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Approved-By:  Bill McGarry <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
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Date:         Thu, 13 Aug 1992 01:30:48 EDT
Reply-To:     Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         Bill McGarry <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 2863
X-To:         LHCAP <l-hcap@VM1.NODAK.EDU>

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 2863

                          Thursday, August 13, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                                 Oregon plan
                                  Marijuana
                                 Oregon Plan
                              A Patient Effort
                                 Oregon plan
                                 Oregon Plan
                          Myoelectric Arm Exchange
                        Re: Myoelectric Arm Exchange
                                  Good News
                          Re: Myoelectric Arm Excha


                                ******


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                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
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Subject: Oregon plan
From: Patricia.Bregman@f24.n3602.z1.fidonet.org (Patricia Bregman)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:3602/24 - ADAnet One (tm) Net, Pinson AL


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

Has anyone seen the exact text of Louis Sullivan's decision not to
approve the Oregon Health Plan on the grounds that it was contrary
to the ADA?

The brief reports I have seen don't make sense. Apparently they
claim that it might be discriminatory because only poor people
would have rationed care.

I find their logic impenetrable since any plan that does not cover
everything for everyone is, in some respect, rationing.  I see only
the political logic - they don't want to approve anything which
might be seen as Medicaid cutbacks nor anything that might be seen
as rationing since they argue against it.

I would be really interested in knowing how people are responding,
particularly to the use of the ADA as an excuse?

===
 * QNet3 * ADANET:41/62/19:Ability OnLine - Toronto Canada - 416/650-5411

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!3602!24!Patricia.Bregman
Internet: Patricia.Bregman@f24.n3602.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Marijuana
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

 To: buckij@stolaf.edu (Jonathan Bucki)
 JB> My question about this article is this:
 JB> Is maryjuana used by many disable people
 JB> as a "treatment?" Regardless of what
 JB> the FDA says, other people in the real
 JB> world will witness to its medicinal
 JB> qualities.

Marijuana has been found to reduce muscle spasms.  It also relieves
the pressuse in those with glacoma.  There is an organization call
PALM, which works toward the legalazation for meical purpose.
Paraplegic Association for Leagalization of Marijuana.  They are
based in DC.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!175.1!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Oregon Plan
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

In a message to All <04 Aug 92 03:27> Patricia Bregman wrote:

 PB> The brief reports I have seen don't make sense. Apparently they
 PB> claim that it might be discriminatory because only poor people
 PB> would have rationed care.

The Oregon plan only effected Medicaid receipents, thus only the
poor.  The Oregon plan was designed to eliminate coverage for high
cost and low success rate procedures.  The ADA was brought into
play because the ADA law requires that all disabled have access to
equal medical care.  Therefore, if a baby born at 22 weeks
gestation with a birth weight of 15oz and to a poor mother will
receive the same treatment as if she was born to a mother with the
best health care coverage.  It will allow alcoholics to receive
kidney transplants.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!175.1!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: A Patient Effort
From: Earl.Appleby@p4.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org (Earl Appleby)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:275/429.4 - HandiNet B B S, Virginia Beach VA


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

ABLEnews

[The following file, SACENTI.ART was uploaded by Bruce Lynch to Project
Enable (1;279/14) (304-766-7842). It is entered here with appreciation
to Mr. Lynch for the information of our ABLEnews readers.]

                        Ex-patients Working as Staff:
                Overcoming Barriers to Provide Effective Services

Psychiatric patients who have achieved significant recovery have
demonstrated a high degree of capacity and motivation to help others who
are experiencing psychiatric disorders. Staff and administrators
working in the mental health field, however, often have negative
attitudes regarding the capacity of ex- patients to work as staff within
the field.  Also, traditional pre-service training programs do not
address the unique problems which ex-patients experience when they take
staff positions in the mental health field.

Over the past two years, a small group of ex-patients employed at
Eastern Middlesex Human Services in Wakefield, Massachusetts has been
developing a training program to support themselves and their capacity
to work successfully in their agency. This training is also focused on
promoting more positive attitudes among staff and administrators toward
ex-patients working within the mental health system.

The ex-patient staff who are conducting training and providing their own
mutual support include a nurse, a psychiatrist, an occupational
therapist, and a social worker. This peer group meets on a regular basis
and works to accomplish the following objectives: Providing assistance
to staff to identify attitudes of stigma; Creating viable opportunities
for staff to receive training and information to work effectively with
ex-patient employees; Conducting outreach meetings in the community to
educate ex-patients about returning to a working life; Working to create
constructive and empowering work relationships with people in positions
of authority; Learning to emphasize the value of one's own experience
and use this experience to give hope to others; and, Learning when and
how to disclose one's own past experience with mental illness.

The ex-patient professional staff at Eastern Middlesex Human Services will
be developing materials to help others implement similar training and
support activities. A regional workshop for administrators and line
staff of mental health centers is also being planned. Ex-patient staff
are available to provide consultation and technical assistance.

For more information, contact:

        Linda Sacenti
        Eastern Middlesex Human Services
        Administrative Offices
        395 Main St.
        Wakefield, MA 01880

A 2-page article entitled Making a Difference: Ex-patients as Staff, by
Meg Simon, was published in RESOURCES, Summer, 1990.  This article
describes the work of ex-patient staff at Eastern Middlesex Human
Services. For a copy of this article, contact Kathy Kennedy, Human
Resource Association of the Northeast, 187 High St., Suite 303, Holyoke,
MA 01040.

With a tip of our ABLEnews hat to Bruce Lynch and the folks at EMHS,

...For further information, contact CURE, 812 Stephen Street, Berkeley
Springs, West Virginia 254511 (304-258-LIFE/5433).

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!275!429.4!Earl.Appleby
Internet: Earl.Appleby@p4.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Oregon plan
From: Earl.Appleby@p4.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org (Earl Appleby)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:275/429.4 - HandiNet B B S, Virginia Beach VA


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

 > Has anyone seen the exact text of Louis Sullivan's
 > decision not to approve the Oregon Health Plan on the
 > grounds that it was contrary to the ADA?

No, but we'll try to get further information from HHS and report it
here on ABLEnews for your information. Your interest is
appreciated.

Switching hats, to speak as director of CURE, a U.S. patient
advocate network, we've long opposed the Oregon rationing plan and
similar checkbook euthanasia schemes because they discriminate
against persons with disabilities and the vulnerable sick.

 > The brief reports I have seen don't make sense.
 > Apparently they claim that it might be discriminatory
 > because only poor people would have rationed care.

That's one point. Senator Al Gore, the Democratic Vice Presidential
candidate, who called on President Bush to reject the Orgeon plan,
observed, "This plan is seductive to the policy makers, but it is
dangerous to the people who really need help. (It) leaves poor
women and children at risk."  Senator Gore was, no doubt, referring
to the Draconian Medicaid cuts for which children and women of
child-bearing age were targeted by the Oregon cost-cutters.

 > I find their logic impenetrable since any plan that
 > does not cover everything for everyone is, in some
 > respect, rationing.  I see only the political logic -
 > they don't want to approve anything which might be
 > seen as Medicaid cutbacks nor anything that might be
 > seen as rationing since they argue against it.

Funding choices are made in any government program as you point
out, but in the States (as elsewhere) there has been a pattern of
"choices" (such as DRGs) that have been made by the powerful to the
detriment of the powerless, specifically, the infirm, the aged, the
poor, persons with disabilities, etc.  It is the nature of the
choices and, more profoundly, the basis of the choices that the
Oregon TABs propose that CURE and other disability rights advocates
object to.

 > I would be really interested in knowing how people are
 > responding, particularly to the use of the ADA as an
 > excuse?

I'm interested, too, but before you jump to the conclusion that
"the ADA" is just "an excuse," you might want to weigh the
evidence.

According to an Administration source, "Oregon's formula for
ranking procedures explicitly took account of quality of life.
Under the plan a person without disability is more likely to get
reimbursement for health care because it is assumed that he or she
will have a higher quality of life after being treated."

Robert Pear, a veteran reporter on medical issues for the New York
Times, describes the Oregon plan as assigning a higher priority to
medical services that improve quality of life than to those that
safeguard life.

[switching hats once again to resume my editor's chair]

I'll try to get additional information as indicated above ASAP,
Patricia. I'm sure some of our ABLEnews participants have
additional information and analysis of the Oregon plan that can
inform us all. That's why we're online.

Thanks again for your interest and comments.

Earl

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!275!429.4!Earl.Appleby
Internet: Earl.Appleby@p4.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Oregon Plan
From: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:150/175.1 - Busted Flush BBS, New Castle DE


[This is from the AbleNews Conference]

In a message to Patricia Bregman <06 Aug 92 10:22> Earl Appleby wrote:

 EA> of the choices and, more profoundly, the basis of the choices
 EA> that the Oregon TABs propose that CURE and other disability
 EA> rights advocates object to.

The Oregon Plan will pay $250,000 for the liver/kidney transplant
procedure for a non-alcoholic.  They will not pay the same amount
for a new born with a gestation period of only 22 weeks and a 15oz
birth weight.

 EA> Robert Pear, a veteran reporter on medical issues for the New
 EA> York Times, describes the Oregon plan as assigning a higher
 EA> priority to medical services that improve quality of life than to
 EA> those that safeguard life.

First, let me make it perfectly clear that I am a supporter of the
Medicare and Medicaid programs.  However, I do not believe that we
should fund every procedure and medical cure that comes down the
pike.

The obvious reason is that our country is in the midst of an
economic crisis.  It not only can not afford to fully fund every
medical procedure, but it also cannot afford to fund many of the
thinggs which it is already funding.  The government must stop
spending more than it takes in if our country is to retain
autonomy.  Therefore, without raising taxes significantly, it
absolutely must find ways to cut things that are already being
funded.

Aside from being financially impossible, I believe that Oregon is
better suited to determine the level of services available at the
state level.  At least they have a plan to curtail their soaring
medical costs.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!150!175.1!Joe.Chamberlain
Internet: Joe.Chamberlain@p1.f175.n150.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Myoelectric Arm Exchange
From: Drew.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org (Drew Dunn)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:202/337 - Yak Attack BBS, La Mesa CA


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

-> Does anyone know of a service where a person can make provision to do
-> myoelectric arm after ther death so the exprensive compoents can be u
-> someone withouth health insurance coverage ?

If you have a local university with a teaching hospital, you might check
with them to see if you could bequeath it to somebody through them.

drew

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!202!337!Drew.Dunn
Internet: Drew.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Myoelectric Arm Exchange
From: Wayne.Briggs@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Wayne Briggs)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

Thanks for your message.
I'm trying to find a creative way that  can get one.
My original injury was as a social worker with a non-profit agency in
Viet-Nam that no longer exists and  I unwisely as a 27 year old marrried
guy signed away any claim to future medical treatment as my past medical
billls were equal to about 30+% of my income. The insurance I had when I
was attacked by a dog when on a dirt bike 8-12-90 was cancelled
12-31-90.During 1990, Texas had a law in effect that the owner has NO
liability the first time an attack dog attacks a person! Fortunately for
others, this bad law law has been changed & owners of attack & large
dogs no longer "get the first bite free." I've been OK since 4-91 with a
flail arm that has shoulder joint & muscles & upper third of humerus
removed. My daughert started college this summmer and as long as I have
a spare arm that works I prefer to invest the next eight years in
college for both Julie & Matt rather than a body powered shoulder
disarticulation prosthesis. However, I've talked with atwo people with
shoulder disarticulation who are glad to have myoelectric with Micha
shoulder as they get a satisfying amount of real function. I'll do OK &
am not worried about not having one. Hwever, if there is a way I can
without taking money from my family (the swelling, pain & RSD have
prevented me wrking much since 8-12-90. For a while I was able to work a
few hours a day, than it dropped  to 1-2 hours a day, 0 hours July, 5
hours this week, etc.); I would like to have one. I'm going to try
writing member of congress & the guys who want to live in the White
House about changing MEDICARE regulations so that myoelectric are
considered by MEDICARE to be COVERED & MEDICALLY NECESSARY for folks
with shoulder disarticulation.If that would happen, then it would be
precedent for  folks with AE amputation also. Thanks for your messages.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!124!5109.0!Wayne.Briggs
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Subject: Good News
From: Wayne.Briggs@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Wayne Briggs)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

Dr. Marybeth Ezacki office called to say she is still working on getting
approval from Parkland Hospital in Dallas for me to have a shoulder
disarticulation as a teaching patient, seeing I don't have any
insurance.She has been treating me & has agreed to d the surgery without
charge; because of her compassion and my loss of health insurance, job,
etc.
I've got a security cable & hope to be able to take my Macintosh Classic
& modem with meto the hospital.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!124!5109.0!Wayne.Briggs
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Subject: Re: Myoelectric Arm Excha
From: Wayne.Briggs@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Wayne Briggs)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

Thanks - nice hearing from you.
Because my first injury was in a war where I was a social worker working
 with children {AND because after seconand injury & massice MSRA staph
infecton 10/90; my health insurance was cancelled 12/90.
However, I'm lobbying MEDICARE through National Association of Social
Workers (whose model plan for national health insurance has favorablly
been incorperated in most Democratic National Health Insurance
Proposals; both senators & my congressman, also Senator Bob Dole. Also
I'm writting the National Funeral Directors Assciation, The PT Assn.,
the OT Assn,
E
Am. Psychological Ass, Nat. Assn. of Social Workers, AARP, Society for
Hospital  Sociasl Work Directors, Sabolich, Northwestern University
Amputee Clinic, Amputee Clinic at Tx, Institute for Rehabilitation &
Research, Ann Landers, American Scientific Affiliation, Christian
Association for Psychological Studies, Texas Blue Cross that is the
MEDICARE Intermediary in this state; the Aircaft Owner's & Pilot's Assn;
and (seriously) asking God. With a rejection rate lower tha for
mechanical,there are stillsome shoulder disarticulats that reject a
myoelectric (although I think this may be becaue of poor fitting as most
prosthestists have little experience with myoelectric shoulder
disarticuations & the Mich shoulder that is a plus factor isn't used by
everone. I like a lot of other people can get along OK with 1 arm. But
I'm a clinical social worker & family therapist and if I can get back to
work, having a functioning arm would mak my clientd frrl more
comfortable (until then I'm wearing short sleeve shirts & have
alternations made to sport/suite coats to remove right arm); ad I would
like both a hook & a griffer for things around the house & driving.
Charlotte, my wife is developing fairly bad arthritud (she was exposed
to Agent orange when we worked with a church group in Viet-Nam) and is
legally blind without her contacts but has been told tha someday she
will have to stop wearing her contacts and I may need a bt more function
to assist her. Also, my back was injured & I can't lift more than 5#.
Most of this has nothing to do with message topic -but after talkingI
feel better.Thanks!

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!124!5109.0!Wayne.Briggs
Internet: Wayne.Briggs@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org




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                                ******

                  End of Issue # 2863 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU