Healthcare

Seniors Need Long-Term Fix for Medicare
What ever happened to “respect your elders”? It’s now common to hold seniors hostage for political gain, and frankly we're losing patience. At age 65, Medicare becomes our primary insurer. But politicians punt the Medicare football around the field, forgetting that Medicare serves real people. Keeping the faces of seniors at the forefront should create an environment where compromise will be a victory for all parties.

The listening ministries of Central Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church of Hope, members of AFACT (Anchorage Faith & Action) have heard from many seniors in distress about the uncertain future of Medicare and the availability of health care. We know the names and the faces of frustration, uncertainty and fear.

In 1997 Congress enacted the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), mandating that increases in the payments for physicians' services be tied to increases in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, medical costs in this country have so far outpaced the GDP, Congress has been left to annually adjust or “fix” the physician reimbursement rate—and thus you have the “doc fix.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

AFACT Pushes for More KidCare
More than 175 people showed up at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Monday, January 9, to address the importance of insuring more children, specifically those between the ages of 0 and 12. Senator Bill Wielochowski agreed to support the effort to cover children 0-12 at 200% of federal poverty level. Commissioner of Health and Social Services, William Streur, agreed to carry the message back to Alaska's Governor, Sean Parnell. Senators Bettye Davis, Bill Wielochowski and Representative Max Gruenberg agreed to carry the message back to the Alaska's legislature.

Public testimony includes several families who were literally pleading for help from the State of Alaska. While some testimony sought to move the issue away from children's health care needs, AFACT members solidly aligned themselves with the children in their congregations and neighborhoods.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

AFACT Families Urge Leadership, Swift Action on Denali KidCare
On September 28, 2009, nearly 300 people, representing AFACT’s 15 congregations, gathered in Central Lutheran Church to urge Denali KidCare expansion.  Families testified that they earned too much money to qualify for Denali KidCare and shared the difficult choices they faced regarding healthcare for their children.  At the meeting, Commissioner Hogan affirmed the Governor’s support for expanding Denali KidCare to cover more families and his willingness to work with AFACT to explore cost-sharing options above 200% FPL.  AFACT families also challenged the Alaska legislature to act quickly and expand Denali KidCare early in the 2010 legislative session.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

AFACT speaks to Denali KidCare
On March 30, 2009, AFACT leaders held a press conference to celebrate progress and urge further action on Denali KidCare. Leaders and families applauded Health & Human Services Commissioner Bill Hogan for responding to their call to implement an enrollment change from 6-month to 12-month continuous eligibility.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Families Call for Affordable Children’s Health Care
On April 29, 2007, more than 200 people representing AFACT’s 15 congregations, gathered in Central Lutheran Church, concerned with the lack of affordable health coverage for their children.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE