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High school essay contact explores 'future of health care in Southeast Michigan'
It's a tall order for health professionals, much less high school students. But the Health Authority has put out a challenge to area high school students to envision our local health care system of the future. With heath care reform debated in Washington and Lansing,the Health Authority is asking 11th and 12th grade students to offer their insight into this process. To that end, the topic was given, "If you were in Congress, what would you do to achieve access to health care for all?"
It's hoped that the contest will spark an interest in the health care debate and also develop ideas from young minds who want to pursue a career in health care or public service or the health field. While young people are understandably concerned about sports, popular culture, social activities, and college, we hope that prompting them to think about health care will help direct them to a health career.
The contest winner will received $500 and the two runners up will each receive $150. All three essays will be posted on the Health Authority website and be invited to receive their prizes at the Safety Net Summit at Ford Field on Thursday, February 11, 2010. For more details, please visit www.dwcha.org or contact Andrew Prichard at 313-871-3751. |
Health Authority follows First Lady's lead on anti-obesity initiative
Childhood obesity is on the rise, nationwide, and First Lady Michelle Obama addressed this issue at the U.S. Conference of Mayors stating that no matter how much she read on the subject, the statistics "never fail to take my breath away". Moreover, if Americans continue on the path they are presently taking, in 10 years, 50 percent of all Americans will be obese!
With hectic work schedules, low priced fast food, considerably higher prices of organic foods, and bad habits, it's not surprising why Americans choose a quick fix for hunger rather than methodically planning healthy meals. Detroit/Wayne County has one of the largest percentages of obese people in the nation. Adults are poor teachers when they take children to fast food restaurants for fried chicken, burgers, pizza or tacos, rather than taking them to the market to buy fresh produce, or cooking a wholesome meal. The First Lady is challenging cities across American to fight childhood obesity and mayors of major cities are answering the call. The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority is taking her lead in promoting obesity awareness and prevention in its community outreach work. This region must find ways to interest children and also enlighten parents to life style changes in order to combat obesity. The Health Authority's Community Outreach staff is in the planning stages of spring sports physicals for all students to measure their health and avoid adult diseases that are becoming common amongst children. Other obesity awareness and promotion projects are planned.
Obesity is related to several chronic diseases and is preventable by choice of habit. This is everyone's fight and the Health Authority is prepared to work with health care, civic, and elected officials to strategize how to best help our community become healthy and long-living adults.
For more on the First Lady's obesity campaign, visit: www.chicagobreakingnews.com
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COBRA Premium Reduction extension announced
Editor's note: The following announcement was released in December by Phyllis C. Borzi, Assistant Secretary of Employee Benefits Security Administration regarding the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the recent extension of thepremium reduction under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"I am pleased Congress has acted and the President has signed the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act. The act extends the eligibility period for the COBRA premium reduction for an additional two months (through Feb. 28, 2010) and the maximum period for receiving the subsidy for an additional six months (from nine to 15 months). Millions of unemployed Americans and their families will be better able to afford and keep their health benefit coverage because of this new law.
"Individuals who had reached the end of the reduced premium period before the legislation extended it to 15 months will have additional time to pay the reduced premiums related to the extension. To continue their coverage they must pay the 35 percent of premium costs by (60 days after date of enactment) or, if later, 30 days after notice of the extension is provided by their plan administrator.
"We encourage you to subscribe to our COBRA Web site, www.dol.gov/cobra, to get information on new notice requirements, updated guidance, fact sheets, and frequently asked questions as they become available.
"Individuals should contact their plan or health insurance provider for information regarding the extension under their health plan. If you need further assistance contact an EBSA Benefits Advisor toll-free at 1-866-444-3272."
U.S. Department of Labor news releases are accessible on the Department's Newsroom page. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202.693.7828 or TTY 202.693.7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department's Compliance Assistance page. |
Medicaid Health Plans and Federally Qualified Health Clinics Update Meeting
The Health Authority will host a meeting of the Medicaid health plans and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committee on Monday, Feb. 8, 1-2:30 p.m. to discuss progress of the initiative to move more Medicaid patients seen in FQHCs and to determine a uniform monthly reporting process to track the number of Medicaid patients being referred to FQHCs. Cheryl Bupp, Director, Comprehensive Health Plan Division, Michigan Department of Community Health, will provide an update from the state. To RSVP, contact Marcia Hendrick at mhendrick@dwcha.org. |
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NY Times editorial looks at the Medicaid dilemma
Since the election of Sen. Scott Brown in Massachusetts to replace the late Senator Edward Kennedy on Jan. 12, as much analysis has been spent on health care reform as it has on the huge loss for the Democrats after holding the seat for 47 years by Sen. Kennedy. That being said, no one knows for certain the direction of health care reform as the Senate reconvenes with their newest member, Sen. Brown, a Republican, but there is no doubt that most are waiting with baited breath for a health care bill that will strive to conform to the needs of Americans as well as plans for economic recovery.
As we follow this issue on a non-partisan basis, we wanted to share some editorials that address concerns that directly impact the mission of the Health Authority. The attached link is an editorial from the Jan. 10 edition of the New York Times addressing the state of Medicaid.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/opinion/10sun1.html?scp=1&sq=Health%20Reform,%20the%20States%20and%20Medicaid&st=cse | |
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