In case you missed it, Ruthanne Wolfe had an excellent letter to the Tribune Aug. 11. She was responding to the many people who are crying "Socialized Medicine".
The title in the paper was "Reader explains benefits of health care reform" That is an apt description. She explains that Medicare is a public option as well as VA benefits. She also sheds light on the greedy CEO's who are the people who are actually ruining our health care system.
I urge everyone to read her letter. It will educate you and make you think.
thanks
Shirley
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
THEY'RE FREE!!!
The two American Journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been pardoned by North Korea and will be finally coming home. They had been prisoners since March 17.
Thank you former President Clinton.
Thank you former President Clinton.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING 8/3/09 A PACKED HOUSE
Last night's city council meeting was interesting to say the least.
It began with several flood victims telling how their homes were severely flooded, some for the first time in 30 years. One person lost her furniture, and her floors had to be replaced. Two other people in separate homes were actually driven from their homes and are afraid to move back because of the fear of disease from the human waste along with the flooding.
A lady cannot plant a vegetable garden for a year because of fear of Ecoli. Another gentleman brought his beautiful little girl who can no longer play in her yard with her brothers because of the human and animal waste. They have also lost several of their possessions. People talked about refrigerators floating from their kitchens into their living rooms, and some were moved to tears.
Thankfully the council voted unanimously to allocate $100,000 to help these people, and maybe more in the future. Another person asked about FEMA funds to help the victims. Mayor England said the city is looking into that.
Several of the council members expressed concern and offered solutions. Mr. McLaughlin said there is a dire need and something needs to be done before someone gets sick or hurt. Mr. Gonder said Mr. Rosenbarger had asked about a grant to help flood victims and suggested a moratorium on building permits until the flooding issue is resolved. Mrs. Benedetti suggested a change in the ordinance to make sure building sites under an acre are regulated. Mr. Price wants to look at the development over the last few years and see why there have been so many recent problems.
Mr. Coffey appointed two committees: One will look into the flooding problems and another will work with the Commissioners and perhaps make changes the way the Stormwater Board sets it's rates. Mr. Gahan said that we cannot change our rates if the county does not.
Mr. England made a plea for a raise in rates to help the city clean up the debris out of the ditches and creeks. He said we have "picks and shovels" and we need heavy equipment. He added that the city needs the tools to work with, especially since the city took over the Stormwater Utility six months ago. He added that the street department workers are picking up debris and cleaning up after storms and are not able to do their real jobs, which is street line painting, replacing signs, cutting grass, etc. He added that "It can't be done with what we've got" and that he "Is not intimidated by the voters or the media". He also said that under the circumstances , "If I had your problems I would not be satisfied with me either". All I can say is I would not want to have his job.
Then it was time to vote. Ordinance G-09-15 to raise the Stormwater rates by $2.00 per month passed 5-4. But Ordinance G-09-16 to raise the user/service fees for garbage, refuse and yard waste by $5.00 per month failed.
After this it was 10:00 and I had to leave. Enough was enough.
It began with several flood victims telling how their homes were severely flooded, some for the first time in 30 years. One person lost her furniture, and her floors had to be replaced. Two other people in separate homes were actually driven from their homes and are afraid to move back because of the fear of disease from the human waste along with the flooding.
A lady cannot plant a vegetable garden for a year because of fear of Ecoli. Another gentleman brought his beautiful little girl who can no longer play in her yard with her brothers because of the human and animal waste. They have also lost several of their possessions. People talked about refrigerators floating from their kitchens into their living rooms, and some were moved to tears.
Thankfully the council voted unanimously to allocate $100,000 to help these people, and maybe more in the future. Another person asked about FEMA funds to help the victims. Mayor England said the city is looking into that.
Several of the council members expressed concern and offered solutions. Mr. McLaughlin said there is a dire need and something needs to be done before someone gets sick or hurt. Mr. Gonder said Mr. Rosenbarger had asked about a grant to help flood victims and suggested a moratorium on building permits until the flooding issue is resolved. Mrs. Benedetti suggested a change in the ordinance to make sure building sites under an acre are regulated. Mr. Price wants to look at the development over the last few years and see why there have been so many recent problems.
Mr. Coffey appointed two committees: One will look into the flooding problems and another will work with the Commissioners and perhaps make changes the way the Stormwater Board sets it's rates. Mr. Gahan said that we cannot change our rates if the county does not.
Mr. England made a plea for a raise in rates to help the city clean up the debris out of the ditches and creeks. He said we have "picks and shovels" and we need heavy equipment. He added that the city needs the tools to work with, especially since the city took over the Stormwater Utility six months ago. He added that the street department workers are picking up debris and cleaning up after storms and are not able to do their real jobs, which is street line painting, replacing signs, cutting grass, etc. He added that "It can't be done with what we've got" and that he "Is not intimidated by the voters or the media". He also said that under the circumstances , "If I had your problems I would not be satisfied with me either". All I can say is I would not want to have his job.
Then it was time to vote. Ordinance G-09-15 to raise the Stormwater rates by $2.00 per month passed 5-4. But Ordinance G-09-16 to raise the user/service fees for garbage, refuse and yard waste by $5.00 per month failed.
After this it was 10:00 and I had to leave. Enough was enough.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
ONE BIG STEP FOR HEALTH CARE
Single Payer will come to the House for a vote. Speaker Pelosi has promised that HR676 will come before the entire House of Representatives.
This happened because of all of the hard work of so many people. But we must keep up the good work.
The Washington trip was considered a success by everyone I talked to. There was a rally where Rep.Conyers and several others spoke out for Single Payer.
Our group also split into the Indiana delegation and Kentucky delegation. The Indiana people met with representatives of Senators Lugar and Bayh. Neither of our senators are in the health care committees so their influence is limited but their representatives were very gracious and listened to our concerns. Others in the Indiana group met with Rep. Baron Hill. Three members arrived early and were able to speak with Mr. Hill personally and the rest met with his representative. They reported that Mr. Hill was also very gracious and met with them for several minutes before being called into a meeting.
The Kentucky group also reported success. They met with their Representatives also. The most entertaining part was when several of us went to Senator Mitch O'Connell's office. The Kentuckians had a petition with over 7,000 signatures all taped together. It was quite a sight, they even had a couple of police officers in the hallway. But his representatives were also very gracious and even allowed themselves to be photographed with the petitions.
All in all in was a fun and educational trip.
This happened because of all of the hard work of so many people. But we must keep up the good work.
The Washington trip was considered a success by everyone I talked to. There was a rally where Rep.Conyers and several others spoke out for Single Payer.
Our group also split into the Indiana delegation and Kentucky delegation. The Indiana people met with representatives of Senators Lugar and Bayh. Neither of our senators are in the health care committees so their influence is limited but their representatives were very gracious and listened to our concerns. Others in the Indiana group met with Rep. Baron Hill. Three members arrived early and were able to speak with Mr. Hill personally and the rest met with his representative. They reported that Mr. Hill was also very gracious and met with them for several minutes before being called into a meeting.
The Kentucky group also reported success. They met with their Representatives also. The most entertaining part was when several of us went to Senator Mitch O'Connell's office. The Kentuckians had a petition with over 7,000 signatures all taped together. It was quite a sight, they even had a couple of police officers in the hallway. But his representatives were also very gracious and even allowed themselves to be photographed with the petitions.
All in all in was a fun and educational trip.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
MRS BAIRD GOES TO WASHINGTON (IF ONLY FOR A DAY)
Yes, I will be joining about 50 other people on a bus trip to Washington DC. We are leaving tonight for a 12 hour drive (ugh).
There will be a health care rally tomorrow with people from all over the country. There should be thousands. If I see a CNN camera crew I will be sure to wave.
We also have appointments with several members of Congress so that will be interesting. I am very excited and hopeful about this trip. See you Friday.
There will be a health care rally tomorrow with people from all over the country. There should be thousands. If I see a CNN camera crew I will be sure to wave.
We also have appointments with several members of Congress so that will be interesting. I am very excited and hopeful about this trip. See you Friday.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
HEALTHCARE DEBATE: VOP DEBATING W/FOS
I have to respond to the latest article written by the Freedom of Speech staff. The first two sentences make perfect sense, the rest of the column, not so much.
"It simply amazes us at the misconceptions people have about a government run plan"
I agree.
"By far, a single payer system would be the best for providing care and in lowering cost"
Right again.
They go on to say that insurance companies need to be bailed out. No, actually the insurance companies are doing just fine. They have record profits at the expense of the citizens of America.
"According to CMS...Medicare only covers 53% of an average persons yearly healthcare expenses..." Our office (cardiologists) receives CMS bulletins every month and I have never seen these figures, nor has my supervisor. Medicare pays 80% if the approved charges which means that we take a write-off right at the top before the payment. For instance, if a doctor charges $100.00 for a procedure Medicare would normally approve about $70.00 of which the doctor would receive 80% or $56.00. The other $30.00 would be above allowed, meaning a write off, and the patient or their supplementary insurance would be billed for $14.00.
As far as the Medicare premiums, people on Social Security have around $97.00 deducted from their checks each month for Medicare. I don't know how that translates to $400.00 per month per individual. And a family of 4 would not be covered by Medicare anyway.
As far as people from Canada and Britian coming to America for healthcare, why would they travel to a country ranked 37th in the world for healthcare? Canadians and Europeans have a longer life span and lower infant mortality rates.
Mr. Obama wants everyone to be able to have preventative care, not wait until stage 4 cancer before seeking treatment. That is what many Americans do now because they have no health insurance and put off seeing a doctor for as long as they can.
As far as government providing healthcare at a reasonable cost; Medicare's administrative costs are approx. 3% compared to 15% to 30% administrative costs for private insurance companies such as Anthem, Humana, United Health Care, Cigna, and others. A Cabinet Member is paid a little over $100,000 per year as opposed to $6 Million to $20 Million, which is what some of the insurance company CEO's earn.
That is why the insurance companies can pay $1.4 Million dollars A DAY to oppose single payer. They are spending OUR premiums to oppose the healthcare that we so desperately need.
Talk about liars. I talk to patients every day who were duped into buying Medicare replacement coverage only to discover they have higher premiums, and limited choice of hospitals and physicians.
Even physicians are banding together in Oregon to form the "Mad As Hell Doctors Road Tour".
See www.MadAsHellDoctors.com or call Dr. Paul Hochfeld (541) 740-4065.
"It simply amazes us at the misconceptions people have about a government run plan"
I agree.
"By far, a single payer system would be the best for providing care and in lowering cost"
Right again.
They go on to say that insurance companies need to be bailed out. No, actually the insurance companies are doing just fine. They have record profits at the expense of the citizens of America.
"According to CMS...Medicare only covers 53% of an average persons yearly healthcare expenses..." Our office (cardiologists) receives CMS bulletins every month and I have never seen these figures, nor has my supervisor. Medicare pays 80% if the approved charges which means that we take a write-off right at the top before the payment. For instance, if a doctor charges $100.00 for a procedure Medicare would normally approve about $70.00 of which the doctor would receive 80% or $56.00. The other $30.00 would be above allowed, meaning a write off, and the patient or their supplementary insurance would be billed for $14.00.
As far as the Medicare premiums, people on Social Security have around $97.00 deducted from their checks each month for Medicare. I don't know how that translates to $400.00 per month per individual. And a family of 4 would not be covered by Medicare anyway.
As far as people from Canada and Britian coming to America for healthcare, why would they travel to a country ranked 37th in the world for healthcare? Canadians and Europeans have a longer life span and lower infant mortality rates.
Mr. Obama wants everyone to be able to have preventative care, not wait until stage 4 cancer before seeking treatment. That is what many Americans do now because they have no health insurance and put off seeing a doctor for as long as they can.
As far as government providing healthcare at a reasonable cost; Medicare's administrative costs are approx. 3% compared to 15% to 30% administrative costs for private insurance companies such as Anthem, Humana, United Health Care, Cigna, and others. A Cabinet Member is paid a little over $100,000 per year as opposed to $6 Million to $20 Million, which is what some of the insurance company CEO's earn.
That is why the insurance companies can pay $1.4 Million dollars A DAY to oppose single payer. They are spending OUR premiums to oppose the healthcare that we so desperately need.
Talk about liars. I talk to patients every day who were duped into buying Medicare replacement coverage only to discover they have higher premiums, and limited choice of hospitals and physicians.
Even physicians are banding together in Oregon to form the "Mad As Hell Doctors Road Tour".
See www.MadAsHellDoctors.com or call Dr. Paul Hochfeld (541) 740-4065.
Friday, July 17, 2009
RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY!!!
I am sure this is what many attendees of last night's council meeting are saying now. Many residents told their stories of having flooded basements, even sewage in their homes and pleaded with the council for help. Many council members were obviously disturbed by these stories and accompanying pictures.
It is a terrible shame that people have to live like this, losing countless thousands of dollars and living in unsafe homes that are unsellable. Thankfully the resolution passed 9-0 that would free up funds to reimburse these people. Also Attny Shane Gibson promised to look into these claims and forward them to the city's insurance company. The residents also filed Tort Claims to help reclaim some of the lost funds.
The other major item on the agenda was the Ordinance to allocate $1,000,000 to hire 10 new police officers. After the first vote failed to pass, CM Messer asked that the Ordinance be amended to be reduced to $500,000 and hire 5 new police officers. CM Caesar changed his vote to aye and the Ordinance passed 5-4. Voting aye were CM's Caesar, Benedetti, Messer, Zurschmeide and Coffey.
It is a terrible shame that people have to live like this, losing countless thousands of dollars and living in unsafe homes that are unsellable. Thankfully the resolution passed 9-0 that would free up funds to reimburse these people. Also Attny Shane Gibson promised to look into these claims and forward them to the city's insurance company. The residents also filed Tort Claims to help reclaim some of the lost funds.
The other major item on the agenda was the Ordinance to allocate $1,000,000 to hire 10 new police officers. After the first vote failed to pass, CM Messer asked that the Ordinance be amended to be reduced to $500,000 and hire 5 new police officers. CM Caesar changed his vote to aye and the Ordinance passed 5-4. Voting aye were CM's Caesar, Benedetti, Messer, Zurschmeide and Coffey.
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