What Would Florence Think?, $11.2 Billion Surprise, ACA and Mental Health Coverage.
Nursing Without Borders
This week we take on a controversial issue, and in doing so we learn ALOT (as if that never happens!). Healthcare Journalist Heather Boerner joins us to talk about an article she recently wrote for National Nurses United Magazine. The article, “Nursing Without Borders,” provides an in-depth look at the unique factors at play in providing the best care for undocumented patients. Ms. Boerner interviews undocumented families who do their best to stay off the radar for fear of being deported and therefore do not often seek medical treatment.
AND here is a statistic that will surprise most of us: Contrary to what the politicians and others tell us, according to the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, undocumented workers (in 2010) paid about $11.2 billion in state, local, and sales taxes, yet they do not qualify for healthcare services. How do nurses and other healthcare workers deal with this issue?
Also joining us for this lively conversation is RN Tatiana Saenz. She knows first hand what it is to be undocumented and to serve this population. Ms. Saenz became an RN in 2012 four years after becoming a U.S. citizen.
What Would Flo Think?
She’s considered the founder of modern nursing and one of the most influential nurses of all time. So much has changed since the days that the “Lady with the Lamp,” Florence Nightingale, was a practicing nurse (for one thing, she wouldn’t need that lamp anymore!). What’s been the biggest technological change since Flo’s era of nursing?
Listen as Casey and Shayne count down the top 10 modern technologies that would shock Florence Nightingale. Oh and there is one on the list that was slipped in. Hmmmm.
Two Weeks And Counting
Well, as we’ve said from the beginning, it isn’t exactly what we wanted but The Affordable Care Act is almost upon us. The State Insurance Marketplaces will open for business October 1, 2013 and there is FINALLY a good stream of information coming out so people understand how to access the information. Yes, we know our Republican friends (and we do have them) are launching yet another defunding measure in the House and they are planning a showdown, but we continue our efforts to get the FACTS out to our listeners. Our new website will have all of the latest state and national Affordable Health Care resources available and the Nurse Talk Expert Panel will be on the show regularly.
Speaking of experts, you won’t want to miss Dr. Ron Manderscheid’s conversation with Casey and Shayne. Dr. Manderscheid is the Executive Director of the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (that is a long title…but he’s earned it). The association represents county and local authorities in D.C. and provides a national program of technical assistance and support. Dr. Manderscheid joins us to talk about why he is working so hard to get the word out about the Affordable Care Act and how it will help his constituents. He says, “…over 11 million uninsured persons have behavioral health conditions. We have a huge task ahead to promote health insurance enrollment as broadly as possible.” For more ACA information and to read Dr. Manderscheid’s articles visit www.behavioral.net.
And of course we wouldn’t miss your email questions, health trivia or In My Day with our beloved Lynn Ruth Miller.