Senator Mikulski on Medicare & Health Care Reform

I just received the following reply from Senator Barbara Mikulski on Medicare and Health Care Reform.

After you read her response, let me know if this is really long term thinking or are the politicians just trying to postpone the inevitable?

Dear Mr. Wolfe:

Thank you for getting in touch with me about Medicare and health care reform. It's great to hear from you.

I want Medicare to remain strong for seniors - now and in the future. If we do nothing, the Medicare Hospital Trust fund will go broke in 2017. The Senate bill extends the life of Medicare by an additional 9 years by enacting rational reforms to modernize and improve the program. Changes also will preserve choice and quality of care, lower costs, and add new benefits. Changes in the Senate bill include:

-providing financial incentives to health providers to reduce preventable hospital readmissions

-providing no-cost preventive benefits so that seniors stay healthy through easy access to preventive services

-reducing overpayments to private Medicare insurers and replacing them with payment bonuses tied to quality and care coordination

I believe we can ensure the solvency of Medicare without creating a financial burden for seniors or providers. Know that I will continue to fight so that our seniors can have access to quality, affordable health care.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a step forward in achieving my four principles of health care reform:

-saving and strengthening Medicare

-ending punitive insurance company practices that deny coverage based on pre-existing health conditions, age and gender

-providing universal access to health care

-emphasizing quality, prevention and integrative health to save lives and save money

Our bill makes also makes it easier for retired workers between 55 and 65 years of age who are not yet eligible for Medicare. It creates a temporary reinsurance program to provide reimbursement to employers who provide health benefits to retirees and their dependents. By enacting insurance reforms that prohibit discrimination based on age or pre-existing health conditions, the bill also makes it easier for early retirees to purchase affordable care. I am committed to making sure the health care needs of retirees are protected.

Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator

Senator Mikulski on Health Care Reform

It appears that my senators are responding in the same time frame. Below is the letter I received from Senator Barbara Mikulski, the other illustrious senator from the state of Maryland.

She, like Ben Cardin, really tries to avoid the issues and making any sense.

See for yourself.

Dear Mr. Wolfe:

Thank you for getting in touch with me about Medicare fraud and health care reform. It's great to hear from you.

Health care is one of the most important issues facing families and our economy. We absolutely need to pass comprehensive health reform that:

-reduces costs for families, business and government

-protects people's choice of doctors, hospitals and health plans

-assures affordable, quality health care for all Americans

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) represents the combined efforts of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Finance. This bill takes a giant step forward in providing health care that is available, undeniable and affordable for all Americans.

There are many issues being discussed as part of health care reform. I will keep your views in mind as we continue our work on this important issue.

Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator


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Senator Ben Cardin on Health Care Reform

Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, one of my state's US Senators sent the following response to my concerns about Health Care Reform and especially fraud in the Medicare Program. Please note how he avoided any mention of the word fraud.

Maybe if you are a fraud you can't recognize it in others.

Here's the letter, I found it disappointing, uninformative and very pro-party.
See what you think.

Dear Mr. Wolfe:

Thank you for contacting me about Medicare and health reform. The Medicare program has dramatically improved the lives of millions of American seniors and persons with disabilities since its creation in 1965. I am committed to protecting and strengthening this critical program.

Reforming our health care system will strengthen Medicare. The Senate health reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, would protect Medicare's guaranteed benefits, ensure that Medicare savings are used to improve the program, and extend Medicare solvency. It would also reduce costs and strengthen benefits for seniors by drastically reducing the "donut hole" in prescription drug coverage, and eliminating cost-sharing for preventive services. Furthermore, the bill includes measures that would ensure that seniors living in rural areas have access to inpatient, outpatient, ambulance and lab services, and would create a competitive bidding process for Medicare Advantage plans to reduce overpayments, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates total $150 billion over 10 years.

On December 24, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The House of Representatives passed its bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, on November 20, 2009. House and Senate members are now working to resolve the differences between the two bills before a final package is sent to the President for his signature.

Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this important issue. Please be assured that I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner for solutions that will protect Medicare, bring down the cost of health care in this country, and expand access to quality care for all Americans.

Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.

Health Care Reform Deals

I sent the following letter to my senators to get some clarification on the deals made with Ben Nelson and others to get them to vote for the Senate Health Care Bill.

As always feel free to us all or any of the letter in contacting your own representatives.

A little truth will go a long way.

Its Common Sense!

Dear Senator

In your defense of the Health Care Bill you promised that it would be good for all Americans, get just about everyone insured, lower health care premiums and within ten years help lower the deficit.

Sounds good. But then I hear about the deals. Like that Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska only agreed to vote in favor of the bill if the Federal Government would pick up the bill for Nebraska's Medicaid for the rest of my life time.
Special deals for Louisiana, Massachusetts and maybe a couple of other states.

Did the citizens Maryland get a deal, or are we expected to pay so the Democrats can present a false united front? How will these deals save me money? Will premiums really go down? Finally, what taxes will be raised to pay for all of this?
Its time for some honesty. What is the truth about the Health Care Bill? Will it perform as promised or is it all smoke and mirrors?

From the recent news that some of your fellow Democrats will not be running for another term, it is evident that the frustration of the public is finally getting through.

If the Democrats want to keep Congress and the White House, then its time to come clean and give the people the truth.

How bad are things?
What has to be done to save our country?
How much is it going to cost?
Where is the money going to come from?

Candidate Obama and the Democrats promised many things. For the first time since I began voting in 1972 I voted for the Democrat instead of the independent. He promised to close Gitmo - that's on hold, he promised to get us out of Iraq - we're still there and we increased our presence in Afghanistan, he promised a Health Care Reform that would insure at least 95% of all Americans - does not look like that's going to happen.

The President and his Democratic Congress have not delivered.
Why not?

Share the truth and explain what went wrong.

Thank you.
Michael Wolfe

Senate Health Care Bill

It appears that the Democrats in the Senate are just about ready to pass their version of a health reform bill. Evidently there has been a lot of back room negotiating and compromising but Senator Harry Reid is promising a bill to the President by Christmas Eve.

The fact that evidently no Republicans have sign on, even Olympia Snow, makes me wonder if we really want to place the future of our health care in partisan hands. If all bi-partisan efforts have failed, do we really want to be saddled with a plan that will pass with the barest majority necessary?

Of course, once it comes out of the Senate, then the Senate and House will need to come together and work out the differences between their two bills, so that a final plan can be presented to the President.

Will the House go a long with the Senate, or are we in for some more long nights and backroom deals?

Will a finalized bill ever reach the President?

I am curious to see what the final result of all of this will be. I think that in the end the two houses of Congress will not be able to come to an agreement and that President Obama will once again have failed to deliver on a campaign promise.

I am going to try and read through the new bill the Senate wants to pass, although I have a feeling I will not get far. The language really gets to be a problem. Maybe Congress needs to pass a law that all legislation needs to be written in terms the average American can understand without assistance from an attorney.

Congress is suppose to make laws for the people, the people should be able to read the laws.

Its Common Sense!

Democrats and Health Care Reform

Just when you thought the Democrats in the Senate were going to join together and pass the health care bill they assure us the country really needs, they fall apart.

Howard Dean comes out of left field to state the bill in a fraud and useless. Others are raising issues regarding abortion coverage, others about the lack of a national option and others, well they just want their couple of minutes of TV time.

John McCain came out on the Senate floor to let everyone know he is in agreement with Howard Dean about the need to start the health care package at square one.

Independent Joe Lieberman was shocked when he asked for additional time to speak, thinking it was an automatic and new Minnesota Senator Al Franken objected. Evidently Al had heard enough from the Senator from Connecticut and wanted to give the floor to someone else.

Now some of the Senate leaders are threatening to stay in session through Christmas to get the legislation to pass. I doubt that will happen.

What I think may happen is that all of the work of both the House of Representatives and the Senate will come to naught, the crisis in Afghanistan will heat up (especially if the rumor of a possible coup in Pakistan proves true) and health care will be placed on the back burner, just like when Clinton tried.

The fact that the Democrats cannot or will not united on a bill which is so important to their Democrat President shows just how bad things are getting.

Let's hope that the differences they are fighting over are real and not just political. Let's hope that no one is putting their campaign for reelection above the needs of the American people.

If their hesitation to vote in favor is based on conscience and the true best interest of the American people, then more power to them. However, if their motivation is for self serving purposes, then I hope their constituents see through them and vote them out of office. They are not the kind of representatives we want or need on Capital Hill.

Its Common Sense!

Medicare Reform/Healthh Care Reform

I read an article regarding a plan to allow people to receive Medicare coverage at age 55. Having always considered Medicare a retirement health plan I am confused with allowing people to receive it ten years earlier than is the current policy. I do not see how the change is financially sound and how in the long run it will help anyone.

Due to my doubt I decided to write the President and my senators for clarification. Copies of the letters follow. Feel free to use all or any part when contacting your representatives. We need to know how all of this is going to be paid for before it get's totally out of control.

Its Common Sense!

Dear Mister President

Please explain to me how opening Medicare to people beginning at age 55 will help the health care crisis. Does this mean that all of us will have Medicare as our primary insurance at age 55 and that we will need a supplement?
How and who is this going to pay for this? By opening the age, you are extending the time people will be covered. Can the medical system handle a Medicare program that will give baby boomers a ten year extension?
The news has been full of stories of Medicare fraud and now the Senate and your administration want to open the system up to even more fraud.
How is this helping the American tax payer? Why must you continue to increase our debt?
Please, do not take this action. Before you make any changes to the present Medicare Program, clean it up. Manage Medicare properly and take firm action against those who defraud the system. Recover the millions that have been loss. Once you have accomplished that, then talk to us about changing Medicare.
The American tax payer can only take so much. Get people working; get the ball rolling on creating natural energy sources. Once you get a few million of the unemployed back on the tax rolls, then talk about Medicare reform.
Until that time clean up Medicare but do not change it.

Thank you.


Dear Senator

Please explain to me how opening Medicare to people beginning at age 55 will help the health care crisis. Does this mean that all of us will have Medicare as our primary insurance at age 55 and that we will need a supplement?
How and who is this going to pay for this? By opening the age, you are extending the time people will be covered. Can the medical system handle a Medicare program that will give baby boomers a ten year extension?
The news has been full of stories of Medicare fraud and now the Senate wants to open the system up to even more fraud.
How is this helping the American tax payer? Why must you continue to increase our debt?
Please, do not take this action. Before you make any changes to the present Medicare Program, clean it up. Manage Medicare properly and take firm action against those who defraud the system. Recover the millions that have been loss. Once you have accomplished that, then talk to us about changing Medicare.
The American tax payer can only take so much. Get people working; get the ball rolling on creating natural energy sources. Once you get a few million of the unemployed back on the tax rolls, then talk about Medicare reform.
Until that time clean up Medicare but do not change it.

Thank you.

Senator Mikulski on Women's Health Care

Thought I would share the following from Senator Mikulski's newsletter.

Mikulski Amendment Guarantees Women Access to Affordable Preventive Care

Last week, the Senate put women first in health care reform when it passed my amendment to guarantee women access to preventive care and screenings at no cost. It was the first amendment considered and approved in the Senate's debate on health care reform.

We must end the punitive practices of the private insurance companies that treat simply being a woman as a preexisting condition. That's why I support the Senate health reform bill and why I introduced my amendment. In the United States of America, health care is a women's issue. Health care reform is a must-do women's issue, and health insurance reform is a must–change women's issue.

Too often women face the punitive practices of insurance companies that charge women more and give them less in benefits. A 25–year–old woman pays more for health insurance than her male counterpart of the same health status. A 40–year–old woman pays almost 35 percent more for her insurance than a man of similar age and health status.

More than half of American women report that they skip or delay needed care due to cost. My amendment guarantees that women of all ages will receive, at no cost, an annual women's health exam, which will include screenings for the leading causes of death for women — cancer, heart disease, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Right now, insurance company bureaucrats decide what preventive services will be covered for women. But we know that early detection saves lives, curtails the expansion of disease, and, in the long run, saves money. That's why my amendment expands key preventive services for women based on recommendations of women's health experts - scientists and doctors - and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

And under my amendment, decisions about preventive care and screenings - like mammograms - will be made between a woman and her doctor in a medical office. It will not be made by an insurance company, a member of Congress or by a stranger.

Without this amendment, there would be no guarantee that women under 50 would be covered for mammograms, no guarantee of an annual women's health exam that would include screenings for heart disease, and no guarantee that women would have access to this preventive care at no cost. Insurance companies have used every trick in the book to deny coverage to women. This amendment makes sure that the insurance companies must cover the basic care that women need at no cost.

It's a big step forward. But with votes on the final legislation ahead, the fight's not over yet. Women can count on me to keep fighting for them on the Senate floor and all the way to the White House to end punitive insurance company practices that discriminate against women in the insurance marketplace.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving! Traditionally today is the day we come together with friends and family to celebrate all we are thankful for. For a lot of people this year, like last year, finds them with less to be thankful for than normal.

Many families have one or more loved one fighting in Afghanistan or Iraq. Their prayer is for the safe return of that loved one.

Others find themselves depending on the aide of family or state or church agencies to help them eat this Thanksgiving because they fall in the category of the millions of unemployed.

Of course the fat cat bank executives have their fancy bonuses, so they'll be eating fine and I have a feeling very few of them will be helping out at local soup kitchens.

Congress is in recess and I am sure the Democrats and Republicans are getting ready to fight about Health Care, Social Security and the National Debt. Of course, they will also probably work in a raise for themselves even though they decided the elderly did not need the Social Security raised.

We all need to sit back and see what we are thankful for. for myself I am thankful for my wife, daughter, family and friends.

I am thankful that I am employed and in conditions to do a little to help others.

I am thankful that I live in a country where I can write a blog, criticize my government and not have to worry about imprisonment.

All of us have something to be thankful for. Let's celebrate today, and continue the fight tomorrow.

Its Common Sense!

Church verses State

This past week the Catholic Bishops of the United States let the US Senate know that they did not want abortion operations included as a procedure covered by the Health Care Bill. Evidently the bishops have enough influence that the Senate followed their request.

Earlier, the bishops had let Speaker of the House Pelosi, a "good" Catholic Italian girl know their thoughts on abortion. Congress's version of the bill does not cover the cost of abortions.

Being a "good" Catholic myself, I find it fascinating to see the influence the bishops have over our political leaders. We have heard of the "MORAL MAJORITY" for years, and this is usually linked with conservative/fundamentalist Protestant denominations. However, this vote shows just how much "quiet" influence the Catholic bishops have in this county. Evidently, more Catholics than one thinks vote according to the "suggestions" of their religious leaders.

Which raises interesting questions. If this country practices the concept of separation of Church and State, why do the religious groups have so much power?

The truth is that the ideal of separation is simply that, an ideal. The majority of people in this country, whether they admit it openly or not, are guided to some degree by the teachings and directives of their religious leaders.

In general that is for the good, but there are times when religious leaders are locked into mentalities of the pass and are not willing to adjust to changing thoughts and concepts.

I find it sad (although not surprising) that our political leaders once again putting their political futures above what is best for the people.

We need to let the Capital Hill gang know that they work for us and not the religious leaders of the country. What is best for the people is not what is always best for the people.

Its Common Sense!

Medicare Fraud

Today came out the information that Medicare has been defrauded approximately $40 billion this past year. That sounds like a lot of money to me. I did not see how much, if any, of that money was recovered.

Articles like that is what has me scared about the government assuming even more control over the health care system. It is evident that Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid can not control or even get a hold on the fraud.

So once again, I am asking the US Congress to prove they can manage just Medicare, before they attempt to take over the majority of health care in the country. I think they need to adequately staff and train the Centers for medicare and Medicaid, teach them how to work with law enforcement and then turn them loose on the perpetrators of these frauds.

Once they can bring back the $40 billion, then I will be willing to listen to them talk about passing their health care bill.

Prove you have the power and ability to complete one job. Once you guys and gals on Capital Hill have accomplished that, then we will be willing to hear you talk about how you will run health care reform.

Its Common Sense!

Desperate measures for health Care Reform

Evidently Democratic leaders in the Senate are concerned about passing Health Care Reform even with some of their own members and so they decided to call out a big gun, Bill Clinton.

I find it interesting that President Obama went to Capital Hill to cajole Democratic House members to go along with the Health Care Reform Bill, but when it comes to the Senate the thought is Bill Clinton has more influence. Why?

That's something to keep an eye on. How dependent is the Obama Administration becoming on the former Clinton Administration? Where does the power lie?

As you know, I want answers before any final vote is taken on the bill. I hope all of you are asking for answers as well.

Its our tax dollars that will end up paying for all of this, let's make sure they are spent wisely.

Its Common Sense!

US Senate & Health Care Reform

As I promised yesterday, I attempted to read the House Health Reform Bill and got confused by all of the legalize. I do not understand why they cannot write these bills so that anyone other than an attorney can read them.

I am not satisfied with the explanation of how the bill will be paid. I think a lot of things are either implied or hidden very carefully.

So, I wrote to my senators asking them not to vote on the bill until they could explain to me in layman's terms just what the bill includes, what it doesn't include, how much it will really cost and where the money is coming from - what new taxes - to pay for it.

As always feel free to use all or any of the letter when you write to your senators.

Here's the letter.

Dear Senator

I attempted to read House Bill H.R. 3962 with little success. I wish you could generate a bill the common person could read without a legal expert.
That said I need you to clarify some items of the bill.
How is cutting Medicare by $400 billion over the next ten years going to help seniors, especially since the number of senior citizens on Medicare will be increasing greatly during that same time?
Currently the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services is unable to deal with the amount of fraud perpetrated against Medicare. Recently a news program interviewed members of a special FBI task force in southern Florida who report that the amount being paid in Medicare fraud is more than what is being paid for illegal drugs.
How is the abuse going to be controlled? How will the fraud money be recovered? How are seniors going to be guaranteed their coverage?
Another question, what controls are in place so that private insurers cannot raise their premiums through the roof?
I am a Federal employee and the current rumor is our premiums will be raised anywhere from 8% to 20%. With no cost of living raise, that is a big.
(Imagine seniors with no COLA increase this year still having to pay higher premiums on their supplementary policies. Is any one really looking out for the seniors?)
Finally, where is the $1.2 trillion to pay for this legislation going to come from? Unemployment is at an all time high, meaning income tax revenues are down to an all time low. I do not see the new and saved jobs the stimulus was suppose to provide. Did the banks pay back interest on their bailout money? They seem to have plenty of bonus money available; I hope the government is getting its fair share.
What tax increases will we taxpayers be facing? I know a about the tax on those earning over $500,000.00 but how many fall in that category? What taxes are going to fund this Health Care Reform? (How much money are you borrowing from China to things going?)
Senator, please respond before voting on this people. The people who are going to have to pay for the legislation need to be guaranteed that is going to managed adequately, fairly and continually. There can be no loopholes and no favoritism.
Please show all the details in clear easy to read language.
Convince me that this legislation is the best thing for the country.
Thank you,
Michael Wolfe

Congress Health Care Bill

According to Speaker of the House Pelosi, the House Health Care Bill should pass anytime. Then its off to the Senate to see what they'll do. If the Senate follows suit it will get the President's signature.

Tomorrow I plan to write my senators and try to get some clarification. According to what I've read Medicare is going to be cut by $400 billion over the next ten years, and the new Health Care Bill is still going to cost around $1.2 trillion during the same period.

How is cutting benefits to senior citizens good? We know that there is rampant fraud committed against Medicare now. Does Congress really think the agency in charge of Medicare is suddenly going to regain control of the situation?

Of course the big questions is where this $1.2 trillion is going to come from? Taxes are going to need to be increased on categories other than those earning over $500,000.00 a year. (I imagine members of Congress who fall in that category will be exempt.)

I need some more specifics. All of us need to see what is really covered, who is covered and who is going to pay what.

I plan to try and read the House bill and write my senators. You all need to do the same.

An informed public is an enlightened public.

Its Common Sense!

Election 2009 - Who Cares?

Yesterday New Jersey and Virginia elected Republican Governors and the TV pundits are trying to explain what it means now and what it could foretell about the 2010 Congressional election.

I can tell them what its all about, the American people are pissed off at all of their leaders and are looking for fresh options.

Congress made us bailout the banks and financial markets with our tax dollars and are now allowing those same banks to pay exorbitant bonuses to the same jerks who put us in the crisis. In addition, these same banks are now upping credit card interest rates every two weeks, with some rates reaching the 40% range. Congress has a bill that would curb interest rate increases. Problem is, they were waiting for February 2010 to take effect. By then interest rates could be at 80%. (I heard this evening on the news that Congress is going to move that bill up, but established interest rates will not be touched.)

The USA is still fighting, after eight years, two wars, neither of which is promising to be resolved as a clear victory for the USA or the world over terrorism.

The government wants to take over even more of health care in this country. Its not enough that they are totally mismanaging MEDICARE and MEDICAID (there was a special recently about a special FBI unit in southern Florida combating MEDICARE fraud. According to their spokesperson, MEDICARE fraud is generating millions more dollars than the drug trade in what used to be the cocaine capital of the USA.)

Where are all the jobs Obama promised? Congress has extended unemployment benefits once again, although I am unclear where the money is coming from to pay for these benefits.

The swine flu pandemic is sweeping the nation and there isn't enough vaccination for the children, much less adults.

When you take all of this into account, its a wonder the reaction of the American public has been as calm and controlled as it has been.

That said, if the current Presidential Administration and Congressional majority don't get their act together and show some real concrete progress, then the independents who brought them to power are going to go seeking someone else who offers better hope.

Politicians in this country need to wake up to the fact that the independents are on the rise and they have no loyalty to either of the primary political parties. Independents are looking for truth, honestly and a square deal. They'll listen, they'll vote and if they feel they were mislead or lied to, they'll do it all again next time for somebody else.

Wake up Congress - its time to start doing your job and representing your constituents, not the power boys and lobbyists.

Its Common Sense!

Senator Barbara Mikulski on Women's Health Care

I received the following from Senator Mikulskion Wednesday 10/14/09. Seems that all of the gang in Washington want to get in the act.

Senator Mikulski: Fighting for Fairness in Women's Health CareTuesday, October 13, 2009 7:02 PM
From: "senator@mikulski.senate.gov" Add sender to ContactsTo: izamike@yahoo.com

OCTOBER, 2009
In This Issue:
Woman's Health Care
Fast Facts

This Week in the Senate:

Hearing of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

Title: What Women Want: Equal Benefits for Equal Premiums
Date: Thursday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Place: SD-430
Watch the Hearing Live

“Coverage for women is often skimpy and spartan… We women are here to fight for change.”
Senator Mikulski, September 30, 2009

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Fighting for Health Care Reform That Works for Women

Health care reform is one of the most important issues facing the nation right now, and it’s particularly important for women.

Health care is a woman’s issue, health care reform is a must-do woman’s issue, and health insurance reform is a must-change woman’s issue. That’s why my Democratic women colleagues and I have been busy fighting for equal benefits for equal premiums.

Today our health care system offers women skimpy and spartan coverage. It often doesn’t cover basic women’s health care like maternity care and O.B. services, or preventive care like mammograms and pap tests. Women are denied coverage because of “pre-existing conditions,” including C-sections, past pregnancies and domestic violence. We don’t believe in battered women, whether it’s in the home or in the insurance market place.

We women pay more and we get less. A 25 year old woman is charged up to 45 percent more than a 25 year old man with the same health status for the same policy. And once she reaches 40, it can be up to 140 percent more.

We women are here to fight for change - to end the punitive practices of insurance companies that discriminate on the basis of gender and pre-existing conditions. We want to protect and strengthen Medicare, to emphasize quality and prevention to save lives and save money, and to expand access to health care reform in a well-paced, phased-in and affordable way.

I helped write the HELP Committee’s bill, The Affordable Health Choices Act, to improve women’s access to affordable, quality health care. It stops insurance companies from charging women higher premiums or refusing to cover victims of domestic violence. It requires insurance companies to cover basic health care - like maternity care. And it requires coverage for screening and preventive services, like mammograms and pap tests, at minimal or no cost.

That’s what we are fighting for - equal benefits for equal premiums. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the issue.
Links in This Story

Senator Mikulski on Women’s Health Care (Video)

Women of the Senate Talk Health Reform on Larry King Live (Video)

Roadblocks to Health Care (White House Report)


In Maryland

In 2006, 1 in 3 births were by C-section, meaning coverage exclusions or rejection for tens of thousands of women.

In 2007, 15% of Maryland women were uninsured.

By 2016, premiums for family coverage are projected to reach $23,608.

64% of individual health plans do not include maternity care.


Fast Facts

17 million women are uninsured - that’s about 1 in 5 women.

One in 10 women is covered under Medicaid.

More than half of all Medicare beneficiaries (56%) are women.

Three in five women have problems paying their medical bills.

Women are more likely than men to neglect care or treatment because of cost.

Most individual insurance policies exclude maternity care.

Only 20 states require private insurance companies to cover annual mammograms.







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Senator Ben Cardin on Health Care Reform (2)

Dear Mr. Wolfe:



Thank you for contacting me about Medicare and health care reform.



Earlier this year, several Congressional committees began work on legislation to reduce the overall cost of health care for all Americans and expand coverage to the millions who are uninsured. Our overarching goal is to achieve meaningful reforms that will maintain what works in our health care system and fix what is broken. Although the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, and the financing of health reform, has not yet reported a bill, it is expected to do so shortly. Please be assured that I have read the bills that have been reported so far, and I will carefully read the Senate Finance Committee's bill before its provisions are debated on the Senate floor.



There has been much discussion about what will happen to the Medicare program. The Senate Finance Committee, which is meeting now to consider how to pay for health reform, is debating several options, many of which have been recommended by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or MedPAC, a non-partisan body that advises Congress on changes that should be made to Medicare. MedPAC comprises hospital representatives, doctors and other medical professionals, and they vote on how to update Medicare policies, but Congress has the final say. Perhaps the biggest change being considered would reduce the billions of dollars in overpayments being made to private insurers who offer Medicare HMO plans. That change would strengthen Medicare in the long run and keep down increases in your part B premium that would otherwise occur. I want to emphasize that your Medicare benefits will not be cut. To the contrary, we are considering proposals that would gradually eliminate the Part D "donut hole," make preventive benefits more affordable for you, and improve the low-income subsidy programs in Medicare so that more seniors can get financial assistance with Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments.



As the Senate continues deliberation, I hope we can agree that the only option that should not be on the table is the status quo. We cannot allow the current state of our health care system, which is too expensive and too fragmented, to continue. My objective is to make health care more affordable for American families' budgets and for our nation's budget. In order to achieve balanced federal budgets again, we must get health care costs under control, and in doing so, we will be able to make America more competitive in the global economy.



In addition, there are more than 46 million Americans who lack health insurance, and that number has grown by 20 percent in the past eight years. In Maryland , 760,000 people are uninsured. Underscoring the need for action is the fact that every day, Americans are filing for personal bankruptcy because they can't pay the health care bills they have incurred. In addition, when the uninsured cannot pay, health care providers shift those costs to those who can. It has been estimated that each American family with health insurance pays an additional $1,100 in premiums each year because of those who are unwilling or unable to get coverage.



I support reform that builds on our current system. I am privileged to represent a state that is home to two great medical centers-Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland --and to the National Institutes of Health. Marylanders are justifiably proud of our state's tradition of high quality medical care. We want to maintain the ability to choose the doctors and hospitals where we receive care. I want Marylanders and all other Americans to be able to choose the health care plan in which they participate. For these reasons, we need to build on our current system.



As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I firmly believe that any reform proposals we enact must be fully paid for, and the budget resolution passed by Congress requires that. I will carefully evaluate all options for financing health reform, keeping in mind the disproportionate effect that some provisions under discussion would have on working families. Health care access is an issue that stretches across all communities and many income levels, and it is not limited to members of one political party.



The President has made health care reform a priority for this Administration, and Congress has been striving to achieve workable solutions that can move our nation forward. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner for solutions that will truly bring down the cost of health care in this country and expand access to quality care for all.



Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this important issue.




Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.

Senator Ben Cardin on Health Care Reform (1)

I received two emails today from Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland regarding Health Care Reform and the Senate Health Care Bill. I am printing the first today and the one that came five minutes later tomorrow.

Read carefully, especially in light of what the insurance companies stated over the weekend and in light of the bill that was approved in the Senate Finance Committee and is making its way to the floor.

Does Congress really understand our concerns?

Share your thoughts, at least I'll listen if no one else will.

Its Common Sense!

Dear Mr. Wolfe:



Thank you for contacting me about the affordability of health care reform.



Earlier this year, several Congressional committees began work on legislation to reduce the overall cost of health care for all Americans and expand coverage to the millions who are uninsured. Our overarching goal is to achieve meaningful reforms that will maintain what works in our health care system and fix what is broken. Although the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare, Medicaid, and the financing of health reform, has not yet reported a bill, it is expected to do so shortly. Please be assured that I have read the bills that have been reported so far, and I will carefully read the Senate Finance Committee's bill before its provisions are debated on the Senate floor.



Everyday, more than 14,000 Americans lose their health insurance coverage, and the cost of medical care increases in this country, so the cost of inaction is greater than the cost of reform. Ten years ago, the average cost of a family health insurance policy in Maryland was $7,000, it is now more than $12,000, and if we do nothing, it is projected to be $23,000 by 2016. Providing Americans with a guarantee of stable, comprehensive medical coverage, along with strong insurance regulation will bring down the cost of care. A public option can help bring down the cost of health care. With fewer insurance companies offering coverage, competition is eroded and there is less incentive to control costs. This is apparent in Maryland, where only two companies control 71 percent of the private insurance market. A public plan could save money through lower administrative costs and greater efficiencies, which would in turn incentivize private insurers to be more efficient.



As the Senate continues deliberation, I hope we can agree that the only option that should not be on the table is the status quo. We cannot allow the current state of our health care system, which is too expensive and too fragmented, to continue. My objective is to make health care more affordable for American families' budgets and for our nation's budget. In order to achieve balanced federal budgets again, we must get health care costs under control, and in doing so, we will be able to make America more competitive in the global economy.



In addition, there are more than 46 million Americans who lack health insurance, and that number has grown by 20 percent in the past eight years. In Maryland , 760,000 people are uninsured. Underscoring the need for action is the fact that every day, Americans are filing for personal bankruptcy because they can't pay the health care bills they have incurred. In addition, when the uninsured cannot pay, health care providers shift those costs to those who can. It has been estimated that each American family with health insurance pays an additional $1,100 in premiums each year because of those who are unwilling or unable to get coverage.



I support reform that builds on our current system. I am privileged to represent a state that is home to two great medical centers-Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland --and to the National Institutes of Health. Marylanders are justifiably proud of our state's tradition of high quality medical care. We want to maintain the ability to choose the doctors and hospitals where we receive care. I want Marylanders and all other Americans to be able to choose the health care plan in which they participate. For these reasons, we need to build on our current system.



As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I firmly believe that any reform proposals we enact must be fully paid for, and the budget resolution passed by Congress requires that. I will carefully evaluate all options for financing health reform, keeping in mind the disproportionate effect that some provisions under discussion would have on working families. Health care access is an issue that stretches across all communities and many income levels, and it is not limited to members of one political party.



The President has made health care reform a priority for this Administration, and Congress has been striving to achieve workable solutions that can move our nation forward. I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner for solutions that will truly bring down the cost of health care in this country and expand access to quality care for all.



Again, thank you for letting me know your views on this important issue.




Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.

Democratic Power

I see that Vice-President Biden swore in Paul Kirk as temporary Senator of Massachusetts, giving the Democrats their 60 seats in the Senate.

Frankly, I am not happy that the Obama Administration used the Kennedy influence to insure he has enough votes to ram Health Care Reform through the Congress if the Republicans do not get any of the compromises they are seeking.

The state of Massachusetts decided years ago on a policy to replace a US Senator and I feel that policy should be respected. If the citizens of Massachusetts want to change the policy, then there should be a state referendum and a decision made by the people, not some lawmakers looking for payback at a later date.

Between asking the governor of New York not to run, and pushing for the governor of Massachusetts to give them a friendly man for the Senate, I think the Obama Administration are stepping out of bounds.

Blatant interference is not the way to inspire the confidence of the people.

These actions are a disappointment. Obama, and especially his team need to be a little more considerate of the feelings of the American public or they just might discover they are in for a short time in Washington.

Its Common Sense!

Tort Reform

As the National Health Care Debate continues, I believe one area that can save a lot of money is if legislation is created that clearly states a patients bill of rights, listing the penalties for physicians and others in the health care industry who commit a crime of negligence, ignorance or stupidity against a patient. This way the patient and health care professional know the penalty, whether it is a fine or banishment depending on the severity of the error.

All of this goes with Tort Reform, which takes attorneys and lawsuits out of medicine. Currently, malpractice insurance is so high in some states that physicians refuse to practice in them.

With standardized penalties, frivolous lawsuits can become a thing of the past and health care professional can dedicate themselves to providing the best treatment for their patients and not be worried about a lawsuit.

I sent the following letter to the President and my representatives regarding Tort Reform.

As always feel free to us any or all of the letter when you write to the President and your representatives.


If we work together and become a single voice we just make Health Care reform a reality.

Its Common Sense!!




Dear Mister President,
I have submitted earlier suggestions regarding the Health Reform legislation and have one more. Tort Reform. Let's get the lawyers out of health care. I believe that the government should set a national standard of penalties for physicians and others in the health care industry who commit crimes, especially of negligence and ignorance against their patients. By establishing a firm set of guidelines, or patients' bill of rights, lawyers and lawsuits could be removed from the medical scene, malpractice insurance could be stabilized and nationalized, and the attorneys and their exorbitant lawsuits could be removed from the picture.
How much health care money can be saved with the removal of attorneys?
You have repeatedly stated that you are against special interest groups, yet the attorney lobby certainly seems to have a big vote on this issue.
Please stick to your guns, drop the special interest, do what is best for the American people and insist that Tort reform is part of National Health Care Reform.
Thank you
Michael Wolfe