Nonprofits do not hide behind technology, they lag behind its use. The use of technology to capture and track performance measures otherwise known as outcomes provides the proof organizations need to show their worth to funders. It provides the documentation for competing with a similar organization.
The use of technology for employee support costs in such areas as training, travel and communication lowers costs.
The use of technology for an organizations support costs in such areas as energy conservation, communication and telecommuting lower costs.
Life can be scary sometimes. There seems to always be some one acting as the bully or just lies. I get so mad. My parents say that when someone is a bully to me they are jealous and I have to be more mature than them. I think that means act like a grown up.
From Papa;
“The health care debate.”
I find it disturbing to watch so many adults act like a bully, using rage and lies to make a scene. These individuals are not interested in facts and improving a health care system. Making reform look bad when in fact it improves a system for everyone, yes I said everyone, which means that the individual is more interested in creating disasters.
Nonprofit, small businesses and individuals should take the time to read the facts and let Congress and the President know what your concerns are if you see something that does not make sense. If it is not clear, ask. If you have a suggestion submit it.
This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.
Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.
As President Obama said at the town hall in
New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let’s disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that’s actually been proposed.”
So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.
Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.
Thanks,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
P.S. We launched www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we’ve just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:
8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage
Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won’t be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Reform will stop “rationing” - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a “government takeover” of health care or lead to “rationing.” To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
We can’t afford reform: It’s the status quo we can’t afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
Reform would encourage “euthanasia”: It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
Vets’ health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans’ access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President’s budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare “doughnut” hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural
America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
Teens always get the scraps when it comes to work opportunities. In this recession, those scraps have been far and few between. All over the country Teen jobs have been swallowed up by older and most likely overqualified workers. Of course, teens may not work quite as well as other employees. However, a possible cause for their lack of motivation is because they have never had a job to motivate them to work hard and earn money. This stimulus package can only help in getting America’s teens in the right direction for success.
President Obama says innovation is the key to getting America out of this recession. That sounds awesome but what kind innovation will make the economy stronger that won’t cost us billions of dollars in research? Health care reform is not the only answer to leaving this recession in the dust. We need more change than just health care.
Nonprofits do not hide from problems, they sometimes get too friendly which prevents them from making tough choices. Innovation comes with making tough choices.
A hero to many, she brought about the creation of one organization that fundamentally changed perception and provided the opportunity for the goals of millions to be reached. Living life to ones highest potential and as part of the community, Eunice is a model citizen. In honor of Eunice Shriver take a moment to make this the year you either donate your time or money in any amount to your local Special Olympics group. For more information about Eunice check out this Washington Post article link.
Just one example of how one person can make a huge difference.
My birthday was this weekend and I got something I really wanted. But I had to show that my imagination did not get out of control. I had to show that I could balance make believe and playing with my brother and friends. No one wants to be the bad guy, everyone wants to be the good guy. The magazines call them heros. I just call it acting like them.
From Papa:
There is one hero I would like to point, Robert Lappin. He and his family donated $5 million to restore the retirement savings of their 60 employees and the Robert Lappin Charitable Foundation. They were all adversely affected by the Madoff fraud. This is one story where dreams evaporated overnight only to be restored overnight.
It is stories like this that allow people to dream and wish for a future of fair play and that their dedication to their work means something. A few more individuals and companies should be as generous and philanthropic.
Ones imagination and reality can cross paths in ones life. Nonprofits create that environment all of the time.
Talk about invasion of privacy. Before even going for an interview, an employer may have already made a decision about your judgment skills just by looking over your credit history. What if a recent college graduate goes into an interview and the employer scratches his name out simply because the interviewee has never owned a credit card? if that is the case, theres no way I’m ever going to get a job.
Apperently a congressman can get a free flight to anywhere in the world as long as they get permission from congressional commitees, along with a compliment and a hand shake to an official in the Department of Defense. If the miliary planes are over-booked by lawmakers the senate majority leaders and the speaker of house decide who is going. No wonder the republicans have been so bitter about losing the majority.
Since more and more congressmen are taking advantage of these free flights, congress is purchasing more planes to make traveling even more convinient for lawmakers. Is it possible all these planes will be used to spread democracy and America’s innovative ideas for a better world economy? Not likely.
Massachusetts was considered an innovator for being the first state to have all workers be required to have health insurance. Unfortunately that innovative law has put many small business executives in a bind due to increased costs health providers are placing on small businesses. As a result, many small businesses are advocating for group health insurance policies. The idea makes sense, but what happens to all those people that were supposed to benefit the most from Obama’s health care reform plan? What kind of message are we sending out where we favor our small businesses more than our citizens? Sounds like the small business executives are just searching for another way to save money. Not to mention that employees would pay higher prices at the doctor if their employer gets this law passed.
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