AHN News | January 2019
Your monthly news & updates from AHN!
A Message from AHN's CEO
As healthcare in America and here in Nevada continues to undergo some very big changes in the next year, including the repeal of the health insurance mandate, significant increases in health insurance premiums, and the rise in out of pocket healthcare costs, Access to Healthcare Network will be here to assist Nevadans with healthcare needs.

For over a decade, AHN has been a trusted resource that Nevadans could rely upon to understand their healthcare options and obtain the healthcare and health related services they need at a price they can afford. We are honored to be able to serve Nevadans and their families in the year to come.

Sincerely,
Sherri Rice, CEO, Access to Healthcare Network
 
Volunteers Needed
Our Senior Medicare Patrol/State Health Insurance Assistance Program is looking for volunteers! The v olunteers help seniors and people with disabilities understand their Medicare benefits and how to prevent Medicare fraud and abuse. FREE training is provided! 

Please contact Esperanza Henslee for more information: (775) 284-1896 ext. 307 or EHenslee@accesstohealthcare.org.
Colorectal Cancer Screening - Free FIT Kits!
The Nevada State Health Division and Access to Healthcare Network have partnered to provide two colon cancer screening FIT kits. The FIT option is a simple and convenient option that can be done in the comfort of one's home.

To qualify, individuals must be 50-64 years old, meet our income guidelines, and be a Nevada resident. Call 877-385-2345 for more information or visit the link below.
Free Rides for Seniors
The Senior Ambassador program offers free non-emergent medical transportation to Medicare eligible seniors. The program can also help assist with finding a primary care provider!

This program is made available in partnership with Saint Mary’s Health Network. Call 775.507.4582 for more information.
Meet the Team - Jennifer C., Ryan White Medical Case Manager
She may be tiny, but she’s got one of the biggest hearts around. Jennifer continuously goes above and beyond for our consumers. The passion she has drives her to always provide the best case management. 

Jennifer enjoys working one-on-one with our Ryan White members every day. She says, "Assisting some of the most grateful population while making sure they obtain the essentials to help them live a long and happy life is the most rewarding feelings."
We Have a Growing Provider List
We are always adding new approved providers to our Medical Discount Program and Healthy Living Program! You can view our current up-to-date provider list on our website.
National Healthcare News
"Unconstitutional" ACA Law May Stand While Ruling is Under Appeal: Federal Judge
U.S. District Court Judge Reed O'Connor, the Federal Judge who earlier this month declared the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, granted a stay and final partial judgment in the case while it is under appeal. Judge Reed stated that while he believes the entire ACA cannot stand without its individual mandate penalty, which Congress eliminated last year, overturning the law should not take effect while the case is being appealed, noting that "many everyday Americans would otherwise face great uncertainty." Seventeen states who have already declared their intention to appeal the decision requested that Judge O'Connor clarify the ramifications of his ruling so they would be able to file an immediate appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals leading to the stay. 
Joint Departmental Plan to Lower Children's Lead Exposure Unveiled
HHS, EPA, and HUD released a cross-governmental plan to increase efforts to reduce children's exposure to lead. The Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts would will help federal agencies work strategically and collaboratively to reduce children's exposure to lead by  laying out the ongoing efforts, such as having EPA establish standards for lead in dust, increasing HUD's review of public housing projects for the potent neurotoxin, and HHS working to set higher standards for occupational lead exposure. 
FDA Plans to Go Undercover as Surgeon General Warns of Teen E-Cigarette Epidemic
According to various reports, the Food and Drug Administration will begin buying e-cigarettes undercover to ensure stores follow protocols and target sites where kids commonly access these products such as convenience stores. While, this week, the  U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams released a statement earlier this week saying that the number of high school-age children using e-cigarettes rose more than 75-percent and middle school children increased usage by 50-percent in 2018 compared with last year. Using data  from National Institutes of Health's Monitoring the Future survey, the repot shows a dramatic increase in their use of e-cigarettes in just a single year, with 37.3 percent of 12th graders reporting use in the past 12 months, compared to 27.8 percent in 2017.
Access to Healthcare is a registered 501(c)3 Nonprofit
Consider making a tax-deductible donation to AHN!
Learn more about our programs: