2007 Legislative Days

Texas Central Hemophilia Association, Inc.

It is with great pleasure we share with you the success of our initiatives in Austin, Texas at the State Capitol February 6^th and 7^th.  Those present were Kerry Brooks, Christy Argo and Lew Collins.  On Tuesday, February 6^th we met with Greg Hoke, Wyeth Legislative Affairs, to go over the current committee lists and determine our door knocking route. We were also handed language to present to House and Senate Members asking for the following: 

A Bill, to be entitled as an Act relating to a study of the expense of removing the life-time maximum health insurance benefits for coverage of hemophilia-related services, supplies, pharmaceuticals and biologics.

Within hours of the first day in the Capitol, we gained support from both sides of the House and Senate.  We focused on State Affairs and Insurance Committee members.  On Wednesday, February 7^th, we continued our efforts to gain support and find a member in the House and Senate to author and file the language of this Bill. 

We are happy to announce that Senator John Carona and Representative Senfronia Thompson have filed Bills in both Houses in our behalf.

The Bill number are HB 1600 in the House and SB 730 in the Senate. Click on the Bill numbers to read the Bill. 

We have committed support from over 13 members of the House and Senate at this time and will continue to campaign as things move forward.  The fun part was receiving phone call, after phone call, from the different offices asking if “they” could be the one to sponsor the Bill.  It was so nice being fought over.  We really feel there is high probability for this Bill to pass.  Get Excited!

More Good News!

We received a phone call from Representative Garnet Coleman’s office toward the end of the week letting us know that he would personally like to file a Bill on our behalf mandating that health insurers raise their lifetime maximum benefits, similar to the Bill filed in 2003 by Rep. Bill Keffer. The Bill Representative Coleman filed is HB 1437. Click in the Bill to read it.

What Can YOU Do?

Contact your local district Representatives and Senators and ask for their support. 

Prepare to come to Austin and Testify.

It seems it is all about HEALTHCARE THIS 2007 SESSION.  THIS TIME OUR VOICES ARE BEING HEARD AND WE CAN’T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Educating, Empowering, Elevating

 
Dear Hemophilia Community:

Do you know a college student that has the potential and interest to become a leader in the hemophilia community?  If so, please let him know about an exciting new summer intern program we are launching—the Bayer HealthCare Hemophilia Leadership Development Program.  

Applications are being accepted now. This is a tremendous opportunity to see firsthand how a product is developed and promoted to the healthcare community treating hemophilia—and learn about all the hurdles that must be overcome along the way.   

The Hemophilia Leadership Development Program is open to a college student, touched by hemophilia, who can demonstrate a commitment and interest in becoming a future leader in the hemophilia community. This is an 8 - 10 week paid internship at our Bayer West Haven, Connecticut office.  All travel and lodging expenses are covered.  A robust schedule is planned, including a visit to our manufacturing facility in Berkeley, California, to better understand how rFVIII is made, a review of state and federal legislative activities, classes on leadership skills, reimbursement, and an introduction to marketing.  The experience will culminate with an independent project.  

Attached is the application, which includes more information about this exciting opportunity.

Thank you,

Terry Tenbrunsel
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Bayer HealthCare

She is President of LA Kelley Communications, Inc. www.kelleycom.com