[QUAD-L] Fwd: MN advocates get more details on who wants out of nursing homes!
Dana (C4-5, 31 years post, 51, KC) ---BeginMessage--- - Original Message - From: Steve Thovson Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 9:15 AM Subject: HHS Omnibus bill Advocates in Minnesota were able to get language(see attached) in our Health and Human Services bill that the MN Department of Human Services will get a release from CMS to get access to the list of nursing home residents who want out and work with CILs to send onfo to those residents about assistance to move. Steven Thovson Southwestern Center for Independent Living(SWCIL) 1-507-532-2221 V/TTY Serving people with disabilities in these SW Minnesota counties-Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Cottonwood, Murray, Pipestone, Rock, Nobles, and Jackson NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASA List http://www.adapt.org ---End Message---
[QUAD-L] How I got cheated on home business deal.
It sounds like you have an over worked state worker who was grasping at straws and yes, you should have been reimbursed for that loss. Life is a great teacher. Slow at times, but ever present. W In a message dated 8/3/05 9:28:56 PM, Quietstream25322 writes: Well I heard most all envelope stuffing was scamsso i pretty much knewBut what do you do when you STATE VOCATIONAL WORKER tells you to spend the money they know its not a scam ?? LOL but they should of payed me back because I was very wary of it to begin with, Since that time I have been told that MOST ALL the money up front work from home jobs are SCAMS. They prey on the poor and needy is what is sad. Dan
Re: [QUAD-L] Gut
what do you think muscle relaxant do for the stomach muscles? W In a message dated 8/3/05 9:24:34 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Doctors told me as a Quad most the stomach muscles don't work anymore and your gut will just naturaly pertrude..don't think much can be done about it. Dan
[QUAD-L] Fwd: Colors ( None Quad but cool.. from my uncle Jerry )
---BeginMessage--- ---BeginMessage--- Copy this web site below in your keyword location and click go. Then you will see that colors are very important when it comes to our friends and those we love. http://www.spiritisup.com/colors1.swf Jerry Craig ---End Message--- ---End Message---
[QUAD-L] Banking
Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an universal cuff but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
A signature is good, a mark is also accepted these days, but a fingerprint is still the best. W In a message dated 8/4/05 9:42:31 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an universal cuff but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul
Re: [QUAD-L] longest time in wheelchairs/sores
Aaaw the Airess airing itout! Mark ---Original Message--- From: B. Kimberlin \(Quadius\) Date: 08/03/05 20:39:11 To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] longest time in wheelchairs/sores I can say with a straight face that having seen her picture, I surely wouldn't mind viewing that airing. :-)Billy[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: LOL. Laughing at the thought of LiLQuad, airing her butt out. I bet that is somesight. lol.WIn a message dated 8/3/05 7:44:00 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: try give butt as much air as possible, i get on my tummy as much as i can __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
RE: [QUAD-L] Banking
They should just require a mark of some sort. My signature varies too and it has caused no problems whatsoever over the course of my 15 years. They cannot discriminate based on ability to sign. There are also stamps available that you can use for your signature. From: Shahidul Alam [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 9:41 AMTo: QuadSubject: [QUAD-L] Banking Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an "universal cuff" but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
I was told when I opened my account to buy a rubberstampandjust draw an X with myname beside itgo get an ID made with this on it and then open an account but I only write about 14-18 checks a year, I usually use a debit card and pay all but 1 bill usingon-line banking. Mark But don't lose your stamp! ---Original Message--- From: Shahidul Alam Date: 08/04/05 09:46:43 To: Quad Subject: [QUAD-L] Banking Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an "universal cuff" but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
i use whoever is handy my mom signs the 3 checks we write a month, otherwise i use my EBT/debit card with a pin, s nice... comes right out of my account... my signature has been crappy since middle school LOL sci just gave reason not to write it! amyeShahidul Alam [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an "universal cuff" but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul
Re: [QUAD-L] airing out
wait wait - i wasn't offering LOL i think that would have me arrested! amyeChet Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I really didn't want to touch this subject of airing out in butt's but, if there is someone wanting to show what they got, I'm not the one to stand in that persons way !!! Laughing. If I am wrong so be it, still we aught to explain how this got started? So who's the one wanting to show booty first? *LOL* Cquad7 C-6/7 ( Chet ) Rules: Woman Only Please though __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: [QUAD-L] Gut
I am in the same boat you are Greg.I asked my doctor a while ago if one of the electronic muscle stimulators would work for my belly and he said it probably would to a certain point but I would have to use it daily otherwise the muscles would returned back to just hanging very shortly. I even asked him if having a large belly was a health risk and if it was what I be able to have it surgically tucked in. Of course he said no, which means no insurance will pay for it :-(. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
My wife does all the banking. When I'm out with somebody else besides my wife, I have whom ever signed my name and then initial it with their initials in front of the check out. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] airing out
*LOL*Amye ( LittleQuad ), If you get arrested for showing your booty, I have a "Get Out of Jail" card from a Monopoly Game I can send You or have You tranfered to my home cell if You like? Grinning from ear to ear. Chet ( Cquad7 ) C-6/7 wait wait - i wasn't offering LOL i think that would have me arrested! amyeChet Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I really didn't want to touch this subject of airing out in butt's but, if there is someone wanting to show what they got, I'm not the one to stand in that persons way !!! Laughing. If I am wrong so be it, still we aught to explain how this got started? So who's the one wanting to show booty first? *LOL* Cquad7 C-6/7 ( Chet ) Rules: Woman Only Please though __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Mail for Mobile Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone.
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
I mainly use my Debit Card and do online banking myself, if I have to write a check I do and my handwriting isn't always the same either, but since I dont write many checks soits easy to keep track of the checks that go through. gina QuadPirate [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was told when I opened my account to buy a rubberstampandjust draw an X with myname beside itgo get an ID made with this on it and then open an account but I only write about 14-18 checks a year, I usually use a debit card and pay all but 1 bill usingon-line banking. Mark But don't lose your stamp! ---Original Message--- From: Shahidul Alam Date: 08/04/05 09:46:43 To: Quad Subject: [QUAD-L] Banking Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an "universal cuff" but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul
Re: [QUAD-L] Gut
I wish my stomach would stay as flat as it is when I'm laying down when I'm sitting in the chair. It seems that there is nothing we can do. It seems to me if I could just sit straight up and not squish down and squash all my insides I'd look better and probably breathe better..But how when you have no muscles to hold your upper body up? Gina Greg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I wish I could get rid of my quad-gut. I'm not overweight, my arms are still pretty skinny, but my gut just hangs out. I look like a Buda. I use a binder, but that doesn't help much. I wonder if one of those muscle stimulators would work. I know it wont help lose weight, but maybe it might help tighten up loose muscles? Anyone try it and or got any other ideas to help? Greg
Re: [QUAD-L] Gut
I often wonder if having my big belly helps me sit up straight. I see so many pictures of quadriplegics all hunched over and sitting crooked in their wheelchairs and I feel fortunate that I'm not like that. Instead of my wheelchair seat set at 90 degrees I have the back tilted back 10 degrees to help keep my shoulders into the chair. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
pretty funny - my son uses my credit card all the time and signs his own name. the cashier just asked me when i pointed it out, "its a good card isn't it?" any check i send in the mail ican sign "micky mouse" banks don't check this very often. my sig is mostly a wiggly line - no one cares. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My wife does all the banking. When I'm out with somebody else besides my wife, I have whom ever signed my name and then initial it with their initials in front of the check out. JimDave(what's a quad?) Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
Re: [QUAD-L] longest time in wheelchairs/sores
As for me, the Roho Cushion has been a life saver as for as sores go. I've been using it since the early 80's and haven't had any serious problems since. Before that I used a gel cushion and had to have flap surgery during that time. I've never tried any other kind and probably won't, as long as it keeps working good for me. BTW, I never do weight shifts. Julie c4-5 28 yrs. post On Wed, 3 Aug 2005 19:40:18 -0700 (PDT) Chet Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I did get a pressure sore from sitting to long that put me in bed turning from side to side for three weeks. A person should always take the time out to take their weight shifts around 2 to 2 1/2 hours apart and you will never hardly get a sore that keeps you out of your chair. It also depends on the type of Cushion you are sitting on. I have the Deep Contour Jay Cushion. I tried the Rojo Cushion but, it made me red within 1 hour of sitting. That's all I got to say. Chet ( Cquad7 ) C-6/7 - Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.
Re: [QUAD-L] Gut
i tried an electric stimulator on my stomach, back, triceps, and forearm and the only place that i noticed a difference was my tricepts. i have a gut but i think it adds to my sexual attraction. if you're trying to get a bod like a movie star you might as well start praying to Buddha and hope when you die to be reincarnated as Tom Cruise's son. luke In a message dated 8/3/2005 5:59:13 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I wish I could get rid of my quad-gut. I'm not overweight, my arms are still pretty skinny, but my gut just hangs out. I look like a Buda. I use a binder, but that doesn't help much. I wonder if one of those muscle stimulators would work. I know it wont help lose weight, but maybe it might help tighten up loose muscles? Anyone try it and or got any other ideas to help? Greg
[QUAD-L] News Flash
All those that use Credit Cards online for purchases, I was givin this web address by a Trusted Friend. You can use this address to contact vendors by their IP. addresses to order stuff or do your online Banking with more confidence. Some may already know this site, I thought I would pass on a good thing to the Friends I've met here on the Quad-List and other places too. Here is the address: http://www.whois.sc. Once you go to the site you type in your Bank name or the Vendors name and scroll down tohighlight the IP. address and paste it into your address bar of your browser. Then wa la there is your place you want to be. Thanks for reading this even though might already know of it. Those that didn't know I hope it will help you. Chet ( Cquad7 ) C-6 incomplete C-7 complete__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: [QUAD-L] How I got cheated on home business deal.
Hi Dan, It sounds like you and Dave in Phoenix have less cash and a hard learned experience with stuffing envelopes. I'm sure you both can think of somewhere to stuff a few envelopes. :) With Love, CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 29 Years PostTexas, USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello all, A few years back vocational rehab of Missouri was trying to help me get a job working from home.So my worker found an ad that said make hundreds guaranteed each week stuffing envelopes, just send 40 dollars and begin working. I told her I did'nt trust sending money up front...but she was sure it was for real and the Company was not listed as bad with the B.B.B. Well I sent the $40 bucks and got a letter saying "Most Amazing Fast Working Diet Plan Ever!!! Then it said for me to advertise in newspaper saying= Just sent $2 dollars and self addressed envelope to my rented Post Office Box.When I start getting the $2 each envelope...I was to stuff each one with a ( Just Drink Water..Healthy Fast and Guaranteed To Work ) Needless To Say More( I GOT RIPPED OFF ) Dan
RE: [QUAD-L] Banking
I use a stamp which I purchased from Office Depot for around $14 eight years ago. It even used it to close when I refinanced my house a couple of years ago. My brother is on one of my bank accounts, but I do not have him on any of my other bank accounts.Billy PS however, please make sure you keep a good track of the stamp.Aaron Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: They should just require a mark of some sort. My signature varies too and it has caused no problems whatsoever over the course of my 15 years. They cannot discriminate based on ability to sign. There are also stamps available that you can use for your signature. From: Shahidul Alam [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 9:41 AMTo: QuadSubject: [QUAD-L] Banking Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an "universal cuff" but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
RE: [QUAD-L] Banking
Even before coming home from the hospital it was suggested we get a stamp made of my son’s signature. This we did and have used it when closing sale of house and such. Also I can use the stamp when having to take care of something for him. Otherwise he signs the best he can and there has never been a problem. Like someone said, maintaining security of the stamp is important. Recently my son was notified that someone had used his debit card in New York for $400 plus dollars at a Toys R Us. It wasn’t him and his card was in his possession. We wonder if someone overheard him give his pin number to his brother’s when making a purchase. An employee who had access to account number. My son often lets someone assist him with debit card purchases and this is where his account is more at risk. Karen -Original Message- From: Shahidul Alam [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 9:41 AM To: Quad Subject: [QUAD-L] Banking Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an universal cuff but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.0/63 - Release Date: 8/3/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.0/63 - Release Date: 8/3/2005
Re: [QUAD-L] longest time in wheelchairs/sores
Hi Wheels, Sounds like a 'Red Carpet' event to me! ;-) With Love, CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 29 Years PostTexas, USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: LOL. Laughing at the thought of LiLQuad, airing her butt out. I bet that is somesight. lol.WIn a message dated 8/3/05 7:44:00 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: try give butt as much air as possible, i get on my tummy as much as i can
RE: [QUAD-L] Banking
Hi Aaron, I agree with you on this. If a signature needed to be exactly the same the doctors could never write-out a 'script. :) With Love, CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 29 Years PostTexas, USA Aaron Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: They should just require a mark of some sort. My signature varies too and it has caused no problems whatsoever over the course of my 15 years. They cannot discriminate based on ability to sign. There are also stamps available that you can use for your signature. From: Shahidul Alam [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2005 9:41 AMTo: QuadSubject: [QUAD-L] Banking Hey QG, How you all manage your Bank accounts. They need signatures on many things. I can write using an "universal cuff" but the writing is never the same style. Would using a mouthstick help? Now I have to keep money on others (brother) name. I wish, I could keep my money in my own account. Anybody has experience ? Any input will be appreciated. Please take care :-) Shahidul
Re: [QUAD-L] How I got cheated on home business deal.
Heh heh good one Dave lol ;-) Dan
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
Other bank accountsWow must be nice to have so many lol Dan
Re: [QUAD-L] longest time in wheelchairs/sores
I love that everyone enjoys the airing out. maybe i should sell tickets "David K. Kelmer" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Wheels, Sounds like a 'Red Carpet' event to me! ;-) With Love, CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 29 Years PostTexas, USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: LOL. Laughing at the thought of LiLQuad, airing her butt out. I bet that is somesight. lol.WIn a message dated 8/3/05 7:44:00 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: try give butt as much air as possible, i get on my tummy as much as i can http://fly.to/littlequadYahoo ID - littlequad
Re: [QUAD-L] airing out
is the cell cover in satin with a cable, plasm tv, wireless connection, telephone etc??? hahaChet Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: *LOL*Amye ( LittleQuad ), If you get arrested for showing your booty, I have a "Get Out of Jail" card from a Monopoly Game I can send You or have You tranfered to my home cell if You like? Grinning from ear to ear. Chet ( Cquad7 ) C-6/7 wait wait - i wasn't offering LOL i think that would have me arrested! amyeChet Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I really didn't want to touch this subject of airing out in butt's but, if there is someone wanting to show what they got, I'm not the one to stand in that persons way !!! Laughing. If I am wrong so be it, still we aught to explain how this got started? So who's the one wanting to show booty first? *LOL* Cquad7 C-6/7 ( Chet ) Rules: Woman Only Please though __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com Yahoo! Mail for MobileTake Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. http://fly.to/littlequadYahoo ID - littlequad
Re: [QUAD-L] Gut
when i was in therapy i did sit ups every day have someone stand near hold your wrist and you pull up..diet should work someGreg [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I wish I could get rid of my quad-gut. I'm not overweight, my arms are still pretty skinny, but my gut just hangs out. I look like a Buda. I use a binder, but that doesn't help much. I wonder if one of those muscle stimulators would work. I know it wont help lose weight, but maybe it might help tighten up loose muscles? Anyone try it and or got any other ideas to help? Greg http://fly.to/littlequadYahoo ID - littlequad
Re: [QUAD-L] Gut
I've only seen one quad, with a 6 pack. He was/is a body builder with Tats all over his body and model'd for Permobile several years ago. But he was the only one I know of W In a message dated 8/4/05 12:52:37 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I often wonder if having my big belly helps me sit up straight. I see so many pictures of quadriplegics all hunched over and sitting crooked in their wheelchairs and I feel fortunate that I'm not like that. Instead of my wheelchair seat set at 90 degrees I have the back tilted back 10 degrees to help keep my shoulders into the chair. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] Banking
Same here but it's my husband. :-) If out with someone else they sign for me initial it. Either the check or credit card receipt. Lori Michaelson C4/5 complete quad, 25 years post Tucson, AZ ---Original Message--- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 08/04/05 09:36:57 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Banking My wife does all the banking. When I'm out with somebody else besides my wife, I have whom ever signed my name and then initial it with their initials in front of the check out. Jim
Re: [QUAD-L] longest time in wheelchairs/sores
The last two sores (BAD ones) were from moisture and/or yeast. After 25 yrs ... I just had two in the last 5 yrs which laid me up nearly a year TOTAL. So pressure isn't ALWAYS the culprit. I have problems of redness in the crease between my leg or but and my genitalia so we watch that CONSTANTLY since that is just as dangerous to break down then spread. The last "pressure" sore I got was when I was skin bone in 1982 and got one from my ischium area (bony butt). Lori Michaelson C4/5 complete quad, 25 years post Tucson, AZ ---Original Message--- From: Chet Smith Date: 08/03/05 19:41:32 To: Quad_List Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] longest time in wheelchairs/sores I did get a pressure sore from sitting to long that put me in bed turning from side to side for three weeks. A person should always take the time out to take their weight shifts around 2 to 2 1/2 hours apart and you will never hardly get a sore that keeps you out of your chair. It also depends on the type of Cushion you are sitting on. I have the Deep Contour Jay Cushion. I tried the Rojo Cushion but, it made me red within 1 hour of sitting. That's all I got to say. Chet ( Cquad7 ) C-6/7 Do you Yahoo!?Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses.
[QUAD-L] Booty first
I had to take a digital photo of my whole "area" down there for my Dr since I can't hop on their tables. So I have the ugly photo (sore included) but let's see ... I need 2.5 million bucks cash to hire aides the rest of my life so ... deal? LOL Lori ---Original Message--- From: Chet Smith So who's the one wanting to show booty first? *LOL* Rules: Woman Only Please though
[QUAD-L] Fwd: The Sixth Step to Improving Prescription Drug Coverage
Dana (C 4-5, 31 years post, 51, KC) ---BeginMessage--- Asclepios Your Weekly Medicare Consumer Advocacy Update ACT NOW: The Sixth Step to Improving Prescription Drug Coverage August 4, 2005 Volume 5, Issue 31 Ouch! Last week Medicare celebrated its 40th birthday, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle touted its successesbasking in the glow of a program that consumers understand, a program that outpaces all private insurers in cost-effectiveness. Politicians of all stripes are smart enough to know that 42 million Americans appreciate the good health care that Medicare allows them. In the heyday of the civil rights movement, Medicare was created by lawmakers who recognized that governments job was to serve the peopleall the people. Medicare was based on the value that older adults were entitled to health care, and most supporters of Medicare in 1965 considered it a first step toward a society with Medicare for all of America. The program was designed to appeal to the American people. How? It allowed doctors to treat patients according to their clinical judgment. It offered a reliable and readily understood benefit. And Medicare was established as a program that would offer consistent benefits across the nation not a benefit program twisting in the winds of a for profit market Leaders from both political parties, in the wake of President Lyndon Johnsons landslide election in 1964, created the enormously successful and enduring Medicare program. To this day it remains a model of how government health care programs should be run. Fast forward to 2003. In sharp and bitter contrast to the lessons of decades of Medicare successes, lawmakers created Medicare Part Dthe new prescription drug benefit. The White House and Congressional leadership stubbornly refused to accept that government-administered health care works and insteadby relying exclusively on private insurerscreated the inefficient, costly and complex drug program now confronting millions of Americans with Medicare. Lawmakers ignored, purposely, the lessons of the last 40 years in developing the drug benefit, and they will be judged by a potent electorate as the drug benefit is rolled out starting in January. Built to afford insurance companies and drug makers enormous control over the types of drugs covered, pricing, benefit design and marketing, the drug law allows for an array of ever-changing drug plans. Few Americans will be able to budget effectively for their drug needs or make an informed choice when a selecting a drug plan. While Congress gave drug plans the right to change the drugs they cover and the price they charge consumers for their drugs over the course of the year, most consumers will have no ability to switch plans throughout the year when the plan they have chosen no longer meets their needs. Rather than locking consumers into a drug benefit that may well change in the course of a year, Congress should consider creating a benefit that will offer plans that consumers do not need to be locked into. Heres the next step to improving the prescription drug benefit: 6. Congress should ban drug plans from changing their benefit packages during the course of a year. Consumers should be assured that the plan they are paying for when they enroll, is the plan they will be receiving over the course of a year. The drug benefit is heavily tilted to favor insurers and drug companies over the interests of the American people. This lock in of consumers is just one more example. People rightly wonder what price prospective drug plans paid to get Congress to allow them to change covered drugs during the course of a year, while locking consumers into a plan that might well no longer serve the consumers interest. And they rightly wonder who certain members of Congress truly think they represent. Sign up here to help build a national campaign to give people with Medicare the drug program they deserve. Send an e-mail message or letter telling us why creating a real Medicare drug benefit is important to you. Click here to tell what you would like to see improved about the Medicare drug benefit. Medical Record Traditionally vulnerable populations, such as dual eligiblespeople with Medicare and Medicaidmay be seriously and adversely affected by the lock-in provision. The combination of Medicare Advantage plans and new Part D prescription drug plan election limitations has the potential to further confuse and restrict beneficiaries decisions (Estimating Medicare Advantage Lock-In Provisions Impact on Vulnerable Medicare Beneficiaries, Health Care Financing Review, spring 2005). A study on Medicare HMO disenrollment found that 60 percent of Medicare + Choice enrollees chose to move with their provider when forced to choose between their provider and staying with their health plan. Continuity of care is especially important to older Americans and people with disabilities who have chronic
