HHS Proposal Weakening Substance Abuse Priv. Rule — Wrong Direction for Patients

ST. PAUL, Minn.—An effort is under way to weaken the federal regulation that for nearly 40 years has kept information about drug and alcohol treatment private. This should be a concern to all Americans, says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF), which exists to protect health care choices, individualized patient care, and medical and genetic privacy rights. 

‘Give Doctors a Reason to Stay’

ST. PAUL, Minn.—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently asked the medical community for input into a proposed “Patients over Paperwork” initiative, where additional focus would be placed on patient-centered care, innovation and outcomes, according to this summer’s Request for Information. 

31.6 Million Patients Affected by Data Breaches This Year—Doubled From 2018—Why?

ST. PAUL, Minn.—According to an eye-opening new report, “breaches of patient privacy appear to be on the rise in the first half of 2019 with an alarming number of records affected by security incidents: 31.6 million.”

Training New Doctors for the System

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.

Making Progress at the Highest Level

HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH

Volume 22: Issue 3: 3rd Quarter 2019 

RFI - Patient Care Over Paperwork

RFI - Patient Care Over Paperwork, submitted August 12, 2019: At the end of the day, we submit that your focus should be this: Give Doctors a Reason to Stay.

Trump’s Drug Importation Plan Doesn’t Address Real Reason for High Drug Prices

ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week that, in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it would publish a “Safe Importation Action Plan” outlining a pathway for the “safe importation of certain drugs originally intended for foreign markets.”

Contact Congress About 3 Critical Health Care Issues While They Are Home for Recess

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Even though Congress could be called back from the August recess to address gun measures after the devastating shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is urging state residents to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives about three important health care issues.

5 Years Since MN Resumed Storing Baby DNA After Lawsuit Forced Them to Stop

ST. PAUL, Minn.—More than 15 years ago, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF, www.cchfreedom.org) discovered that the Minnesota Department of Health was storing and using Baby DNA—the genetic blueprints of its youngest citizens obtained through newborn screenings—without parental consent. 

Essentia Medical Consent Form Web Page

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.

Minnesota Restricts Long-term Storage of Patient Prescription Data

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A major change to Minnesota’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) took place on January 1, 2020. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy will no longer have access to four years of identifiable patient prescription data, which it had been using for research without patient consent. Going forward, the board will have diminishing amounts of data available for analysis and research. By 2022, only the past 12 months of patient prescription data will be stored, on a rolling basis.

RFI - Patient Care Over Paperwork

RFI - Patient Care Over Paperwork, submitted August 12, 2019: At the end of the day, we submit that your focus should be this: Give Doctors a Reason to Stay.

Trump’s Drug Importation Plan Doesn’t Address Real Reason for High Drug Prices

ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week that, in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it would publish a “Safe Importation Action Plan” outlining a pathway for the “safe importation of certain drugs originally intended for foreign markets.”

CCHF Applauds Texas v. Azar for Ruling on Obamacare Individual Mandate

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) supports the ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal that the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate is unconstitutional. The court quoted from the joint AAPS/CCHF amicus brief in the first sentence of the ruling.

When Trusted Physicians Are Cut Out of Patient Care Decisions

ST. PAUL, Minn.—A significant court case this spring highlighted yet another emerging problem in today’s medical care climate—when hospitals limit who can admit patients. And it has come with deadly results in at least one instance, says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).

Burdensome Regulations Pushing Doctors Out of Medicine

According to a recent 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.

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?

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

5 Things to Do as Obamacare Collapses

According to the Associated Press, “Before taxpayer-provided subsidies, premiums for a midlevel benchmark plan will increase an average of 25 percent across the 39 states served by the federally run online market.” And to add insult to injury, about 1 in 5 consumers will be able to choose from just a single insurer, as more and more national insurers drop out.

Minnesota Restricts Long-term Storage of Patient Prescription Data

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A major change to Minnesota’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) took place on January 1, 2020. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy will no longer have access to four years of identifiable patient prescription data, which it had been using for research without patient consent. Going forward, the board will have diminishing amounts of data available for analysis and research. By 2022, only the past 12 months of patient prescription data will be stored, on a rolling basis.

Contact Congress About 3 Critical Health Care Issues While They Are Home for Recess

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Even though Congress could be called back from the August recess to address gun measures after the devastating shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is urging state residents to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives about three important health care issues.

Clinic Closes After Massive Hack - Dangers of EHRs

ST. PAUL, Minn.—A huge patient data hack at a Michigan clinic this spring caused two doctors to retire early and close their office for good. This hack that crippled and killed an entire medical practice wasn’t the first, says CCHF, and it won’t be the last.

CCHF Implores Government to Restore Pre-HIPAA Rights

ST. PAUL, Minn.—For much of its 20-plus-year existence, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) has worked to educate patients, policy makers, the media, medical professionals and even Congress that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) “Privacy Rule” isn’t about privacy at all. 

‘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. 

Letter to CMS Opposing Proposed Rule to the Stark Law (Physician Self-Referrals)

The proposed rule “proposes exceptions to the physician self-referral law for certain value-based compensation arrangements between or among physicians, providers, and suppliers.” Our organization does not support value-based payment systems, which are anti-ethical to free-markets, competition, medical ethics, and the critically-important confidential patient-doctor relationships.

RFI - Patient Care Over Paperwork

RFI - Patient Care Over Paperwork, submitted August 12, 2019: At the end of the day, we submit that your focus should be this: Give Doctors a Reason to Stay.

Health Plans Owning Doctors Is a Conflict of Interest—and Patients Pay the Price

ST. PAUL, Minn.—What happens when a health plan purchases, runs or otherwise engages in the everyday operations of a hospital or clinic? It introduces a troubling conflict of interest between patients and their doctors, says Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF).

Contact Congress About 3 Critical Health Care Issues While They Are Home for Recess

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Even though Congress could be called back from the August recess to address gun measures after the devastating shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is urging state residents to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives about three important health care issues.

5 Years Since MN Resumed Storing Baby DNA After Lawsuit Forced Them to Stop

ST. PAUL, Minn.—More than 15 years ago, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF, www.cchfreedom.org) discovered that the Minnesota Department of Health was storing and using Baby DNA—the genetic blueprints of its youngest citizens obtained through newborn screenings—without parental consent. 

Revised Common Rule Strips Parents of Consent Rights Re: Baby DNA Used for Research

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. 

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”

Will Minnesota Lawmakers Let Google Have Patient Medical Records?

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is calling on Minnesota legislators to hold their ground and defend the Minnesota Health Records Act (MHRA) from large data corporations, health industry giants, and government entities that want it repealed. The MHRA is the nation’s strongest medical privacy and patient consent rights law.

Minnesota Restricts Long-term Storage of Patient Prescription Data

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A major change to Minnesota’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) took place on January 1, 2020. The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy will no longer have access to four years of identifiable patient prescription data, which it had been using for research without patient consent. Going forward, the board will have diminishing amounts of data available for analysis and research. By 2022, only the past 12 months of patient prescription data will be stored, on a rolling basis.

CCHF Calls on U.S. Senate to Maintain Ban on Unique Patient Identifier

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF)sent a coalition letter to U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Cosigned by more than 22 organizations nationwide, the letter urges the committee to refuse to fund the development of a Unique Patient Identifier (UPI) in the upcoming appropriations bill. CCHF writes:

Freedom for America's Seniors!

HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH

Volume 22: Issue 4: 4th Quarter 2019 

GOP Should Stay Clear of Medicare Advantage Model When Reforming Health Care System

‘Give Doctors a Reason to Stay’

ST. PAUL, Minn.—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently asked the medical community for input into a proposed “Patients over Paperwork” initiative, where additional focus would be placed on patient-centered care, innovation and outcomes, according to this summer’s Request for Information. 

Freedom for America's Seniors!

HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH

Volume 22: Issue 4: 4th Quarter 2019 

Finding Common Ground Leads to Major Victories

HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH

Volume 22: Issue 2: 2nd Quarter 2019 

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.

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.

Will Minnesota Lawmakers Let Google Have Patient Medical Records?

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is calling on Minnesota legislators to hold their ground and defend the Minnesota Health Records Act (MHRA) from large data corporations, health industry giants, and government entities that want it repealed. The MHRA is the nation’s strongest medical privacy and patient consent rights law.

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.

CCHF Alerts Patients That Govt. Wants to Share Their Private Medical Records Broadly

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is urging Americans to comment on a 690-page proposed rule from the federal Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) that would require electronic health records (EHRs) to be “interoperable,” easily accessible and sharable EHR to EHR nationwide and prohibit “information blocking.”

Essentia Medical Consent Form

Essentia Medical Consent Form Web Page

CCHF Praises Continued Ban on Federal Unique Patient ID

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is pleased that the federal unique patient identifier (UPI) will continue to be prohibited. The bipartisan appropriations bill, which passed today, retains the ban that has been in effect for over 20 years. As industry clamored to lift the ban, CCHF built a nationwide coalition of organizations to keep the ban in place. 

CCHF Praises Continued Ban on Federal Unique Patient ID

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is pleased that the federal unique patient identifier (UPI) will continue to be prohibited. The bipartisan appropriations bill, which passed today, retains the ban that has been in effect for over 20 years. As industry clamored to lift the ban, CCHF built a nationwide coalition of organizations to keep the ban in place. 

CCHF Applauds U.S. Senate’s Continued Prohibition on Unique Patient Identifier

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) applauds the U.S. Senate’s proposed Labor-HHS fiscal 2020 budget released on Wednesday that retains former Congressman Ron Paul’s longstanding prohibition on funding the development of a government-issued unique patient identifier (UPI).

Letter to CMS Opposing Proposed Rule to the Stark Law (Physician Self-Referrals)

The proposed rule “proposes exceptions to the physician self-referral law for certain value-based compensation arrangements between or among physicians, providers, and suppliers.” Our organization does not support value-based payment systems, which are anti-ethical to free-markets, competition, medical ethics, and the critically-important confidential patient-doctor relationships.

CCHF President Twila Brase Selected for HHS Quality Summit

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) President and co-founder Twila Brase, RN, PHN, has been selected to serve with 17 other industry leaders at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Quality Summit beginning September 13. 

GOP Should Stay Clear of Medicare Advantage Model When Reforming Health Care System

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."

Letter to OCR on Ascension-Google Sharing 50M Medical Records

CCHF's letter begins: "As president of CCHF, I am writing with a request that you also protect patient rights, specifically related to the data-sharing agreement between Ascension and Google. According to recent news reports, your office has opened up an investigation...." ACTION ALERT: Contact OCR Director Roger Severino with your concerns about Google getting the medical records of 50M people without patient consent. Use the OCR address on page one of CCHF letter.

7 Big Data Contracts

Will Minnesota Lawmakers Let Google Have Patient Medical Records?

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is calling on Minnesota legislators to hold their ground and defend the Minnesota Health Records Act (MHRA) from large data corporations, health industry giants, and government entities that want it repealed. The MHRA is the nation’s strongest medical privacy and patient consent rights law.

CCHF Praises Continued Ban on Federal Unique Patient ID

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is pleased that the federal unique patient identifier (UPI) will continue to be prohibited. The bipartisan appropriations bill, which passed today, retains the ban that has been in effect for over 20 years. As industry clamored to lift the ban, CCHF built a nationwide coalition of organizations to keep the ban in place. 

CCHF Praises Continued Ban on Federal Unique Patient ID

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is pleased that the federal unique patient identifier (UPI) will continue to be prohibited. The bipartisan appropriations bill, which passed today, retains the ban that has been in effect for over 20 years. As industry clamored to lift the ban, CCHF built a nationwide coalition of organizations to keep the ban in place. 

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?

Finding Common Ground Leads to Major Victories

HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH

Volume 22: Issue 2: 2nd Quarter 2019 

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. 

‘Lower Health Care Costs’ Bill Won’t Help Pocketbook, Will Put Plans in Charge of Doc Pay

ST. PAUL, Minn.—As the U.S. Senate and House return to work in Washington, D.C., this week, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF, www.cchfreedom.org) is alerting lawmakers and the public about the “Lower Health Care Costs” bill and how it will actually hurt rather than help patients.

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. 

CCHF Releases “Made-in-America Healthcare Act” Proposal to POTUS

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) today releases a 10-point plan, “Made-in-America Healthcare Act,” which has been sent to President Trump and his administration for their consideration. 

CCHF Applauds U.S. Senate’s Continued Prohibition on Unique Patient Identifier

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) applauds the U.S. Senate’s proposed Labor-HHS fiscal 2020 budget released on Wednesday that retains former Congressman Ron Paul’s longstanding prohibition on funding the development of a government-issued unique patient identifier (UPI).

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).

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

** Update ** October 3, 2019:

CCHF Applauds POTUS Medicare Executive Order Maximizing Freedom for Patients and Providers

Thank you to everyone who has signed this petition and supported choice for seniors!  When citizens get involved, we can make a difference. CCHF will continue to advocte for changes to secure health freedom.

Click here to view more information on the link between Medicare and Social Security benefits, and how to restore Medicare freedom

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.  

5 Whirlwind Days in Washington, D.C.

HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH

Volume 20: Issue 4: 4th Quarter 2017

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.

Children and Schools

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.

Contact Congress About 3 Critical Health Care Issues While They Are Home for Recess

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Even though Congress could be called back from the August recess to address gun measures after the devastating shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF) is urging state residents to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives about three important health care issues.

5 Years Since MN Resumed Storing Baby DNA After Lawsuit Forced Them to Stop

ST. PAUL, Minn.—More than 15 years ago, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF, www.cchfreedom.org) discovered that the Minnesota Department of Health was storing and using Baby DNA—the genetic blueprints of its youngest citizens obtained through newborn screenings—without parental consent. 

CCHF Applauds Court Ruling on Retention of Newborn DNA in MI

ST. PAUL, Minn.— Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF, www.cchfreedom.org), the organization that discovered state storage of newborn DNA in Minnesota in 2003, called on Minnesota’s governor to destroy stored newborn DNA in July 2007 and pulled Minnesota parents together in March, 2009 for the first lawsuit filed in the nation, applauds yesterday’s federal appeals court ruling on retention and use of newborn DNA in Michigan.  

Three Years Later, ‘The Wedge’ Gives Patients & Docs a Pathway to Health Freedom

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Three years ago, as the medical treatment system grew ever-more bureaucratic and less patient-centered, Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF, www.cchfreedom.org) launched an initiative to call physicians and other practitioners back to freedom and give patients a way to find these affordable practitioners.

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.” 

Big Brother is a Big Seller

HEALTH FREEDOM WATCH

Volume 21: Issue 4: 4th Quarter 2018

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."