May
10
2010
Good morning YP’s! President Obama nominated Elena Kagan this morning, as his pick for the Supreme Court becoming what would be the youngest person to ever hold such position. What I find most appealing about this story is the inspiration that Ms. Kagan has demonstrated. She worked behind the scenes in the “corridor of legal power” but with hard work, and dedication, she was able to be recognized as one of the most forward leading minds in this country. What I take away from this article is that anything is possible, with hardwork, a positive attitude, and belief in oneself! Have a great Monday YP’s! Read more »
Mar
31
2010
President Obama signed a new bill yesterday that will overhaul the educational loan system. Even though the affects will not be seen immediately, this will benefit students for years to come. The bill will cut out the middle men, companies like Sallie Mae, who make up their own interest rates which are usually very high. Instead, students will be borrowing directly from the government, who will have a fixed interest rate, and will only ask for 10% of total income monthly. This will be a sigh of a relief for individuals who owe a lot of money on loans. All in all, I believe this bill is beneficial in the long run because student loans are getting out of hand, especially the interest rates on independent student lenders. Check out the article below for more details. Read more »
Sep
17
2009
YPRichB: A few weeks ago YPRuck posted information on the new health care plan proposed by President Obama. The following article sheds more light on the proposed plan. As YP’s we need to make sure we are aware of important changes such as these.
WASHINGTON – You’re a 51-year-old single mother raising two kids and juggling a mortgage and a car loan. Because you’re self-employed, getting health insurance has always been a problem. Under the new Senate plan, you still might have to stretch your budget to pay premiums even if the coverage is more secure.
The health care plan unveiled Wednesday by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., strives to contain costs for taxpayers, reducing the risk that covering the uninsured will blow the federal deficit wide open. But that means benefits are not as generous as in competing plans from Senate and House Democrats.
“We’ve done everything imaginable to get the most generous, most affordable coverage we can within President Obama’s target of $900 billion,” Baucus said, referring to the president’s 10-year estimate of what the legislation should cost.
A free lunch it’s not.
Read more »
Sep
08
2009
YPJim H says: It is that time of the year once again, the start of a brand new school year! I remember the feeling of my first days of school like it was yesterday. The anxiousness, the excitement, and the anticipation all wrapped into one. I remember planning out the outfits like it was an business interview, and not being able to go to sleep. It is definitely a emotional experience that I believe everyone can relate to.
But when I look back now, what I do wish was that I applied myself more to school. School holds all types of opportunities, not just educational wise, but more importantly, opportunities at life. An education is a very important tool to create a better life for not only yourself, but for the people around you. So if you are starting a brand new semester in undergrad, graduate, or even have kids in school, remember to always do the best that you can!
President Obama made a very heartfelt speech to the students of America yesterday, and it was very well said, like always. Enjoy, and once you are done, please share your thoughts on what an education means to you! Read more »
Aug
29
2009
America’s Seniors and Health Insurance Reform: Protecting Coverage and Strengthening Medicare
Introduction
Since its inception in 1965, Medicare has provided a needed – and respected – health care service to our nation’s senior citizens and certain individuals with disabilities. However, rising health care costs, persistent gaps in the use of recommended services, and the threat of Medicare insolvency all undermine the health care that the program’s beneficiaries need and deserve. Health insurance reform will serve to strengthen the health care that our seniors receive.
Escalating Health Care Costs
America’s seniors shoulder an increasing financial burden to get the care they need – a burden that could be alleviated.
The United States spends more on health care than any other developed country – $2.4 trillion in FY 2008, Read more »
Aug
27
2009
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Introduction
Ellen Montz, MPA, Office of Health Reform, Department of Health and Human Service
Meena Seshamani, MD, PhD, Director of Policy Analysis, Office of Health Reform, Department of Health and Human Service
Report Production by the HHS Web Communications and New Media Division
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A Success Story in American Health Care
Prevention and Public Health Care in the United States
Investing in and improving preventive health care is an integral part of health reform. Preventive health care improves the overall health of all Americans and helps decrease avoidable costs.
The U.S. spends over $2 trillion on medical care every year, spending more per patient than any other health system in the world.1,2 The epidemic and growing levels of largely preventable diseases and conditions contribute greatly to these high costs. In fact, one study estimates that almost 80 percent of all health spending in the United States can be attributed to chronic illness, much of which is preventable.3
Heart disease and stroke, for instance, are the first- and third-leading causes of death for both men and women in the United States and account for over one-third of all American deaths.4 In 2008, the total cost of heart disease and stroke for the United States was estimated to be more than $448 billion.5
Read more »
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Aug
26
2009
Coverage Denied: How the Current Health Insurance System Leaves Millions Behind
“Pre-Existing Conditions” Affect Millions of Americans
A large proportion of Americans have health conditions that insurance companies can qualify as “pre-existing conditions.”
A pre-existing condition is a medical condition that existed before someone applies for or enrolls in a new health insurance policy. It can be something as prevalent as heart disease – which affects one in three adults1 – or something as life-changing as cancer, which affects 11 million Americans.2
But a pre-existing condition does not have to be a serious disease like cancer or heart disease. Even relatively minor conditions like hay fever, asthma, or previous sports injuries can trigger high premiums or denials of coverage.3
Unattainable Health Coverage
Aug
25
2009
YP’s, we need to stay informed on what’s going on especially something as important as health care. I know you guys have seen article after article and news story after news story regarding President Obama’s Health Care Reform proposal and if you’re like me, you probably would like to know what he’s proposing to do in order to fix our faulty existing health care system. Thus, YP’s are going to post different reports regarding the health care reform that explain the current issues with our current health care system and how President Obama plans to reform and improve the health care system to help individuals that need it most. Despite whether or not you agree or disagree with what President Obama we thought that YP’s should be informed in order to make an educated decision instead of a political decision based on your political party affiliation. Please do not hesitate to leave comments and share your thoughts and opinions, but if nothing else inform yourselves.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Americans Shoulder the Burden of Growing Health Care Costs
Introduction
Americans pay more for health care each year but get less coverage and fewer services for the premiums they pay. Health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages,1 yet rising premiums are only one of the ways families shoulder the burden of rising health care costs.
Read more »
Jul
03
2009
“If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”
-Barack Obama
Perseverance and determination are the tools that will get you to your goals. On your path to success there will be many obstacles, but are you willing to overcome those obstacles and continue on your journey. The great ones are willing and greatness is what we all should strive for.
YPDSing, Young Professionals Writer
