an email from OBAMA

[Jennifer51]

A member of this forum asked for support in contacting OBAMA with regard to ALS. Since we have an american address and pay taxes, I registered. I got an update from OBAMAS office this morning. It might be of interest to you all over there. There is a llink for anyone to join for more updates with proposed healthcare issues

Good afternoon,

You are receiving this email because you signed up at WhiteHouse.gov. My staff and I plan to use these messages as a way to directly communicate about important issues and opportunities, and today I have some encouraging updates about health care reform.

The Vice President and I just met with leaders from the House of Representatives and received their commitment to pass a comprehensive health care reform bill by July 31.

We also have an unprecedented commitment from health care industry leaders, many of whom opposed health reform in the past. Monday, I met with some of these health care stakeholders, and they pledged to do their part to reduce the health care spending growth rate, saving more than two trillion dollars over the next ten years -- around $2,500 for each American family. Then on Tuesday, leaders from some of America's top companies came to the White House to showcase innovative ways to reduce health care costs by improving the health of their workers.

Now the House and Senate are beginning a critical debate that will determine the health of our nation's economy and its families. This process should be transparent and inclusive and its product must drive down costs, assure quality and affordable health care for everyone, and guarantee all of us a choice of doctors and plans.

Reforming health care should also involve you. Think of other people who may want to stay up to date on health care reform and other national issues and tell them to join us here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/EmailUpdates

Health care reform can't come soon enough. We spend more on health care than any country, but families continue to struggle with skyrocketing premiums and nearly 46 million are without insurance entirely. It is a priority for the American people and a pillar of the new foundation we are seeking to build for our economy.

We'll continue to keep you posted about this and other important issues.

Thank you,
Barack Obama

P.S. If you'd like to get more in-depth information about health reform and how you can participate, be sure to visit http://www.HealthReform.gov.

 

[Maureen]

Thank you

Thanx for this info. Yet another good reference provided by a member:-D of this site. Way to go!

 

[JamesMcC]

Thanks J for emailing him.

 

[grantst44]

It's nice that the WH responded to you but it really didn't say anything about ALS. Actually, one of the problems with nationalized healthcare is that people with diseases like ALS will be considered last for treatment, if any. If you read what it says they want to reduce spending and they also are working to have Americans health recorded on electronic medical records. I personally do not want the government to have access to my health records and make the decision whether I get to live or die or what kind of treatment I deserve. Sorry to bring the rain down but I don't think you really want government like medicaid or medicare taking care of you. Try to find a doctor who will take govt insurance. There are very few. You would be better off going to free/near free clinics which we do have in America.

 

[DgtofTNfan]

Grants44,
I have to disagree on 2 points.

1) Computerized documentation has its merits, especially for complicated cases such as ALS. Each specialist you see will have access to labs, scans and tests you have had as well copies of consults and hospital admissions. This will greatly improve obtaining history information through universal terminology but would also be cost effective in that doctors would not (ideally) repeat expensive testing or wait for the patient to go get a release signed and bring them copies of previous testing.

2) If you have ALS and have Medicare and Medicaid, you are better insured than most in this country. I would be hard pressed to find a doctor that did not accept Medicare, it would be hard to maintain a practice without it. Medicaid may be a different story though.

Many Americans are anxiously awaiting what decisions will be made about our healthcare system. Just reading the posts on this forum between UK, Canada and the US, there are advantages and disadvantages of each.

Respectfully,
Dana

 

[Lorie]

Grant

I agree with you in some ways. On the other hand. Tim has Medicare and Medicaid. I have not had any problem with using any Doctors. A matter of fact. He has had some of the best in my opinion. Thank God!

 

[grantst44]

You both have good points but private healthcare already mandates electronic medical records. So it is an ongoing record with followup for each doctor, treatment, test, x-rays, etc. I work at a medical school which follows these procedures and also gives free/or sliding scale fee based on income.. healthcare with good doctors. If you can get the care you deserve through Medicare/caid without supplental insurance, that is wonderful.