Health Care Reform and Health Care for Seniors

This past year, I was fortunate to be one of 5 bloggers who got to communicate with Senator Reid's office staff on Healthcare Reform and health care coverage for seniors. Today I received the following videos which I hope helps all of us to understand more about the changes ahead.

Now that health care reform has passed, we just finalized a video that explains what the health care bill does for seniors:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJJrBbZJ5vA

For any information you might need on the bill and it's provisions that affect seniors, please go here:

Section by Section Analysis of the HCR: http://dpc.senate.gov/healthreformbill/healthbill63.pdf

There is more coming on the Donut Hole for Seniors.

I heard today from the Huffington Post that the Republicans are using an old tactic in the Senate: leaving at 2 PM daily as their means of obstructing progress. Are they kidding? they did not have to leave at 2 to obstruct progress; they did that daily!

I hope everyone is aware of who voted no and why they did it. Most of these people need to leave the Senate permanently not just at 2 PM.  To read a brilliant blog on this and more,  please go to see "Listen to Me!"


http://www.birdsonawireblog.com

More to come

CSPAN, Healthcare Reform Historical Vote, Twitter

I watched CSPAN well into the wee hours and tweeted on the progress of the HCR bill along with thousands of others. The experience of connecting with others and watching history being made was incredible and exciting.

CSPAN lets the vote and discussion unfold in front of your eyes with no pundits or media dissertations. You see first hand the workings of our Constitution. You also see some incredible stupidity, childish behavior, and scare tactics, lies, and in my opinion, hatred and one sided views of an entire party: the Republicans who want people to live their individual lives according to THEIR will. It was unbelievable to watch. It spoke volumes about who we have in Congress and who needs to go.

Twitter was actually fun; connecting with people of all types all over the US in discussing what was occuring live in front of your eyes was unbelievable.  There were so many lies being stated by Republicans that the Twitter group started a theme ""icanmakeupshittoo" in which people posted what would happen if health care reform bill passed to make fun of what the Republicans were saying. Some examples:

"If HCR passes, every American will be forced to watch American Idol"
If HCR passes, Republicans will join the biggestlosersclub"

It mimicked the mockery of the Republican party on the floor of the House and provided some levity.

I applaud the House for passing healthcare reform. Its far from perfect but it is a start. Now we need to make sure the Senate passes the House is Reconciliation Act with changes to the Senate bill that was passed by the House last night. The fight continues. I urge you to watch the Senate vote when it occurs. Republicans are already promising to challenge this vote. But then, they have challenged everything that makes sense to human beings.To describe their actions is a disservice to seeing this for yourselves....my children did not act like this in the worst days.

More to come....

Stupidity or Schmucks? You decide

I know I haven't blogged alot lately but its the old saying....the world is too much with us...too much to try to organize into words. That said, sometimes things happen that spur me to speak out. Yes, I am sparked by emotion, injustice, and today, stupidity.

COBRA health plan administrator companies, ever heard of them? Usually in larger companies a health plan administration company is hired to manage the health benefits and more. They also handle COBRA for disengaged former employees.  This is my opinion based on PURE FACTS. While I was on COBRA and this company handled my plan, I was struck by their lack on intercompany communication and their stupidity and inability to follow up. I cannot tell you the number of mistakes they made.Now they have susspended one of my former colleagues COBRA even though they admitted they have a trail of communication that dispute the suspension. Why? A supervisor needs to review this. How long has the supervisor had to review this: Try 6 months. It is NOT the former employee's fault, really, its not. This company has charged people for COBRA when they were not on it. They denied a health claim for me saying I wasn't on COBRA when I had proof I was and they still have not rectified it. I have now turned it over to an attorney and advised my former colleague to do the same and to report them to the Insurance Commissioner of Maryland. And even though the Schmuck's Forest is not yet up and running, I am creating a forest just for them. They are located in Hunt Valley, MD. They know who they are.....and, they should know, we have just begun the fight.

American Idol: people what were you thinking? Todrick, Lily and Lee? Are u nuts? this has been the worst American Idol ever. Boring with bright spots that are now gone. Judges who have literally driven the contestants crazy with their inconsistent comments. I think it will be their last season. I may have a section for them in the Schuck's Forest.

Thank goodness for Ruby, Project Runway, CSI and Criminal Minds for distractions.

So, what's on your mind?

More to come.................................

Idol Worship? More like the biggest loser, pun intended

American Idol, one of my flight from reality shows that keeps me going, has gone. Sad to report. I am thinking of sitting Shiva (a period of mourning following a death) for it. They have switched seats of the judges so many times, like that is going to make for a better show? I love Ellen but she has not hit her stride yet and looks very uncomfortable in the judges table. Simon had looked like he wanted to be anywhere but on Idol...last night he seemed better but not by much. What's with Kara looking at Simon everytime he speaks as though she "idolizes" him. I have to restrain myself from vomiting.

The men? puleze......not too many are good; none seem to be star quality. Some of the people they let go were better then what is there. The women are better but not by much though am hoping tonight they come through.

For the first time, I switched stations constantly during the show. I kept watching Biggest Loser (which is the name Idol should use this year). I love Biggest Loser, it keeps you attached emotionally. Idol used to but so far this year, it frankly sucks.

Thank goodness Ruby is back, and Project Runway is up to speed; even Amazing Race is back and always great.

Reality shows keep me from dealing with the reality of no job. Funny isn't it? reality shows keep me from reality....hmmmm maybe I should do a reality show on job hunting...any one interested? Of course, there's always the ForestofFools or the Schmuck's Forest (in progress watch this space). Shame they are not up yet, I would have planted Senator Bunning...more to come.

View from a townhouse: the 2nd blizzard, of this and that

I hate to admit it but I am bored by this year's American Idol. Even Ellen couldn't save the show last night though it was good to see her add some light to the dull. Earlier episodes showed a really not with it Simon who seemed angry at everyone. It really apears that he barely tolerated Kara. Maybe he should have left this year.

On the other hand, Project Runway is back to its best. Love it.

Ok late yesterday we got some snow which seemed to stop for a few hours last night. Since 6AM EST its been snowing like crazy, our second blizzard in 4 days. This is the view from my front door: that's my Honda in the driveway and the snow is piled high to the left of it from shoveling 2 days ago combined with about 10 innches so far on top of it, taken early in am. Now cannot take pictures because the wind has kicked up and the snow is blowing so fast and furious, it seems like a blur of white everywhere. I am praying my power stays on. By the way, DC can't get it together to clear snow? This is our nation's capital. And the Federal Government is closed? Spare me. though it has been quiet with the Congress not in the news. And that is great!

Now from my kitchen looking out on the deck and trees in the background. Snow combined from other day that was impossible to move due to ice on the top.

the deck is abou 12 feet above the ground but it looks like one with the ground and trees which are about 100 feet tall.

Forest of Fools or Schmuck's Forest revisited

Watch this blog for a new announcement on a new website coming soon. I am relaunching a site I had in the 1990's, the Schmucks' Forest, a virtual tree planting site for all the fools/schmucks in the world. It will be a place to plant a tree in the name of a person or entity that is beyond the realm of usual dorks.

Why? Because the time is right to release stress and negative emotions in a clandestine manner (no one will know you planted the tree except for you). You will feel better and have a great laugh....I can hardly wait so I want to nominate some fools/schmucks now. These are MY OPINION as to whom I believe deserve trees:

Heidi Montague: why do we have to hear her name or hear her ridiculous escapades anymore?
The Supreme Court (I know I go for the big guns) for their ridiculous ruling that will allow elections to be bought by those with money.
Tiger Woods: if you have to ask why, perhaps you should consider a tree of your own.
John Edwards: ditto to the above


So many fools; so little time.  I feel better already. Got a nominee? More to come....

Ravens, American Idol, Project Runway; the distractions from reality are back!

Yeah, nothing like reality to shake up one's actual reality and put some fun back in a dull unemployed existance.

The Baltimore Ravens: who knew? they lost so many games this year due to penalties and frankly poor performance. I had no expectations when they played New England but wow what a turn around. Does good for the souls of the underdogs doesn't it? Now if they can bring it again to the thieves of the Colts name and history, life would really be good.

American Idol: it's back without Paula but with Ellen and I can't wait. Simon said no more after this year. Did he forget Idol made him rich and famous? He was doing very little prior to Britains Pop Idol when he came here with American Idol. Personally, I think he is making a big mistake and hope Idol will hire a major record executive to take his place. That said, I can hardly wait for this to start even if its on opposite Biggest Loser. Thank goodness for the DVR.

Project Runway is back in New York with Michael and Nina. HURRAY. This is the greatest distraction and who doesn't love fashion?

Yep, life is good. More to come.....................