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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Stephany Dugan |
State Rep. Nick Kotik |
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October 2007
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
Whether you live in Coraopolis, Kennedy or Robinson townships, or in Carnegie or McKees Rocks, you’ve begun to see the leaves change as the first signs of fall roll into town. The same holds true for every town and exit I pass on the turnpike on my way to Harrisburg. The fall colors of red, yellow and orange are beginning to spread in abundance, but one more color is very prevalent in the forefront of the dome at the state Capitol: pink. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and here in Pennsylvania the water in the fountain outside of the Capitol has been turned to pink to reflect our observation of this cause.
Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on what the legislature is doing in terms of legislation dealing with the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Men are certainly not immune to this form of cancer, but much of the focus of this disease is usually drawn toward women. With that said, I hope you will find the following information dealing with this issue and other women’s issues both informative and useful.
Throughout this year alone, more than 210,000 women in the country will discover they have breast cancer, and unfortunately, more than 40,000 will lose their fight in battling this disease. Every woman who receives a cancer diagnosis also deserves to receive viable treatment options. That is why I support an effort that would create the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act.
Since I took the oath of office, the Democratic Caucus has been focused on finding ways to improve the way our health system treats breast cancer patients. In this quest, it learned that some insurance companies do not provide coverage for a hospital stay following mastectomies, lumpectomies and lymph node dissection or for secondary consultations. If you or someone you love has ever gone through these procedures, you know they are physically and emotionally taxing on a patient. You also know that doing these procedures on an outpatient basis only adds to the stress and traumatic nature of the experience.
That is why I am in support of an effort to require insurance companies to cover inpatient care following mastectomies, lumpectomies and lymph node dissection. As the battle to find a cure continues, I will continue to do my part to battle for what I feel are the rights of breast cancer patients.
At times we all lead challenging lives and a lot of times the challenges that fall on women go hand-in-hand with caring for a family. A lot of times this includes small children. The health of all of us is of the utmost importance; however, watching out for our children’s health and well-being is particularly important.
Whether your child is 2, 12 or 18, I would like to remind you about the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program. It offers coverage to all uninsured children and teenagers, regardless of family income.
CHIP offers affordable, comprehensive health-care coverage to any uninsured child up to age 19. Coverage includes doctor visits, prescriptions, immunizations, eye care, dental care and hospital stays.
More than 130,000 Pennsylvania kids are eligible for CHIP since the expansion of the program earlier this year. If you have children and cannot provide them with health insurance, you should contact my office for help in determining what level of CHIP you qualify for.
There is no cost for families who qualify for free CHIP. Families with higher incomes may qualify for low-cost or at-cost CHIP with low monthly premiums and co-payments for some services. Families whose income falls below CHIP guidelines may be eligible for Medical Assistance.
For more information or for program qualifications, please call either of my offices at 412-264-4260 or 412-429-5091. If you think your children are eligible, you can always sign them up by calling 1-800-986-KIDS.
Finally, nutrition plays a big part in leading a healthy, happy lifestyle. I’d like to offer a few quick tips for women trying to eat healthier both at home and at work:
o Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
o Choose whole grain breads, cereals and other products.
o Include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish and legumes.
o Drink lots of water.
o Reduce your intake of salt, sugar, alcohol and saturated fat.
I welcome your feedback on any of the above issues or other women’s health issues. As always, feel free to send me e-mail regarding your state-related concerns through my Web site: www.pahouse.com/kotik.
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