23 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Enrollment Open for Illinois' Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

By Rick Martin

Encourages Residents Who Have Been Denied Health Insurance to Apply Online or Over the Phone

CHICAGO - August 19, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that enrollment for the Illinois Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (IPXP) will begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Aug. 20. The federally-funded plan will provide coverage for thousands of Illinois residents who have been denied health coverage due to preexisting conditions. Residents can apply online at Insurance.Illinois.gov/IPXP and over the phone at (877) 210-9167. Coverage through the plan will begin Sept. 1.

"I encourage everyone to go out tonight and talk to their families, friends and neighbors who may have a pre-existing medical condition and make sure they call or go online to apply for this important program," said Governor Quinn. "The Illinois Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will give uninsured residents throughout Illinois the health care they need."

The federal health reform law, known as the Affordable Care Act, prohibits insurers from basing coverage or pricing decisions on a person's health status starting Jan. 1, 2014.

To provide transitional coverage until 2014 for people who are currently uninsured with pre-existing conditions, the Affordable Care Act appropriates $5 billion to fund temporary high-risk pools in every state. Illinois' share is an estimated $196 million which, in addition to premiums paid by enrollees, will be used to operate the IPXP. The federal government will pay claims and administrative expenses. The program will incur no expense to the state and will cover approximately 5,000 uninsured Illinoisans.

The plan will provide enrollees with comprehensive health care benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care and prescription drugs. The plan will offer a preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance product with a $2,000 annual deductible, 80/20 percent cost sharing, and a maximum major medical out-of-pocket annual cost of $2,350. For prescription benefits, the cost sharing will also be 80/20 percent and the maximum out-of-pocket cost will be $1,600 per year.

"The Affordable Care Act's protection from discrimination based on health status cannot come soon enough for individuals and families who have been denied coverage," said Michael T. McRaith, Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. "The transitional coverage provided by the federally-funded IPXP is an important step as we move toward an Illinois health insurance marketplace with improved performance, accountability and transparency."

Hard copies of the IPXP application will also be available at the Department of Insurance offices in Chicago and Springfield. For more information visit Insurance.Illinois.gov/IPXP or call (877) 210-9167.

A study conducted last year showed that medical bills are a leading cause of personal bankruptcy, linked to more than 60 percent of bankruptcies.

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16 Aug 2010

Knowing when grief needs treatment, from Harvard Medical School

By Raquel Schott

BOSTON?It's normal for to the death of a close friend or family member to bring sadness, mood changes, or trouble sleeping and eating. For some people, though, grief and bereavement can evolve into clinical depression, according to Coping with Grief & Loss: A guide to healing, a newly updated report from Harvard Health Publications.

While most people pass through grief or bereavement without professional help, it's important to seek a helping hand if troubling or long-lasting symptoms of depression begin to interfere with daily life. Talk with your doctor or a mental health professional if you have suicidal thoughts or experience any of these other symptoms of bereavement-related depression:

  • persistent feelings of worthlessness, which is generally felt with depression but not with healthy grief
  • ongoing guilt
  • marked mental and physical sluggishness
  • persistent trouble functioning
  • hallucinations, other than occasionally thinking you hear or see the deceased.

Small studies suggest that psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or both may ease symptoms of depression associated with grief.

Sometimes people feel so mired in grief that months or even years go by with little or no let-up. This may be a sign of complicated grief, a term mental health professionals use when grieving proves especially difficult. Complicated grief combines features of depression with those of post-traumatic stress disorder. Among adults who suffer a significant loss, about one in 11 experiences complicated grief. Symptoms include

  • intrusive, upsetting memories, thoughts, and images of the deceased
  • constant, painful yearning for the deceased
  • an inability to accept the reality of the death
  • frequent nightmares
  • detachment from others
  • desperate loneliness and helplessness, anger, and bitterness
  • thoughts of suicide and wanting to die.

Other reasons to seek professional help include drug abuse, increased use of tobacco or alcohol, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, experiencing uncontrollable anxiety, and failing to feel somewhat better after a year has passed. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you think you may have complicated grief or depression related to grief or bereavement.

This updated Special Health Report also covers these topics:

  • The health effects of grief
  • A guide to grieving at different stages in life
  • Practical coping strategies

Coping with Grief & Loss is available for $18 from Harvard Health Publications (www.health.harvard.edu), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School. Order it online at www.health.harvard.edu/GLor by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

16 Aug 2010

Red Root Hot Yoga Now Open in Davenport

By Cole Morrow
New hot yoga studio opens in Davenport, Iowa.
Located at 2660 E 53 St #4 Davenport, Iowa
Studio owners, Cole and Nicole Morrow
563-468-7751
www.redroothotyoga.com
Email: berooted@redroothotyoga.com

  • Safe and convenient Location provided with ample parking in front of studio.
  • Open 7 days a week with classes starting at 6:00 AM and as late as 7:30PM. 2-4 classes scheduled per day.
  • Certified instruction and owner is registered with The Yoga Alliance, an international organization that sets the educational standards for yoga instructors and teachers.

"This is a professional hot yoga studio," said Cole. "We use silent, permanently wall mounted radiant heaters to warm the body and surrounding objects. Energy efficient Radiant heat differs from furnace heat, as they do not blow hot air on the practitioner. The heat is equally distributed to each student. We also use fresh air ventilation and humidity control." said Cole

3 levels of classes are scheduled to meet the desires of people new to yoga, as well as the experienced student.  Level 1-2, with temps from 80-85F. This class is geared toward new yoga students. RRHY(Red Root Hot Yoga) 100-110F, for the people that like it hot and slow, and Power flow yoga 85F. " I took all my experiences with hot yoga studios and instruction styles, and put it right here in the Quad Cities. Detailed instruction of postures and proper alignment is provided. Each class is like a yoga workshop" said Cole

The studio has been constructed using holistic thinking. From the fully recyclable yoga floor and mold resistant wall board, to the organic body wash, towels and soaps. " we believe wholeheartedly in taking care of ones mind, body, and spirit to obtain optimal health." said Nicole. " Join us in a non competitive environment. Where you can step away from the everyday stresses of life, gain self confidence, and build both physical, and mental strength." said Nicole.

The studio provides both mens and women's restrooms equipped with showers. High quality mat and towel rental is also provided. "I use only the best quality yoga gear at this studio. I want the people of the Quad Cities to enjoy all that yoga has to offer, with out having to worry about slips and falls. Take some time out for yourself, and come experience all the best that Red Root Hot Yoga has to offer." said Cole.

The Red Root Hot Yoga Studio has made accommodations for people with disabilities. Handicapped people are encouraged to start their own yoga practice here."Just because your in a wheel chair, does not mean you cant practice yoga. There is a space here for you" said Cole.

People interested in taking a class at Red Root Hot Yoga can sign up online via the website, and drop ins are welcome any time. Children are welcome to come to class, accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Any other questions or comments can be directed to Cole Morrow on the web, or by phone. "You can call me anytime with your questions or comments. I am available for you." said Cole

Your first class is always free!

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10 Aug 2010

CDC Director Thomas Frieden to tour Scott County Health Department

By Lenore Alonso
WHAT:  CDC Director Thomas Frieden, MD, MPH will meet with Scott County Health Department Director Larry Barker and Iowa Department of Public Health Director Tom Newton to discuss how local health and CDC health priorities align, and to tour the Scott County Health Department facilities.

WHERE:  Scott County Administrative Center, Scott County Health Department, 600 West 4th Street, 4th Floor Conference Room, Davenport, IA

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 1:15pm to 1:45pm

For more information call the Scott County Health Department at 563-326-8618 or visit
www.scottcountyiowa.com/health.

09 Aug 2010

Professional Organization formed to support Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturists in the state of Iowa

By Alice Sptizner Claussen
July 2010, Iowa City, Iowa: The Iowa Association of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture (IAOMA) is the newly formed professional, non-profit organization supporting and promoting Licensed Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine practitioners throughout the state of Iowa. IAOMA is dedicated to educating and raising public awareness regarding the health benefits of Oriental Medicine. In addition IAOMA is committed to creating a community for licensed acupuncturists and fostering a professional and informative rapport with the broader healthcare community both in Iowa and nationally. Licensed
Acupuncturists and others who share our mission of a bright future for Oriental Medicine in the state of Iowa are welcome to become members of IAOMA.

For more information about our mission or membership, visit the IAOMA website: www.IAOMA.org or contact Alice Spitzner Claussen at 319.887.6992.

02 Aug 2010

Braley Announces New Medicare Payments for Iowa Hospitals

By Caitlin Legacki

Iowa will receive additional $12.5 million, more than 46 other states

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley announced today the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Studies (CMS) handed down a rule delivering new Medicare payments for Iowa hospitals. The funding was secured by Braley with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Obama Administration officials during late night negotiations before the final health care vote. Under the rule announced today, Iowa hospitals will receive $12.5 million in additional Medicare reimbursements, or 8.3 percent of the available funds. Only New York and Virginia will receive more money as part of these negotiations.

"The announcement of these funds is a big step in the right direction to finally rewarding Iowa's doctors for the care they provide," Braley said.  "For decades, Iowa's doctors have been punished for no reason other than geography. The new CMS rule announced today is the first step toward ending harmful geographic disparities and reforming our Medicare system so it finally rewards quality of care instead of the quantity of procedures performed. We still have a lot of work to do and I look forward to working closely with Secretary Sebelius to ensure we fully implement all the provisions she guaranteed during the late-night health care negotiations."

Braley negotiated a compromise adding language to the health care reform bill that provides an immediate $800 million to address geographic disparities for both doctors and hospitals, as well as written guarantees from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for further action to reform Medicare reimbursement rates that do not qualify for reconciliation under the Byrd Rule. The Senate bill previously only provided a Medicare reimbursement fix for doctors.

The House reconciliation package maintained automatic implementation of a value index as part of the reimbursement structures for doctors, beginning in 2015.  This language was secured in the Senate bill with the help of Harkin and is based on Braley's Medicare Payment Improvement Act, introduced in June 2009. Under the fixes secured in the Senate bill and House reconciliation package, Iowa doctors will see five percent increases in current Medicare reimbursement rates in both 2010 and 2011.

# # #

02 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Creates Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Council

By William Palmisano

Council will Help State Implement Federal Health Care Reforms

CHICAGO - July 30, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed an executive order to create the Illinois Health Care Reform Implementation Council. The council will help the state implement the health care reforms contained in the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).

"Making sure that everyone in Illinois has access to quality, affordable health care is one of my highest priorities," said Governor Quinn. "This council will help my administration effectively implement the new federal law and make sure that every person's right to decent health care is protected."

Implementation of the federal ACA will improve the health of residents throughout Illinois by increasing access to health care, reducing treatment disparities, controlling costs, and improving the affordability, quality and effectiveness of health care.

The council will make recommendations to assist the state to: establish a health insurance exchange and other consumer protection reforms; reform Medicaid; assure high quality care; identify federal grants and other non-governmental funding sources; and foster the widespread adoption of electronic medical records.

The council will submit its first report to Governor Quinn by Dec. 31, 2010, followed by periodic reports on the implementation of its recommendations.

Members of the council will include directors of the Illinois Departments of: Healthcare and Family Services, Insurance, Public Health, Aging, Human Services, Department of Central Management Services, Labor, Financial and Professional Regulation, the Governor's Office of Health Information Technology and the Governor's Office of Management and Budget. Members may be represented by a designee.

A designee from the Office of Governor will serve as the council's chair and the directors of the Department of Insurance and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services will serve as vice-chairs. The council will receive administrative support from the agencies appointed to it.

The council will hold meetings across the state to inform the public about the opportunities and responsibilities under the ACA, soliciting recommendations for the implementation and reporting on those recommendations.

A copy of the Executive Order is attached.

###

02 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Historic Legislation to Reform Long-Term Care in Illinois

By William Palmisano

Laws will Improve Safety in Nursing Homes, Increase Staffing

and Quality Standards, and Fight Fraud and Abuse

CHICAGO - July 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed historic legislation that transforms Illinois' system of care for frail older adults and persons with disabilities. The new law is the product of months of research and deliberation initiated by the Nursing Home Safety Task Force that Governor Quinn appointed in October. The task force was charged with ensuring all Illinois nursing home residents are safe and receive the treatment appropriate for their condition.

"Today begins a new era of nursing home care in Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "Older adults who require 24-hour care deserve a safe, high-quality home, and persons with mental illness must have the care and treatment they need to live full and productive lives in their communities. This law protects Illinois' most vulnerable adults."

Senate Bill 326, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago), resulted from strong collaboration between state agencies, members of the Illinois General Assembly, advocates, home and community based service providers, residents and the nursing home profession, led by Governor Quinn's Nursing Home Safety Task Force.

The new law remakes the system of admission to nursing homes, ensuring that only those in need of 24-hour skilled care are admitted. The law also strengthens the screening process to prevent residents with violent criminal histories from being placed with vulnerable, older adults.

The law sets higher nursing home quality and staffing requirements, raises penalties for violations, and increases inspections and monitoring. The new law also requires nursing homes to help all residents achieve their highest level of functioning and prepare to transition to more independent, community-based living.

Governor Quinn also signed Senate Bill 2863, sponsored by Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and Rep. Harry Osterman (D-Chicago), which will reduce fraud and abuse in nursing homes. An initiative of the Office of the Attorney General, the law requires prompt reporting of fraud, abuse and neglect in nursing homes, broadens the definition of criminal neglect, and requires greater disclosure by nursing home owners.

"We have to do everything we can to protect vulnerable nursing home residents and make sure they are safe," said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. "These bills significantly strengthen the process for protecting nursing home residents from those who may pose a threat. And they provide us with critical tools needed to target nursing home fraud."

Governor Quinn formed the Nursing Home Safety Task Force in October 2009, to respond to concerns for the safety of nursing home residents by thoroughly examining current regulatory policies and coordination among state agencies, and identifying necessary changes in legislation, regulation and policy. The task force held public meetings, heard testimony from more than 50 advocates, academic experts, nursing home residents and their families, and gathered hundreds of public comments through an interactive Web site, www.nursinghomesafety.illinois.gov.

The task force released its final report in February that included 38 recommendations, which served as a blueprint for this reform legislation. State agencies, nursing homes and advocates continue to collaborate to develop new nursing home rates and assessments, as called for in the legislation.

Both laws go into effect immediately.

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27 Jul 2010

Governor Quinn Signs Three Bills to Further Reduce Harmful Mercury Exposure

By William Palmisano

Mercury Poses Significant Environmental, Public Health Risks

CHICAGO - July 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed into law three bills that will further reduce the amounts of mercury in the environment that can be harmful to residents, especially young children. Illinois already leads the nation in reducing the public's exposure to mercury.

"Mercury exposure poses a threat to our waterways and environment, and to the public's health," said Governor Quinn. "These bills expand our efforts to significantly reduce the amounts of mercury in our environment by eliminating non-essential uses."

Senate Bill 3346, sponsored by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Karen May (D-Highwood), requires thermostat manufacturers to maintain a statewide program to collect, transport and manage mercury-switch thermostats for recycling when they are taken out of service. Senate Bill 3347, also sponsored by Sen. Steans and Rep. May, phases out the sale and use of lead and mercury wheel balancing weights in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2012.

House Bill 6201, sponsored by Rep. May and Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), extends the sunset date to for the automakers' current state program that collects and recycles mercury light switches from end-of-life vehicles before they are processed as scrap metal to Jan. 1, 2017.

Mercury can escape into the environment when improperly disposed or burned. If a mercury-containing device breaks and the spill is not cleaned up properly, the mercury forms into an odorless vapor, potentially reaching dangerous levels in indoor air. Methylmercury, an organic form of mercury, can accumulate up the food chain in lakes, streams and rivers, which results in high concentrations in the tissues of older and larger fish.

People are most frequently exposed to mercury through the consumption of contaminated fish or by inhaling vapors from spilled mercury or leaking equipment. Mercury poses a significant health risk, especially to young children and fetuses. Prolonged, low-level exposure may cause learning disabilities by impairing children's ability to think and read. Adults who have been exposed to high levels of mercury may experience trembling hands and numbness or tingling in their lips, tongues, fingers and toes.

Acute mercury poisoning, especially through ingestion, can damage the brain, liver, kidneys and even cause death. Mercury can harm wildlife that eats contaminated fish, particularly bald eagles, loons and other fish-eating birds and mammals.

All three laws go into effect immediately.

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15 Jul 2010

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY RESIDENTS SAVE MORE THAN $491,000 ON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

By Alexandra Miller

To combat rising healthcare costs, the County offers a valuable resource for its residents

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, ILLINOIS, July 14, 2010? Launched in April 2009, the Coast2Coast Rx free discount card program has saved Rock Island County residents more than $491,154.38, for an overall average savings of almost 50% off of their prescription medications!

Edward W. Rahn, President of Financial Marketing Concepts, Inc. of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the issuer of the Coast2Coast Rx free discount card, says "We are pleased to work with the County to help individuals, their families, and pets, combat the rising cost of healthcare." Rahn added "We appreciate all that the County and local pharmacies are doing to help those in need."

More than 60,000 medications are eligible for a discount under the Coast2Coast Rx program, which is offered at no cost to the county or its residents, and is available to everyone regardless of age, income, or medical history.  The cards are available at most major pharmacies, many independents, on the website (www.coast2coastrx.com/rockislandil), at local libraries and at county offices.

RICO Board Chairman James E. Bohnsack, says that the Coast2Coast Rx card program has been welcomed by area pharmacies and residents.  "Our citizens deserve the opportunity to save on prescription costs.  We are pleased to offer this program."

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