locked in” beneficiaries; 6) Medicaid coverage with no copayments for dual eligibles; 7) Dual eligible system to resolve issues at the pharmacy counter; 8) Standard, simplified appeals process requirement for all plans; 9) CMS monitoring and sanctioning plans that do not comply with mandated coverage rules and appeals processes, in place of “guidance that "recommends" or "suggests." (7/22/06. Center for Medicare Advocacy)
Independent Pharmacists Want Legislation for Quick Payments
Legislation that would require Medicare drug plans and pharmacy benefit managers to pay claims from pharmacists within a certain time frame would increase Medicare costs by $55 billion over 10 years and would increase beneficiaries' cost sharing and premiums by $30 billion over the same period, according to a study. Groups representing independent pharmacists have called for passage of legislation (S 2563/HR 5182) that would require health plans to offer electronic payments and to provide payment within 14 days. (7/17/06, CQ Health Beat)
Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey Evaluates Medicare Part D
Despite the widespread criticism and controversy surrounding Part D, a majority of the health care leaders surveyed express positive views of the program, with two of three leaders agreeing that enacting Medicare Part D was, on balance, good for beneficiaries. Still, it is notable that there is considerable skepticism about key aspects of the program in its current format, with leaders being critical of the availability of coverage exclusively through private plans and the gap in coverage (the doughnut hole), which leaves beneficiaries responsible for all of their covered costs. The sectors are reasonably consistent in their views about Medicare Part D, except for the business/insurance/other health care industry sector, which is overwhelmingly supportive of the benefit as is. (7/14/06, Commonwealth Fund)
Falling into the Doughnut Hole
A new report shows that the Medicare Part D plan has dire health and financial consequences for the 7 million Americans who will soon fall into the program's 'doughnut hole' -- a massive gap in coverage for annual costs between $2,250 and $5,100 which forces seniors and disabled to pay the full cost of their prescription drugs on top of their costly monthly premiums. (June 2006, Institute for America's Future)
New Listings: Health Insurance, Health Costs, Health Care Reform
Public Supports Lower Premiums for Healthy Lifestyles
A majority of Americans support higher health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-payments for people engaged in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, overeating and being sedentary, reveals a recent survey from the Wall Street Journal and Harris Interactive. The new numbers reveal a shift in attitudes among health-conscious adults towards individuals with unhealthy habits. (7/25/06, Benefit News)
Report Identifies Top Reasons Uninsured Are Hospitalized
Childbirth was the top reason for hospitalizations among the uninsured in 2003, accounting for one in every five hospital stays by uninsured patients. There were 1.7 million uninsured hospitalizations in U.S. community hospitals in 2003 at a national cost of $29 billion, the agency said. Other leading reasons for the hospitalizations included circulatory system disorders (14.4%), injuries (11.3%) and mental health and substance abuse disorders (10.8%). Hospitalizations for diabetes and asthma, chronic conditions that can be controlled with access to good primary care, also were common. (7/20/06, Agency for Healthcare Research Quality)
Health Savings Accounts Unlikely to Stem Rising Healthcare Spending
Health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible health plans can lower consumer cost-sharing compared with many typical health insurance plans (7/13/06, Commonwealth Foundation)
Health Costs Inflated 9.6% This Year
The average medical expenses for a family of four increased by 9.6% from $12,214 in 2005 to $13,382 in 2006, according to the consultancy Milliman. The average annual rate of increase between 2002 and 2006 was 9.7%. Bob Cosway, a consulting actuary at Milliman, predicts the rates will stay in the 9% to 10% range for the next several years. (7/6/06, Benefit News)
High-Deductible Health Plans with Health Savings Accounts: Emerging Evidence and Outstanding Issues
Expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) is a central objective of President George H. W. Bush's proposed health policy reforms. HSAs, used in conjunction with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), are part of a grouping of health insurance products commonly referred to as "consumer-driven health plans" (CDHPs)... HDHPs tend to have significantly lower premiums than more comprehensive insurance plans. These lower premiums derive from two cost-saving techniques. First, they cover fewer of the medical dollars spent, since individuals must pay a larger amount of their medical needs before the actual insurance protection begins. Second, high deductible plans tend to attract and, therefore, cover less costly healthy individuals. (7/5/06, Urban Institute)
New Listings: Health Equity Issues
Health Care of 50 Million Americans Who Do Not Speak English Compromised by Language Barriers
Many U.S. residents who do not speak English do not receive translator services at hospitals, a situation that places them at risk for medical errors or inadequate care. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, refusal or delay of medical care because of language barriers is considered discrimination. In addition, health care facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements must provide translator services to patients who have limited proficiency in English. Only 23% of teaching hospitals train physicians to work with translators. "Lack of interpreters translates into impaired health status, lower likelihood of being given a follow-up appointment, greater risk of hospital admissions and more drug complications." (7/20/06, New England Journal of Medicine)
In `Food Deserts' of City, Healthy Eating a Mirage Study: More fast food, fewer grocers for blacks
For African-Americans who live in "food deserts" on Chicago's South and West Sides, where fast-food restaurants are plentiful and grocery stores are scarce, a lack of choices is more than an inconvenience. A provocative new study concludes that residents are more likely to die prematurely from diabetes, cancer and other ailments...Mari Gallagher, the consultant who conducted the study for LaSalle Bank...says the evidence offers a "statistically significant" link between food options and health conditions that suggests food deserts may "pose serious health and wellness challenges to the residents who live within them and the city as a whole." (7/18/06, Chicago Tribune)
New Survey Finds Financial Consequences Of Depression Are Seventy-Five Percent Higher Among Floridians Than The National Average
The financial consequences of depression are 75 percent higher for Floridians than the national average. Specifically, self-reported credit card debt and negative social consequences attributable to depression contributed more than $19,400 in out-of-pocket costs for Floridians -- approximately $8,300 more than other Americans living with depression. (7/14/06, National Alliance on Mental Illness)
National Survey Finds Depression Costs Nearly Tripled For Individuals With Limited Access To Care
Individuals with depression and limited access to treatment incurred an average of nearly three times the annual out-of-pocket costs for medication, psychotherapy and other treatment costs than individuals with less restricted access ($4,312 versus $1,496), according to results of a new survey. Credit card debt and other negative social consequences attributable to depression further contributed more than $13,500 in out-of-pocket costs. However, results reveal that the costs of depression are not just financial, but social, given that as few as one-third of those with limited access to treatment reported being satisfied in either their job or relationship with a spouse or partner. (7/14/06, National Alliance on Mental llness)
Bias's Toll on Health
African Americans who experience racial discrimination have poorer physical and mental health than others, finds a study out of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Health problems -- including depression, emotional troubles and physical conditions that limit daily activity -- were greater even when researchers corrected for socioeconomic factors such as education and income. Three-quarters of the study's subjects reported facing at least some racial discrimination. Findings appeared in Social Science & Medicine. (7/11/06, Washington Post)
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)
New Listings: Other Health Issues
Younger Adult Patients Less Trusting Of Physicians
As consumers, younger generations expect higher quality service than Baby Boomers, who in turn have greater expectations than their own parents. The health care industry is no longer immune from consumerism-the younger you are, the less likely you are to be satisfied with and have confidence in your doctor. That's what more than 1.1 million patients reported in 2005 when surveyed. "Among the most consistent drivers of patient satisfaction in a doctor's office setting-across all age groups-are how much time physicians spend with their patients and how friendly and courteous they are." (7/18/06, Medical News Today)
ER Crowding Perceptions Challenged
The most crowded hospital emergency rooms tend to be located in regions populated by fewer immigrants, Latinos and the uninsured, according to a study published today on the Web site for the policy journal Health Affairs. (7/18/06, Bergen Herald News)
More Adults This Year See Childhood Obesity As Major Problem in the U.S.
81 percent of adults agree that children are becoming obese because parents aren't paying enough attention to their eating habits, not because of the food industry's marketing and advertising. A new...[p]oll finds that a growing number of U.S. adults see childhood obesity as a problem in the U.S., with 84 percent calling it a "major problem," up from 77 percent from 2005. However, among those who are a parent or guardian of
a child aged 12 and under, only 74 percent say it is a major problem (compared to 70% in 2005). (7/12/06, Wall Street Journal)
Florida Reports
New 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.
Grading State Systems for Adults with Serious Mental Illness
A National Alliance on Mental Illness report grades each state's public mental health system for adults with serious mental illness, and assigns the nation an overall grade of D. The report grades states on 39 criteria in the areas of infrastructure, information access, services and recovery based on a survey of state mental health agencies last October and November.
Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIPS
Children in Foster Care May Have to Delay Health Care Because of Federal Citizenship Requirement
This new analysis finds that the July 6 regulations will hamper the efforts of Medicaid and child welfare agencies to meet the needs of some of the nation's most vulnerable children and will place the health of some of these children at risk. A number of state Medicaid agencies already are on record with strong
concerns about the administrative costs and burdens the documentation requirement will entail. Placing states at risk of losing federal matching funds for the provision of health care to these children both risks these children's health and imposes an unnecessary burden on states. (7/7/06, CBPP)
Big Dollars, Little Sense: Rising Medicare Prescription Drug Prices
1) Virtually all of the Part D plans raised their prices for the majority of the top 20 drugs in this study. 2) For all of the top 20 drugs prescribed to seniors, VA prices in April were lower than the lowest prices charged by Part D plans. (June 2006)
New Proof-of-Citizenship Requirements for Medicaid Eligibility
The Kaiser Family Foundation's Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured has released documents on the new citizenship requirements included in the Deficit Reduction act of 2005, effective 1 July 2006. All US citizens and nationals must now prove citizenship when applying for Medicaid coverage. Report and Fact Sheet. (6/10/06, KFF)
Mental Health Patients Face High Out-of-Pocket Costs Under Medicare Part D, Reach Donut Hole Faster
Individuals with mental illnesses spend four times more out of pocket for prescription drugs under Part D than they typically would under employer-sponsored drug coverage, says a new study by Thomson Medstat sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. Analyzing drug-spending data on 1,114,009 people with Medicare with retiree drug coverage in 2004, researchers found that mental illness significantly increases the amount spent annually on prescription drugs. In addition, mental health patients with Medicare reach the "doughnut hole"-the gap in coverage in which enrollees must bear the full cost of prescriptions-on average two months earlier than other people with Medicare. (6/5/06, PR NewsWire)
Opening Doorways to Health Care for Children
This national Children's Partnership report outlines a 10-step plan to enroll "eligible but uninsured" children into Medicaid and SCHIP. The plan focuses on using common doorways, like schools, along with technology and common sense reforms to make enrollment and renewal routine and timely. By putting this plan into action, up to 95% of America's children could receive health coverage. (May 2006, Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured)
Americans Locked Into Medicare-Approved Drug Plans That Refuse Assistance
People Must Be Allowed to Change Their Drug Plan
Older and disabled Americans must be allowed to switch out of Medicare private drug plans because of the effects of confusion, misinformation from the government, and deceptive drug plan marketing practices.
Snapshot: Health Care Costs 101, 2006 Edition
Now in its third edition, this presentation provides a concise, visual snapshot of national health care spending trends for use by journalists, policymakers, or anyone interested in health care cost issues. Based primarily on National Health Expenditures data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the slides show how spending is distributed by type of service and illustrate growth in spending categories such as hospital services and prescription drugs. For the first time, it also examines how contributions from households, business, and government are blended to finance both public and private health coverage. (March 2006, California HealthCare Foundation)
Families USA Report on Medicaid Part-D
This latest report found that the vast majority of new Medicare Part D beneficiaries already had prescription drug coverage before the program started earlier this year and, in an effort to downplay this situation, the Administration has significantly lowered its own enrollment projections. You can read the full report or a press release announcing the report.
New State-By-State Data on Medicaid and SCHIP's Success in Reducing the Coverage Gap for Children
Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center for Children and Families reports the surprisingly positive trends in coverage for children, largely due to Medicaid (and to a lesser extent, its smaller companion program, SCHIP), that provide affordable health insurance coverage to children in low-income families. However, there is significant variation across the states. Tables Methodology
Federal Budget/Health Care
Proposed Federal Budget Discretionary Caps Would Hit States Hard
The Senate Budget Committee on June 20 approved legislation that would make a number of far-reaching changes in the federal budget process. Included in the legislation are provisions that would establish statutory caps that would lead to substantial cuts in a range of domestic discretionary programs that would have far-reaching effects in every state. Includes state-by-state analysis. (7/5/06, CBPP)
Bill Would Make Far-Reaching Changes in Budget Rules, Aim Knife at Domestic Programs While Shielding Tax Cuts for Fiscal Discipline
This Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of sweeping legislation altering federal budget procedures would make large changes in how Congress and the President make budget decisions and seeks to force dramatic changes in the budget. This legislation, if enacted, it could have profound effects on American society. (6/19/06, CBPP)
Administration’s Fiscal Year 2007 Budget is Likely still to Leave SCHIP Coverage for Low-Income Children in Jeopardy finds that the Administration’s budget proposal will fall short of fully funding states’ needs for SCHIP funding in 2007 — and could lead more than 200,000 children to go without SCHIP coverage next year.
Analysis of Medicaid Provisions in the Bush Administration 2007 Budget explains how most of the provisions in the budget, which include both legislative proposals and regulatory changes that the Administration is planning to make without legislative action, will shift Medicaid costs to the state. These funding cuts are on top of the significant federal Medicaid cuts enacted as part of the budget reconciliation bill signed into law.
The Administration’s Medicaid Proposals Would Shift Federal Costs to States finds that more than four-fifths of the Medicaid savings proposals in the Administration’s new budget would reduce federal Medicaid expenditures by shifting costs directly to the states. This likely would lead some states to scale back their Medicaid programs significantly by restricting eligibility and reducing coverage.
Health Insurance, Health Costs, Health Care Reform, Budget
Demo Shows Better Care Cuts Health Costs
"Instituting a series of basic and widely accepted care measures for 75,000 patients undergoing care for pneumonia and heart bypass surgery would have reduced hospital costs for those patients by as much as $1 billion." (6/26/06, Commonwealth Fund)
51.3 Million Uninsured for Part of 2005
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 51.3 million Americans (17.6% of the population) were uninsured for at least part of 2005. This number is slightly down from 51.6 million estimated in 2004. 41.2 million were uninsured at the time of the interview in 2005. (6/22/06, AHA NewsNow)
Instability of Public Health Insurance Coverage for Children and Their Families: Causes, Consequences, and Remedies
This report examines the extent, causes, and consequences of instability in public coverage programs for children and families. It focuses particularly on the phenomenon of "churning," which occurs when individuals lose and regain coverage in a short period of time, suggesting that the loss of coverage is not due to eligibility factors. It also looks at strategies that can make public program coverage more stable for children and families. (June 2006, Commonwealth Fund)
Why Do People Lack Health Insurance?
Forty-six million people--nearly one in five non-elderly adults and children--lack health insurance, an increase of 6 million since 2000. This brief looks at the reasons people report for being uninsured. The high cost of insurance is a rapidly rising concern for uninsured, whether old or young, healthy or disabled, with high incomes or well below the poverty line. (5/4/06, The Urban Institute)
Snapshots: Health Care Costs
Series of online publications written by Kaiser staff that use charts, data and analysis to provide insight into the political and policy debates about the cost of health care in the United States. The publications are designed to encourage an informed policy discussion as leaders in Washington and across the country weigh strategies for controlling the rising cost of health care for people, businesses and government alike: Comparing Projected Growth in Health Care Expenditures and the Economy; Distribution of Out-of-Pocket Spending for Health Care Services
The Coverage Gap: A State-by-State Report on Access to Care
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) – a national survey of preventive and health risk behaviors – the researchers analyzed health disparities between insured and uninsured adults. Using data from the US Census Bureau Current Population Survey from 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2005, they also looked at the number of Americans age 50-64 that are without health care coverage. The report is being released to launch Cover the Uninsured Week, the largest mobilization in history to promote health coverage for all Americans.
Kaiser Family Foundation Reports & Chartbooks on the Uninsured
Employer Health Benefits 2005 Annual Survey
Sicker and Poorer: The Consequences of Being Uninsured
The Cost of Care for the Uninsured: What Do We Spend, Who Pays, and What Would Full Coverage Add to Medical Spending?
Threadbare: Holes in America’s Health Care Safety Net
Challenges and Tradeoffs in Low-Income Family Budgets: Implications for Health Coverage
Three Reports on Enrollment and Outreach for Public Health Coverage Programs
In a Time of Growing Need: State Choices Influence Health Coverage Access for Children and Families
Health Equity Issues
Using Data on Race and Ethnicity To Improve Health Care Quality for Medicaid Beneficiaries
The issue brief, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund, examines how states can use race and ethnicity data to improve the quality of care for Medicaid beneficiaries. According to the brief, there are several measures that state Medicaid programs could take to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health care -- including improving state data-collection processes; collaborating with health plans to make improved health plan data collection a priority; providing data on race and ethnicity to health plans; and offering technical, administrative and financial incentives to health plans to address disparities.
(6/30/06, Center for Health Care Strategies )
Obtaining Race, Ethnicity, and Primary Language Data in Health Care Organizations: Current Challenges and Proposed Solutions
This forthcoming article reinforces the importance of collecting these data points accurately for understanding health care equality and disparities. The authors examine methods that work well and others that can lead to inaccurate data, insult or other discomfort for patients. Self-reporting of information by patients is emphasized. (August, 2006, Health Services Research)
Study Suggests Why and How Best to Collect Data on Patient Race, Ethnicity
Hospitals and other health care organizations that collect data on patients' race, ethnicity and language may be more likely to look at disparities in care, design targeted programs to improve quality of care and provide patient-centered care, according to a new article by researchers at the Health Research and Educational Trust and Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Yet the collection of such data often is fragmented and incomplete, largely due to a lack of understanding about how best to collect this information from patients, the authors say. (6/27/06, AHA NewsNow)
Mental Health Parity Does Not Increase Overall Spending
A recent report in the health policy journal Health Affairs claims that total spending on mental health services will not grow if private insurance plans and Medicare put coverage on par with other medical services, although patients’ out-of-pocket spending will decrease.The paper’s authors reviewed past research that justified Medicare’s and private insurer’s discrimination against mental health services, and current research that supports parity. They found that a second-generation of studies looking at mental health parity in the context of managed care “did not find that large health spending increases attributable to parity, and all studies that address risk-protection identified sizable decreases in consumers’ out-of-pocket mental health
Making Disparities Disappear: Using Nationally Tested Tools for Community-Based Action
Today, while the overall quality of healthcare delivered in America is slowly improving, large segments of our population continue to experience disparities in the quality of healthcare they receive. For example, as seen in the third annual National Healthcare Disparities Report recently published by our agency, Hispanics received poorer quality of care than whites in 53% of the most important measures; blacks received poorer quality of care in 43% of these measures; and American Indians and Alaska Natives received poorer quality of care in 38% of the key measures. (5/1/06, Medscape)
The 2005 National Healthcare Quality Report (NHQR) and 2005 National Healthcare Disparities Report (NHDR) are now 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
"2006 Kids Count” Report Released
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)
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.
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STATE HEALTH EVENTS AND NOTICES
July 27, 2006
NORTH FLORIDA
Social Justice Regional Gathering
Sept. 9 North Florida Gathering
Social justice activist groups, organizations and individuals are gathering to expand and connect the social justice network across the state. The goal is to pool collective resources to create a cohesive progressive movement in Florida that will be heard.
For more information, click here or call 305/598-1404
WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA
KidCare Back to School Outreach Events
July 15 - Aug. 26 Tampa area locations
Part of the KidCare Back to School Marketing Campaign, these events will educate those potentially eligible and assist them with making applications. Click here for a list of dates and places around Tampa.
Social Justice Regional Gathering
August 5 Tampa Bay Area
Social justice activist groups, organizations and individuals are gathering to expand and connect the social justice network across the state. The goal is to pool collective resources to create a cohesive progressive movement in Florida that will be heard.
For more information, click here or call 305/598-1404
SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Events
Back to School Health Fairs/Free Immunizations
July 29 10:00 am-2:00 pm Carver Ranches Boys & Girls Club 2205 SW 44 Ave, Hollywood
Aug. 5 10:00 am-2:00 pm Miramar Civic Center 6920 SW 35 St
Memorial Healthcare System is hosting this series of free back to school health fairs in South Broward for families who are uninsured or have Kidcare or Medicaid. If available,families should bring immunization records. For more information, call 954/276-5985.
Imagine Miami Orientation and Discussion
Aug. 1 5:30 pm Human Services Coalition, 260 NE 17th Terr., Miami
Find out the latest developments of the project, meet the new interim project director, become familiar with IM's Phase II Strategic Plan and give your feedback. Cost is free. For more info and to RSVP call 305/576-5001 x32 or email info@imaginemiami.org.
Southeast Florida Cancer Control Collaborative Meeting
August 3 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Miami-Dade County Health Dept, 9334 NW 17 St., Miami
Most of the meeting will be devoted to strategic planning. Click here to request more info or to obtain survey questions to submit your opinions for strategic planning; survey responses are due July 17.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff Breakfast
Aug. 3 7:30-9:00 am Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
This is a free event for people interested in learning more about forming a team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk which will be held at Bayfront Park on October 7, 2006.
The Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Ask the Doctor
August 15 6:30-8:00 pm Gilda’s Club South Florida, 119 Rose Dr., Ft. Lauderdale
Dr. Jason Gates will discuss the new cervical cancer vaccine at this South Florida Cancer Control Collaborative event. Reservations required; call 954/763-6776.
Health Care and Social Security Issues Forum
August 21 1:00 PM South Palm Beach County Civic Center 16700 Jog Rd, Delray Beach
This event is sponsored by FLARA (Florida Alliance for Retired Americans) to hear from officials and candidates about their views on the future of healthcare and Social Security issues. For more information, call 561/792-8799.
Conference on Intervention
October 2-4 The Breakers Palm Beach Hotel
Click here for more information on this and four other events scheduled for 2006.
Social Justice Regional Gathering
October 7 South Florida Gathering
Social justice activist groups, organizations and individuals are gathering to expand and connect the social justice network across the state. The goal is to pool collective resources to create a cohesive progressive movement in Florida that will be heard.
For more information, click here or call 305/598-1404
The Alliance for Human Services 4th Annual Institute hosts its 4th Annual Institute
October 27 Miami Beach Convention Center
Over 400 individuals (business leaders, social service providers, not-for-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, human service consumers) will gather to discuss and receive valuable information and innovative solutions on social service issues. The Alliance is dedicated to improving quality of life for Miami-Dade County residents through partnerships, coordination of resources, and community involvement. For more information, call 305/646-7274 or write ggrey@alliance4hs.org.
Notices
New Healthy Start Coalition Of Miami-Dade Website LAUNCHED! The website at www.hscmd.org will increase community awareness about the Healthy Start Coalition’s activities and accomplishments, and serve the women, infants and families of Miami-Dade County.
STATEWIDE
Events
Florida Conference on Aging 2006
August 14-17 Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina
For more information, click here.
2006 United States Conference on AIDS
Sept. 21-25 Hollywood Westin Diplomat
National Minority AIDS Council presents the largest AIDS-related gathering in the US, for over 4,000 case managers, physicians, public health workers and advocates to build national support networks, exchange the latest information and learn cutting-edge tools to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Click here for registration and more information including scholarships access.
10th Annual Joint Cancer Conference of the Florida Universities
Sept. 28-Oct. 1 The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach
Click here for details.
Florida Children's Summit
Oct. 6 8:00 am-5:00 pm Orlando/Orange County Convention Center
The goal of the inaugural Florida Children's Summit, organized in conjunction with the Florida Legislature,is to bring advocates, professionals, community leaders and elected officials together to create and agree on the State of Florida's commitment to our children and families, and to develop long range strategies for the 2007 Legislative Session and beyond. Children's Week Partners and other non-profit organizations are strongly encouraged to sign up as partners (in-kind) and invite their networks of advocates to attend the Summit. Registration will be limited to 1,500. Click here for more information or call 305/864-5822.
12th Annual Children's Week
March 25-April 1, 2007 Tallahassee
Click here for details.
Notices
Florida Cancer Clinical Trials Cooperative, Inc. (FCCTC) is a public resource that provides information about cancer clinical trials to Florida residents. They have a web-based and a phone-based Clinical Trial Matching Service that provides users with an opportunity to search for cancer clinical trials for which they might be eligible. The program allows people to print (or be mailed) information about potential trials to discuss with their physicians. The Florida Dialogue on Cancer established the FCCTC in 2004 and received a federal grant to create a clinical trials information system in Florida. Their data base includes current information about clinical trials at hospitals and research facilities throughout the state, including pediatric cancer trials. Information is available in English and Spanish. Go to http://www.floridacancertrials.com or call 1/800-584-9976
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NATIONAL EVENTS AND NOTICES
July 27, 2006
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
Many Communities, One World: Promoting Health at Home and Abroad
July 28-30 Salt Lake City
The 11th Annual Doctors for Global Health General Assembly is an opportunity to come together and meet others working to advance health and human rights. The program includes keynote speakers; panel discussions and workshops about current issues facing the United States (such as the struggle for health care for all and the plight of immigrants), an overview of Doctors for Global Health's current activities and social/networking time. Topics to be covered include accompaniment and volunteerism, and how communities can foster healing in the wake of violence. Click here for more information.
Health and Philanthropy: Leveraging Change
August 24-25 Indianapolis
This 19th annual symposium of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University will explore ways in which health and philanthropy intersect through topics that range from public policy, access, and funding for research to disaster relief, global issues, information technology and more. A strength of the Center's annual symposium is that it brings together scholars, researchers, and practitioners for cross-disciplinary, give-and-take explorations of ideas that shape the field. Click here for more information.
Spring Training for Health Champions
Proposal submission deadline: Sept. 1
The Association for Community Health Improvement is now accepting breakout session proposals for its March 7-9, 2007 conference. Topic tracks include: access to care; chronic disease prevention and management; community benefit excellence; and community health assessments.
Champions of Change: A National Symposium on Improving Health Care
Sept. 27 Washington, DC
This Symposium at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation will serve as the culmination of a national awareness campaign being conducted in support of the four-part television series, Remaking American Medicine?...Health Care for the 21st Century, premiering on PBS in October. It will feature several national leaders in the quality movement, and public officials including Dr. Mark McClellan, administrator of CMS. Click here for details.
National Prevention Summit: Prevention, Preparedness, and Promotion
October 26-27 Washington, DC
The 2006 National Prevention Summit will focus on disease prevention, health preparedness, and health promotion and will feature innovative programs that are making a difference in communities across the country to build a HealthierUS. These programs are focused on healthy lifestyle choices. One special emphasis this year will be the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity. Another emphasis will be on preparing for public health emergencies, such as avian influenza. Click here for details.
Health as a Human Right: Health Education, Equality and Social Justice for All
November 2-4 Boston
Society for Public Health Education’s 57th Annual Meeting will examine the impact of reciprocal influences of health and human rights, including the impact public health programs and policies have on human rights and health disparities, the consequences human rights violations have on health, the importance of health in realizing human rights, and the ways in which health educators can ensure that human rights are integrated into public health strategies to eliminate disparities. Click here for more information.
Making Methods and Practice Matter for Women, Children and Families
December 6–8 Atlanta
Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology (MCH EPI) conference organizers invite you to join MCH professionals in sharing experiences, enhancing knowledge, and generating new ideas for improved MCH data use and informed policymaking. Click here for details.
Association for Community Health Improvement's Spring Training for Health Champions
March 7-9, 2007 New Orleans
Click here for ACHI's conference timeline.
AUDIO CONFERENCES AND WEBCASTS
Trust Counts Now: Hospitals and Their Communities
August 17 2:00 pm ET
ACHI Audio Conference. Click here for details and to register.
Introduction to a Guide for Planning and Reporting Community Benefits
August 24
ACHI Audio Conference. Click here for details and to register.
Policies and Procedures to Strengthen Community Benefit Accountability
Sept. 21
ACHI Audio Conference. Click here for details and to register.
NOTICES
Help Eligible, Uninsured Children Get Enrolled!: Annual Covering Kids & Families Back-to-School Campaign National Kick Off August 9
Most of the nearly 8.3 million uninsured children in the United States, most of whom are eligible for low-cost or free health care coverage. The Back-to-School Campaign is designed to urge parents to call toll-free 1(877) KIDS-NOW to find out if their uninsured children are eligible. Plan a community activity or participate in an event. Visit www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org to register for Covering Kids & Families e-mail updates and to find out what you can do to help inform these parents. Browse the Covering Kids & Families toolkits in the Communications Action Center for ideas. Contact the Covering Kids & Families Communications Team at coveringkidsandfamilies@gmmb.com or 202/338-7227 with any questions about the Back-to-School Campaign, or for assistance with planning.
Nominations Sought for Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Award
Letter of Intent Deadline: Sept. 22
The Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leadership Program (CHLP) honors 10 outstanding individuals each year for their work in creating or enhancing health care programs serving communities whose needs have been ignored and unmet. Each leader receives $120,000 to be used for personal and program enhancement over a period of up to three years. CHLP seeks individuals who have the leadership skills to overcome complex obstacles and find creative ways to bring health care services to their communities. Candidates should be working at the grassroots level, have received no significant national recognition and be in "mid-career," with no less than five and no more than fifteen years of community health experience. Nominations can be made by consumers, community leaders, health professionals and government officials who have been personally inspired by the nominee. Interested nominators need to complete a Letter of Intent (LOI) form. Completed nominations will be due in November. Click here for details and forms or call 617/426-9772.
Cover the Uninsured Week
April 23-29, 2007
Mark your calendars and visit www.CoverTheUninsured.org where information will be posted as plans for 2007 develop. Sign up for the Cover the Uninsured Week Weekly News Digest for the latest news and updates on the issue of the uninsured.
CAMPAIGNS AND INITIATIVES
Campaign for Children’s Health Care
Launched on July 11
The Campaign for Children's Health Care is a nationwide public education campaign designed to raise awareness about the 9 million children who do not have health insurance and the millions more who are underinsured. The campaign is dedicated to making high-quality, comprehensive, affordable health insurance coverage for all of America’s children a top national priority.
AUGUST
World Breastfeeding Week: August 1-7
For materials: 847/519-7730 x286 MHurt@llli.org www.lalecheleague.org
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month: August
For materials: 800/331-2020 info@preventblindness.org www.preventblindness.org
Cataract Awareness Month: August
For materials: 415/447-0213 eyemd@aao.org www.aao.org
National Immunization Awareness Month: August
For materials: 703/836-6110 npi@hmhb.org www.partnersforimmunization.org
SEPTEMBER
World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10
For materials: 781/239-0071 info@mentalhealthscreening.org www.stopasuicide.org
Take A Loved One for a Check-up Day: September 19
U.S. Office of Minority Health
For materials: (800) 444-6472 info@omhrc.gov www.healthgap.omhrc.gov
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: September
For materials: 888/245-9455 info@pcacoalition.org www.pcacoalition.org
National Sickle Cell Month: September
For materials: 800/421-8453 scdaa@sicklecelldisease.org www.SickleCellDisease.org
National Cholesterol Education Month: September
For materials:301/592-8573 nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/cholmonth
Healthy Aging Month: September
Educational Television Network, Inc.
For materials: 610/793-0979 info@healthyaging.net www.healthyaging.net
Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month: September
For materials: 800/955-4572 infocenter@leukemia-lymphoma.org www.lls.org
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: September
For materials: 888/OVARIAN nocc@ovarian.org www.ovarian.org
Head Lice Prevention Month: September
For materials: 781/449-6487 npa@headlice.org www.headlice.org
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month: September
For materials: 800/729-6686 info@samhsa.gov www.recoverymonth.gov
Reye's Syndrome Awareness Month: September
For materials: 800/233-7393 nrsf@reyessyndrome.org www.reyessyndrome.org
OCTOBER
National Child Health Day: October 2
For materials: 301/443-2170 www.mchb.hrsa.gov
National Depression Screening Day: October 5
For materials: 781/239-0071 info@mentalhealthscreening.org www.mentalhealthscreening.org
National Health Education Week: October 16-20
For materials: 212/463-4053 ray@nche.org www.nche.org
National Mammography Day: October 20
For materials: 800/ACS-2345 www.cancer.org
Healthy Lung Month: October
For materials: 800/LUNG-USA (586-4872) info@lungusa.org www.lungusa.org
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October
For materials: 312/596-3400 nbcaminfo@yahoo.com www.nbcam.org/about_nbcam.cfm
National Family Sexuality Education Month: October
For materials: 212/541-7800 education@ppfa.org www.plannedparenthood.org
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month: October
For materials: 800/221-7437 info@firstcandle.org www.firstcandle.org
Children's Health Month: October
For materials: 202/564-2188 www.childrenshealth.gov
National Hospice Month: November
For materials: 703/837-1500 nhpcoinfo@nhpco.org www.nhpco.org
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month: November
For materials: 877/272-6226 information@pancan.org www.pancan.org
Lung Cancer Awareness Month: November
For materials: 800/298-2436 info@lungcanceralliance.org www.lungcanceralliance.org
National Family Caregivers Month: November
For materials: 800/896-3650 info@thefamilycaregiver.org www.thefamilycaregiver.org
American Diabetes Month: November
For materials: 800/DIABETES askada@diabetes.org www.diabetes.org
National Epilepsy Awareness Month: November
For materials: 800/332-1000 postmaster@efa.org www.epilepsyfoundation.org
Prematurity Awareness Month: November
Prematurity Awareness Day: Nov. 21
For materials: 888/MODIMES askus@marchofdimes.com www.marchofdimes.com
Great American Smokeout: Nov. 16
For materials: 800/ACS-2345 www.cancer.org
World AIDS Day: Dec. 1
For materials: unaids@unaids.org www.unaids.org/en/default.asp
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