LA House Votes to Nullify Federally Mandated Health Insurance

LA House Votes to Nullify Federally Mandated Health Insurance

Louisiana lawmakers want to exempt LA citizens from the federal mandate requiring all citizens to purchase health insurance. 

The House of Representatives voted 59-15 today to declare that Louisiana residents should not be subject to the looming mandate to buy health insurance, an anchor provision of President Barack Obama's recently enacted health care overhaul.

Both the debate and the vote fell along party lines, with a handful of Democrats joining Republicans to forge a majority. Several other Democrats chose not to vote, a tacit admission of the political difficulty, particularly for white Democrats, of associating with a president who is overwhelmingly unpopular among white Louisiana voters.
House Bill 1474 states that every Louisiana resident "is and shall be free from governmental intrusion in choosing or declining to choose any mode of securing health insurance coverage without penalty or threat of penalty."

Interestingly, the one argument that Republican legislators don't seem to be making in support of their bill (HB 1474) is that their constituents cannot afford such a mandate, which does lead one to wonder why that objection was raised so loudly before the health reform initiative passed?

What Insurance Reform Means for Louisiana

 What Insurance Reform Means For Louisiana

Organizing for America (OAF) wants you to know what health insurance reform really means for us, right here in Louisiana. Together with President Obama's administration, they created this video to put some real numbers in front of the promise that reform is right for Louisiana.

After decades of struggle and a year of debate, health reform is now law in America.

What does it mean for you? It means an end to the worst insurance company abuses, new rules that treat everyone fairly, and more choices and affordable health insurance for millions of Americans.

According to the video, the new health insurance reform law will:

• Provide 95,881 Louisianans (including me) with pre-existing conditions access to affordable health insurance options that were not previously available to them.
• Provide tax credits to 588,000 Louisianans.
• Provide tax cuts for 51,000 small businesses in Louisiana.
• Save nearly 7000 Louisiana families from bankruptcy due to medical debt in just one year.
• Will provide insurance to 894,000 Louisianans who previously had none.

Keep this information handy, because it will be pretty hard for insurance and pharmaceutical special interests to argue against these kinds of reforms for our (and every) state in the future.

Yes he did.

Congress Passes Health Care Bill

As of roughly 10:00 p.m. this evening, Congress passed a bill which, upon becoming law when President Obama signs it, will enact sweeping health care insurance reform. Perhaps not exactly the way many were hoping (there is no public option) this act will nevertheless provide options for millions of Americans who currently have no options at all. People who live the way my family lived for nearly 5 years after I lost my own job as a social worker due what became a chronic, debilitating medical condition - with no health insurance, mounting medical bills, and an ever growing debt that promises to crush our family for much, if not all, of the rest of our lives. I am blessed to have people in my life who have helped me survive and begin to build a new kind of life. Yet with the years of social work experience behind me, I know that I am only one of many, and luckier than some. What in my opinion has been the worst disservice the contemporary American government has done to its citizens - denied them the right to affordable and lifesaving medical care - has been corrected this evening. As of when this bill takes effect, I can finally rest easy that even if I lose my current insurance, I will still be able to find some kind of health insurance, the kind that won't drop me the moment I need it the most.

And the great thing is, even if you don't agree me, so will you.

Congressman Joseph Cao To Host 5th AAA Health Fair March 20

Congressman "Joseph" Cao Hosts 5th AAA Health Fair for Louisianans on March 20, 2010

Let's hear it for Congressman Cao, who continues to put his money where his mouth is on the issue of health care for Louisianans. Below is a copy of the press release issued today by his office:

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 3, 2010
CONTACT: 
D. Clayton Hall (202) 225-6636
 

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Cao to Host 5th AAA Health Fair

New Orleans, LA – On Saturday, March 20, 2010, Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-02) will host his 5th “Affordable, Accessible, and Accountable” (AAA) Health Fair at Craig Elementary School from 10:00am to 2:00pmCST.

Cao said: “While those in Washington continue to argue over the politics of a health care reform bill, I want to help the constituents of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes with immediate health care assistance.”

Cao added: “Our health care system should be affordable, accessible, and accountable.  I host AAA health fairs for people to actively engage in preventive care.  I invite everyone in the 2nd Congressional District to take advantage of these free services and vital information.”

Who: Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao and certified health officials

What: AAA Health Fair (Affordable. Accessible. Accountable.)

Where: Craig Elementary School – 1423 St. Phillip St., New Orleans, LA

When: Saturday, March 20, 2010

Time: 10:00am - 2:00pmCST 

The Louisiana Department of Insurance will be available to answer questions about insurance coverage, products, and rates. The U.S. Census Bureau will be on site to answer questions about the 2010 Census.

Provided services will include screenings, education, and/or referrals for the following items:

• Assistance with Prescription Medicines
• Children’s Health Insurance Enrollment (LaCHIP)
• HIV/AIDS
• Eye Exams
• Oral Health
• Mental Health
• Diabetes
• Blood Pressure
• Home Care
• Pregnancy Testing
• Stress Management
• Acupuncture

  For more information about the AAA Health Fair, click here.

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If this issue matters to you, please take a moment to contact Congressman Cao or his staff to say "thank you" for his dedication to the issue of affordable health care for all Louisianans. 

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Senators Need A Push To Pass Health Care Reform Bill

Senators Need A Push To Pass Health Care Reform Bill

Today from MoveOn:

Breaking news: congressional leaders are presenting a new plan to finish comprehensive health care reform—but it's already meeting resistance from some rank-and-file Democrats.¹

News reports say "it's unclear that they will have the votes to move forward."²

So we're launching a massive nationwide call-in effort today to send an overwhelming message to Capitol Hill: giving up on health care reform is not an option. Voters want their elected representatives to stand up and deliver, and the first step is passing real, comprehensive health care reform this year.

We've set a goal of making 45 calls to Senator Mary Landrieu from MoveOn members in New Orleans today—can you join in?

Here's where to call:

Senator Mary Landrieu
Phone: 202-224-5824

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSLA_1&cp_id=1237&id=18719-17452410-veyD4cx&t=1

Thanks for all you do.

Update: We called Senator Landrieu's office today and - Hallelujah! - we got through! The Senator's aide stated that "as of right now, Senator Landrieu is all in" to support the bill.  But don't let that keep you from calling...remember, the Senator withheld her support until virtually the last minute, so she needs to know that you want her to stick with it!

National Folic Acid Week

National Folic Acid Week

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has posted the following information on National Folic Acid Week, January 4 - 10. It's no "Talk Like A Pirate Day," but I suppose it's still a worthwhile effort. So if you or someone you know has a bun in the proverbial oven, take a look:

NATIONAL FOLIC ACID AWARENESS WEEK IS JANUARY 4-10, 2010

LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITALS STATES,
IT TAKES A HEALTHY WOMAN TO PRODUCE A HEALTHY BABY
Folic Acid Taken Daily -One Year Before Pregnancy Greatly Improves Birth Outcome


Baton Rouge, LA – In efforts to increase the awareness of Folic Acid, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals stresses the importance for women to be healthy prior to pregnancy and how Folic Acid can help. The risk of birth defects can be reduced by nearly 70% if a woman consumes at least 400 micrograms of Folic Acid a day. Women who consume the recommended amount of Folic Acid supplement daily, one year before pregnancy occurs are shown to have fewer complications, in terms of preterm birth, low birth weight and birth defects, Folic Acid may also reduce their risk of miscarriage. Neural Tube Defects are birth defects effecting the spine and brain and typically occur in the first 28 days of pregnancy – before most women even know they are pregnant. In addition to these compelling reductions in risk, Folic Acid benefits the mother by strengthening skin, hair and nails, as it allows cells to rapidly reproduce, helping our bodies repair themselves faster.

According to Louisiana data, nearly 70% of women reported that they heard or read that taking folic acid can help prevent some birth defects and yet only 30% of these women admitted to taking folic acid daily in the month before their pregnancy. To help address this gap, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals offers folic acid vitamins to all of its family planning clients in parish health units statewide.

“Our goal is to make people to understand that it takes more than 9 months to have a healthy baby. Women in their childbearing years should begin taking Folic Acid at least one year prior to pregnancy,” says Dr. Joan Wightkin ,Maternal and Child Health Administrator for the Office of Public Health. Dr. Wightkin continues “Being healthy and prepared in the years preceding a pregnancy greatly increases the chances of having a healthy baby.”

Where can Folic Acid be found? Vitamin supplements are a great way to get the recommended daily amounts of Folic Acid, however, another source is a vast array of delicious foods. It is found in fruits such as oranges and bananas, veggies such as broccoli, spinach, kale and asparagus, dried beans and nuts and many grain products, including fortified cereals.


Partners for Healthy Babies is funded by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, Maternal and Child Health and WIC Programs. The program began because about 10 percent of all babies in Louisiana were born small and weak. These are called low birth weight babies (less than 5.5 pounds) and many of them die before their first birthday. Our goal is to link pregnant women to the services they need to help them be healthy, and have healthy babies. 1-800-251-BABY - www.1800251baby.org

Click on www.1800251BABY.org for the official website and more information.

A Healthy New Year For Louisiana

A Healthy New Year For Louisiana

While we wait and watch to see what Congress will actually decide to put forward in a health insurance reform bill, here are some links to help you keep your families healthy in the coming New Year:

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals:


Anyone wanting to "apply for LaCHIP, LaCHIP affordable, and other Medicaid programs" can go to the Franklinton Health Unit - 120 Eleventh St., Franklinton on December 29, 2009 from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. If you can't attend the program that day, remember you can always apply for Medicaid online.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will be sponsoring free Health Fairs on the North Shore on January 16 and January 23, 2001. Vaccinations for the H1N1/swine flu virus will be available. Click on the dates for more information.

Louisiana Rebuilds - Hospitals and Clinics


Click HERE or see below for a list of health clinics currently operating in the New Orleans area.

Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans

http://www.dcsno.org

The DCSNO offers inexpensive healthcare to residents of the greater New Orleans area. Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance are welcomed. A financial assistance program is available based on income and eligibility. Health centers are located in Carrollton, Metairie, and St. Cecilia on Rampart. Services offered include primary care, chronic illness care, behavioral and mental health services, and pharmacy services. Visit the website for more information including phone numbers for appointments.  less

Map of Open Clinics

http://www.gnocommunity.org

This online service is dedicated to helping individuals find a quality healthcare center that fits their needs This site lists over 80 healthcare center sites, 40 of which offer primary care services. These centers are funded in part by the Primary Care Access and Stabilization Grant, a program designed to meet the increasing demand for quality healthcare services in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish. Other services include mental health and substance abuse services, dental care and more. Individuals can search for healthcare services on the website or call (504) 872-0750.  less

Tulane Community Health Clinic Mobile Units

http://www.gnomobileunits.org/tchmobile.html

Updated

Tulane Community Health On the Road offers comprehensive primary care and behavioral health services to children and adults in a mobile setting to meet each neighborhood’s unique needs. Services are provided irrespective of insurance status or ability to pay. Services include comprehensive primary care, women’s health, blood pressure and diabetes management, health education, health screenings, Medicaid enrollment and case management. In additional to its regular schedule, the mobile unit also provides services during health fairs and community events.

The units are stationed regularly in Gentilly, Algiers, Westwego, Central City, and Mid City. Click the link for locations and schedules. Call (504) 994.0054 for more information.  less

Tulane Community Health Center at Covenant House

http://www.tucovenanthealthcenter.org/

Updated

The Tulane Community Health Center at Covenant House offers healthcare services, mental health counseling, reproductive health services, and geriatrics care. Medical services are available Mon & Thurs from 8am to 7pm and Tues, Wed & Fri from 8am to 5pm. Call 504-988-3000 for more information or to make an appointment.  less

Excelth, Inc. Primary Care Mobile Medical Unit

http://www.gnomobileunits.org/excelth.html

The Excelth Mobile Medical Unit provides pediatric and adult primary care, women's health, podiatry, behavioral health, case management, care management, medication assistance, Free HIV counseling and testing, focusing on the uninsured and underinsured. Once initial services are provided, patients are linked to a Medical Home with an assigned, consistent, provider within the network which includes Daughters of Charity and New Orleans Health Department clinics (fixed sites).

The unit is stationed regularly in Gentilly, New Orleans East, and the Lower 9th Ward. Click the link for locations and schedules. Call (504) 444.7071 for more information.  less

Free Prenatal Care - Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center

http://www.gnomobileunits.org/docmobile.html

The Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center offers prenatal services to women throughout the community. There are two units in the Greater New Orleans area to serve the needs of the uninsured and underinsured. Prenatal care is available for everyone regardless of your ability to pay. Services include regular prenatal visits with a nurse midwife, lab-work, and health education including topics such as vitamins, and folic acid, other important health information. The mobile unit is stationed regularly in Kenner, Mid-City, Arabi, Chalmette, Central City, and the Lower 9th Ward. Click the link for locations and schedules. Call (504) 231.8193 for more information.  less

LSU Neighborhood Health Clinics (.pdf)

http://www.lsuhospitals.org/Documents/community-clinics.final.v6.pdf

These LSU community health clinics located throughout New Orleans offer comprehensive primary health care and access to specialty care with an emphasis on prevention. Download the .pdf for clinic locations, contact information, and type of care offered.

The Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic

http://www.l9whc.org/

This clinic at 5228 St. Claude Ave. offers healthcare services in the Lower Ninth Ward. Walk-in hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8am-4:30pm; Tuesday, 10am-6pm. Appointments only on Fridays. Starting June 1, 2008, the clinic will use a sliding fee scale for payment of services; however, no one will be turned away. Call 504-309-0918 for more information.  less

St. Anna’s Medical Mission

http://www.gnomobileunits.org/stannamed_sched.html

St. Anna’s Mobile Medical Unit travels to various areas in and around New Orleans to provide healthcare to vulnerable populations, with a focus on uninsured, homeless, and immigrant adults. The unit serves the Treme Neighborhood, the St. Roch area, the Lower 9th Ward, 7th Ward, Downtown, Metairie, and Arabi.

Click the link for locations and schedules. Call (504) 232.4403 for more information.  less

Louisiana Spirit’s directory of free and low-cost resources and services listed by parish

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/publications.asp?ID=231&Detail=2468

Find information for recovery and urgent needs resources such as free food and clothing, healthcare, senior services, and shelters is available on the Louisiana Spirit website. Visit the website to choose a parish and access a list of resources in that area.

Louisiana Spirit also has a toll free number with crisis counselors that can make over-the-phone referrals for services and counseling help. Call 1-800-273-8255.

In This Together, Inc.

http://www.inthistogetherinc.org/index.html

ITT was formed in late 2004 to address health disparities with an emphasis on the Treme' area. ITT's initial focus has been in the area of HIV/AIDS. The clinic provides HIV Case Management, and housing locater assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. It is an active LA Medicaid application site.
1661 Canal Street, Suite 3107
504-962-3245  less

Take Charge: Free Family Planning Services

http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/?ID=291

Free family planning services are available to uninsured women ages 19-44 who do not have Medicaid and want to avoid unintended pregnancy. The program is available through Lousiana Family Planning Waiver Services. For more information, call 877-252-2447 or visit the website.  less

New Orleans Musician's Clinic

http://www.neworleansmusiciansclinic.org/index.php

The New Orleans Musicians Clinic offers free healthcare services and prescriptions to local musicians. The clinic is located at 2820 Napoleon Avenue, Suite 890 in New Orleans. Call (504) 412-1366 for information or an appointment.  less

Louisiana Public Dental Clinics

http://www.lsusd.lsuhsc.edu/LSUSDClinics.html

A listing of public dental clinics compiled by the LSU School of Dentistry. Also see their student clinics  less

"Smile Again New Orleans" Mobile Dental Van

http://www.gnomobileunits.org/lsumobile.html

“Smile Again, New Orleans” is a HRSA Special Project of National Significance (SPNS) initiative to provide oral health care services to the HIV positive population of Greater New Orleans on a mobile dental van . It is a collaborative effort with the LSU School of Dentistry, MCLNO, and the HIV Outpatient Program/HOP. Partners include the NO/AIDS Task Force and N`R Peace. The “Smile Again, New Orleans” clinical team consists of a dentist and a dental assistant that provides oral healthcare services in two chairs on the mobile van.

Diagnostic services, preventative services, and simple restorative procedures are provided, and referrals are available for complicated restorative. The mobile dental van will travel to sites identified as having a significant population of those that are HIV positive and in need of oral health care services.

The van is regularly stationed in Downtown/Mid-City and New Orleans East. Click the link for locations and schedules. Call (504) 292.2519 for more information. 

If you need help finding the right resource to meet your needs, you can dial "211" from any land line phone. 211 is a 24 hour non-emergency information and referral service, providing comprehensive community resource information and referrals. Counselors can provide referrals for food banks, utility assistance programs, medical care, job training, elder care, disability assistance, after-school programs, tutoring, and more. If you don't have a land line, you can call the numbers below.

New Orleans
800-749-2673

Baton Rouge
877-923-2114

Lake Charles
866-310-4636

Lafayette
866-778-2618

Shreveport
866-823-9615

Monroe
800-644-9886  less

Here's wishing all Louisianans a happy, healthy new year!