Font ResizeWell, they did it.
Finally, Congress acted swiftly and in unison in the interest of America's seniors. Maybe change is truly in the air.
Last week, after President Bush announced he would veto the Medicare bill that would have cut reimbursement rates to doctors, Congress overrode the veto by a vote of 383 to 41 in the House of Representatives and 70 to 26 in the Senate.
The dramatic unfolding of the vote was a lively lesson in the U.S. constitutional system, in bipartisan cooperation and in democracy. Unfortunately for the health of the democratic system, such displays in Congress have been sorely lacking in recent years.
Maybe the patient is recovering.
"We were thrilled and delighted at the vote," said Sue Malone, executive director of the San Mateo County Medical Association. "We knew the House had enough votes to override, but we were concerned about the Senate. But it happened so quickly. One, two, three.
"In California we are lucky to have the support of Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, and in the House, Reps. Anna Eshoo and Jackie Speier ... They are real friends of medicine."
"I'm very glad they voted to override the veto," said Barbara Kammerlohr, program manager for the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program of San Mateo County. "The 10 percent cut to doctors would have hurt a lot of seniors."
The Medicare bill prevented more money from being directed to insurers of Medicare Advantage
Barbara B. Kennelly, director of the nonprofit Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, said she hoped the vote was "the first of many to come to reverse the destructive and costly privatization of Medicare" and that it would "begin a serious debate about nationwide health care reform."
Now that the democratic process shows signs of stirring from its long coma, perhaps there is reason to hope. We'll see.
Prizes offered for blood donors — Blood donors (no upper age limit) can enter a weekly drawing for a $100 gas card, autographed sports memorabilia, hotel stays and complimentary meals from Burlingame restaurants if they donate to the American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 31 at The Doubletree Hotel San Francisco Airport, 835 Airport Blvd., Burlingame.
Donors will have a chance at a $1,000 Gas Gift Card, the summer grand prize in September. To make sure you are eligible, bring a list of medical prescriptions. To schedule an appointment, go to www.BeADonor.com (Code: DOUBLETREE) or call (800) 448-3543.
The Doubletree San Francisco Airport will also host a blood drive in December in conjunction with Blood Centers of the Pacific.
Aging-related dental problems discussed — Dr. Todd Adams of Manzo Dental in Redwood City will speak about dental problems associated with aging, plus prevention and treatment, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City. For information, call (650) 780-7320.
The Tao of healing — Jane Pittsinger, a physical therapist and former docent for the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, will discuss "Taoism and the Healing Arts" from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Menlo Park Library, located at 800 Alma St. Using slides to illustrate, Pittsinger will explore connections between the ancient philosophy of Taoism and traditional Chinese medicine. Free van service is available for Menlo Park seniors and people with disabilities. For information, call (650) 330-2512 or write to rlroth@menlopark.org.
Fee waived to adopt older cats — An item in last week's column misstated the fee for adopting cats age 5 and over from the Peninsula Humane Society. During July and August, the standard fee of $50 for such adoptions will be waived. That means these cats may be adopted for free.
Joan Aragone can be reached at (650) 348-4332 or fogbelt2@aol.com.
