October 29, 2004
Lost One
I posted an article here on the 29th on the election. Or at least I thought I did. It looks like it did not successfully post and I do not have a copy.
It wasn't one of my better ones, but here is the (very) condensed version of what I wrote regarding the election...
1. Sorry about not writing sooner, as promised, regarding President Bush's acceptance speech.
2. Bush did talk some about health care. Nothing on medical research or genetic discrimination.
3. For issues related to the Huntington's Disease community, neither candidate offers a significant advantage. Why? Increases in research spending that affects HD is not likely to be much different under either candidate. Neither candidate has taken a noticable stand on genetic discrimination. The Canadian's have just taken steps to limit the ability of the US to reimport drugs (they did this to preserve their prices). Various other positions on reducing medical costs (that would affect our community) are essentially a wash.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program...
Posted by Dave at 11:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 15, 2004
Medical Research On The Campaign Trail
The important topic of medical research is finally reaching the presidential race.
For the most part, I'm glad it's happening. Voters are being exposed to the need in our society of medical research. Granted, a number of the 'facts' being thrown around are BS, but at least it is being discussed.
This week John Edwards gave a speech this week and he said "If we do the work that we can do in this country, the work that we will do when John Kerry is president, people like Christopher Reeve are going to walk, get up out of that wheelchair and walk again."
This statement created quite a bit of outrage, especially from paraplegic Charles Krauthammer who wrote "In my 25 years in Washington, I have never seen a more loathsome display of demagoguery. Hope is good. False hope is bad. Deliberately, for personal gain, raising false hope in the catastrophically afflicted is despicable."
Ouch. Well, yes, it's true about the demogoguery (in English - B.S.) but we have a candidate for vice-president saying that we have the ability to cure the serious medical ills of this society should we choose to fund it. That's a good thing.
It's about time we had this discussion. I just wish it wasn't limited to embryonic stem cells. There is a lot more research going on out there, such as RNAI, that offers great promise, especially for our community.
As far as the debate...Bush has greatly increased spending on medical research during his tenure. Under his watch, NIH has done a great job reorganizing in a way that will greatly help research Huntington's Diseae research. Now, Bush is recommending the increases in spending for NIH slow to around the rate of inflation. Kerry is promising more NIH spending (though his drug-reimportation plan would greatly hurt non-NIH spending on medical research).
I just wish the discussion extended beyond the limited field of embryonic stem cells. Oh well, something is better than nothing. Right?
Posted by Dave at 05:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 08, 2004
Positively 'Gun Shy'
As we approach the election, any discussion remotely related to politics now has the potential of becoming a fight.
I'm not interested in fighting anything except Huntington's Disease. Because this fight necessarily involves public money and public policy decisions I've included related topics here on this website. Now, and for the next four weeks, I'll have some more items relating to the election. For example, I haven't yet written as I had promised on the Bush acceptance speech nor the current stands on the candidates on health care related issues.
I should have done it by now. Early voting has already started in some places and the climate is becoming increasingly polarized making polite discussions on policy more difficult.
So ya...I'm a bit 'gun shy' about writing on certain topics until after the election - like this next article on the effects of price regulation on medical research.
Let's fight Huntington's Disease & not each other this political season.
Posted by Dave at 11:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 06, 2004
Bill Frist's Speech - All Health Care
Text of Bill Frist's Republican convention speech.
Ten years ago, on my first day as a Senator, my dad, a family doctor in Tennessee for 50 years, paid me a visit.
As we sat in my new office, he said: "Son, the nameplate on your door reads William Frist.
Always remember you're a doctor. You're committed to healing and helping people.
It really should read, William Frist M.D."
Well, today the nameplate on the door of my Capitol office reads just that William Frist M.D. It's a constant reminder of my dad's advice: to work each day to better the life of every individual American.
And that, my friends, is what President George W. Bush has done -- particularly when it comes to health care.
He has won some huge victories to make health care cost less and be there when you need it.
So, let's talk about what that means for Americans, and what health care in America can become.
Health care is the lifeblood of our future, and it touches every life -- our grandparents, our parents, our children, you.
And when you need it, you want it to be reliable.
You want it to be affordable and lifelong.
You want it to reflect the dignity and the value of those you love. And you want it to be the best.
Let me remind you: in 2000 before someone borrowed his line George Bush promised that "help is on the way."
Tonight, America can take comfort that help is here.
Today, unlike when my dad practiced, the most powerful tools in American medicine are prescription drugs.
These medicines help so many get out of bed, pick up their grandchild, walk to the store, and find joy in each day.
Yet these miracle medicines were denied by Medicare.
Well, George Bush has righted that wrong!
Thanks to his leadership, over 40 million seniors and individuals with disabilities will soon have access to prescription drugs.
What's more, prescription drug coverage is the centerpiece of something bigger: the first real reform of Medicare since its creation.
Among the improvements we made are new screenings for heart disease, diabetes and cancer -- a first ever "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam.
And right now, thanks to the President's action, this Medicare prescription drug discount card is providing 4 million seniors with immediate relief from the high cost of their medicines.
Now some of our opponents don't want seniors to get this card.
They don't want seniors to know that our Party cut the cost of their medicines.
They'd rather play politics than help patients.
Don't listen to them! You can get your card today. And it's simple. Just call 1-800-MEDICARE. Tell 'em you want your card. Tell 'em Dr. Frist prescribed it.
And let me point out that our opponents talked about doing this for eight years.
While seniors suffered they talked and talked and talked.
George Bush and the Republican Congress delivered. We acted.
Not just talk action.
This victory for our Party -- and above all for seniors -- is part of a larger battle we're fighting on behalf of every American.
How we do so is crucial.
Our opponents have a way of confusing compassion with dependency.
We believe true compassion encourages and empowers Americans to be responsible and take control of their own lives.
That's what President Bush and the Republican Congress did when we made Health Savings Accounts HSAs -- the law of the land.
With an HSA you can invest tax-free in a personal savings account.
You can roll it over year to year or withdraw funds if you get sick without paying a penny of tax.
YOU own it. YOU invest it.
YOU grow it. YOU control it.
It is YOURS.
So here's the choice: do we grow the bureaucracy and gouge you with higher taxes, as Mr. Kerry will do?
Or, do we let the American people grow their own HSAs and own their health care, as George Bush wants to do?
We've made our choice.
But I'll tell you what Senator Kerry's prescription will be: take a handful of tax increases and don't call me in the morning.
President Bush wouldn't stop with HSAs. Health insurance costs too much. People need help.
President Bush is working for tax credits of up to $1,000 for individuals, and $3,000 for families, to help the uninsured purchase their own health insurance.
And as for small businesses, they're burdened, often crushed, by health care costs.
So, we want to help them band together to provide affordable health care for their employees and their families.
Another reason health care costs too much is our abused medical liability system.
The culprits are personal injury trial lawyers.
We oppose these predators.
We must stop them from twisting American medicine into a litigation lottery where they hit the jackpot and every patient ends up paying.
Let me share with you a story.
Two years ago, on a family vacation in Florida, I came across a horrendous car accident as my sons and I drove along Alligator Alley.
The accident had just happened.
I rushed forward as any doctor would do -- to help four people thrown from their car and two people trapped inside. Tragically, three children died.
But their parents who were critically injured and another relative -- did survive.
The next morning, I went to the hospital to check on the family.The two trauma surgeons who had cared for them pulled me aside. They said, "Dr. Frist, we may have to leave this hospital, maybe the state, maybe even what we love to do. We just can't afford our liability insurance. And it keeps going up."
Today I checked in with the hospital's Chief of Staff Dr. Callari. He said the situation has worsened. Though he has never been sued, his liability insurance has doubled.
He couldn't afford it and had to drop it.
Dr. Callari's father and grandfather were both physicians.
But he doesn't want his 11 and 12 year old boys to go into medicine. Because everything he has worked for -- his savings, his family, his livelihood -- is now at risk.
And so are the people of southern Florida. That hospital has the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the region. What if it closes?
This is unacceptable.
Because in medicine, seconds often mean the difference between life and death.
Let's be clear: you can no longer be both pro-patient and pro-trial lawyer.
John Kerry has made his choice.
He put a trial lawyer on his ticket.
By his votes and by his actions, he is the "Dr. No" of tort reform in America.
President Bush is fighting this good fight.
And in the Senate, where reform has been blocked, we will fight too. We will come back again and again and again until doctors, patients, and the American people win.
Before I close, I'd like to touch briefly on stem cell research.
Scientists work on two basic types of stem cell research.
One is adult -- with cells taken, for example, from bone marrow or cartilage. Another uses cells taken from human embryos.
Adult stem cell research has already led to cures. And both fields hold promise.
But, contrary to the claims of some, embryonic stem cell research is still at a very early stage.
John Kerry claims that the President has put a "sweeping ban" on stem cell research.
I challenge Mr. Kerry tonight: what ban? Shame on you, Mr. Kerry.
Under the President's policy, the federal government is funding both types of stem cell research at record levels. And the private sector remains free to fund and pursue any type of stem cell research.
The President has also said that we should conduct this research with the highest moral and ethical standards.
An embryo is biologically human. It deserves moral respect.
This President will not use your taxpayer dollars to destroy human life or create human embryos solely for the purpose of experimentation.
My friends, I'm so proud of our President's record. He's making health care more affordable, more accessible.
He's uniting ownership and opportunity for millions. And he is looking to the future.
He has a vision to harness America's awesome potential: through the power of our technologies, the strength of our sciences, the efficiency of our enterprises, and the highest aspirations of our people.
Prescription drugs in Medicare, tax-free Health Savings Accounts, an ethical framework for scientific discovery: these will be part of our future.
Tax credits for the uninsured, electronic medical records, a just, fair and fast medical liability system: these could be part of our future. But, only one candidate will lead us there President George W. Bush.
We have a choice. John Kerry's trillion dollar government-run plan will place your health in the hands of others faraway.
President Bush's plan is patient-centered which is the only, sure prescription for superior care.
Mr. Kerry will empower those who tax you. President Bush will empower those who cure you.
John Kerry remains the personal injury lawyers' best friend. George Bush will put the interests of patients, doctors and nurses first.
Fellow citizens, on November 2nd, there is only one choice for a stronger, healthier and freer America -- George W. Bush.
Posted by Dave at 08:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 05, 2004
Republican Convention - Continued
Ok, ok...this isn't exactly instant coverage. I know...while voting is eight weeks away, there are only 'three' undecided voters in America. Which means that nothing that is covered hear is likely to affect the election. Some might say that is a good thing. Though I understand the bidding for the final three available voters is up to a set of Samsonite Luggate and a year's supply of air freshener.
Seriously though, here' is what was said about health care and medical research through the rest of the Republican convention (not counting the President's speech):
Laura Bush - Not much is said. She mentioned the new prescription drug coverage in Medicare. She also blurs the issues on stem cell research by saying that her "husband is the first President to provide federal funding for stem cell research." That's not true. He was the first to provide funding for embryonic stem cell research, but there had been federal funding for stem cell research for several years before Bush.
Bill Frist - Now we are talking. The Senate's leading doctor... the whole frickin' speech is on health care. I'll post the whole speech
Elisabeth Hasselback - Talks extensively on breast cancer treatment and research.
Sam Brownback - Primarily discusses the increased spending on HIV/AIDS and related diseases. This is touted as Bush has greatly increases spending in these areas.
Michael Reagan - He was brought on because Ron Reagan spoke at the Democratic convention. A couple of 'sort-of' references but his speech was primarily about his father - Ronald Reagan.
Lurita Doan - Mention to Bush committed to making health care affordable for small business owners and their employees.
Rob Portman - a very slight reference to lowering health care costs.
That's all. I'll post First's speech separately and what Bush had to say seperately also.
Posted by Dave at 11:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 31, 2004
Republican Convention - Day 1
Well..Day 1 of the convention and there was basically no discussion on health care or Medical Research.
There were a few 1-minute speeches that made references but that was about it. The rest of the week appears to be more of the same, unfortunately.
Posted by Dave at 11:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 28, 2004
Better Late Than Never - Kerry's Speech
Due to an incredibily crazy schedule this month, I'm only now getting to writing about John Kerry's acceptance speech at the Democratic Convention.
Earlier this year I decided to cover the Presidential election from the standpoint of Huntington's Disease. At this point in the campaign I'm wondering if I didn't make a mistake in doing so. The country is strongly divided between the two candidates and health care & medical research have not received much attention in the national debate. Nevertheless, I'm prone to 'tilting at windmills' so I'm continuing this exercise until the general election.
So far in the campaign, of the two candidates, Kerry has been the only one bringing up the subject of health care. He's done this about once a month and virtually every time campaign or world circumstances have overwhelmed his message. His acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination is his best chance to put forward what is important to him and this is what he said about the two areas that would be of most importantce to the Huntington's Disease Community - health care and medical research:
"You don't value families by denying real prescription drug coverage to seniors, so big drug companies can get another windfall."
This is a knock on the current prescription drug benefits in Medicare. It's a convoluted mess, but an improvement from what we had before. Kerry seems to be arguing for more drug coverage which would be good for those in our community that qualify for Medicare. The comment about "big drug companies" and "windfall" is worrisome from a research funding standpoint as price controls tend to kill research. But not much can be read into that phrase without details.
"We believe in the family value expressed in one of the oldest Commandments: "Honor thy father and thy mother." As President, I will not privatize Social Security. I will not cut benefits. And together, we will make sure that senior citizens never have to cut their pills in half because they can't afford lifesaving medicine."
Privitization is HD neutral. The benefits/risks are dependent on the details. There is no current plan so there is no way to analyze positives or negatives. The promise to "not cut benefits" is a good one, though I've not heard of any plans from either party that would including cutting. The mention, again, that seniors would have a strong prescription benefit would aid the senior members of our community.
And that is the choice in this election.
You don't value families if you force them to take up a collection to buy body armor for a son or daughter in the service, if you deny veterans health care, or if you tell middle class families to wait for a tax cut, so that the wealthiest among us can get even more.
This sound good for our community in that he supports improving veterans health care. In this the two candidates are in agreement. Veteran health care spending has greatly increased under Bush. To know this would continue under Kerry is good.
What does it mean when Mary Ann Knowles, a woman with breast cancer I met in New Hampshire, had to keep working day after day right through her chemotherapy, no matter how sick she felt, because she was terrified of losing her family's health insurance?
As it turns out, this paragraph was a mistake for the Kerry campaign. I don't agree with the Union-Leader in that this was a lie, but it turns out this reference was VERY incorrect. Candidates rely on their campaigns to verify these stories for speeches, in this case they didn't do a good job. However, this error by Kerry's campaign did not have much affect on his national campaign. Kerry does show a sensitivity to health care coverage with this antedote.
What does it mean when 25 percent of the children in Harlem have asthma because of air pollution?
I'm including this because it relates to health. There wasn't any proposals or health care initiatives tied to this statement.
And we value health care that's affordable and accessible for all Americans.
Affordable is good. How he plans to acheive it is another matter. Hopefully not at the expense of research.
Since 2000, four million people have lost their health insurance. Millions more are struggling to afford it.
You know what's happening. Your premiums, your co-payments, your deductibles have all gone through the roof.
All true.
Our health care plan for a stronger America cracks down on the waste, greed, and abuse in our health care system and will save families up to $1,000 a year on their premiums. You'll get to pick your own doctor and patients and doctors, not insurance company bureaucrats, will make medical decisions. Under our plan, Medicare will negotiate lower drug prices for seniors.
I have not gone over his plan in detail, so I can't comment. I'm not sure how he would reduce "waste", "greed", and "abuse". As long as the cure isn't worse than the disease, this isn't bad. But this statement raises many questions (for another time).
And all Americans will be able to buy less expensive prescription drugs from countries like Canada.
This one is hurtful for our community. There is ample evidence that this would hurt funding for medical research - something our community desparately needs. For those diseases with effective treatments this is helpful.
The story of people struggling for health care is the story of so many Americans. But you know what, it's not the story of senators and members of Congress. Because we give ourselves great health care and you get the bill. Well, I'm here to say, your family's health care is just as important as any politician's in Washington, D.C.
To put it mildly, there's a logical problem with this statement unless he is arguing to take away the benefits of those in Congress.
And when I'm President, America will stop being the only advanced nation in the world which fails to understand that health care is not a privilege for the wealthy, the connected, and the elected it is a right for all Americans.
So every person would have health insurance? The problem is in the details but this, of course, sounds good.
What if we find a breakthrough to cure Parkinson's, diabetes, Alzheimer's and AIDs? What if we have a president who believes in science, so we can unleash the wonders of discovery like stem cell research to treat illness and save millions of lives?
This statement "believes in science" falls in the "cheap shot" category. Research spending, even stem cell research has greatly increased under Bush. However, it is apparent that Kerry would more broadly fund fetal stem cell research than Bush.
So that's it. Kerry makes several references to issues that are important to our community. Based on what the pundits are speculating we probably won't see as much of this out of Bush.
To sum up Kerry's comments and stands:
Health care coverage - Good. Want's everybody to be covered.
Health care costs - Discusses lowering, chance that it could hurt research
Medical research - Minimal mention, seems to be secondary to cost containment. I wish there had been discussion on expanding funding of NIH and helping private research.
Posted by Dave at 06:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 21, 2004
Republican Convention Lineup
I just saw the speaker lineup for the Republican Convention. It doesn't look like there'll be much, if any, focus on medical research & health care. That would be sad if that were the case.
Oh...I know I haven't written on Kerry's acceptance speech yet (as I had promised) and that it's long overdue. It will be coming up shortly.
Posted by Dave at 11:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 13, 2004
Kerry & Health Care Spending
One item I haven't been able to find, until now, is how much Kerry is intending to spend on health care. He's made several proposals, but the press has been short in providing details.
It appears his plans would increase spending on health care by $900 billion over the next 10 years. One concern about the source of this information...it comes from the American Enterprise Institute which is a right-leaning think-tank. To put it mildly, they aren't the most supportive of Kerry. Actually, they are downright hostile so the numbers may be inflated. They do provide sources for their numbers, but I haven't verified them. So use your own judgment on the accuracy. I didn't see anything on medical research (other than AIDS), which is something I'd like to see the candidates address.
Here's their breakdown on Kerry's health care plans (Section B: Community Living would appear to have a very positive effect on the HD community.)
II.8 Health Care
A. AIDS Research: “As president, John Kerry will increase AIDS research funding at the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Disease Control and other agencies.”
Source: “The Kerry-Edwards Plan to Respond to the AIDS Crisis,” www.johnkerry.com
10-Year Cost: $1.768 billion
Source: The NTUF estimates that this proposal would cost $160 million in its first year based on the difference between the $240 million increase requested by the AIDS community for NIH in FY2005 and the Bush administration’s proposed FY2005 funding increase of $80 million (AIDS Action, 2/11/04). Starting with this amount and adjusting it for inflation over ten years gives a total cost of $1.768 billion.
B. Community Living: Enact MiCASSA and the Money Follows the Person Act to promote the provision of community-based health support services.
Source: “Freedom, Independence, and Choices for Americans with Disabilities.”
10-Year Cost: $4.151 billion
Source: In the 108th Congress, Kerry co-sponsored MiCASSA (S. 971) and the Money Follows the Person Act (S. 1394). MiCASSA authorized $50 million a year for three years to provide grants to help states improve community-based services, and the Money Follows the Person Act appropriated $350 million a year for 5 years to fund state demonstration projects. Assuming that these programs are extended for ten years with adjustments for inflation, the total cost of enacting these two bills is $4.151 billion. (Note: This is an addition to the NTUF study.)
C. Drug Treatment: Increase funding for “treatment on demand” programs.
Source: National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF Policy Paper 153, 7/12/04, www.ntu.org)
10-Year Cost: $1.292 billion
Source: The NTUF bases its estimate on a similar bill in the 107th Congress (S. 160) that authorized $125 million a year for five years to be appropriated for alternative treatment programs. Assuming full funding and extending the program for ten years by adjusting the fifth-year cost estimate at the rate of inflation, the 10-year cost of Kerry’s proposal is $1.292 billion.
D. Health Care Plan: Kerry’s comprehensive health care plan will extend coverage to 95 percent of Americans, including providing health care coverage for every child in America. This plan includes tax credits for small businesses, laid-off workers, and early retirees to purchase health care coverage.
Source: “Health Care,” www.johnkerry.com
10-Year Cost: $849.5 billion
Source: Kerry estimates that his entire health care plan will cost $653 billion over ten years, including $177 billion for the tax cuts (“John Kerry’s Framework to Cut the Deficit in Half and Invest in Affordable Health Care and Better Schools,” 4/7/04 Kerry press release, www.johnkerry.com). Removing questionable cost savings from disease management and information technology included in Thorpe’s estimates of the Kerry plan puts the cost of the plan at $849.5 billion over ten years (“Federal Costs and Savings Associated with Senator Kerry’s Health Care Plan,” Kenneth E. Thorpe, 8/2/2004, available here).
E. Immigrant Health Care: Restore health care benefits to legal immigrants.
Source: National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF Policy Paper 153, 7/12/04, www.ntu.org)
10-Year Cost: $11.606 billion
Source: The NTUF estimates the cost of this proposal from the projected savings from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, which restricted Medicaid benefits for legal immigrants (NTUF Policy Paper 153, 7/12/04, www.ntu.org). In 1996, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that this law would save $5.290 billion over 6 years. Extending the law to ten years by growing the sixth-year estimate at the rate of inflation gives a ten-year savings estimate of $11.606; undoing the law would thus cost an estimated $11.606 billion over ten years (www.cbo.gov).
F. Minority AIDS Initiative: “John Kerry supports the highest level of funding for the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative (MHAI) which assists in community efforts to improve the public health infrastructure to better respond to the epidemic.”
Source: “The Kerry-Edwards Plan to Respond to the AIDS Crisis,” www.johnkerry.com
10-Year Cost: $2.221 billion
Source: The NTUF estimates that this proposal would cost $201 million in its first year based on the difference between the $204 million increase requested by the AIDS community for MHAI in FY2005 and the Bush administration’s proposed FY2005 funding increase of $3 million (AIDS Action, 2/11/04). Starting with this amount and adjusting it for inflation over ten years gives a total cost of $2.221 billion.
G. Native American Health Services: “The Indian Health Service is severely under funded, and Senator Kerry supports meaningful increases for this vital means of providing health care to Native communities.”
Source: “Ensuring Tribal Sovereignty and Working to Improve the Lives of Native Americans,” www.johnkerry.com
10-Year Cost: $37.571 billion
Source: The NTUF uses Senator Tom Daschle’s estimate that $5.5 billion is necessary for full funding in FY2005, which is $3.4 billion greater than the Bush administration’s proposed FY2005 funding (daschle.senate.gov/sd_nativeAm_budget.html). Starting with this $3.4 billion increase and adjusting it for inflation over ten years, the total cost of Kerry’s spending increase is $37.571 billion.
H. Ryan White Act: “As president, John Kerry will increase funding for the Ryan White CARE Act.”
Source: “The Kerry-Edwards Plan to Respond to the AIDS Crisis,” www.johnkerry.com
10-Year Cost: $3.138 billion
Source: The NTUF estimates that this proposal would cost $284 million in its first year based on the difference between the $319 million increase requested by the AIDS community for the Ryan White CARE Act in FY2005 and the Bush administration’s proposed FY2005 funding increase of $35 million (AIDS Action, 2/11/04). Starting with this amount and adjusting it for inflation over ten years gives a total cost of $3.138 billion.
I. Substance Abuse Treatment: Enact the Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act.
Source: National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF Policy Paper 153, 7/12/04, www.ntu.org)
10-Year Cost: $4.970 billion
Source: This bill from the 107th Congress (H.R. 1909) authorizes appropriations of $200 million, $275 million, $375 million, $475 million, and $575 million in its first five years, respectively. Assuming full funding of the bill and a 2.2% inflation rate after the fifth year, the 10-year cost is $4.970 billion.
Posted by Dave at 08:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 10, 2004
Health Care Debate Sidelined Again
This will get buried in the news, and it happens to every candidate at one time or another, but...this doesn't help the health care debate.
Posted by Dave at 09:39 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
August 01, 2004
John Edward's Convention Speech
For John Edwards, he had to speak very carefully about health care as he made tens of millions of dollars suing doctors for malpractice. This has not endeared him to the medical community. Today, there are many who believe that lawsuits are driving up the cost of health care.
As a presidential candidate, Edwards did not include much on his website about health care and nothing on medical research. So what did Edwards have to say about health care? Here are the excerpts from the speech:
"(My mother's) last job was working at the post office so my parents could have health care."
This sentence makes a subtle point as the cost of health care.
"We can build one America where we no longer have two healthcare systems. One for people who get the best healthcare money can buy and then one for everybody else, rationed out by insurance companies, drug companies, and HMOs—millions of Americans who don’t have any health insurance at all."
There's a lot in these two sentences. He seems to be advocating nationalized health care which has been disasterous in other countries. Here, he's negative on drug companies and that is unfortunate for the Huntington's Disease community. Without an effective treatment or cure, we need research. If he plans to reduce the ability of pharmaceutical companies to make a profit, it will hurt investment in those companies and it will have the effect of reducing research. Most likely, 'rare' disease would be affected the most as there is less profit potential already. This position is, however, popular with voters as most are concerned with 'costs' and not medical research.
"We have a plan that will offer everyone the same health care your Senator has. We can give tax breaks to help pay for your health care. And we will sign into law a real Patients’ Bill of Rights so you can make your own health care decisions."
Try as I might, I couldn't find anything on the Senate's health care plan. It sounds good, but is it practical and affordable? I'm all for a patient having control over their medical care but, as they say, "the devil is in the details". We'll have to see what they are actually proposing to be in this "Bill of Rights".
(T)he 26 million veterans in this country won’t have to wonder if they’ll have health care next week or next year—they will have it always because they took care of us and we will take care of them.
This sentence is a bit disingenuous. There is no worry about whether veterans will or will not have health care. They'll have it. The problem is..what is the QUALITY of the health care. While the services of the VA have improved over the last 20 years, it still has areas where it is substandard. I'd like to hear more on how they would do to improve it.
So that's the health care elements of Edward's speech. It was a well-written speech that did not do him any harm. He had nothing to say about medical research and there are still a lot of questions and concerns about the health care policies. So we'll have to see if more details come out over time.
I'll be writing about Kerry's acceptance speech shortly and he had several references to health care. In four weeks, the Republicans will be having their convention and I'll write about their speeches as well. I'll be writing about both parties official platforms on health care and medical research in addition to what both candidates have on published on their websites.
Posted by Dave at 08:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 30, 2004
Criticism of Ron Reagan
I've debated whether to post this or not, but I believe there is good information in the article. I do believe that all sides should be presented.
Michael Fumento has an article in the conservative National Review on Ron Reagan's speech. With one quibble, he is accurate on the facts. The quibble? He says "embryonic stem cells have never been tested on a human", that isn't true. (Such as this reference to research on Huntington's Disease patients.) He also goes a little heavy handed in his criticism of Ron Reagan.
However, he makes several points that are worth repeating here:
Far from blocking federal embryonic-stem-cell research funding, Bush specifically authorized it so long as it used existing lines of embryonic cells. ... "Adult stem cells" can be extracted from various places in the human body as well as blood in umbilical cords and placentas. They were first used to treat human illness in 1957.
By the 1980s, adult stem cells were literally curing a variety of cancers and other diseases; embryonic stem cells have never been tested on a human. Adult stem cells now treat about 80 different diseases; again embryonic stem cells have treated no one. Adult stem cells obviously aren't rejected when taken from a patient's own body, though they may be from an unmatched donor; embryonic stem cells have surface proteins that often cause rejection. Implanted embryonic stem cells also have a nasty tendency to multiply uncontrollably, a process called "cancer." Oops.
The only potential advantage embryonic stem cells ever had was the belief that only they could be coaxed into becoming all the different cells of the body. We don't even know whether that's true. Conversely, three different labs have now discovered it may be true of certain adult stem cells.
Further, perhaps we have no need for "one size fits all." In recent years researchers have found that they can tease various adult stem cells into far more types of mature tissue than was previously thought possible. Moreover, they seem to find adult stem cells essentially wherever they look — including blood, bone marrow, skin, brains, spinal cords, dental pulp, muscles, blood vessels, corneas, retinas, livers, pancreases, fat, hair follicles, placentas, umbilical cords, and amniotic fluid. We may need all sizes, but we don't need them from one type of stem cell.
Posted by Dave at 07:03 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
July 28, 2004
Democratic Convention - Part 2
Well, Senator Diana Degette spoke earlier about stem cell research. Unfortunately, the transcript is not yet available.
Ron Reagan's speech was better than I expected. He spoke specifically about "embryonic" stem cell research. Of course there was no mention of adult stem cell research or that embryonic stem cell research is legal, just not federally funded. So it was a bit misleading in what it left out.
Not much else to report from yesterday in regards to health care and medical research. There is starting to be some discussion amoung the "chattering classes" on when Kerry will divulge the details of his plan to reduce the cost of health care. At this point I doubt we'll see much more detail before election day.
Tonight the vice-presidential candidate, John Edwards, will be speaking. It should be interesting to see if he makes reference to lawyers and medical malpractice.
Posted by Dave at 04:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 27, 2004
Democratic Convention - Part 1
It's been a little more than a day into the Democratic Convention and this is what has been said on health care so far:
Senate candidate Nancy Farmer basically said American's need more access to health care.
Senate candidate Barack Obama talked about people stuggling with health care bills.
Hillary Clinton said that Kerry would "Solve a health care crisis, not ignore it"
So, not much to say about health care and medical research other than "it's too expensive." As for tonight...
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano is to talk about health care issues.
Part of Teresa Heinz Kerry's speech will be about health care. Howard Dean, the Democratic candidate who had the strongest health care policy in the primaries, will speak.
The top speaker tonight will be Ron Reagan who will speak on funding embryonic stem cell research.
Posted by Dave at 06:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 06, 2004
Kerry/Edwards
Today John Kerry chose John Edwards as his choice for vice-president.
During the primary season I took at look at the all the candidates positions on health care, including John Kerry and John Edwards. At the time, Howard Dean and George Bush had the best information available regarding health care. In comparison, Kerry & Edwards offered little to the Huntington's community.
There is concern in the medical community about how John Edwards has made his millions - by suing the medical industry. There are some who believe that lawsuits are driving up the cost of medicine. I tend to believe there is some truth to that, but the waters are a bit murky here. It really is hard to say just how much of an effect this is really having.
The only area that this could really be a concern for the Huntington's Disease community is the enormous malpractice fees that neurologists who do surgeries must pay. This has driven some doctors out of the field.
A quick glance to John Kerry's website shows that he's since significantly beefed up his information on health care. Once in May, and again in June, Kerry had attempted to raise the issue of health care in the campain. Both times the information got drowned out by world events.
I expect we'll see another strong push on health care later this summer or fall. The economy has been growing for over a year now and some economists are saying that this might be the strongest year economically in the last twenty. The Iraq situation appears to be improving (but that seems to change from day-to-day). If Iraq does continue to improve, that will have taken Kerry's two biggest 'talking points' leaving him with having to find a new drum to beat. Health care could very well be one of his big 'points'.
A national discussion on health care would be a good thing. As long as it doesn't slip into just ways to make it cheaper. All the "make health care cheaper" plans I've seen so far would hurt medical research. This is the last thing we need as treatments and cures for Huntington's Disease can now be seen on the horizon. We need research, we need better care, and we need to end genetic discrimination practices.
In the near future I'll take another look at the two candidates positions in relation to the needs of the Huntington's Community. Let's hope the health care debate heats up.
Posted by Dave at 10:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 11, 2004
Kerry Health Care Speech
Medpundit has critiques on a speech Kerry gave to gratuating nurses. Definitely some interesting comments.
This was the first time I had heard of "Association Health Plans". Here's an excerpt:
"He could make health insurance premiums as affordable and competitive for small business owners as they are for large corporations and unions without spending one tax dollar by endorsing Association Health Plans. But Senator Kerry doesn't endorse them. Instead, he's their chief opponent in the Senate."
Posted by Dave at 09:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 10, 2004
Kerry Raises Health Care Issue
For now, the topic of Health Care is now on the table.
John Kerry's theme this week is the rising costs of medical coverage. His plan:
Raise taxes on families making over $200,000/yr and having the government pay for all catastrophic care.
In this political season, the health care debate is almost solely based on lowering the cost of health care. The various candidates have offered plans that would have the unwanted effect of reducing the amount of money spent on medical research and on care for non-curable diseases. Not, what the Huntington's Disease community would want. Kerry's proposal this week, whether it is a viable plan or not, doesn't appear to have a negative effect on the HD community.
Click here to see the rebuttal from the George Bush campaign.
Posted by Dave at 06:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 30, 2004
Election 2004 Update - Sort Of
A search through news articles for the last month shows that there has been virtually no discussion by the presidential candidates on health care. What discussion there has been could be phrased this way: "It needs to be cheaper."
Somehow I doubt that expanding medical research will become a major topic in this campaign. (I know a shocking prediction.)
Posted by Dave at 10:20 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 02, 2004
Edwards Is Out
Word is that Edwards will drop out of the race tomorrow. This leaves Kerry, Kucinich, and Sharpton.
In other words...Edwards will be facing Bush this fall.
From a Huntington's Disease standpoint, Edwards is not the best Democratic candidate. But it is what we have to work with. Let's hope the debate this year will focus on those topics that mean the most to our community: Mental health parity, research friendly policies, and improved Medicare/Medicaid benefits.
Posted by Dave at 07:07 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 22, 2004
Ralph Nader
Party Affiliation: Independent
Official Website: http://www.votenader.org/
Official Candidate Blog: No
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: No
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: Nader would be a disaster for the Huntington's Disease community.
First, he advocates a single-payer health care system which every time it has been tried has forced health care rationing. Medical care to those with incurable diseases, such as Huntington's, are the first to suffer under a rationing program. Surprisingly, he hints at this in his brief comments on health care when he mentions "cost controls".
Second, he is very anti-large business. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical and genetic research requires the deep pockets of large businesses. It can cost $100 million to develop a new drug. Small businesses don't have the resources to conduct this kind of research.
Third, Nader would implement taxes on stock trades...even if the investor lost money. This will reduce investments in pharmaceutical and genetic companies which reduces the amount of money that is available for research.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Nader for President 2004
P.O. Box 18002
Washington, DC 20036
info@votenader.org
Posted by Dave at 12:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 18, 2004
Dean Dropping Out Of Race
Published reports state that Howard Dean is dropping out of the presidential race. This is a shame as his health care policies were the best of the Democratic candidates (at least for the HD community).
Posted by Dave at 08:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 14, 2004
Candidate Health Care Stands
The British newspaper The Guardian has an article on the policy positions of the American presidential candidates.
One thing stands out, there is little there that is of particular interest to the Huntington's Disease community. The health care policies that I'd like to see from all the candidates are: public funding of medical research, policies affecting privately funded research (pharmaceutical & genetic), mental health parity, genetic discrimination, medicare & medicaid rules. Here's an excerpt from the Guardian article:
HEALTH CARE
Bush: Number of Americans without health insurance has risen in his presidency, reaching 43.6 million in 2002, up from 41.2 million in 2001 and 39.8 million in 2000, according to Census Bureau. Has won passage of prescription drug benefit for older Americans that will subsidize costs for low-income patients and encourage private insurance companies to offer coverage for the elderly willing to opt out of traditional Medicare. New tax-free medical savings accounts can be opened by people under 65 who meet certain conditions.
Dean: Expand state health insurance program for poor children to include kids from moderate-income families, young adults and the working poor. Tax credits to help workers of moderate income buy affordable coverage similar to that offered to federal employees, with extra insurance subsidies for companies employing fewer than 50 people. Federal government to pay 70 percent of temporary insurance costs for people between jobs, with former employers required to extend coverage for additional two months.
Edwards: Tax breaks to make children's health coverage affordable to families that agree to buy it. A family of four earning less than $60,000 would pay less than $370 a year for their kids' insurance; a lower income family of four would pay about $110. Infants to be enrolled at birth in either government health care programs or private insurance. Children up to age 21 would be required to sign up when they visit doctors' offices or start school. Also, advocates subsidies to help two-thirds of uninsured adults buy coverage. People aged 55 to 65 could buy into Medicare, and unemployed workers who are not wealthy could continue coverage from their last jobs with 70 percent federal subsidies.
Kerry: Expand existing insurance system for federal employees to private citizens through tax credits and subsidies. Unemployed would get 75 percent tax credit to help pay for insurance. Tax credits for small businesses and their employees for health insurance. People aged 55 to 64 could buy into federal employees' health plan at affordable price. Government would help companies and insurers pay an employee's catastrophic medical costs if the firms would agree to hold down premiums. Federal support to expand access to state-administered health insurance for children.
Kucinich: National health insurance providing single-payer universal health care.
Sharpton: Amend the Constitution to enshrine the right to health care of equal quality for everyone.
Posted by Dave at 10:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 10, 2004
Clark Dropping Out?
Word is leaking out that General Clark is dropping out of the Presidential race.
UPDATE: Clark is set to announce this tomorrow in Little Rock, AK. This is not a loss as far as the HD community is concerned. His health care platform seemed to lack depth and cohesiveness. His one bright spot was his support for parity in mental health benefits.
Posted by Dave at 09:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 03, 2004
Lieberman Drops Out
One of the best candidates, in terms of health care issues that affect the Huntington's Disease community, has decided to drop out of the race.
It's looking like Kerry is going to be Democratic Nominee.
Posted by Dave at 07:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 21, 2004
Is Edwards Anti-Health Care?
I'm not sure what to make of this...
But it is pertinent to the discussion. Medpundit has piece on John Edwards who made much of his millions from suing the medical profession and his alleged "belligerent attitude toward the medical profession." One unattributed quote:
"He sued nurses, doctors, hospitals. The reputation he had was -- he never wanted to hear that nobody did anything wrong. If you even walked by the door of an alleged malpractice incident, you were gong to cough up money too,"
Read the whole thing here.
Update:
RangleMD also posts on this story about Edwards and how he earned his money. The good doctor does NOT mince words. Two particular points he made:
#1. Manipulating the system for the benefit of a hand picked few does not mean that you are a defender of the poor and downtrodden.
#2. Attacking and exploiting important sectors of our society such as health care and insurance for the benefit of a small subset of the population is bound to have bad, unintended consequences that will affect everyone.
Definitely worth a read...go here for the whole story.
Posted by Dave at 07:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 19, 2004
Gephardt Gone
Gephardt finished a poor fouth in Iowa and the press is reporting that he'll bow out of the race. In tonight's caucuses in Iowa: Kerry was first, Edwards was second, and Dean came in third. Of those, Dean has the best health care policies for Huntington's Disease. This was a poor showing for Dean, considering expectations, but he is still raising a ton of money. He will continue to be formidable. Now the fight moves to New Hampshire where Clark & Lieberman have been campaigning heavily.
Update: That was fast...Gephardt just
Posted by Dave at 08:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Al Sharpton
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.al2004.org
Official Candidate Blog: No
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: No
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Sort of
Website Analysis: I wish I could say we've saved the best for last but...
Al Sharpton's sole contribution to the important health care debate is to pass a constitutional amendment saying that health care is a "right".
Al, Al, Al...people are dying here. Let's get serious about health care, ok?
Posted by Dave at 06:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 18, 2004
Joe Lieberman
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.joe2004.com
Official Candidate Blog: Yes
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: Yes
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: Lieberman shows depth in his understanding of health care issues that I haven't seen from many of the other candidates.
It was refreshing to him discuss a goal of reducing medical errors. A focus on that is bound to save lives. He has ideas for speeding up the delivery of new treatments (American Center for Cures) and to get results from research done by NIH & the NSF. His reimportation plan will hurt private investment into medical treatments but less so than some of the other candidates' plans. He's also for mental health parity. He's not a lightweight on this issue.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
ARLINGTON, VA HEADQUARTERS
P.O. Box 967
Arlington, VA 22216
Phone (703) 894-2004
Fax (703) 894-0770
CONNECTICUT HEADQUARTERS
111 Founders Plaza
10th Floor
East Hartford, CT 06108
Phone: (860) 282-VOTE (8683)
Fax: (860) 289-4JOE (4563)
Posted by Dave at 09:15 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 17, 2004
Candidates Discussing Health Care
From the New York Times:
"Bill McInturff, a Republican pollster, said one of his surveys last month found that "affordable health care" ranked second, just below the economy and jobs, and above terrorism and national security, when voters were asked to list their most important issues. It is particularly important among women, Mr. McInturff said.
"The Democratic debate over health care is inextricably linked to the debate over Mr. Bush's tax cuts, with most of the candidates advocating using at least part of that money to finance their health care plans. Mr. Gephardt and Dr. Dean have proposed repealing all of the Bush tax cuts, including those for the middle class, and redirecting the money toward health care. (Dr. Dean, whose health plan is less expansive than Mr. Gephardt's, would also use some of the Bush tax money for deficit reduction and other areas.)
"Their support for total repeal has drawn increasing fire from several of their rivals, who say it would be unfair to eliminate the tax cuts for the middle class. But Mr. Gephardt has argued in recent days that his health plan is a better way "to put more money on the kitchen table of middle-class families," stimulating the economy, lowering employees' premiums and providing, for the first time, true health care security."
Editor's Note: There is a BIG difference between "affordable" and "improved". We want MORE care and NEW treatments for Huntington's Disease, this runs counter to the details in many so-called "affordable" health care plans.
Update: RangelMD has an interesting take on the candidates health care positions. Worth a visit.
Posted by Dave at 12:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Dennis Kucinich
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.kucinich.us/
Official Candidate Blog: No
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: No
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: When it comes to research, Kucinich doesn't have anything to offer. He has nothing about funding NIH and his plan to establish extreme price controls on the pharmaceutical industry would destroy private research, especially for rare diseases.
His health care plan sounds wonderful at first glance...the goverment pays for everything - no premiums, deductables, or co-pays. What he's proposing is very similar to what England tried several decades ago and nearly destoyed health care. The resulting plan created a huge surge in use that outstripped the government's ability to finance.
This lead to severe shortages and much lower quality health care. Many people died while on waiting lists. To deal with the health care disaster, England eventually reformed the health care system to allow individuals to purchase private insurance and go to providers outside of the government system. Health care is still worse than that in the United States.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kucinich for President
11808 Lorain Ave. 1st floor.
Cleveland, OH 44111
Local phone: (216) 889-2004
Toll-Free: (866) 413-3664 or
(866) 4-1-DENNIS Fax: (216) 251-5974
Posted by Dave at 08:46 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 16, 2004
John Kerry
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.johnkerry.com
Official Candidate Blog: Yes
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: No
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: I'm disappointed. I thought Gephardt was bad, but Kerry isn't much better. He's "phoning it in" when it comes to health care. His "research" statement really says nothing of substance. He is for mental health parity so he's a step up from Gephardt, but not by much.
I see nothing that will help medical research, whether it is by the private sector or funded by the government. I'm probably spoiled by what I found on the Dean and the Bush websites, but this is really disappointing. He offers a 100-day plan for those issues most important to him...none relate to health care. He don't get it either!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
National Headquarters
John Kerry for President, Inc.
519 C Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-548-6800
202-548-6801 (fax)
Posted by Dave at 07:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Dick Gephardt
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.dickgephardt2004.com
Official Candidate Blog: No
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: No
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: So far this is the biggest surprise so far in reviewing the websites. Gephardt has campaigned before, has an understanding of how to campaign, and has a lot of experience as a congressman. But...from a health care perspective he's a big disappointment and I'm really surprised by this. You know you're in trouble when he keeps referring to the economic benefits of his health care plan!
The website is less intuitive than some of the other websites. When you visit the health care related pages it is too-little substance and too-much of "my opponents are doing this". I found nothing on research, nothing on genetic discrimination, nothing on mental health equity, nothing on mental health parity,...nothing, nothing, nothing. He doesn't get it!
I'm sorry to say this to those who are fans but...there is nothing here to make me think he even has a clue about the real world and health care issues...let alone those of us in the HD community are concerned about.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
National Headquarters
P.O. Box 34607
Washington, DC 20043
202-448-9300 (phone)
202-448-9399 (fax)
Posted by Dave at 07:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 14, 2004
Braun Dropping Out
Carol Moseley Braun is dropping out of the race for president and, reportedly, endorsing Howard Dean.
Her policies offered little to the Huntington's Disease community so this is no great loss. This comes as no surprise as she had horrible poll numbers and her fundraising was non-existent.
And then there were eight.
Posted by Dave at 09:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
John Edwards
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.johnedwards2004.com
Official Candidate Blog: Yes
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: No
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: For a major candidate, there isn't much to offer the Huntington's Disease community. There is nothing about Medical Research, nothing about long-term care, and nothing about about genetic discrimination. Strangely, he even has little on pharmaceutical costs. On the positive side, his 'plan' as light as it is, is more financially realistic than others.
All-in-all, he's offers very little to the our community and he leaves the impression that health care really isn't a high priority for him.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
National Campaign Headquarters:
Edwards for President
PO Box 300034
Raleigh, NC 27622
Phone: (919) 785-1900
E-mail: info@johnedwards2004.com
Posted by Dave at 08:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 13, 2004
Howard Dean
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.deanforamerica.com
Official Candidate Blog: Yes
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: Yes
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: Wow! Dr. Dean (yes, he is a physician) has a ton of information on his website relating to health care. He has more information than any other candidate on health care issues.
So how does he rate? He mentions research. He supports increasing NIH's funding (the largest single spender of Huntington's research). He is one of the rare candidates to mention long-term care. His proposals on long-term-care would both help and raise costs (puts providers out of business). His pharmaceuticals policy which are geared largely toward reducing costs would seriously hurt pharmaceutical research (including a cure for Huntington's Disease). He understands the difference between reproductive and therapeutic cloning.
It's obvious he's put a lot more thought into health care, more than many of the other candidates. If you're concerned about care, he's got a lot to offer. If you're concerned about finding a cure, he's a mixed bag. If you don't worry about either then his plans will definitely raise your taxes.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Dean For America
P.O. Box 1228
Burlington, Vermont 05402
Phone Contacts:
(802) 651-3200 phone
(802) 651-3299 fax
Posted by Dave at 06:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 12, 2004
Wesley Clark
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.clark04.com/
Official Candidate Blog: Yes
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: Yes
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: The website has a good amount of information, more than many candidate websites. The details are frustrating however as there seems to be a disconnect with reality. One one hand, they talk about how they will reduce costs but then everything that follows will increase heath care spending. Under Clark's plan an additional 32 million people will get insurance coverage paid for by the government. He also says that he will expand coverage benefits, yet keeps mentioning that he'll contrain "cost growth".
The good news for our community is that Clark talks about giving mental health benefits parity to other health benefits. This would be an important benefit to your community since so much care falls under "mental health".
Clark's comments on research are limited to expanding the number of cell lines that can be used in government funded stem cell research. His ideas for reducing pharmaceutical costs would reduce the amount of money that ends up in Huntington's Disease research. Other than that he makes a lot of promises that, if there was some way he could pay for it, would improve health coverage. He has a lot of information on one of the best funded diseases, AIDS/HIV, but I don't see anything on rare/orphan diseases.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Clark for President
P.O. Box 2959
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone: (501) 537-2004
Fax: (501) 244-2203
Posted by Dave at 06:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 11, 2004
George W. Bush
Party Affiliation: Republican
Official Website: http://www.georgewbush.com/
Official Candidate Blog: Yes
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: Yes
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: This website has lots of good detailed information on health care issues. The other candidates would be smart to follow this example for detail.
The website does have section on medical research, though small. Main point is increasing funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is largest single source of funding for Huntington's Disease related research in the world.
Of the many health care items, the one of particular interest to the Huntington's Disease community is a statement supporting the passage of the "Genetic Discrimination Bill" which would allow insurance companies and employers from discriminating against those who have or are at risk of a genetic disease. (This bill is currently stalled in the House.)
Overall focus appears to be on "modernizing" the health care system, improving access to health care, disease prevention, and developing new treatments.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mailing Address:
BUSH-CHENEY '04, Inc.
P.O. BOX 10648
Arlington, VA 22210
Phone Numbers:
Phone: 703.647.2700
Fax: 703.647.2993
Email Address:
BushCheney04@GeorgeWBush.com
Posted by Dave at 07:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 10, 2004
HD Blog's Political Season Starts
It's time, the presidential primaries start January 19th with the Iowa caucuses. As an aid to voters, the HD Blog will be reporting on the candidates from now until the election on November 2nd.
The HD Blog is not a political blog, it's a health care blog focused on Huntington's Disease. As such, we'll be focusing on the political news as it affects the Huntington's Disease community. The media in general will be focusing on the hot topics of the campaign such as the war on terrorism, the Iraq war, the economy, imigration, and the usual petty politics.
It's not likely that the focus this year will be on health care, thereby making it difficult for voters in our community to make an informed voting decision regarding a candidate's health care positions.
So what positions can candidate's take that would help the Huntington's Disease community?
Broadly, a candidate can help our community in two ways: by improving the environment for medical research and by improving the care of those with Huntington's Disease. It's not going to be enough for a candidate to "pro-health care". Some "health care" proposals would hurt the research environment and would lower the levels of care for those with Huntington's Disease.
Between now and January 19th, the HD Blog will be posting introductory features, in alphabetical order, on each of the major candidates. Here's the schedule:
January 10 - Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun
January 11 - President George Bush
January 12 - General Wesley Clark (Ret.)
January 13 - Governor Howard Dean
January 14 - Senator John Edwards
January 15 - Congressman Dick Gephardt
January 16 - Senator John Kerry
January 17 - Congressman Dennis Kucinich
January 18 - Senator Joe Lieberman
January 19 - Reverend Al Sharpton
Stay tuned and feel free to throw in your comments at any time. Just be polite and courteous. Any comments that violate these simple principles (or are blatant ads) will be deleted. It's going to be a vicious and ugly campaign season, there is no reason it has to be that way here.
Posted by Dave at 07:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Carol Moseley Braun
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Official Website: http://www.carolforpresident.com
Official Candidate Blog: None
Website Information Relating To Medical Research: None
Website Information Relating To Health Care: Yes
Website Analysis: She appears to have no policies relating to medical research. There is quite a bit of verbage on health care, but very few details. The one big point she makes is she is for a single-payer (nationalized) health care system. She believes this will reduce medical costs. These plans have historically cut spending and care on incurable diseases such as Huntington's Disease.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Carol for President
National Campaign Office
2907 S. Wabash
(Corner of Michigan Avenue & 29th Street)
Chicago, Illinois
Mailing Address:
Carol for President
P.O. Box 16560
Chicago, Illinois 60616-0560
Telephone: 312-842-8500
Fax: 312-842-8510
Posted by Dave at 10:43 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 07, 2004
Doctor Dean
Dr./Governor Howard Dean has a strong supporter writing into Andrew Sullivan. An excerpt:
"I've known Dean for 20 years, he was my doctor and my father's doctor when my father had terminal cancer, and anger certainly isn't his driving force. Sure, he's tough and abrupt sometimes but I can assure that he is a perfectly decent likeable fellow, perhaps just a little on the energetic side! But there is also something deeper, much deeper that was on display when he was a doctor. If he can bring to the presidency his capacity that I saw to look at facts (my father's medical condition, for example) and draw difficult conclusions (my father's terminal condition) and then communicate his findings in the same supportive and, dare I say, inspiring way he did as a doctor then he will bring something quite extraordinary to the country."
Read the whole thing here.
Posted by Dave at 06:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 27, 2003
Election 2004
It’s that time again – The Election Season.
The HD Blog will be covering the election with an eye on how the candidate’s positions affect the Huntington’s Disease community. Since Huntington’s Disease is unlikely to be a campaign issue, our coverage will focus on candidate positions, statements, and actions on topics such as research, genetic discrimination, Medicare and Medicaid reform. These are the topics that aren’t likely to make the front page of your local paper which is why we are going to focus on them here.
Comments will be left open here and you are encouraged to add your own thoughts. However, I reserve the right to delete antagonistic, off-topic and blatant candidate ads. This political season looks to be ugly but that doesn’t mean that our discussions here have to be.
Posted by Dave at 11:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack