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		<title>Latest Forum Topics</title>
		<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/</link>
		<description>List of the latest topics from our public forum.</description>
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			<title>Sex addiction a health disorder or bad behavior?</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/news-and-discussion-37/sex-addiction-a-health-disorder-or-bad-behavior/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Interesting Article - Sex addiction a health disorder or bad behavior?<br /><br />Sex addiction talk seems to be everywhere. But mental health experts are split...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Interesting Article - Sex addiction a health disorder or bad behavior?<br /><br />Sex addiction talk seems to be everywhere. But mental health experts are split on what underlies such behavior.<br /><br />Tiger Woods, who recently admitted to multiple extramarital affairs, said he is receiving treatment.<br /><br />David Duchovny, who plays a sex-obsessed professor on the TV show "Californication," underwent rehab in 2008.<br /><br />Dr. Drew Pinsky has launched a reality series dealing with the subject.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-living/ci_14636394" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-living/ci_14636394</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/news-and-discussion-37/sex-addiction-a-health-disorder-or-bad-behavior/</guid>
			<pubDate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:33:57 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Paralympic Games Event Times</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/website-related-news-and-questions-22/paralympic-games-event-times/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[List of the <a href="http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/paralympics/2010/paralympics-event-times.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2010 Paralympic Games event schedules and start times</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[List of the <a href="http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/paralympics/2010/paralympics-event-times.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2010 Paralympic Games event schedules and start times</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/website-related-news-and-questions-22/paralympic-games-event-times/</guid>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:48:25 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>CCleaner - Best Free Computer Cleaner</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/computer-problems-and-solutions-24/ccleaner-best-free-computer-cleaner/</link>
			<description>CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and f...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space.<br /><br />CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) is a computer optimization tool. It removes unused and temporary files from your system, allowing it to run faster and more efficiently, and giving you more hard-disk space. The application cleans traces left by Windows, Internet Explorer, FireFox, and third-party applications, as well as temporary internet files, cookies, history, recent urls, application MRUs, etc.<br /><br />CCleaner's attractive, user friendly interface, is logically designed and makes it easy to wipe away your tracks from Internet Explorer and Mozilla, various Windows system areas, and some third-party applications including Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, Microsoft Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and many more.<br /><br />Best of all CCleaner is FREE, fast (normally taking less than a second or 2 to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware, and contains a fully featured registry cleaner.<br /><br /><b>Download CCleaner from the Official website</b> - <a href="http://www.ccleaner.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.ccleaner.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/computer-problems-and-solutions-24/ccleaner-best-free-computer-cleaner/</guid>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:11:50 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Why Not to Use Internet Explorer 6</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/computer-problems-and-solutions-24/why-not-to-use-internet-explorer-6/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Why am I getting a "Your browser is outdated warning?"<br /><br />Internet Explorer 6 is an outdated 10+ year old web browser superseded by two full releases! Man...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Why am I getting a "Your browser is outdated warning?"<br /><br />Internet Explorer 6 is an outdated 10+ year old web browser superseded by two full releases! Many websites, and most web surfers, have stopped supporting Internet Explorer 6 for security reasons, websites will no longer support IE6 in the future.<br /><br />There are countless thousands of viruses on the internet waiting to take over your computer and millions of various types of malware that want to suck information and your personal data from your computer. There are at least 142 vulnerabilities in IE6, 22 of which are not yet patched!<br /><br />Even Microsoft wants you to drop IE6 - The Microsoft Security Research & Defense Blog specifically addressed the flaw and the risk of attack by platform. The most important part of the post was that they "recommend users of IE6 on Windows XP upgrade to a new version of Internet Explorer and/or enable DEP." In addition world governments are suggesting you switch browsers: Both Germany and France have issued warnings about Internet Explorer, asking citizens to switch to prevent the same type of breach that affected Google.<br /><br />Firefox is the best free alternative, and is very secure. Firefox has tons of extensions which would turn your browser into all-in-one application and makes browsing so much better. At the very least, if you prefer to stick to Microsoft's Internet Explorer platform, Update it to the latest version and always install updates and patches as soon as they become available.<br /><br />Upgrading after a hacker uses an IE6 exploit to steal your information is simply too late! If you keep running a browser from 2001, you are throwing your online security right out the window!<br /><br /><b>Latest Version of Internet Explorer</b> - <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/</a><br /><br /><b>Latest Version of FireFox</b> - <a href="http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/upgrade.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/upgrade.html</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/computer-problems-and-solutions-24/why-not-to-use-internet-explorer-6/</guid>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:14:08 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title><![CDATA[Health Reform Can't Wait for Latino Community]]></title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/u-s-health-care-reform-news-and-updates-49/health-reform-can-t-wait-for-latino-community/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Following President Obama's call on Congress last week to act now to pass health insurance reform, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued this Spanish-language...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Following President Obama's call on Congress last week to act now to pass health insurance reform, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued this Spanish-language video calling on Latinos to take part in the final push for health reform &#8211; reform that would benefit the Latino community.<br /><br />For Hispanics, health reform can't wait. One out of every three Hispanics under 65 lacks health insurance, 80 percent of Latinos stand to benefit from reform, and all Americans will benefit once insurance companies are held accountable: no more skyrocketing prices that the middle class can't afford, no more denied coverage for preexisting conditions, and families will be able to keep their children on their policies until the age of 26.<br /><br />But with Republicans siding with the insurance companies and the status quo, the stakes are too high for Latinos. President Obama has taken the fight for reform further than any other president in history, and we will not give up the fight for reform that will be so helpful for Latino families, who are disproportionately affected by our broken health care system. Watch Governor Kaine's message here:<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5iSzcPi0eU<br /><br /><b>Transcript:</b><br /><br />Hello, everybody. Last week the President laid out the way forward on health insurance reform and called on Congress to act quickly to pass historic and long overdue reforms to our country's health insurance system.<br /><br />Almost a year has passed since we began this process. Another year that families suffered under back-breaking health insurance costs, another year in which insurance companies made decisions based on their bottom lines rather than your health and another year in which millions of have gone with no insurance at all.<br /><br />For our Latino community, reform is especially urgent. One in every three Latinos does not have health insurance. And 80 percent will see immediate benefits from reform.<br /><br />This is why last week the President made clear what many of you know all too well: we cannot delay any longer. The final march for reform has begun.<br /><br /><b>And the President's proposal charts the path to real reform.</b><br /><br />First, the President's plan would hold insurance companies accountable and institute new protections to prevent insurance companies from denying you coverage, arbitrarily raising your premiums or charging you exorbitant fees. The President's reforms will put an end to the worst practices of the insurance industry.<br /><br />Second, it will offer small businesses and those who cannot get insurance coverage through your employers the same access to quality health care that Members of Congress receive. And for those who still can't afford insurance, the plan will offer tax credits to help you pay for coverage.<br /><br />Third, this plan will reduce the cost of health care for millions and extend the life of Medicare by rooting out waste and abuse in the system. Medicare patients will get better care, with fewer errors and American families, business and state governments will spend fewer dollars on health care.<br /><br />But, despite the fact that reform is so obvious to us, powerful interests are arrayed against it &#8211; from insurance company lobbyists to Republicans in Congress. And though the President's plan draws from the best ideas of both parties, Republicans continue to say no. Why? Because Republicans simply don't want to hold health insurance companies accountable and force them to end their most abusive practices.<br /><br />Like denying people coverage due to a pre-existing condition and jacking up premiums for 20, 30 and 40 percent on families and small businesses. We see it differently. We believe insurance companies should be held accountable and that doctors and their patients should be in charge of medical decisions &#8211; not the bean counters at the insurance companies.<br /><br />Just like you, I've heard countless stories &#8211; many of them heart-breaking &#8211; about the need for health insurance reform. That's why I am calling on all of you to once more pick up the phone, knock on your neighbor's door, and demand the changes to our health insurance system that you deserve. With your help, we can ensure that quality, affordable health care is available now and for generations to come.]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/u-s-health-care-reform-news-and-updates-49/health-reform-can-t-wait-for-latino-community/</guid>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:25:58 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Paralympic Games Updates</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/website-related-news-and-questions-22/paralympic-games-updates/</link>
			<description>During the course of the 2010 Paralympic games in Vancouver Canada Disabled World will be adding a number of articles and medal tally updates. To view...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[During the course of the 2010 Paralympic games in Vancouver Canada Disabled World will be adding a number of articles and medal tally updates. To view recent coverage visit our <a href="http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/paralympics/2010/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2010 Paralympic Games Updates</a> section.<br /><br /><b>NOTE:</b> If you&#8217;re attending the Opening Ceremony at BC Place today (12 March 2010), be aware that a full security screening is required for entry. Gates will open at 2:00 pm to accommodate the security screening. You are asked to be in your seat by the start of the audience participation rehearsal at 5:00 pm.]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/website-related-news-and-questions-22/paralympic-games-updates/</guid>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:21:15 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Wondering about recordspd ( Paul)</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/members-news-20/wondering-about-recordspd-paul/</link>
			<description>Hello everyone, this is Chuck and Rebecca, (Storm and Thunderstorm) wondering if anyone has any information on Paul. I was in telephone contact with h...</description>
			<content:encoded>Hello everyone, this is Chuck and Rebecca, (Storm and Thunderstorm) wondering if anyone has any information on Paul. I was in telephone contact with him a couple of times a week until about 3 weeks ago.He has now disappeared from this site and facebook and we are worried about his health. The last time we spoke he had a bad infection in his good leg as the other one had already been amputated. Paul is in Canada and on satellite radio,if anyone knows anything  We would love to hear from you. Thanks Chuck, Rebecca, and Jacob Tharp</content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/members-news-20/wondering-about-recordspd-paul/</guid>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:57:45 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Storm</dc:creator>
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			<title>Woman Crashes Car While Shaving Crotch</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/humor-and-jokes-35/woman-crashes-car-while-shaving-crotch/</link>
			<description>A woman caused a two-car accident in Key West last week because she was trimming her bikini line while driving. (She was headed to see her boyfriend.)...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[A woman caused a two-car accident in Key West last week because she was trimming her bikini line while driving. (She was headed to see her boyfriend.)<br /><br />After the crash, her ex-husband took the wheel. So: her ex-husband was with her while she was ladyscaping for a date with another guy, while driving. Florida!<br /><br />Florida Highway Patrol troopers say a two-vehicle crash Tuesday at Mile Marker 21 on Cudjoe Key was caused by a 37-year-old woman driver who was shaving her bikini area while her ex-husband took the wheel from the passenger seat.<br /><br />&#8220;She said she was meeting her boyfriend in Key West and wanted to be ready for the visit,&#8221; Trooper Gary Dunick said. &#8220;If I wasn&#8217;t there, I wouldn&#8217;t have believed it. About 10 years ago I stopped a guy in the exact same spot &#8230; who had three or four syringes sticking out of his arm. It was just surreal and I thought, &#8216;Nothing will ever beat this.&#8217; Well, this takes it.&#8221;<br /><br />The Thunderbird she was driving slammed into the back of another vehicle and she kept on going. Cops say about a half-mile down the road Barnes pulled over and jumped into the back seat and let her ex-husband get in the driver&#8217;s seat. Barnes was convicted of a second DUI and driving under suspension the day before, so she really didn&#8217;t need to get caught driving again.]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/humor-and-jokes-35/woman-crashes-car-while-shaving-crotch/</guid>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:37:28 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Instant Messenger Chat</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/chat-room-topics-23/instant-messenger-chat/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[There is now an instant messenger chat link at the bottom of each page (footer bar). To be able to chat with someone they <b>must</b> be on your friends list...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[There is now an instant messenger chat link at the bottom of each page (footer bar). To be able to chat with someone they <b>must</b> be on your friends list. The number in the chat box on the footer bar is the number of your friends currently online. <br /><br />To chat with a friend - click the small chat box - wait until the box expands showing your friends names - click a friends name and start chatting.]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/chat-room-topics-23/instant-messenger-chat/</guid>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:23:00 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Theoretical Suit design project</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/general-disability-question-and-answers-32/theoretical-suit-design-project/</link>
			<description>I am a 3rd year at Bolton University, and for my final year project I have decided to theoretically design a product that will help patients who suffe...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I am a 3rd year at Bolton University, and for my final year project I have decided to theoretically design a product that will help patients who suffer from different forms of paralysis. In the design industry real designers who are designing real products that will actually be manufactured and sold will need justification for their creations. In order to make my project as close to a real design process as possible this questionnaire was created. <br />The HAL suit provides support to its users through a series of robotic parts that are worn as a suit. The product I am designing would be worn by the user but instead of providing support for the weak the suit will act as an aid enabling people who are paralyzed to move and walk. The suit could accomplish this through using a mind reading helmet that features a set of sensors that will be placed over specific areas of the user&#8217;s head. The signals for movement sent by the brain will be picked up by the sensors and the suit will move the wearer&#8217;s body accordingly. <br />1.	If such a suit were to be created would you prefer it over a alternative modes of support such as wheelchairs?<br />Yes                                 No<br />2.	If not could you state a reason.<br /><br /><br />3.	The target price range is between &#163;28 000 and &#163;38 000 would this be a reasonable price for such a product?<br />Yes                                 No<br />4.	The other option for obtaining this product would be renting it at around &#163;400 to &#163;500 per month would you prefer this over full purchase?<br />Yes                                 No<br />5.	If this suit had a long battery life would you feel comfortable using it outdoors?<br />Yes                                 No<br />6.	If not could you state a reason why. <br /><br /><br />7.	Would you like parts of this product to be made from recyclable materials even if this would raise the price slightly?<br />Yes                                 No<br />8.	Are there any specific features that you would like to be incorporated into this product?<br />Please post your answers as replies or user the survey link http://cs.createsurvey.com/c/74/8774/survey/11397-81Ctu0.html]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/general-disability-question-and-answers-32/theoretical-suit-design-project/</guid>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:50:03 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ronny</dc:creator>
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			<title>Hello!!  How is everyone??</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/chat-room-topics-23/hello-how-is-everyone/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Hi, I am new here and I don't know how to break the ice<img src="http://community.disabled-world.com/file/pic/emoticon/default/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="v_middle" />..I thought maybe you would like to say hello and, if you want to, we can become friends..This ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hi, I am new here and I don't know how to break the ice<img src="http://community.disabled-world.com/file/pic/emoticon/default/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="v_middle" />..I thought maybe you would like to say hello and, if you want to, we can become friends..This seems like such a lovely place, I am eager to make your acquaintance..Just say hi and I will bw happy...]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/chat-room-topics-23/hello-how-is-everyone/</guid>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:17:40 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>susan7</dc:creator>
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			<title>Healthcare: Step Up or Step Out of the Way</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/u-s-health-care-reform-news-and-updates-49/healthcare-step-up-or-step-out-of-the-way/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues the following statement on President Obama's call to pass healthcare plan.<br /><br />"There's an old expression: 'Lead, ...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues the following statement on President Obama's call to pass healthcare plan.<br /><br />"There's an old expression: 'Lead, follow, or get out of the way.' President Obama today has stepped up in a big way and asserted his leadership. Solid majorities in Congress and a national mandate from the voters are prepared to follow the President's lead and get this job done. Make no mistake: there will be a vote on healthcare.<br /><br />For the first time in history there will be a vote to provide coverage for the uninsured and those who have health insurance will be guaranteed the coverage they need.<br /><br />The nay-sayers have had their nay saying, ad infinitum, and, as the President said, 'Every argument has been made.' Americans deserve an up-or-down vote. Majority rules.<br /><br />When we move from procedural votes to the historic final vote on healthcare, I predict there will be more than Democrats providing Americans with the healthcare they need and deserve.<br /><br />It's time for those who are stuck on our old, dysfunctional healthcare system to accept these critical reforms or get out of the way. I echo the President's statement, 'Let's get it done!'"<br /><br />SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/u-s-health-care-reform-news-and-updates-49/healthcare-step-up-or-step-out-of-the-way/</guid>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:57:58 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Cat Allergy a Disability</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/news-and-discussion-37/cat-allergy-a-disability/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[The days of sharing the cabin of a plane with your cat could soon be over.<br /><br />The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that three people, who are al...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The days of sharing the cabin of a plane with your cat could soon be over.<br /><br />The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that three people, who are allergic to cats, are considered persons with disabilities when it comes to air travel. The decision has prompted the agency to review the pet policies of Canada's airlines.<br /><br />The passengers had filed complaints against Air Canada, its regional carrier Jazz Airline, and WestJet. They claimed the air carriers' policies allowing cats inside the cabins of airplanes impacted their ability to travel by air.<br /><br />The Canadian Lung Association is applauding Thursday's decision. "This decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency is excellent news for those with asthma and allergies to pets," said Cameron Bishop, director of government affairs and media relations for the Canadian Lung Association.<br /><br />The Canadian Lung Association wants pets banned from the cabin of airplanes, in order to protect the health of passengers and crew who have asthma or allergies.<br /><br />Along with reviewing the rules for pets onboard airplanes, The Canadian Transportation Agency must still determine how the three passengers should be accommodated. The agency studies individual cases, and rules whether an individual is a person with a disability in the context of the federal transportation network.<br /><br />"Should the agency find that an obstacle exists, it will assess whether the obstacle is undue," according to the newly released decision.<br /><br />The tribunal did not say how long it will take to determine "next steps."<br /><br />Initially, "for reasons of efficiency and in the public interest," the agency is seeking an agreement from the airlines and the complainants to expand the scope of its investigation to include a review of policies related to small dogs, as well as cats.<br /><br />Also see <a href="http://www.disabled-world.com/news/canada/air-canada-nuts.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nut Free Zone Ruling for Air Canada</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/news-and-discussion-37/cat-allergy-a-disability/</guid>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:33:54 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Disaster and Emergency Planning</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/website-related-news-and-questions-22/disaster-and-emergency-planning/</link>
			<description><![CDATA[New website section added - <a href="http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/emergency/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Disaster and Emergency Planning for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[New website section added - <a href="http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/emergency/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Disaster and Emergency Planning for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities</a>]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/website-related-news-and-questions-22/disaster-and-emergency-planning/</guid>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:44:19 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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			<title>Elimination of Pre-Existing Conditions, Annual/Lifetime Limits and Capping Out-of-Pocket Expenses</title>
			<link>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/u-s-health-care-reform-news-and-updates-49/elimination-of-pre-existing-conditions-annual-lifetime-limits-and-capping-out-of-pocket-expenses/</link>
			<description>National Patient Advocate Foundation Delivers Constituent Cases to White House Health Summit Participants to Urge Elimination of Pre-Existing Conditio...</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[National Patient Advocate Foundation Delivers Constituent Cases to White House Health Summit Participants to Urge Elimination of Pre-Existing Conditions, Annual/Lifetime Limits and Capping Out-of-Pocket Expenses...<br /><br />The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) -- the sister organization to the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) -- a direct patient services organization that assists patients throughout the country &#8211; delivered a message to all White House Summit participants that policy agreement must triumph over partisan politics during the bipartisan health care reform meeting.  <br /><br />"Today is a historic day in the lives of patients in America as the hope and promise that the issues denying them access to healthcare today will be resolved for them and future generations. It is a day of hope that policy agreement will triumph over partisan politics," said Nancy Davenport-Ennis, CEO & Founder, NPAF. "We are heartened by the continued collaborative process that pushes forward, and we share our lawmakers' hope for achieving the historic goal of meaningful and comprehensive health reform in the near future."<br /><br />While NPAF offered sincere thanks to Members of Congress for their tireless work and leadership on health care reform, they acknowledged the work goes on.  The letters sent to all participants urged the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions and waiting periods for all individuals in every health insurance market, the elimination of annual, monthly and lifetime caps on coverage, and capping out-of-pocket expenses so that health insurance coverage is affordable for patients. NPAF enclosed three patient cases from each Member's state with their letter, citing the specific insurance coverage issues solved by PAF in order to assure the patient's continued access to healthcare.<br /><br />The letter commends Congress for addressing the barrier that annual and lifetime limits present for patients, but urges that the final health care reform bill prohibit all limits on dollar value, services or specific diseases based on time periods.  While such limits may control costs to the health plan, they do not address or support the fundamental reason consumers purchase health insurance.<br /><br />Finally, NPAF strongly supports a yearly cap on out-of-pocket spending and cited a recent study by The American Journal of Medicine which found that 62% of all bankruptcies are related to sickness.  Of those, 75% reported having medical insurance.<br /><br />NPAF and its companion organization, the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), were established in 1996.  In 2009, PAF case managers assisted 55,369 patients, each with chronic, life-threatening or debilitating conditions struggling to access health care.  Additionally, PAF responds to millions of online requests for information or chat line support.  <br /><br />For more information see www.npaf.org.<br /><br />SOURCE National Patient Advocate Foundation]]></content:encoded>
			<guid>http://community.disabled-world.com/forum/u-s-health-care-reform-news-and-updates-49/elimination-of-pre-existing-conditions-annual-lifetime-limits-and-capping-out-of-pocket-expenses/</guid>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:14:15 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>Ian</dc:creator>
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