Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Pennsylvania Healthcare Update
Yesterday the single-payer movement in PA gat a hearing before the State Banking Committee. Here is a first hand report. It sounds like it was a very successful event, nudging the idea forward:
WRITTEN BY JERRY POLICOFF: As most of you know (I hope), today (12/16/2009) single-payer healthcare got its first ever hearing before a Republican-chaired political committee, not just in Pennsylvania, but anywhere. I was privileged to be there, and I came away more optimistic than ever that we are going to pass this legislation, but I thought Dr. Walter Tsou really summed up well what happened today. Walter is a member of PNHP (Physicians for a National Health Plan) and is the former Philadelphia Health Commissioner. I am sure he would not object to my circulating his impression of today’s hearing:
Today’s hearing was filmed by the Senate, and we hope to have copies soon that will be available for distribution. Walter Tsou’s impressions of today’s hearing follow:
WRITTEN BY WALTER TSOU: Since I haven't seen an eyewitness account yet on today's hearing on the Pennsylvania Senate Banking and Insurance Committee hearing on SB 400, I would offer my comments.
My overall impression was this was an enormously successful and impressive showing for Pennsylvania state single payer. Yes, I may be biased, but our four panelists did a superb job in explaining the Family and Business Health Security Act. To explain why I say this consider that Senator Don White, Chair of the Senate B and I Committee concluded the hearing with a comment that rather than this being a one time hearing, he started by saying that "there were those who said I should not have this hearing", but he believed it was a "positive" hearing and that it should be the beginning of a series of hearings on this most important topic. And remember, this is a committee chaired by the Senate Republicans, not the Democrats. He had two pages of questions and not enough time to ask them. One big concern was the 11 personal board which oversaw the plan even though they are appointed by the elected leadership and the Governor.
The hearing began with Senator White, a former insurance broker, welcoming everyone and inviting Senator Jim Ferlo, the lead sponsor of the bill to explain why he introduced it. Ferlo explained the need to look at different approaches rather than be tied to the usual failed insurance model. A state single payer plan would free up employers from the onerous burden of health insurance and provide health insurance for everyone at far less money.
Chuck Pennachio, Exec. Dir of Healthcare for all PA from Bucks County spoke next and further explained why the single payer approach was consistent with Republican values - good value for money spent and how the bill actually worked.
Patricia Eakin, RN from Philadelphia explained that she was a nurse in one of the busiest ERs in Pennsylvania at Temple and that she sees the problems of the lack of insurance on a daily basis. She gave some examples of the problems faced by people who have lacked insurance. She noted how her hospital was losing money because they had to spend it on billing personnel because her hospital had so many people without insurance or on Medicaid. This has worsened with the recession.
Dwight Michaels, MD, a republican family practice doctor from Gettysburg spoke about how his experience with private insurance and taking care of his patients has driven him into supporting single payer. He says it is impossible to practice because his five person group has 20 different insurance plans all with different rules and it was impossible to spend time taking care of patients because so much of his time was spent justifying things with the insurers. It was a vivid description of the life of a family doctor in a dysfunctional system.
David Steil, a former republican state legislator and now head of a small business was an inspired choice. Not only did he know all of the senators, but as a republican he broke the stereotype that all single payer people are left wing liberals. Mr. Steil spoke about how he tries to run a business, but that the cost of health care has made his business uncompetitive especially in international markets where his competitors have much cheaper health benefits. He also spends too much time figuring out his employees benefits when he is trying to run a business.
I think this panel worked extremely well. Not only were they excellent speakers, but they spoke from real world experiences, not as paid lobbyists. And two were republicans which was an added bonus. The committee had many questions, but none were nasty and all seemed genuinely interested in the real world experiences of the panelists. And the room was packed with 90% supporters of SB 400. I don't think this was lost on the committee.
The opposing panel were all known lobbyists for their respective interest groups. They gave the usual refrain of condemning single payer.
NFIB speaker - simply said business doesn't want single payer, but admitted that health care costs are the number one concern of businesses. They want a different solution.
PA Medical Society - wants tort reform but not single payer because it would be too powerful in controlling reimbursements (and costs).
Capitol Blue Cross - gave a confusing talk about the problems with the Washington federal bill and then simply concluded that SB 400 is just like the Washington bill and should be rejected. Of course, nothing in the federal bill even resembles single payer which is why it is so unpopular.
Hospital Association - opposes any government controls generically. Gave a knee jerk opposition to single payer.
Insurance Federation - same as the hospitals. they of course, oppose single payer.
There was not much time for questions for them, but frankly they were clearly lobbyists and not a very interesting opposing panel. If this was a debate, I think the clear winners were the single payer SB 400 panel who did a great service in advancing the bill today. I know state single payer gained some respect in the room today.
WRITTEN BY JERRY POLICOFF: As most of you know (I hope), today (12/16/2009) single-payer healthcare got its first ever hearing before a Republican-chaired political committee, not just in Pennsylvania, but anywhere. I was privileged to be there, and I came away more optimistic than ever that we are going to pass this legislation, but I thought Dr. Walter Tsou really summed up well what happened today. Walter is a member of PNHP (Physicians for a National Health Plan) and is the former Philadelphia Health Commissioner. I am sure he would not object to my circulating his impression of today’s hearing:
Today’s hearing was filmed by the Senate, and we hope to have copies soon that will be available for distribution. Walter Tsou’s impressions of today’s hearing follow:
WRITTEN BY WALTER TSOU: Since I haven't seen an eyewitness account yet on today's hearing on the Pennsylvania Senate Banking and Insurance Committee hearing on SB 400, I would offer my comments.
My overall impression was this was an enormously successful and impressive showing for Pennsylvania state single payer. Yes, I may be biased, but our four panelists did a superb job in explaining the Family and Business Health Security Act. To explain why I say this consider that Senator Don White, Chair of the Senate B and I Committee concluded the hearing with a comment that rather than this being a one time hearing, he started by saying that "there were those who said I should not have this hearing", but he believed it was a "positive" hearing and that it should be the beginning of a series of hearings on this most important topic. And remember, this is a committee chaired by the Senate Republicans, not the Democrats. He had two pages of questions and not enough time to ask them. One big concern was the 11 personal board which oversaw the plan even though they are appointed by the elected leadership and the Governor.
The hearing began with Senator White, a former insurance broker, welcoming everyone and inviting Senator Jim Ferlo, the lead sponsor of the bill to explain why he introduced it. Ferlo explained the need to look at different approaches rather than be tied to the usual failed insurance model. A state single payer plan would free up employers from the onerous burden of health insurance and provide health insurance for everyone at far less money.
Chuck Pennachio, Exec. Dir of Healthcare for all PA from Bucks County spoke next and further explained why the single payer approach was consistent with Republican values - good value for money spent and how the bill actually worked.
Patricia Eakin, RN from Philadelphia explained that she was a nurse in one of the busiest ERs in Pennsylvania at Temple and that she sees the problems of the lack of insurance on a daily basis. She gave some examples of the problems faced by people who have lacked insurance. She noted how her hospital was losing money because they had to spend it on billing personnel because her hospital had so many people without insurance or on Medicaid. This has worsened with the recession.
Dwight Michaels, MD, a republican family practice doctor from Gettysburg spoke about how his experience with private insurance and taking care of his patients has driven him into supporting single payer. He says it is impossible to practice because his five person group has 20 different insurance plans all with different rules and it was impossible to spend time taking care of patients because so much of his time was spent justifying things with the insurers. It was a vivid description of the life of a family doctor in a dysfunctional system.
David Steil, a former republican state legislator and now head of a small business was an inspired choice. Not only did he know all of the senators, but as a republican he broke the stereotype that all single payer people are left wing liberals. Mr. Steil spoke about how he tries to run a business, but that the cost of health care has made his business uncompetitive especially in international markets where his competitors have much cheaper health benefits. He also spends too much time figuring out his employees benefits when he is trying to run a business.
I think this panel worked extremely well. Not only were they excellent speakers, but they spoke from real world experiences, not as paid lobbyists. And two were republicans which was an added bonus. The committee had many questions, but none were nasty and all seemed genuinely interested in the real world experiences of the panelists. And the room was packed with 90% supporters of SB 400. I don't think this was lost on the committee.
The opposing panel were all known lobbyists for their respective interest groups. They gave the usual refrain of condemning single payer.
NFIB speaker - simply said business doesn't want single payer, but admitted that health care costs are the number one concern of businesses. They want a different solution.
PA Medical Society - wants tort reform but not single payer because it would be too powerful in controlling reimbursements (and costs).
Capitol Blue Cross - gave a confusing talk about the problems with the Washington federal bill and then simply concluded that SB 400 is just like the Washington bill and should be rejected. Of course, nothing in the federal bill even resembles single payer which is why it is so unpopular.
Hospital Association - opposes any government controls generically. Gave a knee jerk opposition to single payer.
Insurance Federation - same as the hospitals. they of course, oppose single payer.
There was not much time for questions for them, but frankly they were clearly lobbyists and not a very interesting opposing panel. If this was a debate, I think the clear winners were the single payer SB 400 panel who did a great service in advancing the bill today. I know state single payer gained some respect in the room today.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Kids' Bathroom
So... while preparing the kids' bathroom for some minor renovations, I happened to look inside the shower. Now that's one IMPRESSIVE collection of razors!
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Mom's Sugar Coated Peanuts
Dad's photos motivated me to add Mom's Sugar Coated Peanuts to the family recipe blog.
I'm looking for more recipes, so if you have one, and a photo, send it on over!
I'm looking for more recipes, so if you have one, and a photo, send it on over!
Friday, December 04, 2009
Bell Ringers
I've never been sure what to think about those "Salvation Army Bell Ringers." There seems to be a big dose of religion in that organisation, and that makes me a little uncomfortable.
And the whole idea of a "Salvation Army" conjurers up the bloody crusades. "Army" and "Salvation," just don't fit together for me.
But here I am in front of Kmart at Prospect Road/Rt 30, ringing the bell. My Rotary club was responsible for ringing the bell the entire day today. I signed up for one hour over lunch.
I was really impressed with the generosity of people coming through. Anonymous Kmart shoppers put in $5 and $10 bills. People really care about other people.
I'm a little embarrassed to report that Isaac's company-wide phone system crashed while I was ringing the bell, and I ended up vacating my post to rush off and get our network fixed.
And the whole idea of a "Salvation Army" conjurers up the bloody crusades. "Army" and "Salvation," just don't fit together for me.
But here I am in front of Kmart at Prospect Road/Rt 30, ringing the bell. My Rotary club was responsible for ringing the bell the entire day today. I signed up for one hour over lunch.
I was really impressed with the generosity of people coming through. Anonymous Kmart shoppers put in $5 and $10 bills. People really care about other people.
I'm a little embarrassed to report that Isaac's company-wide phone system crashed while I was ringing the bell, and I ended up vacating my post to rush off and get our network fixed.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Sharon's Office
This is a view of Sharon's office tonight. It was raining. Her office is the line of lighted windows in the top of the buiding.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Philadelphia Marathon, 2009
Here are some photos and videos from our Marathon Excursion this past Sunday. I was running with my son Jody, and we stayed the night before with friends Dolly and Joe. I rate this experience as OUTSTANDING! I don't know how to make this slide show go slower, but you can click on it to go to picassa web albums.
As we came around the Art Museum towards the finish, I took this video. We were still a half a mile from the finishing line, but spectators were yelling our names, since the race organizors had the good sense to print our first names in huge letters on our number bibs. I had no gas left in my tank, but Dolly and I were side by side, and we were both bearing down with everything we could muster (at least I was. Dolly never let on if she was trying hard). To watch Picassa vidoes you click on them, then "back" to return to this blog post. Not sure I like that system.
In this next video we were heading around the last corner and in to the finishing shutes. I was sooo happy, and sooo ready to be done. Dolly was constantly checking her Garmin and doing math calculations about our pace. You can even see her do it here, 200 yards from the finish, with the Art Museum steps in the background! Without Dolly's experience and encouragement all along the way, I would have been at least 10 minutes slower.
Dolly's garmin recorded from very cool results. You can watch it here. Click the triangle and watch the race. Dolly's heartrate is in the lower right. She kept saying that it would take a higher heartrate to run the same speed as we got closer to the finish. She was correct, of course! My heart got to eleven some time on the way back from Manayunk. I especially remember mile 23 being one of the longest, grueling miles I ever ran.
I signed up to have our split times sent to my email. Here they are. Which one is not like the other one? ("NET" means that it's timed by your chip from when you actually cross the start line, not the actual clock time)
Alan Jacobs
@ 10K in 01:02:10 (NET). Pace: 10:00. Predicted: 4:22:18.
@ Half in 02:09:00 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:18:00.
@ 30K in 03:03:24 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:17:57.
@ Finish in 04:18:07 (NET). Pace: 9:50.
Dolly Dennery
@ 10K in 01:02:09 (NET). Pace: 10:00. Predicted: 4:22:13.
@ Half in 02:08:59 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:17:58.
@ 30K in 03:03:24 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:17:57.
@ Finish in 04:18:06 (NET). Pace: 9:50.
Jody Lopez-Jacobs
@ 10K in 00:48:35 (NET). Pace: 7:49. Predicted: 3:24:59.
@ Half in 01:43:16 (NET). Pace: 7:52. Predicted: 3:26:32.
@ 30K in 02:33:56 (NET). Pace: 8:15. Predicted: 3:36:30.
@ Finish in 03:58:45 (NET). Pace: 9:06.
I think Jody may have gone out too fast. But it's arguable that this gave him a great time, because he was blisteringly fast for the first 1/2 to 3/4.
In this final video we are freezing, and walking to the car. We are walking as fast as our bodies will let us! At one point, we needed to cross a busy street, and Jody just stood there, trying to figure out how he would ever accomplish it. Luckily, a lead car saw his predicament, and stopped to let him slither across.
As we came around the Art Museum towards the finish, I took this video. We were still a half a mile from the finishing line, but spectators were yelling our names, since the race organizors had the good sense to print our first names in huge letters on our number bibs. I had no gas left in my tank, but Dolly and I were side by side, and we were both bearing down with everything we could muster (at least I was. Dolly never let on if she was trying hard). To watch Picassa vidoes you click on them, then "back" to return to this blog post. Not sure I like that system.
 |
| From Philly Marathon |
In this next video we were heading around the last corner and in to the finishing shutes. I was sooo happy, and sooo ready to be done. Dolly was constantly checking her Garmin and doing math calculations about our pace. You can even see her do it here, 200 yards from the finish, with the Art Museum steps in the background! Without Dolly's experience and encouragement all along the way, I would have been at least 10 minutes slower.
 |
| From Philly Marathon |
Dolly's garmin recorded from very cool results. You can watch it here. Click the triangle and watch the race. Dolly's heartrate is in the lower right. She kept saying that it would take a higher heartrate to run the same speed as we got closer to the finish. She was correct, of course! My heart got to eleven some time on the way back from Manayunk. I especially remember mile 23 being one of the longest, grueling miles I ever ran.
I signed up to have our split times sent to my email. Here they are. Which one is not like the other one? ("NET" means that it's timed by your chip from when you actually cross the start line, not the actual clock time)
Alan Jacobs
@ 10K in 01:02:10 (NET). Pace: 10:00. Predicted: 4:22:18.
@ Half in 02:09:00 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:18:00.
@ 30K in 03:03:24 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:17:57.
@ Finish in 04:18:07 (NET). Pace: 9:50.
Dolly Dennery
@ 10K in 01:02:09 (NET). Pace: 10:00. Predicted: 4:22:13.
@ Half in 02:08:59 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:17:58.
@ 30K in 03:03:24 (NET). Pace: 9:50. Predicted: 4:17:57.
@ Finish in 04:18:06 (NET). Pace: 9:50.
Jody Lopez-Jacobs
@ 10K in 00:48:35 (NET). Pace: 7:49. Predicted: 3:24:59.
@ Half in 01:43:16 (NET). Pace: 7:52. Predicted: 3:26:32.
@ 30K in 02:33:56 (NET). Pace: 8:15. Predicted: 3:36:30.
@ Finish in 03:58:45 (NET). Pace: 9:06.
I think Jody may have gone out too fast. But it's arguable that this gave him a great time, because he was blisteringly fast for the first 1/2 to 3/4.
In this final video we are freezing, and walking to the car. We are walking as fast as our bodies will let us! At one point, we needed to cross a busy street, and Jody just stood there, trying to figure out how he would ever accomplish it. Luckily, a lead car saw his predicament, and stopped to let him slither across.
 |
| From Philly Marathon |
Saturday, November 21, 2009
New Marathon Goal!
After more discussion with Jody, I am changing my goal to not lose more than two minutes per mile to Jody. All things considered, even this will be a challenge.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Philly Marathon
Jody and I will be running in the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday morning. As runners we are timed by little chips that we tie to our shoes, and there will be several split times recorded along the way. You can sign up here to have our times sent, in real time, to your email or as a text message to a cell phone.
Not that I think you care what we are doing, but it just sounded fun!
Jody's 21 and I'm almost 50. My goal is to give up less that a minute a mile to him. So that means finishing within 26 minutes of his time. This will be a real challenge, and there's only a slim chance I'll be able to pull it off! 45 minutes would probably be a lot more realistic.
Not that I think you care what we are doing, but it just sounded fun!
Jody's 21 and I'm almost 50. My goal is to give up less that a minute a mile to him. So that means finishing within 26 minutes of his time. This will be a real challenge, and there's only a slim chance I'll be able to pull it off! 45 minutes would probably be a lot more realistic.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Health Care Disappointment
I am very disillusioned by the House passing the Health Care Bill. Of course I have not read the massive bill myself, but people I believe and trust are saying this:
Is the House Care Bill better than nothing?
The short answer is "No". This bill continues to support the bureaucracy and incentives that make health care expensive and inefficient in the USA.
Is the House Care Bill better than nothing?
The short answer is "No". This bill continues to support the bureaucracy and incentives that make health care expensive and inefficient in the USA.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Sunday Brunch
I am delinquent in advertising the Hempfield Rotary Brunch, which is this Sunday. Everyone's invited! Tickets are available at the door, same price. I'll be a table cleaner-offer, and would love to see you there. Profits go to the Rotary organization.
Rotary international is on the verge if eradicating Polio, which you can learn about here.
Rotary international is on the verge if eradicating Polio, which you can learn about here.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Andrea and Sharon in Seattle 10/2009!
Sharon and Andrea, her law partner headed to Seattle to attend a liberal, radical, civil rights attorney comference! I don't think they had any fun~!
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Health Care Dwight Michael
At the same rally where I spoke (see the post below), I also heard a doctor, Dwight Michael, talk. Here is his speech:
Speech for healthcare4allpa rally on Tuesday 10 20 2009
"Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what i see?
My name is Dwight Michael. I am a family physician from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and I have been working in the trenches of primary care for the last 24 + years.
I take care of patients from the womb to the tomb.
I was born and raised a conservative republican in Hanover, PA, and through my adult life, I have espoused most republican ideas.
I am a small business owner, struggling to pay escalating premiums for health insurance for the employees of our practice, for policies that cost more and more, and yet leave the individual with higher co-pays, deductibles, excluded services, and caps on total coverage.
I have travelled on a revealing journey over the last 18 months. This journey began when one of my patients suggested that I take a look at healthcare4allpa’s website because of my comment to her that I was increasingly demoralized by the growing meddling of the private health insurance industry in my relationship with my patients.
As I learned more, I realized that the Pennsylvania family and business health security act would allow me to practice by one set of rules, based on clinical excellence, proven standards of care, versus what currently, often ends up as the least costly option. The insurance industry’s rules, which change plan to plan, improve the bottom line of the profit-first, private, health insurance industry.
Hb 1660 would markedly reduce the present administrative costs of healthcare to the system and to the providers of healthcare in our state.
Hb 1660 would provide unbelievably thorough healthcare, without co-pays, deductibles, or premiums, for practically all of the patient’s needs, for every Pennsylvanian, at a cost to practically all of us that would be much less than what we currently pay.
Hb 1660 would allow me and fellow physicians to stop wasting our time just trying to jump over all of the obstacles placed in the way of good care by multiple insurance plans, just so the payer can improve its profit. With this bill, we could now focus our time on actually taking care of our patients.
(jobs)
Hb 1660 takes care of displaced workers. This bill provides 2 years of salary payments as well as costs for retraining for any displaced worker from the private health insurance industry. In Pennsylvania alone, not only do we rehire those displaced, this bill would stimulate an additional 45,000 new jobs.
I truly believe that the passage of hb 1660 /sb 400 would provide the dawning of a new era in Pennsylvania, an era in which we all benefit from affordable, accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Pennsylvanians and we quickly become the envy of our entire nation.
Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see?"
Dwight sang the "Is any body out there" part.
Speech for healthcare4allpa rally on Tuesday 10 20 2009
"Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what i see?
My name is Dwight Michael. I am a family physician from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and I have been working in the trenches of primary care for the last 24 + years.
I take care of patients from the womb to the tomb.
I was born and raised a conservative republican in Hanover, PA, and through my adult life, I have espoused most republican ideas.
I am a small business owner, struggling to pay escalating premiums for health insurance for the employees of our practice, for policies that cost more and more, and yet leave the individual with higher co-pays, deductibles, excluded services, and caps on total coverage.
I have travelled on a revealing journey over the last 18 months. This journey began when one of my patients suggested that I take a look at healthcare4allpa’s website because of my comment to her that I was increasingly demoralized by the growing meddling of the private health insurance industry in my relationship with my patients.
As I learned more, I realized that the Pennsylvania family and business health security act would allow me to practice by one set of rules, based on clinical excellence, proven standards of care, versus what currently, often ends up as the least costly option. The insurance industry’s rules, which change plan to plan, improve the bottom line of the profit-first, private, health insurance industry.
Hb 1660 would markedly reduce the present administrative costs of healthcare to the system and to the providers of healthcare in our state.
Hb 1660 would provide unbelievably thorough healthcare, without co-pays, deductibles, or premiums, for practically all of the patient’s needs, for every Pennsylvanian, at a cost to practically all of us that would be much less than what we currently pay.
Hb 1660 would allow me and fellow physicians to stop wasting our time just trying to jump over all of the obstacles placed in the way of good care by multiple insurance plans, just so the payer can improve its profit. With this bill, we could now focus our time on actually taking care of our patients.
(jobs)
Hb 1660 takes care of displaced workers. This bill provides 2 years of salary payments as well as costs for retraining for any displaced worker from the private health insurance industry. In Pennsylvania alone, not only do we rehire those displaced, this bill would stimulate an additional 45,000 new jobs.
I truly believe that the passage of hb 1660 /sb 400 would provide the dawning of a new era in Pennsylvania, an era in which we all benefit from affordable, accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Pennsylvanians and we quickly become the envy of our entire nation.
Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see?"
Dwight sang the "Is any body out there" part.
Health Care Two Minutes
A few weeks ago I talked at a health care rally in Harrisburg. There were way too many speakers, so we all talked fast. I did this in about 2 minutes 5 seconds"
"My name is Alan Jacobs, I am the Senior Manager of Information technology at Isaac's Deli, Inc., headquartered in Lancaster. We operate 20 Isaac's Deli Restaurants in Central PA. We have 600 employees, and 150 covered under our health plan. We offer benefits to employees working 25 hours or more per week, which makes me very proud.
As an employer, I see the massive bureaucratic overhead caused by our health care funding system. The insurance game is a paper-pusher's paradise! Administration and overhead eats up 50 cents of every health care dollar.
And there are huge soft costs to an employer – time spent by the executive team to deal with the annual contracts, an HR department to take care of administration and COBRA, and strangely a Workers Comp contract that handles health care in a totally different way. But none of this has reduced costs or improved care.
This system, in which insurance companies compete to reduce costs for employers, isn't working. Our costs are double per person compared to other developed nations, and our health outcomes are worse.
Pennsylvania companies are competing in a global marketplace, in a battle that’s happening on the shelves at Home Depot and in the isles of Wagmans. There is health care cost in each of the products you in these stores, whether the products come from Costa Rica, Canada or Pennsylvania.
A single payer solution is our best chance to get rid of the administrative waste, get our workforce health and productive, and bring some economy to our health care funding system.
And this is the final play of our system: you get sick, you lose your job because you can’t work, you lose your health insurance, you can’t pay your health care bills and you go in to bankruptcy. It’s expensive, it’s brutal, and it’s wrong.
Alan Jacobs, Senior Manager of IT and Administration
Isaac's Deli, Inc., 354 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603
717.394.0623
www.isaacsdeli.com
"My name is Alan Jacobs, I am the Senior Manager of Information technology at Isaac's Deli, Inc., headquartered in Lancaster. We operate 20 Isaac's Deli Restaurants in Central PA. We have 600 employees, and 150 covered under our health plan. We offer benefits to employees working 25 hours or more per week, which makes me very proud.
As an employer, I see the massive bureaucratic overhead caused by our health care funding system. The insurance game is a paper-pusher's paradise! Administration and overhead eats up 50 cents of every health care dollar.
And there are huge soft costs to an employer – time spent by the executive team to deal with the annual contracts, an HR department to take care of administration and COBRA, and strangely a Workers Comp contract that handles health care in a totally different way. But none of this has reduced costs or improved care.
This system, in which insurance companies compete to reduce costs for employers, isn't working. Our costs are double per person compared to other developed nations, and our health outcomes are worse.
Pennsylvania companies are competing in a global marketplace, in a battle that’s happening on the shelves at Home Depot and in the isles of Wagmans. There is health care cost in each of the products you in these stores, whether the products come from Costa Rica, Canada or Pennsylvania.
A single payer solution is our best chance to get rid of the administrative waste, get our workforce health and productive, and bring some economy to our health care funding system.
And this is the final play of our system: you get sick, you lose your job because you can’t work, you lose your health insurance, you can’t pay your health care bills and you go in to bankruptcy. It’s expensive, it’s brutal, and it’s wrong.
Alan Jacobs, Senior Manager of IT and Administration
Isaac's Deli, Inc., 354 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603
717.394.0623
www.isaacsdeli.com
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Happy Birthday, Von!
We
You
!!!
Happy Birthday, Munchy!
Already looking at the train schedule!
The broken elbow incident.
When the family was 3 of us!
Pensive Mom. You can stop worrying, now, Sharon. He came out OK.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Jody the Speedster
Jody ran the Hands on House Half Marathon today. We were proud of him for taking 2nd place in his age group! They awarded him plate! I was sadly at home waiting for the cable guy.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Oct 1
One of the benefits of working for a restaurant company is that vendors sometimes bring in samples. Today it was desserts!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sept 30
Whew! I'm almost over this picture a day commitment. I think we all need a break!
Coming home these days it's getting darker earlier. I dislike driving to work in the dark and arriving home in the dark.
Sasha and Jenna at work tonight.
Did everybody stop by Dad's blog and make "Yummy Apples" your desktop background for a couple of weeks? It's fall, you gotta do it!
Coming home these days it's getting darker earlier. I dislike driving to work in the dark and arriving home in the dark.
Sasha and Jenna at work tonight.
Did everybody stop by Dad's blog and make "Yummy Apples" your desktop background for a couple of weeks? It's fall, you gotta do it!Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sept 29
My creative juices are waining! Here are a couple of shots while I was jogging this evening.
From: don jacobs [mailto:drarjacobs@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 2:10 AM
To: Von Lopez-Jacobs; Sharon Lopez Jacobs; Paul and Tammy Jacobs; paul and tammy jacobs; Jeff and Heather Palmer; Jane and Glenn Stoltzfus; alan and sharon lopez jacobs; joel Waltermyer
Subject: Isaac
Praise God. Sara had Isaac!! That's right. The dear little fellow is Isaac Jacob, born after 1 pm.
We will pop in at the Women's and Baby's Hospital to see!
gpa j
And an email from the 5k race that Jody and I ran in this past weekend ("Smash the Butt" is an anti smoking theme).
From: Swat Grad Asst [mailto:Swat.GradAsst@millersville.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 1:26 PM
To: ajacobs@isaacsdeli.com;
Subject: Smash The Butt Prizes
Congratulations!
You were the top runner in your age category at this past Saturday’s STB race! Unfortunately you were not present to claim your prize. We have saved your prizes and they will be given out based on the response order to this email. Only one prize will be given out per winner, however, please send me your two top prize choices in the event that your first choice has already been claimed. Prizes can be picked up at Millersville University’s Montour House. 16 S George Street, Millersville, PA 17551, from 8AM-5PM, or if you would prefer prizes can be mailed to you. Please provide an address if this is the case. The three remaining prizes are as followed:
1.) 3 Month family of four membership to Universal Fitness
2.) $49.00 Gift Cert. to Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
3.) 3 Month basic membership to Planet Fitness
Please reply to this email before picking up your prize so I can confirm I have reserved that prize for you.
Thanks again for your participation and help making this year’s race a great success! Hope to see you again next year and CONGRATULATIONS!
Douglas Greiner
MU Tobacco Control Project
717-871-2314
swatgrad@millersville.edu
I got a couple of good emails today. First, the historic one from Dad:
From: don jacobs [mailto:drarjacobs@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 2:10 AM
To: Von Lopez-Jacobs; Sharon Lopez Jacobs; Paul and Tammy Jacobs; paul and tammy jacobs; Jeff and Heather Palmer; Jane and Glenn Stoltzfus; alan and sharon lopez jacobs; joel Waltermyer
Subject: Isaac
Praise God. Sara had Isaac!! That's right. The dear little fellow is Isaac Jacob, born after 1 pm.
We will pop in at the Women's and Baby's Hospital to see!
gpa j
And an email from the 5k race that Jody and I ran in this past weekend ("Smash the Butt" is an anti smoking theme).
From: Swat Grad Asst [mailto:Swat.GradAsst@millersville.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 1:26 PM
To: ajacobs@isaacsdeli.com;
Subject: Smash The Butt Prizes
Congratulations!
You were the top runner in your age category at this past Saturday’s STB race! Unfortunately you were not present to claim your prize. We have saved your prizes and they will be given out based on the response order to this email. Only one prize will be given out per winner, however, please send me your two top prize choices in the event that your first choice has already been claimed. Prizes can be picked up at Millersville University’s Montour House. 16 S George Street, Millersville, PA 17551, from 8AM-5PM, or if you would prefer prizes can be mailed to you. Please provide an address if this is the case. The three remaining prizes are as followed:
1.) 3 Month family of four membership to Universal Fitness
2.) $49.00 Gift Cert. to Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
3.) 3 Month basic membership to Planet Fitness
Please reply to this email before picking up your prize so I can confirm I have reserved that prize for you.
Thanks again for your participation and help making this year’s race a great success! Hope to see you again next year and CONGRATULATIONS!
Douglas Greiner
MU Tobacco Control Project
717-871-2314
swatgrad@millersville.edu
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sept 26
Jody and I did a bunch of running today. First a 5 k in Millersville (Jody 21 minutes, me 23:30), then I did 10 more and Jody did 17. We found Siegrist Road, over behind Farmdale School. What a nice little road, including a covered bridge!
I saw this road kill on Marietta Pike between Chestnut Hill and Silver Springs. I think it's a mink, but what would a mink be doing there? Does anyone have any thoughts? Is it actually some type of weasel or marten?
I saw this road kill on Marietta Pike between Chestnut Hill and Silver Springs. I think it's a mink, but what would a mink be doing there? Does anyone have any thoughts? Is it actually some type of weasel or marten?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sept 25
It's Friday night, so I was at a football game. Sadly, by myself. But it was 3-0 Manhiem Central at home against 3-0 Cocalico Eagles. It was a battle, and ended with the Barons kicking a field goal with 1.5 seconds left. 17-14.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sept 24
I got home early tonight and went for a jog. I saw this house on Silver Spring Road with a volunteer corn plant in its' front rain gutter! I would blame a squirrel. Any other guesses?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sept 23
I saw this wooden Flamingo head in the office of one of our restaurants in Harrisburg today. Is it a letter holder?
We had some POS (Point of Sale computer system) folks working with one of our employees to think through a new POS design. Changing Isaac's POS system would be more than $250,000!
Annisa and I went to the Lampeter Fair.
Annisa texted on my phone all night.
And the answer to the mystery: the wooded flamingo head is used to hold reading glasses!
We had some POS (Point of Sale computer system) folks working with one of our employees to think through a new POS design. Changing Isaac's POS system would be more than $250,000!
Annisa and I went to the Lampeter Fair.
Annisa texted on my phone all night.
And the answer to the mystery: the wooded flamingo head is used to hold reading glasses!
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