Caucus Curiosity
Last week we posted about proposed federal legislation that may jeopardize diabetic supply coverage for millions of Americans - the "Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act." Naturally dLife was interested in what the Congressional Diabetes Caucus had to say about the legislation, so we contacted the office of Caucus co-chair Rep. Diana DeGette to ask what action they were taking on the issue. We were more than a bit surprised to see this response issued by her representative:
"The Congressional Diabetes Caucus is a bipartisan group of Congress with over 275 members, committed to improving the lives of the nearly 21 million Americans with diabetes. The Caucus is also dedicated to supporting important research funding into diabetes and diabetes-related complications. As a standing policy, the House Diabetes Caucus does not take positions on general legislation such as S. 1955, the "Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act."
Now according to their website, one of the primary goals of the Caucus is to "[e]nsure diabetes is adequately addressed in all relevant legislation and regulations." And what could be more relevant to "improving the lives of the nearly 21 million Americans with diabetes" than ensuring that they have basic health care coverage for their medical supplies? What makes this even more contradictory is the fact that the Caucus has previously, and successfully, fought for Medicare and HCFA coverage of diabetes supplies and insulin pumps, respectively.
dLife urges you to contact your Caucus representative and ask them to take a stand on this critical piece of legislation.
Comments
- At 12:09 PM on Wed, Apr 19, 2006 Paula wrote:
Hi Steve. You can read the bill here:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?j109:I05701:j109HEALTH.html
- At 05:05 PM on Wed, Apr 12, 2006 steve haas wrote:
Where can i get a copy of S 1955 to see what it really says. It is hard to agree or understand what the uproar is when the guts of the item is not told. What does it actually say? I have to read the actual bill.
Steve
- At 08:59 AM on Mon, Apr 10, 2006 Phyllis Phipps wrote:
This president has to be stopped he will not rest until everybody is dead or in the poor house. What will he pick on next puppies and babies.
- At 05:24 PM on Sun, Apr 9, 2006 Brenda Kruse wrote:
As a diabetic of 44 years, 18 years of which were before the invention of the glucose monitor, I can't imagine losing insurance reimbursement for diabetic supplies. Please try to see the diabetic's side of the issue. What if heart medication, or blood pressure medication, or cholesterol medication, etc. were no longer reimbursed? Health problems touch every family in one way or another. PLEASE hear the cries of diabetics around the world begging you to choose life over death. This bill could be a death sentence for many. That includes me!
- At 08:13 PM on Sat, Apr 8, 2006 Diabetes Advocate wrote:
The American Diabetes Association has an advocacy section on their website that makes it very easy for members of the diabetes community to contact their Senators. I have put a direct link and some directions together to make it even easier to use. There are 20.8 million diabetics in the US. If we all unite together, we can certainly stop this bill. This is an election year and every vote counts.
Check out:
http://diabetesadvocacy.blogspot.com/2006/03/diabetes-community-unite-against-s1955.html
- At 07:27 PM on Sat, Apr 8, 2006 David J. Webb wrote:
Farengi(star trek, space nine) rules our Congress and out President. This is money rules.
These people are not afraid of any of us.
They spend big money given to them by their friends in big Corporate America to get re-elected. How?
They have Publicists who use their knowledge of public psychology to create a need to re-elect them.
Anyone that saw the last election can testify to what I just said.
Secondly they use War as an excuse to get re-elected.
So no matter what you do about this bill remember the motivation behind passing this bill is big money and big Corporate America that has figured out a way to get re-elected no matter what they do to the average person in this country. - At 10:27 AM on Sat, Apr 8, 2006 Kathleen McCue wrote:
well, needless to say, as a person with type II diabetes, this surely frosts me.
i think therefore they should also stop coverage for heart conditions, heart attacks, stents, bypass, cancer...i mean why not get totally ridiculous? then VP Cheney would have no more coverage for his yearly or 2-3x yearly trips to the hospital for his heart condition, past President Clinton would not have coverage for anymore bypasses, etc.
i am not meaning to be mean, but it sounds like they should just slaughter all our coverage, period!
i am on SSD as it is, now paying copays under medicare D, and they want to strip coverage altogether for diabetics? whatever are they thinking? and i am in medical debt up to my ears, which will never be paid before i even die.
do they think we will become more motivated to help ourselves? well i already did. got my diet in line, my A1c's, and i have lost 30lbs. in 1 and 1/2 years. but i still need my testing supplies and metformin. and lab checks which are very expensive. as are my yearly 'required' eye tests with the retinal MD-not for glasses-for damage to my eyes from the diabetes. retinopathy.
i live in Albany, NY and will most certainly write to my congressmen and state senators, Hilary Clinton being one of them. i live 4 blocks from the Capital. i will definately be active here in lobbying against this bill.
Kate
- At 10:13 AM on Sat, Apr 8, 2006 Nancy McGinnis wrote:
This is so hard to believe, it is disgusting how the goverment get's so much money in their pockets and forgets about their seniors and persons with this disease that do not have the monetary funds as they do. Why can't they stop getting the fat paychecks. We have to take a stand and try as hard as we can to stop this bill.
- At 01:26 AM on Sat, Apr 8, 2006 Trena wrote:
I agree with all the others who stated their opionion about this "INSANITY". The Bush administration is doing the same thing that Hitler wanted to do--get rid of the weak & the poor. Diabetes is not a poor man's disease. I have had Diabetes for fifty years and seen many changes in treatment and huge changes in the cost. Insulin was 99 cents a bottle when I was diagnosed, now it is almost $80. If this bill passes-many people will die because they can't afford to treat their disease.What can I do to fight this?
- At 08:01 PM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Paul Byrd wrote:
Isn't it time that we started taking care of our own for a change? I have family members who are diabetics, I can't believe that this subject even came up. Do the insurance companies run this country, or do we? Without proper education, and medication millions of Americans stand the chance of a no win situation, even death. I have written my representative, and it is time for all of us to take a stand. How can a person that was elected to serve turn his/her back on the people they represent? Maybe we need to go back to when serving was a priveledge, and not a retirement program.
- At 06:23 PM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Kenneth G. Babo wrote:
Our rights should not be taken away. Diabetics need all the help they can get. Between the insulin,needles,blood strip,blood medicine to test their blood. They are out alot of money.Alot of people live on fixed incomes.
Ken - At 03:48 PM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Susan Gronemeyer wrote:
This is outrageous! First, Eli Lilly introduces synthetic insulin, cloned from the human model, which disabled me and made me lose medical insurance coverage, because I couldn't keep working. I couldn't recognize low blood sugar, before it is too late. This is a defective product causing the nececessity to constantly test blood sugar. But because Lilly could claim that they "improved" diabetic treatment with a cheaply made cloned product, they could increase the price of insulin. Allowing non coverage of diabetic testing supplies is outright murder.
- At 01:04 PM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 JENNIFER MOLLOY wrote:
PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO STOP THIS. I DESPERATELY NEED MY SUPPLIES.
- At 11:34 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Verdie Henderson wrote:
I'm not sure I understand all this, but it's hard to believe that this happening. Surely some of these people who are for this have someone in their family, or a friend, or know someone who is afflicted with diabetes. With this many people affected, I can't see that it would not touch some of their lives directly or even indirectly. It's hard to believe that there is a possiblity that this bill could really pass.
- At 10:57 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Celia McCartney Puerto Rico wrote:
What are they thinking? First they won't pay Social Security and get all that money for being in Congress after they leave, even if only for one Term. Now they want to KILL all the diabetics of this world why we keep on supporting all other Countries with healthcare? Do they realize the cost of diabetic equipment? Just the test strips alone cost over 80.00 just for a month!!!!! And if you don't have a prescription from a Doctor you can buy Insulin over the counter at a cost of about 60.00 a bottle! When election time comes Watch OUT GUYS & GIRLS!!!! see who get's re-elected be it a Democrat or Republican.
- At 09:52 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Eleanore Ciuba wrote:
There are many Americans with diabetes who need the help of Medicare.
It is the politians and the insurance companies and the lawyers who care less about us and our needs. Everthing is about money! And they have it all!
Money is wasted on building in Iraq destroyed by Americans in the first place. Yet the big wigs are taking important monies needed for American diabetics!
It would appear that the needs of other countries and immigrants are of more importance than an American diabetic who probably worked all of their lives and deserving of this coverage.
Is there no one involved with our government that has a clear mind and heart!!!!!
The politians and all big wigs have all their needs met; they are deprived of nothing. Yet, they continue to take away from us the Americans and diabetics!
- At 08:36 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 erica wade wrote:
This is a bill that must not pass. People with diabetes who need medical supplies and help are legion. What is WRONG with this administration...
- At 05:08 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Carol Davis wrote:
I haven't read the bill yet, but based on this info, and I hope it is conclusive and not slanted, this is insane. My mom has diabetes and can barely afford food. My dad was diagnosed this past year also, and although is better off financially, is still a bit strapped. This could literally be a death sentence! I, too could get this disease, based on recent family history, and although we are "middle classed", we are living paycheck to paycheck. I always try to see both sides, and have supported Bush in the past. However, recently, my support has definitely wavered. He is too hands-off. I worked for a very successful company once that ended up in bankruptcy because the management let the inmates run the asylum; they were too hands off and had incompetent, arrogant people in charge. Bush is the same. Why is Iraq still stagnant? This new Medicare is too dangerous to be a joke. My mom just turned 65 and is off Medicaid. She can't get answers or help, and her prescription costs have gone way up. She has less than $45 left after paying her bills. I tried to get answers, and noone in the government or pharmacies can answer the questions on what the costs will be. The pamphlets and booklets, that cost millions to print, only quote costs saved for the government, but no specifics for us. Gee, thanks. Kanye West infuriated me with his speech about how Bush doesn't care about black people (another instance where he was too far removed), but now I'm not so sure he cares about any of us. The rich can take care of themselves, who cares about the middle class and down. They are going to DIE anyway! This must be stopped! We need more media attention on this.
- At 03:01 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Rafael E. Fernandez wrote:
If you pass the bill I will soon be death!!!
- At 01:24 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Joseph Abdenour wrote:
I am a card carrying Republican diabetic, and recommend that every other citizen who values their fellow Americans, expend every to work for the removal of any member of congress, Democrat or Republican, who votes for any bill which further advances the...no cure business model of, "THE TREAT THEM TO DEATH PLAN" of the "American Pharma Drug Cartel". How long has it been, despite the continuing expenditure of billions of dollars for research, that a cure for anything has emerged from the drug industry? Please list any that you can think of since 1970.
JOIN ME AT THE POLLS THIS NOVEMBER, and VOTE OUT THE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT WHO VOTE FOR THIS BILL!!!
- At 01:19 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Joseph Abdenour wrote:
I am a card carying Republican diabetic, and reccomend that every other citizen who values their fellow Americans, expend every to work for the removal of any member of congress, Democrat or Republicen, who votes for any bill which further advances the...no cure business model of, "THE TREAT THEM TO DEATH PLAN" of the "American Pharma Drug Cartel". How long has it been, dispite the continuing expenditure of billions of dollars for research, that a cure for anything has emerged from the drug industry? Please list any that you can think of since 1970.
JOIN ME AT THE POLLS THIS NOVEMBER, and VOTE OUT THE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT WHO VOTE FOR THIS BILL!!!
- At 12:24 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Lou Scenna wrote:
do not pass this bill. I oppose it , as should everuone with diabetes.
- At 12:19 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Diabetic since age 13(40 years ago) wrote:
Note: Before publishined this corresponce I would like someone to contact me directly in order that I can present my thoughts on this topic in a fashion that would benifit all.
If insurances are not going to cover the cost of diabetic care which is supstancial.
And Insurance companies will not accomadate the cost of their equipment to the poor, than this is going to turn into pay or die.
Should our country be aiding in my death. I will not be able to afford my own care to live. And when I work an insurance company will not cover me so I will be too poor to work or live.
Makes me worried that children will be the only ones to live because that are covered by their parants and one they are emancipated they too will be excluded from living because worked for insurance coverage will not afford their conditions.
I worked for 35 years and paid ssi/disablity but I am not disabled enough, therefor all those monies Ipaid I can not be use to help me. I am not disabled. But I will die without Medicine.I love my country. I am shocked to hestical proportions to even have to think that my country will allow me to die like this.
- At 12:13 AM on Fri, Apr 7, 2006 Debbie Strong wrote:
As with a prior post, I am wondering if there's an online petition that we can all sign to submit to the caucus? In the meantime, I'll contact my senators directly. If allowed to pass, this will be a travesty to millions who suffer...
- At 11:40 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Stallyn wrote:
I can say this, who is going to make my suffering any easier if my limbs fall off? Who is going to nail my coffin shut when I die from diabetes, what about my wife? Can they clone a healthy duplicate me so my wife isnt alone? Bush is more concerned about heretics in iraq who desire nothing less to kill us off. Do away with this nonsense and let us recieve what we NEED to live!
- At 08:46 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 pat mullen wrote:
only in america could this happen.
- At 06:30 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Sue Arnold wrote:
Sadly, I'm not surprised at this insanity. It seems to be rampant in this administration. Playing "Devil's advocate" here...have any of the pharaceutical companies publicly denounced the bill? What about the big insurance companies? I kinda doubt it since there will be more money to be made treating the complications that are sure to arise from passage of the bill. Believe me, I'm outraged and have let my elected officials know it. I had health insurance that covered nothing I needed covered...diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, lymphocytic colitis. We need National Health Care, and we need it NOW! I'm sure the Bill will pass. Makes my work on the WebMd Board all the more important.
- At 05:39 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Paula wrote:
Hi Cynthia. Bush has publicly endorsed the bill.
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=35961
- At 05:24 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Cynthia Misch wrote:
I, too, am appalled that such a travesty is under consideration in Congress. But last time I looked President Bush was not a member of the legislative branch of the government. Has anyone actually checked to see what the White House's stance is on this?
- At 03:58 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Lucia S. Winston wrote:
This bill is absolutely insane and inhumane! The heartlessness of the drug lobbies, who have to be behind this, says that profit trumps people. Millions for Viagra and diabetics can drop dead. We need to band together to stop this madness, regardless of our personal political affiliations.
- At 03:51 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Linda Kennington wrote:
Please do everything in your power to keep insurance for diabetic supplies. Hospitalization of patients who do not keep up with their blood sugar levels will increase substantially if lower income diabetics give up their supplies. We NEED insurance to cover this horrible disease. I personally am counting on you to do everything you can in favor of diabetics. We are just now getting people to take advantage of the education re diabetes and how to control it. Without insurance to cover this expense, ignorance will run rampant about the possibilites of helping ourselves control this disease.
Thanks,
Linda Kennington
4801 Ponderosa Trl
Tyler TX 75707 - At 03:30 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Dave West wrote:
It is hard to comment on this issue, because the statement by the Congressional Diabetes Caucus is so incredibly difficult for me to fathom. The statement itself is self-contradictory. In the same breath they claim they are "committed to improving the lives of the nearly 21 million Americans with diabetes," then they state that they do not take a stand on diabetes-related issues. Then please pray God tell me why does the Caucus even exists, if not to do what is best for our diabetic citizens? This would be akin to the advocates at the Department of Education saying they have "no comment" if there was a proposal to reduce their budget by one billion dollars. Friends, many people equate the words 'statesman' with the word 'politician,' but those two words are mutually exclusive. A statesman is a person who does what is best for the citizens of this great country, while a politician is a person who does what is best for his/her own career. It may very well be that these people are not giving in to outside influence, but if they were it would not be the first time it has happened. By the way, kudos to Tamara Kartz and the Viagra comment - I was thinking the same thing. Diabetes supplies are not a lifestyle need, they are a lifesaving necessity.
- At 03:06 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Vince LLanas wrote:
I have a hard time understanding any logic or basis for this bill. when we can pay for a tea pot museum. that is not to mention all the other ridiculous pork spending and over priced toilet seats etc. . How could any of those elected officials consider such a measure to not cover such a basic need? god bless America, Please!!!
- At 03:00 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Bernadette Morris wrote:
If this bill is passed, how many Americans will die because they are unable to afford their diabetic medicines and supplies?
- At 02:58 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Kathy Rosewell wrote:
Are there any petitions online that we can sign on to? Diabetes is a medical condition and needs
to be covered just like any other medical condition. The price of medications and supplies even after an insurance payment are a big bite every month. Our insurance premiums are outragious as it is and now they won't have to pay for our diabetes costs? We need to have our opposition to this bill heard. - At 02:56 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Barbara Wyatt wrote:
I believe Congress has gone absolutely mad! They should be impeached and sent packing, and we need to start all over again. No medical insurance for disbetic patients???? We will become a socialized nationed much sooner than we ever dreaned. I would never put my name on such a bill if I were in Congress. MY country is going downhill far too quickly, and all Congress does is argue about partianship issues. Damn them all.
- At 02:49 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Julie Kean wrote:
This bill must NOT BE PASSED. I talk first had as a diabetic. If this bill was passed, my health would certainly suffer. What the heck is this world coming too? I though Bush cared for the Americans?
- At 02:22 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Alice Sorensen wrote:
I guess all the people up there on Capital Hill have so much money that they have forgotten about those of us who have very little. Maybe if some of them had very little money and diabetes then they would look at it differently.
- At 02:10 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 general h d sprinkle wrote:
if you cut any thing,cut the money that is going into the posckets of senators and congressmen
- At 02:08 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Karolyn Dorsey wrote:
I started to write that I couldn't believe this is happening, but YES I can. I will be praying for this bill to NOT pass and for our leaders b/c they seem to have lost their "common sense and compassion" buttons. God Bless America and I mean this in the best way b/c we need it!!!
- At 01:52 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Tamara Kartz wrote:
This bill MUST NOT pass. What is next?? No coverage for child birth? No coverage for heart disease? Oh yeah... but you can get a prescription for Viagra covered. What is wrong with this picture??
- At 01:40 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Howard C. Buxenbaum wrote:
Why, oh why is it that our government seems to be Discriminating against people with Diabetes?
The only thing that makes sense it that maybe the Insurance companies are giving them a massive push.
Has that crossed anybodys thoughts.
Or, are we all over-looking what is going on behind the seens.
Just a thought.I hope this really Hits home to someone out there.
People need to know that the Government Of The United States Of America is on there side.
Not, the side of other interests.
We, the people of this Great country should not have to put up with this.
Does anyone feel my anger.
I am fed-up with it.
After you read this, you should be also.
We really need to start taking care of our own.
DO NOT PASS THIS THIS BILL
What Part Of That Don't You Understand
Thanx
And Bless This Wonderful Country - At 01:03 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Peni Renner wrote:
Diabetes affects MILLIONS of Americans and we need to be sure those who need supplies can afford them.
- At 12:51 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Robert Perruzza wrote:
I can't beleive that the BUSH regime is now going after the Americans,
that he has swore to protect and defend.
Nevermind, yes I can. - At 12:41 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Ken Covington wrote:
What I do to help stop this Bill??
Ken Covington
- At 12:33 PM on Thu, Apr 6, 2006 Patty Farghaly wrote:
You must not pass this bill.
You need to educate people on this problem.
I opose it.
Thank you
As a mother of a Type 1 Diabetic, this bill is one I have been very passionate about; and have written many letters to the Senators, Congress,etc etc.
I have recieved one letter back, and it was a generic letter with a stamped signature, and didn't even address my point. Totally avoided it.
I am sorry to say, they aren't listening.