Over 20 Women's Voices members and friends joined nearly 200 St. Louis area residents on Wednesday morning, January 16 at Kirkwood Baptist Church to voice support for the expansion of Medicaid in Missouri.
Dr. Scott Stearman, Senior Pastor at Kirkwood Baptist Church welcomed everyone saying that expanding health care was an issue of such importance that he had no hesitation offering his church as the location for the Press Conference.
"Missouri has one of the stingiest Medicaid programs in the country, " said Dr. Sidney Watson, Professor of Law at St. Louis University Center for Health Law Studies one of 6 speakers at the event. "A single parent earning $292 a month working 10 hours a week has too much income to qualify under the current system. If you work, you can't get Medicaid. " She explained that expanding the program would allow 255,000 working families to receive Medicaid benefits. "If we don't expand Medicaid it will be hard for people, stress our economy and stress our hospitals. Expanding Medicaid is good for the economy, good for jobs. It is the smart thing to do."
Expanding Medicaid is also the right thing to do, according to Megan Burke, Senior Policy Analyst for Paraquad. It will reduce barriers to the disabled giving them the freedom to live independently. She told of a disabled man, a single father raising his children and unable to stay on Medicaid if he earned more than $792 a month. "Choosing between caring for his family or purchasing medicine should not be his only option. The safety net is not so safe; the net has holes," said Ms. Burke. "Missouri can be better."
Judy Bentley, Founder/CEO of CHIPS (Community Health-In-Partnership Services) began her free clinic 20 years ago and finds it heartbreaking that the free clinic is still a necessity. "We sent our legislators to Jeff City to take care of us. It is time they do it!" she exclaimed.
A client at CHIPS, Yvonne Samuel, told of working for 29 years at The Post- Dispatch before taking early retirement. A two time cancer survivor now with no insurance she can no longer choose her hospitals and doctors. She may be turned away for lack of insurance. For her, "Medicaid is a gift I cannot open." She says, "I want a gift I can open." Medicaid expansion would be that gift.
James Shortall, diagnosed with a mental illness, has lost his job, can't afford insurance and is not currently eligible for Medicaid. He also takes care of his disabled son. Medicaid expansion "will help me and help my son," he explained.
The clients at Grace Hill Community Health Center, "are not trying to get a free ride from taxpayers," said Judith Gallagher, Nurse Practitioner. "They are taxpayers."
Rabbi Susan Talve, Central Reform Congregation, closed the press conference by saying that money from the federal government to fund Medicaid is our tax money and we Missourians want Medicaid expansion, "right now!"
Attending the event was Festus resident, and Women's Voices member, Bunnie Gronborg who said she drove to Kirkwood because she has had hard working family members and friends who have been seriously ill, without insurance, who could have been helped by expanded Medicaid. She agreed that Medicaid expansion "makes economic sense, and to those of us who see health care as a moral imperative, it makes moral sense."
Organizers of the press conference were members of a state wide coalition representing over 20 organizations. Women's Voices is a member of the coalition. Similar events were held in Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri.
The coalition website is http://www.momedicaidcoalition.org,
and you can follow the coalition on Facebook.
Medicaid Expansion: Will Missouri Measure Up?
A major part of the Affordable Care Act calls for states to expand their Medicaid programs to cover more low-income residents. Missouri does not have a good track record when it comes to making Medicaid more available. Some of our state legislators have already indicated that they have no intention of extending coverage, even though the Federal Government will cover 100 percent of the expansion cost for several years.
Members of Women's Voices believe that all Missourians should have access to quality, affordable health care, and that expanding Medicaid is the right thing to do. Here's why:
Beginning in 2014, Medicaid expansion in Missouri would provide health care coverage to as many as 308,000 Missourians.
If Missouri does NOT expand Medicaid, most of our 308,000 low income state residents would have no health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
The Affordable Care Act would provide 100 percent of the funding for the expansion until 2017.
Between 2017 and 2019, Missouri would begin to pick up some of the cost of coverage. In 2020, federal financing would cover 90 percent of the cost, and Missouri 10 percent.
Missouri's cost for the expanded coverage will be offset by the savings from uncompensated care. The state will no longer need to help hospitals with the cost of care they provide to uninsured patients who can't pay for the services they receive. .
Federal financing will have a significant positive impact on the health care industry in the state as well as the economy in general.
WV President Speaks Out On Health Care
The recent election cycle featured numerous comments about "keeping government out of health care." But what does this really mean? Women's Voices President Mary Clemons pondered this in a letter to the editor of the Webster-Kirkwood Times, which was published on Nov. 16. Following is the text of the letter:
Stream & Government Out Of Health Care?
I read with interest the Nov. 9 article, "Stream over Lavender in Close Rep. Race" in which it is reported that "...Stream said he feels the government needs to be kept out of health care as much as possible."
I am unsure what Rep. Stream means. Does he mean keep government out of my Medicare? Medicare has provided quality services to all of us 65 and older and to those disabled and unable to work
Does he mean keep government out of Medicaid? Without Medicaid our working poor would have no routine medical care. Without Medicaid many of our nursing homes and care centers would close their doors.
Does he mean keep government from paying for our federally-funded health care centers? Without these centers our low-income neighbors would receive no ongoing care for chronic problems.
Does he mean keep government from helping hospitals by providing funds for uncompensated care?
Does he mean keep government from providing health care for our veterans, those who fought for our country?
Or does he mean he wants no government interference with our private, for-profit insurance companies - companies that until the government "interfered," denied insurance for pre-existing conditions, denied coverage to women for pregnancy, and have typically spent more than 15 percent of their premiums on salaries and compensation for their executives while increasing premiums without notice?
Or does he mean keep our state government out of the business of requiring a health insurance exchange that would allow small businesses and individuals to compare policies and choose one that meets their needs? With that "solution," we will now have the federal government plan our insurance exchange.
Who we really need to keep out of health care are legislators who obstruct needed health care reform instead of working and compromising to see that the system works for us all.
Mary Clemons, President
Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice
What's Next For Health Care In The U.S.?
Even though the Patient Protection and Affordable Care act was passed and the re-election of President Barack Obama assured that many of its provisions will be implemented, the path to providing all Americans with easy access to quality, affordable health care remains uncertain.
On Nov. 14, 2012, Women's Voices members Joyce Clark, Mary Clemons and Bunnie Gronborg participated in a conference call sponsored by Faithful Reform in Health Care, a national organization. One of the call leaders was Amy Smoucha, a Women's Voices member who is now a field organizer for Families USA in Washington, D.C
According to Smoucha, the first hurdle to full implementation of the ACA will be at the national level. Medicaid and Medicare are vulnerable to possible cuts in the upcoming budget talks, as are tax credits designed to help subsidize health insurance for low income individuals and small businesses.
Smoucha urged all call participants to call or write their U.S. representatives and senators and tell them that Medicaid is a lean, efficient program. Legislators should be reminded that most seniors are not wealthy people; almost half of Medicare recipients live on less than $22,000 a year. Legislators who supported the Affordable Care Act should be thanked and reminded that reducing the benefits of the program is not in our best interest. They also need to know that tax credits are essential when insurance exchanges are in place, so eligible individuals and small businesses can purchase affordable insurance.
Members of Women's Voices believe that America thrives when we have a strong, healthy middle class. When our working families can go to the doctor when they are sick, they are productive members of society. They keep our businesses strong, and provide a brighter future for our children. Seniors have worked hard and deserve a Medicare program that provides quality care with choices that help keep them in their own homes. Seniors and the disabled deserve the improved Medicare program under the Affordable Care Act that closes the donut hole, provides wellness exams and free preventive services.
There will be more hurdles along the path to securing health reform in America. Members of Women's Voices are determined to continue to work on these issues.
Stay tuned to learn how, and then join us!
Women's Voices President Responds To Governor's Comment
Just hours after the U. S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, WV President Mary Clemons fired off a letter to the editor of several state-wide newspapers. Within minutes of receiving her e-mailed letter, the editors of the Kansas City Star and the Springfield News Leader contacted her to let her know they would be publishing the letter.
In case you missed it, here it is:
Missouri's Governor: On The Wrong Side Of The Law
Recently Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon was quoted as saying, "I think I've been pretty clear...that the health insurance mandate is not something that I think is a good thing." And when questioned later about his comment he went on to confirm that belief. It is now clear that he is on the wrong side of the law.
Now that the individual insurance mandate has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court, it is time for our Governor to stand on the side of Missourians and be a voice of support for implementing the Affordable Care Act, the law of the land.
It IS good for Missouri to have:
a health care law that provides subsidies to low income citizens to purchase health insurance;
a law that will create insurance exchanges making it possible for individuals and small businesses to purchase affordable insurance;
a law that helps our seniors with prescription drug costs; a law that protects families from being denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions;
a law that ends the gender gap and gives women equal access to health insurance;
a law that allows everyone to receive preventive services with no co-pay;
a law that keeps young adults on their parents' policies until they reach 26;
and a law that protects us from excessive insurance rate increases.
What would be also good for Missouri is having our Governor speak out in support of access to quality, affordable health care for all our citizens.
Health Care Panelists Tell Their Stories to Secretary Sebelius
The benefits that accrue to older Americans from the two-year-old Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act were outlined in detail on Monday, March 19, when Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, listened to a panel of St. Louis residents.
One of the six panelists was Women's Voices President Mary Clemons, who outlined the many preventive services she has received, with no co-pays, since the Act was implemented. Thanks to the new legislation, Medicare now covers a number preventive services, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and bone density testing, free of charge. Clemons also described the advantages of a free annual wellness visit with her physician and the benefits of having a "medical home," which the Act encourages.
Other panelists who told their stories to Secretary Sebelius were Rona McNally, project director for the Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol; Dr. William Fogarty, a retired internist; Carol Weidner, whose health problems and expensive medications forced her to fall into the "doughnut hole" of the current prescription drug plan; Fritzi Lainoff, who has benefited from the 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D, and Amy DeWein, a pharmacist who founded the Senior RXAccess Program which serves older adults in community, homebound and independent-living settings.
The program was sponsored by the Missouri Alliance for Retired Americans. According to Judith Parker, panel moderator, the purpose of the event was to focus on "real people who have had real contact with the Affordable Care Act." Millions of Americans have already benefitted from the legislation and Medicare has actually gotten stronger as a result of it, Parker said.
"Since the health care law took effect, people across the country have started to see its benefits in their own lives," Secretary Sebelius said. "And that is especially true for seniors, who continue to save money and see a stronger Medicare program because of the law."
Members of Women's Voices have been working for health care reform and access to quality, affordable health care for all since the organization was founded in 2005.
Members Testify At Hearing on Insurance Rate Review
Women's Voices member Sue Bohm presented testimony at the hearing of the Missouri House of Representatives Health Insurance Committee. She told her personal story of exorbitant health insurance premiums and showed the increases over a four-year period.
Read Sue's testimony here.
Member Sidney Watson, professor of Health Law at St. Louis University, presented testimony as an expert witness.
Members Testify At Senate Hearing
Nine members of Women's Voices turned out to support the planning, funding and implementation of a health insurance exchange in Missouri when the state Senate Interim Committee on Health Insurance Exchanges met in St. Charles on Nov. 10.
Sue Bohm told of paying $18,000 a year for individual insurance policies for her family of four, and stated that she has just learned the premium next year will reach $21,000. Barbara Richter told of her problems in negotiating for insurance for employees when she and her husband had a small business. An exchange would have helped her find the best policy without having to go from company to company and agent to agent before purchasing a plan that she didn't understand and that ultimately did not provide the services her employees needed. Mary Clemons spoke on behalf of all of the women in Women's Voices. Read their remarks here.
Sidney Watson, Women's Voices member and professor of law, Center for Health Law Studies, St. Louis University, told the committee why Missouri should set up its own exchange rather than allow the federal government to create one under the Affordable Care Act. Members Amy Smoucha and Stacey Sickler were responsible for the large number of attendees at this hearing. There was standing room only, and it was estimated that 75 percent of those in attendance were supportive of the ACA and Missouri implementing health insurance exchanges. Members Joyce Clark, Bunnie Gronborg and Jeanne Bubb also attended the hearing. Of the 37 people who testified, only seven were opposed to creating a health exchange in Missouri.
You Can Help Move The Affordable Care Act Forward
Women's Voices has joined 130 other organizations by endorsing the Missouri Health Care for All principles affirming that every Missourian should have access to quality, affordable health care, no matter where they live or how much money they make.
Women's Voices is advocating for two important provisions of the Affordable Care Act. One is the development of an insurance marketplace (health exchange) where individuals and small businesses can compare and choose health insurance policies that fit their needs. Another is the creation of a rate review process for Missouri which would give consumers the ability to easily compare insurance premiums offered by all carriers.
Here are ways you can help:
Numbers Count - Endorse Our Principles
Legislators can be influenced if they know that tens of thousands of Missourians stand for health care justice. We want you to add your name to those of the 7,400 individuals who have endorsed the Missouri Health Care for All principles. Read the principles, and if you agree, you can add your endorsement by clicking the link on that page.
Stoies Speak - Tell Us Yours
Has a member of your family been eagerly awaiting turning 65 to become eligible for Medicare? Is the deductible or co-pay (or both) so high on your health insurance that you put off going to the doctor? Are you thrilled that your grandchild with a medical condition who is in his early 20s is now able to stay on his parents' insurance? Tell us your experience with the health care system and what you think needs to be fixed.
The Women's Voices Health Care Advocacy group is collecting stories relating to problems with health insurance, such as rate increases, huge premiums and high deductibles which have interfered with your ability to secure affordable, quality health care. These stories will be used by Missouri Health Care For All, Jobs With Justice, and other groups when advocating for implementation of the new health care law, the Affordable Care Act.
Contact us at with "Health Story" in the subject line (or print this form and send it to the address at the bottom of the form), and we will arrange a time to talk with you. We will then put your account into a narrative form for use on a website or in a publication. We may also use it as testimony for legislative hearings or public meetings. After talking with us, you can choose whether to have your name made public or to remain anonymous when your story is released.
If you don't have a personal story, you may have a friend or relative who does. Please urge them to share their story with us.
With your stories, the organizations on the ground will have the tools they need to demand quality health care for us all.
Presentations on the Affordable Care Act
Over the last year members of the Women's Voices Health Care Advocacy Committee have coordinated power point presentations for groups interested in learning about the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Participants in the programs were pleased to learn how the new law affects them and their families. Their questions were answered by expert presenters from Missouri Health Care For All, Jobs With Justice, or the Missouri Foundation for Health. Several more presentations have been scheduled for the fall of 2011.
To request a presentation for your group send an email to
,
and a member of our committee will contact you.
Questions about the Health Care Act?
These documents show how the law affects us all and what it means for children, seniors, workers, small businesses and more. You can also see a time line of when some of the important changes will take effect.
This short, animated movie — featuring the “YouToons” — explains the problems with the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming in 2014.
Written and produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Narrated by Cokie Roberts, a news commentator for ABC News and NPR and a member of Kaiser’s Board of Trustees. Creative production and animation by Free Range Studios.
If you are interested in becoming involved in any of our advocacy efforts, email us at .
"Unlike other advanced countries, we treat access to health care as a privilege rather than a right. This attitude turns out to be inefficient as well as cruel." ... Paul Krugman
