Obamacare is NOT the problem

We're just so used to corporations manipulating congress and taking advantage of the consumer. It's not even being mentioned.

Obamacare is not the problem. Remember when democrats tried to get universal coverage and the insurance companies successfully lobbied that idea into extinction? Well, here we are. 

Thanks to corporate power over our congress, they have the power to cancel people's policies when they please. And the policies in the marketplace -- you guessed it -- prices manipulated by the same folks. It doesn't happen in Canada, doesn't happen in France, doesn't happen in Japan...on and on and on. 

Aren't we fortunate to have a "democracy"?? People are complaining about the computer system. That's a minor issue. It will get solved. This is bigger and it isn't going to go away.

I'm a bit disappointed by my friends in the press -- I consider them friends because they are on our side. They don't seem to be accenting the right syl-la'-ble. Old joke, but I think it fits.

Reforming Our Justice System Now!!

I just got this email and I'd like to share it with everyone who has any kind of concience. It's a cause that we should all be sure to support. Our injustice system can strike any of us and/or anyone one we love:

	Dear Loretta --   Every week, I usually get to make at least one trip from FAMM's office in downtown Washington, D.C. up to the U.S. Capitol building, which we locals call "the Hill" (Why? Because the Capitol building really is on top of a hill!).   When I'm there, I meet with lawmakers and their staff members to talk about sentencing reform. Usually, I do these treks alone. But recently, I got to see this experience from the eyes of a bona fide Washington "outsider" -- Lisa Angelos, from Sandy, Utah. For this Washington "insider," it was an inspiring reminder of why I do this work.   It also reminded me that the real sentencing reform champions are you, our FAMM supporters.   Lisa is the sister of Weldon Angelos, who is serving 55 years without parole in federal prison for nonviolent marijuana sale and gun possession offenses. You can read about their story in this great piece from The Crime Report.   Lisa came to D.C. to meet with the staffs of Utah Senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee, and we were fortunate to get a face-to-face meeting with her congressman, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (pictured with Lisa above). Our job: to urge them to support and pass mandatory minimum sentencing reforms.   Lisa and I spent two days on "the Hill" together. Lisa was a champ through it all, excited to be there and yet also calm and collected. She did a wonderful job explaining her brother's case and why the Justice Safety Valve Act would spare other families from going through a similar nightmare. Those we met with listened closely and truly appreciated that she came.    Between meetings, we stopped for coffee in the Senate's coffee shop, and I learned more about Lisa and her family. We had a quick lunch one day at the Senate's cafeteria (Lisa had tacos; I went for the mac n' cheese), surrounded by legions of hungry, chatty, and busy congressional staffers. There's nothing superhuman about the people who work in Congress and make the decisions that affect us: they need their caffeine and sugar fixes just like the rest of us do.   Some of Lisa's comments about our meetings have really stuck with me. Our walks down long hallways of congressional offices reminded her that Congress has 535 members. To win sentencing reform, we've got to get at least 278 of them to vote our way.   Lisa noticed that members of Congress had a lot of people waiting in their lobbies (this is where the term "lobbyist" comes from!) to talk with them about a wide variety of issues and bills -- it's never "all sentencing, all the time" for a congressional staffer, like it is for us here at FAMM. We have to work hard to make our work stand out. And Lisa was particularly struck by how often we were asked what other members of Congress thought about mandatory minimum sentencing reform. In Congress, it's never enough to convince one representative or one senator. For better or worse, it's a team game, and we need as many people on our side as we can get.   That's where you come in. And your families. And your friends. And your churches and synagogues and mosques. And, while we're at it, your book clubs and co-workers and Facebook friends and Twitter followers. You can call, write to, and email your lawmakers and ask them to support mandatory minimum sentencing reforms like the Justice Safety Valve Act. Like Lisa, you can meet with your lawmakers and their staff members, right in their offices in your home state. You don't need to get on a plane to be an advocate with Congress. Still feeling tongue-tied about meeting with a congressional staff member? Start by educating others about the need for a better justice system.   My trip up to the Hill with Lisa reminded me why I do this work: someday, I don't want there to be any more Lisas or Weldons in this country. And I know that's true for the entire FAMM staff.   But I'm just one person, and I'm nowhere near as memorable or persuasive as Lisa Angelos is -- or as you are. I'm going to keep going up to the Hill and meeting with anyone and everyone in Congress who will meet with me. But I need some help.   For those of you who are already helping, thank you. For those who haven't made contact with Congress, please do!   Molly   Molly Gill Government Affairs Counsel, FAMM

Obamacare -- No Problem Really

Folks, I don't know why there is so much fuss and bother about the glitches on the official website for healthcare. Listen -- and listen good -- No matter when you sign up, it does NOT go into effect until Jan. 1, 2014. There is time for the IT people to get their act together. Get a hobby, watch a tv show, clean your house, pet your dog or cat, pet someone else's dog or cat -- give it a rest. It is going to be OKAY!

Should the worst happen -- should the gurus find it impossible to get the huge project together in time, it is a guaranteed, for sure thing -- they will extend the deadline. Take a deep breath, relax! We have healthcare in our country -- finally!!!

It's a good thing and we should all celebrate.

A Chance to Hear Andre Paraguassu and His Band, Book of Colors!!

     Andre and his band will be appearing in Roswell at Muse & Co., playing for an art opening. Greatest deal in the world: You can hear Andre sing his original songs -- no admission charge -- and there will be great art, free French cheese tasting and free French wine. Of course, there is also art that you might just have to take home with you.

"Un Petit Morceau De France" Join Muse & Co. Fine Art and transport yourself to France for an evening through special works by 2 of our artists, Isabelle Gautier, an artist from Normandy and Emily Ozier (EMYO), who created works inspired by her recent trip to Paris. We will also have live music by Book of Colors and will be sampling French wines and cheeses to celebrate magnifique France.    When: November 1st, 6-9 pm Where: Muse & Co. Fine Art at 23 and 27 Oak Street, Roswell, GA 30075 Hop on the Trolley provided by Premier Trolley to view exhibits at all 9 galleries in the Roswell Art District, including the Cultural Arts Center.  _____________________________________________________________________ Live Music by  | Book of colors   To hear their original song "Songbird" http://bookofcolors.com/project/songbird-in-the-static-live-529 _____________________________________________________________________ Isabelle Gautier l "Memories from Normandy"  As an expatriate, one always needs something that keeps you connected to your origins. I was born in Normandy and painting helps me grasp everything this region represents. This is the place where the green is greener, where the blue is bluer, where the wind is stronger and my feelings are deeper. Using brush or palette knife I try to keep the deep pigment in the acrylic paint intact to preserve the energy nature gives me. My quest is not to create the illusion of reality but to suggest with colors and composition the inherent nature of the aesthetic subject.                              "My Lady" | 36x60 | Acrylic on Canvas (sold)                                                                                                                                                                        EMYO l "Breathing New Life...Photos from Paris" While wandering in a French flea market, recently I found this pile of old and forgotten photos. As I turned through them, I began to see that they had stories to tell.  Each photo, a part of someone's life experience in beautiful Paris years ago.  This body of work is about breathing new life into something that was dead, old, and forgotten.  With paint, I infused color and life, where there was once a story that was only black and white.  Isn't that true of each of our lives, there might be something old, dead, and seemingly useless that can actually be a beautiful part of our story. . . "Paris Jazz" | 48x48  |  Mixed Media on Canvas Presales available! For more information or if you would like us to send you more images please contact us at the gallery or request more via e-mail.  All the best,  23 & 27 Oak Street Roswell, Ga. 30075 770-594-9511 Gallery www.musecofineart.com

 23 & 27 Oak Street
Roswell, Ga. 30075

770-594-9511 Gallery
www.musecofineart.com

Glitches, did you say?

Can you HEAR that conversation in the Oval Office? The PRESIDENT'S pet project and the software is giving him a black eye? I do expect that the best computer gurus in this world have been dragged into service and put to work. "You do whatever it takes" has to be the message.

For those of us who live at the mercy of our computers and computer links, we should all be able to understand that the computer does what the computer does. Microsoft? How rich is that company? Their new Windows 8 has people shuddering. Yeah, they've come out with 8.1 real quick, but not before people -- in unison -- said "I don't like it. I don't want it."

About Healthcare -- nothing wrong with that idea. It's only the software. Great idea to keep people from suffering and dying. Only "conservatives" are opposed to doing that. But we have already seen their dingbat behavior and lack of concern for the citizens of this country -- the ones who can't donate billions to their coffers. Even Gov. Rick Perry of Texas did a turn-around and accepted federal support for healthcare -- but who can explain what he does? Even when he does the right thing.

Another day in this very interesting world.

Leave the Bicycles Alone!

Full disclosure -- I'm not a bicycle rider, don't own a bicycle and never even learned to ride one really well. Also don't climb mountains, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Note to GA Legislators: Please leave bicycles alone! The word is out that they want to issue bicycle licenses for $15 each and fines of $100 for anyone who doesn't have one. Damn, this world is over-regulated. It won't be possible for a teenager to ride his bicycle to school without looking over his shoulder to see if there are blue lights flashing.

Another way to soak citizens. License, tickets, fines. Makes me sick to my stomach. Let something be free for God's sake! And free of red tape. The simplicity of a bicycle is one of its attractions. I say -- leave it that way! 

Our lawmakers are so into raising money from every possible corner. This is over-doing it. Stop!! Go back to looking at the crooks and corruption, the sex traffickers and the people who don't pay fair wages. There is a lot of work that needs to be done without milking bicycle riders.

And while you're at it, legislators -- put medicaid into play for all the poor people in Georgia who are being deprived of needed medical insurance because you can't get off the political soap box and recognize real need. The federal government will pick up the tab. The only problem is -- YOU!!!

Thank you.

California gets it right - and explains the Affordable Healthcare Law for all of us!

Some of this may not apply to you if you aren't lucky enough to live in California, but keep reading -- they explain what happens if you live in other places, too.

Here it is:

Starting Oct. 1, millions of Californians can start signing up for health insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act.
In addition to new coverage options, the healthcare law changes the rules of the insurance game for many consumers. It also requires most Americans to get health insurance or pay a penalty.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions. Please share your comments or ask questions athealthcare@latimes.com. Submissions must include names and phone numbers.

Do I need to do anything right now?
You have time to consider your options. You can start signing up for health insurance Tuesday through Covered California, the state's new marketplace.
The earliest policies take effect is Jan. 1. You'll need to buy a health plan no later than Dec. 15 if you want your benefits to kick in at the start of the year. Enrollment for the state exchange runs through March 31. Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, accepts applicants year round.

Where do I go to enroll?
In California, go to the Covered California website or call the health marketplace at (800) 300-1506. The state can also refer you to community groups, insurance agents and government offices that offer enrollment help in person.
Outside California, visit HealthCare.gov to find the link and other contact information for the marketplace in your state.

I get my insurance through work. Will that be affected next year because of all this?
Most people with health insurance through work won't be directly affected by the overhaul.
Employers will keep adjusting their health benefits as they have for years, but in most cases those changes in coverage or worker contributions have little to do with the Affordable Care Act. Changes are driven largely by employers' efforts to reduce their healthcare costs.

How much will this new health coverage cost?
That depends on your age, where you live, the level of coverage you want and whether you qualify for a federal subsidy based on your income.
Four basic levels of coverage are sold through Covered California: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze plans are generally the least expensive, while Platinum plans are the priciest.
For example, a family of four in Los Angeles earning $65,000 a year could pay $384 a month for a mid-level Silver plan.
In general, more comprehensive plans have more expensive premiums but have lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care. For instance, a Bronze plan on average covers 60% of a person's total healthcare costs. At the high end, Platinum plans cover 90%.
People younger than 30 also have the option of a less expensive and more limited policy.
There are subsidies: Individuals earning less than $45,960 annually may qualify for federal tax credits that lower their monthly premium. Subsidies are available for a family of four making less than $94,200.
For a sense of what health insurance may cost you, check the state's calculator.

Can I wait until I get sick to enroll?
No. There is a six-month open enrollment period that runs from Tuesday to March 31.
If you fail to sign up during that period, you'll be on the hook for your medical bills. Unless you're eligible for Medi-Cal, you wouldn't be able to buy insurance in the exchange until the next enrollment period comes around in fall 2014.
There are exceptions. People who experience a "qualifying event" that affects their insurance coverage, such as losing a job, will be allowed to buy coverage outside of the open enrollment period.

What are the penalties if I don't buy health insurance?
The federal health law requires most Americans to buy health insurance. If you don't, you'll be charged a penalty in 2014 of $95 or 1% of your household income, whichever is greater. The penalties go up after that.

Will I pay more for being a smoker or having cancer in the past?
Although the federal law allows insurers to charge smokers as much as 50% more than nonsmokers, California decided not to levy that surcharge. Smokers and nonsmokers are treated the same.
Everyone is guaranteed coverage regardless of their medical history under the law. Also, insurers can't charge people more based on their health.

What kind of income is counted in determining whether I qualify for premium subsidies?
Salary or income from a job or business counts when it comes to calculating whether you qualify for Medicaid or federal subsidies toward the purchase of private insurance.
Other sources of income, such as unemployment insurance, pensions, Social Security, alimony and rental proceeds, all count. Your assets, like a home, are not included in the calculation.
For many taxpayers, line 37 on their most recent IRS Form 1040 provides an idea of what will be used.

Does my employer have to offer me coverage now?
Most large employers already provide benefits. But starting in 2015, firms with 50 or more full-time workers will be required to provide health coverage to employees who work more than 30 hours a week, on average.

What will it cost when I go to the ER or see the doctor?
That depends on the plan you select. All health plans sold to individuals and small businesses next year must help cover the cost of emergency services.
In a Bronze plan in California, for instance, you would owe a $300 co-payment for a visit to the emergency room. A primary-care appointment would cost $45 on a Silver plan. Lower-income patients would pay even less thanks to federal cost-sharing subsidies.

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal?
That is California's Medicaid program for the poor. Under the federal law, the state has expanded eligibility to people earning as much as $15,856 a year or families of four earning less than $32,500.

I have a small business with five employees. How does this affect me?
Firms with fewer than 50 full-time employees aren't required to provide health insurance. It remains optional under the health law.
Covered California offers a marketplace specifically for small businesses to shop for coverage apart from where individuals buy policies. Some small firms may also be eligible for tax credits.

I'm an undocumented resident in California. Can I get financial help with my premiums?
No, undocumented residents are not eligible for federal subsidies. There are other county and private programs that may assist people with their medical bills.

I have Medicare. Do I have to buy a new health plan through the marketplace?
No, anyone currently covered by Medicare or the U.S. Veterans Administration will remain with those government programs.

Explaining the healthcare law -- California does a bang up job of it!

California has embraced the Affordable Healthcare Act and has done a great job of explaining the law -- whether you're in California or not. Here it is:

Starting Oct. 1, millions of Californians can start signing up for health insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act.

In addition to new coverage options, the healthcare law changes the rules of the insurance game for many consumers. It also requires most Americans to get health insurance or pay a penalty.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions. Please share your comments or ask questions athealthcare@latimes.com. Submissions must include names and phone numbers.

Do I need to do anything right now?

You have time to consider your options. You can start signing up for health insurance Tuesday through Covered California, the state's new marketplace.

The earliest policies take effect is Jan. 1. You'll need to buy a health plan no later than Dec. 15 if you want your benefits to kick in at the start of the year. Enrollment for the state exchange runs through March 31. Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, accepts applicants year round.

Where do I go to enroll?

In California, go to the Covered California website or call the health marketplace at (800) 300-1506. The state can also refer you to community groups, insurance agents and government offices that offer enrollment help in person.

Outside California, visit HealthCare.gov to find the link and other contact information for the marketplace in your state.

I get my insurance through work. Will that be affected next year because of all this?

Most people with health insurance through work won't be directly affected by the overhaul.

Employers will keep adjusting their health benefits as they have for years, but in most cases those changes in coverage or worker contributions have little to do with the Affordable Care Act. Changes are driven largely by employers' efforts to reduce their healthcare costs.

How much will this new health coverage cost?

That depends on your age, where you live, the level of coverage you want and whether you qualify for a federal subsidy based on your income.

Four basic levels of coverage are sold through Covered California: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze plans are generally the least expensive, while Platinum plans are the priciest.

For example, a family of four in Los Angeles earning $65,000 a year could pay $384 a month for a mid-level Silver plan.

In general, more comprehensive plans have more expensive premiums but have lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care. For instance, a Bronze plan on average covers 60% of a person's total healthcare costs. At the high end, Platinum plans cover 90%.

People younger than 30 also have the option of a less expensive and more limited policy.

There are subsidies: Individuals earning less than $45,960 annually may qualify for federal tax credits that lower their monthly premium. Subsidies are available for a family of four making less than $94,200.

For a sense of what health insurance may cost you, check the state's calculator.

Can I wait until I get sick to enroll?

No. There is a six-month open enrollment period that runs from Tuesday to March 31.

If you fail to sign up during that period, you'll be on the hook for your medical bills. Unless you're eligible for Medi-Cal, you wouldn't be able to buy insurance in the exchange until the next enrollment period comes around in fall 2014.

There are exceptions. People who experience a "qualifying event" that affects their insurance coverage, such as losing a job, will be allowed to buy coverage outside of the open enrollment period.

What are the penalties if I don't buy health insurance?

The federal health law requires most Americans to buy health insurance. If you don't, you'll be charged a penalty in 2014 of $95 or 1% of your household income, whichever is greater. The penalties go up after that.

Will I pay more for being a smoker or having cancer in the past?

Although the federal law allows insurers to charge smokers as much as 50% more than nonsmokers, California decided not to levy that surcharge. Smokers and nonsmokers are treated the same.

Everyone is guaranteed coverage regardless of their medical history under the law. Also, insurers can't charge people more based on their health.

What kind of income is counted in determining whether I qualify for premium subsidies?

Salary or income from a job or business counts when it comes to calculating whether you qualify for Medicaid or federal subsidies toward the purchase of private insurance.

Other sources of income, such as unemployment insurance, pensions, Social Security, alimony and rental proceeds, all count. Your assets, like a home, are not included in the calculation.

For many taxpayers, line 37 on their most recent IRS Form 1040 provides an idea of what will be used.

Does my employer have to offer me coverage now?

Most large employers already provide benefits. But starting in 2015, firms with 50 or more full-time workers will be required to provide health coverage to employees who work more than 30 hours a week, on average.

What will it cost when I go to the ER or see the doctor?

That depends on the plan you select. All health plans sold to individuals and small businesses next year must help cover the cost of emergency services.

In a Bronze plan in California, for instance, you would owe a $300 co-payment for a visit to the emergency room. A primary-care appointment would cost $45 on a Silver plan. Lower-income patients would pay even less thanks to federal cost-sharing subsidies.

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal?

That is California's Medicaid program for the poor. Under the federal law, the state has expanded eligibility to people earning as much as $15,856 a year or families of four earning less than $32,500.

I have a small business with five employees. How does this affect me?

Firms with fewer than 50 full-time employees aren't required to provide health insurance. It remains optional under the health law.

Covered California offers a marketplace specifically for small businesses to shop for coverage apart from where individuals buy policies. Some small firms may also be eligible for tax credits.

I'm an undocumented resident in California. Can I get financial help with my premiums?

No, undocumented residents are not eligible for federal subsidies. There are other county and private programs that may assist people with their medical bills.

I have Medicare. Do I have to buy a new health plan through the marketplace?

No, anyone currently covered by Medicare or the U.S. Veterans Administration will remain with those government programs.

What we choose to tell...

     We all have our inner world -- the place that we feel and hurt and love -- and don't necessarily share with everyone.
     Recently, I met a woman whose stepfather had a heart-stopping story in his past that she had been totally unaware of -- and didn't discover until she found his memoirs when she was cleaning out his apartment after he died.
     This man, John D. Gilbert, a humble, quiet janitor and pastor, husband to her widowed mother never gave her a clue that he had spent almost a quarter century in the most violent prison in this country for a murder he did not commit.
     For more about this heart-wrenching, heart-warming story, look at Pastor with a Past in Kickstarter:
        
      http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/68635682/pastor-with-a-past 

     John Gilbert was the kind of guy who did all he could for those around him.

 

Are we all going to melt down?

    

As the craziness in Washington continues, there are sensible people in other places doing their BEST to cope with real problems. Japan is dealing with it's nuclear melt-down, an issue far more serious in its lasting effects.

When we stand back, it is clear that the problem is not this nuclear melt down. It's the issue of a burgeoning population with ongoing needs and demands. The best minds in the world created nuclear power. The best minds in the world are now trying to cope with what they created.

The Chinese were farsighted and when they mandated the chilling, life changing one family, one child policy. They couldn't feed the people they had and they stunned the world with their solution.

Now, our world is faced not only with the cry for food, but the demands for energy. Life has become more and more complicated. Simplicity could save us -- some people see it and try to go that way. Here I am, writing a message on my computer...