Resources Archives - Arizona Hemophilia Association

Affordable Care Act Update

New Report Shows Real Benefits of the Affordable Care Act for the People of Arizona On July, 31 of 2013 the Obama Administration issued a new report highlighting the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for the people of Arizona. Thanks to the health care law, the 82% of Arizonanswho have insurance have more choices and stronger coverage than ever before. And for the 18%of Arizonans who don’t have insurance, or Arizona families and small businesses who buy their coverage but aren’t happy with it, a new day is just around the corner. “Soon, the Health Insurance Marketplace will provide families and small businesses who currently don’t have insurance, or are looking for a better deal, a new way to find health coverage that fits their needs and their budgets,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Open enrollment in the Marketplace starts Oct 1, with coverage starting as soon as Jan 1, 2014. But Arizonafamilies and small business can visit HealthCare.gov right now to find the information they need prepare for open enrollment. The health care law is already providing better options, better value, better health and a stronger Medicare program to the people of Arizona by: Better Options The Health Insurance Marketplace Beginning Oct 1, the Health Insurance Marketplace will make it easy for Arizonansto compare qualified health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for lower costs for private insurance or health programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in health coverage. By the Numbers: Uninsured Arizonans who are eligible for coverage through the Marketplace. · 947,878 (18%) are uninsured and eligible · 695,083 (73%) have a

Cindy: Healthcare Reform Update

Healthcare Reform Update As you may know, the Supreme Court ruled that the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) was constitutional. What that means is that the government can require that individuals have health insurance. However, the Supreme Court also ruled that the states do not have to expand Medicaid from 100% federal poverty level (FPL) to 133% (FPL) as was required in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Why does all of this matter to you? The ACA has certain requirements for the states. Arizona has to decide: I. What the Essential Health Benefits benchmark plan will be and report to the federal government by September 30th. Governor Brewer chose the State Employee Benefit-United Healthcare EPO with pediatric dental and vision coverage supplemental by the FED-VIP plan as the benchmark plan. It will be important to understand what is included in this plan regarding pharmacy benefits, factor product choices, etc. The plan is about 80 pages long. We are currently assessing it and will make sure to make our voices heard on any concerns for our community. II. Whether Arizona will operate its own Health Insurance Exchange or opt to have the federal government run it. The exchanges are designed to help small businesses provide coverage for their employees and for individuals who are not insured through their employer. On November 28, 2012, Governor Brewer notified the feds that Arizona will not create a state-run health insurance exchange. Arizona is one of 17 other states that have rejected a state-run exchange. The federal government has the authority to step in and create exchanges in states that do not build their own. III. Whether to expand Medicaid from 100% FPL to 133% FPL. Children are automatically increased

Insight into the Benefits of Online Communitcation

From the Hemophilia Federation of America:Adult men living with hemophilia often suffer from joint damage, arthritis, and depression from their frequent health problems. Blood Brotherhood is a national program for adult men living with a bleeding disorder that provides education, support, and establishes a sense of community. Watch this video to find out more about the program and how to get involved. Blood Brothers from Hemophilia Federation of America on Vimeo.

The Other Side of This Life

Guy Boss is an Arizonian who blogs for HemAware; his blog is called "The Other Side of This Life". He shares insights into his experiences with hemophilia that are often funny, and always quite real. My favorite part about his posts are his snapshots into what hemophilia treatment was like in the past. I believe understanding how far medicine has come is unbelievably important as we continue to move forward.In this post, his description of needle use made the scientist/public health student in me cringe! Can you believe how much sterilization techniques have changed? Do you think the next generation will criticize our current techniques?

Speaking Frankly

There is a cool international online magazine called "Speaking Frankly About Hemophilia" at frankly.net. The site has a lot of specific information about hemophilia relating to a number of different topics, including health, lifestyle, and relationships. The content is directed at teenagers and young adults, but definitely check it out even if you don't fall into that category! The real aspect of this that stood out to me was the No Limits Tour in the Travel section. A regular hemophiliac, Eviatar Weizman, made a series of short videos about what it was like to travel to other countries with factor. He started in Isreal and went to Nepal, India, Thailand, and New Zealand. Not only that, but he went on long mountain treks in some of these areas as well. How incredible is that? So if your are looking for a little inspiration, or just for some applicable information, this website is worth exploring!-Amanda