02 Oct 2012

Insurance Program Covers People with Pre-existing Conditions

By Ginny Grimsley
'Care is Available in Every State,' says Former Physician

With all the talk about health-care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, it seems few people know coverage is available in every state as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, says Dr. Dixie Swanson, a former television health reporter and physician, and a lupus patient.

"People can apply for the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan, which will not deny you coverage because you have asthma, diabetes or some other condition, and will not charge you more simply because of it," says Swanson, the author of "The Accidental President Trilogy," (www.dixieswanson.com). "In Washington D.C. and 23 states - including Florida, Massachusetts and Texas - it's run by the federal government. Twenty-seven states run their own PCIP program."

Policies vary from state to state and premiums may vary, but coverage can cost less than $200 a month. But a shockingly low number of people know about the coverage, Swanson says. As of July 31, there were 82,000 people enrolled. Maine had only 42 enrollees; California had the most, 11,118.

"Getting and keeping health insurance is Job One for many patients with chronic illness. This is a real step forward," Swanson says.

Here are some important things to know about PCIP:

• You are eligible for PCIP coverage ONLY if you have been without insurance coverage for the past six months. If you have coverage - even if it does not cover your condition - you are not eligible, and if you're in a state high-risk pool, you're not eligible.

• Rules vary depending on who administers the plan. In states with the federally administered program, you must submit one of the following with your application: 1) An insurance company's letter denying you coverage from within the past 12 months, 2) An offer of insurance with a rider disallowing your condition, provided you didn't accept a policy, 3) If you're under 19 or you live in Vermont or Massachusetts, a letter from a doctor, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner stating your condition, and 4) If you're under 19 or you live in Vermont or Massachusetts, an offer of insurance that you didn't accept because the premium was too high (provided it's at least double the cost of a standard option PCIP premium),

• In states with the federally administered program, if you're application is accepted, you'll receive a letter within two to three weeks. If you submitted your application and all documentation before the 15th of the month, your coverage can start by the 1st of the following month (i.e. by Oct. 15, coverage starts Nov. 1). If you apply after the 15th, it will start by the first of the month after that (i.e. Dec. 1).

• PCIP is designed to be temporary. The Affordable Health Care Act calls for private insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions beginning in 2014, at which time PCIP will not be necessary. (If Obama does not win re-election, it's possible PCIP will be disbanded under Mitt Romney.)

• To find out more, visit the plan's official website, www.pcip.gov

About Dixie Swanson

Dixie Swanson was a pediatrician for 10 years and the Family Health Reporter for NBC's Houston affiliate. She also spent time working for a Washington lobbyist with access to the White House.  Dixie is the author of "The Accidental President Trilogy - a Political Fable for Our Time."

02 Oct 2012

The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences opens Bunnicula

By Shelley Klimes
Amana - Join The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences for the delightful story of Bunnicula, just in time for Halloween! Bunnicula opens Saturday, Oct. 20th on the Main Stage and runs through Nov. 3.

Written by James and Deborah Howe, adapted by Jon Klein with music by Chris Jeffries, Bunnicula follows the adventures of a cute and cuddly bunny by day and something else entirely by night!

Directed by Sean McCall of Marengo, the cast of Bunnicula consists of Nicholas Hodge of South Amana, Jeff Haffner of Cleveland Ohio, Elizabeth Higbee of Tonganoxie Kansas, Vaughn Irving of Washington DC, Jackie McCall of Marengo and Max Locher and Brennan Urbi both of Cedar Rapids.

Bunnicula is rated Theatre G for all audiences. Tickets are $8 per person for reserved seating. Show times are 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 27 and Nov. 3 and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, Thursday, Oct. 25 and Saturday Oct. 27. Walk-ins are welcome but some weekday matinees are sold out and reservations are highly recommended for all shows.

Bunnicula is sponsored by Scheels with Kiss Country 96.5 as the media sponsor.

For tickets or more information, call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or 800-352-6262 or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 41 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.
02 Oct 2012

Grassley, Kirk Question Treasury Secretary Inaction on LIBOR, Impact on U.S. Borrowers

By Grassley Press
WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois today asked Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to explain his apparent inaction to stem the dominance and inform the public of a rigged interest rate that affects interest rates on mortgages, student loans, credit cards and other loans.
"Taxpayers need to know there's a cop on the beat at the Treasury Department, making sure the interest rates they pay on everything from home loans to retirement investments aren't rigged," Grassley said.  "If the attitude of the Treasury Secretary is that it isn't his responsibility to take action or to tell the public, that's going to harm confidence in our financial system and create a lack of certainty."
"We need the Treasury Department to take swift action to inform consumers, homeowners, students and other borrowers about potential impacts of faulty interest rates," said Kirk, a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.  "We cannot expect confidence in our financial system to last without this crucial information, and the Treasury should consider alternative solutions to boost confidence in the marketplace."
The London interbank offered rate, or LIBOR, is the average interest rate that banks use to borrow from each other.  Set in London, the rate is one of the main rates that determine the cost of interest for trillions of dollars of loans on a variety of everyday consumer loans such as mortgages and more complicated financial instruments such as derivatives.
In recent testimony before Congress, Geithner said that when as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, he became aware of concerns that the LIBOR rate was being rigged, he deferred to the British central bankers to fix the problem.  Despite those concerns, Geithner appears not to have taken action "to diminish use of this flawed index in U.S. financial markets; to the contrary, Treasury's use of LIBOR has increased," Grassley and Kirk wrote in a letter to Geithner.
Grassley and Kirk asked Geithner to answer questions including whether the Treasury Department considered the risk to U.S. borrowers, including state, municipal, and local governments facing higher debt burdens as a result of the LIBOR scandal; whether U.S. officials considered the litigation risks to U.S. borrowers in deciding to raise the LIBOR scandal only to the attention of British central banks rather than U.S. lenders and borrowers; and whether the Treasury Department's continued reliance on LIBOR is affecting borrower access to Small Business Administration loans.
Grassley and Kirk concluded, "In the wake of this scandal, we believe that it is essential to undertake steps to consider the creation of an American-based interest rate index. If U.S. investors and borrowers have suffered financial harm from our dependence on an index set in London, they have the right to expect the country's leaders to support better alternatives. Complacency in the wake of losses and lawsuits will diminish both investor and borrower confidence regarding debt securities issued in U.S. financial markets."
The text of the Grassley-Kirk letter to Geithner is available here.
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02 Oct 2012

Roseville Man Retires After 40 Years of Service to the Illinios National Guard

By Sgt. Robert Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/02/2012)(readMedia)-- George Campbell of Roseville retired September 30 after 40 years of service to the Illinois National Guard, 20 of those as an enlisted Soldier in the Illinois National Guard where he retired as a first sergeant. The remainder of his service was as a state building and grounds laborer for the Macomb Armory.

Born and raised in Macomb, Campbell lived very close to the armory growing up.

"This building has been a major part of my life." Campbell said. "Before I joined, I went to the high school right behind the armory and walked by the armory every day. At the time I didn't realize how much of a major role it would play in my life."

Campbell's service did not stop when he retired from the Illinois National Guard in September 1992. He continued his service to the Illinois National Guard as an Illinois state building and grounds laborer for the Macomb Armory.

"I would put the looks of this armory up against any facility, George has done a fantastic job," said Master Sgt. Christopher Carlock of Astoria, with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment 44th Chemical Battalion.

In addition to Campbell's work at the armory, many people developed a close personal bond with Campbell and looked up to him.

"We will definitely feel a hole here with George being gone. I am personally going to miss having George here at the armory," said Carlock. "He was a spiritual leader for me and was a great friend to have around the facility."

Campbell sculpted some of the high-ranking officers that lead the Soldiers of the Illinois National Guard today. Campbell guided and mentored his troops while serving as the first sergeant for Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery Regiment. "George, who was my first sergeant, was always there for me when I was a private," said Lt. Col. Maurice Rochelle of Flossmoor with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. "He was instrumental in helping me become the noncommissioned officer I was with Battery B."

Campbell plans on working part-time and spending more time with his family and traveling to the southern parts of the United States to listen to southern gospel vocal groups.

02 Oct 2012

CHRISTIAN CARE AND DIAMONDS ON THE AVENUE TEAM UP To raise awareness for domestic violence

By Rebecca Wheeler
Domestic violence is pervasive in our community. It is a silent predator that affects one out of every four women and typically winds up impacting several generations of family members. In recognition of national domestic violence awareness this month, Christian Care and Diamonds on the Avenue are teaming up to provide an exclusive offer that is available only in October but will help raise awareness all year long. Diamonds on the Avenue designed a one-of-a-kind necklace just for this occasion: a purple pendant that changes color in the sun and houses a floating diamond with a very special meaning.

Purple is the color of domestic violence awareness. The floating diamond signifies the domestic violence survivor who is a diamond in the rough, yet still shining through her pain. The necklace design pays homage to all who are currently suffering from the effects of domestic violence, those who have survived and are thriving, and those who, sadly, did not survive. This necklace is sure to be a conversation starter and, when people ask about it, both Diamonds on the Avenue and Christian Care hope that the story behind the necklace's design will raise awareness for a lifetime.

Take a stand against domestic violence: join Christian Care and Diamonds on the Avenue by purchasing a pendant from this special collection. Wear your purple pendant and floating diamond close your heart. Pendants start at $49.00. Diamonds on the Avenue will donate $10 from every purchase of these rare pendants to Christian Care's domestic violence shelter. Every dollar donated makes a difference. Ninety-seven per cent of the women who complete Christian Care's holistic programs go on to live independent lives, free of their abusers. Purchase your pendant now at Diamonds on the Avenue located at 3320 East Kimberly Road in Davenport, right down the road from Red Lobster.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose vision is to transform lives. Through its mission of providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives. Christian Care's two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for women and children and
a rescue mission for men?serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care Crisis Hotline at any hour of the day or night at 309/788-2273. For more information about Christian Care, please go to their web site at christiancareqc.org or to
Facebook at facebook.com/christiancareqc.

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02 Oct 2012

Morthland Applauds Sale of Thomson Prison

By Rep. Rich Morthland

Moline, IL... State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) applauds the federal government's decision today to move forward with the sale of Thomson Correctional Center from the state of Illinois to the Federal Bureau of Prisons after sitting unoccupied and unused for twelve years.

Morthland says the sale of Thomson Correctional Center is a bi-partisan victory.

"Today is a great day for northwestern Illinois. It comes as a result of hard work and cooperation from all parties involved in moving the sale forward," said Morthland.

Estimates suggest that opening the prison facility will create an additional 1,100 direct and indirect new jobs, and will inject more than $200 million per year into the economy of the surrounding counties.

"The prison will bring a new kind of skilled worker to the area and in return will provide an economic boost. Area businesses will benefit from people purchasing goods and buying homes. There is great potential here and putting the prison to use will create a positive domino effect in Carol, Whiteside, and Rock Island Counties."

02 Oct 2012

Mark Nelson Earns Endorsement of Iowans for Tax Relief PAC

By Lindsay McQuarry
MUSCATINE, IA–Iowans for Tax Relief PAC has endorsed Mark Nelson of Davenport for State Representative.

Lindsay McQuarry, Policy Director for Iowans for Tax Relief, said today, "Mark Nelson is the pro-taxpayer and pro-growth candidate in House District 93. He understands that rising property taxes are hurting Iowa's homeowners, business owners, and workers."

McQuarry continued, "Mark is a strong advocate for reform of government pensions. He knows the state must correct its pension obligations now to avoid a financial crisis in the future. "

David Stanley, Chairman, and Rob Solt, President of Iowans for Tax Relief praised Nelson for "his dedication to protect Iowa's taxpayers and his strong support for amending the Iowa Constitution to limit state government spending and give the people the right to vote on tax increases."

Mark Nelson is a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives in the November 6 election. He is a commercial real estate appraiser who specializes in complex appraisals and property tax appeals in the Midwest.

Iowans for Tax Relief PAC has worked to protect and defend Iowa taxpayers for 28 years. It is the political action arm of Iowans for Tax Relief.

Paid for by Iowans for Tax Relief PAC
02 Oct 2012

Manzullo, Schilling, Loebsack Statement on Thomson Prison Developments

By Andrea Pivarunas
Congressmen Don Manzullo (IL-16), Bobby Schilling (IL-17), and Dave Loebsack (IA-02) today released the following statement on the Obama administration moving to purchase the Thomson Correctional Center from the state of Illinois:

"The bottom line is that this is a welcome development for our region, particularly those who have been struggling to find good jobs.  Thomson Correctional Center has been sitting empty for 10 years, costing the residents of Illinois millions of dollars in upkeep and keeping many Illinoisans and Iowans out of work each year.

"We have been working together towards the same goal of reaching across the divide, finding a solution, and bringing these jobs to our area without moving detainees from Guantanamo to U.S. soil.   If the Administration was willing to move on Thomson without closing Guantanamo all along, we question why they waited this long before taking action.  But as the old saying goes, 'There's no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.'"


# # #

02 Oct 2012

Let Me Decide: Iowans Campaign to Make the Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods the Law

By LeeAnn Felder

Davenport, Iowa - Today, Tuesday, Oct. 2, local activists held a call-in day and generated dozens of calls
to Senator Joe Seng, asking him to support mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food. The call-
in day was part of a statewide campaign initiated by the national consumer advocacy organization Food
&Water Watch to push for legislation to make the labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods the law
in Iowa.

call in day.jpg

"We need to know what we are eating, and what we're feeding to our children. There should be a simple
label for genetically engineered foods," said Emily Clow, a local activist.

A local organic farmer, a mother, a professor at St. Ambrose, and a massage therapist are just a few of
the activists in the Quad Cities working to build support for GE food labeling in Iowa. While over 50
other countries?including Australia, Brazil, and European Union?require the labeling of genetically
engineered foods, the US does not.GE foods are very common in our food system and often come in the
form of ingredients like corn syrup and vegetable oil, which are most likely derived from GE corn and
soybeans. The vast majority of corn and soybeans produced in this country are genetically engineered.
Other genetically engineered foods include sugar beets, squash, and sweet corn.

A 2008 CBS/New York Times poll showed that 87% of consumers want all genetically engineered
ingredients labeled. Much of this public support for labeling is caused by consumer concerns over the
health impacts of genetically engineered foods.

The team of activists in Davenport is part of a statewide campaign to push for the mandatory labeling of
GE foods. Future events, such as film screenings, educational sessions and other exciting group actions,
will be taking place over the coming months.

Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and
sustainable. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where
their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the
environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the
importance of keeping shared resources under public control.

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02 Oct 2012

Soy Checkoff Connects Soybean, Livestock Farmers at Soybean Processor Event

By United Soybean Board
This summer, the United Soybean Board (USB) and soy checkoff partnered with South Dakota Soybean Processors and the South Dakota Pork Producers Council to host an event to connect soybean farmers with their No. 1 customer - animal ag. Chickens, pigs, cattle and fish consume 98 percent of U.S. soybean meal. It's important for soybean farmers to have these customers in mind throughout the stages of producing soybeans. Attendees at this event had the opportunity to meet with farmer-leaders of the soy checkoff and pork council and tour the processing facilities in Volga, S.D.

Watch the video to hear from checkoff farmer leader Lewis Bainbridge and others about this event and its importance to soybean farmers.

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