Obama-Biden Transition Team Health Care Listening Session

Tuesday, December 30th 4pm - 6pm Arnold/Howard Room, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, Maine

Sponsored by: Maine Medical Association (MMA), the Maine Osteopathic Association (MOA) and the Downeast Association of Physician Assistants (DEAPA)

Moderators: Gordon Smith, Esq., EVP of MMA and Joel Kase, D.O., MPH, President-elect of MOA

As we work to revamp our health care system, we need to hear from you. There is no problem that we cannot solve together-and it is out of our collective wisdom and experience that we will identify potential solutions to the many health care challenges that we face. We need to hear your ideas and your stories so that we can report them to the President-elect. Your answers will guide our collective effort to reform the U.S. health system.

This session is one of nearly 5000 scheduled the last two weeks of December across the country. Comments offered at the session will be recorded and forwarded to the transition team for its use in its effort to prepare health care reform legislation.

Download an advance copy of the five-page Participant Guide for Health Care Community Discussions.

Can't make it to the session but still want to participate? Post your questions about health care policy.

Submit your own personal health stories.

Open to the public. Please RSVP to 622-3374 x219 or RSVP@mainemed.com. I apologize for the very late posting of this event. If you can make it tomorrow, please call to RSVP. If not and you want to participate, please do so via the above links. Our leaders need to hear from us on health care and here's an opportunity to let your voice be heard. - Helen

CAHC Action - Save the Date

Consumers for Affordable Health Care in concert with the Maine Voices for Coverage Coalition is holding a press conference and rally at the State House in the Hall of Flags on January 15, 2009 from 11 to 1 pm, introducing legislation in an effort at health care reform right here in Maine. What CAHC and Maine Voices for Coverage need are stories from small businesses and from individuals pertaining to their health insurance struggles. They need stories about small businesses in Maine that can no longer afford to provide health insurance coverage to their employees because the cost of the insurance is so high. They need personal stories from folks who thought they had enough coverage, got sick or had an injury, then discovered that their health insurance was full of loop holes and had not enough coverage. CAHC and Maine Voices for Coverage also need folks to be at this press conference and rally, to show support for health care reform. Please contact Doug at dclopp@mainecahc.org or Cherilee at cbudrick@mainecahc.org at Consumers for Affordable Health Care for more information.

Obama chooses Daschle; Asks for input on Health Care Reform

“Now, some may ask how at this moment of economic challenge we can afford to invest in reforming our health care system. And I ask a different question. I ask how can we afford not to…. So let’s be clear. If we want to overcome our economic challenges, we must also finally address your health care challenge. - President- Elect Obama Last week, President-Elect Obama officially announced Tom Daschle as his choice for both Secretary of Health and Human Services and director of the new White House Office of Health Reform. He also named Dr. Jeanne Lambrew, who worked on health policy at the White House from 1997 to 2000, as the deputy director of Health Reform. According to a story in the New York Times, Daschle wants to establish a Federal Health Board, an independent entity like the Federal Reserve. Details of this plan are described in a book that Lambrew and Daschle recently co-wrote entitled, “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” According to a recent web post at the Center for American Progress, where Lambrew is a Senior Fellow, Lambrew has advocated for plans that allow Americans to keep their existing coverage, while offering affordable options to those who need them. The plan would simplify Medicaid and extend coverage to those below a certain income level. President-Elect Obama and his transition team are asking for input on health care reform. Between now and the end of the year, activists are encouraged to hold community meetings, such as a house party, to talk about health care reform and submit comments to the transition team. In particular, it is important to make sure to raise issues that effect the direct-care workforce and long-term care. Sign up to host a community meeting by visiting change.gov. It will take all of us to make sure the meaningful health care reform becomes a reality. Allison Lee National Policy Director HCHCW

Cuts Proposed in MaineCare

Dear MAIN Members and Supporters, The State is facing another large deficit. Once again, MaineCare cuts are being proposed. This is only the beginning of a series of budget cut proposals that we will see over the next month. However, we want to alert you to proposed cuts in the MaineCare program that will be considered right away. They concern us and we think may concern you too. The Governor's supplemental budget proposes to eliminate several MaineCare services to parents. These are mostly working parents with family incomes within the following limits: You will be affected if: If you have a family of 2, with monthly income between $1,167 and $2,334 If you have a family of 3, with monthly income between $1,467 and $2,934 If you have a family of 4 with monthly income between $1,767 and $3,534 If you have a family of 5 with monthly income between $2,067 and $4,134 ONLY PARENTS (NOT CHILDREN) WILL BE AFFECTED BY THESE SERVICE CUTS. The budget proposal does not include a list of the actual services to be cut. We hope to get that information in the next few days and will contact you again once we know more. However, in the meantime, we hope that you will contact us if you are a parent on MaineCare whose income is within the limits above. That will help us know who will be harmed.Please also tell us if there are particular MaineCare services that are very important to you. Please contact us if you or a family you know are willing to help fight these cuts when the time is right. We expect there will be public hearings on the budget scheduled the first or second week of January. We will need to make sure legislators hear the stories and the voices of people who will be hurt by cuts to services. We realize that not everyone who will be hurt by these cuts can come to the State House in Augusta and talk to legislators. However, please contact us as soon as possible so that together we can determine the most effective way for you, or a parent you know, to help legislators understand the harm that these cuts would cause. Please send an email to Crystal Bond or call Maine Equal Justice at 1-866-626-7059 x 205. Thank you! Crystal Crystal M. Bond Paralegal/Organizer Maine Equal Justice Partners 126 Sewall Street Augusta, Maine 04330 Tel: 1-866-626-7059 x 205 Fax: 207-621-8148 www.mejp.org "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here's one way to Get Involved

MSEA-SEIU members launch campaign to rescue state budget, revitalize economy. Forty states, including Maine, are dealing with a budget crisis. MSEA-SEIU members are uniting to demand that Congress act immediately to: - Provide more federal funding that will allow us to maintain the vital services our communities need; - Build and maintain our critical infrastructure; - Prevent layoffs and create new jobs. Get involved. Click here to see how.

Notice of Dues and Service Fees Increase

As of January 1st, 2009, dues and service fees for MSEA-SEIU bargaining unit members will increase. Members who are regularly scheduled to work more than 32 hours per week will pay $9.75 per week ($19.50 biweekly). Non-members who are regularly scheduled to work more than 32 hours per week will pay $5.06 per week in service fees ($10.12 biweekly). Members who are regularly scheduled to work 16 to 32 hours per week will pay $5.85 per week in dues ($11.70 biweekly). Non-members who are scheduled to work 16 to 32 hours per week will pay $3.04 per week in service fees ($6.07 biweekly). Members who are regularly scheduled to work 8 to 16 hours per week will pay $2.93 per week in dues ($5.85 biweekly). Non-members who are regularly scheduled to work less than 16 hours per week will pay $1.52 per week in service fees ($3.04 biweekly). Part-time employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours or less per week will pay $0.00 per week, zero dues. If you're upset about these increases, all I can say is become a member, get involved, take action to protect our jobs and our wages. With the upcoming budget shortfalls looming, we'll need strong, union voices at the statehouse. We'll need to let our elected officials know we can't stand another cut. I also urge you to remember how our raises and quarterly stipends with our first contract came about. MSEA-SEIU, our union, was responsible for writing the legislation to increase the reimbursement rate that Home Care of Maine received for homemaking services. MSEA-SEIU also pushed for its passage, first through the DHHS Committee, then through the full legislature. Without our union, MSEA-SEIU, we would not have gotten the raises we got with our first contract. We are going to need MSEA-SEIU again. Our union will help raise awareness of the services our consumers need, as well as the need for better pay and benefits for us workers. If you don't like the way things are going, get involved, work towards change. Come to 771's next chapter meeting, Saturday, January 10th, MSEA-SEIU headquarters, 65 State Street, Augusta from 1-3 pm. Come and voice your questions, concerns, gripes. I'll be glad to see you there.

Gas Card at 771's next Meeting

Local 771 will give away another $50 gas card to a lucky member present at our January 10th meeting. Remember, you must be present to win. Hope to see you there!

More Aid for Older Mainers Sought

AUGUSTA -- Advocates for the elderly plan to expand legislation requesting an additional $1 million for aid programs, despite state budget shortfalls. Brenda Gallant, the state's long-term care ombudsman, said difficult budget times make this the right environment to broaden effective programs that could save the state money in the long term by keeping people out of nursing homes. "With the budget crisis we're in, it's really important to stress cost effectiveness and quality," she said. Next week, Gov. John Baldacci is scheduled to release a $140 million supplemental budget to address a budget gap in the current state spending plan. In January, he will release a new two-year state budget estimated at $6.3 billion that will include cuts totaling $838 million. The basis for the elder-care legislation comes from a blue-ribbon commission report released last month. Among the recommendations: * Eliminate waiting lists for home-based care and homemaker services by fiscal year 2010. Right now, there are 870 people on a waiting list for homemaker services, which include help with grocery shopping, laundry, housekeeping and errands. And there are 375 people on a waiting list for home-based care, which includes homemaker services plus bathing, dressing and other personal needs. * Spend $300,000 per year so more people are served by Aging and Disability Resource Centers. The centers provide information and referral services for the elderly and adults with physical disabilities and their families. * Spend $500,000 per year in the Priority Social Services Program, which includes Meals on Wheels and a program in which volunteers give rides to medical appointments. * Spend $200,000 per year for the family caregiver program, which provides assistance to the elderly, and adults with disabilities, to help them stay in their homes. Graham Newson, executive director of the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging, said he's well aware of the budget problems facing the state. "Any discussion at the Statehouse is a matter of priorities," he said. "Money is very tight. I really see our role is to alert the Legislature to programs that are working and making a difference to Mainers." Rep. Sawin Millett, R-Waterford, served on the blue-ribbon commission and has been a member of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee. A conservative, he said there may be ways to fund some of the requests, but that the money would have to come from savings elsewhere in the Department of Health and Human Services budget. "It would be foolhardy to think we could implement them all," he said. He said it should be a priority to get people off the waiting lists and thinks that by moving other people into less costly programs, it would free up money for those needs. When it comes to juggling budget requests, Millett said this is one area where the state should play a key role. "I think it's high in the overall scope of priorities of what state government is all about," he said. "We have a serious state responsibility and I think we should take it seriously." Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett, D-Gorham, also a member of the elder commission, said these proposals will be part of a larger discussion about "providing care in the least costly setting at every stage of life." "Can we come up with money today to save us money down the road?" he said. "We didn't think we should let the session go by without having that conversation." The advocates for the elderly say even if the Legislature puts off funding until better economic times, the needs of Maine's elderly will continue to grow. Maine has the oldest median age in the country, and it's far more expensive for someone to live in a nursing home than to stay at home with some state-supported services, they said. The state Office of Elder Services estimates the monthly cost for a MaineCare-eligible person in a nursing home is nearly $4,000 compared to $1,686 for those who get help at home. Gallant said many times, the state provides some assistance to families who are already serving as primary caregivers. In some instances, a $1,000 investment by the state to build a ramp or pave part of a driveway will mean someone can stay at home longer. "The dilemma is, if they don't get services, some of them will end up in a more expensive nursing facility," Newson said. Susan Cover -- 620-7015 Kennebec Journal, December 10, 2008

HCAN meeting with Congressman Mike Michaud

This afternoon, the Maine Health Care for America Now coalition met with Congressman Michaud. The meeting was good and very upbeat. Congressman Michaud did not sign on to HCAN's health care principles. He wants to see what the Obama Administration will put forth before he signs. He basically said that he supports HCAN's Statement of Common Purpose and he knows that health care reform is a top priority. He wants know what the administration plans to put forth for health care reform. If it is something he agrees with, he'll support it. He did not rule out his support of HCAN. He is a very detailed kind of person and he reads the fine print on legislation to see if it is something he can support or not, just like his vote against the $700 billion bailout. We asked him his priorities in the upcoming session. Health care was at the top of his list. Another priority is health care for veterans and utilizing the VA system to help hold down costs for the general public. By this he means more contracting with rural, local hospitals so our vets don't have to travel so far to receive services. It is good for our vets who live in rural areas and good for the local hospitals. Congressman Michaud mentioned transportation, economic stimulus, trade and funding for home-based care as opposed to nursing home care as also being priorities. I took the liberty of talking to Congressman Michaud after the meeting to tell him that we need increased funding in home based care. Elders and disabled in need of services are enduring long waiting lists. They do not want to leave their homes and go into nursing homes. Congressman Michaud agreed to meet with HCAN in January, after we all know a bit more about what the administration is working on. He urged us to stay in touch with what's happening with the health care reform issue. See the organizations involved in the HCAN coalition across the nation.

A Christmas Greeting

771 received this from the fine folks at Consumers for Affordable Health Care

Year of the Woman

Kennebec Journal, December 4, 2008

Libby Mitchell, Hannah Pingree and Janet Mills are reaching levels of top leadership in Maine

BIG BANG: Avery Minot Pingree, 7 of North Haven, covers her ears as her step-sister House Speaker Hannah Pingree pounds her gavel on the first day of the new legislative session on Wednesday in Augusta. Avery was among the many visiting family members and friends in the State House as both chambers took their oaths on Wednesday.

VOTED IN: Senators Earle McCormick, R-West Gardier, left, and Douglas Smith, R-Dover Foxcroft, right, cheer along with the rest of the Senate chamber after Sen. Libby Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, center, was elected Senate President on Wednesday morning in Augusta.

AUGUSTA -- The members of the 124th Legislature took their seats Wednesday on a day marked by tradition, hope and history.

Family and friends squeezed into folding chairs in the Senate chamber to watch as Sen. Elizabeth Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, became the first woman in the country to have been selected by her peers to serve first as House Speaker and now Senate president.

Over in the House, Rep. Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, was sworn in as House Speaker. Her mother, U.S. Rep.-elect Chellie Pingree, watched her 32-year-old daughter take the oath.

Later in the day, the Legislature named Janet Mills, of Farmington, the new attorney general, making her the first woman in Maine history to hold that position. A special election will be held to fill her House seat representing Farmington and Industry.

"It is the year of the woman in Maine," Speaker Hannah Pingree said.

Through it all, legislators began their two years of service with the knowledge that the national economy is in recession and state budget cuts will force them to make difficult decisions.

Paul Cates, of Vassalboro Friends Meeting, led the Senate prayer by describing the day's events as "an auspicious occasion in a very difficult time."

On a day light on policy, Mitchell and Pingree announced their intention to create a task force on energy that would "advance a greener Maine," Mitchell said.

The Senate also brought back a tradition that dates to the 1820s by sending a senator to "stoke the furnace."

This year, Sen. Walter Gooley, R-Farmington, performed the task, which allowed Mitchell to take a seat in the chamber while she waited to be formally voted in as Senate president.

Gov. John Baldacci then entered the chamber to say a few words and deliver the oath of office.

"It is a season of change," he said. "Change is coming from Washington, Augusta and statehouses across the country. It's going to be difficult and challenging times."

Many of the legislators brought family members with them to the ceremony.

With his right hand held high while reciting the oath, Senate Majority Leader Phil Bartlett, D-Gorham, used his left hand to steady his small daughter as she crawled on his desk.

Republicans in both chambers showed good will by choosing not to nominate competing officers to the Democratic choices. Democrats hold solid majorities in both bodies.

Senate Minority Leader Kevin Raye, R-Perry, seconded the motion to install Mitchell as Senate president, saying he considers her a friend.

He also warned of the uncertain economic times.

"We have an opportunity, indeed an obligation, to downsize state government to a level taxpayers can afford," he said.

Mitchell, 68, delivered a speech that touched on her experience in the Legislature -- she's served 22 years off and on since 1974, including a tenure as House Speaker from 1996 to 1998 -- and the current economic crisis.

She also urged fellow Senators to project a positive image of the state to help attract more businesses.

"Unfortunately, too many lobbyists, state leaders and pundits have taken to trashing Maine in order to advance their narrow agenda," she said. "A cottage industry has sprung up in many corners to proclaim the bad news about all things Maine."

In an address to the House, Pingree spoke about energy costs in Maine and a recent report that showed 13 percent of Maine families don't have enough food to feed their families regularly.

"This is simply unacceptable," she said. "Worse yet, during a time of economic crisis, levels of food insecurity could rise as parents lose their jobs and elderly residents choose between heat and food."

She said she will work with Maine farmers to "address this in a serious and urgent way."

After the ceremony, Pingree's mother, who will be sworn in to Congress on Jan. 6, said it was hard to describe what it was like to watch her daughter be sworn in as House Speaker.

"It's sort of surreal," she said. "It's great as a mom, but it's also great as a woman. It's not just motherly pride. She's going to be excellent in that job."

Susan Cover -- 620-7015 scover@centralmaine.com

Help with Prescriptions

Dear Friends, For Maine residents living in the counties of Cumberland, Franklin, Knox, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo, there is a discount prescription option that you may not have heard about yet. People living in the counties listed above can go to their Town Office or their County Commissioner’s Office to pick up their free drug discount card. The average discount seen with these cards is reported to be about 20% off the total retail cost. There are no income or asset guidelines for this assistance. This new program adds another resource to the list of programs that can help eligible Mainers with drug costs. Other programs that could be helpful are MaineCare, Maine Rx Plus, Low-Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled, Medicare, retail generic discounts, and other drug-specific programs. For more information about these other programs and how to apply if they are right for you, just give us a call at our HelpLine (1-800-965-7476). For more information about the county-specific programs, call or visit your Town Office or County Commissioner’s Office. Best Regards, Jaime I got this in an email from Consumers for Affordable Health Care

Gallup Poll found that Americans Still Strongly Support Unions

by Mike Hall, Dec 2, 2008 Despite the best efforts of corporate-backed anti-union groups, the Bush White House and anti-worker politicians demonizing unions on the campaign trail, most Americans continue to approve of unions, as they have for the past seven decades. The latest update from Gallup on union support shows 59 percent of those surveyed back unions, while 29 percent disapprove of them. According to Gallup: Americans have generally held a favorable view of unions for decades—with no less than 55 percent of Americans saying they approve of labor unions in Gallup polls conducted from 1936 to 2008. Not surprisingly, most of the support comes from Democrats and independents. Seventy-two percent of Democrats approve of labor unions, compared with 63 percent of independents but only 38 percent of Republicans. Also, most respondents said unions should have more influence (35 percent) or the same amount of influence (28 percent), while 32 percent want to see less union influence. The results reflect what other pollsters have found about public support of unions. More than three-quarters of Americans (77 percent) support strong laws, such as the Employee Free Choice Act, that give employees the freedom to make their own choice about whether to have a union in their workplace without interference from management. Also, some 60 million workers say they would join a union today if they could. Click here for more from the Dec. 1 update by Gallup. from AFL-CIO Now Blog

771 Chapter Meeting

771 has another chapter meeting scheduled for January 10th at MSEA Headquarters, 65 State Street, Augusta from 1 to 3 pm. This meeting is to elect the chapter's delegates and go over chapter business. A postcard, similar to what was sent out to members for the election of officers, will be mailed out to members in mid December. This is for members to make nominations for delegates. 771 now has nine delegates. We need to elect eight more as the president is automatically seated as a delegate. Delegate duties include voting in Area I caucuses, attending and voting at MSEA's Annual Convention. Convention is a fun 2 days conducting MSEA's business as well as getting together with union brothers and sisters from all over the state that you may see only once a year. A great time to catch up and party! Without having a full slate of officers and delegates, our local cannot receive its allotments. Anyone interested in being nominated, please contact me at helen.hnsn@gmail.com or Jay Economy at organizing@mseaseiu.org. Be sure to put something about 771 in the subject line so he'll receive it.

HCAN Meeting with Rep. Mike Michaud

Thanks to MSEA for getting this scheduled! HCAN meeting with Representative Mike Michaud Thursday, December 4 2:30 - 3 pm Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) Offices 66 Winthrop Street Augusta