Horizons in Hemophilia March
March 2010
Health Insurance Reform Passes!
On Sunday, March 21, 2010, the bleeding disorder community saw the culmination of many years of hard work when Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as the health care reform bill. With its companion bill, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act, the legislation begins a new era for all Americans, but especially for those with expensive, chronic conditions like hemophilia. These people will now have access to quality, affordable health care and have the same choices in health insurance that others have. Small businesses will no longer have to fear hiring a person with hemophilia -- there will be no more detrimental effects on the company's insurance plan. People with hemophilia can now be self-employed and have health insurance because they will be able to buy quality individual policies at an affordable price.
Some of these changes take place six months from now. Others will be phased in over the next four years. Hemophilia of Georgia will not only keep you informed through regular newsletter articles; our Outreach Nurses and Social Workers will work with each family to make sure they get the maximum benefit from the new laws. Read more about Health Insurance Reform
Washington Days
On February 24-25, 2010, six people representing Georgia's bleeding disorder community traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby for passage of health insurance reform. Trish Dominic, HoG's CEO; Jeff Cornett, Director of Training, Research, and Advocacy; Vic McCarty, Director of Development; and Michelle Fitzwater, Managed Care Contract Specialist, were joined by HoG clients Danny C. and Nick B. The trip was part of the National Hemophilia Foundation's Washington Days, which this year drew almost 300 participants from around the country to talk to members of Congress about the needs of our community. Read more about Washington Days.
Brown Bag It! For Care and Treatment
In honor of World Hemophilia Day, Hemophilia of Georgia invites you to participate in Brown Bag It! for Care and Treatment on Friday, April 16, 2010. Bring a brown bag lunch to work or school and donate the money you would have spent on lunch to the World Federation of Hemophilia. Even a small amount per person can truly make a difference.
Advocacy In Georgia
Hemophilia of Georgia has been actively advocating on the state as well as the national level. Several bills have been introduced into the Georgia General Assembly that would benefit people with bleeding disorders. Some of these bills duplicate the changes enacted by the federal health insurance reform bill. Read more about Advocacy in Georgia.
Hemophilia Walk
Hemophilia of Georgia invites you to participate in the inaugural Hemophilia Walk on Saturday June 12, 2010 at East Cobb Park in Marietta, Georgia. This fun, family-centered walk will raise money to fund programs and activities for people who have hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other inherited bleeding disorders. Our goal is to raise $25,000 through the Hemophilia Walk. The registration fee is $25 per person and each walker who raises at least $100 will receive a Hemophilia Walk T-shirt. Online registration for individuals and teams will be ready by April 1.
There are several opportunities for companies to support the Hemophilia Walk by becoming Corporate Sponsors. These companies will gain valuable recognition among the community, demonstrate their dedication to corporate philanthropy, and help provide much-needed funds. Please review the list of sponsorship options and choose the one that is best for your company. For more information about Hemophilia of Georgia's inaugural Hemophilia Walk, please contact Vic McCarty, Director of Development, 770 518-8272 or vamccarty@hog.org.