spinergydude

A volunteer is someone who works for free for a community or for the benefit of natural environment primarily because they choose to do so. The word comes from Latin, and can be translated as "will" (as in doing something out of ones own free will). Many serve through a non-profit organization – sometimes referred to as formal volunteering, but a significant number also serve less formally, either individually or as part of a group.

By definition, a volunteer worker does not get paid or receive compensation for services rendered other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.

Tpday in my sad Adult ADHD way I contacted the kind people of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and shared a peek into whatI am trying to do...

Why Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation? Well it was not to ask for a dime of money. Yes, they do have some. None of it will provide medical science the needed answer to help my medical issues. And, so I only ask for what I need.

What is that?

Well the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is about medical, and educational knowledge sharing... What is it I want to share? Oddly enough I want to write a book or more so I can share my knowledge about the US Healthcare System, Medical System, Medical Insurance System, all laws regarding these things, and more...

Why the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, I can not imagine asking anyone else to help me with publishing a book at not cost to me. And, at no profit, or money paid to me for the effort. I want the books to be able to be given out for free if possible or at least free to the poorest people and those who need the knaowledge most.

Yes, I could actually sue my medical insurance company on many areas outside of ERISA. See they assumed I would not know wnough about anything to ever realize that. I do not want there money, they earned it... If they want to call it that. I mean to abuse peoples lack of knowledge is I think considered wrong. Denial of someone right to know appeal infromation is illegal.

And so much more that I found I could prove, that was done that should be stopped... And, I know how the system of civil actions work, and how they are made to take way to long, and waste my time, resources and energy...

If I sue, I sue for 52% ownership of the entire medical insurance company. And, I will even donate most of the money I might make to spread the knowledge they used to take advantage of... Provide the best medical coverage, and run things so efficiently that profits would break all records... While keeping the customers about 97% happy... And, lower rates, and prove that if it is done the right way the first time around... It makes the bottom line the most happy.

I would not want to limit my rights to some chump change amount of money, that would be pointless anyway. I mean it would have been taken from the people I want to help. Blood money. Forced Isolation Money...

I would not want it.

I would want 52% ownership though as then I could insure that things would start to change for the best on both sides of the coin. And, I would not even fire the people who messed it all up. Nah, that would be silly. They know tons of great information that would help improve things, no I go for the win win all the way. And, once I got it so it worked just right... About three years... And in that time the company will have grown over 100% and cover the most people ever in the history of medical insurance... And, do it for prices to allow all people who want it to have it. And, coverage equal to what I as owner would have, and things would run as they pretend they are now... :)

I had tried these people once before, and they said sorry we do not hep inviduals... Yet, from the dicrption at the Bill Gates & Melinda Foundation:
For Individuals
United Way
United Way of America serves individuals as well as organizations through training, resources, and technical assistance. This Web site can direct you to a United Way organization in your local community.
Here is the link: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/ForGrantSeekers/RelatedInfo/GrantseekerResources.htm

So I wonder who I talked to... Hmmmm...

Found it:

Contact the United Way of Greater Rochester

Thank you so much for your interest in United Way. Below is a listing of departments you can contact for more information.

United Way of Greater Rochester
75 College Avenue
Rochester NY 14607-1009
Phone: (585) 242-6400
Fax: (585) 242-6500

They told me that I can call 211... OH, OK... Then I find that 211 is a United Way service... O,o But they do not help individuals... I am so happy to know these people every year for the last seven I worked at Strong Memorial Hospital have no problems asking us to donate to them as individuals, and not have the choice to keep the money local that we donate... Oddly enough they expect me to donate it this link here:

http://www.uwrochester.org/contactus.asp

Interesting... If you do not help individuals like the imformation states you do at Mr. & Mrs. Gates Foundation... Then are you saying they are wrong?

WHEC (NBC-10)
191 East Ave
Rochester, NY 14604
Re: Forced to live in my own excrement... And, my medical insurance company...
Dear WHEC (NBC-10):

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
1320 Braddock Pl
Alexandria, VA 22314
Re: Forced to live in my own excrement... And, my medical insurance company...

The New York Times
1627 I St NW, 7th Fl
Washington, DC 20006
Re: Forced to live in my own excrement... And, my medical insurance company...
Dear New York Times:

NBC News
30 Rockefeller Plz
New York, NY 10112
Re: Forced to live in my own excrement... And, my medical insurance company...
Dear NBC News:

Democrat & Chronicle
55 Exchange Blvd
Rochester, NY 14614
Re: Forced to live in my own excrement... And, my medical insurance company...
Dear Democrat & Chronicle:

It is time we all take ownership of this problem...


Forced to live in my own excrement... And, my medical insurance company...

What would begin as a fight for my own independence as a newly fully disabled person, would soon grow into a much more severe problem that until now, had no voice. I did live for just over two months where when I fell due to the severe chronic pain I live with I could not get back up or crawl to the toilet fast enough to avoid making a mess... If it was not for my becoming fully disabled I would had never discovered what I did as I did.

My issues aside, as I am not advocating for my needs now, and can not sit idle as more people pay the price. I was able to use my layperson skills and knowledge to inadvertently uncover an real ugly secret, that if not for my diverse background and pure determination to never give up, I would today be again living in my own waste.

I was able to find an error in my denied predetermination packet, I called the insurance company instantly as soon as I found it, I also had before I appealed them myself requested in three different formats my full complete rights to appeal as a customer/member. They flat out denied my access to that important information. They stated we would rather have the provider appeal and not you. I also got them to own and accept 100% ownership of the error they made, and had them contact the person who made it. I did this on the phone behind the scenes thinking this was a minor little oversight... A few days later I was told sorry we realized the error is ours, but we refuse to re-open the initial request now that we denied it. And, I also made the point of mentioned five or more times that they denied my right to information I had the right to know. They hardly acknowledged it when I mentioned that this was illegal.

I decided to review all of my information with a fine toothed combe and found a few overall miner issues in my case. However these issues proved also that at no time had the so called nurse that is on my initial denial letter ever actually read my information. As these issues are the kinds that raise medical red flags. They are not consistent throughout the entire packet of information, and so I left out key details to test my insurance companies legal honesty. The gloves came off, and I rolled the dice, and I had also collected medical evidence in the form of clinical studies, medical statements, and more showing my appeal letter was on its own 99.9% medically correct. As in I painted the picture of my need that clear before ever seeing this other information.

4-25-08 by Email I contact my insurance company, and on 4-30-08 they call me and the contact who I am speaking with is highly concerned about my level of satisfaction, and puts me on the spot to use my last appeal... I then stated my medical needs verbally, and they needed me to resend some medical documents I sent with my email... I restated the medical need, the lack of medical science knowledge, and offered for them to call anyone connected to my care... Ask them anything you need. I need not ever know. I called them on every issue, and imagine the surprise when they acted like a document I have in my hands was not in the data base they read not long before... And, when I provided the dates, times, and people and what was talked about, and also explained that should I decide to ask for ALL of my information in regards to this request case to be sent, if it does not match perfectly what I have in my hands right now, well I know my full rights as a customer, I understand the entire medical system, its rules, laws, and such and ERISA is nothing but a clever way to protect you.
Let me make this perfectly clear to you, that I proved my case 100% medically, and was not out seeking what else I discovered. I can not feel sure that you will change things so this does not happen again. As I mentioned this, my contact stated I read all of the pre-determination packet and can not locate that one page, but I found that your wheelchair fitter did not mention you owning a wheelchair, and she mentioned a few other issues, and stated I am a non clinical person, and I stated I am a mere layperson, yet we found all the issues with this, how can you expect me to take your companies word that a licensed, or fully accredited Dr, in a related field of my particular and unique set of medical conditions? I mean any medical personal would has caught these issues and resolved them, and when I called a little while back and asked your company to resolve these things as I was sure it was a little issue...

Well, I in the end they did nothing at all to change the way they do things, and nothing at all to help me not need to speak up for those who can not. You see my issue was just me, and now I know of a much bigger one, and I own it now... And, once you read this you will own it also... So if this sits idle and people suffer, and worse... I will hold all of you 100% just as accountable for this problem as I do not just my medical insurance company as working for Strong Memorial Hospital for seven years where I loved helping my patients and I advocated for them... And, only had a little peek at this even with my being partially disabled from 1995 to 09/07 when I become fully disabled...

I leave you thinking about a few things now: If I had missed a single little detail, I would be living in my own waste right now. My adult ADHD and all will not prevent me from speaking up now... I have contacted Senator Clinton, and others, and nothing yet...

But, who I speak for are the people with disabilities, and I will not be supercrip for you, I will not be super anything to prove my worth to any of you... I am asking that you of the press, and government prove your worth to me, and those I speak for now... I am tired of this abuse, and I will never give up, never... I am pure determination and gimpy or not I will be heard... Here is why...

How many people from the time medical insurance as we know it today have been denied if we took a look into the information submitted and the appeals, and other information if any.... Missed the same things I found? That means countless million of people suffered, lost the ability to remain sane ( was one of those due to adverse reactions to medicine I was on and closely watched, I fought that hell as well) how many people will be forced to go homeless? jobless? divorce? and how many will kill themselves thinking they have no other choice? How many died because the best medical access was denied all due to the insurance companies own errors?

Disability was something I never heard of growing up, oddly today I have never felt more able in all of my life, and yet... To look at me I can hardly do much with out severe pain... I have a billion dollar attitude, and that is why I am not disabled. Not enough to accept my wheelchair from the insurance company who was willing to let be suffer in forced isolation, then when I bring this all up to them, they do nothing at all to provide me any feeling they will stop it...

Well, kids have a voice, schools, even animals, yet we disabled are left to die in emergency situations where entire cities ignore us... We are made fun of, and lazy people block out access to parking, and buildings are not ADA compliant, and yet able bodied people complain the most about non issues really.

I dare anyone I sent this to to interview me... I dare you to give me a chance to be a voice for those who can not. I do not imagine you will though. Proof in hand or not, you will more than likely allow the medical insurance industry to go on doing what it has... Until one day you become disabled. I pray that none of you ever do, it is a horrid system if you lack the knowledge I want to share for free. I contacted PBS... I contacted the Melinda and Bill Gates people and others... So far it seems no one cares about the fact that roughly 98% of the working aged US population lacks the understanding of the system we all the US Health Care System and I know how to connect with them... I want to write books, be on PBS to record the information for future generations as it is timeless... And, it grows, and changes with times, and systems...

But... Alone I can only reach a few thousand people a month... SpinergyDude.LiveHournal.com my blog... I ask for no hand outs, I ask for no money. I give my time free on a volunteer basis... As I can do it... It takes everything I have to even type, and here I am... Not getting angry... I am DOING SOMETHING ABOUT MY, no let's make this now that you read this OUR PROBLEM.. I can not write worth beans to educated people... But, the top level medical Director if my medical insurance no longer just sees me as disabled. As it was he one of the Board of Directors that found out the school of hard knocks school me well.

I am the Proactive Patient & Advocate for the disabled. This covers babies, toddlers, children, teens, young adults, middle aged adults, and the elderly... So does anyone want to help me, help myself, as I help those who can not? Then I dare you to: DO SOMETHING. :)

SpinergyDude

Communicating with Elected Officials

* Communicating with...
* Visiting Capitol Hill
* Congressional Staff
* The Legislative Process


Tips On Telephoning Your Elected Representatives

To find your senators' and representative's phone numbers, you may use our searchable online congressional directory or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your senators' and/or representative's office.

Remember that telephone calls are usually taken by a staff member, not the member of Congress. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment.

After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (S.___/H.R.___)."

You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senators' or representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.


Tips On Writing Congress

The letter is the most popular choice of communication with a congressional office. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:

Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: H. R. ____, Senate bill: S.____.

Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.

Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.


Addressing Correspondence:

To a Senator:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator:

To a Representative:

The Honorable (full name)
__(Rm.#)__(name of)House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative:

Note: When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:

Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman:

Dear Madam Speaker or Mr. Speaker:


Tips On E-mailing Congress

Generally, the same guidelines apply as with writing letters to Congress. You may find and e-mail your senators and representative directly from this Web site.

The Legislative Process

* Communicating with...
* Visiting Capitol Hill
* Congressional Staff
* The Legislative Process


Introduction:

Anyone may draft a bill; however, only members of Congress can introduce legislation, and by doing so become the sponsor(s). There are four basic types of legislation: bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and simple resolutions. The official legislative process begins when a bill or resolution is numbered - H.R. signifies a House bill and S. a Senate bill - referred to a committee and printed by the Government Printing Office.

Step 1. Referral to Committee:

With few exceptions, bills are referred to standing committees in the House or Senate according to carefully delineated rules of procedure.

Step 2. Committee Action:

When a bill reaches a committee it is placed on the committee's calendar. A bill can be referred to a subcommittee or considered by the committee as a whole. It is at this point that a bill is examined carefully and its chances for passage are determined. If the committee does not act on a bill, it is the equivalent of killing it.

Step 3. Subcommittee Review:

Often, bills are referred to a subcommittee for study and hearings. Hearings provide the opportunity to put on the record the views of the executive branch, experts, other public officials, supporters and opponents of the legislation. Testimony can be given in person or submitted as a written statement.

Step 4. Mark Up:

When the hearings are completed, the subcommittee may meet to "mark up" the bill, that is, make changes and amendments prior to recommending the bill to the full committee. If a subcommittee votes not to report legislation to the full committee, the bill dies.

Step 5. Committee Action to Report A Bill:

After receiving a subcommittee's report on a bill, the full committee can conduct further study and hearings, or it can vote on the subcommittee's recommendations and any proposed amendments. The full committee then votes on its recommendation to the House or Senate. This procedure is called "ordering a bill reported."

Step 6. Publication of a Written Report:

After a committee votes to have a bill reported, the committee chairman instructs staff to prepare a written report on the bill. This report describes the intent and scope of the legislation, impact on existing laws and programs, position of the executive branch, and views of dissenting members of the committee.

Step 7. Scheduling Floor Action:

After a bill is reported back to the chamber where it originated, it is placed in chronological order on the calendar. In the House there are several different legislative calendars, and the Speaker and majority leader largely determine if, when, and in what order bills come up. In the Senate there is only one legislative calendar.

Step 8. Debate:

When a bill reaches the floor of the House or Senate, there are rules or procedures governing the debate on legislation. These rules determine the conditions and amount of time allocated for general debate.

Step 9. Voting:

After the debate and the approval of any amendments, the bill is passed or defeated by the members voting.

Step 10. Referral to Other Chamber:

When a bill is passed by the House or the Senate it is referred to the other chamber where it usually follows the same route through committee and floor action. This chamber may approve the bill as received, reject it, ignore it, or change it.

Step 11. Conference Committee Action:

If only minor changes are made to a bill by the other chamber, it is common for the legislation to go back to the first chamber for concurrence. However, when the actions of the other chamber significantly alter the bill, a conference committee is formed to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions. If the conferees are unable to reach agreement, the legislation dies. If agreement is reached, a conference report is prepared describing the committee members recommendations for changes. Both the House and the Senate must approve of the conference report.

Step 12. Final Actions:

After a bill has been approved by both the House and Senate in identical form, it is sent to the President. If the President approves of the legislation he/she signs it and it becomes law. Or, the President can take no action for ten days, while Congress is in session, and it automatically becomes law. If the President opposes the bill he/she can veto it; or, if he/she takes no action after the Congress has adjourned its second session, it is a "pocket veto" and the legislation dies.

Step 13. Overriding a Veto:

If the President vetoes a bill, Congress may attempt to "override the veto." This requires a two thirds roll call vote of the members who are present in sufficient numbers for a quorum.

Congressional Staff Roles

* Communicating with...
* Visiting Capitol Hill
* Congressional Staff
* The Legislative Process


Each member of Congress has staff to assist him/her during a term in office. To be most effective in communicating with Congress, it is helpful to know the titles and principal functions of key staff.

Commonly Used Titles:

Administrative Assistant or Chief of Staff:
The Administrative Assistant reports directly to the member of Congress. He/she usually has overall responsibility for evaluating the political outcome of various legislative proposals and constituent requests. The Admin. Asst. is usually the person in charge of overall office operations, including the assignment of work and the supervision of key staff.

Legislative Director, Senior Legislative Assistant, or Legislative Coordinator:
The Legislative Director is usually the staff person who monitors the legislative schedule and makes recommendations regarding the pros and cons of particular issues. In some congressional offices there are several Legislative Assistants and responsibilities are assigned to staff with particular expertise in specific areas. For example, depending on the responsibilities and interests of the member, an office may include a different Legislative Assistant for health issues, environmental matters, taxes, etc.

Press Secretary or Communications Director:
The Press Secretary's responsibility is to build and maintain open and effective lines of communication between the member, his/her constituency, and the general public. The Press Secretary is expected to know the benefits, demands, and special requirements of both print and electronic media, and how to most effectively promote the member's views or position on specific issues.

Appointment Secretary, Personal Secretary, or Scheduler:
The Appointment Secretary is usually responsible for allocating a member's time among the many demands that arise from congressional responsibilities, staff requirements, and constituent requests. The Appointment Secretary may also be responsible for making necessary travel arrangements, arranging speaking dates, visits to the district, etc.

Caseworker:
The Caseworker is the staff member usually assigned to help with constituent requests by preparing replies for the member's signature. The Caseworker's responsibilities may also include helping resolve problems constituents present in relation to federal agencies, e.g., Social Security and Medicare issues, veteran's benefits, passports, etc. There are often several Caseworkers in a congressional office.

Other Staff Titles:
Other titles used in a congressional office may include: Executive Assistant, Legislative Correspondent, Executive Secretary, Office Manager, and Receptionist.