On Wednesday June 29, 2011 The United States 6th District Court Of Appeals in Cincinnati Ohio rules the U.S. Congress does have the authority to require all U.S. citizens to have health insurance. The initial summary stated "We find that the minimum coverage provision is a valid exercise of legal power by Congress under the Commerce Clause".
The Provision (Congress has the authority to require Americans to obtain health insurance starting 2014) is central to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010.
The part of the new health care law being challenged involves an amendment to the internal revenue code that taxes citizens who do not have a valid pay source (health insurance) for being treated by a medical doctor in a clinic, hospital, or nursing home.
The argument against states the United States Government cannot declare a citizen as a user of health care service (clinic, hospital, nursing home) just to regulate behavior through a commerce clause. By not participating (economic inactivity) Congress does not have the power to regulate under a commerce clause. A person should be able to purchase health care service only when needed.
A similar example is 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 should be the only ones who pay money to the garage body shop and mechanics.
The argument for states 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 citizen with no valid pay source cannot be left to die on the hospital entrance.
The U.S. 6th Circuit Court Of Appeals in Cincinnati Ohio stated far from inactivity, the minimum coverage provision regulates individuals who are in the aggregate, active in the health care market, because of two unique characteristics of the market. One virtually everyone requires health care services at some unpredictable point. Two individuals receive health care services regardless of ability to pay.
This legal ruling puts the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on a forward moving path to serve the citizens of the United States. Home Care Path encourages readers to follow this legislation as it unfolds.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Contacting Elected Officials
This is a breif blurb on contacting your elected officials in Wisconsin.
To contact legislature, send mail for senators to P.O. Box 7882, Madison WI 53707-7882.
Ship mail for representatives with last names beginning with A-L to P.O. Box 8952, Madison WI 53708-8952.
Send mail for representatives with last names beginning with M-Z to P.O. Box 8953, Madison WI 53708-8953.
For email addresses visit the Legislatures web site at www.legis.state.wi.us or call 800-362-9472
To contact the State Supreme Court, 110 East Main Street, Suite 215, Madison WI 53703 or phone 608-266-1880
For the 4th District Court Of Appeals, 10 E. Doty Street, 7th floor, Madison WI 53703 or call 608-266-9361
Computer users can check out The Wisconsin State Government at www.wisgov.state.wi.us
Please remember to be respectful of the law makers time by having your thoughts written out on paper prior to contact. Try to express your concern on a specific individual topic to enhance the communication process.
Contact elder home care assistants in Baraboo Wisconsin www.homecarepath.com
To contact legislature, send mail for senators to P.O. Box 7882, Madison WI 53707-7882.
Ship mail for representatives with last names beginning with A-L to P.O. Box 8952, Madison WI 53708-8952.
Send mail for representatives with last names beginning with M-Z to P.O. Box 8953, Madison WI 53708-8953.
For email addresses visit the Legislatures web site at www.legis.state.wi.us or call 800-362-9472
To contact the State Supreme Court, 110 East Main Street, Suite 215, Madison WI 53703 or phone 608-266-1880
For the 4th District Court Of Appeals, 10 E. Doty Street, 7th floor, Madison WI 53703 or call 608-266-9361
Computer users can check out The Wisconsin State Government at www.wisgov.state.wi.us
Please remember to be respectful of the law makers time by having your thoughts written out on paper prior to contact. Try to express your concern on a specific individual topic to enhance the communication process.
Contact elder home care assistants in Baraboo Wisconsin www.homecarepath.com
Monday, June 27, 2011
Taking A Seniors Drivers License Away
Losing the opportunity to drive in today's busy society is an emotional loss for anyone. When seniors stop driving they have fewer social contacts and become increasingly dependent on others. Seniors will not willingly surrender their driving privileges.
Do not expect help from the seniors friends when trying to take the driving license away. The friends may be struggling with this same issue. The senior may be transportation for some of the friends now.
If the senior is experiencing a cognitive deficit related to dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, reasoning may be of no value. Explaining your concern to a senior and getting them to agree to surrender their license, only to have the senior forget the conversation later is not helpful.
It can become more complicated if the senior has some physical loss and some cognitive deficit. So a stroke that results in some loss of voluntary movement in the left leg and arm accompanied by some memory changes. The need to stop driving may be immediate.
Seniors who reside in rural settings may be totally dependent upon a drivers license for food and necessities. Some community programs have seen elders who reside out in the country as more independent and less social. This translates to less likely to accept help of others.
There are no national standards or completely accepted systems to identify older drivers who have critical impairments. Society has the hope that the senior will decide on their own not to drive anymore.
When you have been confronted with an obvious need to take away a senior family members driving privileges these two strategies seem to be the most consistent.
1. Bring in a recognized authority to help with the process. So with memory loss you would use a letter signed by the clinic staff or the department of transportation. Keep the copy of the letter that encourages the senior to stop driving in the residence.
2. Write out a plan for alternative transportation. So start scheduled rides for the senior. Provide a phone number for getting a ride.
The two seem simple , but they are very breif. The actual process for taking away the drivers license may be lengthy and difficult. The negotiation process can touch on many emotions and be an energy drain. Remember to support yourself during the removal process. With persistence the driving will stop.
Do not expect help from the seniors friends when trying to take the driving license away. The friends may be struggling with this same issue. The senior may be transportation for some of the friends now.
If the senior is experiencing a cognitive deficit related to dementia, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, reasoning may be of no value. Explaining your concern to a senior and getting them to agree to surrender their license, only to have the senior forget the conversation later is not helpful.
It can become more complicated if the senior has some physical loss and some cognitive deficit. So a stroke that results in some loss of voluntary movement in the left leg and arm accompanied by some memory changes. The need to stop driving may be immediate.
Seniors who reside in rural settings may be totally dependent upon a drivers license for food and necessities. Some community programs have seen elders who reside out in the country as more independent and less social. This translates to less likely to accept help of others.
There are no national standards or completely accepted systems to identify older drivers who have critical impairments. Society has the hope that the senior will decide on their own not to drive anymore.
When you have been confronted with an obvious need to take away a senior family members driving privileges these two strategies seem to be the most consistent.
1. Bring in a recognized authority to help with the process. So with memory loss you would use a letter signed by the clinic staff or the department of transportation. Keep the copy of the letter that encourages the senior to stop driving in the residence.
2. Write out a plan for alternative transportation. So start scheduled rides for the senior. Provide a phone number for getting a ride.
The two seem simple , but they are very breif. The actual process for taking away the drivers license may be lengthy and difficult. The negotiation process can touch on many emotions and be an energy drain. Remember to support yourself during the removal process. With persistence the driving will stop.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Walgreens Not Plan To Renew 2012 Contract With Express Scripts
Members of drug card programs managed by Express Scripts will be shocked to discover in 2012 they can no longer use Walgreens to get prescriptions filled. Walgreen's will not be part of Express Scripts pharmacy provider network, effective January 1, 2012.
Express Scripts was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Express scripts markets specialized management strategies to enhance the ability of pharmaceutical providers to sell drugs to grouped individuals. Express Scripts provides retail network pharmacy management, retail drug card programs, home delivery pharmacy service, specialty pharmacy service, patient care contact centers, benefit plan design and consultation, drug formulary management, electronic claims processing, and more.
Express Scripts helps individuals in groups formed by health management organizations, health insurers, third party administrators, employers, union sponsored benefit plans, workers compensation plans, and government health programs to get their prescriptions filled.
Walgreen's is the biggest drug store chain in the United States. Large plans that can contract with Walgreen's receive a proven, consistent service at convenient locations. No contract leaves patients served by Express Mart scrambling to find a local pharmacy to replace the service Walgreens corner retail store has been providing.
Home Care Path encourages user's of Express Script managed plans to be aware of this approaching change.
Express Scripts was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Express scripts markets specialized management strategies to enhance the ability of pharmaceutical providers to sell drugs to grouped individuals. Express Scripts provides retail network pharmacy management, retail drug card programs, home delivery pharmacy service, specialty pharmacy service, patient care contact centers, benefit plan design and consultation, drug formulary management, electronic claims processing, and more.
Express Scripts helps individuals in groups formed by health management organizations, health insurers, third party administrators, employers, union sponsored benefit plans, workers compensation plans, and government health programs to get their prescriptions filled.
Walgreen's is the biggest drug store chain in the United States. Large plans that can contract with Walgreen's receive a proven, consistent service at convenient locations. No contract leaves patients served by Express Mart scrambling to find a local pharmacy to replace the service Walgreens corner retail store has been providing.
Home Care Path encourages user's of Express Script managed plans to be aware of this approaching change.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Social Security Under Pays Seniors In 2009
Patrick O'Carroll has reported Social Security made almost 1.5 billion dollars in under payments in the 2009 budget year. Patrick O'Carroll currently serves as the 3rd inspector general (IG) for the Social Security Administration (SSA), having been appointed to that position on November 24, 2004.
An under payment is an amount that is owed to a person that has not yet been paid. Underpayments usually result from unpaid benefits that have accumulated, or checks that have not been cashed.
The Social Security Administration's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program made an estimated 800 million dollars in under payments. The Social Security Administration's Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) Program made an estimated 600 million dollars in under payments. Patrick O'Connell indicates about 99.5 percent of all retirement and disability payments were accurate in 2009.
The lack of workers seems to contribute the most to the under payments. The Social Security Adminstration is being challenged to serve more people with less money. Reduced money for labor salaries, means a lower level of service.
The President has mandated frequent reporting guidelines to enhance transparency of transactions. This includes an aggressive plan of action to reduce improper payments and improve payment accuracy throughout the Federal Government. Faster identification of fiscal errors can result in a quicker search for solutions.
Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to apply for earned benefits when eligible.
An under payment is an amount that is owed to a person that has not yet been paid. Underpayments usually result from unpaid benefits that have accumulated, or checks that have not been cashed.
The Social Security Administration's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program made an estimated 800 million dollars in under payments. The Social Security Administration's Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) Program made an estimated 600 million dollars in under payments. Patrick O'Connell indicates about 99.5 percent of all retirement and disability payments were accurate in 2009.
The lack of workers seems to contribute the most to the under payments. The Social Security Adminstration is being challenged to serve more people with less money. Reduced money for labor salaries, means a lower level of service.
The President has mandated frequent reporting guidelines to enhance transparency of transactions. This includes an aggressive plan of action to reduce improper payments and improve payment accuracy throughout the Federal Government. Faster identification of fiscal errors can result in a quicker search for solutions.
Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to apply for earned benefits when eligible.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
How Could Stock Market Performance Be Tied To Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance in the United States is employment based. Employers receive a tax deduction that can help offset the cost of employment based medical insurance. The difficulty with employment based medical insurance is that it is only temporary. The persons medical insurance is tied to a particular job in a particular company, and it is lost with that job. The loss of a persons job is the loss of their medical insurance.
With job loss companies that derive their revenue from an employed person can struggle. Companies like large domestic clinical labs listed on the stock exchange. The clinical lab depends on a large number of persons making regular doctor visits. Persons without employment lack a valid pay source for medical doctor ordered clinical lab tests.
Without employment based insurance , less persons are using the diagnostic services of a large clinical lab. The stock value is dependent upon increasing levels of revenue. Business being depressed, the stock value is reduced. So less employed persons, means less doctor visits, and less money to pay for lab services.
Remember stock purchases are about buying earned returns for the least amount of money. Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to consult with a certified financial representative prior to a stock investment.
With job loss companies that derive their revenue from an employed person can struggle. Companies like large domestic clinical labs listed on the stock exchange. The clinical lab depends on a large number of persons making regular doctor visits. Persons without employment lack a valid pay source for medical doctor ordered clinical lab tests.
Without employment based insurance , less persons are using the diagnostic services of a large clinical lab. The stock value is dependent upon increasing levels of revenue. Business being depressed, the stock value is reduced. So less employed persons, means less doctor visits, and less money to pay for lab services.
Remember stock purchases are about buying earned returns for the least amount of money. Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to consult with a certified financial representative prior to a stock investment.
Friday, June 10, 2011
WiscNet Loss Mean Medical Consumers Loss?
WiscNet is a nonprofit organization chartered to foster education, research, and public service among public and private organizations in Wisconsin. WiscNet provides high speed digital communications, which includes network access and supporting services. WiscNet is a nonprofit network cooperative, which traditionally results in lower user investment.
WiscNet start up funding included a three hundred thousand dollar grant from (NSF) the national science foundation. This three hundred thousand is directed toward connecting hospitals. WiscNet has been a leader in the growth of rural health care providers leverage of advanced network infrastructure to support medical information exchange and telehealth. This allows rural hospitals access to usable information technology better suited to meet the changing needs of todays population. The advanced support WiscNet provides to rural health providers translates to improved service at the doctor-patient visit.
On June 3, 2011 the state legislatures joint committee on finance passed motion 489 which contained language to eliminate WiscNet. Language specified that WiscNet could no longer be a department or office within the UW Madison Division of Information Technology beginning on July 1, 2012. Requiring the legislative audit bureau to conduct a program audit and a financial audit of the board of regents use of telecommunication services and relationship with WiscNet.
University of Wisconsin institutions (UW Hospital Teaching Research Facility) will be required to withdraw from WiscNet.
This legislation (motion 489) captures public funding awarded to WiscNet for continuation of service. This will remove WiscNets ability to function as a leader in high level communications across Wisconsin.
Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to continue to follow this legislation as it unfolds.
WiscNet start up funding included a three hundred thousand dollar grant from (NSF) the national science foundation. This three hundred thousand is directed toward connecting hospitals. WiscNet has been a leader in the growth of rural health care providers leverage of advanced network infrastructure to support medical information exchange and telehealth. This allows rural hospitals access to usable information technology better suited to meet the changing needs of todays population. The advanced support WiscNet provides to rural health providers translates to improved service at the doctor-patient visit.
On June 3, 2011 the state legislatures joint committee on finance passed motion 489 which contained language to eliminate WiscNet. Language specified that WiscNet could no longer be a department or office within the UW Madison Division of Information Technology beginning on July 1, 2012. Requiring the legislative audit bureau to conduct a program audit and a financial audit of the board of regents use of telecommunication services and relationship with WiscNet.
University of Wisconsin institutions (UW Hospital Teaching Research Facility) will be required to withdraw from WiscNet.
This legislation (motion 489) captures public funding awarded to WiscNet for continuation of service. This will remove WiscNets ability to function as a leader in high level communications across Wisconsin.
Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com encourages seniors to continue to follow this legislation as it unfolds.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Heat Can Cause Dehydration And The Risk Is Confusion Memory Loss
With increased temperatures (hot outside) over and extended period of time, seniors are at risk of dehydration. The best way to prevent dehydration is with frequent drinks of cool fluid throughout the day.
The symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased tears made by eyes, little or no sweating, muscle cramps, confusion, memory loss, weakness, nausea, vomit, light headed especially with standing, poor skin turgor.
Reasons for not drinking enough fluid can include:
Older adults often do not have the thirst mechanism (diminished over time) where the body alarms the person to search for water that a younger person has.
Hard to hold a glass of fluid to the mouth.
Painful to get up from chair.
Choose not to due to inability to control bladder (incontinence).
Too exhausting to make extra trips to the bathroom.
Medications may contribute to fluid loss. Taking medications to increase the amount and frequency of urine (diuretics, water pills). Caffeine has the effect of a water pill to increase urine output. Some cardiac medications can decrease the circulatory systems ability to compensate for excessive fluid loss.
Preventing dehydration involves fluid replacement. The key is to have frequent cool drinks throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the warmer days. Persons experiencing symptoms should contact their medical clinic for proper information and treatment.
Home Care Path coordinates elder home care assistants in Baraboo Wisconsin http://www.homecarepath.com/
The symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased tears made by eyes, little or no sweating, muscle cramps, confusion, memory loss, weakness, nausea, vomit, light headed especially with standing, poor skin turgor.
Reasons for not drinking enough fluid can include:
Older adults often do not have the thirst mechanism (diminished over time) where the body alarms the person to search for water that a younger person has.
Hard to hold a glass of fluid to the mouth.
Painful to get up from chair.
Choose not to due to inability to control bladder (incontinence).
Too exhausting to make extra trips to the bathroom.
Medications may contribute to fluid loss. Taking medications to increase the amount and frequency of urine (diuretics, water pills). Caffeine has the effect of a water pill to increase urine output. Some cardiac medications can decrease the circulatory systems ability to compensate for excessive fluid loss.
Preventing dehydration involves fluid replacement. The key is to have frequent cool drinks throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the warmer days. Persons experiencing symptoms should contact their medical clinic for proper information and treatment.
Home Care Path coordinates elder home care assistants in Baraboo Wisconsin http://www.homecarepath.com/
Monday, June 6, 2011
Vemurafenib To Treat Skin Cancer
Vemurafenib performed well as PLX4032 in recent clinical trial. Vemurafenib is an investigational medication that can be taken by the mouth.
Melanoma is skin cancer. Skin cancer becomes deadliest when it spreads to other parts of the body. Researchers for Roche a research focused biotech company located in Basel Switzerland are looking for ways to stop the ability of the cancer to grow and spread.
BRAF protein is a protein involved in sending signals to cells with cell growth. In cases where cancer is being spread by the help of BRAF protein, Vemurafenib acts to inhibit BRAF protein signals, and stop growth. Use of Vemurafenib to stop the cancer causing mutated form of BRAF protein led to significant tumor shrinkage. This translates to reduced risk of disease worsening, a progression free survival.
A Roche Genentech developed product, Vemurafenib has a safety profile consistent with previous clinical studies. Expect this drug to apply for market approval with the FDA.
Connect with elder home care assistants in Baraboo Wisconsin www.homecarepath.com a free access site.
Melanoma is skin cancer. Skin cancer becomes deadliest when it spreads to other parts of the body. Researchers for Roche a research focused biotech company located in Basel Switzerland are looking for ways to stop the ability of the cancer to grow and spread.
BRAF protein is a protein involved in sending signals to cells with cell growth. In cases where cancer is being spread by the help of BRAF protein, Vemurafenib acts to inhibit BRAF protein signals, and stop growth. Use of Vemurafenib to stop the cancer causing mutated form of BRAF protein led to significant tumor shrinkage. This translates to reduced risk of disease worsening, a progression free survival.
A Roche Genentech developed product, Vemurafenib has a safety profile consistent with previous clinical studies. Expect this drug to apply for market approval with the FDA.
Connect with elder home care assistants in Baraboo Wisconsin www.homecarepath.com a free access site.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Sun Primary Source UV Radiation
The sun is the primary source of UV radiation. UV stands for ultra violet. The sun emits energy over wave lengths called ultra violet radiation that you cannot see or feel . Ultra violet radiation has a shorter wave length and a higher energy than visible light.
A small dose of UV radiation can generate vitamin D, something the body needs. Over exposure can result in sun burn, something the body does not need. Ultra violet radiation, from the sun and tanning beds, is classified as a human carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization.
A human carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer. Besides premature aging of the skin, you risk cancer with an over exposure to the sun. Cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division (growth tumor) of abnormal cells in a part of the body.
Since the benefits of sun light (vitamin d) cannot be separated from its damaging (premature aging, cancer) effects it is important to take some precautions to protect yourself. Consider staying indoors when the sun is most evident. Wearing a cap, and sunglasses on trips out doors. Wearing topical sun screen when out in the sun. The weather reporter reminds us it is possible to get sun burn on a cloudy day, even if it does not feel warm.
Home Care Path www.homecarepath reminds seniors to protect their skin with trips out doors.
A small dose of UV radiation can generate vitamin D, something the body needs. Over exposure can result in sun burn, something the body does not need. Ultra violet radiation, from the sun and tanning beds, is classified as a human carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization.
A human carcinogen is a substance capable of causing cancer. Besides premature aging of the skin, you risk cancer with an over exposure to the sun. Cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division (growth tumor) of abnormal cells in a part of the body.
Since the benefits of sun light (vitamin d) cannot be separated from its damaging (premature aging, cancer) effects it is important to take some precautions to protect yourself. Consider staying indoors when the sun is most evident. Wearing a cap, and sunglasses on trips out doors. Wearing topical sun screen when out in the sun. The weather reporter reminds us it is possible to get sun burn on a cloudy day, even if it does not feel warm.
Home Care Path www.homecarepath reminds seniors to protect their skin with trips out doors.
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