Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Judge Mary Ann Sumi Implementation Of The Act Enjoined

On Tuesday March 29, 2011 Madison Wisconsin Judge Mary Ann Sumi issued a second order to a previous injunction that prevented the union bill from becoming law. Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi states in the second order further implementation of the act is enjoined. Enjoined is an order by a court official authority to refrain from doing an act. The act is prohibited by judicial order. This blocks implementation of the union bill and attaches the risk of court sanctions. Recall that on Friday March 18, 2011 Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi issued a ruling to halt publishing of this bill. Judge Sumi ruled that the states open meeting laws were violated when a special committee met to reformat the budget repair bill, and in turn creating a bill dealing specifically with collective bargaining for state workers. It was on March 11, 2011 Wisconsin held a special committee meeting of lawmakers which resulted in passage of a bill that removes collective bargaining rights from workers. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne filed with Dane County Circuit Judge Mary Ann Sumi to block the union bill stating the legislative committee violated the states open meetings law. On Thursday March 24, 2011 a three judge panel of the fourth district court of appeals sent the union bill to the state supreme court. The three judge panel wrote Plainly, this case has broad state wide implications for the general public and those affected by the challenged Act, in addition to those interested in the manner of its passage. Home Care Path http://www.homecarepath.com/ encourages seniors to watch this legislation as it unfolds. Home Care Path coordinates elder home care assistants to help seniors remain living in their homes.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Required Minimum Distributions Home Care Path

An IRA is an individual retirement account. This is an account that post pones taxation, called tax deferred retirement plans. This account is governed by the Internal Revenue Service which requires minimum distributions after age seventy and a half. Required minimum distributions means defined, scheduled withdrawals from this individual retirement account after the senior turns 70.5. The required minimum distribution (withdrawal) each year is calculated by dividing the total account balance by the applicable distribution period often called life expectency. The applicable distribution period or life expectancy can be found by using Tables in Appendix C of Publication 590. Once the applicable distribution period is assigned, use this to divide the total account balance. This gives seniors the amount required to be withdrawn from the account. Investment counselors report some of this required minimum distribution money is just being reinvested in another vehicle for savings. Home Care Path http://www.homecarepath.com/ encourages seniors to meet with a qualified investment counselor prior to deciding on changes to an account. Home Care Path coordinates elder home care assistants for seniors in the Madison Wisconsin area.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Legislative Reference Bureau Drafts Union Bill The Wisconsin Idea

On Friday March 25, 2011 The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau drafted the union bill. Wisconsin's Legislative Reference Bureau is located in suite 200, 1 east main street, (PO box 2037)Madison, WI 53701. Headed by Stephen Miller the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau is a clearing house for information on public affairs.

Recall that on March 11, 2011 Wisconsin held a special committee meeting of lawmakers which resulted in passage of a bill that removes collective bargaining rights from workers. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne filed with Dane County Circuit Judge Mary Ann Sumi to block the bill stating the legislative committee violated the states open meetings law.

The open meeting law has been in place in Wisconsin since 1959. Open meeting law is known as the sunshine law, which guarantees public has sunlight on processes and public is always aware of what is going on.

Recall that on Friday March 18, 2011 Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi issued a ruling to halt the publishing of the union bill. The ruling prevented Secretary of State Doug La Follette from publishing the law. Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi ruled that the open meeting laws were violated when a special committee met to reformat the budget repair bill, and in turn creating a bill dealing specifically with collective bargaining for state workers.

The restraining order by Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi blocked Secretary of State Doug La Follette , but the bill was then drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau, which was not included in the Judges ruling. The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau is the bill drafting agency of the general assembly.

Recall that on Thursday March 24, 2011 a three judge panel of the fourth district court of appeals sent the union bill to the state supreme court.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to follow this legislation as it unfolds.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Wisconsin Sends Union Bill To Supreme Court Home Care Path

On Thursday March 24, 2011 a three judge panel of the fourth district court of appeals sent the union bill to the state supreme court. Two of the issues requiring clarification involve the authority of a circuit court to rule on a violation of the states open meeting law, and court authority to stop the secretary of state from publishing the bill.

Recall that on March 11, 2011 Wisconsin held a special committee meeting of lawmakers which resulted in passage of a bill that removes collective bargaining rights from workers. Dane County (Madison Wisconsin) District Attorney Ismael Ozanne filed with Dane County Circuit Judge Mary Ann Sumi to block the bill stating the legislative committee violated the states open meetings law.

The three judge panel wrote "Plainly, this case has broad state wide implications for the general public and those directly affected by the challenged Act, in addition to those interested in the manner of its passage".

The open meeting law has been in place in Wisconsin since 1959. Open meeting law is known as sunshine law, which guarantees public has sunlight on processes and public is always aware of what is going on.

Recall that on Friday March 18, 2011 Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi issued a ruling to halt the publishing of this bill. This ruling prevented Secretary of State Doug La Follete from publishing the law. Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi ruled that the states open meeting laws were violated when a special committee met to reformat the budget repair bill, and in turn creating a bill dealing specifically with collective bargaining for state workers.

Citizens now wait for a time line in this specific case. Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to follow this legislation as it unfolds.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

U.S. House of Representatives 2011 Calendar Home Care Path

This is a tentative calendar United States House of Representatives . This helps seniors know when elected officials are back in their district for visits.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Convenes: Jan 5

January recess: Jan 31-Feb 4

Presidents Day recess: Feb 21-25

Constituent work week: Mar 21-25

Spring recess: April 18-29

Constituent work week: May 16-20

Memorial day recess: May 30

Constituent work week: June 6-10

Constituent work week: June 27-July 1

Independence day federal holiday: July 4

Constituent work week: July 18-22

August recess: August 8-Sept 6

Constituent work week: Sept 26-30

Constituent work week: Oct 17-21

Constituent work week: Nov 7-10

Constituent work week: Nov 21-25

Adjournment target: Dec 8

Home Care Path www.homecarepath encourages seniors to organize thoughts and write them down prior to visiting an elected offical.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Wisconsin 2011 U.S. Senate Calendar Home Care Path

The following is a tentative calendar for United States Senate 2011 Wisconsin. This gives seniors an idea of when elected officials will be back in their district and available for a visit.

UNITED STATES SENATE

Convenes: January 5

State work period: Jan 10-21

State work period: Feb 21-25

State work period: Mar 21-25

State work period: April 18-29

State work period: May 30-June 3

State work period: July 4-8

State work period: Aug 8- Sept 5

State work period: Sept 26-30

State work period: Oct 24-28

Adjournment target : To Be Decided

Senators often use the stories of families in their district to more effectively communicate their ideas to fellow law makers. Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to have their thoughts organized and written down on paper prior to the visit.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Productivity Gain In Health System Home Care Path

Providers delivering health service in return for public money are forever seeking evidence of productivity gain. Increased productivity represents a greater output per unit of input. Output could be seen as a number of persons eligible for service. Input could be seen as a number of public dollars. This means an increase in productivity could look like a provider treating more persons with less money.

The labor intensive nature of delivering health care to populations of ill persons can impede productivity gains. The Medicare fee for service does not easily facilitate accounting claims from delegation to nonlicensed staff. Reengineering fee schedules to accomidate staff providing services at a lower cost can more accurately reflect efficiency in the health care delivery process.

Technology may reduce the work component of licensed providers delivering health service. Advances improving the accuracy of diagnostic testing. Improved communication systems with mandated information sharing. Investment in discharge planning with the focus on reduced re-admissions. Substantial savings exist with continued integration and utilization of new technologies in the health care community.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com reminds seniors the health care system is continually changing in an effort to best meet the populations medical needs.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Madison Wisconsin Ismael Ozanne Judge Mary Ann Sumi Stop Collective Bargaining Bill

Recall that on March 11, 2011 Wisconsin held a special committee meeting of lawmakers which resulted in passage of a bill that removes collective bargaining rights from workers. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne filed with Dane County Circuit Judge Mary Ann Sumi to block the bill stating the legislative committee violated the states open meetings law.

Open meeting law has been in place in Wisconsin since 1959. Open meeting law is known as the sunshine law, which guarantees public has sunlight on processes and public is always aware of what is going on.

On Friday March 18, 2011 Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi issued a ruling to halt the publishing of this bill. This ruling will prevent Secretary of State Doug La Follette from publishing the law.

Dane County Judge Mary Ann Sumi rules that the states open meetings laws were violated when a special committee met to reformat the budget repair bill, and in turn creating a bill dealing specifically with collective bargaining for state workers.

This will be followed by filing of legal action to prevent the implementation of the bill.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to follow this legislation as it unfolds. Home Care Path coordinates elder home care workers in the Madison Wisconsin area.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Principal Protected Note Has Financial Loss Risk Home Care Path

Principal Protected Notes are notes issued by an investment banking firm with return partially tied to the performance of an equity index, such as Standard and Poor's 500. The senior's loan (investment) to the investment banking firm is not backed by a government guarantee.

Sellers of the Principal Protected Note typically target fixed income investors, seeking a steady source of income, while guarding against loss of the principal. Seniors who are scared of outliving their money and seeking a safe, better paying alternative than CD's (certificates of deposit) are being sought out.

How money is made by the investment banking firm on the seniors loan (investment) is a very complex process. Notes will define index levels that cannot be exceeded during the holding period in order to earn money above the inital investment (loan). The complexity of this financial structure includes the payment of commissions back to the banking investment firm.

The most evident risk of financial loss is through the potential for the investment banking firm (guaranteeing entity) to fail. Large investment banking firms selling Principal Protected Notes have reached the level of being traded on the NYSE New York Stock Exchange and failed. The investment firm goes bust, and the seniors money is lost.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to know the vehicle of investment well before submitting their money.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sellers On Ebay Warn Of Fee Increase April 2011 Home Care Path

Several seniors who sell on ebay have sent in warnings of an approaching fee increase. The fee increase starts April 19, 2011.

The increased cost to sellers comes in the form of an added charge to each auction transaction. Sellers will be charged the final value fee on the shipping cost paid by the buyer. This allows Ebay to earn a commission on the shipping expense for each auction style transaction.

One senior who sells old, framed, prints has already been looking in to other auction sites. One is onlineauctions.com . The senior explains he sells about 15 large framed prints per month. The senior sends his purchased prints through the United States Postal Service. Due to the large size, and the weight of the frame, glass, the senior pays about 24.00 per shipped picture. This does not include the box and packing material.

Sellers perceive this as a strategy by Ebay to compete with larger online selling sites like Amazon.com Essentially Ebay has dropped the 100 free listings per month to 50 at any start price and threw in buy it now. The increased reveunue from charging commission (Final Value Fees) to the seller for shipping cost paid by the buyer, will easily offset this.

The senior sellers express the sense that Ebay is looking for larger corporate sellers due to the slow growth of their online marketplace. Charging commission on shipping cost is thought to push smaller sellers toward other online auctions sites.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Some Reasons Gas Goes Up At The Pump Home Care Path

Gasoline, petrol is pumped as a fluid in to automobiles throughout the United States. Essenitally oil is pumped from the ground, sent to a refinery, and pushed along a supply chain to the pump. Several reasons have been verbalized to explain the rise in gas prices.

One reason given for elevating gas prices at the pump is the short supply. We know oil continues to consistently be mined in crude form across all parts of the world. Given the improved technological equipment, and advances in communication, the search for the raw materials for gas have become more productive.

Another reason is complications with a refinery. We know the scientifically supported process for refining raw mined material into usable liquid gasoline has been improving for many years. Governments employ industry wide mandates to insure advances are shared and utilized in a timely manner. Everday one can witness gas pump prices going up and down , synchronized across an entire State. The information sharing includes industry wide support on refinery advancement.

And of course the transporting piece of the supply chain. One would think the price of a gallon of gas would be much less near the back door of the refinery. The closer one is to the gas the less one pays. Governments limit the number of large suppliers who regulate pricing across big service areas. This is seen as a strategy to insure availability and control cost.

We do know that the production and distribution is heavily regulated by governments. We do know that gasoline is a stable source for community and government revenue. It would seem that the lower cap on gasoline prices at the pump would not benefit the organizations participating in the regulation.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com connect with elder home care assistants in Madison Wisconsin

Sunday, March 13, 2011

White House Appeals Judge Roger Vinson Ruling Home Care Path

On Tuesday March 8, 2011 the White House appealed Judge Roger Vinsons ruling on Health Care Reform Law. Recall in the past:

On January 31, 2011 Florida Judge Roger Vinson delivered a ruling on Health Care Reform. Florida Judge Roger Vinson's ruling did not impose an injunction, which would of clearly communicated the law is no longer valid. Judge Roger Vinson had merely issued a declaratory statement, leaving the States participating in the court action unsure on how to proceed.

On February 19, 2011 The United States Department of Justice submitted a motion to Florida Judge Rodger Vinson, asking him to clarify whether or not his judgement on January 31, 2011 relieves the participating States of their responsibilities under (ACA) The Affordable Care Act. The Motion To Clarify seeks to resolve the confusion between the Federal Administration and participating States on whether Florida Judge Roger Vinson's judgement allows implementation of the Affordable Care Act to continue moving forward while the case is currently under appeal.

After the White House went back to Judge Roger Vinson asking for clarification on his ruling, Vinson granted their motion and ordered the Department of Justice to go either to the appellate court or immediately to the supreme court. Judge Roger Vinson added that his summary judgement is stayed pending appeal, meaning the White House can continue to implement the health care law until the law goes through the court system.

By appealing on Tuesday March 8, 2011 the White House can continue to implement the Health Care Reform law. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals could hear arguments in this case in late summer or early fall.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages readers to follow this piece of legislation as it unfolds. Coordinating elder home care assistants in Baraboo Wisconsin.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Benlysta Approved For Lupus Home Care Path

On Wednesday March 9, 2011 The (FDA) U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Benlysta for the treatment of persons receiving standard therapy for lupus. (SLE) systemic erythematosus commonly called lupus is an autoimmune disease.

With lupus the B lymphocytes a type of white blood cell turn the body's immune defenses against the body's own cells. The B lymphocytes are part of the body's immune system response to perceived infection.

The approved drug Benlysta inhibits the maturation of the B lymphocyte cells. The drug targets a protein that may reduce the number of abnormal B cells and disrupt the progression of the lupus disease process.

Benlysta is prescribed with other treatments to help ease the painful symptoms lupus can cause.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com coordinates elder home care assistants to help seniors with chores. Serving South Central Wisconsin.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Walgreens Sells Health Initiatives Home Care Path

Walgreens has sold the pharmacy benefits management business known as Walgreens Health Initiatives to Catalyst Health Solutions. Walgreens Health Initiatives was started in 1991 when Walgreens decided to expand services provided by its mail service division.

Walgreens Health Initiatives provided a managed care approach to large organizations for the purpose of lowering health insurance costs. Walgreens Health Initiative would provide formulary design, disease management programs, and customized mail order services to achieve cost savings for the large organization.

Pharmacy benefit coordinators manage prescription drug plans for large organizations and plan participants. The service purchased is cost savings for large organizations and the individual plan participants. Making lower cost generic medications available and facilitating 90 day refills are two money saving strategies.

Walgreens has sold Walgreens Health Initiatives to Catalyst Health Solutions Incorporated of Rockville, Md. This will free Walgreens to focus on enhancing point of service transactions in the 7,700 nation wide drug store locations.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com coordinates elder home care assistants in the Baraboo Wisconsin area.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Laddering Certificates of Deposit Home Care Path

Laddering certificates of deposit is a strategy that produces higher returns with minimal risk. The senior does not invest all the money at one given rate of return. The senior is never more than a year away from some of their money. Below is an example of laddering.

You have 25 thousand dollars to invest.
1. In 2011 you invest 5k to mature in one year. This matures in 2012 and you reinvest at a higher rate with 5 year maturity ending 2017.

2. In 2011 you invest 5k to mature in two years. This matures in 2013 and you reinvest at a higher rate with 5 year maturity ending in 2018.

3. In 2011 you invest 5k to mature in three years. This matures in 2014 and you reinvest at a higher rate with 5 year maturity ending in 2019.

4. In 2011 you invest 5k to mature in 4 years. This matures in 2015 and you reinvest at a higher rate with 5 year maturity ending in 2020.

5. In 2011 you invest 5k to mature in 5 years. This matures in 2016 and you reinvest at a higher rate with 5 year maturity ending in 2021.

This affords the investor annual access to their money. The interest earned increases with length of deposit time. The initial investment has an opportunity to work for higher rates of return. Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages all investors to consult a qualified financial counselor before committing to an investment.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Skippy Peanut Butter Recall Home Care Path

On Friday March 4, 2011 the makers of Skippy brand peanut butter issued a recall notice. Friday's recall affects only Skippy's reduced Fat Creamy and Super Chunk spreads with use by dates between May 16 and May 21.

The recall notice lists salmonella contamination as the concern. Salmonella is a bacteria discovered by an American scientist named Salmon. Persons exposed to salmonella can develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps about 12 to 72 hours after the exposure. The infection can last 4 to 7 days, and some people just receover with no treatment. Some persons may need hospitalization for fluids and medication.

Skippy has advised consumers to throw the suspected contaminated peanut butter away immediately. Consumers can call 800-453-3432 for a replacement coupon.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Judge Gladys Kessler Rules In Favor Of Health Care Reform Home Care Path

On Tuesday February 22, 2011 United States District Court Judge Gladys Kessler ruled in favor of The Patient Protection and Affordability Act. Judge Gladys Kessler presides over U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Judge Gladys Kessler's ruling "Congress had a rational basis for its conclusion that the aggregate of individual decisions not to purchase health insurance substantially affects the national health insurance market. Consequently Congress was acting within the bounds of its Commerce Clause power when it enacted the provision."

Recall the Patient Protection and Affordability Act requires United States Citizens to have a valid pay source (health insurance) as a user of medical clinics, hospitals and nursing homes.

What is the argument against? The U.S. Government cannot declare a citizen a user of health care service (medical clinic, hospital, nursing home) just to regulate behavior through a commerce clause. A person should be able to purchase health care service only when needed.

Can you give me a similar example? Auto owners are required to pay for auto insurance. Not all auto owners will have vehicle damage requiring repair. Auto owners who suffer an unfortunate accident and need repair should be the only ones who pay money to garage body shop mechanics.

What is the argument for? Everyone will need medical services at some point in their lives and therefore is either a current or future participant in the health care delivery system market and therefore subject to taxation. The citizens with no valid pay source cannot be left to die on the hospital entrance.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to follow this legislation as it unfolds. Valuing Home and Human Life.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Governor Walker Changes Wisconsin Senior Care Drug Program Home Care Path

SeniorCare is Wisconsin's prescription drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or older and who meet enrollment rules. The enrollment rules are:
1. Must be Wisconsin resident
2. Must be 65 or older
3. Must pay 30.00 annual enrollment fee
4. Must only count income and not assets

The simplicity of this program may be part of its huge success. The SeniorCare drug program serves about one hundred thousand enrollees. Think of SeniorCare as an insurance plan which began in 2002. The SeniorCare insurance plan is a State of Wisconsin alternative to the Medicare Part D Federal Drug plans being marketed to consumers in Wisconsin.

Under Wisconsin State Governor Walker's administrative changes all SeniorCare enrollees would need to apply for enrollment in a federal Medicare part D plan, and if eligible would be required to use the federal provider instead of the State Of Wisconsin SeniorCare plan.

The changes to the State Of Wisconsin SeniorCare program will reduce the number of participants. Remember the viability of an insurance plan is dependent upon adequate levels of participants. Insurance experts can tell you plan failure is related to low numbers of participants.

The changes to a successful plan will be an inconvenience to the almost one hundred thousand users. The disruption in Wisconsin households does shift the collection of money to varied receivers in and out of Wisconsin. Still wondering how this saves Wisconsin money?

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to follow this State Of Wisconsin Program change as it unfolds.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Social Security Wants Direct Deposit Home Care Path

The United States Department of the Treasury has stated plans to transition all Social Security beneficiaries from paper checks to direct deposit. This change is scheduled to be completed by March 1, 2013. This means Social Security checks will no longer come in paper form to the seniors mail box.

This will require all Social Security recipients to have a bank account. Monthly Social Security Adminstration (SSA) e-payments will be directly deposited in to the seniors account. Electronic distribution of money is believed to be fast and safe.

Seniors who do not have a bank account would receive a monthly U.S. debit card. Financial counselors estimate the senior would receive a .75 cent charge for the paper statment explaining the card total.

First time applicants for Social Security benefits after May 1, 2011 will receive their payments only through direct deposit to their chosen bank account, or on a debit card.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com assists seniors with in home chores in south central Wisconsin.