By admin on Jul 25, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
The CoverMe Foundation, a non-profit organization funded by the Wellpoint Foundation, Inc., is a new program that could make a real difference in people’s lives. Created to help America’s uninsured and underinsured, it helps connect people with free or low-cost healthcare services.
Along with helping people find the right resources, they’ll walk you through the application and referral process. Sometimes all you need is someone to be there with you as you slog through the bureaucracy, and it sounds like this program helps fit the bill. To apply for help, there’s a simple online or mail-in form application process. For more information, check out The CoverMe Foundation web site or give them a call at 1 (877) 678-7631. From their recent press release:
The CoverMe Foundation was conceived as an organization to improve the overall health of citizens in our local communities as well as throughout the United States by assisting consumers in their efforts to locate and access healthcare coverage. Drawing from community resources, government assistance and select corporate partnerships the Foundation strives to facilitate reductions in the number of the uninsured and to improve the overall quality of life for our nation’s citizens. Read the rest
By admin on Jul 22, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
With the cuts in federal and state funding, many mental health clincs and substance abuse treatment programs have closed their doors. And gone are the days when insurance companies paid for 30-day inpatient programs at McLean’s or Spofford Hall.
A new study shows that one in four uninsured adults have a mental illness or substance abuse problem, or both. More and more states are providing free or low-cost healthcare programs, but few provide mental health programs, addiction services, or chronic disease management services.
Folks over at the the Healthcare for Uninsured web site are working on ”Inclusion of Mental Illness and Substance use Disorders in State healthcare Reform Initiatives.” And they’ve written about implications and recommendations for healthcare reform. To read the full article, click here. Read the rest
By admin on Jul 21, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
Insurance companies are notorious for denying or postponing claim reimbursements, which we all know. Sometimes it’s because there’s a minor (and I mean minor) omission on the claim form, or other times it’s because you’re 6 days under the pre-existing conditions window. Here’s a clever video from the Healthcare for America Now folks about the ever-changing insurance company rules.
By admin on Jul 16, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
I love this organization. Ever since 60 Minutes aired the story about the Remote Area Medical program, there’s been an outpouring of financial and personal support, as well as a large number of requests to have RAM programs in other states. From the RAM web site:
The “60 Minutes” segment featuring the work of Remote Area Medical® (March 2, 2008) generated one of the greatest audience responses to the CBS news program in the past 10 years. Echoing throughout that response was an overwhelming national outcry for RAM’s kind of help.
The REACH ACROSS AMERICA! goal is $1,000,000 and with help from compassionate citizens like you, RAM will develop the capability to:
- replicate the unique RAM model of free health care delivery to medically under served areas throughout the United States
- transport advance teams to prepare communities for RAM free clinics
- meet the scheduling constraints of RAM volunteer medical professionals
willing to travel great distances to serve impoverished populations
RAM volunteers provide free care to tens of thousands of uninsured or underinsured people every year. Together, we can launch a nationwide effort that will relieve the pain and suffering of hundreds of thousands – and someday millions – more. Thank you for joining the RAM.
To make a donation, contact Remote Area Medical Foundation, 1834 Beech St., Knoxville, TN 37920 designated to RAM Airborn. Or, visit the RAM donation page. To find out about volunteering, click here. Some of their many great accomplishments are listed here.
By admin on Jul 15, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
On Sunday night, 60 Minutes aired a segment called “Lifeline” and told a heart-wrenching story. The Remote Area Medical program, created to provide no-cost healthcare, is a god-send to those in need. Stan Brock, the program’s founder, organizes volunteer doctors, nurses, and others to offer free medical, dental, vision services, and more. Initially set up to provide free care to places (like the Amazon), it now offers free clinics throughout the US, helping uninsured and underinsured Americans.
From CBSnews.com . . . ”In a matter of hours, Remote Area Medical set up its massive clinic, for a weekend, in an exhibit hall in Knoxville, Tenn. Tools for dentists were laid out by the yard, optometrists prepared to make hundreds of pairs of glasses, general medical doctors set up for whatever might come though the door. Nearly everything is donated, and everyone is a volunteer.”
. . . . “Marty Tankersley came with his wife and his daughter, asleep behind the front seats. Tankersley says he drove some 200 miles to get to the clinic and slept in the parking lot for hours.
“Just to have this done?” Pelley asked.
“Yes, sir. I’ve been in some very excruciating pain,” he replied.
To watch the RAM segment that appeared recently on the CBS NEWS television program 60 MINUTES please click here.
Read the rest
By admin on Jul 8, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
This sounds like a pretty impressive healthcare reform campaign, and the timing is great for putting pressure on the politicians. Hats off to the Healthcare for America Now organization for organizing this massive effort. Check out their new web site and sign up to become involved. From their web site’s press release:
Health Care for America Now, an unprecedented coalition of major organizations including labor unions, large community-based membership groups, women’s groups, DC think tanks, doctors, nurses, small businesses, and leading netroots activists, will launch a new $40 million campaign to push for quality, affordable health care for every American.
“You can’t trust the insurance industry to fix the health care mess,” said the spokeswoman, Jacki Schechner. “We’re educating the public about our principles and what we’d like to see from the president and the new Congress.”
One cool thing is that they’re spending $1.5 million on television, print and online advertising, with $25 million more to follow. Check out their new national ad campaign video after the jump.
Read the rest
By admin on Jul 2, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
What’s up with this guy? Steve King, a Representative from the 5th district in Iowa, voted againt a plan that would fund healthcare coverage for 26,000 kids. His reason? Because he was afraid the plan would provide benefits to children of illegal immigrants. In an article from the Sioux City Journal, Rep. King bragged about his efforts to block the Democratic legislation as one of his major accomplishments.
“That very well may be the best contribution that I have made in the 110th Congress, is slowing down, sometimes stopping Democratic-sponsored bills,” King said.
With people like him representing Iowans, who needs enemies? Give Mr. King’s office a jingle to let him know what you think of his reprehensible actions.
Rep. Steve King, 1609 Longworth Office Building, Washington D.C. 20515
Phone: 202.225.4426
Fax: 202.225.3193
email: http://www.house.gov/steveking/email.shtm Read the rest
By admin on Jun 30, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
Although the Dutch are still working out the wrinkles, their health coverage system sounds promising. Our government officials should look into it (ahem… Hillary Clinton, anyone?). Their program has universal health coverage for all, along with a tightening of costs. The insurance services are delivered by private companies, not the government, which sounds good to me. It’s mandated that all citizens purchase coverage, and the best part is that no insurers are allowed to turn away applicants. From the www.takingnote.tcf.org article “The Dutch Health Care System” -
In the U.S., by contrast, if you don’t have employer-based coverage and must buy your own coverage, insurers can charge you more based on your medical history and risk profile. And in most states, if they consider you too risky, they can simply refuse to sell you insurance altogether.
Read the rest
By admin on Jun 20, 2008 in Featured | 0 Comments
Beth Broderick, television and movie actor (whom I fondly remember as Aunt Hildy from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, stars in“Insurance Jive”, an ad taking on the health insurance companies. The video is based on the story of Patsy Bates who was in treatment from breast cancer when she was kicked off her health insurance plan. The California Nurses Association and the Courage Campaign are trying to raise money to help put the TV ad on air.
Read the rest
By admin on Jun 11, 2008 in Featured | 1 Comment
I’ve been looking for awhile now for a resource that helps people with serious illnesses. Broadway producer David Landay, after dealing with serious illness and the healthcare system, created a web site called survivorshipatoz.org. The practical, thoughtful site has loads of information about insurance, managing your care, finances, government benefits, employment issues, day-to-day living, and more.
“The idea would be to give people all the legal, financial and practical information they need; so that when you first got that diagnosis and all these questions come charging at you, the answers Read the rest
