Con men prey on confusion over health care act

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Health care

Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Susanne Craig The New York Times

10 hours ago

J. Emilio Flores / New York Times

Madeleine Mirzayans of Sherman Oaks, Calif., said a man came to her door and asked to help update her Medicare information.

To the list of problems plaguing President Obamas health care law, add one more fraud.

With millions of Americans frustrated and bewildered by the trouble-prone federal website for health insurance, con men and unscrupulous marketers are seizing their chance. State and federal authorities report a rising number of consumer complaints, ranging from deceptive sales practices to identity theft, linked to the Affordable Care Act.

Madeleine Mirzayans was fooled when a man posing as a government official knocked on her door. Barbara Miller and Maevis Ethan were pitched by telemarketers who claimed to work for Medicaid. And Buford Price was almost caught by another trap: websites that look official but are actually bait set by fly-by-night insurance operators.

Some level of fraud or abuse is predictable with any big government program, and administration officials expected a few bad actors to emerge. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.; Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services; Edith Ramirez, the chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission; and other officials met at the White House in September to discuss possible pitfalls.

But now, the technical failures troubling the HealthCare.gov website, as well as the laws complexity, threaten to make matters worse. Only a tiny fraction of Americans have been affected so far, but state authorities and the F.T.C. are reviewing the issue aggressively.

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Con men prey on confusion over health care act

Health care law could be liability for Democrats – NBC40.net

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By MICHAEL J. MISHAK Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Rep. Patrick Murphy had been a cautious defender of President Barack Obama's health care law for much of the last year, telling constituents in his swing-voting district that the far-from-perfect measure is critical to helping cover uninsured Americans.

Then the new health care law made its disastrous debut. The federal health care website repeatedly crashed, blocking millions from browsing insurance plans. Questions about its security mounted. And cancellation notices hit people who buy their own plans, undercutting the president's vow that those who liked their coverage could keep it.

Now the South Florida lawmaker - one of nine Democrats representing districts Republican Mitt Romney won in 2012 - is distancing himself from the administration and heeding GOP calls to delay key parts of the health care law, illustrating the Democratic Party's challenge as it fights to keep control of the Senate and retake the House next year.

"It's a complete embarrassment," the Democratic freshman said recently. "There are no excuses for what happened here."

Nationwide, Democrats are nervous about the implications of defending an already unpopular law in the wake of the botched rollout, particularly in swing-voting districts and states. Last week, 16 Senate Democrats talked with Obama about fears the problems could hamper their re-election prospects, a day after two gubernatorial elections highlighted the party's struggles.

Mirroring national polls, half of New Jersey voters and 53 percent of Virginia voters said they oppose the law. The Democratic nominees in those races won 11 percent and 14 percent of those voters, respectively. Republicans attributed Virginia nominee Ken Cuccinelli's late surge in his failed bid to his vociferous opposition to the health care law.

Hoping for political gain heading into 2014, the GOP's top campaign committees are tying Democrats to the law's messy launch in a series of ads targeting women, who tend to vote Democratic and often make their families' health decisions.

Murphy and other Democrats anxious about the issue face a test on Friday, when the House is scheduled to vote on a bill to extend the life of individual health insurance policies that otherwise face cancellation under the new law on Jan. 1 because they don't meet minimum coverage standards. The legislation isn't likely to become law, but it's the latest GOP tactic to take advantage of the law's rocky launch.

Seeking to blunt the fallout, Murphy and other Democrats likely facing tough re-election challenges are pushing legislation to delay the requirement that virtually all Americans have health insurance or pay a fine until the website is certified as fully operational.

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Health care law could be liability for Democrats - NBC40.net

Telemedicine revolutionizes health care for soldiers

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Telemedicine the exchange of medical information via electronic communications has vastly changed the way deployed soldiers receive access to health care. And now, this new communication system promises to offer better access to care for veterans in the future as well.

When Dr. Ronald Poropatich first joined the military 30 years ago, the digital cameras and web cams required for the use of telemedicine barely existed. Yet, during his career as the deputy director of the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center in the United States Army, Poropatich helped revolutionize health care for soldiers by bringing telemedicine technology to army bases and field hospitals around the world including in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today, soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan can get second opinions on tricky medical situations from doctors located halfway around the world. They can receive diagnoses from medical specialists even when none are stationed at their base. And they can access psychiatric care via Skype-like technology when stationed in remote locations.

Utilizing technology to diagnose and treatThough he was trained as a pulmonary critical care physician, Poropatich eventually became involved in telemedicine as a way of improving access to care for people in the military.When he was first deployed in 1993, to set up telemedicine capabilities in Somalia, the technology available to him was expensive and rudimentary.

I took a 1.5 megapixel $25,000 digital camera made by Kodak (to Somalia), Poropatich told FoxNews.com. Now you have a 10 or 15 megapixel camera on your cell phone.

Thirty years later, telemedicine has advanced greatly, allowing soldiers to email photos of electrocardiograms (EKGs) or skin rashes back to physicians back in the U.S., and receive feedback within approximately five hours, according to Poropatich. Soldiers can even use Skype-like technology to speak with specialists in real time over secure networks.

A soldier has a microphone, an earphone, and sits in front of a laptop with a webcam over a secure network thats HIPAA-compliant, Poropatich said. It meets military standards and medical standards, and its a private conversation.

This technology has allowed the military to spot medical conditions that would have otherwise been missed or quickly garner second opinions on cases that have the potential to warrant costly evacuations. They can also utilize the technology to spot false alarms, like in the case of one pilot that Poropatich treated who had an abnormal EKG reading.

If there are unusual findings on an EKG, and if theres no cardiologist around, then we have to ground that pilot, Poropatich said. But the beauty is I can now send it to a cardiologist and in this particular case we got a turnaround in 40 minutes saying this is normal, this guy can go back out today and fly.

Treating behavioral health issuesTelemedicine has also provided a way to treat soldiers for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression, while preserving their privacy.

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Telemedicine revolutionizes health care for soldiers

Samantha Power’s speech at the International Rescue Committee’s annual Freedom Award Dinner – Video

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Samantha Power #39;s speech at the International Rescue Committee #39;s annual Freedom Award Dinner
Ambassador Samantha Power speaking at the International Rescue Committee #39;s 2013 Freedom Award Dinner.

By: International Rescue Committee

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Samantha Power's speech at the International Rescue Committee's annual Freedom Award Dinner - Video

French or Freedom fries: What's behind France's move on Iranian nuclear deal?

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Foreign Minister Fabius said France won't accept a 'sucker's deal' on Iran's nuclear program, raising questions about its relationship with Iran.

"Tonight I'm eating FRENCH fries," read a tweet this weekend from Rick Grenell, the US's spokesperson at the UN when France opposed an invasion of Iraq in 2003, and who gave rise to the American term Freedom fries.

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His comments over the weekend were in response to French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who went on air saying a deal with Iran flopped because France will not accept a sucker's deal.

It's unclear what actually went on in Geneva, as the "P5+1" group that includes France, Russia, China, the US, Britain, and Germany seemed close to an agreement with Iran on its nuclear program but then failed. In fact US Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday that it was actually Iran that didn't accept the terms.

But Mr. Fabius's words have echoed around the globe, raising many questions about France's relationship with Iran and its motivations in moving as far right as the most hawkish Americans some of whom continue to applaud their unlikely ally, France - on the question of Iran. Here are some of the theories, some cynical, some not, that are circulating:

The socialist government of French President Franois Hollande has adopted a muscular foreign policy that hasputit to the right of the Obama administrationon Libya, Mali, Syria, and now Iran. Along the way, it has also become Israel's primary European ally and - after the US - arguably its closest friend in the world.

Paris has extensive knowledge of Iran's nuclear program, which they helped establish decades ago by supplying Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi with the technology and equipment that helped him build a uranium enrichment facility near the city of Isfahan. Mark Dubowitz - the executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish think-tank in Washington - said France was uniquely positioned to spot potential flaws in the agreement because it has an array of officials who have [been] working almost exclusively on nuclear issues for more than a decade and understand both the technical aspects of Iran's nuclear program and the economic impact of the hard-hitting economic sanctions that have been imposed in response.

Despite all of the speculation surrounding France's moves over the weekend, Mr. Joshi, the analyst in the UK, says it's important to point out that it's not clear what happened in Geneva and what exactly was rejected or why. Blaming France works in Iran's favor, and as such, leaders there have vociferously condemned Fabius. But too much is unknown, Joshi says.

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French or Freedom fries: What's behind France's move on Iranian nuclear deal?

ANN ARBOR: NAACP hosts Freedom Fund Dinner

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The Ann Arbor Branch of the NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Dinner Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Ann Arbor Sheraton Hotel. About 300 people gathered to hear about African American and civil rights history and achievements in its "journey to freedom."

The evening's freedom journey included listening to the emancipation proclamation, honoring the longest-serving member of the local NAACP, Mrs. Joseph Mhoon, and learning about the evolution, financial success, and destruction of Black Wall Street.

The majority of the time, however, was spent on the 125 AAPS high-school youth in attendance being honored for their scholastic achievements over the last year. "Every branch has a Freedom Fund Dinner, said NAACP Officer, Susan Baskett, "at our dinner, we focus on students."

The panel of speakers that addressed the youth, their families, and their extended community included Mayor John Hieftje, AAPS Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, and a keynote address from the President of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce, Anistia Thomas. Each honored student was recognized in a formal, graduation-style ceremony with a certificate and a copy of the DVD Freedom's Song: 100 Years of African American Struggle and Triumph.

"I came out to support Pioneer High students and other students in the district, said Pioneer Principal, Lisa Anglin. "It's important for them to see us honoring and supporting them outside of the school building."

Many of the scholars who have all maintained academic excellence for at least one year, have plans after high school. Anthony Jacobs, 10th-grader at Pioneer High School, maintains a 3.2 GPA. When asked how he keeps his grades up, he said, "I stay after school each day with my math teacher and get my homework done and ask for help when I need it."

Community High School senior, Siri Zama, was honored for the third time.

"I want to go to UCLA," says Zama, "I'd like to be a doctor, a lawyer, or a psychologist." Eight to 10 tables over, her mother Shauntel Garland and history teacher, Cindy Haidu-Banks sat in smiles and support.

Saidah Rahman, a 10th-grader at Skyline, says that she maintains her 3.7 GPA by studying hard and focusing in class and would like to join the Peace Corps after college. Odia Sylla, also a tenth grader at Skyline, said that she would like to be a surgeon.

"Lives are really precious. And to be able to fix someone's life or take away their pain would be really cool." Continued...

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ANN ARBOR: NAACP hosts Freedom Fund Dinner

Freedom Honor Flight treats veterans to breakfast

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LA CROSSE, WI (WKBT) -

Freedom Honor Flight treated local veterans to a breakfast Monday. It was the third annual Veterans Day Breakfast.

The organization flies veterans to Washington D.C. to see war monuments, but they wanted a local event for all vets to attend.

The event started with a ceremony in the Hall of Honor at UW-La Crosse's Veterans Memorial Field. About 800 vets then gathered for breakfast.

Organizers say it's about more than just a free breakfast, it's about being with other veterans. "There is such a special comeradere, veteran to veteran, it doesn't matter if they served in the same conflict or at the same time, they all understand the bond, and that's what brings them out," said Bill Hoel of Freedom Honor Flight.

"I think it's wonderful that they're getting acknowledged and that people are realizing what these kids are doing," said World War Two Veteran John Grew.

UW-La Crosse student athletes helped welcome the vets and serve as wait staff for the breakfast.

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Freedom Honor Flight treats veterans to breakfast

Free astronomy presentation in Weston Nov. 15

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Kevin Manning is giving a free presentation on the night sky on Nov. 15, sponsored by the Weston library.

Just in time for the much anticipated arrival of comet ISON in the inner solar system this fall, the Weston Public Library will host Dr. Kevin Manning for his program, Movers in the Sky: Comets, Meteors and Asteroids. The presentation will take place on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Weston Middle School Library.

Dr. Manning is an international award-winning astrophysicist with a contagious passion for his field of expertise. He has served as a consultant for NASA, worked with the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He has been both a Wright Fellow and an Einstein Fellow.

He has also been an editor for the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Science Journal of Undergraduate Research.

More recently, he has presented numerous programs on astronomy to schools and libraries. His program appeals to all ages.

RSVP for this free program sponsored by the Library Board to westonlibraryct@gmail.com.

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Free astronomy presentation in Weston Nov. 15

How Astronomy Benefits Society and Humankind

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Want to stay on top of all the space news? Follow @universetoday on Twitter

Our ever-increasing technology. Image credit: VST

With an annual cost of $30.8 million, the Keck Observatory costs $53.7 thousand for a single nights worth of operation. It will cost the James Webb Space Telescope approximately $8.8 billion to reach orbit. And the Space Launch System that will carry the Orion capsule is expected to cost $38 billion.

Why should we be spending such a vast amount of money on astronomy? How is it useful and beneficial to society?

Astronomers face this question on a daily basis. Recently a ream of European astronomers have provided tangible answers relating advancements in astronomy to advancements in industry, aerospace, energy, medicine, international collaboration, everyday life and humankind.

I get this question quite often, Dr. Marissa Rosenberg, lead author on the paper, told Universe Today. One very personal reason for writing this article is that I wanted to share with my parents (both business people) why what I am doing is important and a necessary facet of society.

Today, millions of people across the world are affected by advances in astronomy.

Industry

Your iPhones camera is a charge-coupled device (CCD) an instrument, which converts the movement of electrical charge into a digital value. Originally developed for astronomy, CCDs are now used in most cameras, webcams and cell phones.

Every iPhone with has a built-in CCD

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How Astronomy Benefits Society and Humankind

Vector Aerospace Graduate Grabs Opportunity to Participate in the Defence Growth Partnership

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Vector Aerospace UK (Vector - http://www.vectoraerospace.com), a leading provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has given one of its graduates a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to participate in the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) initiative.

The DGP is a joint Government and Industry initiative to ensure a thriving UK defence sector. According to the Prime Minister: "The DGP sets us and industry a joint challenge to deliver a long term strategic vision to maintain our position on the leader board, maximising opportunities for British business and further strengthening the economy."

James Bibby, one of the first graduates to join Vector Aerospace under the new scheme, has now become an active member of the International Business Working Group within the DGP. "This is a fantastic opportunity for myself and Vector Aerospace to assist in the early stages of this partnership,"said James. "I see it as an opportunity not only to develop myself further by working with the other leading defence companies in the UK, but also to contribute to the growth of the defence sector in the UK which will in turn give further opportunities to the next generation of engineers."

This statement of strategic intent complements Vector Aerospace's strategy of developing its greatest asset, its people, thereby enabling future growth and contributing to the UK Defence sector.

Vector Aerospace's graduate recruitment scheme also acts as an enabler to strengthen and diversify the skill base of its workforce; providing graduates the benefit of working in a specialist rotary wing and engine aftermarket support environment.

"We are delighted to be engaged with the DGP at such an early stage; this Partnership has the full backing of our parent company EADS and we feel it will benefit our Industry as a whole,"said Claire Silvester, Vector Aerospace UK HR Director. "Our graduate programme is a relatively new initiative and the opportunity for participants to contribute, on behalf of Vector Aerospace, to the DGP is a terrific one which will help their personal development as well as contribute towards the success of this key government/industry initiative.'

About Vector Aerospace Vector Aerospace is a global provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, South Africa, and Kenya Vector Aerospace provides services to commercial and military customers for gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. Vector's customer-focused team includes over 2,700 motivated employees.

More information can be found on the company's website at http://www.vectoraerospace.com

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Vector Aerospace Graduate Grabs Opportunity to Participate in the Defence Growth Partnership

stem cell therapy treatment for Cerebral Palsy with Hemiplegia by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india – Video

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stem cell therapy treatment for Cerebral Palsy with Hemiplegia by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india
improvement seen in just 5 days after stem cell therapy treatment for cerebral palsy with hemiplegia by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india. Stem Cell Therapy done...

By: Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute

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stem cell therapy treatment for Cerebral Palsy with Hemiplegia by dr alok sharma, mumbai, india - Video

Medical Educational apps QVprep Learn genetics and Genetic Engineering app video part 13 14 – Video

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Medical Educational apps QVprep Learn genetics and Genetic Engineering app video part 13 14
QVprep Lite Genetic Engineering is FREE and has limited content. The app gives you the option to buy the paid QVprep Genetic Engineering app which has exhaus...

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Medical Educational apps QVprep Learn genetics and Genetic Engineering app video part 13 14 - Video