[QUAD-L] Asclepious Newsletter through Medicare rights I should've each
Interesting information about switching from Medicaid to Medicare.Dana (C 4-5, 31 years post, 51, suburb of KC in Johnson County Kansas)mip://0336a960/default.html mip://0336a960/default.html 䄀QÀ? Subject: The Fifth Step to Improving Prescription Drug CoverageSent: 7/28/2005 6:04 PMImportance: NormalAsclepiosYour Weekly Medicare Consumer Advocacy UpdateACT NOW: The Fifth Step to Improving Prescription Drug CoverageJuly 28, 2005 • Volume 5, Issue 30Ouch!As our national campaign to ensure a decent Medicare prescription drug benefit is gaining momentum, this week Asclepios tackles one of the most alarming problems in the Medicare drug benefit: the transition of people from Medicaid drug coverage to Medicare drug coverage.Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are Pollyannas—they seem to believe that 6.4 million of the sickest, poorest and most vulnerable people in this country can be seamlessly switched from Medicaid drug coverage to Medicare drug coverage. This naïve notion means that there is no back up plan, no safety net for people who will fall through the cracks.Imagine if you are Mrs. Jones, on six brand-name medications for a heart condition, diabetes and high blood pressure and only the ability to get to a local pharmacy to fill them. For years, she has done so easily with her Medicaid drug coverage. But come January 1, she finds that her local pharmacy is not part of the network of the drug plan to which she has been randomly assigned. How will she fill her prescriptions? Even if she’s lucky and her pharmacy is in her drug plan network, she may well find that her plan does not cover three of the medications she depends on to make it through the day.Or, she could find that as a result of a technical glitch, she has lost her Medicaid drug coverage and was never assigned a Medicare drug plan. Or, even if she was assigned properly, she may not know about it or understand what it means to her.It’s hard to imagine that even half of the people who are transferred from Medicaid to Medicare drug coverage will 1) understand their drug coverage has changed, 2) be able to access a pharmacy in their drug plan’s network, and 3) be assigned to a plan that covers all their medications. Moreover, it’s inevitable that because of computer and human error, many people with Medicaid drug coverage will fall through the cracks in the transition to Medicare drug coverage.A 50 percent success rate in the transition would mean that 3.2 million very sick and poor older adults and those with disabilities will abruptly lose the access to prescription medicine that they have today. And, they will likely have to wait to see their doctor if they need a change in their medication regimen to get coverage through their new drug plan. Or they may need to navigate an unfamiliar appeals process before they can obtain their life-saving and quality-of-life enhancing prescriptions. How many of those people will need to be hospitalized or visit an emergency room? How many people will die because they can’t get their medicines?Here’s the fifth step to improving Medicare’s drug coverage:5. Extend the availability of Medicaid drug coverage as backup drug coverage during a reasonable transition period to Part D.At a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing this spring, CMS Administrator Mark McClellan acknowledged looming problems for people who must move from Medicaid to Medicare drug coverage. Yet he helped Congress shirk responsibility for the impending humanitarian debacle and instead offered improbable solutions.For example, Dr. McClellan suggested that state Medicaid programs “may want to consider” providing individuals who are covered by Medicaid and Medicare—so-called “dual eligibles”—with an extended supply (e.g., 60 or 90 days) of their prescriptions near the end of this calendar year.This proposal shifts responsibility back to the states, which is not likely to happen for three reasons. First, state Medicaid budgets are strapped. Two, many states are not legally authorized to provide an extended supply of prescription drugs. And lastly, Dr. McClellan is proposing that states pay twice for prescription drugs. States would pay once in December 2005 for the extended supply that would buffer the transition, and then again in January and February 2006 through “clawback” payments they will make to the federal government to help finance the Part D benefit.A real prescription drug benefit would make sure that no one—particularly vulnerable, poor people with chronic illnesses and disabilities—would have to go without critical medications. No one would be the victim of bureaucratic error, a delay to comply with a plan formulary, inoperative pharmacy computers, or any other probable hitch.Dr. McClellan and Congress are unrealistic about ensuring that the poorest and sickest Americans continue to get their prescriptions filled
[QUAD-L] Accessibility
John, you have a Life Mission to improve the path for others to follow. It should never be a problem but rather a Life's Project. It won't be easy in the beginning, but after the first few lawsuits for noncompliance, you will begin to notice some difference. You must not allow Stupidity to continue. 1st, you verbalize. 2nd, you file a lawsuit. 3rd, you win a few ... you lose a few. If I remember, Johnny AppleSeed had the same idea and look what happened with him. Best Wishes and verbalize. W In a message dated 7/28/05 6:52:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I hate when a new restaurant is built that it hasn't met any ADA codes because a lawyer said that was just window dressing, yet they still put a blue and white wheelchair access sticker at the entrance with two steps. I hate that the new palace built in Hollywood, opened in 2003 with intense security yet nobody noticed a wheelchair couldn't get in until chris reeves was greeted. I hate when people suddenly notice the graduated slope and lack of steps and say, 'this is nicer.' Most of all, I hate having to gripe, whine, bitch and complain to the point where people think all I do is gripe, whine, bitch and complain.
Re: [QUAD-L] accessibility
Title: accessibility Curb cuts are a big problem here and crowded stores w/merchandise, ilses too narrow, etc.. Stores that just have too much stuff. The big one, bathrooms are supposed be handicapped accessible. they throw up some rails no matter how narrow and call it accessible. There are 2 at school I can't even shut the door on my own b/c if I back in I cant turn around and if go in forward I can't reach the door behind me to close it. My favorite there was the button to open the door at the top of the ramp. Stacy - Original Message - From: Cameron Wallace To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2005 5:51 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] accessibility Hello people I know there are ADA parameters as to what "is and is not" ADA compliant but what are some of your pet peeves when these issues are handled by AB designers/architects. One of mine is the sensitivity of incorporating a retrofit ramp to an older building. Not only the design, but also the location. I do not like entering through a kitchen. -Cameron
Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
it seems to be taking the easy way outi have not seen it, but quad friend says i should[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hi all, i finally had the chance to see this movie. i remember so much controversy on the movie with this group. i just wonder why? diane http://fly.to/littlequadYahoo ID - littlequad
Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Hi Diane, Me and my wife thought this was a great movie. Clint Eastwood said that some people were trying to INTERPET to MUCH from this movie. He said that it was Simply--- Telling a Story, And had nothing to do with changing peoples views or Euthinasia...If you recall in the movie He did not want to assist her and was even afraid it would doom his soul to hell. Overall a good movie although very sad and touching. Dan c-6 8yrs. post
Re: [QUAD-L] Accessibility
I just wanted to say to John THEY SAY that's all women do is gripe, whine,bitch and complain. but look what we've accomplishedsometimes that's just what needs to be done.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: John, you have a "Life Mission" to improve the path for others to follow. It should never be a problem but rather a Life's Project. It won't be easy in the beginning, but after the first few lawsuits for noncompliance, you will begin to notice some difference. You must not allow "Stupidity" to continue. 1st, you verbalize. 2nd, youfile a lawsuit. 3rd, you win a few ... you lose a few. If I remember, Johnny AppleSeedhad the same idea and look what happened with him.Best Wishes and verbalize.WIn a message dated 7/28/05 6:52:56 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I hate when a new restaurant is built that it hasn't met any ADA codes because a lawyer said that was just window dressing, yet they still put a blue and white wheelchair access sticker at the entrance with two steps. I hate that the new pala! ce built in Hollywood, opened in 2003 with intense security yet nobody noticed a wheelchair couldn't get in until chris reeves was greeted.I hate when people suddenly notice the graduated slope and lack of steps and say, 'this is nicer.' Most of all, I hate having to gripe, whine, bitch and complain to the point where people think all I do is gripe, whine, bitch and complain.
[QUAD-L] Legs strap
Does anyone out there know where I can find a premade strap to hold my legs together? The outsides of my shins are starting to rub against my leg rests. I have temporarily put in some foam pads, but I think the strap around the legs if its wide enough say at least 4 inches would be the best answer for me. Thank you, Richard
RE: [QUAD-L] Legs strap
I use a gait belt, I hook my door opener, phone, etc. on it. Eric W Rudd [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: Richard Kratt [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 12:08 PM To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Legs strap Does anyone out there know where I can find a premade strap to hold my legs together? The outsides of my shins are starting to rub against my leg rests. I have temporarily put in some foam pads, but I think the strap around the legs if its wide enough say at least 4 inches would be the best answer for me. Thank you, Richard
[QUAD-L] Fwd: New Web Resources
Interesting information someone might want to read.Dana (C4-5, 31 years post, 51, suburb of KC Johnson County, Kansas) ---BeginMessage--- Dear Dana, We've collected information on several new reports and other resources available on the Web that we hope you'll find interesting and useful. Descriptions and links appear below. From The Commonwealth Fund Young adults are one of the largest and fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population without health insurance. They often lose coverage under their parents' policies at age 19 or when they graduate from high school or college. The updated Rite of Passage? Why Young Adults Become Uninsured and How New Policies Can Help suggests several policy changes that could extend coverage to uninsured young adults. Between 2000 and 2003, the number of Americans without health insurance coverage grew by 5 million, with nearly the entire increase attributed to a decline in employer-sponsored coverage. A Shared Responsibility: U.S. Employers and the Provision of Health Insurance to Employees explores the characteristics of workers who do not receive coverage from their own firms; examines how health care costs are spread across workers, employers, and the government; and recommends policy options to expand and strengthen employer-sponsored coverage. Most studies of health coverage expansion policies focus on their potential national impact. Variations in the Impact of Health Coverage Expansion Proposals across States finds that federal strategies have greatly varied effects on different states. This report examines the variability among states with regard to economic characteristics, health care markets, and numbers of uninsured. From Georgetown University Some contend that Medicaid has stretched beyond its original purpose of providing a safety net for the poor and has evolved into an asset shelter for the rich. Medicaids Coverage of Nursing Home Costs: Asset Shelter for the Wealthy or Essential Safety Net? reviews the empirical evidence and finds that asset transfers are not significant contributors to Medicaid costs now, and implementing policies designed to further limit them is unlikely to significantly reduce Medicaid costs. From Health Affairs In addition to the 45 million uninsured adults in the United States, another 16 million adults were underinsured in 2003, meaning their insurance did not adequately protect them against catastrophic health care expenses. Insured But Not Protected: How Many Adults Are Underinsured? explains that underinsured adults are almost as likely as the uninsured to go without needed medical care and to incur medical debt. (Full article available with subscription.) From Health Care Financing Review Beginning in January 2006, open enrollment period limitations (also known as enrollment lock-in provisions) will restrict the number of times (and the times of the year) that Medicare beneficiaries can change health plans. Estimating Medicare Advantage Lock-In Provisions Impact on Vulnerable Medicare Beneficiaries examines Medicare managed care enrollment and disenrollment of vulnerable beneficiaries from 1999 to 2001 to estimate the impact of these upcoming restrictions. From the Kaiser Family Foundation Beginning in 2006, 42 million elderly and disabled Medicare beneficiaries will have access to prescription drug coverage through Part D of the Medicare program, including an estimated 14.4 million beneficiaries who will be eligible for low-income subsidies. Low-Income Assistance under the Medicare Drug Benefit provides an overview of the drug benefit and the low-income subsidies, including participation and eligibility. With discussions on restructuring Medicaid occurring in state capitols and Washington, DC, two new reports provide the latest data on how much of Medicaid's spending is used to cover mandatory versus optional populations and services. The issue paper, Medicaid: An Overview of Spending on "Mandatory" vs. "Optional" Populations and Services, offers a brief summary of the data and a discussion of the practical implications of policy changes. The background report, "Medicaid Enrollment and Spending by Mandatory and Optional Eligibility and Benefit Categories (same page) offers a more detailed examination of the methodology and results. Financing for the nations health care safety net is fragmented, and providers must knit together resources from many different funding sources to cover the costs of providing a broad range of services. Stresses to the Safety Net: The Public Hospital Perspective describes those sources of revenue, documenting that nearly 40 percent of all safety net revenues come from Medicaid. Trends and Indicators in the Changing Health Care Marketplace is an online chartbook that presents up-to-date information on key health care marketplace trends. The chartbook highlights national health expenditures, health care spending and costs, employee and retiree health coverage, HMO enrollment,
[QUAD-L] Frist Backs Stem Cell!
This is big news because he's a pro-life politician! Mark Frist Backs Stem Cell Research Position on Bill Puts Him at Odds With Bush By Lexie VerdonWashington Post Staff WriterFriday, July 29, 2005; 11:33 AM Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) today announced that he will support a bill that loosens federal prohibitions on human embryonic stem cell research, a decision that puts him at odds with the Bush administration. Frist, a heart transplant surgeon who opposes abortion, said on the Senate floor early this morning that "embryonic stem cells uniquely hold specific promise for some therapies and potential cures." Frist's views on the subject are expected to have significant influence on the Senate because of his medical background. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist speaks from the floor of the Senate Friday in support of legislation to remove some of the limitations on embryonic stem cell research. (APTN) Video Frist to Back Stem Cell ResearchSenate Majority Leader Bill Frist has split with President Bush over stem cell research. The Tennessee Republican says he'll back legislation to remove some of the Bush administration's limits on embryonic stem cell research. Politics Trivia Sen. Robert C. Byrd has held public office for more than 50 years. Who was president the last time the senator from West Virginia won an election with less than 60 percent of the vote? Dwight D. EisenhowerJohn F. KennedyRichard NixonJimmy Carter The issue has been extremely controversial on Capitol Hill because proponents of such research say that these cells may provide treatments for major diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and Parkinson's. But some people who oppose abortion believe that the cells should not be used because they are extracted from human embryos. Critics argue that other options, including stem cells from adults, could eventually provide the same therapeutic advantages. Frist acknowledged that adult stem cells may someday alleviate the need for embryonic cells. But he said research needs to go forward on the embryonic cells because they have the "remarkable capacity to become any kind of tissue" and are able to replicate indefinitely. "I'm a physician. My profession is healing . . . ," Frist said. "In all forms of stem cell research, I see today, just as in 2001, great, great promise to heal. Whether it is diabetes or Parkinson's disease, or my own field of heart disease, Lou Gehrig's disease or spinal cord injuries, stem cells offer hope for treatment that other lines of research simply cannot offer." The bill, which passed the House in May, would allow federal funds to be used in research on stem cells derived from human embryos that are slated to be destroyed by infertility clinics because they are no longer needed by patients. The Senate has not yet scheduled debate on the bill and six alternatives are being offered by senators opposed to funding of such research. President Bush, who established strict limits to stem cell research supported by federal dollars early in his first term, has promised to veto the bill. White House spokesman Scott McClellan told the Associated Press that Frist gave Bush advance notice of his announcement and "the president said, 'You've got to vote your conscience.' " McClellan said the president has not altered his views of the bill. Under the rules set by Bush in August 2001, federal funds can be used to study only those stem cell colonies that had been derived at that time. But critics maintain that many of those colonies are not useable, and Frist pointed out today that even those that can be used are not the best possible options. "When the president announced his policy four years ago, it was widely believed . . . that there would be 78 embryonic stem cell lines available for federal funding. This has proven not to be the case," Frist said. "Today only 22 lines are eligible. Moreover those lines, unexpectedly, after several generations, are starting to become less stable and less replicative than initially thought." He said that current limitations "will over time slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases. Therefore I believe the president's policy should be modified." Frist said he would support the House bill only if certain changes were made. He wants more oversight established for such research programs and he said parental approval must be given for the use of any embryos. His comments were immediately hailed by the advocates of stem cell research. Former first lady Nancy Reagan, who has supported such study as part of her advocacy for a cure for Alzheimer's disease, told AP that she endorsed Frist's move because stem cell therapy "has the potential to alleviate so much suffering." Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the minority leader, said Frist's decision "will bring hope to millions of Americans who face these horrible diseases." Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.), who is battling cancer, called the speech
Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
That's what I thought Amye, if she was a real fighter this is where the story should've started. Just goes to show you how damn tough we are. Mark ---Original Message--- From: ~LittleQuad~ Date: 07/29/05 08:56:24 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby it seems to be taking the easy way outi have not seen it, but quad friend says i should[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hi all, i finally had the chance to see this movie. i remember so much controversy on the movie with this group. i just wonder why? diane http://fly.to/littlequadYahoo ID - littlequad
Re: [QUAD-L] red bumpy skin after sun
I dont wear shorts. I make sure to wear thin pants. Between my thighs being a little chubby, having a catheter and the stockings for circulation, short dont look very nice on me. I tan my upper half. Stacy - Original Message - From: Win To: Quad-List Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 1:14 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] red bumpy skin after sun I first started to answer this 10 minutes ago, but after thinking about it, I realized that I might have been taking medications 20-30 years ago when I used to enjoy going out in the sun. So, I really don't know if the red blotches I used to get were due to the drugs or not. (I forget how long ago it was when I gave up on taking all the drugs the doctors would prescribe.)I do remember that my skin would look weird after being out in the sun: it would have red spots surrounded by a thin white line (but only where I have limited sensation). I have always assumed that the blotches were due to bad blood circulation, but it could have been due to medication.I should go back out in the sun to see if that still happens. Trouble is, wearing shorts when you have a quad-tummy really doesn't look very attractive.WinC6-C7, 30 years postAt 05:30 PM 7/28/2005, Stacy Harim wrote:Has anyone had and instances that you were out in the sun for a while and your skin turns red and bumpy. It doesn't hurt very much just bumpy on the areas that I got the most sun. This confuses me because I have never really had any problems with the sun until now. I'm wondering if it's one of my medicines but I have been taking the same things for 4 yrs except I am on an antibiotic. I'm one of those people that just tan well and don't have any problems. Until now. Happen to anyone else?Stacy-- No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.9.4/57 - Release Date: 7/22/2005
Re: [QUAD-L] Legs strap
They threw one together for me in rehab but my chair came with a strap that goes around the wheelchair that Velcro's to itself and makes it so I don't lose my legs off of the leg rests (permantly connected). That has worked great as a leg strap when I need it. Maybe if you asked your equipment company they would have one. Good luck, Stacy - Original Message - From: Richard Kratt To: quad-list@eskimo.com Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 1:07 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] Legs strap Does anyone out there know where I can find a premade strap to hold my legs together? The outsides of my shins are starting to rub against my leg rests. I have temporarily put in some foam pads, but I think the strap around the legs if its wide enough say at least 4 inches would be the best answer for me.Thank you,Richard
Re: [QUAD-L] Legs strap
Funny you should ask. When I was in my hometown in NY ... my agency nurse (and long time friend/acquaintence) would bring me seatbelt straps that I wrap around the back of my chair and then when I'm 'in' my chair I wrap the belt around my waist for support and balance (closes with velcro). I always took this for granted (her bringing them) and never knew where she got them. I moved from NY over 6 yrs ago and am still using the last belt she made! But definitely need a new one or two! We lost touch after our move. I assumed she got it from an OT or PT Dept in her travels and I keep asking nurses and aides if they know where I could find this daily needed belt. To no avail. So I finally got back in touch w/ my old nurse to find out she makes them! And other things like you described for wheelchair users and/orpeople/patients in her job. She had forgotten exactly what she had been making for me since it's been awhile. She asked me on the phone if it was seatbelt material and, by the looks of it, yes or very similar. So they're in the mail to me now. She just needed the length of the strap and how many inches of velcro on each side for closure. Out of curiosity ... I asked her WHERE she got the material. I 'assumed' a fabric place. But no. She said a tent store. Apparently this belt material I use is used in tent/camping somehow. If you know of someone who is good at making things ... try that. OR request that an OT or PTvisit you since that dept MAY have such materials to begin with and then custom fit something for your needs. My nurse mentioned she made straps for another patient who used a sliding board from chair to bed vice versa and needed straps to wrap around her leg or thigh area to help further in the transfer. My seatbelt is about two inches wide (or a tad more) and I wrote her this when she asked for specs... "My upper torso seatbelt (for balance while riding in the van)is 5 feet long. The velcro on BOTH ends is 18inches. That one is holding up well but two more would be great! My regular seatbelt for the chair is 6 feet long with 18 inches of velcro on BOTH ends. Two of those should last many many years" I have been waiting for them in the mail for weeks and nothing so I wrote to ask her if she got me emails. She wrote back this: "IREC'D YOUR MEASUREMENTS OK BUT HAD TO WAIT FOR SOME MATERIAL THEN RAN OUT OF BLACK THREAD--ME WHO NEVER RUNS OUT OF 30+ COLORS OF THREAD! YOUR PACKAGE IS WRAPPED READY TO MAIL. MY CURRENT PLAN IS TO STOP AT P.O. IN THE AM--AFTER I TROUBLE SHOOT A HOYER LIFT!--SOUND FAMILIAR?" So some sewing, of course is necessary. She used to bring me any color I wanted but I stuck to white since I cover it with my shirts so it wouldn't show through. I forgot to mention color with her so I hope a black seatbelt isn't coming :-( (her mentioning black thread). But they're on their way and she's doing this freely and out of kindness so no time to change it now. Oh well. I used to have to strap both my legs apart during rehab (25 yrs ago)because my spasms were so bad that my legs clamped together badly and I vaguely remember them being similar to what I'm describing. So the rehab depts obviously made them too. Brainstorm first by going to a tent store and then find someone who can sew a little. If that is unsuccessful ... have an OT or PT eval. PT in my opinion ... I've never had good experiences with ANY OT. Lori Michaelson C4/5 complete quad, 25 years post Tucson, AZ ---Original Message--- From: Richard Kratt Date: 07/29/05 10:21:23 To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Legs strap Does anyone out there know where I can find a premade strap to hold my legs together?The outsides of my shins are starting to rub against my leg rests.I have temporarily put in some foam pads, but I think the strap around the legs if its wide enough say at least 4 inches would be the best answer for me. Thank you, Richard
[QUAD-L] BEWARE ... It gets scarier
Ya... this "new plan" is so convaluted that you KNOW it was thought up my the government!!! Medicaid recipients have a whole new thing to look into and the application for help is outrageous and the out-of-pocket costs are outrageous too! The way it's set up... EVERYONE will fall through the cracks! Lori Michaelson C4/5 complete quad, 25 years post Tucson, AZ ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 07/28/05 23:21:02 To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Asclepious Newsletter through Medicare rights I should've each Interesting information about switching from Medicaid to Medicare.Dana (C 4-5, 31 years post, 51, suburb of KC in Johnson County Kansas)mip://0336a960/default.html mip://0336a960/default.html 䄀QÀ? Subject: The Fifth Step to Improving Prescription Drug CoverageSent: 7/28/2005 6:04 PMImportance: NormalAsclepiosYour Weekly Medicare Consumer Advocacy UpdateACT NOW: The Fifth Step to Improving Prescription Drug CoverageJuly 28, 2005 • Volume 5, Issue 30Ouch!As our national campaign to ensure a decent Medicare prescription drug benefit is gaining momentum, this week Asclepios tackles one of the most alarming problems in the Medicare drug benefit: the transition of people from Medicaid drug coverage to Medicare drug coverage.Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are Pollyannas—they seem to believe that 6.4 million of the sickest, poorest and most vulnerable people in this country can be seamlessly switched from Medicaid drug coverage to Medicare drug coverage. This naïve notion means that there is no back up plan, no safety net for people who will fall through the cracks.Imagine if you are Mrs. Jones, on six brand-name medications for a heart condition, diabetes and high blood pressure and only the ability to get to a local pharmacy to fill them. For years, she has done so easily with her Medicaid drug coverage. But come January 1, she finds that her local pharmacy is not part of the network of the drug plan to which she has been randomly assigned. How will she fill her prescriptions? Even if she’s lucky and her pharmacy is in her drug plan network, she may well find that her plan does not cover three of the medications she depends on to make it through the day.Or, she could find that as a result of a technical glitch, she has lost her Medicaid drug coverage and was never assigned a Medicare drug plan. Or, even if she was assigned properly, she may not know about it or understand what it means to her.It’s hard to imagine that even half of the people who are transferred from Medicaid to Medicare drug coverage will 1) understand their drug coverage has changed, 2) be able to access a pharmacy in their drug plan’s network, and 3) be assigned to a plan that covers all their medications. Moreover, it’s inevitable that because of computer and human error, many people with Medicaid drug coverage will fall through the cracks in the transition to Medicare drug coverage.A 50 percent success rate in the transition would mean that 3.2 million very sick and poor older adults and those with disabilities will abruptly lose the access to prescription medicine that they have today. And, they will likely have to wait to see their doctor if they need a change in their medication regimen to get coverage through their new drug plan. Or they may need to navigate an unfamiliar appeals process before they can obtain their life-saving and quality-of-life enhancing prescriptions. How many of those people will need to be hospitalized or visit an emergency room? How many people will die because they can’t get their medicines?Here’s the fifth step to improving Medicare’s drug coverage:5. Extend the availability of Medicaid drug coverage as backup drug coverage during a reasonable transition period to Part D.At a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing this spring, CMS Administrator Mark McClellan acknowledged looming problems for people who must move from Medicaid to Medicare drug coverage. Yet he helped Congress shirk responsibility for the impending humanitarian debacle and instead offered improbable solutions.For example, Dr. McClellan suggested that state Medicaid programs “may want to consider� providing individuals who are covered by Medicaid and Medicare—so-called “dual eligibles�—with an extended supply (e.g., 60 or 90 days) of their prescriptions near the end of this calendar year.This proposal shifts responsibility back to the states, which is not likely to happen for three reasons. First, state Medicaid budgets are strapped. Two, many states are not legally authorized to provide an extended supply of prescription drugs. And lastly, Dr. McClellan is proposing that states pay twice for prescription drugs. States would pay once in December 2005 for the extended supply that would buffer the transition, and then again in January and February 2006 through “clawback� payments they will make to the
[QUAD-L] Good Crip VS Bad Crip
Good Crip- Mr/Mrs Businessperson, we have a problem that requires your immediate attention. Here is a list of noted problems and recommended suggestions for compliance. Please advise me of your intention and completion dates. Love Ya, Good Crip. Bad Crip- Hey Businessperson, You have a problem. I'm going to shut you down and deprive you of an income, plus the cost of your ignorance and how it has affected me personally. Time is over for Grandfather Clause. If I can't use your business, than no one else will. (don't forget to obtain your Going Out Of Business signs) Hate Ya, Bad Crip. Somewhere between these two people, there is a potential resolve that can be documented for references. You can pick your battles and chose your wars. Always plan on winning. W In a message dated 7/29/05 7:47:40 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: accessibilityCurb cuts are a big problem here and crowded stores w/merchandise, ilses too narrow, etc.. Stores that just have too much stuff. The big one, bathrooms are supposed be handicapped accessible. they throw up some rails no matter how narrow and call it accessible. There are 2 at school I can't even shut the door on my own b/c if I back in I cant turn around and if go in forward I can't reach the door behind me to close it. My favorite there was the button to open the door at the top of the ramp. Stacy - Original Message -
[QUAD-L] Legs strap
Most DMEs carry velcro, or can order it for you. Have you tried that? W In a message dated 7/29/05 12:21:15 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Does anyone out there know where I can find a premade strap to hold my legs together? The outsides of my shins are starting to rub against my leg rests. I have temporarily put in some foam pads, but I think the strap around the legs if its wide enough say at least 4 inches would be the best answer for me. Thank you, Richard
FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
tough, yes. but the easy way out is not always a bad thing. Suffering achieves neither wisdom nor salvation nor is it the mighty fight that elicits applause. It is simply a pain-in-the-ass fact void of glory that every one of us do our damnedest to escape. I completely understand her decision and I do not condemn Eastwood. I speak from 34 yrs. as a quad. The movie ending that upset me was The Brooke Ellison Story. It ended with her doing circles in the schoolyard and looking skyward. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Yes, she graduated from Harvard, but she still had a hellish future. To me, it was more depressing than Baby. From: QuadPirate [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: QuadPirate [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], quad-list@eskimo.com,~LittleQuad~ [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 13:50:09 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) That's what I thought Amye, if she was a real fighter this is where the story should've started. Just goes to show you how damn tough we are. Mark ---Original Message--- From: ~LittleQuad~ Date: 07/29/05 08:56:24 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby it seems to be taking the easy way outi have not seen it, but quad friend says i should [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hi all, i finally had the chance to see this movie. i remember so much controversy on the movie with this group. i just wonder why? diane http://fly.to/littlequad Yahoo ID - littlequad
Re: FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
34 years as a Quad ? Wow, I wonder if that is the record in here for the longest period that any of us in here have been quads ? By the way how did you become paralyzed ?? Thanks, Dan
[QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Mr. Boyd could easily be the King and the winner of the longest period contest. Man, I miss that guy. W In a message dated 7/29/05 2:57:06 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 34 years as a Quad ? Wow, I wonder if that is the record in here for the longest period that any of us in here have been quads ? By the way how did you become paralyzed ?? Thanks, Dan
Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Honorable mention Dave at 38 yrs (1967) I think Mr. Boyd is 1948 or something - 50 some years... i think Dave[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mr. Boyd could easily be the King and the winner of the "longest period contest."Man, I miss that guy.WIn a message dated 7/29/05 2:57:06 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 34 years as a Quad ? Wow, I wonder if that is the record in here for the longest period that any of us in here have been quads ? By the way how did you become paralyzed ??Thanks, Dan Dave(what's a quad?)__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
In a message dated 7/29/2005 3:57:06 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 34 years as a Quad ? Wow, I wonder if that is the record in here for the longest period that any of us in here have been quads ? By the way how did you become paralyzed ?? Thanks, Dan I just passed my 37th "anniversary" of breaking my neck in a diving accident. I think there are a couple on the list that have survived longer than me. BillC-6 incomplete in FL
Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Honorable mentions go to anyone who survives a trauma incident. Being able to carry on, while surviving for 38 years is a very specialty in its own. Bonsai= May You Live 1000 Years! W In a message dated 7/29/05 3:12:36 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Honorable mention Dave at 38 yrs (1967) I think Mr. Boyd is 1948 or something - 50 some years... i think Dave
Re: FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Well I think you're sending the wrong message saying it's not always a bad thing. You might re-think this answer if some one on here took your advice tomorrow and sent us a thank you e-mail. I for one have gained lots of wisdom from being a quad and don't mind sharing it with my children. Mark ---Original Message--- From: William Willis Date: 07/29/05 14:48:52 To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby tough, yes. but the "easy way out" is not always a bad thing. Suffering achieves neither wisdom nor salvation nor is it the mighty fight that elicits applause. It is simply a pain-in-the-ass fact void of glory that every one of us do our damnedest to escape. I completely understand her decision and I do not condemn Eastwood. I speak from 34 yrs. as a quad. The movie ending that upset me was The Brooke Ellison Story. It ended with her doing circles in the schoolyard and looking skyward. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Yes, she graduated from Harvard, but she still had a hellish future. To me, it was more depressing than Baby. From: "QuadPirate" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: "QuadPirate" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], quad-list@eskimo.com,"~LittleQuad~" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 13:50:09 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) That's what I thought Amye, if she was a real fighter this is where the story should've started. Just goes to show you how damn tough we are. Mark ---Original Message--- From: ~LittleQuad~ Date: 07/29/05 08:56:24 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby it seems to be taking the easy way outi have not seen it, but quad friend says i should gt;[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hi all, i finally had the chance to see this movie. i remember so much controversy on the movie with this group. i just wonder why? diane http://fly.to/littlequad Yahoo ID - littlequad .
Re: FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Not a good movie for a new quad to see. It showed no opportunities for her. Sure she had a horrible family, but such as supportive friend. Why not use those fighting abilities in the right direction. Why not any independent living, that would've made a big difference. She appeared to be in a facility.Dana
Re: [QUAD-L] Mr. Boyd
Is Mr. Boyd on this list.Dana
[QUAD-L] Fw: Crank up the heat on stem cells this August
---Original Message--- From: Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Date: 07/29/05 16:38:08 To: Maerk Jackson Subject: Crank up the heat on stem cells this August Crank up the heat on stem cells this August! Today, Senator Bill Frist announced his support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, HR 810. We appreciate his thoughtful consideration of this critical issue. Senator Frists announcement brings us one step closer to expanding federal funding of embryonic stem cell research and harnessing the power of government to find better treatments and cures for millions of Americans. While we are disappointed that the Senate did not hold a vote this July, we look to Senator Frists leadership to quickly pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement in the United States Senate this fall. In the meantime, we need your help. The Senators have left for home, and now you have an opportunity to educate your Senators in person, tell themto vote YES on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act with no amendments. This August, we ask you to redouble your efforts to garner more support for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act :1.Contact your two Senators' local offices. Try to see your Senators in person and tell them your personal reason to vote for embryonic stem cell research.2.Be visible! Find out where your Senators will make public appearances. Then show up with large hand-made signs and banners urging a "yes" vote for stem cell research -- H.R. 810 -- with no amendments!3.Write a Letter to the Editor to your local paper. This will have the double impact of showing the support on this issue to the community and insuring that your Senators and their staffs see what you have to say they will read them. A sample letter can be found on theParkinsons Action Network website .4.Fax letters, send emails, make phone calls , and tell your Senators the reason YOU think they should vote for embryonic stem cell research.5.Enlist the help of friends to maximize our impact. Here are some talking points for your call to your Senator:As a constituent, I am calling to strongly urge Senator ___ to vote YES on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005.Explain your personal connection to this legislation. The strongest message that can be delivered to a Senator is one from a patient or constituent.This bill would expand the current federal policy on embryonic stem cell research to allow for federal funding on stem cell lines that meet clear ethical guidelines, which is needed for scientists to explore the full promise of this research.This bill is NOT about human cloning, nor does it endorse human reproductive cloning in any way. All responsible parties oppose human reproductive cloning.This bill would allow federal funding of embryonic stem cell lines that were derived from in vitro fertilization embryos in excess of clinical use that are slated to be thrown away.Embryonic stem cells have the potential to be used to treat and better understand a multitude of diseases and disorders.In addition, August 9th is the anniversary of the Presidents current policy on embryonic stem cell research. It is our hope this is the last year we will mark this anniversary, and that this fall we will celebrate the victory of HR 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act . We are in a position to win this fight, and our opponents know it. It is vitally important that we continue our efforts to prevent delaying hope for millions of patients and families that are counting on this important legislation. In the words of our House Champion Congresswoman Diana DeGette, with your help, we will hold the Senators feet to the fire to make sure the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act receives a fair vote this fall. We will never give up, and never give in. Urge your Senators to vote YES on HR 810 with no amendments. The true pro-life position is a vote for cures for the living; a vote for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act , HR 810. Thank you for your continued efforts! Christopher Reeve Paralysis FoundationGo Forward. Christopher Reeve imagined living in a world where politics would never get in the way of hope!He supported embryonic stem cell research and SCNT, not for his own benefit, but for the millions of Americans who could live better lives through the advancement of research. Have Questions?Click here for more information on stem cell and SCNT research. Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation500 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081(800) 225-0292www.ChristopherReeve.orgTo prevent mailbox filters from deleting mailings from Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, add [EMAIL PROTECTED] to your address book.To unsubscribe from this mailing, please click hereTo unsubscribe from all mailings from Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF), please click here
Re: [QUAD-L] Legs strap
Do they still have the Fred Sammons catalog? I used to get a lot of straws and they have a lot of things in it. I don't know if it is on the Internet. I ordered through a medical supply company in my city that ordered from their.Dana (C 4-5, 31 years post, 51, suburb of Kansas City in Johnson County, Kansas)
Re: FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby
Maybe it is just a story. There may be no message. john In a message dated 7/29/2005 5:17:28 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Well I think you're sending the wrong message saying it's not always a bad thing. You might re-think this answer if some one on here took your advice tomorrow and sent us a thank you e-mail. I for one have gained lots of wisdom from being a quad and don't mind sharing it with my children. Mark ---Original Message--- From: William Willis Date: 07/29/05 14:48:52 To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: FW: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby tough, yes. but the "easy way out" is not always a bad thing. Suffering achieves neither wisdom nor salvation nor is it the mighty fight that elicits applause. It is simply a pain-in-the-ass fact void of glory that every one of us do our damnedest to escape. I completely understand her decision and I do not condemn Eastwood. I speak from 34 yrs. as a quad. The movie ending that upset me was The Brooke Ellison Story. It ended with her doing circles in the schoolyard and looking skyward. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Yes, she graduated from Harvard, but she still had a hellish future. To me, it was more depressing than Baby. From: "QuadPirate" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: "QuadPirate" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], quad-list@eskimo.com,"~LittleQuad~" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 13:50:09 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) That's what I thought Amye, if she was a real fighter this is where the story should've started. Just goes to show you how damn tough we are. Mark ---Original Message--- From: ~LittleQuad~ Date: 07/29/05 08:56:24 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Movie: Million Dollar Baby it seems to be taking the easy way outi have not seen it, but quad friend says i should gt;[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hi all, i finally had the chance to see this movie. i remember so much controversy on the movie with this group. i just wonder why? diane http://fly.to/littlequad Yahoo ID - littlequad .
[QUAD-L] in response to the guy whose wife cheated on him and stuff...
I have deleted the original request for input on quaddom, and people's strange ways. Un/fortunately, whichever way you look at it, we have been put in quite the observance deck when it comes to watching people and how they respond to a huge phenomena like a spinal cord injury. Not that we're stuck in observation. We are dealing with a rollercoaster inside of ourselves and watching the circus outside. I was injured 13 years ago, when I was 16. My boyfriend was racing someone while I was asleep in the passenger's seat. And well, you know, lots of blood and broken stuff. He died 5 days later. Then I went in for rehab for three months. I was defensive of him because he was dead and my parents hated him and I figured he probably wouldn't have been proud of what happened to me. I was also defensive of my morality or whatever because the incident occurred while I was being dropped of from having snuck out of the house to spent the night with him (a guy 2 years older, for shame!). And my huge family is Catholic on both sides. People at church were whispering. Then I found out my boyfriend had been sleeping with my arch enemy. Ouch! Then the deacon at our church says to a close friend that the accident happened because I was having premarital sex. Huh. After all that happened that's one thing that really stuck with me for obvious reasons, but I'll point them out. If there's a God, I don't think God punishes people. Otherwise everyone in my confirmation class would also have been struck down. What the hell does an accident have to do with morality? And someone else's, at that. I didn't believe that crap for a nanosecond. That was such an injust thought, that I could have been to blame for such a horrific thing. I went back to school and I had new friends because some people were comfortable being with me, a couple really stuck by me, and the others just got weird. But human nature being as it is, I guess I can't exactly blame them for not knowing what to do. Then I go to college, meet cool people, experiment with anything I could, and learn more about how to deal with my body and other people. Now, I look at my life and feel like I'm watching a movie sometimes. I mean, the things people do and say, the way everything has turned out, the things I've done and said...I just shake my head and laugh. I am sometimes flabbergasted when I think about the relationships that have developed from having to have someone help with my care. I mean, who in their right mind would want to be my friend after being so up close and personal with my shit? It happens. And although my physical state has been a magnet for some serious freaks, I've made some beautiful friendships. I mean, f*%k, I've even broken a couple hearts (unintentionally, I'm really nice). And soon after my injury I thought I would never have sex or a relationship again. I wasn't interested and was so sure no one else was. So much life has happened since then. The same kind of stuff that happens to other people, and then there's this whole other dimention we have to deal with. It's just weird. I'm not sure I have a point other than encouragement. You know, perseverance and open mindedness, that kind of thing. Deep breaths. Humor. Find out what you want to do and don't let people rent space in your head. The drug and alcohol thing doesn't really help long term, but you know this. Those pain pills will getchya! I don't know what you're into but when I was smoking a lot of pot and eating a lot it was difficult to figure out what was going on with my body. And pills and alcohol just help me be depressed and constipated and stuck mentally. Don't hang out with people that are screwed up and thus good company (the whole misery loves company trap). And don't be a captive audience for too much of people's crap. Actually, that's what I have to still tell myself! Btw, I'm not saying all this because my life is cake right now. It ebbs and flows. You'll see that many people have it worse off than you do and many of them are able bodied. Keep your head up, bro! Hugs, Kaye-- Life is 440 horsepower in a 2-cylinder engine. -Henry Miller
[QUAD-L] Fwd: (no subject)
---BeginMessage--- Welcome to the Quad -List Kaye.Dana (C 4-5, 31 years post, 51, suburb of Kansas City in Johnson County, Kansas) ---End Message---
