Health Care Stories from Americans in Canada

CIGNA HealthyRewards - a step in the right direction?

Have you heard of CIGNA's HealthyRewards program? Or Humana's new program called Humana Momentum?

Is this a step in the right direction? It does not look like your actual insurance rates get a discount, but you do receive more incentives for staying healthy like Jenny Craig memberships and LensCrafter deals. What if all those new customers that the insurances companies are bound to get are incentivized for healthy living with programs like these AND discounted insurance rates? Is this one way to motivate people to live a healthy lifestyle and therefore lessen the load on everyone?

Oh yes, insurance companies stocks rose 30%+ today. And the bill is not even passed yet. I am still skeptical on how insurance companies will react -- will they be good corporate citizens and respond in kind to the new bill?

BREAKING: Senate Passes Reform - Conciliation with House Bill Next

BREAKING: Senate Passes Reform

Season's Greetings to all Health Care Reform Activists

The U.S. Senate has voted to pass the most ambitious piece of domestic legislation in a generation--a bill that will extend insurance coverage to tens of million Americans, strengthen insurance for many more, and start refashioning American medicine so that it is more efficient.

Another American Tells their health care reform story

I have sent a letter (actually numerous e mails) to each of my senators about health care reform and my strong support for a public option at minimum and universal care as what is really in line with a democracy for the people.
 
During this health care debate is an ideal time to communicate with our Canadian country persons concerning the erosion and privatization of the Canadian system. Having been in BC for 7 years I'm watching with horror. Health Insurance companies (many U S based) are making more and more inroads into the Canadian system.
 
My husband tells me when he was young all health care needs were provided, such as dental, prescription, physio etc. Each province has a different set up as I understand it. Nonetheless, each province is covering less and less health needs, and insurance companies are hocking their wares to those who can afford them. The more those with money, power, and influence rely on health insurance companies and private providers, the less they'll support the public system. Even the middle class whose employers pay for "extended care" seem oblivious to what's happening here in Canada.
 
I suggest Democrats Abroad send messages to its Canadian members encouraging them to talk with their Canadian neighbors about the extreme expense as well as tragedy that comes when insurance companies use us as a way to make money.
 
As a hospital social worker in the US I knew of deaths in young people from treatable conditions.---Why? They waited too long to seek care, because they had no insurance could not afford a $100 Doctor apointment yet were working so and not eligable for welfare. One of these deaths was from an infected gash on the leg of a father of young children.
 
In approximately 1999, a study comparing outcomes in the US system with those in the Canadian system was published by a college (in the New England states I believe). The story was quashed and unfortunately I didn't record the source, but the Canadian system had much better outcomes.
 
Anyway, I know there is much going on in the US to keep you busy, but what do you think? I had a long conversation with a co worker yesterday. She was shocked and amazed when she heard of the co-pays and other expenses on top of monthly premiums. I doubt she even has heard about pre-existing conditions and other nightmares of the present US, insurance run system.
 
If you want to simply forward this message to Canadian Dems Abroad, you have me permission. If you have any idea where to find that outcome comparison study, I'd love to know.
 
Take care and thanks for all your quality work.
 
Sincerely,

T. RaNae Nicholls

The netroots/"nutroots" vs the progressive left

And other stories from the health care debate camp fire. This article from Salon.com describes the debate raging amongst the progressive left. "The progressive backlash against the progressive backlash," as Rahm Emmanuel called it.

This is not really what I think most people think it is. A new form of participatory media is being born in the political front and it is finally finding its own way and voice in the public. Day by day as more people go online rather than use traditional media, this voice gets stronger.

Calling our politicians on breaking campaign promises is what every self respecting voter ought to do. Traditional politics dictates a poker playing attitude of bluffing your way to a last second compromise. The netroots demands a more transparent form of bill making.

Is that so wrong? I think the problem the netroots have is that the whole movement is still seen as a political outsider, aka "backseat whiners." But as the article states, should they be more respected? Why would they command respect? Well when big TV and print media finally starts to morph into viable online business models, guess who will be the insiders then?

For the first time since the printing press, the average Joe and Jill have the right to discuss their views side by side with big media. (That's us people!) And they're being listened to although currently through ridicule. That's ok. Let's see who gets the last laugh.

Historic Health Care Reform Bill Gets 60 votes needed in Senate

Looks like President Obama will deliver a supermajority and a super major gift to Americans this year! 94% of Americans will now be covered with a health care plan.
The full amendment to the Senate bill is here. Here's hoping that this is the start of real reform yet to come over the next few decades.

Saturday Morning Puppet Theater - "Lieberman Socks"

Michael Porter's sound strategy on health care reform

This article was published way back in July. It spells out some clear strategies towards a system based on creating value to the customer. How much of our current bill addresses any of Mr Porter's points?

A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Victoria Kennedy: The bill would have been good enough for Ted Kennedy

If it's good enough for Ted Kennedy, it ought to be good enough for the rest of us.

If only Senator Lieberman had listened to a classmate now living here in Canada!

Dear Senator,

I grew up in Stamford, CT but now live in Toronto.  I still vote in CT elections as a Democrat abroad. Having lived under both systems of health care I can certainly vouch for our Canadian system.  I have lived through cancer and can say that I not only got the best possible care here in Toronto but it cost me not one cent.  On the other hand I have seen my father's last illnesses practically bankrupt my family in spite of their carrying health insurance. This has made my mother's old age more precarious and fraught with fear that she too would become ill and not be able to afford the necessary care.  My brother has had a transplant.  He can no longer get proper insurance because of that.  What kind of government cares so little for the health of its people?  I hope you will do the right thing-- as I remember you from our high school and our shul-- and support a public option.  And at the end of the day we need a bill that will deliver affordable, universal and accessible health care for all our U.S. citizens - not a filibuster to close down reforms.

All the best to you and your family,

GSR