Parents, Did You Know?
ST. PAUL, Minn.—In a world dominated by technology, surveillance and privacy concerns, there is very little that still truly belongs to human beings.
Their DNA should be one of these closely guarded possessions.
Get Notice of CCHF Events!
CCHF sends email invitations and notices for events and educational forums to those who request them. Such forums and events follow different formats and take place at various time during the year.
To receive notice of an upcoming forum or event, send a request to CCHF.
Baby DNA and Newborn Screening
Private Newborn Screening Options
TAKE ACTION - Find Out How Your Baby's DNA is Being Used
50 States - How Long State Government Keeps Your Baby's DNA
50 States & DC - Newborn Screening Laws
CCHF Reports on Newborn Screening Nationwide
Protect Your Baby at the Hospital - MN "Newborn Rights" Sign to Post After Birth
Baby DNA Will No Longer be Protected by Previously Enacted Consent Requirements
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Office for Human Research Protections at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today used a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to issue a notice on federally funded research using newborn dried blood spots taken by states for genetic testing at birth.
Parents and Newborns Harmed by Unconsented State Storage of Baby DNA
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Three important court cases involving Baby DNA are in progress in Michigan, and while one has suffered a setback, litigators and parents are pressing forward to ensure that their children’s genetic blueprint, and the genetic code of other newborn babies, is protected and kept private.
Electronic Health Records
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ Wins Midwest Book Award
ST. PAUL, Minn.—“Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, has been named a winner in the 2019 Midwest Book Awards.
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ a Finalist for Two Midwest Book Awards
ST. PAUL, Minn.—“Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is a finalist for two separate Midwest Book Awards. UPDATE: On May 4, the book WON the "Social Issues/Political Issues/Culture" category!
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ Wins Literary Award
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Reader Views announced today that “Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, has received a first-place honor in the 2018-2019 Literary Awards.
Evidence-Based Medicine
Training New Doctors for the System
Medical schools are creating a new type of doctor. National Public Radio recently discussed medical training in the 21st century:
President’s “Precision Medicine” Ploy?
The President wants your genetic code. Mr. Obama has announced a new “Precision Medicine Initiative” (PMI) that includes databasing medical records, genetic blueprints and lifestyles of a million or more Americans. Here are seven disturbing aspects of his initiative:
Between a Rock…and a Readmission
We’re in a hard place. Last year, Obamacare initiated a program to reduce so-called “excess readmissions” in hospitals. Section 3025 requires all hospitals subject to the policy to pay a penalty, called a “payment adjustment,” up to 3% if they readmit too many Medicare patients within 30 days of discharge.
Free-Market Health Care
CCHF Fundraising Celebration Dinner: 9/19/19!
Save the Date!
"Stopping Single-Payer: Lessons from Canada"
Richard K. Baker, founder, Timely Medical Alternives, Canada
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis - Park Place
5:30pm Sponsor Reception; 6:30 Dinner & Program
CCHF Joins Association of American Physicians & Surgeons to File Amicus Brief in Landmark Obamacare Case
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A Texas federal district judge’s December ruling that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional gave states an opportunity to break free from federal controls over care and coverage, says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ a Finalist for Two Midwest Book Awards
ST. PAUL, Minn.—“Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is a finalist for two separate Midwest Book Awards. UPDATE: On May 4, the book WON the "Social Issues/Political Issues/Culture" category!
Genetics
Iceland on Way to Eugenics with Eradication of Down Syndrome Births
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The nation of Iceland is working to eradicate Down syndrome births by making sure expectant mothers know about government pre-natal testing that would show if their baby has the genetic disorder.
Health Care Spending to Climb Through 2024;
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Health care is an always-moving, always-changing entity, with new developments every day—some of which compromise patients’ private medical information, as well as the care their doctors can offer them.
Government Health Powers Act
Checkboxes, Ebola, and Embedding the EHR
Should the EHR be blamed? After a Texas hospital let Liberian Thomas Duncan go home (with Ebola), hospital officials blamed the electronic health record (EHR). A day later, they retracted their statement -- without explanation.
State Emergency Health Powers
On October 23, 2001, less than two months after the 9/11 terrorist attack, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the proposed Model State Emergency Health Powers Act (MEHPA). The proposal was finalized in December 2001. It authorized state health officials and their designees to take control of people, property, health care, communications and more in a public health emergency. State legislatures debated it in 2002, and at least 40 passed some version of it. Most of the public is not aware of these police powers. For more information go to www.governmenthealthpowers.us
Are You Ready for Ebola?
Ebola has officially arrived in the United States. An infected man traveling from Liberia was diagnosed in Texas. A person close to him may also be infected. Officials assure the American public that Ebola is not easily spread; that it requires close contact with bodily fluids. They say the disease is contained to the man’s family and close friends. They are monitoring 12-18 people so far, including five children.
Government Programs
Running on Empty: CCHF Points to New Report Showing Rising Costs and Future Insolvency for Medicare
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The recently released 2019 Medicare Trustees Report shows that Medicare spending will spike by 2038, with total Medicare costs expected to grow from 3.7% of gross domestic product in 2018 to 5.9% in the next 20 years, Modern Healthcare reported.
Burdensome Regulations Are Pushing Doctors Out of Medicine
ST. PAUL, Minn.—According to a new study from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the nation may face a shortage of nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032, Healthcare Dive has reported.
In part, the article blames the shortage on the “graying” of America, as both medical professionals and patients age, stating that “one-third of active doctors will be older than 65 within the next decade.”
Health Care Reform - Obamacare
Congressional Attempt to End Surprise Medical Bills Will Socialize Doctors
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Few would deny that surprise medical bills are a problem. Patients experience these shocks to their wallets when they visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance. Weeks later, they may receive a surprise medical bill with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars. CCHF has sent a letter to President Trump telling him there's a better way than the price controls Congress proposes to impose on physicians.
CCHF Joins Association of American Physicians & Surgeons to File Amicus Brief in Landmark Obamacare Case
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A Texas federal district judge’s December ruling that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional gave states an opportunity to break free from federal controls over care and coverage, says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
Texas v. The United States
Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom joins with the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, to ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to affirm the invalidation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Health Care Workforce
Burdensome Regulations Are Pushing Doctors Out of Medicine
ST. PAUL, Minn.—According to a new study from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the nation may face a shortage of nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032, Healthcare Dive has reported.
In part, the article blames the shortage on the “graying” of America, as both medical professionals and patients age, stating that “one-third of active doctors will be older than 65 within the next decade.”
Will Employers Choose Your Doctors?
It was a startling announcement. Twenty large companies have joined to start the Health Transformation Alliance. With approximately four million workers between them, they “plan to share information about members’ employee health spending and outcomes, with an eye toward using findings to change how they contract for care.”
City of St. Paul to Vote Tomorrow on Getting Access to ‘Entire Medical Record’ of Certain Patients at HealthPartners
ST. PAUL, Minn.—One privacy-focused health policy organization says a proposed data agreement between the City of St. Paul and HealthPartners may violate patients’ rights to give or deny access to their medical records and will put patients’ private medical data at risk.
Health Disparities
7.1 Million: Not the Number to Watch
The White House is gloating. President Obama’s cast and crew are celebrating their 7.1 million sign-ups. They claim success. Not so fast. This was just an April Fool's joke on the American people.
Healthy People 2010 Document Focuses on Eliminating Health Disparities
THE U.S. CENSUS: From Enumeration to Intrusion
The U.S. Census has become an intrusive data collection tool for the federal government. The change from constitutional enumeration to federal intrusion has turned led to higher costs, public resistance, and lower compliance. The Census Bureau's plans to count everyone, not just citizens, may also deny American citizens their constitutional right to equal representation," says Twila Brase, president of CCHC.
Health Exchanges -Obamacare
Surprise Medical Bills Are Not the Problem— The Network Is
ST. PAUL, Minn.—It’s an all-too-common problem many Americans have faced.
Patients visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance, only to receive a surprise medical bill weeks later with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Why Are Republicans Silent on Obamacare Ruling?
Republicans have pushed the mute button. On Friday evening, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in Texas ruled the individual mandate unconstitutional and the ACA "invalid" but many Republicans are quiet as mice.
Independent Doctors in Naples, Florida, Being Forced Out of Hospitals
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Independent doctors in Naples, Florida, and their patients recently got an unwelcome holiday surprise.
Health Savings Accounts
The BOLD Republican Plan for Health Care
I’m not going to talk about Obama’s SOTU… except to say that I feel like I did the last time he had to get up and try to sell Obamacare to the nation: he doesn’t want to do it; he feels it’s beneath him; it’s four years after Obamacare and he’s perturbed that he still has to be marketing the law in a speech. So his comments lack passion.
MEDICAL SHARING: An Inexpensive Alternative to Health Insurance
If the U.S. Senate version of health insurance reform passes and premium costs increase as predicted by the Congressional Budget Office, medical sharing may be one of the only ways for Americans to get affordable coverage," says Twila Brase, president of CCHC
Answering Your Questions About Health Savings Accounts (CAHI)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of uninsured Americans increased last year by 5.7% to a total of 43.6 million Americans. The Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) believes that the solution rests in legislation currently pending in Congress. October 1, 2003
Health Sharing
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ a Finalist for Two Midwest Book Awards
ST. PAUL, Minn.—“Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is a finalist for two separate Midwest Book Awards. UPDATE: On May 4, the book WON the "Social Issues/Political Issues/Culture" category!
Give Yourself—and Others—the Gift of Health Care Sharing
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Especially at this time of year, many Americans are looking for ways to save some money and tighten their budgets. With health insurance costs one of the major expenses for families, smart spenders and savers are discovering ways to lower their health care costs.
Shopping for Health Insurance? Consider Health Care Sharing
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Many Americans will be starting their Christmas shopping this month—much of it online. If they are looking for new health insurance options, perusal of the online “marketplace” may occur as well.
Health Surveillance
HIPAA Is the ‘Biggest Breach of All’
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Anthem’s massive 2015 cyberattack is costing the nation’s second-largest health insurer a record $16 million. That’s the equally massive amount the company will pay to settle any potential privacy violations in the biggest known health care hack in U.S. history, the Chicago Sun Times reported last week.
America’s Doctors: ‘This Is Not What We Signed Up For’
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The practice of medicine has become frustrating and painful, thanks to Congress forcing government-mandated electronic health records (EHRs) on doctors.
Patients—and Their Prescriptions—Are Tracked
ST. PAUL, Minn.—It’s bad enough that Congress and the Obama administration forced government-mandated electronic health records (EHRs) on physicians and patients around the country. But the government also said EHRs had to be used “meaningfully”—which is to say, the way federal officials declare they must be used.
HIPAA Hurt Me
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ a Finalist for Two Midwest Book Awards
ST. PAUL, Minn.—“Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is a finalist for two separate Midwest Book Awards. UPDATE: On May 4, the book WON the "Social Issues/Political Issues/Culture" category!
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ Wins Literary Award
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Reader Views announced today that “Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, has received a first-place honor in the 2018-2019 Literary Awards.
CCHF to HHS OCR: Restore Pre-HIPAA Patient Privacy and Consent Rights
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a Request for Information (RFI) on “Modifying HIPAA Rules To Improve Coordinated Care,” and Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) took the opportunity to share its concerns and ideas before the OCR issues a proposed rule to change the HIPAA rule.
HMOs & Managed Care
Congressional Attempt to End Surprise Medical Bills Will Socialize Doctors
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Few would deny that surprise medical bills are a problem. Patients experience these shocks to their wallets when they visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance. Weeks later, they may receive a surprise medical bill with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars. CCHF has sent a letter to President Trump telling him there's a better way than the price controls Congress proposes to impose on physicians.
Surprise Medical Bills Are Not the Problem— The Network Is
ST. PAUL, Minn.—It’s an all-too-common problem many Americans have faced.
Patients visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance, only to receive a surprise medical bill weeks later with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Human Subjects Research
Revised Common Rule Strips Parents of Consent Rights Re: Baby DNA Used for Research
ST. PAUL, Minn.—As things stand, in just over two months parents will lose their consent rights for the use of their newborn baby’s DNA for federally funded research, once the revised Common Rule goes into effect on July 19, 2018.
New Parent Lawsuit Exposes Stolen ‘Baby DNA,’ Says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is applauding a new lawsuit where a group of parents are suing the state of Michigan for “stolen blood” because the Michigan BioTrust for Health stores Baby DNA for research—without parental consent.
Parents Sue Michigan for Stolen Blood (“Baby DNA”)
The Michigan BioTrust for Health is storing newborn DNA for 100 years. Philip Ellison, the father of a newborn, is an attorney whose job is to sue the government. He got nine other families together in a federal lawsuit. And he sued the state health department and the biobank. His special web page: stolenblood.com. For more on issue: itsmydna.org
Lawsuit Documents
Texas v. The United States
Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom joins with the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, to ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to affirm the invalidation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Judge’s ‘Mandate is Unconstitutional’ Ruling Gives States an Opportunity to Break Free *
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A Texas district judge’s recent ruling that the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, and thus the entire law is "invalid," gives states an opportunity to break free from federal controls over care and coverage, says Citizens’Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
Matt Sissel v Department of Health and Human Services, et al
Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom joins with the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, and individual physicians to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Matt Sissel v. Department of Health and Human Servs, et al, a case opposing the delete and replace actions of the US Senate in the creation of the Affordable Care Act.
Medical Practice Guidelines
Congressional Attempt to End Surprise Medical Bills Will Socialize Doctors
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Few would deny that surprise medical bills are a problem. Patients experience these shocks to their wallets when they visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance. Weeks later, they may receive a surprise medical bill with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars. CCHF has sent a letter to President Trump telling him there's a better way than the price controls Congress proposes to impose on physicians.
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ a Finalist for Two Midwest Book Awards
ST. PAUL, Minn.—“Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is a finalist for two separate Midwest Book Awards. UPDATE: On May 4, the book WON the "Social Issues/Political Issues/Culture" category!
ACT TODAY - "FREEDOM TO OPT OUT OF MEDICARE”
On November 7, 2018, CCHF sent a letter to President Trump, co-signed by 37 other organizations. We petitioned President Trump to allow senior citizens to voluntarily opt-out of Medicare without losing their Social Security benefits. Then on December 13, we delivered our first batch of citizen petitions to the White House. That was a start, but it was only a start. ** Now we need you! **
Medical Records
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ Wins Literary Award
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Reader Views announced today that “Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, has received a first-place honor in the 2018-2019 Literary Awards.
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ Making Its Way Onto Library Shelves Nationwide
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Last summer, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) released a groundbreaking book that could change the way both patients and doctors think about the exam room experience.
CCHF Submits Comments on HIPAA to Federal Government
Dear Secretary Azar,
CCHF has been engaged in a two-decade campaign to inform Americans that despite what they’ve long been told by the news media, government agencies, health plans, legislators, Congress, hospitals, and doctor’s offices: HIPAA is not a privacy rule; HIPAA gives outsiders legal license to share, use, analyze, link, and sell patient data . . .
CLICK HERE TO SEND PUBLIC COMMENTS BEFORE 11:59 PM TUES., FEB. 12.
Medicare
Running on Empty: CCHF Points to New Report Showing Rising Costs and Future Insolvency for Medicare
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The recently released 2019 Medicare Trustees Report shows that Medicare spending will spike by 2038, with total Medicare costs expected to grow from 3.7% of gross domestic product in 2018 to 5.9% in the next 20 years, Modern Healthcare reported.
Will Trump Give Americans the Freedom to Opt-Out of Medicare?
Medicare is failing. The recent Medicare Trustees report warns Congress that the hospitalization part of the “Medicare Trust Fund” (which exists only on paper) will be depleted in 2026. In seven short years, there will no longer be any surplus funds allotted to Medicare Part A (hospitalization), and payroll taxes will be insufficient to cover the full cost of care.
Medicare for All is a Pipe Dream
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Democrats are touting Medicare for All and free health care for everyone. There’s just one problem, says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
It won’t work.
Minnesota Engagement
Defending the Strongest Patient Privacy Law in America
HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH
Volume 22: Issue 1: 1st Quarter 2019
Seven More Days! What YOU can DO to Protect Health Freedom
Every day the MN legislature is in session your money and liberty are at risk. There are only seven days left, but do not breathe easy. The end-of-session pressure adds to the risk.
Minnesota Legislators Voting on Crucial Patient Privacy and Consent Bill Thursday
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is alerting Minnesota residents about a crucial legislative vote Thursday that will impact medical privacy and patient consent rights.
MN Health Insurance Exchange Realities
URGENT PRIVACY ALERT Call MN Representatives ASAP
MN Legislature to Vote TOMORROW on Big Business Amendment that Permits Virtually Unfettered Access to Your Private Medical Records / Genetic Data WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT
Health Insurers “Closed for Business”
Health insurers are shutting down for seven months. It’s virtually lights out. Unless you have a qualifying “life event,” you must wait until open enrollment begins Obamacare on November 15. A product once available year around for Americans to purchase no longer is. The entire industry now runs on the Obamacare schedule.
Rep. Darrell Issa Questions Governor Mark Dayton about Troubled State Exchange
Rep. Darrell Issa (R.-Calif.), Chairman of the U.S. House Oversight Committee, has written a five-page letter to 10 governors, including Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, holding states accountable for troubled Obamacare health insurance exchanges, namely Minnesota’s exchange—MNsure. Dayton has been given until tomorrow, April 8, to reply.
MN Health Records Act (MHRA)
Defending the Strongest Patient Privacy Law in America
HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH
Volume 22: Issue 1: 1st Quarter 2019
MN Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Finance and Policy
Watch the video of the MN Senate committee stopping patient consent repeal. CCHF fought hard to stop SF 1575 (Sen. Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake) - a bill to remove patient consent requirements in the Minnesota Health Records Act.
TOMORROW - Big Business Wants Your Medical Records!
Act Today! MN Senate File 1575 allows corporations to claim your medical records as their own! With your calls, emails, or written testimony, we can stop this bill at the MN legislative hearing tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday, March 12. Join us at the hearing if you can! Contact committee members and your MN state senator TODAY to oppose SF 1575, which allows the powerful business community to access and use your medical records to control the exam room—and pursue profits. Will you help us stop them?
National Health Information Network (NHIN)
Creating National Biometric System for Patient Matching Will Threaten Privacy and Security
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Pew Research Center last week released a new public opinion report on “patient matching,” a term which is simply a less-offensive moniker for “national patient ID,” says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
National Health Systems
Congressional Attempt to End Surprise Medical Bills Will Socialize Doctors
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Few would deny that surprise medical bills are a problem. Patients experience these shocks to their wallets when they visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance. Weeks later, they may receive a surprise medical bill with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars. CCHF has sent a letter to President Trump telling him there's a better way than the price controls Congress proposes to impose on physicians.
Texas v. The United States
Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom joins with the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, to ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to affirm the invalidation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Cruz and Palmer Reintroduce Act to Allow Seniors to Opt-Out of Medicare Without Losing Social Security Benefits
ST. PAUL, Minn.—This past November, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) and 37 other respected organizations urged President Donald Trump via a letter to allow senior citizens to voluntarily opt-out of Medicare—without losing their Social Security benefits. Four more groups have recently signed on to the letter: Americans for Prosperity, Concerned Veterans for America, Practicing Physicians of America and Americans for Tax Reform.
Patient Care
‘Big Brother in the Exam Room’ a Finalist for Two Midwest Book Awards
ST. PAUL, Minn.—“Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records,” written by Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) president and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, is a finalist for two separate Midwest Book Awards. UPDATE: On May 4, the book WON the "Social Issues/Political Issues/Culture" category!
Burdensome Regulations Are Pushing Doctors Out of Medicine
ST. PAUL, Minn.—According to a new study from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the nation may face a shortage of nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032, Healthcare Dive has reported.
In part, the article blames the shortage on the “graying” of America, as both medical professionals and patients age, stating that “one-third of active doctors will be older than 65 within the next decade.”
Defending the Strongest Patient Privacy Law in America
HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH
Volume 22: Issue 1: 1st Quarter 2019
Patient Privacy
HIPAA - the Federal Medical Privacy Rule
The federal medical privacy rule is commonly known as the "HIPAA privacy rule." However, it actually holds the title, "Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information."
Cruz and Palmer Reintroduce Act to Allow Seniors to Opt-Out of Medicare Without Losing Social Security Benefits
ST. PAUL, Minn.—This past November, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) and 37 other respected organizations urged President Donald Trump via a letter to allow senior citizens to voluntarily opt-out of Medicare—without losing their Social Security benefits. Four more groups have recently signed on to the letter: Americans for Prosperity, Concerned Veterans for America, Practicing Physicians of America and Americans for Tax Reform.
Defending the Strongest Patient Privacy Law in America
HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH
Volume 22: Issue 1: 1st Quarter 2019
Policy Solutions
Congressional Attempt to End Surprise Medical Bills Will Socialize Doctors
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Few would deny that surprise medical bills are a problem. Patients experience these shocks to their wallets when they visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance. Weeks later, they may receive a surprise medical bill with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars. CCHF has sent a letter to President Trump telling him there's a better way than the price controls Congress proposes to impose on physicians.
In a World Where the Affordable Care Act No Longer Exists…
ST. PAUL, Minn.—March was a great month for health care freedom.
On March 25, the Trump administration’s Department of Justice fully sided with the decision by United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas Reed O’Connor, who late last year ruled the Affordable Care Act invalid and unconstitutional.
Defending the Strongest Patient Privacy Law in America
HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH
Volume 22: Issue 1: 1st Quarter 2019
Population Health Care
Creating National Biometric System for Patient Matching Will Threaten Privacy and Security
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Pew Research Center last week released a new public opinion report on “patient matching,” a term which is simply a less-offensive moniker for “national patient ID,” says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
CO LEGISLATIVE ALERT!
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is pushing a bill, HB 1164, which would allow it to directly gather data on families that delay or avoid vaccinations. Parents would be required to submit exemption claims directly to the government for state storage, analysis and use.
Will Employers Choose Your Doctors?
It was a startling announcement. Twenty large companies have joined to start the Health Transformation Alliance. With approximately four million workers between them, they “plan to share information about members’ employee health spending and outcomes, with an eye toward using findings to change how they contract for care.”
Provider Tax
$1,600,000,000
and Rising
Provider Tax Does NOT Fund MNCare
Watch this well made video from the (Minnesota) New House Republican Caucus:
Minnesotans are being fed a lie by several groups who are lobbying to extend the immoral sick tax, which is set to end this year. It does NOT fund Minnesota care as members of our caucus explain in this video using data from the Minnesota Management & Budget and Dept of Health.
Let It Expire
ST. PAUL, Minn.—For 27 years, medical care providers in Minnesota have been paying a 2% MinnesotaCare tax. It’s set to expire on Dec. 31, 2019, and Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is one of the few organizations calling for its end.
Let MNCare Provider Tax Expire - THREE PIE CHARTS
The 2% MinnesotaCare provider tax ("sick tax") on all medical services provided in Minnesota is due to sunset on December 31, 2019 (the result of 2011 negotiations with then DFL Governor Mark Dayton and Republicans). Republicans want the tax to expire as scheduled. Democrats want to repeal the expiration and continue to tax the sick. CCHF created THREE DIAGRAMS and a ONE-PAGE OVERVIEW to show how the tax has created a slush fund, with little of the money going to the MNCare program.
Rationing
Socialized Medicine Threatens Patients’ Freedom, Privacy, Access to Care and Much More
ST. PAUL, Minn.— A crowded field of 2020 presidential hopefuls is already sharing platforms with the American people. And most of the would-be candidates support an expanded role for government. But socializing medicine bit by bit, as the Affordable Care Act has done, or in one fell swoop, such as Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal’s Medicare for All bill would do, certainly isn’t the answer...
Surprise Medical Bills Are Not the Problem— The Network Is
ST. PAUL, Minn.—It’s an all-too-common problem many Americans have faced.
Patients visit a hospital or provider for a service or treatment they thought was “covered” by their insurance, only to receive a surprise medical bill weeks later with out-of-pocket costs totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Medicare for All is a Pipe Dream
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Democrats are touting Medicare for All and free health care for everyone. There’s just one problem, says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
It won’t work.
Real ID and Federal Control
Creating National Biometric System for Patient Matching Will Threaten Privacy and Security
ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Pew Research Center last week released a new public opinion report on “patient matching,” a term which is simply a less-offensive moniker for “national patient ID,” says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).
CCHF Exposes IDEMIA and the Push for National Biometric IDs in America
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A stalwart advocate for patient privacy, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF, www.cchfreedom.org) has released a new report exposing a global corporation that is working with state and federal government agencies to facilitate the collection of biometric data from Americans.
Exposing Idemia: The Push for National Biometric IDs in America
Exposing Idemia
The Push for National Biometric IDs in America
Written by Twila Brase and Matt Flanders*
Refuse to Enroll
10 Reasons to ‘Refuse to Enroll’ in Obamacare
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Just a few days remain in the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and for those still on the fence, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is sharing the top 10 reasons to “Refuse to Enroll.”
CITIZEN PETITION - Freedom to NOT CHOOSE Medicare
I hereby petition the United States Congress and the Administration of President Donald J. Trump to restore freedom and choice to the Medicare and Social Security programs by allowing citizens to claim social security benefits without a requirement to enroll in Medicare. Click HERE to sign the petition
Schools & Health Care
Obamacare Forcing Schools to Make Cuts
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Millions of students around the country are returning to school today after a long holiday break. But some of them might see some changes this year in their school personnel—all thanks to Obamacare rules and regulations.
Mandated School Billing for Special Education Health Services
The 1998 Minnesota K-12 Omnibus Education bill mandated that all schools bill third-party payers (HMOs, insurers, and Medicaid) for health care services given under Special Education. M.S. 125A now mandates that funds ($50,000) be provided for training school staff in coding and other necessary skills and information for submitting Medicaid and insurance claims.
The Wedge
Burdensome Regulations Are Pushing Doctors Out of Medicine
ST. PAUL, Minn.—According to a new study from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the nation may face a shortage of nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032, Healthcare Dive has reported.
In part, the article blames the shortage on the “graying” of America, as both medical professionals and patients age, stating that “one-third of active doctors will be older than 65 within the next decade.”
Give to the Max 2018!
THANK YOU! | We are so grateful for your support
We did it! We made the $20,000 matching grant for Give to the Max Day- and then EXCEEDED it! Thanks to your generosity, CCHF will be able to keep fighting for freedom and our right to privacy in the health care arena. Again, this is only possible because of our loyal supporters.
We are truly thankful for YOU!
Vaccinations
Get Vaccinated or You Can’t Fly?
Forced vaccination? The Obama administration has issued an 88-page proposed rule giving federal officials power to detain U.S. citizens traveling within the U.S. for the purpose of examination, testing, vaccination and possible quarantine. Airports, train stations, bus terminals and U.S. ports would be compelled to cooperate in reporting Americans. Detained individuals may be required to pay for all testing, treatment, transportation and vaccination imposed by government.
Canary in the Healthcare Coal Mine
Don’t miss what’s happening with vaccinations. Remember when health plans promised to maintain an enrollee’s health through prepaid coverage that included the full range of preventive care?
States Build Patient-Tracking Systems
"The NSA is not the only agency specializing in surveillance. State government health officials are profiling children and cataloging citizens in massive government databases without the patient's or parent's consent. That's the gist of our new 50-state report, released last week:"Patient Privacy and Public Trust: How Health Surveillance Systems are Undermining Both."
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Health Privacy Alert!
HIPAA DOES NOT PROTECT PRIVACY... AND YOU ARE
NOT REQUIRED TO SIGN HIPAA "PRIVACY" FORMS
By federal law, you are not required to sign the clinic or hospital HIPAA "Privacy" form (or the Acknowledgement of the Notice of Privacy Practices embedded in consent forms)...even if the clinic tries to insist that you must.
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