Saturday, April 23, 2011

MEDICARE and FALSE RECORDS WRONG TREATMENT MORE

MEDICARE AND YOU

1. Tell me if you are sure the amount of money the Government has taken from the top is correct?

2. Tell me, did you know why you doctor said he takes no more patients?

3. Have you checked your bills lately and compare them to the doctors report? Well you had better because I know they are full of add ons. Things you never did have done are listed on your record. I can prove it.

4. Do you ask for your records after each appointment. Do it now.

5. If you do not receive on within four days, call, and another four days, call. They give excuses that aren't REAL.

6. Did you know you were taken during the Bush years on a plan that never did work right, and now, what do you do but spend thousands to get paid for drugs which may never have cost that much to begin with.

7. You could be dying but on medicare Health is nothing, your old, you lived, let them wait... besides they need approval from someone who is sitting behind a desk, who never saw you, who never smiled at you when you walked in the room.

8. YOU MUST BE CAREFUL doctors and surgeons who look after medicare patients never do enough work up like larger non government insurance. Ask them why? Ask them about the tests you use to get and now they are not part of your normal routine. This has happened to others, it will happen to you.

Add what ever is bothing you to this blog. Thanks, Nancy

Saturday, January 8, 2011

A Letter to me from a friend, concerning Giffords Shooting

Dear Nancy,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you about the senseless violence in Tucson today, where a gunman attacked Cong. Gabby Giffords, her staff, and constituents at a public event. As I write, we know that at least one member of Congresswoman Giffords' staff, as well as a young child and other bystanders, were killed in the cold-blooded attack, and Congresswoman Giffords is fighting for her life, following a bullet entering her brain at close range.

Our hearts break for Gabby, her husband Mark Kelly, and her children and family, and we send our thoughts and prayers to Gabby and her family as they endure this tragic experience. I know, because I have read your emails and letters about her, how inspired you all have been by Gabby. She blazed into our lives as the youngest woman ever elected to the Arizona State Senate, and we all rejoiced with her when she won a congressional seat that had been held by Republicans for twenty years. Just a few months ago, we asked for your help as Giffords ran for re-election against tough headwinds -- and with your help, Gabby persevered. We hope and pray she will persevere now, and we ask that you keep Gabby, her family, and the other victims of today's tragic violence in your thoughts and prayers, too.

When the shots were fired, Gabby was doing the job she'd been elected to do. She was meeting with the families she is privileged to represent in Washington and finding out how she could best serve them. And that's who she is -- a dedicated public servant, a fighter for families in Arizona and beyond, and a roll-up-your-sleeves kind of leader.

We may never be able to make sense of the violence today. But I hope we recognize that violence, or threats of violence, or invitations to commit violence against those who serve in government have no place in the political rhetoric of a free and democratic country. Today, I'm reminded of our responsibility to love our neighbors, and to take care of each other.

Those who serve, like Gabby, stand as reminders of our democratic tradition and our insistence on fair representation. In the face of violence, we at EMILY's List stand committed to continued service, and to a country that decries violence and embraces steadfast leadership like that of Cong. Giffords. At this time, we are grateful for the powerful community of EMILY's List members, and we ask that you continue to send your thoughts and prayers to Cong. Gabby Giffords today and in the days to come.

Sincerely,


Stephanie Schriock
President

Griffin Shot and Health Care Pending in Congress. Why?

HEALTH CARE IS CAUSING ANGER AROUND THE COUNTRY

Congresswoman G. Griffin was gravely shot, point blank, to the head, and the count continues as a man using a high powered rifle went on a rampage at a scheduled event in AZ. this morning, 10 am, their time.

Was I surprised? I am always surprised when someone can take another life, but when I think about Health Care in this Country, the land of the free, I can understand anger when it comes to health care and what has happened in one short year. Anyone, hurt, injured or killed over issues such as this, I will pray for, that she lives, since she knew of the pain and suffering happening in America. My prayers go to her, and her family, may the Congresswoman live, and continue to serve her constituients.

Was I surprised? The pressing subject is Health Care Reform, and the signing planned for this bill this coming week. Most people believed health care reform would help individuals, give them what they needed when it came to quality care, proper care with doctors, medical needs, medications, and all physical care. Unfortunately this has not been the case. When one perceives this essential and important vote come to be, and you are the irritated, angry exasperated, irate individual - your mind can snap. Was this planned? We will not know for some time.

Was I surprised? When you hear evidence on and on of no change, no change but for the worse regarding health care, I guess I knew something had to happen, it's unfortunate this young new generation congresswoman had to be the target of anger.

Over the years I have worked on health care reform when things were not as bad as they are today, today when things should be getting better. Today when we see as Americans billions of dollars going to save another country, instead of saving lives here, in our country. Instead of sitting down and finding some solutions which have been mind boggling, and multiplied I believe the first of the year.

During the first of the year one receives not only new health care rules and regulations from their employee due to big business still wanting to get their share of the gold. The first of the year people receive their tax bills, increased no doubt. They begin to understand it's either medication, or food, it is medication or pay the heat bill. In January most bills are flowing threw the mail, landing on the counter following a hard Christmas for families. Following a notice of foreclosure due to the economy. How much can people take? How much can one person take when they search for jobs, and papers have nothing to offer, where once a section for employment was large and took time to read, circle with red pen. Now, these circles are around total amounts when it comes to all the bills and no additional money. Even those on medicare have not had five cent raise in years. These, those elderly who built this country, were proud of where they lived, their families, and their children. Today these people who were once proud are placed in county homes with no care. Left in their of feces to yell for help, to stand, sit, to see sunlight, and if they are lucky enough to be home, they are alone - if a spouse has died first. As they try to find doctors, these once thriving indivduals are turned away because medicare is going broke, the money from medicare is being handed to big business, the bail out. What has happened, Mom and Pop have no care, no doctors, no medication, nothing left but to die.

This is mushrooming now into the baby boomers reaching retirement age. Many of these individuals are not retiring with high pay, they were not those who received a six figure income. They began ideas, while their children ran to prosper, to expand ideas. So the boomers are now facing the same as those who have been on medicare for years. They visit the CVS and find out they have to pay, the first of the year, a payment in full, until they reach a maximum, since even their second insurence carrier has the restrictions, and Medicare came up with a false hope for seniors about six years ago. Where seniors without extra money had to pay out of pocket over 2500 dollars, to even start to receive any benefits for their input into the system. So the boomers are now receiving both health care insurance - medicare which is first since they are no longer working, and their health care from a former employee. Unfortunately, the first of the year they are learning, they don't have a pot of gold, like big business making their own loop holes. One which is covering young children under their plan without their parents being covered first. So now the children of the baby boomers, children, are hurting.

Small business were given hope, and nothing came to be. They were never given any benefits for running a business, covering medical coverage for their workers, let alone their on family. So their young children are not brought to the doctors office when needed for MRI's because, they are not covered. They are not covered for legs? Tell me, how can an insurance company, where their clients are paying thousands and thousands of dollars, and their spouse, increased six hundred dollars, the first of the year. Imagine, your child has injury to their legs, but unfortunately the health care insurance for a small business, is not enough to cover MRIS, not to say the small business of a reputible business isn't covered either, which means, LEGS are not important when it comes to your body? So what do they do, refuse treatment, the doctor doesn't see you, you are in pain, tests are denied, and then the child or adult is growing worse - and their need for medical assistance will only grow, or they will suffer the rest of their life.

There is no reason to shoot anyone, I was one who also was against certain guns allowed to be carried. Hunting is not a high powered machine gun. I will make it known, guns do not belong anywhere around children, far too many accidents happen because children are curious. I hope Congresswoman Griffin survives, and has a wonderful life. I hope she has all it takes to fight for the new generation in congress.

The new generation in congress is one who believes in issues, not in party. But the old GOP and others will not take this announcement. And, they reveal it on all the radio and talk shows who will listen. The newspaperman is looking for the best interview, to fight with the man or woman - who may be voting on a bill that day. It rolls and rolls over and over like a child on grass - tumbling and tumbling until the bottom of the hill has been reached.

The new generation believes they should listen to the people, and what do they hear - the TRUTH. That's what is wrong, the TRUTH. Unfortunate as it is, you can check it out yourself, once they showed the tax on gasoline, but in NY when you fill your tank you receive the total, not broken down, who is getting the extra money... and when the gas hit three dollars, it was hard for young families to survive, like the oldest of the country. Now that it has reached five dollars in some areas, no one is heard, not one newsman has talked about the price rising and rising, and did you walk down the asile for Christmas Cookies this year - those home made you use to make your children, and suddenly, the cost of sugar is in three piles. SUGAR. Why? Did you ever buy a six dollar one ounce bottle of flavoring, for frosting? Six dollars. No one complains. You see, we are not all equal - why, because we are not equal. We have Big Business the winners in the health field. The doctors, less in school, less taking medicare patients, less taking patients at all because they are threatened by the insurance company.

So, all generations are hurt. All individuals are guilty when they continue to make it known their company is increasing costs to those who can hardly breathe at times, and these with long term care, on many expensive drugs are on medicare or medicaid. No one can pay long term care help, 24 hours a day let alone a place to sleep, and drugs to sleep.

What can be done? Who provoked this act - this act which is an issue, one that keeps you and your family alive? What can be done? Who should be irritated but those who worked all their life and have nothing. I will not repeat the above, but think hard.

My feeling, for over eight years we spent at time one billion dollars a day to fight a country to change their practices, their way of life, and what would we do, well - look at it today - congress wants to change our life because the money is going to their re election, not to the people from their district. Not to research for better help, new tests, new surgery, and better doctors. No, the money from the war, is a direct hit on the freedom we have as Americans. Here we are trying to make them a better country when our country is falling apart. This isn't an issue from one side of the asile to the other, it is about politics. Politics and our system needs a complete over haul. We need to listen to those we elect since they have heard the concerns, but then today happens.

Tell me - this shooter isn't going to be the only one. This isn't going to be the end of terror in our own country, because we are now the ones who are losing the game, the war. We are given less, they are getting more. Men are taking trip after trip to kill people, to kill them, not make them better. To bomb, to blast a camp, like we were back during the civil war. It is a civil war, but a war of this century, and last.

I would suggest, as a mother, advocate for health care, quality of care, the right care for seniors and children, and small business. As a mother who worries when a child doesn't get the right treatment because the doctor will cover up the truth - and people like myself with long term care needs, who has found all of the above, part of my life. So as an advocate, I am angry that no one has pressed many of these urgent issues. They accept what they hear until the bills arrive, and then - presto they go crazy, they learn that they lose a job, bill pile up, what do they do, they hear all the noise on the news, who do they go after but those who are suggested the cause of the problem.

Oh yes, I could go on forever. Forever I have been writing and talking, seeking a better way to take care of this country, and this was before this war when we had excess in money, our government was doing great. We weren't paying high prices, and jobs were plenty, so who is to blame... you tell me.

Nancy Duci Denofio

Monday, December 6, 2010

Your Problems Have to be Growing?

Health Care Is it Better?

I have been asking around as a good advocate for the people, wondering where they stand with health care today? Unfortunately, people are not happy, most have found higher costs with medication, even if they are covered by insurance - big business will get their way. They have found higher costs for spouse, and some, are no longer covered with regards to children under 18 if they were on certain programs through a loop hole.

Have you gone into the drugstore to pickup covered medication only to find from month to month the cost grows. Why? It reminds me of the gas in this country - big business - today why do people keep quiet about what is wrong? Why do we not complain about health and its quality, or the cost of gas up to 3.25 a gallon at my corner?

Your comments would be gratefully taken.
Sincerely, Nancy Duci Denofio

Sunday, December 5, 2010

ANTI AGING A TRIP TO THE DRUGSTORE - MORE Magazine

ANTI AGING AND A TRIP TO THE DRUG STORE You look into the mirror and there it is! You really are...

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

PART 4 HEALTH CARE INSURANCE INCREASED PLUS MORE

Candace Jean Sturtevant - Message to me, Nancy Duci Denofio

Well, since I am unemployed and have no insurance, mine have skyrocketed. I cannot even afford the correct ones I have been on for 11 years. Alternatives suck. I pay about $250.00 a month cash for my healthcare and most of my Rx's are not what I took on insurance they are the $4.00 Rx's Walmart offers, Thank God!

Tamara Sockol Dourney to Candace and Nancy

Ours have gotten so expensive that it might be cheaper to quit my job and get welfare...

Sharon Cousins to Nancy Duci Denfio

Our insurance company (though my husband's job) increased the cost of our deductible by more than 200% in one fell swoop, just ahead of health care 'reform'. It was already so expensive I try to space things out so I only go once every oth...er year. I am so disappointed that we didn't get anything resembling true reform for our health care system. Forcing people to buy insurance they can't afford and then can't afford to use once they have it is not very helpful, nor is forcing employers to provide insurance that the recipients can't afford to take advantage of once they have it.(more writing at facebook site NancyDenofio@facebook.com

Nancy Duci Denofio to Candace -

You are lucky to be hooked up with Walmart and that you have coverage for medications. I know there was a time I had no coverage for drugs, hospital and more. The cost for my husband to cover me at the time was over $700.00 per ...month on a single payer plan. This did not mean drugs were covered. This was a long time ago, imagine anyone living with a pre existing condition these days. I understand what you are saying. People, anyone on a fixed income and paying out of pocket has it rough. Anyone living alone and paying the cost not covered by employer is having it rough, and those without are getting sick - and sicker. As your advocate I thank you and I am saving your words. Hopefully the government can come up with a plan that will serve us the right way, and help those with drastic, lealth care needs, and worked all their life, and now are not covered. Stay in touch. Always Nancy

Nancy Denofio to Tamara -

How right it is. The cost alone to stay healthy is outragous. It doesn't take a sick person to drive up the cost, it takes a well person work to stay healthy, and money. You wonder, I know many people who have long term care nee...ds who are a welfare and medicaid, and they too have cuts in care. They Do not want to be there, they don't want to need from others but have no choice. To many times they are looked down upon, and they are told they are using the government. So what do we do, bury them? I am upset over the cost to you and to others. We all must fight this battle, and the loopholes need closing. Sincerely Tamara, and please stay in touch too! Always Nancy

Nancy Denofio Hi Sharon -

The big business of todays health care is insurance, and those with the most people - they would rather sock it to us then to take a cut in their life style. I am up front and personal on these topics as you well know. For twe...nty years I have been helping people and trying to find a new way to fight this battle. I had my fingers crossed and now they are no longer crossed, because the big businesses of insurance have opened up those loop holes, and then again, the government is taking from the seniors and those with limited incomes and cutting services. The doctors are cutting back on testing, and the testing is delayed because of insurance. And it goes on and on. The insurance company doesn't want to lose, and they care not one bit about the people. They don't want you if you are sick, and want you to pay through the roof if you are well. I am furious as you can see. And I want people to understand, health is wealth. Without life - what else do we have. And, another article mentions deaths among the boomers, well guess what, they are the ones with the old incomes, the ones that aren't going to get raises and pay the cost, they don't have six figure incomes. They are not going to land the big jobs to pay. No wonder in the obit col. you find more and more boomers dying. Think about it. Always Nancy

Carole Kenyon to Nancy

Where do I stand? THEY are TTTOOOOO HIIIIGH!!! For something that should be a basic human right,,, access to medical care...unless of course you subscribe to the survival of the richest...theory of natural selection. Then I think you are probably good with the costs...
19 hours ago ·

Nancy Denofio to Carole -

I AGREE they are TOO HIGH and they continue to increase. Each visit to the drug store, I have noticed the drugs "co-pay" continues to increase higher - month to month. How in the world does the cost to manufactuer the same drug day to day cost the consumer with a co-pay 20 - 30 dollars more? Who is splitting the increase? So you have a co pay, you are taking medication and saving money, no doubt because of coverage - but take the person on many medications, a set income and all of a sudden even a co pay can't be reached? When in our country did we ever see a co pay increase month to month on the same medication used for years. The people are the ones' hurting. Either without coverage, too high coverage, or too sick to even go to any doctor - without insurance. The elderly are still turned away from doctors because they won't except medicare - and no matter what you hear - medicare is changing. Medicaid for those without assets, or job, etc., has less to use for those with long term care, the cost of 24 hour care for those with long term care needs reminds me of the old movie "Born on the 4th of July." When you sit there and no one pays attention. Sincerely, Nancy

Carole Kenyon to Nancy

Keep making noise....It's another basic human right....
18 hours ago ·

Nancy Denofio To Carole

If we don't, who does? Advocates from another time when peace was important, and life meant living. Nancy

Carole Kenyon to Nancy

It still means living,, and every generation has issues to deal with,,, more people,,more issues...chin up...souldier on souldier!:)

Sharon Cousins My to Nancy

my daughter-in-law, who is very ill, had to drop some of her meds this year when their crappy insurance through my son's job (for which they pay a fortune considering his income) went from a co-pay on meds to a percentage. Sucks doesn't begin to cover the state of health care in this country, not that the quality is very good for those who can afford it, since all the docs seem to care about is making money for the drug companies.

Nancy Denofio to Sharon

You hit on a topic of quality of care which is a concern of many I speak with. Although they pay these extravagant costs to be covered, even if covered through work, or small businesses - the doctors are (unfortunately) being pulled by the... insurance agencies, told not to get out so many tests, not to investigate when this is their job, they went to school to be a doctor with patience and patient. The care is getting less and less, and who else but those directing the answers behind a desk without a degree is determining if you are sick or not. I hope for the best for your daughter in law, and hope she finds a way to get the medication she needs. Check online for groups who are working with different organizations, to help those in need. If I hear of anything I will let you know. Sincerely, Nancy

Laura Schultz to Nancy

As you know have been battling my co. to cover the meds for 2 years that keep me going--and all I know with pre-existing get hassled. Can't even discuss it--too angry w/premiums i pay

Claudette Walker to Nancy

The insurance companies are doing what they can to get revenge on American's for beginning to reform helathcare. However, in the end we will not stop and these premium will be under a microscope in 2014. My family will struggle until then with premiums. At least we are starting with the reform and we really need to get more people to Washington who wil support President Obama and future healthcare regulation!!!

Claudette Walker to Nancy -

Did I mention that I am over golden parachutes for insurance executives! We are coming for you!!!

Nancy Denofio to All Listeners and posters

Blocks - Loopholes - Increased Costs for Medication - Increased Cost for Medication with Co Pay (changes month to month) No health care for single payer for children who do not have insurance from the date Sept 24th according to 3 big Insur...ance companies, they found that loophole. Those who need MRI - body parts don't count! What's wrong with a leg, arm - hand - doesn't this count? What about hearing, eyes, and doesn't it matter if we see? What about dental care, don't we want to eat? I could talk on all these issues, issues that need updating, need to be talked about. We WILL. Nancy

Laura Schultz - to Claudette and Nancy

Claudette You are the best and Nancy dear one you too, but healthcare makes my blood boil--so much so, it's mentioned on The About the Author page in my forthcoming book

Claudette Walker - To Nancy

Last look 2100.00 a month for 2 adults - small business BCBS - daughter that is uninsurable! We have to keep pushing for a congress and senate that works for the people!

Laura Schultz to Claudette

AND back those who want a public option that is dead--but Bernie Sanders and Dennis Kucinich---poor guys! My premiums were $3,800/month because I have lupus-ok folks blood boiling--gotta go, can't do this one
2 hours ago ·

Nancy Denofio to Laura

I certainly understand, if it weren't for my husband paying high cost insurance for me I wouldn't be living where I live, nor purchasing the medication I need, or have any of what I feel is TOO high for us let alone, if I too were liv...ing alone and depending on Medicare which would make me like seniors, turned away from proper care, paying high cost medication which I could not afford, not receiving proper treatment as a senior, alone, or as one with a disability on medicare. And there is no two ways around the situation. Anyone with out GREAT health insurance from an employer, which today is rare, will not be paying less, but more. Will not be receiving good care, less care, and more denials of treatment. And meds, each month as I repeat and repeat, continue to rise even with those on co pays. Something needs Americans to pitch in since POLITICS ARE POLITICS and not what the american people need, it is what big business wants.

Nancy Denofio to Claudette -

I agree the cost of two working adults in a household is outragous. And if you look for a lesser degree your coverage decreases, and the needs are not met when something should arrive. The coverage for the well american should... not be increased, nor should the cost of medication be increased when the economy is in shambles, when jobs are lost, when people can't afford a trip to the market, when schools are threatening to close due to funding, when teachers are laid off, when attention is given to those who we as americans helped to bail out, but do you see them jumping over fences to bail us out - those with out all of the above? Something is wrong. I am never one who fights more then issues, but these issues are growing weaker, and if the attention is left in limbo we will suffer the consequences. Nancy

Nancy Denofio to Carole

Carole I missed you in this line up LOL. You are right again, each generation has battles of their own. The cost of houses have climbed, and they are paying, but the salaries for those houses - most with two workers equals what we paid wh...en I was a stay at home mom. The change in housing happened during the late sixties into the seventies, right when the baby boomers were out looking for homes. Before this time the price of a house in 1928 was only 5,000 less then the house in the early sixties. If you want to go back farther on homes. After the war the people were given the opportunity to use a government loan, equaling 30,000 dollars, interest free, and people then purchased ocean front property, lake property and a home, all for one amount. Those who took advantage of the government loans are in great shape today. The cost even if cut from five years ago can never, be nothing but a plus on their side. But as you say, the times have changed, and the people from those baby boomers are not reaching their childrens salary, and so forth, which brings back to the original seniors who can't afford a trip to the market these days. Yes, and it will continue. But without proper programs and some changes, it won't. People suffering needlessly in life, or in health - should not be ignored. Always

YOUR THOUGHTS ON CNN INTERVIEW WITH FEEHERY

Check CNN and Read what John Feehery has said about Health Care - The entire article available at CNN - Health Let me know what you think about his thoughts. I can answer now but won't, hopefully I will hear from some of you. Nancy Duci Denofio


By John Feehery
Special to CNN

Editor's note: John Feehery worked as a staffer for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and other Republicans in Congress. He is president of Feehery Group, a Washington-based advocacy firm that has represented clients including News Corp., Ford Motor Co. and the United States Chamber of Commerce. He formerly was a government relations executive vice president for the Motion Picture Association of America.


John Feehery says history shows big health care reforms proposed by presidents usually fail.

(CNN) -- President Obama has taken the advice of famous Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. "Make no little plans," Burnham said, "they have no magic to stir men's blood."

The president has called for the complete restructuring of education in this country. He wants to recast the energy industry. He promises to tackle the looming problem of Social Security and Medicare. He wants to raise taxes on the rich and give money to the poor. He plans on redoing the banking and investment industries.

He has even weighed in on the college football bowl system.

But when it comes to another of his ambitions, health care reform, history shows that it is the littler plans that usually get done.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE WELCOME! Either here or at NancyDenofio@facebook.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

PART THREE Health Insurance Increases

Nancy Duci Denofio listens to Sharon Cousins

My daughter-in-law, who is very ill, had to drop some of her meds this year when their crappy insurance through my son's job (for which they pay a fortune considering his income) went from a co-pay on meds to a percentage. Sucks doesn't begin to cover the state of health care in this country, not that the quality is very good for those who can afford it, since all the docs seem to care about is making money for the drug companies.

Nancy Duci Denofio - You hit on a topic of quality of care which is a concern of many I speak with. Although they pay these extravagant costs to be covered, even if covered through work, or small businesses - the doctors are (unfortunately) being pulled by the... insurance agencies, told not to get out so many tests, not to investigate when this is their job, they went to school to be a doctor with patience and patient. The care is getting less and less, and who else but those directing the answers behind a desk without a degree is determining if you are sick or not. I hope for the best for your daughter in law, and hope she finds a way to get the medication she needs. Check online for groups who are working with different organizations, to help those in need. If I hear of anything I will let you know. Sincerely, Nancy

HEALTH CARE INCREASED Part TWO

Carole Kenyon wrote to Nancy Denofio -
Where do I stand? THEY are TTTOOOOO HIIIIGH!!! For something that should be a basic human right,,, access to medical care...unless of course you subscribe to the survival of the richest...theory of natural selection. Then I think you are probably good with the costs...
43 minutes ago ·

Nancy Denofio - TO - Carole - I AGREE they are TOO HIGH and they continue to increase. Each visit to the drug store, I have noticed the drugs "co-pay" continues to increase higher - month to month. How in the world does the cost to manufactuer the same drug d...ay to day cost the consumer with a co-pay 20 - 30 dollars more? Who is splitting the increase? So you have a co pay, you are taking medication and saving money, no doubt because of coverage - but take the person on many medications, a set income and all of a sudden even a co pay can't be reached? When in our country did we ever see a co pay increase month to month on the same medication used for years. The people are the ones' hurting. Either without coverage, too high coverage, or too sick to even go to any doctor - without insurance. The elderly are still turned away from doctors because they won't except medicare - and no matter what you hear - medicare is changing. Medicaid for those without assets, or job, etc., has less to use for those with long term care, the cost of 24 hour care for those with long term care needs reminds me of the old movie "Born on the 4th of July." When you sit there and no one pays attention. Sincerely, Nancy

HEALTH CARE INCREASED

Nancy Denofio asked - Where do you stand on health care costs. I have to admit everyone I have spoken to have complained their costs have gone up - 30 to 40 % higher in one year. The report below shows those I spoke with, are not alone.

Read the article from Reuters concerning Health costs of employers at 5-year high www.reuters.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Employers can expect to pay nearly 9 percent more for health care costs for their workers in 2011, the highest level in five years, according to a forecast released on Monday. And

2 hours ago · Comment
Candace Jean Sturtevant Well, since I am unemployed and have no insurance, mine have skyrocketed. I cannot even afford the correct ones I have been on for 11 years. Alternatives suck. I pay about $250.00 a month cash for my healthcare and most of my Rx's are not what I took on insurance they are the $4.00 Rx's Walmart offers, Thank God!
2 hours ago · LikeUnlikeTamara Sockol Dourney Ours have gotten so expensive that it might be cheaper to quit my job and get welfare...
2 hours ago · LikeUnlikeSharon Cousins Our insurance company (though my husband's job) increased the cost of our deductible by more than 200% in one fell swoop, just ahead of health care 'reform'. It was already so expensive I try to space things out so I only go once every oth...er year. I am so disappointed that we didn't get anything resembling true reform for our health care system. Forcing people to buy insurance they can't afford and then can't afford to use once they have it is not very helpful, nor is forcing employers to provide insurance that the recipients can't afford to take advantage of once they have it.
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I told Candace - You are lucky to be hooked up with Walmart and that you have coverage for medications. I know there was a time I had no coverage for drugs, hospital and more. The cost for my husband to cover me at the time was over $700.00 per ...month on a single payer plan. This did not mean drugs were covered. This was a long time ago, imagine anyone living with a pre existing condition these days. I understand what you are saying. People, anyone on a fixed income and paying out of pocket has it rough. Anyone living alone and paying the cost not covered by employer is having it rough, and those without are getting sick - and sicker. As your advocate I thank you and I am saving your words. Hopefully the government can come up with a plan that will serve us the right way, and help those with drastic, lealth care needs, and worked all their life, and now are not covered. Stay in touch. Always Nancy

9 minutes ago ·
Denofio told Tamara - How right it is. The cost alone to stay healthy is outragous. It doesn't take a sick person to drive up the cost, it takes a well person work to stay healthy, and money. You wonder, I know many people who have long term care nee...ds who are a welfare and medicaid, and they too have cuts in care. They Do not want to be there, they don't want to need from others but have no choice. To many times they are looked down upon, and they are told they are using the government. So what do we do, bury them? I am upset over the cost to you and to others. We all must fight this battle, and the loopholes need closing. Sincerely Tamara, and please stay in touch too! Always Nancy

Nancy Denofio told Sharon - The big business of todays health care is insurance, and those with the most people - they would rather sock it to us then to take a cut in their life style. I am up front and personal on these topics as you well know. For twe...nty years I have been helping people and trying to find a new way to fight this battle. I had my fingers crossed and now they are no longer crossed, because the big businesses of insurance have opened up those loop holes, and then again, the government is taking from the seniors and those with limited incomes and cutting services. The doctors are cutting back on testing, and the testing is delayed because of insurance. And it goes on and on. The insurance company doesn't want to lose, and they care not one bit about the people. They don't want you if you are sick, and want you to pay through the roof if you are well. I am furious as you can see. And I want people to understand, health is wealth. Without life - what else do we have. And, another article mentions deaths among the boomers, well guess what, they are the ones with the old incomes, the ones that aren't going to get raises and pay the cost, they don't have six figure incomes. They are not going to land the big jobs to pay. No wonder in the obit col. you find more and more boomers dying. Think about it. Always Nancy

To see the full statements and follow please follow on facebook NancyDenofio@facebook.com Or post your own questions.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

HEALTH CARE and COVERAGE

It has been twenty years of working on Health Care Reform and as an advocate for the people on many issues, long term care, medicare, uninsured children, medication, research and more. I have worked with women's issues, families without insurance because of job loss, etc. As a writer, I believe it is the right of the people to speak out.

I have fought for individuals and talked from Boston ...to the White House on Health Care. This all began in the 90's, my fight for individual rights, health to be the care to all children and what good is it if parents are sick, and can't care for their children?

I can tell you so many stories about medication, cost, the sick without help because they can't buy drugs, so I have seen people die because of it. I have seen the increases in health care TODAY with SMALL BUSINESSES up to 30% - Does your income rise this fast? When you go to purchase a drug even with insurance, the prices change from month to month. I have never seen such drastic measures taken by big business against the people.

I have talked for over one and a half hours alone, during the 90's with Presidential Candidate Robert Dole. I have talked alone with Lamar Alexander, Arlen Specter and others on health care.

It certainly shows where the GOP is coming from when they place Lamar as the head of Health Care Reform. Lamar and I had many conversations about health care in the 90's and in my opinion he will never change, nor will he budge from his own belief system. When I interviewed Arlen Specter, he wasn't hit with the disaster in his own life, cancer. I do believe he opened his eyes, and noticed the stuggles out there with individuals. Also, Dole.

I was told I would never get an interview with these Presidential Candidates, because who was I? Well, I was a determined fighter for the people, I was one who never gave up a battle when I thought a battle was to be fought. And so, through all this I learned over the years - the people must talk, they must have a voice - and without a voice we can't expect change. Look what just happened with children and health care. Our President said that he was going to as of Sept. 24th have every child under 18 covered. And coverage for older children would take them through those college years, etc. And what happens, the system finds a loophole and up pops the cure for big business. And there is nothing bigger then the drug companies. They say they will not cover individual children - and on national TV a young girl with long term care needs, isn't going to have coverage. Something is drastically wrong. When the largest carriers will drop children. We need fixing, for sure.

Sincerely, Nancy Duci Denofio

Friday, September 17, 2010

Smoking in NYC

SMOKING IN THE CITY

Can't smoke no where in N.Y.C.
Can't smoke between buildings
where the homeless live
or in a park behind a tree -
or at the beach where litter
fills sand

Can't smoke no where in N.Y.C.
between acts on Broadway
before the main course
at Tavern on the Green
oh - they closed that long
ago - you could smoke
there then

Can't smoke no where in N.Y.C.
without a fine of fifty dollars
half the price of a carton -
Bloomberg said he knows this
rule is going to pass
Must be no one who runs the
city smokes -

Nancy Duci Denofio
all rights reserved

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Disability Gap


When Debbie wants to breathe, she does it with a respirator that is dragged along with her wheelchair. When she wants to speak, she has someone remove a bit of air from the tube, then you can hear her. When its time to eat, they attach her feeding tube. This is how Debbie spends the day. She never thought of herself as someone who would inspire you, yet I think she has more courage then those of us with all our faculties. Her eyes are bright, they open wide when someone new comes to visit, or someone suggests a trip away from the room she lives in. She has never looked for sympathy.

"What’s happened to me is planned, I was suppose to have these difficulties,” Debbie said, “It’s not bad, I am teaching others to accept me for who I am.”

You wonder where her courage comes from. But if you look around, she isn’t alone. At the hospital many women and men are using wheelchairs, some are blind, others deaf, some are without limbs, without any hope, or even friends. Some of the people around her, are suffering from any one of the Neurological diseases which could be placed in any of our laps. Although we still hear Debbie’s voice when things are hooked up right, some women can’t talk, or they blurt out words which make no sense, because of their disease. Men and Women from all over this world of ours are suffering with disabilities.

To the able-bodied observer, one finds it hard to see someone spend a lifetime in a wheelchair, or without hands or arms; a pencil in their mouth to write or use a computer. Healthy individuals tend to nervously change the direction of their gaze, as if to wipe away a moment of pain.

So many watched the pain and suffering of Christopher Reeve, but how many really got involved with research? How many people were willing to speak out for men like he was now that he has passed on, he once had a dream. Medical Research is a must for those suffering today, and the future of tomorrow.

We are real, Debbie is real like you, with hopes and dreams and promises. Debbie may feel a true reason behind her own disability, and the courage to go on regardless of changes in her life, but her disability does matter. The outside has ignored change. Debbie herself made a giant step in her attitude. Four years ago, before her disease, she was dancing at a wedding, she was driving, singing, hugging her nieces and nephews and the disabled went unnoticed. She never remembered her own sister in law in a wheelchair.

I say the disability rights movement is slow, unchanging and the attitude of people who never tasted change, sit back and dream, not them.

How often have we heard about those living with a disability getting mainstreamed? Now, we here only job cuts, less employment, no money to change the physical demure of a building to suit just one person. How often do you here someone say, we can’t invite her, or him, because our building or home won’t accommodate the chair, the respirator, another body, such as a caretaker, someone we don’t know. Attitude is pulling down progress for such people, like Debbie. How many times have Debbie’s friends searched for a suitable place for her to live among people her own age.


Being disabled is a challenge. My goal is to challenge the people who don’t understand the why and the where, the when and the how. When something hits home, the pressure is on, the mold you made from life becomes weaker, and cracks. What was once perfect has changed, what was beautiful has now turned ugly.

Who are the activists and advocates for the disabled? Are they only the ones who have lived, touched, grew close to a situation, or are they the ones who do not turn their heads when someone different smiles, or passes in their path.

I use to ride in a wheelchair, and I have gone from chair to cane, and now I walk; I recall a lady in downtown Saratoga Springs NY, during a block concert, shooing her children away from me, because I rode in a chair. My legs weren’t carrying me about. I still smiled at the lady, and her children. I couldn’t tell if her children had blue, brown or green eyes. I wasn’t sure about the face, or exact outline of their bodies, but they were there in front of me until a guardian pulled them clear of me. It was my first day out in the chair since rehabilitation. It made a lasting memory.

Strange enough, those of us who have used a wheelchair, or who have other disabilities, do not search for help, from a stranger. Most of the time we strive to be independent, make plans to get here or there, either alone or with a care taker. When such plans fall apart, and a wheelchair can’t get up a curb on its own, or a door is too heavy to open… it seems like people melt away, into corners, perhaps because we have been independent in the past. Help is a simple thing, if someone asked to help you with the door, you would smile, and thank them. Think about the person in a wheelchair, with machines attached to her chair, and the fear in eyes of strangers. It’s hard to get anyone to help.

Although many disabled people have found an Avenue of independence, those around them believe they can’t be living in a Wheelchair. Wrong. Wheelchairs are now designed to fit each and every need and bring independence. Living in a wheelchair is no longer a death sentence for the outside world.

There was a day and age when disabled bodies were invisible. Today, they are part of the main stream, people wheel around office buildings, up main street, into markets and restaurants. They are one of us, with some differences. When a blind person walks down a street, waving her red and white cane in front of her, she knows where she is heading. When someone uses his or her mouth to touch a keyboard to talk, they know what they want to say.

Many dependent people aren’t disabled physically. They have stickers for their car windows, but you can’t see what’s wrong with them. This doesn’t mean they aren’t disabled. The less you see, the more uncomfortable it is for those with disabilities. Although, those with feeding tubes and respirators may scare away the children, of adults who do not educate at home, they too are uncomfortable but you are aware of their misgivings.

I guess the most important thing is education. If you are able bodied, and stare at someone with a problem, never attempt to teach your children about the differences in life, and the progress made in the past to understand and accept people for who they are, not what they are, then its high time, as my Irish Mother would have said.

It’s another journey, a process, a reality. With all these reality TV shows, one should step in the shoes of those who have changed from one life to another. Adjusting to circumstance. Don’t end someone’s journey because they are different from you.

Although those with disabilities are learning, and have learned to accept and move forward, they still dream of the future, of the day when someone will come up with a cure for their disease. Some have stopped waiting, and do get discouraged, not everyone is a mountain of strength, which makes research even more important. Some people have courage enough to breathe with a machine, or get dressed in the morning. Some people call courage, survival. I call courage a lifetime ambition.

Nancy Duci Denofio

Healthcare Advocate

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Information You Can Use

Pre-existing conditions: By July 2010, people unable to get health insurance because of pre-existing conditions will be able to use temporary high-risk health insurance pools in each state, giving them the opportunity to buy insurance that includes an annual limit on out-of-pocket costs. (Note: Most states are now preparing to meet this deadline; 18 have declined, asking that federal government handle the responsibility for their state instead.)

These insurance pools will remain in place until January 2014, when everyone will have access to health benefit exchanges in each state.

Retirees: Beginning June 1, 2010, the new Early Retiree Reinsurance Program will provide a subsidy to employers to help pay for healthcare coverage for some retired workers ages 55 to 64 who don't yet qualify for Medicare. Employers now providing health coverage to retirees must apply for the subsidy, which is designed to encourage companies to continue – and even to resume – coverage.

We’ll continue to keep you informed about key provisions of health reform as they go into effect. For more information, see the Kaiser Family Foundation’s website.

Monday, May 3, 2010

As I write about health care reform, I am waiting like many of you for the education which is lacking, without listing, without knowing when. I believe far too many families with hard ships due to sick children, sick parents, sick people they themselves are helping, need to know, when, what and where.

I am pleased we are making a step forward, but the steps are many, and the time is long.

Those with long term care needs do not have the time to wait, and I am hoping those dealing with this "signed" bill see the image of those suffering and who have waited.

I know a child, more then one, who sit with tubes, to breathe, to eat, and hopefully MORE RESEARCH and MORE AVAILABILITY to those findings will benefit these families.

Thanks for reading. Any comments are welcome.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Help for Small Business

Today President Obama announced his plans for
those employers whom employ less then 50
people.

The information was favorable for these groups
which would include artists and freelancers,
and any small company or non profit.

I would suggest, if you fit into this pattern
to read today's posts by all news organizations,
especially those who go into detail.

Health care is costly, and if any help can
be given to those struggling for proper care
and coverage - this might be your answer.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Pepsi and Coke Change

PEPSI and COKE

I feel that Pepsi and Coke are not doing anything to help the children when it comes to their products. Why? Because sugary drinks are one thing, but replacing them with diet drinks, which includes artifical sugar, is another.

Didn't mother tell you diet soda is worse then regular soda? How can Mrs. Obama feel that this is progress?

When you read "We applaud Pepsi for its global commitment." said Bruce Silverglade, legal affairs for the Center of Science in the public Interest... doesn't Bruce understand where it's heading?

A corporation as large and worldly as Pepsi and Coke isn't going to lose out. Even the work sugary can be defined, less sugar... we really don't know what sugary means.

How do you feel about diet drinks in our schools instead of regular pepsi or coke?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Health Care Reform

They are at the table, and they are planning your future. Don't you think it's time the we the people have the right to know and discuss our future concerning healthcare? - don't you think it is time that we the people can be treated equal? Don't you think that we the people have rights to approve or disapprove how the government controls our health care?

We the people have voted for those in charge, but far too often they side step with the party and go along for the parties sake, and not the sake of the people. Health Care is one place this has happened, and will continue to happen...

Perhaps, we the people should have the right to choose, without leaving out those with pre existing conditions, or denying drugs for those with long term care needs, or seniors...

I have a good friend, and you might too... she is living with ALS, and because of health care within her state, she cannot continue to live at home because they believe who has helped her for years are now not qualified, so they want to place her in a nursing home. Her parents, would take her in, being in their eighties, they will use all their money they saved to help their daughter, and most parents would do this... but can't we find a way to help people with issues? Can't we see that those with long term care issues have a health plan cheap enough to live the last years of their life, in peace, the way they would want to live?

The list goes on, and on... Why do seniors work all their life only to do without when they need it?

We the people have the right to know, and we don't know all the insides to each party and their choice for health care, what they are now debating. Will we ever?

Thursday, February 4, 2010

HOW SICK CAN YOU BE?

This week the morning news introduced a site where you can place a little DNA into a cylinder, ship it out, and find out where, 85,000 years ago, your ancester's began. Today, we have people asking policy makers in Washington DC to listen, they are suffering with a tagged, pre-existing condition. Think Washington, how many people are diagnosed because of advances in medicine? And,in this day and age, a large portion of Americans have pre-existing conditions, and they need medical care and medication. Why can't we get to the root of the problem and make sure everyone with a pre-existing condtion is covered even if they change insurance companies. You see, there is always a twist or turn in the written word. How sick can you be?

Reviewing the said statement above regarding DNA, it made me think, in a few years the insurance company maybe asking us to complete this type of testing, then and only then, will they make a choice to cover you for your health care needs. You know, this isn't a thought in the wind, this is happening today... DNA can place labels on you that will never fall off.

In my heart, I believe, our Government should take Health Care, one step at a time, beginning with the most important issues... present them to the people in plain English, to inform and educate, then come to the table!

How do you feel about the future of those with pre-existing conditions?