29 Jun 2015

Grassley Seeks IRS Accounting of Health Care Tax Credit Discrepancies

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking the IRS to explain its handling of Premium Tax Credit claims and the procedures it uses to reconcile those claims with overpayments of the Advanced Premium Tax Credit under the health care law.

"The accuracy of the procedures is important for making sure recipients are getting the intended amounts and that taxpayers aren't overpaying," Grassley said.  "An audit raised questions about gaps and discrepancies in how the tax credits are calculated.  The IRS should explain how it's handling these issues and how it will fix the problems."

A recent audit by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration highlighted shortcomings in the preparation for processing Premium Tax Credit claims. The audit also revealed problems with the procedures used to reconcile Advanced Premium Tax Credit overpayments.

Grassley, with Sen. Orrin Hatch, sought information from the IRS in a letter to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen on how the agency determined the accuracy of Premium Tax Credit claims and how it reconciled overpayments, given gaps in the information necessary to calculate the amounts.

The text of the letter is available here.

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26 Jun 2015

Smiddy Stands with Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors in Race for the Cure

By Paul Ferrero
June 25, 2015 - PORT BYRON, Ill. - Joined by thousands of Quad City residents, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, participated in the Susan G. Komen Quad Cities, Race for the Cure on June 13.

"This organization provides the critical testing and treatment that saves lives right here in our community," Smiddy said. "I thank all that joined me in supporting this organization with their donations and by standing beside survivors and patients in the walk.

Smiddy participated in the event to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer treatment and care. 75 percent of the funds raised will remain in the Quad Cities area to support breast health education and cancer screening and treatment. The remaining 25 percent will go toward national breast cancer research grants. The Quad Cities Race for the Cure raised approximately $49,698.
26 Jun 2015

Allergen-Free Peanuts Lead USDA Report Highlighting New Innovations in Ag

By USDA Office of Communications

USDA research last year also led to process for faster egg pasteurization, new methods of mosquito control

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new report on discoveries by USDA researchers that have led to new patents and inventions with the potential for commercial application and potential economic growth. USDA innovations included in this annual report range from USDA supported research that could offer solutions for millions who suffer allergies from peanuts and wheat to safe mosquito control that can help halt the transmission of diseases they spread, and others.

"USDA has a proven track record of performing research that has tangible benefits for the American public, and studies have found every dollar invested in agricultural research returns $20 to our economy," said Secretary Vilsack. "USDA is now accelerating the commercialization of federal research, and government researchers are working closely with the private sector to develop new technology and transfer it to the marketplace."

USDA received 83 patents in Fiscal Year 2014, up from 51 patents in 2013. USDA filed 119 patent applications and disclosed another 117 new inventions, which may lead to future patents and are detailed in the Department's 2014 Annual Report on Technology Transfer released today. Helping drive these innovations, USDA has 267 active Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with outside partners, which includes Universities, and other organizations, and more than 100 small businesses. The USDA's technology transfer program is administered by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA's principal intramural scientific research agency.

Highlighted discoveries from USDA's 2014 Technology Transfer Report include :

  • Procedures to remove up to 98-percent of the allergens from peanuts without affecting the flavor;
  • A new process for pasteurizing shelled eggs using radio frequency energy that is 1.5 times faster than the current pasteurization process;
  • A portable method for identifying harmful bacteria in food that could improve the response to foodborne illness outbreaks;
  • A new method for mosquito control that specifically silences genes in the mosquito so it does not pose a danger to other insects, including pollinators;
  • A new soil nitrogen test that rapidly and inexpensively determines the total amount of nitrogen in the soil that is available to a plant, reducing costs for farmers while benefiting the environment;
  • Improved information on non-honey bee pollinators and methods for trapping bees to assure quality apple production.

Over the years, USDA innovations have created all sorts of products Americans use every day, from food products to insect controls, medicine to clothing. Here are just a few examples of things USDA research is responsible for:

  • A new kind of flour made from chardonnay grape seeds that can prevent increases in cholesterol and weight-gain;
  • "Permanent press" cotton clothing;
  • Mass production of penicillin in World War II;
  • DEET, the active ingredient in all the world's most effective and widely-used mosquito repellents;
  • Frozen orange juice concentrate;
  • Almost all breeds of blueberries and cranberries currently in production, and 80% of all varieties of citrus fruits grown in the U.S.;
  • "Tifsport", a turfgrass specifically designed to withstand the stress and demands of major team sports and used on sports fields across the country.

The 2014 Farm Bill will help to build on these accomplishments by establishing a new Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research that leverages $200 million in public funding and another $200 million from the private sector to support groundbreaking agricultural research.

More information about the USDA innovations contained in this year's report, as well as a look at previous USDA research discoveries is available on the we
26 Jun 2015

Finance Committee Passes Four Grassley Health Care Bills

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Four health care bills from Sen. Chuck Grassley today received unanimous passage by the committee of jurisdiction, the Finance Committee.  A fifth bill of which Grassley is the primary cosponsor also passed unanimously.  The bills cover physical therapy in Medicare, financial trusts for individuals with disabilities, rural hospitals, community-based independence for seniors in Medicare, and quality care for mothers and children in Medicaid.

"These bills fill gaps and try new solutions to improve health care," Grassley said.  "They're all bipartisan and non-controversial.  I appreciate the Finance Committee chairman's decision to put these proposals on the agenda, and I'll continue to work toward their enactment."

The Grassley bills passed out of committee today are:

·         S. 313, the Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act (including lead Democrat Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, with 19 cosponsors, eight Republicans, 11 Democrats).  The bill allows physical therapists locum tenens rights under Medicare.  Locum tenens is the Latin phrase for "place holder."  Under current law, practicing physicians utilize locum tenens arrangements to have qualified substitute physicians, who are not employees of the physician, serve as "place holders" to provide care to their patients during short periods of absence.  This bill will give physical therapists the same rights.

·         S. 349, the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act (with Democrats Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida and Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan).  Under current law, individuals with disabilities cannot set up a special needs trust for themselves even when they are able.  This bill fixes that discriminatory exclusion.

·         S. 607, the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Extension Act (including lead Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, with 14 cosponsors, 10 Republicans, four Democrats).  This bill extends the rural hospital demonstration program for five years for a number of "tweener" hospitals.  In Iowa, it benefits hospitals in Newton, Grinnell, Carroll, and Spirit Lake.

·         S. 704, the Community Based Independence for Seniors Act (with Democrats Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York).  This bill creates a Medicare demonstration to expand the Special Needs Plan program to allow for 5,000 people to receive community-based benefits.  It is a small but novel proposal for Medicare that could be expanded eventually.

Grassley is the lead Republican co-sponsor of the following led by Stabenow, also passed out of the committee today:

·         S. 466, the Quality Care for Moms and Babies Act.  This bill provides for quality collaboration, including sharing best practices, and reporting standards for Medicaid for childbirth to improve quality.

Grassley is a senior member and former chairman of the Finance Committee.

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26 Jun 2015

Trekking 4 Mental Health

By Caroline Vernon
Davenport, IA- NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is excited that Quad Citian and NAMI GMV member Dr. Jim Davis will be "trekking 4 mental health" this July.  Dr. Davis, a retired chiropractor and avid biker, will hit the Colorado Trail to raise money and awareness for mental health.  Davis will bike 500 miles from Denver to Durango, Colorado.  He will embark on his journey July 10th and expects to reach Durango by July 27th.

"I'm excited to hit the trail and spread the word about all the good NAMI is doing for those dealing with a mental health diagnosis," said Davis.  "Those dealing with a mental illness often hide in the shadows.  I hope that my journey will start a conversation and bring this issue to the forefront of our society.  People can no longer be afraid to talk about mental health."

When Jim returns he'll raffle off his newly purchased mountain bike to raise money for NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley.  The bike is a 29" Mongoose Ledge 3.1 men's mountain bike with front and rear shock absorbers.  Raffle tickets are $5 for one or 3 for $10 and can be purchased through the NAMI office.  Dr. Davis will draw the winner at the NAMIWalk on September 26, 2015. The year's Walk will take place at Ben Butterworth Parkway - East Shelter, in Moline, IL.

We will follow Dr. Davis on his journey, and you can too.  Just use the hashtag #trekking4mentalhealth.  You can also check updates on NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley's Facebook page or follow us on twitter @NAMI_GMV.  

For more information on Dr. Davis' journey, NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley or the NAMIWalk contact

the NAMI Office. Call 563.322.8870 or check the website: www.namigmv.org.
24 Jun 2015

Loebsack Sponsored Legislation to Improve and Protect Seniors' Health Care Passes House

By Rick Martin

Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, H.R. 2582, the Seniors' Health Care Plan Protection Act of 2015, which was introduced by Congressman Dave Loebsack and a bipartisan group of members was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives.

The bill protects seniors from unwarranted health care plan terminations by requiring changes to the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment model and delaying the authority of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to eliminate MA plans based on the STARS rating system.  The STARS ratings system scores the performance of each Medicare Advantage plan based on various quality measures, but they have failed to adequately account for issues plans face due to serving a larger proportion of frail, low-income, or dual eligible patients.  This can lead to the termination of plans that seniors depend on and that provide the kind of benefits that they need.  The bill will make sure that CMS is using the right data to make the right decisions for seniors.

"It is critical that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services use the right data when they make decisions about Medicare Advantage plans.  Seniors should not be penalized and lose a plan they like because that plan cares for a higher proportion of frail or low income beneficiaries," said Rep. Dave Loebsack. "By requiring CMS to reevaluate how they account for risky populations when it comes to evaluating plans we will ensure that seniors can continue to access the plans that they depend on."

"This bipartisan bill will ensure that seniors across the country are able to keep the care and benefits they choose because the plans fit their needs. On behalf of the more than 54,000 seniors in my district who are enrolled in this vital program, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Seniors Health Care Plan Protection Act," said Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), the lead Republican sponsor.

The Seniors' Health Care Plan Protection Act will now go to the Senate for consideration.

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24 Jun 2015

Iowa City VA Hosts Open House & ALS Recognition Event

By Jon Pruett

IOWA CITY - Members of the public and press are invited to take part in open house events throughout the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS).
Main Event:
When: July 2, 2015 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Iowa City VA Medical Center (Beginning at the front entrance area), 601 Highway 6 W, Iowa City, IA 52246

The main event will begin with a recognition ceremony where the National ALS Association formally designates the Iowa City VA Medical Center (ICVAMC) a "Recognized Treatment Center." Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, requires a high-level of coordinated, interdisciplinary care; which the Iowa City VA ALS Clinic has been providing since June of 2013. The event will be attended by Veterans with ALS, the ALS Association, congressional guests, ICVAHCS leadership and staff; and members of the press and public. "The care that people receive at the Iowa City VA is a model for other parts of the country and I'm proud that we are able to recognize the hospital for its outstanding multidisciplinary approach to treating people with this devastating disease," said Josh Nuss, Executive Director of The ALS Association, Iowa Chapter.

Following the recognition ceremony, attendees will be escorted to view the ALS Clinic, then move on to a Telehealth Technology Fair, where ICVAHCS Telehealth staff will showcase how VA is adapting and innovating in the modern medical age.

In addition to the main event, VA Clinics throughout the Iowa City VA Health Care System will hold informational open houses with an emphasis on those interested in volunteering. ICVAHCS appreciates the support of local media affiliates in spreading the word about events in their areas:

  • Dubuque VA Clinic: 200 Mercy Dr., Suite 106, Dubuque, IA 52001 June 30, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Lane A. Evans VA Clinic (Galesburg): 310 Home Blvd., Galesburg, IL 61401 June 30, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Quincy VA Clinic: 721 Broadway St., Quincy, IL 62301 June 30, 2015 | 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Waterloo VA Clinic: 945 Tower Park Dr., Waterloo, IA 50701 July 1, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Decorah VA Clinic: 915 Short Street, Decorah, IA 52101 July 1, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Bettendorf VA Clinic: 2979 Victoria Street, Bettendorf, IA 52722 July 1, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Sterling VA Clinic: 406 Avenue C, Sterling, IL 61081 July 2, 2015 | 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
  • Ottumwa VA Clinic: 1009 East Pennsylvania Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501 July 2, 2015 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact jonathan.pruett@va.gov or call 319-339-7104

24 Jun 2015

Smiddy-Backed Legislation Protecting Student Athletes from Brain Injuries Advances

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help preserve the safety of young people participating in sports, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation protecting student-athletes suffering from concussions from sustaining further injuries.
"Science has shown that multiple concussions have lasting negative health consequences," Smiddy said. "Sports are a great way to build character and discipline for students, but we must be certain that the long-term health of young people is not put at risk as a result of their participation."
That National Federation of State High School Associations estimates that at least 140,000 student-athletes sustain concussions annually through their participation in sports. Smiddy joined a bipartisan group of legislators in supporting Senate Bill 7, which would require physician evaluation and approval before a student athlete could return to regular academic or extracurricular athletic activity. Under the bill, schools would also create emergency plans for handling instances of traumatic brain injury and develop concussion training for coaches, trainers and school nurses. The implementation of these plans would be supervised by concussion oversight teams, made up of physicians, school athletic trainers and nurses. The measure is supported by the Illinois High School Association, Illinois Athletic Trainers Association, Illinois Advanced Practice Nurses Association, the University of Illinois and many Illinois hospitals.
"As a father of two young student-athletes, I'm extremely concerned with the prospect of sport-related concussions and the health consequences that can result if they go untreated," Smiddy said. "Providing a safe and productive education for young people is my first priority and this legislation will help to preserve the safety of our student-athletes."
Senate Bill 7 passed both houses of the General Assembly with bipartisan support and now awaits action from the governor.
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24 Jun 2015

Illinois' Camp "I Am Me" Celebrates 25 Years of Memorable Experiences for Young Burn Survivors

By Rick Martin

Mount Prospect, IL - From June 21-27, 2015, over 65 burn-injured children will attend the 25th annual Camp "I Am Me" in Ingleside, Illinois. The burn camp, which is organized by the nonprofit Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) and hosted at YMCA Camp Duncan, provides burn survivors between the ages of eight and 16 a safe, nonjudgmental environment with opportunities to build their self-esteem. The children are able to enjoy typical camp activities with other children who have had similar experiences.

To celebrate the camp's milestone anniversary and 25 years of making a difference in young burn survivor's lives, IFSA Executive Director Philip Zaleski has been counting down the days until camp through a social media campaign titled, "25+ Faces for 25 Years." The campaign highlights the stories of current and former campers and volunteers.

"Hundreds of children are hospitalized for scald, chemical and flame burns in Illinois each year, but for 25 years Camp 'I Am Me' has given these young children a wonderful weeklong opportunity to be themselves and not worry about their physical and emotional scars," says Zaleski. "Through our '25+ Faces for 25 Years' campaign, we are looking to create awareness for burn survivors, while also celebrating camp and the positive and lasting impact it has had on so many children's lives."

Zaleski notes the cost to send one child to Camp "I Am Me" is approximately $2,200, but the generosity of donors allows the camp to be provided at no cost to the campers. Camp also is made possible each year through volunteerism from numerous individuals, mostly members of the fire service and medical community, but also educators, members of the private sector and former campers. There is nearly one volunteer for each camper. They undergo orientation that prepares them to deal with the special physical and self-esteem needs of burn survivors.

From 11:00am-1:45pm on Wednesday, June 24, guests will be welcome to attend a special Appreciation Day ceremony that will be held to thank donors, supporters and volunteers. There also will be a fire apparatus parade and barbeque. Following those events, campers will participate in a Fun Fair featuring carnival games, face painting, dunk tanks, bounce houses, prizes and more.

In addition to typical camp activities throughout the week, campers also participate in special activities that deal with the specific needs of burn survivors. The camp's Challenger Program supports campers in character development by challenging them to accept and demonstrate positive values. Also, journaling and therapeutic activities allow them to reflect on their lives before and after they were burned and further the healing process.

"Camp 'I Am Me' gives the kids a chance to escape reality and just be kids, enjoying everything and everybody without having to worry about being viewed as 'different,'" says parent Diane Williams, whose son has attended camp for four years. "I am so thankful to the volunteers that make it possible."

For more information about Camp "I Am Me," please visit www.IFSA.org/Camp-I-Am-Me.

About the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance: Since 1982, the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been bringing together persons and groups with common interest in fire safety, burn prevention, and public education, and to promote programs and disseminate information related to fire safety and burn prevention. The IFSA also hosts burn survivor support programs including the Young Adult Summit and Camp "I Am Me," a unique weeklong camp for children who have experienced severe burn injuries. For more info, visit www.IFSA.org.


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24 Jun 2015

Senior Star at Elmore Place Hosts National Speaker and Author of "Creating Moments of Joy"

By Nicholas Depew

Two opportunities to attend this not-to-be-missed presentation

 

DAVENPORT, IA (June 18, 2015) - Senior Star at Elmore Place is pleased to host national speaker and author, Jolene Brackey, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 and 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at 4500 Elmore Avenue.

Eager to help those in an Alzheimer's caregiving role navigate the journey and challenges they face each day, Brackey established the company, Enhanced Moments.  Her presentation, "Creating Moments of Joy" delivers a message of hope and encouragement, along with generous doses of humor that has been warmly embraced by family members and professional caregivers alike.  Attendees will be inspired to look beyond the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and focus more energy on creating moments of joy.

Brackey's presentation parallels Senior Star's trademarked Purposeful Moments®philosophy which is inherent to their mission of providing a community lifestyle that inspires people to embrace senior living.  "Our residents are here because we are more than caregivers ... we are caregivers to the human spirit," said Marc Strohschein, executive director of Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "Assisting our residents in fulfilling their desire for a sense of purpose influences everything we do.  Bringing in speakers such as Jolene also reinforces our internal programs that support caregivers' needs."

Quad City community members are encouraged to attend this uplifting presentation filled with practical advice.  In addition to Brackey's insights, Senior Star associates will also be available for personal discussions with anyone who wants to see how the retirement community is designed to create those Purposeful Moments® in daily life for its residents.

Both events are free to the public.  Refreshments will be served at the June 30 presentation and lunch will be provided for those attending on July 1.  Please call 563.359.0100 by June 28 to reserve your spot today and indicate which presentation you would like to attend.

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.359.0100 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

About Senior Star at Elmore Place

Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.

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