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We adamantly oppose legalized gambling as it will further burden our health-care system by:
ReplyDeletea) increasing the number of citizens requiring addiction treatment and counseling;
b) increasing the number of citizens unable to afford health insurance;
c) requiring additional funding of gambling addiction treatment facilities.
Please make sure that whatever platform is adopted on health care that it include equal rights for patients to be able to chose Chiropractic care without referrals from their primary care physician and only subject to fair and reasonable treatment guidelines that are commiserate with the guidelines of the American Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractic Association.
ReplyDeleteMental illness/mental health should be budgeted fairly, as compared to physical illness/physical health. Budget cuts should be administered even-handedly, not as suggested in the current disproportionate budget cuts. "Saving money" with such cuts always proves more costly to the
ReplyDeletestate in the long run.
Chiropractic, a physician level profession, proven repeatedly effective clinically and economically, is again at risk of being de-valued in the face of blatant falsehoods spoken at this time of economic strain and medical market share competition. The Democratic Party must assure patient access to chiropractors of their choice without the artificial and unproven limits or barriers frequently imposed at this time,and must re-introduce true competition into the medical marketplace by calling for equal access and equal pay for equal work. True transformation in the delivery, cost, quality and effectiveness of healthcare will be achievable only upon a level playing field. Here these yardsticks of care will be measureable, compared, adopted or discarded. The existing model can only fear such scrutiny, as it has resulted in bloated costs, declining clinical effectiveness, marginal competition, and a very low standing as compared to other Western nations ......Al Kalter
ReplyDeleteChiropractic Physicians should be able to conservatively treat musculoskeletal conditions on an equal access and equal pay for equal work basis. Chiropractic care has been proven to be more cost effective (compared to medical model) for management of discogenic low back pain, and I am confident that research will continue to tout the success and economical benefits of chiropractic treatments. While prescription medications can be a useful adjunct to conservative care, they mostly treat symptoms and do not address the cause. Patients are becoming more aware and educated on conservative therapies...the demand is rising. ~Mike Morgan
ReplyDeleteResearch has repeatedly shown that chiropractic is safe, effective and cost-effective.
ReplyDeleteOur platform should include a statement to this effect: "Chiropractic is considered an essential service and should be available as a treatment approach for any condition that is covered by insurance for which chiropractors are trained and licensed to offer treatment."
We Democrats believe that a national health care policy is to expand on our current economically efficient and politically popular Medicare system. This will protect all Americans against severe medical conditions, promote healthier lifestyles, and eliminate bankruptcies due to unmet medical costs. We urge all of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to sponsor and to help pass Medicare-for-All legislation.
ReplyDeleteUnder the current Mass Health system, Chiropractic coverage is a mess. Scope of practice is limited to spinal manipulation only and only with a Primary Care referral. X-ray, therapies, re-exams, blood work, diagnostics etc.. are all non-covered. Re-imbersment rates for initial exam (about $18) and spinal manipulation (about $28) are set below the Dr's costs. When Mass Health did not cover Chiropractic services we could collect Co-pay and deductable from Medicare/mass health patients. Now that Mass Health "covers" Chiropractic services, we can not and Mass health pays zero, using the logic that Medicare already paid more than they would have. Any national health care policy should greatly expand scope of practice and re-imbursement rates.
ReplyDeleteBACK IN THE 1970'S, AS A FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE SUBAREA COUNCIL OF THE HEALTH PLANNING COUNCIL OF GREATER BOSTON. WE WERE PRESENTING THE STATE HEALTH PLAN. AN MD STATED THAT HE WAS NOT COMFORTABLE WITH CHIROPRACTIC CARE. UNION AND OTHER PEOPLE PRESENT STATED, "IF THAT IS WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT THAT IS WHAT THEY WILL GET". THOUSANDS OF MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS UTILIZE CHIROPRACTIC AS THEIR SOURCE OF HEALTHCARE. THE CHIROPRACTIC PROFESSION IS STILL WAITING FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO REALIZE THAT AND PLACE CHIROPRACTIC IN ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE AS AN ALTERNATIVE IN HEALTHCARE. DR. SEYMOUR SHRIBNIK
ReplyDeleteConsumers want and deserve fair and equitable access to chiropractic care.
ReplyDeleteChiropractic Health as the 3rd largest health care profession needs to be made a priority in Health Care reform for it has the ability to reduce health care costs, return employees back to work faster without medications, and is a highly effective form of health care that deems less barriers to access for the citizens of the Commonwealth. It is also enjoys very high patient satisfaction and is being demanded by the public, but barriers deter patients from access and at a time when medical costs are skyrocketing, Chiropractic Health care needs to be put in the spotlight and highlighted for all the positive health outcomes for children & adults. - Scott Darragh, Melrose, MA
ReplyDeleteAs stated earlier, Chiropractic care has long been embraced as an effective means for primarily back related pain. Past and current research is gaining undeniable traction demonstrating the efficacy and satisfaction of this form of health care. Sadly, we see policy being dictated by health insurance companies only interested in profit, NOT true health for their subscribers. It is unfortunate the commonwealth provides for a wide scope of practice for its chiropractic physicians and then allows the insurance giants to limit this scope not only in method but in reimbursement as well....
ReplyDeleteAs a Democrat and a health care provider, I believe in the right of our citizens in having access to good and affordable health care. That also means direct access to chiropractic care, which is both cost effective and very helpful in getting people well and stay well. As the 3rd largest healing profession in the world, chiropractic has become a valuable partner in the process of health and healing and should continue to have a larger role.
ReplyDeleteA group of frustrated progressive Democrats met in Jamaica Plain on March 11th to discuss what we believe.
ReplyDeleteAs Progressive Democrats, we believe in/that:
Health care that promotes prevention
Support for public health, reproductive and sexual health
Everyone deserves tax supported universal health care
Chiropractic care reduces frequency and duration of hospital stays, returns people to productive work faster, while reducing direct and associated costs whenever compared to other approaches. The cost-effective benefits of chiropractic care are realized when direct access to chiropractors by the public is enabled. No health care policy platform is complete without provisions for equitable inclusion of chiropractic services that are accessable without the current discriminatory barriers that serve to effectively limit the public's choice of provider.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama has made his thoughts on healthcare in America clear: It's been broken for a long time and he wants to finally repair it. He is interested is replacing the inefficient, expensive,and ineffective present system with cost effective, safe, preventative, alternative, efficacious healthcare. I submit that Chiropractic care has been doing that since it's inception. Study after study support the claim that Chiropractic provides a wide range of health benefits to the public at low cost and low risk with good outcomes, easy access and excellent patient satisfaction. We are presented with an opportunity here to have Massachusetts lead the nation in realizing President Obama's vision by creating a comprehensive, inclusive healthcare program that is fair and equitable to Chiropractic and provides the public with direct access and appropriate coverage to our nation's largest alternative healthcare providers. Curtis Langer, Aquinnah, MA.
ReplyDeleteThe Commonwealth must provide the continued financial support to assure the success of the Health Reform law.
ReplyDeleteThe Commonwealth must act to provide access to affordable health insurance and comprehensive health care for all residents.
(Omit restoration of MassHealth language) and substitute the following:
We support maintaining MassHealth coverage and funding.
The Commonwealth must continue dental coverage for MassHealth eligible adults, and expand and improve services for children.
The Commonwealth must expand mental health services, including those for children and adolescents.
We believe that every resident of the Commonwealth should have access to affordable and quality health care. (the framing of this presentation is based on deep and long polling and analysis. It is why the President uses these exact words (see herndonalliance.org)
ReplyDeleteThe Medfield Democratic Town Committee supports: Closing the "habilitative" care health insurance loophole.
ReplyDeleteMany insurance companies provide coverage rehabilitative services for children who incur a mental or physical disability as the result of an injury or illness. However, those same carriers do not provide services for children who are born with a mental or physical disabilities, even though those services are the same as those provided to rehabilitation services.
Closing the "habilitative" care loophole will end discrimination against children with disabilities, a long held priority for the Commonwealth.
Health Care
ReplyDeleteWe oppose cuts in mental health services, including those for children and adolescents. MORE EMPHASIS MUST BE PLACED ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE. NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS CANNOT DO IT ALL. THERE MUST BE OUTREACH, PARITY WITH MEDICAL CARE PROVIDED THE PHYSICALLY ILL AND EFFECTIVE SOCIAL SERVICES
Belmont Dem. Town Committee met on 3/25 and the following positions were agreed upon:
ReplyDelete1. The platform planks framed in the negative "we oppose" should be made positive (e.g., "we support coverage in mental health services...").
2. The platform should state that "All seniors should have access to long-term care and geriatric services not covered by Medicare."
3. The platform should include support for a constitutional amendment that that would safeguard universal health care as a fundamental right.
4. The platform should include a provision mandating insurance coverage for wellness programs.
One further recommendation from the Belmont Dem. Town Committee:
ReplyDeleteThe platform should include a commitment to sustained, robust public health programs for public health programs for HIV, tobacco dependence, Alzheimers, and others.
Commend Gov. Patrick, Blue Cross and Health Care For All for implementation of health care reform with 98% insurance enrollment. Recognize need to solve continuing problems: gaps in care even with insurance; funding uncertainty for the state and for individuals.
ReplyDeleteExplore single payer option, perhaps with modifications
, for more comprehensive and efficient reform. Pass Massachusetts Health Care Trust Legislation.
Simultaneously enact changes, especially cost control, which are needed now whether we eventually have a single payer system, an insurance system or a mix.
Reduce costs for administration
Electronic and standardized medical records and claims process
Bulk buying of pharmaceuticals
Better utilize Nurse-Practitioners as an access point into the medical system
Increase numbers and compensation of Primary Care Physicians
Cover costs of Dental care, Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids
Limit high deductible policies to those who can escrow deductible funds.
Push for improved quality of care to avoid medical errors, and to make people health, which in the long term reduces mortality in hopsital settings due to errors and infection, and ultimately makes us a healthire population. Being healthy through proactive/predicated health and quality care is ultimately what can bring costs down.
Transparency of medical services is a must. Everyone should know that a $20 co-pay may still be tied to a $500 service that we all pay for indirectly. Misuse and overuse of care must be stopped. Transparency and an educated healthcare consumer helps.
Massachusetts Democrats are proud that our state has achieved the highest rate of health insurance in the nation. Access must continue to be assured while debate continues on how to address the crisis at the national level. We support continued subsidies for those unable to afford insurance, as well as an aggressive and mutual effort on the part of the state, care providers, insurers, and the public to contain costs and foster outcome-based payment systems and evidence-based care.
ReplyDeleteTestimony at Platform Hearing March 28, 2009, home of Nazda Alam
ReplyDeleteBarbara Holtz
Democrat
Jewish
Wants MDP to place priority on cancer screening & treatment. Accessible, affordable healthcare for all. People economically underserved — no access to healthcare.
Testimony at Platform Hearing March 28, 2009, home of Nazda Alam
ReplyDeletePatrick Whelan
Democrat
Catholic — co-director of Pax Christi
Biotech lab at BU ill-conceived & outdated. In densely populated area. US needs to be able to develop treatments for bio weapons to defend against other bio weapons. Other kinds of research begging for funding. We can establish goodwill by developing cures.
Abu Abdallah
Muslim
Non-citizen
Concerned that if BU lab moved far away, wouldn’t have support it needs. Physical structure is secure.
Mushtaque Mirza
Muslim
Democrat (DSC)
Issues of non-support negated — not all lab workers live in Boston. Gov. Patrick involved in discussion.
Testimony at Platform Hearing March 28, 2009, home of Nazda Alam
ReplyDeleteMahmood Akhter
Non-citizen
Father of 15-yr. old autistic child.
Mass. Should do more for kids afflicted with autism.
We support:
ReplyDeleteAffordable pharmaceuticals
Health care providers must disclose all costs.
There should be recognition that excessive noise does cause permanent damage – a public health issue.
We encourage all nutritional information to be put on foods including restaurant foods.
Health care must include dental and mental health
I work in a Community Health Center in Jamaica Plain. I trained in the Navy, as a medical officer. Now I’m on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, and I lead the Boston-Cambridge Chapter of the Gay & Lesbian Caucus. I have a lot of identities and I know about being pushed out. My father volunteered in prisons, and taught pre-Cana in inner-city New York. Our faith really comes down to the radical message of Jesus of loving our neighbor. I see crisis at the very human levels, related to no health insurance for instance. I saw a patient this week who has had no medication for weeks, for his diabetes and hypertension, because he has no health insurance. Jesus condemned actions, not people. He condemned hurting, and was not into judging others. We have to get people back to making real changes, and not devoting our politics to dividing people from one another.
ReplyDeleteAnd the abortion is important: I’d like to see the language in the Platform softened around the abortion issue, just as you’ve (Catholic Democrats) done, emphasizing the importance of reducing the number of abortions.
ReplyDeleteI. ABORTION
ReplyDeleteComments
• This past presidential election the debate on abortion - the most divisive moral challenge of our time - received a renewed framing of this issue which centered on a public policy of reducing the number of abortions as opposed to criminalizing it. This policy was advanced by both Democrats and Republicans who have been traditionally labeled as “pro-life.”
• The argument for abortion reduction policies asserts that it is more effective than efforts to criminalize abortion. From a practical pint of view, a growing number of people of faith believe that it is the more “pro-life” strategy today.
• This argument is based on three critical factors: 1) Roe. V. Wade is not going to be overturned and even if it was, abortion would continue in a majority of the states in the country. 2) No one wants our nation to return to the back alley tragedies that would follow such a reversal, and; 3) Studies have shown that programs targeted to mothers with unintended pregnancies reduce the number of abortions.
• President Obama adopted the so called “reduction strategy” in his campaign. Many consider this to be a more pro-life strategy by providing a solution to public policy challenge of abortion as compared to the divisive ideological rhetoric of the Right. To date, efforts to criminalize abortion, which Republicans have used to raise huge sums of money and for which approximately $100 million dollars has been spent, have had no effect other than fueling the culture wars and creating division within communities of faith and our country. The 2008 National Republican Platform included a reduction policy in its initial draft, though it was ultimately eliminated from the final version on political grounds.
• This reduction policy has been embraced in whole or in part by many people of faith, including the institutional Catholic Church (although their position is that these strategies are necessary but not sufficient). Politically, it is a policy that does not limit a woman’s right to choose, and in fact broadens her choices. It is also a policy that acknowledges the moral tragedy that occurs with each abortion and positions the Democratic Party as the party of providing solutions and not just rhetoric.
PROPOSED: That the Massachusetts Democratic Party amend the language in its plank regarding Roe v. Wade, to include language similar to the new language appearing in the 2008 Democratic National Platform (see below) advancing public policies that would reduce the number of abortions.
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform
We affirm our unwavering support for the provisions in Roe v. Wade and absolutely oppose any effort to weaken or overturn it. (Health Care, p. 2)
2008 Democratic National Platform
The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.
The Democratic Party also strongly supports access to comprehensive affordable family planning services and age-appropriate sex education which empower people to make informed choices and live healthy lives. We also recognize that such health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions.
The Democratic Party also strongly supports a woman’s decision to have a child by ensuring access to and availability of programs for pre- and post-natal health care, parenting skills, income support, and caring adoption programs. (Renewing the American Community, Choice, pp. 50-51)
On the issue of abortion, my sense is that the statement about Roe-v-Wade should be put in context so that’s not the lead, but is rather a conclusion.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to the issue of health insurance and pentions: we ought to get that off the backs of employers. Jimmy Tingle was recently talking about his theater in Somerville. On the one hand he was all in favor of providing health insurance for his employees, until he found out how expensive it is. I think we ought to be moving toward a public option.
ReplyDeleteThe same thing goes for pentions. Public employees should not be on separate pention plans, but rather should be part of the Social Security system like everyone else. I know for a fact that millions of people live lives of quiet desperation—to quote Hobbes --the health insurance situation confines people often to jobs they can’t leave.
ReplyDeleteI’m a Massachusetts resident from Sudbury. I applaud Catholic Democrats for all they’ve been doing. As a delegate to the Convention this year and as chair of my own local Democratic Town Committee, I’ve noticed an animus toward faith-based funding. I do not want to see a State Platform that says “That’s bad because there’s a church involved.” We need programs that support unwed mothers, food assistance, heating assistance, etc., I think we should look for efficient ways to do these kinds of things without going through huge state-based bureaucracies. In my town it has become de rigeur for some to criticize any government support for churches working in these areas. But Pat Moynihan wrote a book called, “Nixon’s one good deed” about welfare. The two things I care most about are the healthcare issue. I worked for the Ways and Means Committee in Washington for a number of years. I think President Obama should do more than tweaking the current delivery system in a way that enriches the large insurance companies. I support a single-payer healthcare system that would be simplified and making it more fair. Every American deserves to have a right to healthcare. The Massachusetts model is not working: it’s broke, it’s costs are out of control. People are saying “I can’t afford the Cobra.”
ReplyDeleteComments
ReplyDelete• Embryonic stem cell research is a matter of moral importance to many faith traditions, and to the Catholic Church particularly.
• The moral, ethical, and scientific issues surrounding human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research are complex and there is disagreement between experts who have sought to clarify the issues surrounding it.
• Promising technology exists, but is not yet perfected, that allows scientists to induce embryonic stem cells and render the destruction of human embryonic stem cells unnecessary.
• Currently the planks in the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform relating to HESC research give no acknowledgement of the moral issues involved nor do they suggest that HESC should be regulated in any way.
• One of the planks on HESC research is included under the “Economic Growth and Jobs” section which reduces this generally recognized morally complex issue to one of commerce.
• As of January 2008, the Commonwealth was only one of 8 states that sanctioned HESC. However within this context, restrictions have been placed on this research that can be construed to be more stringent than the party platform.
PROPOSED: The Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform be amended to include appropriate language to reflect the generally recognized moral nature of HESC, that the plank be re-categorized under the “Health Care” section, and that it also include language to provide the party’s support for at least the current regulations limiting HESC research.
PROPOSED: To the extent state funding is provided for HESC research, a significant portion of it (suggested percentage could be 33%) should be allocated to funding technologies that would make the use of human embryonic stem cells unnecessary.
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform
We endorse the Legislature's support for stem cell research, including embryonic stem cells, in the belief that such research will yield treatment for many illnesses. (Health Care, p. 2)
We oppose Republican efforts to curtail embryonic stem cell research and urge the Massachusetts Legislature to provide funding to our excellent researchers to develop well-regulated technologies. (Economic Growth and Jobs, p. 4)
2008 Democratic National Platform
Yet, over the past eight years, the current Administration has not only failed to promote biomedical and stem cell research, it has actively stood in the way of that research. We cannot tolerate any further inaction or obstruction. We need to invest in biomedical research and stem cell research, so that we are at the leading edge of prevention and treatment. This includes adequate funding for research into diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, diabetes, autism and other common and rare diseases, and disorders. We will increase funding to the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the National Cancer Institutes. (p. 12)
We will lift the current Administration’s ban on using federal funding for embryonic stem cells– cells that would have otherwise have been discarded and lost forever–for research that could save lives. (p. 23)
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Prevention Laws: First in the nation;
ReplyDeleteA new concept that can draw attention to important environmental and consumer protection legislation & lower health care costs.
Massachusetts has one of the highest breast cancer rates in the world. One Massachusetts woman in six can now expect to receive a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime. This epidemic is growing, especially among women younger than 50 years of age, who now represent 40% of all breast cancer diagnoses.
In 1970 the rate was 1 woman in 20 or so, with only 20% of breast cancer incidence occurring in women younger than 50 years of age.
We now know, from an increasing body of international research, that 90% of breast cancer is probably preventable, as it is not linked to genetics. Instead, most breast cancer appears to be linked to environmental factors, including high estrogen pharmaceutical drugs, unsafe foods, estrogen- laden consumer products, air and water pollution and excess radiation.
We also recognize that there are few profits in preventing breast cancer, but large profits in detecting and treating this disease. Competition for breast cancer patients among Massachusetts’ numerous and expanding cancer treatment facilities is fierce.
Meanwhile, the major non profit breast cancer awareness agencies throughout the state depend on corporate gifts from large pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, food and radiology companies. These agencies choose not spend significant funds on breast cancer prevention programs.
Medical centers, primarily funded by large corporate donors, along with insurance and patient payments, focus 98% to 100% of their breast cancer education programs and budgets on profit-oriented breast cancer tests, procedures, research, patient support and treatment. Virtually none of their breast cancer community education dollars are spent on helping women actively avoid an initial diagnosis.
Massachusetts, now requiring and often supporting every citizen to have health care insurance, has the chance to become the first state in the nation to pass a group of pending and new laws that can lower health care expenses for breast cancer treatment, by limiting the number of women who develop breast cancer diagnoses in the coming months and years.
To develop support for these pro prevention changes, we recommend that Democrats call this group of environmental and consumer protection laws, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Prevention Laws. These laws can include, but are not limited to:
Banning the sale of BPA baby products
Banning the sale of milk and other dairy products containing rBGH
Educating women about the known, probable and possible links between contraceptive, fertility and HRT drugs and breast cancer.
Educating women about the known, probable and possible links between hair and body products and cosmetics containing parabens, phthalates, placenta and other chemical hormones.
Requiring medical centers that receive state funding to begin spending 25% of the their breast cancer education and training funds on teaching women about the risk of maintaining high estrogen levels in their bodies & how to lower such levels without using expensive and toxic pharmaceutical drugs.
Supporting the creation of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Prevention Months, beginning in September 2009 and continuing through December , 2009, to help women understand that an active breast cancer prevention lifestyle is an ongoing daily practice.
Developing a state level breast cancer prevention consulting body to state government, comprised of the leading breast cancer PREVENTION organizations in the state. This body should include:
Silent Spring Institute
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition
The Heinz Family Foundation
Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (Clean Water Action)
University of Lowell Center for Sustainable Production
Know Breast Cancer
Background data for this statement have been drawn from:
State of the Evidence: The Connection Between Breast Cancer and the Environment, Breast Cancer Fund, 2008.
More information can be found at: http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=83071&ct=233761
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=83071&ct=2934989
Sally Loring asked whether this is a Democratic issue and noted the involvement of the Heinz Foundation.
Human Services for the adult disabled community should be left intact or be the last defunded. He is fearful of how the budget crisis will affect these people. As Democrats, we have always stood for the helpless among us. Cuts for disabled should be last. This state is the best in the region; other states chuck them out at 18.
ReplyDeleteAdele Ervin: There shouldn’t be choice, when people are as vulnerable as that, the state has an absolute responsibility to take care of them. Budget triage. This is the root of whether you’re a moral community. If the Democratic Party is about anything, it is about that.
Endorse that health care is a right, not a privilege. Acknowledge that what we have now is the first step towards single payer system but we still need to get there. We need to move away from employer-based system.
ReplyDeleteLiz asked question: Should there be a public option in MA so that private sector insurance competes with the government option? Under the current Massachusetts law below a certain low-income you receive commonwealth care and if you are not that poor, you don’t qualify and must buy it. Susan Wadia-Ells said that Commonwealth Care pushed the private plans’ costs down. Evolving to the next step? Yes, everyone like the movement to the next step.
When the odds go against them, the insurance companies change the rules and are covering less and less. The group would like a more efficient public medical insurance that would spread the risks – then the government would be in the insurance business. It would be a good start if that were an option.
Would like to see more focus on veterans health issues. Personal health care issues. Afghanistan will only increase the need. Soldiers need mental counseling to remove the stigma within the military. Massachusetts does do a good job for education benefits for returning veterans, but should do more.
ReplyDeleteLarry Kirby: The sooner mental intervention takes place, the better.
Family members in need of care want to remain at home. We need to support the family member with a monthly subsistence check to allow the person to be cared for at home. UK does it through the state. It would save money in the long term and the sick person usually wants to stay at home.
ReplyDeleteDeferred maintenance doesn’t work. Whatever is postponed ends up making it more expensive.
ReplyDeleteThomas Herrick asks that the platform recognize that stem cell research is now supported at the federal level.
ReplyDeleteHealth Care, Not Warfare: We support all calls for reducing military spending, ending American war in the Mideast, using an international multilateral approach to world conflict, and focusing on America's domestic agenda, on life, human health and welfare, and finally, a single-payer universal health care system that works. We call upon all elected Federal and State officials to make comprehensive, single payer, guaranteed health care a legislative priority. The goal is a health care agency with a single source of funding, administered by a non-profit government agency accountable to the public, that pays for all medical services, similar to Medicare. This would include Veteran care. To do so, military spending must be cut by a minimum of 25% by 2010 and funds redirected to the domestic agenda - health care, not warfare.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to veterans’ medical and psychological health, treatment should be available as soon as possible post honorable discharge. These decisions are not made locally. We need to take the power out of the bureaucracy if a veteran is discharged and served title, veteran should get comprehensive health care for the rest of his/her life, unless refuse care or the like.
ReplyDelete• Fair health care that serves everybody. We must remember the children in the homeless population, too.
ReplyDeleteHealth Care
ReplyDeleteWe believe in the need for additional home care funds and services to encourage people to stay out of nursing homes. Home care is cheaper for the state, leads to less transmittal of contagious disease, and is critical to the well-being of senior citizens. We also support the right of elders and people with disabilities to live in the least restrictive environment.
We support a Federal Single-payer health system for all citizens with health care equivalent to what members of the U.S. Congress receive.
We want more anti-drug programs, to include prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and community policing.
We support Mass Health coverage and funding to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, and we do not agree with President Obama’s “Choice” proposal, at least as it is described now because of concerns about control by private insurance companies.
Health and Welfare:
ReplyDeleteestablish a single-payer universal health care system that is not influenced by the religious beliefs of any segment of the population
fund a summer urban youth corps supervised by teachers and students who will be paid to supervise the planting of community gardens and tree farms, distribution of food in soup kitchens and the offering of mini-classes on food and nutrition in community centers and schools
reduce carbon emissions drastically by closing the dirty power plants (Mirant, Brayton Point, et al.)
support research and development of wind, wave and solar power and subsidize home energy improvements
create a humane immigration policy that respects world languages and cultures
control gun trafficking and ownership of personal firearms except weapons used for controlled, licensed hunting
ban high fructose corn syrup and other dangerous food and beverage additives
ban toxic household cleaners and chemicals used for dry cleaning
subsidize organic farms, raw milk goat, sheep and dairy farms and farmers' markets, not agribusinesses
reform prison policies and conditions as suggested by Senator Jim Webb
enforce workplace protections and protect the right to unionize
emphasize fast rail and other public transportation over private gasoline vehicles
more bike paths and bike lanes; also, bike racks at stores
Health care
ReplyDelete* All public middle/high school students should receive comprehensive sex education.
Some of us have experience less than adequate sex education under the last administration and have seen the adverse effects of abstinence-only education in our classrooms firsthand.
HEALTH CARE
ReplyDeleteWhile I generally favor the current mandatory health care model in Massachusetts, there needs to be more attention paid to lowering premiums for individuals. Currently, the system is penalizing people unfairly by charging premiums that are too high while, at the same time, slamming people with a tax penalty for not enrolling. In the prevailing economic circumstances, including significant job losses, this is not the kind of thing our party should stand for. At the very least, the tax penalty should be eliminated, at least temporarily.
) HEALTH CARE
ReplyDeleteAmherst residents, including ADTC member Diana Stein, are state leaders in advocating for improved and expanded Medicare for All (a single payer for all medical expenses, with medical services provided as they are now) in place of our present Commonwealth and national medical payment fiasco. Massachusetts can do this by enacting the recently reintroduced bill to establish a Massachusetts Health Care Trust.
Diana pointed out that the present platform item is wishy-washy on single payer (Medicare for All), and that platform should support full mental health services under single payer. Evelyn Bloom (Amherst) suggested a preamble to frame our various tweaks in favor of it.
Frank Olbris (Northampton) noted that people are being hurt by the Massachusetts law with an individual mandate to get insurance, and penalty unless you do.
Pat Church (Amherst) moved; Alice Swift (Amherst) seconded; and all ayes except for one abstention, approved the following new bullet point preamble, and new #21, plus the changes as indicated in brackets in the bullet points following:
New 1: * “A single payers system would provide the highest quality, most comprehensive health care for its citizens. It would save billions and promote economic development.
Old 3: • [All] Massachusetts Democrats [should] continue to advocate for a single payer health system for all citizens.
Old 5: • We support [negotiated bulk purchasing of drugs to ensure that all senior citizens have] access to affordable prescription drugs.
Old 6: • The Commonwealth must act to provide affordable health insurance to all residents [through a single payer system.]
Old 12: • The Commonwealth must reinstate dental coverage for MassHealth eligible adults, and expand and improve services for children [and should provide dental coverage under a single payer system to all its citizens.]
Old 16: • We [support full mental health services under a single payer system for all who need them.]
New 21: “We oppose individual mandates with a penalty as is currently in place in Massachusetts.”
Last bullet; remove the word Republican to reflect that we have a Dem Admin in MA (Vets Health). Clean this up and make the references current.
ReplyDeleteEC: Roe v. Wade is not just health care, it’s a constitutional right. Roe is a part of the 10th Amendment right to privacy. (Protected twice, as health care, as a civil right)
Clarify the religious right of conscience with the right of women to birth control provisions. What happens when a provider with religious ties doesn’t provide services to low-income women? Clarify the rights of both.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party must assert that health care is a right and should be treated as such.
ReplyDeleteConsensus statement on mental health:
ReplyDeleteThe Massachusetts Democratic Party should more aggressively incorporate mental health and mental health care as a priority for all people in the Commonwealth.
If there is going to be a page for principles I believe one of the principles that the Democratic Party must stand for is that healthcare is a human right. The International Declaration of Human Rights includes healthcare as a human right, all the OECD countries guarantee healthcare for all their citizens, and it is shocking and unethical that in America there are over 48 million people who have no health insurance. In Massachusetts, even with our new health reform law of 2006, there are still over 300,000 residents without health insurance and many more who have insurance that doesn’t cover their needs or requires high out-of-pocket costs that are unaffordable. The Institute of Medicine has documented that lack of health insurance increases mortality and morbidity, adds to the worry and stress of illness, and significantly contributes to financial problems including medical bankruptcy. The only system that can truly guarantee health care as right for everyone is a Single Payer system where health coverage is automatically given to all residents and access to healthcare is based on medical need, not ability to pay.
ReplyDeleteAs we go through the specific proposals in last year’s platform I would support retaining the statement that “Massachusetts Democrats continue to advocate for a Single Payer health care system for all citizens” and would add: and support the Single Payer Health Care Trust bill HB 2127.
I would also add a sentence to support the bulk purchasing of pharmaceuticals by the state to make prescribed medicines more affordable for the residents of the Commonwealth.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have input into our Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party should more aggressively incorporate mental health and mental health care as a priority for all people in the Commonwealth.
ReplyDeleteThe Massachusetts Democratic Party must assert that health care is a right and should be treated as such.
Personally I am very disturbed by the recent mandate that excludes the option of health insurance contracts that exclude prescription drug benefit coverage. I do not (except under very rare circumstances) utilize prescription drugs. Neither do the members of my immediate family. if you are well informed then you would know that many drugs in common use have been cited for serious side effect consequences, including heart attack, stroke and death, to name a few. Many drugs are removed from public consumption after the fact of tragedy. I know I am not alone in my avoidance of drugs. Your insistence on my having this specific benefit coverage results in escalation of my premium costs which are already over inflated and financially burdensome. Mandating that everyone have health insurance should not include prescription drugs - they are costly beyond reason and poisonous beyond tolerance.
ReplyDelete[THREAD: HEALTH CARE]
ReplyDeletePromote a national single-payer health care system.
We believe that the current American health care system is extremely costly and of relatively poor quality. It results in higher morbidity and mortality rates than other developed countries at much higher cost. Currently, more than a third of the expenditures are for administration and profit rather than for health care. The employer base of the present system harms our economic competitiveness in world trade. Insurance company and government bureaucrats determine what procedures, pharmaceuticals, and reimbursement levels are acceptable, with virtually no inputs from the people who matter - health care providers and patients.
Health care is a problem that cannot be solved at the state level; Massachusetts’ attempts to do so are equivalent to applying a band-aid to a major break. Solving the health care problem requires a national systemic change. An improved national system should have the following characteristics:
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Universal coverage
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No involvement of insurance companies
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No involvement of employers (other than paying a dedicated tax)
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Reimbursement levels determined by provider-client teams
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All health care providers part of not-for-profit entities
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To the extent feasible, reimbursements based upon the maintenance of good health rather than fee-for-service
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Expenditures for this system derived from progressive taxes dedicated for this purpose, on condition that the total of these taxes are not more than 80% of current expenditures on health care by employers, individuals and government.