Carnival of MS Bloggers #38 - Health Reform Edition

Welcome to the Carnival of MS Bloggers, a bi-weekly compendium of thoughts and experiences shared by those living with multiple sclerosis.

"Health Reform Edition"

Americans Are What Is Wrong With America… 

by Blinders Off at Living With MS

When is it going to stop…?

My healthcare coverage was the best to have, but over the years, benefits are slowly disappearing, while my premium is slowly rising. Out of pocket expenses were something I did not dread, but I dread going to get a prescription. Co-pays are steadily increasing. So far, I am still one of the fortunate ones to afford my drugs to fight MS… What about the ones who cannot afford to take the expensive Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif, and Tysabri to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.

DMD’s cost more than what many Americans make a year, mine in particular cost $1700.00 a month. I will not be surprise if day come when my health insurance carrier find a way for me to pick up most of that cost. If that day comes, I will be like many other Americans deciding between purchasing my prescriptions over purchasing food to live.

I am pissed off; I am sick and tired of our legislators the Democrats and Republicans bullshitting when it comes to my life. The Dems and the Repubs want American people to believe they are working hard in our best interest to fix the healthcare crisis.

I do not give two rats asses which party comes up with a solution for the healthcare crisis here in America. The writing on the wall started when HMO’s came to America in the early 80’s. Healthcare has been changing and rising at the disadvantage to the American people since the HMO white horse rode into a town near you.

To fix the healthcare crisis here in America, it is time for Americans to demand the same coverage Congress receives. I plan to write my representatives demanding the opportunity to have the coverage they receive. It is time for all Americans to DEMAND IT!

I remember then candidate for President Obama saying during his campaign, "Americans deserve the same coverage offered to Congress." Therefore, if Congress is having a problem putting together legislation to offer us the same coverage they have because of the Democrat and Republican bipartisanship bullshit. The American people need to remind them whom they work for during their election year, and VOTE their asses out of office, and put some fresh blood in...which is what Americans should do to kick start fixing what is wrong in America!

Remember they are in Washington to be working for us and not for the Insurance and Pharmaceutical industry political donations and perks.

WHAT??????

by Sherry of Word Salads the Demyelination of Me

Wait. Wait. Wait!!!!! I've been talking about Medihell for some time and I still have to DEAL WITH IT when I get home. I haven't gone back to Social Security to tell them they have the wrong income AND now I hear THIS????

STOP! STOP! STOP!

If I go back to work, I lose my Copaxone because Medicare will only pay 33%. If I stay "poor", Medicaid will pay for it. STOP!!!!!!

I'm going to become a political activist on several causes, especially medical care since I "cannot work" to get Copaxone. Damn if you do, damn if you don't. I have found my passion.

Today we go to my daughter's apartment....it will be a hard day. I am trying not to think about it. Some of her things will be put in storage and brought up to Colorado at a later date- and the things I want now will go back in a car with Barry. That is all I want to say about her today.

I am emotionally empty, but fighting mad....about medical care, health insurance and more. It failed my daughter, and it is failing many. It is keeping me from working as well as those who do not want "free money" to sit around when they can work part-time.

I will be turning into a political activist for better health care. If you think Cindy Sheehan had a big mouth, watch out. (FYI: I am no fan of hers) I'm going to be walking, crawling or catching a ride on a turtle with a big stick to Washington, DC.

Somehow, someway I will get my voice heard.

3 Places to get in on the Health Care Reform Debate
 by Ann Pietrangelo of MS Maze

The health care reform debate has reached fever pitch, and is finally getting the attention it deserves. With more than 45 million uninsured Americans, many others woefully under-insured, and people going without needed care, the time is right for you to put in your two cents worth… or more.

Three online sites offer you the opportunity to sound off, share your own successes and failures within the health care system, and state what you think must be done.
Care2 Reform Health Policy seeks to provide news and commentary on health policy and related issues. Care2.com encourages active participation and provides readers with the ability to create full profiles, network with other people with similar interests, and comment… comment… comment. I am a regular contributor to Care2’s health policy cause and welcome suggestions and insights from the community. Please stop by and drop me a line!

HealthReform.gov is a government website providing news and information on health care reform. There is a section to Share Your Story and Ideas about health care reform, and a place to Show Your Support, if you are so inclined.


MakingMedicineSmarter.org is a new site that shines a spotlight on numbers, such as the annual cost of treating chronic and complex health conditions in the U.S., and the possible annual savings on health care spending with electronic and protocol efficiencies. Actual numbers tell an eye-popping tale. The site is also open to comments and suggestions.
Help put a human face on health care in America.

Visit and participate:
Care2 Reform Health Policy
HealthReform.gov
MakingMedicineSmarter.org

This concludes the 38th edition of the Carnival.

The next Carnival of MS Bloggers will be hosted here on July 2, 2009. Please remember to submit a post (via email) from your blog of which you are particularly proud, or which you simply want to share, by noon on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

Thank you.

Comments for this post.

Carnival of MS Bloggers #37

Welcome to the Carnival of MS Bloggers, a bi-weekly compendium of thoughts and experiences shared by those living with multiple sclerosis.

"Dog's Best Friend"

Good-bye Sue, We Miss You!
by Maryann

On Mother's Day, a friend of mine died. I knew Sue through Saint Francis Service Dogs. She was one of the first people to be partnered with a St. Fran dog, and his name is Barkley. Yes Barkley is 12 years old, and he was by her side for ten years. Barkley will continue to live out his life with Sue's husband and family. He is a very sweet golden retriever who loves life and people.

Sue was one of these people who never met a stranger, always took a moment to stop and talk to people who wanted to know about Barkley and service dogs, and always had time to talk to friends and ask how they were doing and leave them with a smile. She had a myriad of health problems, and was on supplemental oxygen at all times. She had seizures. Barkley knew to lay across her during a seizure, and then to go for help or the phone afterwards.

We live in a small town, and every time we went into Walmart or Krogers someone invariably would say, "you just missed Sue and Barkley."

During one of our partner classes, Sue told a funny story about Barkley. At night when he needs to go out to park (bathroom), he waited until one of them turned on his flashlight and handed it to him. He then would go out with the flashlight to do whatever business he wanted to do. Then, he will come back inside and hand back his flashlight. So funny, so sweet!

Sue's memorial service was this past Monday. Barkley was sitting with the family. There were also five of us with our service dogs who attended the service, plus lots of family and friends. Sue's son is in the Marines in Iraq, and the service was postponed until he could get home to be here for it.

Sue's husband said that Barkley is okay as long as they can keep him busy, but then he starts looking for Sue. It is so very sad, because it's impossible to explain to an animal that the person is gone.

Good-bye Sue, we miss you!

Just as Sue had Barkley, Maryann has Montana who is her service dog. Montana seems to get the tastiest treats homemade by Maryann. Check out her most recent recipe at Cooking for Montana.

Maryann and Montana met through the Saint Francis Service Dog program. As an exciting bit of media, they are featured in a Public Service Announcement which will air on television in her area. Good job guys!!

This concludes the 37th edition of the Carnival.

The next Carnival of MS Bloggers will be hosted here on June 18, 2009. Please remember to submit a post (via email) from your blog of which you are particularly proud, or which you simply want to share, by noon on Tuesday, June 16, 2009.

Thank you.

Comments for this post.