Healthcare Traveler - October 2008 - (Page 6) N E W S T R AV E L E R S C A N U S E In A Flash Presidential candidates discuss healthcare coverage plans Legislative Corner Loan repayment supported Rep. Thomas Latham (R-IA), Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and others recently introduced to the House the Nurses’ Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2008 (HR 6652). Students currently enrolled in graduate nursing programs and nurses who recently received advanced degrees are offered loan repayment assistance in exchange for committing to 4 years of service as faculty in an accredited nursing school. Meanwhile, The College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008 (HR 4137), passed by the House in February, forgives $2,000 per year (not to exceed 5 years) and $10,000 in outstanding loans for audiology and speech-language pathology graduates who accept positions in school-based settings. B oth Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) acknowledge the importance of healthcare in the U.S. and aim to improve the portability of insurance coverage. They also share common goals on lowering prescription costs, preventing chronic disease, and adopting electronic health information systems. Sen. McCain’s healthcare initiative will allow families to purchase health insurance nationwide, across state lines. He also promises to provide a tax credit of $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families who choose an insurance provider other than one provided by an employer. The money will be sent directly to the insurance provider, with any remaining amount deposited into a Health Savings Account. Promising to develop a best practice model that states can follow, Sen. McCain will ensure that individuals with preexisting conditions or without prior group coverage have access to health insurance. He also is promoting walk-in clinics, retail healthcare outlets, smoking cessation programs, and medical liability tort reform. Sen. Obama resolves to provide all Americans with health coverage. He promises that premiums will decrease and no one will be turned away because of a pre-existing condition. Under his national health plan, individuals requiring financial aid will receive an income-related federal subsidy for insurance. A watchdog group will be created to reform the private insurance market with defined rules. Moreover, Sen. Obama will require employers that do not contribute to insurance for their employees to donate a percentage of payroll toward the national plan. Small businesses will be exempt and receive a new tax credit of up to 50% on premiums paid on behalf of their employees. Visit www.barackobama.com and www. johnmccain.com for more information. Mark Your Calendar November 1-7, 2008, is Medical-Surgical Nurses Week and Urology Nurses and Associates Week. Gear & Gadgets Designed by Cygnett, this hands-free speaker system is compatible with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and requires no installation. Drive without an earpiece and without having your mobile device in-hand. The product features noise suppression, echo cancellation, and a Lithium polymer battery rechargeable via car adaptor or computer USB cable. Purchase yours today for $79.95 at www.cygnett.com. Did You Know… The Top 5 Haunted Attractions for 2008 are: 1. 13th Gate, Baton Rouge, LA 2. The Darkness, St. Louis, MO 3. Netherworld, Atlanta, GA 4. Haunted Overload, Lee, NH 5. Scarehouse, Pittsburgh, PA Source: PRNewswire.com. (2008, August 12). Hauntworld magazine welcomes people ‘back to ghoul’ and announces list of top 13 haunted attractions across the country. Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://www.prnewswire .com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/ www/story/08-12-2008/0004866150&EDATE »GROOVETOOTH TALK C L E V E R TO O L S T H AT SI M P L I F Y T H E T R AV E L L I F E S T Y L E Pack your hang-up garments in this bag to keep them wrinkle-free, then conveniently carry the piece like a duffel bag. Leather handles and a detachable shoulder strap enhance its portability, while two exterior zip pockets and two interior pockets improve its spaciousness. Boasting a neutral tan color and three custom gold-stamped initials, the luggage is available for $29.98 at www.lillianvernon.com. 6 Healthcare Traveler October 2008 »ALL-IN-ONE GARMENT & DUFFEL BAG www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.barackobama.com http://www.johnmccain.com http://www.johnmccain.com http://www.cygnett.com http://www.PRNewswire.com http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/08-12-2008/0004866150&EDATE http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/08-12-2008/0004866150&EDATE http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/08-12-2008/0004866150&EDATE http://www.lillianvernon.com http://www.healthcaretraveler.com
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