Last week, fifty people gathered at St. Mary of the Angels Church in New Orleans, LA to learn how health care reform will help their families. This was the first Health Care Reform educational convening of its kind.   Representatives from Louisiana Department of Insurance, LACHIP, Daughters of Charity Clinic and Health Law Advocates (HLA) provided information and resources to help ground Health Care Reform benefits to the recipients.  Micah Project leaders, Paula Arceneaux and Gwen Payne, kept the presentations grounded with the top ten questions commonly asked regarding health care reform.  Questions like "How can I get the $250.00 available to seniors with Medicare?" and "What are my protections with insurance companies regarding pre-existing conditions, insurance premium controls, and expanded services?" 

Rev. Robert Tanner provided a faith reflection for the event. His reflection  based on the Jericho road story of the bible, highlighted the significance of the life of the injured man on the side of the road.  He said "the first passerby represented  the thinking that this hurt person does not apply to me and I must be on my way to make certain I am not hurt".  Tanner reminded that audience that "No one asks for diabetes or cancer but since people have it, they need care.  At some point we all walk the Jericho road of life.  What is asked of each of us is that we care, as people of faith our compassion will make the difference in the lives of people." Tanner goes on to say, "The man who helped the wounded man on the road is one of the best examples of faith.  Our faith calls each of us to work/act.  We now must use the opportunity and knowledge we have received to help others."

 Tom Portier, from the Department of Insurance, reminded the audience that the rules and regulations are still being developed in the implementation, but key elements of health care reform includes: coverage for the uninsured, provisions for those with pre-existing conditions, and inclusion of  young people under the age of 26 on their parents' plans.  Health Care Reform does not fill in all of the gaps but it does make good changes for family.

 Vincent Session, Vice President of Operations stated that "The Daughters of Charity will provide care to anyone who needs it but "you will get a bill."  As a federally funded clinic, we are able to utilize a sliding fee schedule with appropriate documentation to help minimize expense.  We are expanding our capabilities encourage physical fitness with appropriate precautions and additional medical providers.  Our focus is pediatrics and seniors, however, we provide services to all who come, insured or not.

 Rev. John T. White of Greater King Solomon Baptist Church said "This is the kind of educational forum in needed throughout our  community. I did not know what the on the ground benefits were for health care reform.  I wish more of my church members were here to hear this." 

 After the formal meeting, "What does health Care Reform mean to families", a presentation created by the PICO national network was shown. Questions were answered and a summary was given by Ms. Elena Boucree. The meeting was dismissed to allow  time  for fellowship with members of the department of insurance, LACHIP, HLA and Daughters of Charity.

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