Sunday, September 30, 2012

Patriots for Change Health Care Reform Committee
SOME AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA) (OBAMACARE) BACKGROUND

IF YOU HAVE PRIVATE INSURANCE:
Your insurance company...
  • Will find it harder to waste your premium on CEO salaries and overhead costs
  • Must use at least 80 percent of your premium for health services and improving care
  • Has to justify any hikes to your premium before an independent panel—helping to keep your rate down
  • Plans are beginning to offer free preventive health services like regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, mammograms, and screenings for things like colon cancer and diabetes.
  • Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime cap on the amount of care they’ll cover, or cancel your coverage over a mistake in your paperwork—and by 2014, no one can be denied insurance due to a pre-existing condition.
  • Your children can now stay on your family health insurance plan until they turn 26.
  • Your children can no longer be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition like asthma or diabetes.
  • Preventive services like checkups and childhood immunizations are covered without a co-pay or deductible.
IF YOU ARE ON MEDICARE:
  • People enrolled in traditional Medicare will save an average of $4,200 in health care expenses over the next 10 years.
  • You now have access to annual wellness visits with your doctor, free of charge.
  • If you fall into Medicare's “donut hole” for prescription drugs, you now get a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs—and by 2020, the doughnut hole will close for good.
  • Free preventative services, including: Colon cancer screenings, Flu shots, Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, Mammograms, Bone density screenings, Screenings for breast cancer
  • Free annual wellness visits with your doctor
  • Improved care for Seniors after they leave the hospital to reduce avoidable readmissions
  • Lower Medicare costs and premiums
IF YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE:
  • If you have a pre-existing condition you can get coverage through the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), a bridge to 2014, if uninsured for 6 months
  • A new online insurance finder can help you get information about private plans, public coverage options in your state, and resources to help you find free or discounted care.
  • Can’t be charged more or denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition like heart disease of breast cancer 
  • Starting in 2014, your family will be able to shop for coverage in a new Affordable Insurance Exchange. In this new marketplace, insurance companies won't be able to deny coverage because someone has a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies will have to compete on price and quality, and you'll be able to see all your options in one place to find a plan that works for your family.
  • By 2014, you’ll have access to affordable health coverage, even if you can’t get it through work.
IF YOU ARE ON MEDICAID:
  • The new health care law makes it easier to access the benefits you already have—with new tools to help doctors and nurses better coordinate your care, and streamlined computer systems for better efficiency.
  • Simpler rules to help you qualify for Medicaid by 2014
  • By 2014, if you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you will be able to access affordable coverage through Affordable Insurance Exchanges
OTHER CHANGES:
  • Provides small business health Insurance Tax Credits
  • Allows states to cover more people on Medicaid
  • Tackles health care fraud and waste in Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP
  • Expands coverage for early retirees (55-65)
  • Consumers can compare health insurance coverage options and pick the coverage that works for them at HealthCare.gov
  • Prohibits insurance companies from rescinding coverage 
  • Provides mechanism to appeal coverage determinations or claims to insurance company and establishes an external review process.
  • Eliminates lifetime limits on insurance coverage
  • Annual limits on insurance coverage are regulated and banned after 2014
  • Prohibits denying coverage of children based on pre-existing conditions
  • Provides grants to states that implement program to hold insurance companies accountable for unreasonable rate hikes
  • Rebuilds the primary care workforce  
  • Consumer Assistance Programs in states that apply for federal grants to help set up or expand independent offices
  • Expansion of community health sponsors
  • Increases payment to rural health care providers to help them continue to serve their communities.
  • Brings down premium costs: at least 85% of all premium dollars collected by insurance companies for large employer plans must be spent on health care services and health care quality improvement; for plans sold to individuals, at least 80% of the premium. 
  • The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) submits proposals to Congress and the President extending the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by focusing on ways to target waste, reduce costs, improve health outcomes, and expand access.
  • Increases access to services at home and in community through state Community First Choice Option (Medicaid) instead of nursing home.
  • Encourages Integrated Health Systems through incentives for “Accountable Care Organizations.” 
  • Reduce health care disparities
MEDICARE CUTS
$716 billion: Where does it come from?
  • 35% from reduction in payments to hospitals and health insurance companies
  • 30%  from reimbursements to private Medicare Advantage plans (was 117% of regular fee-for-service)
  • 30% Other (Disproportionate Share Payments, home health care payment reductions, etc.)
Where does it go?
  • Support of the ACA
Medicare benefits NOT reduced.

FOR MORE DETAILS:




Friday, April 8, 2011

January 12, 2011 Steering Committee Minutes


Present: Ed Fire, Ray Kolcaba, Judy Kramer, Elliott Berenson, Lori Zaim, Bill Rowe, Debi Thomas, Becky Thomas, Kathy Kolcaba, Lori O’Neill
1. CALL TO ORDER. 10:07am
2. TREASURER'S AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT: KATHY KOLCABA.
·   Year-end balance: $12,202.24.  99 paid members thus far.
3. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT: RAY KOLCABA. 
·   An email letter will be sent to those who haven’t paid. Then phone calls will be made.
 4. EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT: JUDY KRAMER. 
  • ·       Jan 29th Jerry Graham to speak @ Solon Library
  • ·       Feb 19 Book Talk: The Life & Death of the Great American School System
  • ·       April 16 Panel discussion on Education

 5. ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT: BECKY THOMAS.
·       Lawrence Lessig, March 28: Event will take place in the CSU moot court room.  CSU may also help   with a hotel discount.  There will be a panel discussion to follow the talk.
·       Send any advocacy items to Becky from now on. 
6. JANUARY 15 MEMBERSHIP MEETING PLANS.
·   Brainstorm issues for the year. 
·   Get into small groups to prioritize the steps needed. 
·   Elliott will give a talk on writing letters to the editor. 
·   Lori O’Neill will talk about gun violence. 
6. OLD BUSINESS. Website discussion.
7. NEW BUSINESS.  In light of the recent tragedy in Tucson, Lori O’Neill spoke to us about gun violence in the U.S.   She will speak at the Jan 15 Membership Meeting.  Lori stressed the importance of visiting legislators on a regular basis. 
8. ADJOURNMENT. 12:00pm

Respectfully submitted,
Lori M. Zaim, Secretary

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

DECEMBER 14, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes


Present:  Ed Fire, Lori Zaim, Becky Thomas, Judy Kramer, Kathy Kolcaba, Ray Kolcaba
1.  CALL TO ORDER. 10:00 AM
2.  TREASURER'S AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT: KATHY KOLCABA.
·   $9,824.32 – bank balance as of 11/30/2010.
·   After deposits totaling $3,390.00 (membership dues), the balance stands at $11,383.86.
3.  MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT: RAY KOLCABA.
·   74 renewals thus far
·   20 (27%) people renewing for two years.
 4.  EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT: JUDY KRAMER.
·   HOLIDAY PARTY PROGRAM. Send info about signing up for membership @ party and about the raffle to win Kelly Clark’s homemade beer.
·   2011 PLANNED ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS.
·      Jerry Graham Jan 29, solon Library, Dysfunctional government 101
·      Book Talk Feb 19th
·      Movie Night @ Nazellis’ April 9 or 16 Waiting for Superman
5.  ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT: BECKY THOMAS.
·       March 28th Lawrence Lessig (collaborate w/ CSU?)
6.  OLD BUSINESS.
·      Support Sherrod Brown
7.  NEW BUSINESS:
·      Meet with Committee Chairs to discuss agendas
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT:BECKY THOMAS.
·      Ed Fire, Pres.
·      Judy Kramer VP
·      Kathy Kolcaba Treasurer
·      Lori Zaim Secretary
·      Send out member vote to accept or deny the slate as nominated. 
STATUS OF OFFICE LEASE. 
·      We will sign a lease for 2011 at the same rate and once again ask for Wi-Fi.
2011 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING DAYS. 
·      The S/C meeting date will change to the second WEDNESDAY of each month, hopefully to accommodate more participation.
·      2011 General MEMBERSHIP Meeting DATES. Jan 15,  May 14,
September 17
REVIEW/DISCUSSION OF 2011 COMMITTEES.
8.  ADJOURNMENT.  11:10AM
Respectfully submitted,
Lori M. Zaim

NOVEMBER 9, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes


Attendance: Ed Fire, Lori Zaim, Judy Kramer, Ray Kolcaba, Kathy Kolcaba, Becky Thomas, Debi Thomas Absent: Diana Nazelli, Ray DiCarlo, Bill Rowe, Lynn Rustad
1. CALL TO ORDER 10 AM by President Ed Fire
2. TREASURER'S AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT: KATHY KOLCABA:
Balance $8887.31 end of Oct.  After Nov. rent we have $8436.76 
3. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT: RAY KOLCABA
·    Kathy Kolcaba will revise the letter in light of the election.
·    Lori Zaim will purchase stamps and envelopes large enough for letters
·    Members approved format of membership dues form
4. EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT: JUDY KRAMER
·    Meeting of Education Committee on Wed. Nov. 10th
·    Calendar items for Nov. Dec. and Jan. are in newsletter
5. ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT: BECKY THOMAS
·    Lawrence Lessig has not yet responded about date for forum in April
·    Committee heads should give updates of committee work at Holiday Party
      A. REVIEW OF 2010 ELECTION RESULTS AND ROLE OF PATRIOTS FOR CHANGE IN FUTURE ELECTIONS.
 Will take place in January
6. OLD BUSINESS.
             None
7. NEW BUSINESS.
·    Suggestions for advocacy using petitions online
·    Some names will be eliminated from Steering Committee email list
·    More meetings for Steering Committee?  Perhaps lunch once a month?
A. DISCUSSION ON NEW OFFICERS FOR 2011.
·    As of now officers will remain in present position
·    Need for co-chair for Sustainability Comm. because Kelly Clark is so busy with work
8. ADJOURNMENT – 11:15
Submitted by Acting Secretary
Becky Thomas

October 12, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

September minutes approved.


Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Kolcaba 
·   The checking balance is $8887.31 after paying October rent.
Advocacy Report: Becky Thomas 
  • ·      The Membership meeting was not well attended.
  • ·      Volunteers needed to make phone call @ the Solon Democratic HQ: 33528 Aurora Rd.  Bring a laptop if you have one.
  • ·      Political signs are available @ the P4C office Saturday mornings 10-12.
  • ·      Send email w/ list of recommended candidates.
  • ·      Send link to Judge 4 Yourself.

Education Report: Judy Kramer
  • ·      Movie Night Oct 18th.  Meet @ 6:45 in P4C parking lot to carpool.  Waiting for Superman showing at the Cedar Lee.
  • ·      Book Talk Jan. 29th The Death and Life of the Great American School System.
  • ·      P4C Holiday Party Dec. 16th @ CV Little Theater.
  • ·      We would like to invite national speaker, Larry Lessig to talk about the Fair Elections Now Act, for a spring visit.

Membership: Ray Kolcaba
  • Thank you to Ray for accepting the position of Membership Chair. 
  • We will send a hard copy letter followed by phone calls. 
  • We will offer one-year or two-year memberships this time.

Old Business: none
New Business: 
  • Ed asked for ideas to get people more involved in 2011. 
  • Suggested having each committee meet prior to the Holiday Party to ask for ideas.

Meeting adjourned @ 11:05AM
Respectfully submitted,
Lori M. Zaim

SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

I. CALL TO ORDER 10:04AM
·   APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 10 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING with minor changes.  (Minutes will follow)..
II. TREASURER'S REPORT AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT--KATHY KOLCABA. 
·   Current balance is: $9,290.64, which includes profits from the yard sale fundraiser of $1045.59.
·   148 paid members.
·   RESULTS OF SEPTEMBER 11 YARD SALE.  The yard sale was successful and went well.  Thank you to the Kolcabas for donating their home, barn, and time.
 III. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
·   CHAIRMAN RAY KOLCABA.  Judy Kramer, Becky Thomas, Debi Thomas and Lori Zaim will serve on the committee. 
·   George Lupone will get the time line of events to Ray. 
·   Lori will send a copy of the 2010 recruitment letter to Ray.
 IV. EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT--JUDY KRAMER.
·      October 12-16 Chagrin Documentary Film Festival
·      October 2, Membership Meeting 10:00 Hamlet Club House (Note change of venue).
·      October 18 outing to Cedar Lee to view Waiting for Superman.
·      Nov 20 The film Razing Appalachia will be shown @ 10:00 @ the CF Library.  Bill Rowe will narrate.
·      Dec 16 P4C Holiday Party
·      Ideas for future events:
·      Panel on the U.S. School System

·      Book Talk on new Reagan book: Tear Down This Myth: How the Reagan Legacy Has Distorted Our Politics and Haunts Our Future

·      Outing to see Oliver Stone’s film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

·      Outing to see Fair Game, film on Valerie Plame

V. ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT--BECKY THOMAS.
League of Women Voters will present:
·      County Council District 6 Candidate Forum Tuesday, Sept 21st, 7-9PM Solon HS
·      Cuyahoga County Executive Forum Tuesday. October 12, 7-9PM Shaker Heights Middle School
Article by Jane Mayer in the August 30th New Yorker is worth reading. 
  A) RESULTS OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY PRIMARY ELECTION FOR NEW COUNTY OFFICES AND POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.
  B) RALLY IN THE VALLEY   October 9, 2-4PM  Candidates, Discussions & Refreshments @ Chagrin Falls Township Hall.
  C) REVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO PATRIOTS FOR CHANGE MEMBERSHIP REGARDING CANDIDATES FOR FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICES IN NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.  A few changes need to be made.  Members will vote on the recommendations at the October 2nd meeting.
VI. NEW BUSINESS.
·      Voter Registration volunteer needed October 2nd.  Contact Judy Kramer. 
·      Becky, Judy & Lori will be attending the Coffee Party Convention in Louisville on September 24-26. 
VII. ADJOURNMENT. 11:13AM



Respectfully submitted,
Lori M. Zaim, Secretary

August 10, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes




Present: Ed Fire, Becky Thomas, Lori Zaim, Bill Rowe, Lynne Rustad, Kathy Kolcaba, Ray DiCarlo, Debi Thomas
I. Meeting call to Order @ 10:08 AM
·   Approval of Minutes of July 13 Steering Committee Meeting.
II. Treasurer's and Paid Members Report--Kathy Kolcaba. 
·   The bank balance is $9141.94 before paying August rent. 
·   148 paid members. 
·   Report approved. 
III. Membership Committee.
·   Volunteer needed to serve as Chair of Committee for 2011. 
·   Ray Kolcaba may be interested.  Ed will contact him. 
IV. Education Committee Report--Judy Kramer
·   The film, “Rethink Afghanistan” will be shown on August 26th.  Refreshments will be served.
·   The Education Committee will meet on August 11th
·   The membership meeting will take place on October 2nd. Location TBA.
·   Ideas for upcoming programs: film about mountain top removal, pros and cons on nuclear energy, Israel, the Unions, and the Myth of Social Security. 
V. Advocacy Committee Report--Becky Thomas:
·   Rally in the Valley October 9.  
·   Corporate "Personhood."  Move to Amend material is available at MovetoAmend.com.
·   Report on August 4 Forum for candidates for Cuyahoga County Executive and Cuyahoga County Council, District 6.  Candidate’s night went well.  There was a great turn out.
VI. Discussion on candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Ohio Attorney General, Auditor of State, Ohio Treasurer, Ohio Secretary of State, Ohio House and Senate, Ohio Supreme Court, US Senator, US House of Representatives-14th District, Cuyahoga County Executive and Cuyahoga County Council, District 6, Ballot Issues.
·   Lori will work on putting together the steering committee recommendations. 
·   Should Patriots for Change make official endorsements? If so,when? Yes.
·   Coordination with Chagrin Valley Democratic Club Rally in the Valley.
Vll. September 11 Yard Sale Report
·   Volunteers needed. 
·   Barn is open for donations.
 VIIl. New Business. 
·   Noah Dion from Organizing for America spoke to us about the importance of helping with phone calling and canvassing from the Solon office.
 lX. Adjournment.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori M. Zaim, Secretary