Florida strongly criticized for barring outreach workers,

[jflynn1]

We should learn to expect nothing less than this type of action from This Governor. Anything that will help the ordinary citizen will be and is being prohibited in Florida. How sad... He deregulated the Insurance companies allowing them to raise the cost of Insurance without any approvals from the state. He allows insurance companies to remove Sinkhole insurance coverage from Homeowners Insurance policies in Florida, and raised their premiums as well, Nothing is being done to assist with the loss of The Flood Insurance program availability in Florida .

Florida strongly criticized for barring outreach workers, from county health departments when they start enrolling ple next month for insurance under The Patient Care and Affordable Care Act.

This is another aggressive attempt to intimidate groups who will be working to inform Americans about their new health insurance options and help them enroll in coverage

In a statement on Wednesday, the state health department said counselors trained to help people sign up for health insurance have been barred from state Health Department facilities

[mickey100]

Its a shame. The outreach program is being funded by federal grants and is aimed at assisting needy people in getting the information they need in order to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The "powers that be" that coincidentally have opposed the Patient Affordable Care Act are now are deliberately curtailing the outreach program In Florida, claiming that there are privacy concerns. But federal officials have said repeatedly that consumers will not be asked to provide personal health information to the marketplace, and there will be no such database of information. This is a blatant attempt by Florida to distance itself from the Affordable Care Act at the expense of the needy people who really need subsidized health insurance. How cruel.

[Madelaine Amee]

Its a shame. The outreach program is being funded by federal grants and is aimed at assisting needy people in getting the information they need in order to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The "powers that be" that coincidentally have opposed the Patient Affordable Care Act are now are deliberately curtailing the outreach program In Florida, claiming that there are privacy concerns. But federal officials have said repeatedly that consumers will not be asked to provide personal health information to the marketplace, and there will be no such database of information. This is a blatant attempt by Florida to distance itself from the Affordable Care Act at the expense of the needy people who really need subsidized health insurance. How cruel.

This is another example of sheer stupidity and ignorance on the part of the Governor's office.

[mickey100]

Agreed.

[graciegirl]

I guess whether a poster would agree or not has to do with their views on The Affordable Care Act.

I am wondering if a poll was taken on this forum just how many of us older Americans living in The Villages would vote for or against The Affordable Care Act..

[Monkei]

I guess whether a poster would agree or not has to do with their views on Obamacare.

I am wondering if a poll was taken on this forum just how many of us older Americans living in The Villages would vote for or against.

Hopefully we would not be so selfish, but the fact is Medicare already covers most of us.

[graciegirl]

Hopefully we would not be so selfish, but the fact is Medicare already covers most of us.


But I still wonder. What would you think would be the outcome on such a poll? What percentage of people who read this forum would be for or against the Affordable Care Act....just an estimate. Just a guess.

[LndLocked]

But I still wonder. What would you think would be the outcome on such a poll? What percentage of people who read this forum would be for or against Obamacare...just an estimate. Just a guess.

Try phrasing that question without the inflammatory "Obamacare" dog whistle and give specific examples of what the Affordable Care Act will actually do.

[graciegirl]

But I still wonder. What would you think would be the outcome on such a poll? What percentage of people who read this forum would be for or against The Affordable Care Act...just an estimate. Just a guess.

[jebartle]

has found the funds and time for trips to Paris!

[graciegirl]

has found the funds and time for trips to Paris!

He was wealthy to begin with.

But I still wonder. What would you think would be the outcome on such a poll? What percentage of people who read this forum would be for or against ...just an estimate. Just a guess.

[TexaninVA]

We should learn to expect nothing less than this type of action from This Governor. Anything that will help the ordinary citizen will be and is being prohibited in Florida. How sad... He deregulated the Insurance companies allowing them to raise the cost of Insurance without any approvals from the state. He allows insurance companies to remove Sinkhole insurance coverage from Homeowners Insurance policies in Florida, and raised their premiums as well, Nothing is being done to assist with the loss of The Flood Insurance program availability in Florida .

Florida strongly criticized for barring outreach workers, from county health departments when they start enrolling ple next month for insurance under The Patient Care and Affordable Care Act.

This is another aggressive attempt to intimidate groups who will be working to inform Americans about their new health insurance options and help them enroll in coverage

In a statement on Wednesday, the state health department said counselors trained to help people sign up for health insurance have been barred from state Health Department facilities


Actually I think the real purpose of the outreach program is to add more voters to the rolls, legal or otherwise, who will then vote for politicians who will give them even more free stuff. Other than that, the "outreach" effort is very noble and warms the heart.

[ilovetv]

But I still wonder. What would you think would be the outcome on such a poll? What percentage of people who read this forum would be for or against Obamacare...just an estimate. Just a guess.

I think a poll on that would have to be specific in several areas, as in

a) whether one is in favor of the concept of helping people obtain public or private insurance; and

b) whether one is in favor of the concept of this law but is opposed to the financing methods in it; and

c) whether people think it's useful and effective to have laws with 2600 pages of "stuff" buried in there, for which when found, 50,000 more pages of administrative rules, policies and procedures will be designed by unelected appointees who are always vying to keep their position each election cycle.

d) whether people would be in favor of the whole ACA process if the federal government could run solvently the postal system without a $15.9 Billion Deficit; Postal Service Loss Of $15.9 Billion Sets Record (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/15/postal-service-loss-_n_2137033.html)

e) and whether people would be in favor of ACA if the federal government could run Amtrak productively enough to get a person from Minneapolis to Orlando in less than 49 hours and 27 minutes (look it up).



The whole thing is not so simple as people often make it out to be.

[graciegirl]

I think a poll on that would have to be specific in several areas, as in
a) whether one is in favor of the concept of helping people obtain public or private insurance; and

b) whether one is in favor of the concept of this law but is opposed to the financing methods in it; and

c) whether people think it's useful and effective to have laws with 2600 pages of "stuff" buried in there, for which when found, 50,000 more pages of administrative rules, policies and procedures will be designed by unelected appointees who are always vying to keep their position each election cycle.

d) whether people would be in favor of the whole ACA process if the federal government could run solvently the postal system without a $15.9 Billion Deficit; Postal Service Loss Of $15.9 Billion Sets Record (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/15/postal-service-loss-_n_2137033.html)

e) and whether people would be in favor of ACA if the federal government could run Amtrak productively enough to get a person from Minneapolis to Orlando in less than 49 hours and 27 minutes (look it up).

The whole thing is not so simple as people often make it out to be.


No. It isn't. Nor are motives. Sometimes those who sound the most altruistic and support the kinds of things that seemingly help others are not so kind. You can feel it in their posts. They are often unrealistic about how things work and can't see that supporting some issues just wastes money that could be spent on really helping people. We need a tad of tough love here in the U.S. We should do it the way we raise kids we love...a little harshly to get them going in the right direction.

[rubicon]

Those of you who have responded to this thread have express a populist view. However, often populist views ignore the economic view.

Underwriting is an important function because it is designed to study risk and either avoid it or ensure that adequate premium was being charged.

The economy tanked because banks forced by the government to issue loans that could never be paid. The underwriting criteria were ignored and we all ended up being penalized. And this same dangerous practice continues meaning we may face another bubble

The sink hole issue reared its ugly head when people in the Tampa area made a record number of claims many falsely claiming sink hole damage when in fact it was nothing more than normal settling of the foundations. They claimed heavy damages got paid and never did any repairs.

These are the type of issues that affect us all. another example are the record number of false claims coming from people living along the coast who made claim against BP. It is getting so bad that it is now getting national attention.

The people being selected (navigators) for assisting in health care coverage do not have the background for this job nor have their backgrounds been vetted. The concern here is that a criminal element could siphon off valuable information, social security numbers, etc

In my view the governor has made some unpopular choices but in fact good economic choices. In New Jersey got its dander up and told insurance companies to leave. It didn't take long for new jersey to go broke trying to insure residents for car, home, etc. They ended up begging insurance to return to write in their state

Look at Citizens property If a major storm were to occur citizens couldn't absorb all of the losses. so that is part of the reason your insurance rates went up its called pooling of risk, spreading out risk and/or reinsuring

I know it doesn't sit well with you but these are some of the economic realities . Sink hole damage can run in the thousands and if I experience one 10 years from now all the premiums I paid won't come close to those costs.

[GatorFan]

Gov Scott is cleaning up Charlie Crist's messes. As for Affordable Healthcare....I still have not formed an opinion other than I know nothing is free and people who actually pay taxes will probably end up paying more.

Rubicon, I agree with you 100%!!!!

[Bavarian]

No. It isn't. Nor are motives. Sometimes those who sound the most altruistic and support the kinds of things that seemingly help others are not so kind. You can feel it in their posts. They are often unrealistic about how things work and can't see that supporting some issues just wastes money that could be spent on really helping people. We need a tad of tough love here in the U.S. We should do it the way we raise kids we love...a little harshly to get them going in the right direction.

Ditto. And Obamacare will still leave the same number of people uninsured as before. Could have been handled better. Health Insurance "Stamps" for poor ala food stamps. And we should remember how Food stamps were ruined by President 41.

Look at Time Warner and others abolishishing health insurance for retirees.

Working people losing hours.

Everyone now gets treated, maybe at a hospital clinic, but their are treated.

[donb9006]

This is another example of sheer stupidity and ignorance on the part of the Governor's office.

Hardly...it APPEARS that way...because it's misdirection. Look at this hand...it's doing something really stupid...as the other sneaks into your pocket undetected.

Hopefully we would not be so selfish, but the fact is Medicare already covers most of us.

And doesn't medicaid cover the rest? Everyone but the healthy. The insurance companies want them paying premiums too!

has found the funds and time for trips to Paris!

You really expected something different? We're on the verge of war and they're all golfing or on vacation. We're broke and they're all golfing or on vacation. When will we learn...liars and thieves!

No. It isn't. Nor are motives. Sometimes those who sound the most altruistic and support the kinds of things that seemingly help others are not so kind. You can feel it in their posts. They are often unrealistic about how things work and can't see that supporting some issues just wastes money that could be spent on really helping people. We need a tad of tough love here in the U.S. We should do it the way we raise kids we love...a little harshly to get them going in the right direction.

If it looks like it'll help people, there's an ulterior motive... We need a LOT of tough love...we can't bring everyone up to the living standard of a millionaire! You want to live like one...earn it yourself.

These generations are our own doing, we allowed them to get how they are by spoiling them, making up for the guilt of leaving them, having them raised, in day care centers! Spend all your time working, come home and lavish your neglected child with "things" and food to make up for it...sad.

[ilovetv]

Ah.....and herein lies one of the most crucial tenets:

"We need a LOT of tough love...we can't bring everyone up to the living standard of a millionaire! You want to live like one...earn it yourself."


No, we can't bring everyone up to the living standard of a millionaire....but our government CAN bring everyone down to the living standard of Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, Romania, etc. by luring the masses into believing campaign promises that they will "be given a level playing field" and an "equal share" in the nation's natural resource and financially earned riches.

[mitchbr47]

This thread is getting political.

[graciegirl]

This thread is getting political.

No kidding.

[gomoho]

The "powers that be" that coincidentally have opposed the Patient Affordable Care Act are now are deliberately curtailing the outreach program In Florida, claiming that there are privacy concerns. But federal officials have said repeatedly that consumers will not be asked to provide personal health information to the marketplace, and there will be no such database of information. This is a blatant attempt by Florida to distance itself from the Affordable Care Act at the expense of the needy people who really need subsidized health insurance. How cruel.

Think about this for a minute - if the consumer doesn't supply specific information to the navigator how on earth could they possible navigate that consumer to the plan that would serve them best???

[janmcn]

Think about this for a minute - if the consumer doesn't supply specific information to the navigator how on earth could they possible navigate that consumer to the plan that would serve them best???


Possibly the navigators will give out information on all the plans, and the consumer will have to decide for themselves what plan to select. It seems like the process is no different than shopping around for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Customers can attend different seminars, pick up literature, and make a decision. I personally have never had to give out any information at these seminars, other than name and address.

As far a taking a poll on the Affordable Care Act, it would be more informative to ask the 30 million uninsured Americans, who will now be able to purchase affordable health care insurance, how they like the law than the posters on this forum, none of whom are lawmakers as far as we know.

The time for injecting reality into the Obamacare debate has long since passed.

[TrudyM]

Regardless of how you feel about the health care program once something is law, leaving people in the situation of having to deal with a program without help to navigate it with help is available is just dumb.
It was said on my local news that the outreach people are not even requiring names if one doesn't want to give them. That they will help people sign up if they want but if they just want info and forms they can get that also. They are providing information. Information and education is never a bad thing.
Imagine if when you became eligible for Social Security and Medicare and there was no office and no agencies to help you navigate the system. I see this as similar. Any government program (or even private program) that deals with complicated life issues, is or can be a maze to navigate. Not everyone is college educated or has the skill set to navigate the systems without help.
Look at the long lines in March and April at the free tax assistance help places offered by various community organizations to help people with their taxes if you think no one needs help with government forms.

[ilovetv]

Possibly the navigators will give out information on all the plans, and the consumer will have to decide for themselves what plan to select. It seems like the process is no different than shopping around for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Customers can attend different seminars, pick up literature, and make a decision. I personally have never had to give out any information at these seminars, other than name and address.

As far a taking a poll on the Affordable Care Act, it would be more informative to ask the 30 million uninsured Americans, who will now be able to purchase affordable health care insurance, how they like the law than the posters on this forum, none of whom are lawmakers as far as we know.

I know and am related to plenty of hardworking uninsured people who need what ACA promises. And many of them and the others in the country will still be uninsured after all the spending, increased taxation and decreased employment takes place. Some might call THAT "cruel".

And many of them might get a new insurance card to put in their wallet, but they will still end of in the ER because the existing primary care doctor shortage will force them to seek treatment the same way they do now, in the most expensive place of all: the ER, because they have a problem that can't wait weeks/months/years.

[janmcn]

Regardless of how you feel about the health care program once something is law, leaving people in the situation of having to deal with a program without help to navigate it when help is available is just dumb.
It was said on my local news that the outreach people are not even requiring names if one doesn't want to give them. That they will help people sign up if they want but if they just want info and forms they can get that also. They are providing information. Information and education is never a bad thing.
Imagine if when you became eligible for Social Security and Medicare and there was no office and no agencies to help you navigate the system. I see this as similar. Any government program (or even private program) that deals with complicated life issues, is or can be a maze to navigate. Not everyone is college educated or has the skill set to navigate the systems without help.
Look at the long lines in March and April at the free tax assistance help places offered by various community organizations to help people with their taxes if you think no one needs help with government forms.


Totally agree and just wanted to add that not everybody owns a computer. The people that need the help the most are the ones likely to show up at these board of health offices.

[Carl in Tampa]

I'm wondering why all of the references to Governors Crist and Scott, as well as "Obamacare" are not violations of the rule up above which says, "Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions."

Just wondering......

:shrug:

[jflynn1]

But I still wonder. What would you think would be the outcome on such a poll? What percentage of people who read this forum would be for or against The Affordable Care Act...just an estimate. Just a guess.

The operative words here being Protection and Affordable. It does not matter whether you are on Medicare or not.

[gomoho]

I'm wondering why all of the references to Governors Crist and Scott, as well as "Obamacare" are not violations of the rule up above which says, "Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions."

Just wondering......

:shrug:

And I wonder why you are trying to stir the pot??? Moderator is monitoring - please give them the credit to decide when it is out of hand.

[donb9006]

As far a taking a poll on the Affordable Care Act, it would be more informative to ask the 30 million uninsured Americans, who will now be able to purchase affordable health care insurance, how they like the law than the posters on this forum, none of whom are lawmakers as far as we know.

The time for injecting reality into the Obamacare debate has long since passed.

You mean the 30 million being forced to buy health insurance? Remember...everyone's in, whether they like it or not.


Look at the long lines in March and April at the free tax assistance help places offered by various community organizations to help people with their taxes if you think no one needs help with government forms.

Boy...doesn't this say a lot about the people we are helping. They can't even fill out the EZ form. Which I'm sure they only fill out for the earned income credit.

I'm wondering why all of the references to Governors Crist and Scott, as well as "Obamacare" are not violations of the rule up above which says, "Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions."

Just wondering......

:shrug:

So...you propose that there be no mention of anything a politician does? No mention of any government programs? That's so 1984. What do you suggest we be allowed to discuss...

[gomoho]

And these navigators are being paid $40+k so don't you think they should at least be able to sit down with someone and go over the plans and help them register on line? Can't imagine who trained them or what they were trained since no one really understands how this mess is going to work.

But then when you think about it - you can go and sign up for vouchers ($$$$) to help pay for this insurance and you don't have to provide any documentation as to need. So all in all I would say this is going to work out just fine. NOT!!!!