Slump, depression, recession, whatever you call it, times are tough, no where more so than here in Michigan.
We all cut back, tighten the old belt, don't open our wallets quite as often or as wide as before. Sometimes that means cutting back at the grocery store, right now I'm guessing the pile under you Christmas tree will look a little slimmer than years past, as will mine.
But what I'm curious to know is - how has the downward trend in the economy affected the options that you make for yourself in health care?
Do you try to cut back on the number of doctor appointments? Are you trying to make your prescription medicines and nutritional supplements last longer? Have you stopped taking certain meds/supplements?
Has it changed the way you plan for your family, in regards to having children, or how you budget for meals/vacations/gifts/clothes/etc for your family and children?
Similarly, how has the economy affected your health care plan? Has your employer changed plans or stop providing health care?
All information shared will be kept strictly confidential, and you can either leave your responses as a comment, or you can email them directly to me - liberallucy[at]gmail[dot]com
For full-disclosure, my curiosity stems from a discussion I've been having with several fellow female political bloggers on how a poor economy affects healthcare options.
Thanks in advance for your participation!
Showing posts with label healthcare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthcare. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Universal Health Care in Mid-Michigan: It's happening
Over the holiday weekend, I had the opportunity to sit with my parents and watch Michael Moore's film on the U.S. health care system (or lack thereof), 'Sicko'. It was my second time seeing it, and the first for my parents. It was a different experience watching it this time around because I got to gauge my parents reactions compared to what I felt my first time around. As the lone politico in the family, I'm always interested how I compare to them on various issues. While my entire family would definitely lay on the compassionate side of policy (read = moderate to progressive) they shy away from being "political".
My parents, like most others I've talked too, were shocked, horrified, and just plained upset after viewing the movie. They more or less said the same thing "Why don't we have universal health care?" Why indeed. The very thought of me going through the first 10 years of my life with Crohn's Disease without paying 25 different doctors and hospitals a month is hard to grasp for us, but it's a challenge we'd welcome in a heartbeat (pun intended). Thankfully, it looks like this area is making a change for the better.
I'm lucky to live in Ingham County, a place where our local government leaders clearly see the benefits of universal health care for residents as a means of cost prevention. Since instituting the Ingham Health Plan over nine years ago, Ingham has become a model for counties all over the state and country, because it works, and while it isn't quite perfect yet, it's getting there. You can be a part of the process by attending meeting coming up and providing your suggestions for improvement or just learning more about it. See this article in City Pulse for more information.
Universal health care is not something to fear, it's something to desire. It helps you, it helps me, and it helps everyone around us. The only people who have to fear getting sicko from a universal health care plan is the insurance and drug industries, and you're not really worried about their temperature rising a bit, are you?
My parents, like most others I've talked too, were shocked, horrified, and just plained upset after viewing the movie. They more or less said the same thing "Why don't we have universal health care?" Why indeed. The very thought of me going through the first 10 years of my life with Crohn's Disease without paying 25 different doctors and hospitals a month is hard to grasp for us, but it's a challenge we'd welcome in a heartbeat (pun intended). Thankfully, it looks like this area is making a change for the better.
I'm lucky to live in Ingham County, a place where our local government leaders clearly see the benefits of universal health care for residents as a means of cost prevention. Since instituting the Ingham Health Plan over nine years ago, Ingham has become a model for counties all over the state and country, because it works, and while it isn't quite perfect yet, it's getting there. You can be a part of the process by attending meeting coming up and providing your suggestions for improvement or just learning more about it. See this article in City Pulse for more information.
Universal health care is not something to fear, it's something to desire. It helps you, it helps me, and it helps everyone around us. The only people who have to fear getting sicko from a universal health care plan is the insurance and drug industries, and you're not really worried about their temperature rising a bit, are you?
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
While I'm fighting the Stone...
I'll also be fighting for others, and I sure could use your help.
Tuesday morning at 10:30 I'll be testifying before the House Commerce Committee about the Restroom Access Bill, HB 5046, introduced by Rep. Andy Meisner, and co-sponsored by Mid-Michigan Representative Barb Byrum. The bill is designed to provide restroom access to people with eligible medical conditions where a public bathroom might not specifically be available, i.e. retail businesses.
Rep. Meisner introduced the original bill two years ago, spurred by a constituent with Crohn's Disease who would no longer shop outside of her home because of an incident where the retail establishment would not let her use their private bathroom resulting in a very embarrassing situation for her.
This is no joke. When you have a digestive disease such as Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), etc, there are times where you need immediate access to a bathroom. Being denied it, especially as an adult, is incredibly humiliating and embarrassing. Certain aspects of your entire life are controlled due to your disease.
For instance, for the 10 years that my Crohn's was particularly bad, there were certain restaurants and stores that I refused to visit because they either did not have public bathrooms or they were less than hygienic to use, and that I knew should the sudden and terrible urge hit me, I would be left in a very undesirable situation. I know this to be the case of most others who suffer with these conditions.
These businesses lost out on my business, and in turn, the state lost out on much needed revenue in the form of sales tax. It was a losing situation for all parties involved.
For those of you thinking that it's just common sense for people to make their bathrooms available to someone with a medical condition like the ones described above, I'd agree with you. Unfortunately reality dictates that common sense is not always so common.
The bill works because it gives responsibilities to both the consumer and the business.
Take three minutes out of your day and ask your state representative to support HB 5046, the Restroom Access Bill. Make Michigan the supportive state we know it to be, in our communities, in our health, and in our commerce.
Tuesday morning at 10:30 I'll be testifying before the House Commerce Committee about the Restroom Access Bill, HB 5046, introduced by Rep. Andy Meisner, and co-sponsored by Mid-Michigan Representative Barb Byrum. The bill is designed to provide restroom access to people with eligible medical conditions where a public bathroom might not specifically be available, i.e. retail businesses.
Rep. Meisner introduced the original bill two years ago, spurred by a constituent with Crohn's Disease who would no longer shop outside of her home because of an incident where the retail establishment would not let her use their private bathroom resulting in a very embarrassing situation for her.
This is no joke. When you have a digestive disease such as Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), etc, there are times where you need immediate access to a bathroom. Being denied it, especially as an adult, is incredibly humiliating and embarrassing. Certain aspects of your entire life are controlled due to your disease.
For instance, for the 10 years that my Crohn's was particularly bad, there were certain restaurants and stores that I refused to visit because they either did not have public bathrooms or they were less than hygienic to use, and that I knew should the sudden and terrible urge hit me, I would be left in a very undesirable situation. I know this to be the case of most others who suffer with these conditions.
These businesses lost out on my business, and in turn, the state lost out on much needed revenue in the form of sales tax. It was a losing situation for all parties involved.
For those of you thinking that it's just common sense for people to make their bathrooms available to someone with a medical condition like the ones described above, I'd agree with you. Unfortunately reality dictates that common sense is not always so common.
The bill works because it gives responsibilities to both the consumer and the business.
The customer provides the retail establishment with a copy of a statement on a prescription form that indicates the customer suffers from an eligible medical condition or utilizes an ostomy device, signed by a doctor.Protections for the business include -
Two or more employees of the retail establishment are working at the time the customer requests use of the employee toilet facility.and
The employee toilet facility is not located in an area where providing access would create an obvious health or safety risk to the customer or an obvious security risk to the retail establishment.Many of us know someone who lives with either Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, and/or lives with an ostomy. We also know probably know of the pain, the embarrassment, and trials they have been through to carry on with their lives. As you support them in their goal to live a productive life, also support them in their quest to be have the same privileges and rights you would want if you were in their shoes.
Take three minutes out of your day and ask your state representative to support HB 5046, the Restroom Access Bill. Make Michigan the supportive state we know it to be, in our communities, in our health, and in our commerce.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Gone Fishin' ...
...for a kidney stone. No joke.
A trip to the local Urgent Care last night revealed the biggest kidney stone the doctor had ever seen lodge in my lil ol kidney. Actually, if you want to get technical, the body is only capable of passing a 4 mm stone. Mine is a whopping 3 cm. Fantastic, huh?
I spent most of the YearlyKos Convention trying to pass one that was nothing compared to this. For those of you who've had kidney stones, you know how bad they are. For those of you who haven't, imagine childbirth, or so I've been told by mothers who've had the stones.
Tomorrow I find out if it's going to get lasered to be blown up into smaller pieces that my body can handle, or if I have to have yet another surgery to have it removed.
So, I might be out for a couple days, but hopefully not.
The pain's terrible, the prospect of another medical procedure, much less a surgery is terrifying, and I'm reminded again of the realities of life with Crohn's Disease.
While my Crohn's is in remission, and there's no active disease within my body, the absence of my large intestine (colon) makes it very hard for my body to absorb nutrients and minerals, particularly calcium. For some reason, calcium has always been hard on my body since my ileostomy surgery 9 years ago. I've grown used to the calcium forming these stones in my kidneys several times a year and then my body trying to rid itself of them. Problem is, this is the first time the stones have been so big I can't physically pass them.
The problems my forever-weakened immune system now face are a serious kidney infection, and my blood count being too high and too low, all at the same time. If left unattended, this particular stone has the potential of causing permanent damage to my kidneys, and my body's not quite equipped to deal with that or a serious infection, after a previous infection years ago nearly killed me.
I'm not complaining, because I'm still alive. This is just another day in the life of a person who lives with a chronic illness and the frequent reminders of how precious the good days really are.
This maybe not what I have ordered, but it's another opportunity to learn to appreciate what you have and to continue to make a difference in the lives of others, because in the end, that's what life is really about.
A trip to the local Urgent Care last night revealed the biggest kidney stone the doctor had ever seen lodge in my lil ol kidney. Actually, if you want to get technical, the body is only capable of passing a 4 mm stone. Mine is a whopping 3 cm. Fantastic, huh?
I spent most of the YearlyKos Convention trying to pass one that was nothing compared to this. For those of you who've had kidney stones, you know how bad they are. For those of you who haven't, imagine childbirth, or so I've been told by mothers who've had the stones.
Tomorrow I find out if it's going to get lasered to be blown up into smaller pieces that my body can handle, or if I have to have yet another surgery to have it removed.
So, I might be out for a couple days, but hopefully not.
The pain's terrible, the prospect of another medical procedure, much less a surgery is terrifying, and I'm reminded again of the realities of life with Crohn's Disease.
While my Crohn's is in remission, and there's no active disease within my body, the absence of my large intestine (colon) makes it very hard for my body to absorb nutrients and minerals, particularly calcium. For some reason, calcium has always been hard on my body since my ileostomy surgery 9 years ago. I've grown used to the calcium forming these stones in my kidneys several times a year and then my body trying to rid itself of them. Problem is, this is the first time the stones have been so big I can't physically pass them.
The problems my forever-weakened immune system now face are a serious kidney infection, and my blood count being too high and too low, all at the same time. If left unattended, this particular stone has the potential of causing permanent damage to my kidneys, and my body's not quite equipped to deal with that or a serious infection, after a previous infection years ago nearly killed me.
I'm not complaining, because I'm still alive. This is just another day in the life of a person who lives with a chronic illness and the frequent reminders of how precious the good days really are.
This maybe not what I have ordered, but it's another opportunity to learn to appreciate what you have and to continue to make a difference in the lives of others, because in the end, that's what life is really about.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Elaine's Legacy
In April of 2004, I lost my hero to a tragic illness, ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.Her name was Elaine, and despite being struck with a severe case of Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 16, she still went on to play field hockey, study biology at MSU, become one of the first female bacteriologists in Detroit, teach school, do homeless and prison ministry, help raise her sister's four boys, beat a nasty case of typhoid fever that left her hospitalized for an entire year, have three kids, eight grandkids, and one great-grandchild.
My grandmother was a self-described women's libber, and she met Grandpa when she tagged him out at third base on a family vacation in Canada. She didn't marry till she was in her 30's, and had her last child when she was 40.
My grandmother Elaine inspired so much in me. It probably won't surprise you to learn that it was because of her that I chose Rosie the Riveter as this blog's mascot. In my eyes, she is Rosie, fired up and ready to conquer it all.
She guessed she had ALS even before the doctors did. With her mind as sharp as a bell till the day she left us, she died a trapped prisoner in her own body at the age of 87.
When our family received the devastating news, I decided to write a tribute to her and give it to her before she died. Don't people deserve to hear how much we love them before they die instead?
Little did I know that I would have to have the most painful and excruciating surgery of all my 35 surgeries the day after she died. My only wish going into surgery was that while I was under the anesthetic, she'd be with me.
My family held off on her memorial service until the day after I'd been discharged, two weeks later. Despite having major abdominal surgery, still hooked up to tubes and devices and on major painkillers, I arrived at the memorial service in a wheelchair and a bright red dress, determined not to mourn, but to celebrate.
I gave that tribute that day at the memorial service to a packed sanctuary, hunched over in pain and anguish as I made my way to the pulpit and somehow fought back the tears as I proudly read off the memorial to a woman who I try to be like each and every day.
I'll never forget one of my last conversations with her while she still had the ability to talk. I told her she was my hero, that if I didn't have her in my life, I might not have made it through the last ten years of my life with such a debilitating case of Crohn's Disease. I knew that God put her in my life to be an example of what you can still do even with a crippling illness if you just put your mind to it. We both teared up, but nothing could have prepared me for what she said next.
You're my hero.
She said that I reminded her of the same things she reminded me of, and how important it was to die gracefully, still doing for others till the day she left this Earth.
That's precisely what she did, up until the day that she could no longer talk or move, and lay trapped in her bed, her eyes the only window to the person she was inside.
Even in her death, she did for others. She requested that her body be donated to science specifically so that scientists could study ALS and find a cure. A year or two later, we met some of the medical students at U of M who explained how important a gift this is to science and how much it means to them as doctors and researchers.
Throughout the entire journey, my family benefited greatly from the ALS of Michigan's services, from family counseling, to assistive devices that helped her breathe, or speak easier, to hospice planning, and bereavement counseling.
It is because of Elaine that my family participates in the ALS of Michigan's Walk n' Roll each year, a fundraiser to not only find a cure, but to provide assistance and support to families right here in Michigan who deal with this illness each and every day.
This year, I'm forming my own team to walk and roll in a 3 mile event right here in Lansing at Hawk Island Park on Saturday, September 29th.
It's a great event filled with friends, fun, food, good music, and of course, promoting a great cause and raising awareness and money to help those who also suffer.
Most of all, I'd be honored if you'd join my team.
Team Elaine's Legacy will continue to pass on Elaine's legacy, one of passion, dedication to others, and making the world a better place, one person at a time.
Perhaps you know someone who had ALS or is suffering with it right now. It can strike people as young as 30, and if you've read Mitch Albom's Tuesday's with Morrie, you know it can strike the elderly, like my grandmother.
You can join the team, come walk with us, bring the kids, the dog, or both, or if you can't make it but still want to help out, you can donate. We've got a team goal of $10,000, and we can't do it without your help.
You don't have to move mountains or scale large buildings to make a difference. Create your own legacy, be a hero to someone, pass it on.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Liberal Lucy's Bleeding Heart Club
If you're a regular reader of mine, you should be accustomed to these impassioned posts from me now.
There's a post over on MichiganLiberal that's the first in a series of posts on Stem Cell Research that will be scattered over the Michigan blogosphere in the coming week.
There's no doubt both my family and I have a vested interest in stem cell research, particularly embryonic stem cell research. As I explain in my post, it's not about me, or my family, it's about what makes the most sense for our state, our country, and mankind.
Check it out, add your thoughts, and weigh in. Our state and our world only get better each time we get involved.
There's a post over on MichiganLiberal that's the first in a series of posts on Stem Cell Research that will be scattered over the Michigan blogosphere in the coming week.
There's no doubt both my family and I have a vested interest in stem cell research, particularly embryonic stem cell research. As I explain in my post, it's not about me, or my family, it's about what makes the most sense for our state, our country, and mankind.
Check it out, add your thoughts, and weigh in. Our state and our world only get better each time we get involved.
Monday, April 23, 2007
A Story about Life, Dignity, and Dying
This morning as I read the Michigan papers online, I was forced to pause, and be consumed by a story that literally took my breath away.
The headline from the Detroit News reads: Hundreds log on to teen's blog as he battles cancer and I read it again, and again and again and I cried.
We all go through our days time and time again, set on auto-pilot doing what we need to do each day. How many times do we really stop to reflect, to really think about things?
I'm probably a lot more sensitive to stories like these because I see myself and my story so clearly in theirs. It's the reflection of what I've been through, what I've overcome and what could still happen to me, or to any of us.
It's because of my story that I sit here at this computer and share some of the deepest, most personal things that have happened to me. I believe like Miles, that by sharing my story and being honest and open about it, that my story will help others. How else can I explain my life and the fact that I'm still alive besides believing in a greater purpose than just being sick and not dying, even though all of the doctors tell me I should have, time and time again.
My journey into advocacy, politics, blogging, and now biking has always been about reaching out and sharing. For the same reasons Miles shares in this story, this world is too small and life too short not to come together as a community and grow as a community. This world is not about how you live or how I live - it is about how we live, and what we do together to change our world.
Here's to Miles, and to the millions others out there who are truly living by example for all of us.
(Cross-posted at DailyKos)
The headline from the Detroit News reads: Hundreds log on to teen's blog as he battles cancer and I read it again, and again and again and I cried.
We all go through our days time and time again, set on auto-pilot doing what we need to do each day. How many times do we really stop to reflect, to really think about things?
I'm probably a lot more sensitive to stories like these because I see myself and my story so clearly in theirs. It's the reflection of what I've been through, what I've overcome and what could still happen to me, or to any of us.
It's because of my story that I sit here at this computer and share some of the deepest, most personal things that have happened to me. I believe like Miles, that by sharing my story and being honest and open about it, that my story will help others. How else can I explain my life and the fact that I'm still alive besides believing in a greater purpose than just being sick and not dying, even though all of the doctors tell me I should have, time and time again.
My journey into advocacy, politics, blogging, and now biking has always been about reaching out and sharing. For the same reasons Miles shares in this story, this world is too small and life too short not to come together as a community and grow as a community. This world is not about how you live or how I live - it is about how we live, and what we do together to change our world.
Here's to Miles, and to the millions others out there who are truly living by example for all of us.
(Cross-posted at DailyKos)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Thank you, Sen. Stabenow
I got an email from a friend last night telling me he heard Sen. Debbie Stabenow mention my name on the Senate Floor. When it was clear he wasn't joking, I decided to do a little digging.
I had emailed Senator Stabenow's office about six months ago, urging her to continue to support stem cell research. My stake in this debate is a bit more selfish, as I've nearly died more times than I've care to count as a result of one of the most severe cases of Crohn's Disease ever seen by many of Michigan's doctors. In fact, for full disclosure, being so sick with Crohn's is what inspired my foray into blogging and politics in the first place. At last count, I've been hospitalized over 70 times and had 35 surgeries. Needless to say I'm lucky to be alive.
There is no known cause for Crohn's and no cure. Those of us with Crohn's are just stuck with it, subject to the medical profession's highly paid guessing. There are some who manage their disease through medicine and diet, and others like me, who must have major portions of their digestive tract removed and learn to adapt to life despite our permanent disability, as the government classifies us. Then there are others, too many, who die.
Living with Crohn's for almost 13 years now I know more about it than most doctors. I can tell you the latest medicines, treatments, theories, and the famous among us (including Dubya's younger brother) who suffer. I can also tell you that the only promising future for curing this incredibly destructive disease lies in stem cell research. My life's struggle in staying alive, staying active, and staying focused on the future and living the rest of my life with this disease also means fighting for a cure.
Day in and day out, I write on these blogs asking you to get involved in your government, making it work for you, and engaging our public servants in serving the us, the people. Today, I offer you one more piece of proof why I so firmly believe in the power of civic engagement.
From Senator Stabenow's Senate Floor Speech:
Last night, the Senate passed the bill 63-34.
Thank you, Senator Stabenow, for fighting for me, and for all those who suffer like me. Thank you for reaffirming my faith in my government, in my state and in my country.
I had emailed Senator Stabenow's office about six months ago, urging her to continue to support stem cell research. My stake in this debate is a bit more selfish, as I've nearly died more times than I've care to count as a result of one of the most severe cases of Crohn's Disease ever seen by many of Michigan's doctors. In fact, for full disclosure, being so sick with Crohn's is what inspired my foray into blogging and politics in the first place. At last count, I've been hospitalized over 70 times and had 35 surgeries. Needless to say I'm lucky to be alive.
There is no known cause for Crohn's and no cure. Those of us with Crohn's are just stuck with it, subject to the medical profession's highly paid guessing. There are some who manage their disease through medicine and diet, and others like me, who must have major portions of their digestive tract removed and learn to adapt to life despite our permanent disability, as the government classifies us. Then there are others, too many, who die.
Living with Crohn's for almost 13 years now I know more about it than most doctors. I can tell you the latest medicines, treatments, theories, and the famous among us (including Dubya's younger brother) who suffer. I can also tell you that the only promising future for curing this incredibly destructive disease lies in stem cell research. My life's struggle in staying alive, staying active, and staying focused on the future and living the rest of my life with this disease also means fighting for a cure.
Day in and day out, I write on these blogs asking you to get involved in your government, making it work for you, and engaging our public servants in serving the us, the people. Today, I offer you one more piece of proof why I so firmly believe in the power of civic engagement.
From Senator Stabenow's Senate Floor Speech:
As co-chair of the Senate bipartisan Parkinson’s Caucus, I’ve received letters and calls from people all across our great nation on how important stem cell research is to them, how important this legislation, this opportunity at this time is to them and their families. I’ve met many Michigan families who deal with chronic health issues every single day.
-snip-
Another bright young woman who visited my office several times is Julielyn Gibbons. For over 12 years, Julielyn has lived with Crohn’s diseases - a disease that causes intense abdominal pain. For her, stem cell research offers the promise of not only curing this life-long, debilitating disease, but also the hope of being able to live a normal life. She emailed me, ‘I want to be able to bring children into the world knowing that they won’t have to suffer as I have and that possibility best exists through stem cell research.’ S. 5, a strong bipartisan bill, is an important, in fact, a critical step forward toward giving Julielyn and Kate that hopeful future that we all want for our children.
-snip-
Hopefully we will not have many more people that will be seeing their lives deteriorate or lose their lives before we are able to actually begin to do what needs to be done with this research. It’s for them and for all the families I’ve met that I will cast my vote this week: a vote for life, for hope, for a bright future. I know that the cures won’t come tomorrow, but they may never come if we do not act now.
Last night, the Senate passed the bill 63-34.
Thank you, Senator Stabenow, for fighting for me, and for all those who suffer like me. Thank you for reaffirming my faith in my government, in my state and in my country.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Granholm's Early Christmas Gift to You
If you don't succeed at first, try, try again.
Words that our great Governor has definitely taken to heart, particularly in dealing with the Republican-controlled Legislature these past 4 years.
Since 2002, Governor Jennifer Granholm has called for legislation that increases patient confidentiality of medical records and ensures their proper disposal. Today, she was able to finally sign that legislation into law.
"As technology increases in the 21st century, we have a duty to help citizens protect their privacy," Granholm said. "This legislation will ensure that citizens' personal information remains between them and their health care provider when they seek medical treatment and assistance."
Senate Bill 465 requires medical records to be maintained for a minimum of 7 years and provides a system for health facilities or agencies to dispose of records older than seven years, while ensuring patient information remains confidential. The bill requires health facilities to notify patients if their businesses cease, or if they plan to transfer or destroy existing medical records. The bill also imposes fines of up to $10,000 if businesses fail to comply.
Senate Bill 468 amends the Freedom of Information Act to make is clear that "protected health information" as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is exempt from disclosure, giving patients protection against unwarranted invasion of personal information.
"Patients deserve the utmost respect and privacy as they seek medical attention," Granholm said. "This legislation will provide that privacy for patients and their families."
The two bills signed today are Senate Bills 465 and 468. The bills were sponsored by Senators Gilda Z. Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) and Deborah Cherry (D-Burton), respectively. Governor Granholm is also expected to sign similar legislation, Senate Bill 466, sponsored by Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Canton). --Office of the Governor
This legislation might not sound flashy, life-altering, or exciting, but as a client of the health care system, I can assure you it's much needed. Consider filling out one form at your doctor's office. On it you have your home address, your birth date, your SSN, your driver's license number, your insurance information, emergency contact information, among other things. Think about how many people handle that information once you hand over that form. It's not just your doctor's office, it can be outside laboratories, your insurance carrier, hospitals, drug companies, etc.
Identity theft is quickly becoming a growing problem for more and more people and an expensive one at that. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the most common ways for thieves to obtain access to your personal information include:
- stealing records from their employer,
- bribing an employee who has access to these records
- hacking into the organization's computers.
- They rummage through your trash or the trash of businesses or dumps in a practice known as dumpster diving.
Knowing that this legislation will make it even harder for thieves to get a hold of my personal information makes me feel a little more secure. It also reaffirms the faith I hold in our government, particularly in Governor Granholm and our Democratic legislators such as Senators Jacobs and Cherry.
What a great gift, and right before Christmas!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Healthcare in Ingham - On the Right Track
In Michigan everyone thinks Jobs is the No. 1 issue, particularly with this most recent election.
For most, it might be.
But if we get truly back to the basics, you realize that if you're not healthy, you can't work, much less find a job.
In continuing to focus on what is GREAT about Michigan, instead of theDick DeVos Right's tactics of Doom and Gloom, I thought I'd take a look at the healthcare climate right here in Michigan's capital, Ingham County. I hope that our county can act as a progressive model for the rest of Michigan, all the while keeping Michigan GREAT!
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I've always said the best offense is a good defense.
Glad to see Ingham County is taking that to heart when it comes to county health care.
As mentioned last month by LLP-endorsed County Commissioner Curtis Hertel Jr., county residents now have a new health-benefits program for the uninsured. The Ingham Health Plan is designed for low-income residents who don't have health insurance. But, it is not actual health insurance, it's a health-benefits program. If it sounds confusing, you're not alone. I had to read it a couple times before I actually got it. Courtesy of Dr. Dean Siekno, Medical Director for the Ingham County Health Department.
This is all part of the policy that the County Commission adopted to assure accessible healthcare as a top priority for all residents.
The program does have co-pays but these are generally only between $2-$10 depending on the service and the plan that each member is enrolled in.
Of course, as with any health benefits package, there are restrictions, but after looking them over, they seem relatively reasonable. I even had the opportunity (strictly by chance) to speak with someone enrolled with the IHP this weekend while I was getting my hair done, all of things. She was definitely happy to have some coverage, but had a couple complaints, mostly due to the lack of coverage for emergency room visits, but overall, grateful that county even offered the program.
I encourage you to check out all the details, read the fine print (there isn't much) ask questions, call the information line provided and see if this something for you or someone you know.
Ingham County Health Plan Information Page
While you're there, if you or someone you know are a small business owner in Ingham County looking to provide affordable healthcare for your employees, check out the Ingham County Advantage program.
Kudos to Ingham's Board of County Commissioners for doing their part to keep Mid-Michigan great and healthy, all the while keeping the cost to tax-payers reasonable. I hope to speak for others when I say I hope this by no means a stopping point, but rather an excellent point to continue to build up on.
*Hear what folks on the statewide (MichiganLiberal) and national scene have to say about the IHP (DailyKos). You might be surprised!*
For most, it might be.
But if we get truly back to the basics, you realize that if you're not healthy, you can't work, much less find a job.
In continuing to focus on what is GREAT about Michigan, instead of the
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've always said the best offense is a good defense.
Glad to see Ingham County is taking that to heart when it comes to county health care.
As mentioned last month by LLP-endorsed County Commissioner Curtis Hertel Jr., county residents now have a new health-benefits program for the uninsured. The Ingham Health Plan is designed for low-income residents who don't have health insurance. But, it is not actual health insurance, it's a health-benefits program. If it sounds confusing, you're not alone. I had to read it a couple times before I actually got it. Courtesy of Dr. Dean Siekno, Medical Director for the Ingham County Health Department.
The Ingham Health Plan offers benefits in primary care, specialty services, most outpatient laboratory and x-ray services, and pharmaceuticals under a restricted, yet reasonable formulary.
The program does not pay for inpatient hospitalization. Philosophically the IHP intends to use its resources to provide primary care services to a greater number of people; the intent is that access to primary care services for greater numbers of people will avert unnecessary emergency room visits and preventable hospitalizations.
-snip-County officials estimate that less than 80 percent of young adults between 18 and 24 years of age have health insurance while almost 100 percent of adults over age 55 have coverage.
Income is another significant factor — less than 80 percent of persons with annual household incomes under $20,000 per year have health insurance while nearly 100 percent of those with incomes over $50,000 are covered.
The IHP has two benefit programs: Plan A and Plan B.
Plan A offers more robust benefits, but to qualify for Plan A a person can earn no more than a meager $285 per month.
For Plan B, a version with more modest benefits, a single person can qualify with an income slightly above $2,000 per month, while a family of four can qualify with an annual household income of about $50,000.
This is all part of the policy that the County Commission adopted to assure accessible healthcare as a top priority for all residents.
The program does have co-pays but these are generally only between $2-$10 depending on the service and the plan that each member is enrolled in.
Of course, as with any health benefits package, there are restrictions, but after looking them over, they seem relatively reasonable. I even had the opportunity (strictly by chance) to speak with someone enrolled with the IHP this weekend while I was getting my hair done, all of things. She was definitely happy to have some coverage, but had a couple complaints, mostly due to the lack of coverage for emergency room visits, but overall, grateful that county even offered the program.
I encourage you to check out all the details, read the fine print (there isn't much) ask questions, call the information line provided and see if this something for you or someone you know.
Ingham County Health Plan Information Page
While you're there, if you or someone you know are a small business owner in Ingham County looking to provide affordable healthcare for your employees, check out the Ingham County Advantage program.
Kudos to Ingham's Board of County Commissioners for doing their part to keep Mid-Michigan great and healthy, all the while keeping the cost to tax-payers reasonable. I hope to speak for others when I say I hope this by no means a stopping point, but rather an excellent point to continue to build up on.
*Hear what folks on the statewide (MichiganLiberal) and national scene have to say about the IHP (DailyKos). You might be surprised!*
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Bush: Fatten the Drug Lobby, Starve the People
I'm not an angry person by nature. But mess with health care, and you mess with me.
Case in point - Drug companies are getting rich off the poorest Americans, all thanks to President Bush.
Further proof that President Bush and his cronies are not out to help average Americans.
Because of a 2003 Medicare Law, the federal government is not allowed to negotiate prescription drug prices.
Here's what I don't get.
The government has already put programs in place that negotitateprescriptionrug prices, for example, the Veterans Administration. Democrats say that repealing the ban and allowing the government to negotiate for lower prices could save the government $190 Billion over the next 10 years. Even if this is a slight exaggeration, at the very least, $150 Billion would be an enormous savings for the Federal Government.
So why oppose it?
Exactly who are President Bush and the GOP working for?
The people or the Drug Lobby?
Don't the American people deserve to pay the lowest cost available for their medication? With healthcare costs skyrocketing, and the latest news that the average American faces a 10% jump in healthcare costs, why isn't President Bush willing to do a little more for the average man?
Case in point - Drug companies are getting rich off the poorest Americans, all thanks to President Bush.
Further proof that President Bush and his cronies are not out to help average Americans.
The Bush administration said on Sunday that it would strenuously oppose one of the Democrats' top priorities for the new Congress: legislation authorizing the government to negotiate with drug companies to secure lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries.Medicare Part D, a government insurance program providing prescription drug coverage to over 38 million people, is paid for with our tax dollars.
In an interview, Michael O. Leavitt, the secretary of health and human services, said he saw no prospect of compromise on the issue.
-snip-
In December 2005, just before leaving office, Mr. Leavitt’s predecessor, Tommy Thompson, said he wished Congress had given him the authority to negotiate prices for Medicare beneficiaries, as he negotiated discounts on antibiotics during the anthrax scare of 2001.
New York Times 11-13-06
Because of a 2003 Medicare Law, the federal government is not allowed to negotiate prescription drug prices.
The government is expected to spend at least $31 billion this year on the drug benefit, which provides partial drug coverage for people over age 65, according to the federal agency that runs Medicare. Next year, the program is expected to cost almost $50 billion -- almost 20 percent of overall American drug spending. NY Times 11-06-06Drug Companies are now posting even larger profits since the start of the Part D program in January of this year.
For big drug companies, the new Medicare prescription benefit is proving to be a financial windfall larger than even the most optimistic Wall Street analysts had predicted. NY Times 11-06-06The Democrats say that within the first 100 hours of the new session in January, it will introduce legislation to repeal that law.
Representative Nancy Pelosi... has said the House will take up legislation to repeal that ban in its first 100 hours under Democratic control.The Bush Administration said it will "strenuously oppose" that legislation.
Senate Democrats have expressed a similar desire. The eight Democrats newly elected to the Senate all say Medicare should have the power to negotiate with drug makers.
NY Times 11-13-06
Here's what I don't get.
The government has already put programs in place that negotitateprescriptionrug prices, for example, the Veterans Administration. Democrats say that repealing the ban and allowing the government to negotiate for lower prices could save the government $190 Billion over the next 10 years. Even if this is a slight exaggeration, at the very least, $150 Billion would be an enormous savings for the Federal Government.
So why oppose it?
Exactly who are President Bush and the GOP working for?
The people or the Drug Lobby?
Don't the American people deserve to pay the lowest cost available for their medication? With healthcare costs skyrocketing, and the latest news that the average American faces a 10% jump in healthcare costs, why isn't President Bush willing to do a little more for the average man?
Don't just get angry, get motivated, get out and contact your congressmen and women.
Get on the horn, and start saving our country, our seniors, our disabled and yourself a little dough.
Get on the horn, and start saving our country, our seniors, our disabled and yourself a little dough.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Post-Victory Ponderings....
Wow, even still in my exhaustion, I'm awed by the results. I had my hopes, but I never imagined it would end like this. Even still in Virginia, so much hangs on one race (fingers crossed!).
Not to take away from Zack's incredible daily roundup (and you know I read it every morning!) but I wanted to point out a couple posts worth reading....
As we rake these past couple days in, djtyg at MichLib has some wise words to share, and he makes some excellent points.
From last night, both WizardKitten and I took some great photos, although she clearly had the superior camera of the two as she took good enough pictures to post hers, and mine...will be up after some serious color-correction. :-D Show her some love.
Kathy's got a real break-down on what Dick and the gang really lost. It's pretty insightful, check it out at Stone Soup Musings.
Alright...so a couple of thoughts on my mind as I think about where we go, where I go, and where this blog goes, something I'm guessing several of us are thinking about.
What's the policy agenda going to look like here in Lansing? We've got some new reps that will be coming in, and unlike DC, it's going to be interesting to see what the Dem-controlled House can squeeze thru the Senate. I really want to see the Governor expand her Michigan First Healthcare program here, but who's willing to lay down the partisanship and roll up their sleeves? Can the GOP really risk another (and almost constant) assualt on the so-called character of the party by refusing to actually get to work on some real issues? Andy Meisner in the House and Gretchen Whitmer in the Senate both have bills up on stem cell. When you consider that an entire Senate seat was practically won on the issue of stem cell research (Missouri), well you would hope that the GOP has their ear to the ground.
Speaking of which - leadership. Any guesses on this one? There's whispers here and there, but what's going to actually happen, well I'll be awaiting and watching...
Notice what no one is talking about at all? What's going to happen (or not) between now and January. Hmm...anyone want to take a gander???
LLP Coming Attraction...get your knives and forks polished...I'm going to take a walk about the town with a friend or two and see what's cooking, literally, here in Lansing. Be prepared to drool, it's going to be fabulous!
Not to take away from Zack's incredible daily roundup (and you know I read it every morning!) but I wanted to point out a couple posts worth reading....
As we rake these past couple days in, djtyg at MichLib has some wise words to share, and he makes some excellent points.
From last night, both WizardKitten and I took some great photos, although she clearly had the superior camera of the two as she took good enough pictures to post hers, and mine...will be up after some serious color-correction. :-D Show her some love.
Kathy's got a real break-down on what Dick and the gang really lost. It's pretty insightful, check it out at Stone Soup Musings.
Alright...so a couple of thoughts on my mind as I think about where we go, where I go, and where this blog goes, something I'm guessing several of us are thinking about.
What's the policy agenda going to look like here in Lansing? We've got some new reps that will be coming in, and unlike DC, it's going to be interesting to see what the Dem-controlled House can squeeze thru the Senate. I really want to see the Governor expand her Michigan First Healthcare program here, but who's willing to lay down the partisanship and roll up their sleeves? Can the GOP really risk another (and almost constant) assualt on the so-called character of the party by refusing to actually get to work on some real issues? Andy Meisner in the House and Gretchen Whitmer in the Senate both have bills up on stem cell. When you consider that an entire Senate seat was practically won on the issue of stem cell research (Missouri), well you would hope that the GOP has their ear to the ground.
Speaking of which - leadership. Any guesses on this one? There's whispers here and there, but what's going to actually happen, well I'll be awaiting and watching...
Notice what no one is talking about at all? What's going to happen (or not) between now and January. Hmm...anyone want to take a gander???
LLP Coming Attraction...get your knives and forks polished...I'm going to take a walk about the town with a friend or two and see what's cooking, literally, here in Lansing. Be prepared to drool, it's going to be fabulous!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Meet Your Elected Official - Ingham Co. Commissioner - Curtis Hertel Jr.
Part of what makes the Lansing area such a fantastic place to live and work is our local elected officials. Few people realize what a powerful impact our city council and county commission have on our day-to-day life. Even fewer know who actually dictates local governmental policy.
In order to change the tide, I'll be regularly bringing you profiles and interviews with some of these folks, another Liberal, Loud and Proud exclusive!!!
For our first installment, I'm pleased to bring you one of Ingham County's Commissioners, Curtis Hertel Jr., hailing from the 9th District (NE City of East Lansing, and NW Meridan Township).
Curtis has lived in East Lansing since 1996. Married to Amy, they have one son and are expecting another child in December. He received a Bachelors degree in Social Relations from the James Madison College of Michigan State University. Currently Curtis is the Legislative Liasion for the Department of Health.
On the Commission, Curtis serves as the Chair of the Human Services Committee, and also serves on the Finance Committee.
Curtis has been very active within the community, serving on many boards and has been spotted at many local charities and community events, pitching in a hand with the rest of us. Curtis knows that a little old fashioned elbow grease and perseverance is the way to get things done, and has always been known as a true servant of the people. Some of the groups he's worked with include:
LL: What is it about Michigan, and your district that makes you want to serve the people?
CH: I believe in public service. I grew up in a household where I learned that public service was noble and government can still do good things. I am 28 years-old but I still have a very old-school opinion of politics. I believe loyalty and hard work are more important than clever answers and focus groups. Michigan has given me and my family at opportunity to serve them and in many ways big and small made us who we are.
I love serving my district because it is home. I went to school at Michigan State and met my wife there. My son was born at Sparrow Hospital. Who wouldn't want to live and serve in a place that felt like a small town community but still had access to MSU sports, cultural events and the Wharton center, and great ethnic food.
LL: What's the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome as an elected official over the past year?
CH: In many ways the biggest challenge has been in balancing being a good public official with also being a new dad to our son C.J. Serving the people takes time. County Commissioner is a part time job and my full time job as Legislative Liaison for the Department of Community Health also is time consuming. I probably on an average week work 60 hours, and that is not
including campaigning. I am lucky that I had a good role model in my father and a good partner in my wife Amy. Even when he was Speaker of the House my dad still found time for his children, and he had four of us. So Amy and I make it work. We have rules. We always have dinner together no matter what the schedule is. I try to always be there for bath time. I take CJ to the Potter Park Zoo, MSU to feed the ducks, or the science center every weekend.
Most nights CJ falls asleep on me while watching the Tigers. I am sure I am missing things, and public service is important to me but it is always a struggle.
LL: What's your biggest accomplishment since being elected to serve?
CH: My biggest accomplishment is increasing access to health care. Ingham County is now on our way to 100% access to basic preventative care by 2010. We will most likely be the first county to reach this important goal. I have led the fight to make access to care a priority in our budget process. There is nothing the County does that in the long run will have a greater effect on our community.
LL: What do you want to see changed in your next term?
CH: We are on a good track in Ingham County. The nice thing about having a 12-4 Democratic Majority is we have already set a progressive agenda. We have a Living Wage law to protect workers. We have a domestic partnership policy to give equal rights to our LGBT employees. We have made funding for access to health care and preventative programs a top priority. I want to continue to invest in these progressive ideals and work to make Ingham County a
positive place for people of all backgrounds. I want to increase protection of our farmland and green space. And if the voters agree on November 7th I look forward to taking over the running of Potter Park Zoo and continue to improve on this wonderful asset to our community.
LL: What's your take on the Internet political community like this blog?
CH: First off I like that it gives real people the power to comment on issues without being censured or spending thousands of dollars. Blogs can be very powerful in building networks of supporters and in energizing the base. The only thing we have to remember is the internet is a passive medium. People only find a blog or website if they are looking for information already. The internet cannot be used as a replacement for traditional politics. Knocking doors will always be the most important way of reaching voters. Television and direct mail will always be a better way to reach an unengaged public. As long as blogs are used in addition to these traditional ways of communicating they are very positive thing. I also would like to say we as elected officials need top thank bloggers. We read you, appreciate you hard work, and sometimes we post on your site anonymously.
###
You can also read more about Curtis at the LSJ's Voters Guide.
Curtis has this girl's vote for multiple reasons, but I have been most impressed by his continued dedication to making sure the people of this county have great healthcare, and with as little financial burden as possible to the taxpayers.
I am confident that Curtis Hertel Jr. is one of our rising stars, and I wish we had more candidates like him, a real public servant, dedicated to serving the people, particularly those that don't always have a voice from high-powered, big money special interest groups.
Vote November 7th!
~LL
In order to change the tide, I'll be regularly bringing you profiles and interviews with some of these folks, another Liberal, Loud and Proud exclusive!!!
For our first installment, I'm pleased to bring you one of Ingham County's Commissioners, Curtis Hertel Jr., hailing from the 9th District (NE City of East Lansing, and NW Meridan Township).
Curtis has lived in East Lansing since 1996. Married to Amy, they have one son and are expecting another child in December. He received a Bachelors degree in Social Relations from the James Madison College of Michigan State University. Currently Curtis is the Legislative Liasion for the Department of Health.
On the Commission, Curtis serves as the Chair of the Human Services Committee, and also serves on the Finance Committee.
Curtis has been very active within the community, serving on many boards and has been spotted at many local charities and community events, pitching in a hand with the rest of us. Curtis knows that a little old fashioned elbow grease and perseverance is the way to get things done, and has always been known as a true servant of the people. Some of the groups he's worked with include:
- Capitol Area Health Alliance
- St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
- Great Lakes Folk Festival
- Ingham Health Plan Board of Directors
- SE Marble Neighborhood Association
- Maral Pro-Choice Michigan
- Michigan Association of Local Public Health
- Sierra Club
LL: What is it about Michigan, and your district that makes you want to serve the people?
CH: I believe in public service. I grew up in a household where I learned that public service was noble and government can still do good things. I am 28 years-old but I still have a very old-school opinion of politics. I believe loyalty and hard work are more important than clever answers and focus groups. Michigan has given me and my family at opportunity to serve them and in many ways big and small made us who we are.
I love serving my district because it is home. I went to school at Michigan State and met my wife there. My son was born at Sparrow Hospital. Who wouldn't want to live and serve in a place that felt like a small town community but still had access to MSU sports, cultural events and the Wharton center, and great ethnic food.
LL: What's the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome as an elected official over the past year?
CH: In many ways the biggest challenge has been in balancing being a good public official with also being a new dad to our son C.J. Serving the people takes time. County Commissioner is a part time job and my full time job as Legislative Liaison for the Department of Community Health also is time consuming. I probably on an average week work 60 hours, and that is not
including campaigning. I am lucky that I had a good role model in my father and a good partner in my wife Amy. Even when he was Speaker of the House my dad still found time for his children, and he had four of us. So Amy and I make it work. We have rules. We always have dinner together no matter what the schedule is. I try to always be there for bath time. I take CJ to the Potter Park Zoo, MSU to feed the ducks, or the science center every weekend.
Most nights CJ falls asleep on me while watching the Tigers. I am sure I am missing things, and public service is important to me but it is always a struggle.
LL: What's your biggest accomplishment since being elected to serve?
CH: My biggest accomplishment is increasing access to health care. Ingham County is now on our way to 100% access to basic preventative care by 2010. We will most likely be the first county to reach this important goal. I have led the fight to make access to care a priority in our budget process. There is nothing the County does that in the long run will have a greater effect on our community.
LL: What do you want to see changed in your next term?
CH: We are on a good track in Ingham County. The nice thing about having a 12-4 Democratic Majority is we have already set a progressive agenda. We have a Living Wage law to protect workers. We have a domestic partnership policy to give equal rights to our LGBT employees. We have made funding for access to health care and preventative programs a top priority. I want to continue to invest in these progressive ideals and work to make Ingham County a
positive place for people of all backgrounds. I want to increase protection of our farmland and green space. And if the voters agree on November 7th I look forward to taking over the running of Potter Park Zoo and continue to improve on this wonderful asset to our community.
LL: What's your take on the Internet political community like this blog?
CH: First off I like that it gives real people the power to comment on issues without being censured or spending thousands of dollars. Blogs can be very powerful in building networks of supporters and in energizing the base. The only thing we have to remember is the internet is a passive medium. People only find a blog or website if they are looking for information already. The internet cannot be used as a replacement for traditional politics. Knocking doors will always be the most important way of reaching voters. Television and direct mail will always be a better way to reach an unengaged public. As long as blogs are used in addition to these traditional ways of communicating they are very positive thing. I also would like to say we as elected officials need top thank bloggers. We read you, appreciate you hard work, and sometimes we post on your site anonymously.
###
You can also read more about Curtis at the LSJ's Voters Guide.
Curtis has this girl's vote for multiple reasons, but I have been most impressed by his continued dedication to making sure the people of this county have great healthcare, and with as little financial burden as possible to the taxpayers.
If you’re poor or struggling, thank your lucky stars you live in Ingham County. Across the state, Ingham is looked to as a model of how to create positive relations between state government and private sector, as well as how local governments can help fill the increasing void created by welfare changes.“We’re even filling more gaps than the state has intended,” says County Commissioner Curtis Hertel Jr. with a grin. For several years now, Hertel says he and his fellow commissioners have watched as welfare “reform” “…just pitched people out on the street. This isn’t reform at all. What we now have to do is make up for some of those gaps.”
As an example, Hertel points to the $12 million Ingham Health Plan. It may sound like supplemental insurance, but it isn’t. For those who can’t get medical coverage under Medicare, Medicaid or other programs, IHP provides basic preventive medical care at no or minimal cost to the client. IHP is funded entirely by general county funds and presently assists some 13,000 county residents to obtain basic medical coverage.
IHP was so successful that the commission recently created the Capital Area Prescription Program, or CAPP. “It’s something like a buying club,” describes Hertel. By enrolling large numbers of people without prescription coverage, the county can negotiate bulk contract for reduced treatment costs with local pharmacies. The pharmacies get a guaranteed increase in business, the clients get cheaper medicine, “…all at no cost to the county,” says Hertel. “Clever, huh?”
(Lansing City Pulse 1/12/05)
Of course, that's just one reason out of many. You can see yourself, as Curtis has been endorsed by the following organizations.
- UAW
- MEA
- Greater Lansing Labor Council
- Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Michigan Association of Police Organizations
- SEIU
- Lansing Association for Human Rights - given a Very Positive Rating
I am confident that Curtis Hertel Jr. is one of our rising stars, and I wish we had more candidates like him, a real public servant, dedicated to serving the people, particularly those that don't always have a voice from high-powered, big money special interest groups.
Vote November 7th!
~LL
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #13
Public Health - it's an important role of the state government.
With services such as
Of course, if you're Amway Guy, chances are you can just buy whatever you need to stay healthy instead of relying on the State.
So it comes as no surprise that Tricky Dick thinks Michigan needs to cut those programs that so many have come to depend on.
Just Say NO to Dick because...
13. Dick DeVos is going to cut public health services. If elected, Slick Dick has made it clear that he will cut necessary public programs such as the Office of Michigan's Surgeon General. (Detroit Free Press 6/08/06)
Just Say YES to Jen because...
13. Governor Granholm has helped create top-notch public health programs that work for Michigan's citizens. Jennifer Granholm appointed the state's first Surgeon General and launched a plan - Prescription for a Healthier Michigan - to help make Michigan citizens healthier. To date, many Michigan citizens have accessed the Michigan Steps Up website www.michiganstepsup.org, creating more than 16,000 personal health plans and more than 1,700 health risk appraisals.
With services such as
- School Lunch programs
- Parenting Tools and Resources
- Senior Citizen's Services
- Disability Services (Commission for the Blind)
- Health and Nutrition programs
- WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
Of course, if you're Amway Guy, chances are you can just buy whatever you need to stay healthy instead of relying on the State.
So it comes as no surprise that Tricky Dick thinks Michigan needs to cut those programs that so many have come to depend on.
Just Say NO to Dick because...
13. Dick DeVos is going to cut public health services. If elected, Slick Dick has made it clear that he will cut necessary public programs such as the Office of Michigan's Surgeon General. (Detroit Free Press 6/08/06)
Just Say YES to Jen because...
13. Governor Granholm has helped create top-notch public health programs that work for Michigan's citizens. Jennifer Granholm appointed the state's first Surgeon General and launched a plan - Prescription for a Healthier Michigan - to help make Michigan citizens healthier. To date, many Michigan citizens have accessed the Michigan Steps Up website www.michiganstepsup.org, creating more than 16,000 personal health plans and more than 1,700 health risk appraisals.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #15
(Today's post is dedicated to my grandfather who lost his fight yesterday with an illness that could have been prevented through stem cell research. A man who served his country in WWII, a leader in his church, proud of the family he raised in Detroit, he worked hard for every penny he earned, and was just as proud of his state as I am.
I was humbled to know that one of his final acts before succumbing to his illness was to vote by absentee ballot. He told my mother to make sure that I knew that Governor Granholm had his vote because he knew that she was the only one fighting for the real people of Michigan.
Despite my immense grief and loss, I know that this list and this fight must continue because of people like my grandfather, who believe in this state, and the power of what we can become if we continue to fight for the people, and not for special interests. To my grandfather, one of the greatest men I ever knew.)
In Michigan, over 1.3 million of us were hospitalized in 2004 for various illnesses, that left many of us with expensive medical bills/insurance co-pays. (Michigan Dept. of Community Health)
There are thousands and thousands of Michiganians that suffer from illnesses that could be prevented and or cured by stem cell research.
Stem cells offer the possibility... to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. National Institutes of Health
Stem cell research could create more jobs in Michigan and offer more hope for all of us.
But Amway Guy still doesn't think this is a good idea for Michigan.
Why not?
Just Say NO to Dick because...
15. Dick DeVos opposes embryonic stem cell research, but he's afraid to talk about why. Dick DeVos opposes embryonic stem cell research. (Detroit News, June 23, 2006)
“When asked to clarify his position on embryonic stem cell research, he said it ‘presents significant challenges. (Gongwer, July 31, 2006)
Just Say YES to Jen because...
15. Governor Granholm supports stem cell research because of its multi-facted power to help Michgian's citizens. “Stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians,” Granholm said. (Weekly radio address 10/6/06)
Granholm launched an online petition asking the state Legislature to ease stem cell research in Michigan and is currently supporting bills in both the state House and Senate.
I was humbled to know that one of his final acts before succumbing to his illness was to vote by absentee ballot. He told my mother to make sure that I knew that Governor Granholm had his vote because he knew that she was the only one fighting for the real people of Michigan.
Despite my immense grief and loss, I know that this list and this fight must continue because of people like my grandfather, who believe in this state, and the power of what we can become if we continue to fight for the people, and not for special interests. To my grandfather, one of the greatest men I ever knew.)
In Michigan, over 1.3 million of us were hospitalized in 2004 for various illnesses, that left many of us with expensive medical bills/insurance co-pays. (Michigan Dept. of Community Health)
There are thousands and thousands of Michiganians that suffer from illnesses that could be prevented and or cured by stem cell research.
Stem cells offer the possibility... to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. National Institutes of Health
Stem cell research could create more jobs in Michigan and offer more hope for all of us.
But Amway Guy still doesn't think this is a good idea for Michigan.
Why not?
Just Say NO to Dick because...
15. Dick DeVos opposes embryonic stem cell research, but he's afraid to talk about why. Dick DeVos opposes embryonic stem cell research. (Detroit News, June 23, 2006)
“When asked to clarify his position on embryonic stem cell research, he said it ‘presents significant challenges. (Gongwer, July 31, 2006)
Just Say YES to Jen because...
15. Governor Granholm supports stem cell research because of its multi-facted power to help Michgian's citizens. “Stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians,” Granholm said. (Weekly radio address 10/6/06)
Granholm launched an online petition asking the state Legislature to ease stem cell research in Michigan and is currently supporting bills in both the state House and Senate.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Just Say NO to Dick and YES to Jen - Reason #21
Healthcare coverage is extremely important to everyone all across Michigan. Medical bills are now the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country, according to a Harvard study. Dr. David Himmelstein, the lead author of the study and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard commented: "Unless you're Bill Gates you're just one serious illness away from bankruptcy. Most of the medically bankrupt were average Americans who happened to get sick." In Michigan, working class families need to have healthcare coverage.
Just Say NO to Dick because...
21. Dick DeVos thinks Michiganians should just get a job if they want healthcare coverage. Tricky Dick actually said "The best way to make sure the uninsured get health care coverage is to help them get a job..." (Associated Press 5/17/06)
Doctor's disagree. "When it comes to curing MichiganÂ’s health-care ills, Republican candidate
Dick DeVos has the wrong prescription. The model of employment being the only model of health-care insurance is really not working right now"” That'’s the diagnosis of Dr. Paul Farr, a Grand Rapids gastroenterologist and president of the Michigan State Medical Society. (Grand Rapids Press, 5/21/06)
Just Say YES to Jen because...
21. Governor Granholm is making sure no Michigan citizen goes without healthcare coverage. Jennifer Granholm introduced the Michigan First Healthcare Plan which would provide health insurance to over half the state's uninsured population, or up to 500,000 Michigan citizens. (Michigan Poverty Law Center, 2006) Overall, the Plan would provide access to affordable insurance coverage through a partnership with the health care industry and business community.
Just Say NO to Dick because...
21. Dick DeVos thinks Michiganians should just get a job if they want healthcare coverage. Tricky Dick actually said "The best way to make sure the uninsured get health care coverage is to help them get a job..." (Associated Press 5/17/06)
Doctor's disagree. "When it comes to curing MichiganÂ’s health-care ills, Republican candidate
Dick DeVos has the wrong prescription. The model of employment being the only model of health-care insurance is really not working right now"” That'’s the diagnosis of Dr. Paul Farr, a Grand Rapids gastroenterologist and president of the Michigan State Medical Society. (Grand Rapids Press, 5/21/06)
Just Say YES to Jen because...
21. Governor Granholm is making sure no Michigan citizen goes without healthcare coverage. Jennifer Granholm introduced the Michigan First Healthcare Plan which would provide health insurance to over half the state's uninsured population, or up to 500,000 Michigan citizens. (Michigan Poverty Law Center, 2006) Overall, the Plan would provide access to affordable insurance coverage through a partnership with the health care industry and business community.
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