Top Information For 2020 About Basic Systems For telehealth telemedicine

 

 



 

Los Angeles clinic puts underprivileged community at greater risk of contracting coronavirus, health care workers say

 

The clinics serve an area where the proportion of people living below the poverty line is more than double the national average, according to census data. Many patients live in multifamily homes or homeless shelters and have chronic medical conditions, compounding their chances of contracting and spreading the coronavirus, the eight professionals said. African Americans and Latinos have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


"My fear is that once it hits this patient population, it will be the epicenter of L.A.," one of the professionals said.


When the coronavirus broke out, some of the professionals called patients to reschedule routine visits and refill prescriptions over the phone, but they were quickly reprimanded by management and told not to call their own patients, they said.


"This is the first place I've worked that as a provider I'm not given the autonomy to care for them [my patients] medically," one of them said after having encountered resistance to suggesting that patients with non-urgent needs be moved to telehealth visits.


"When you're suppressing the expertise, the knowledge, the morals, the morale of providers who are here to take care of an underserved people, you're almost just kind of re-oppressing them," the professional said.


 

 






https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZiSk2MOF17UdugnGNqOAojsLDrM0Qu-pLwshdGqch_M/edit?usp=sharing



} get more info

Understanding Swift Solutions For telemedicine services

 

Health Insurance Tips To Keep The Headaches Away!




Do not approach health insurance with fear. It is true the field is complex and your options are many, but the more you learn, the safer you will feel. Health insurance is similar to healthcare itself. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By making smart choices when you select health insurance, you can avoid difficulties in the future.

To help you find good insurance deals you need to do your research. Make sure that you know the regulations and the laws for the state that you live in when you are looking at purchasing health insurance. Some states may have protection for those they have a preexisting conditions but other states may not have this option so be sure to do your homework.

Let your medical insurance company know that you are traveling. Some companies will not provide any coverage to you or your family in a foreign country unless you purchase extra coverage. You may not end up needing it, but it is always better to be safe than sorry when you are traveling.

Never go without health insurance. While a few people never get sick or injured, the chances that you will not get sick, are astronomical. Protect yourself from falling into medical debt by getting insurance, even if it is only the bare minimum. You do not want to be left untreated just because you can't afford it.

Never enroll in a health insurance policy by paying with cash. You want to have a good solid record of what you paid and when you paid it. Paying with a check or a credit card is going to be the evidence that you need if anything should happen and you have to go to court to prove when you started your policy.

Being eligible for government-assisted or government-provided healthcare does not mean that this is the best option for you. Government does not always provide ample care, and although private insurance is expensive, the level of privatized care in America is the highest in the world. So you need to choose wisely.

Understand your state's laws and regulations when looking for health insurance. Some states offer protection for people with pre-existing conditions, while others don't. By knowing the rules, you will be sure to get the best health insurance possible.

All insurance plans are going to differ slightly, so the most important thing you can do is ask questions. Health insurance is nothing to play around with. If you do not get everything you absolutely need, you may be left footing the bill when you fall ill. That's going to be expensive and possibly even life threatening.

Think about using an insurance broker. A broker can be invaluable when looking for health insurance. They will shop for the best rates, find the best company, and explain exactly what the plan means. You can find a suitable broker via naic.org or nahu.org. Both of these sites have a list of reputable brokers in your area.

Buying any kind of insurance, including health insurance, is all a numbers game. You want to balance the coverage you have very carefully. If you pay too much than you are losing money monthly, however if you pay too little you will be under covered when you need it most. Analyze both sides very carefully.

If your health insurance comes via your employer, you clearly don't have much choice about who insures you and your family. You do, however, have some choices about what options you want. Be as active a consumer of your healthcare insurance, as possible. Take the time to understand the philosophical and actual differences between HMOs and PPOs and the attendant differences in cost structure. You need to be armed with this information, in order to make smart decisions about your healthcare insurance.

If you don't use your health insurance much, but still want the peace of mind knowing you have the coverage, then a health savings account may be a good option for you. By putting money you would have used to pay premiums into this savings account, the money grows and can then be used as the need arises.

Before applying for health insurance, talk to your doctor about your medical history. Your records will be checked, and they could look at up to 10 years worth of data! Ask your doctor to review your history and let you know if there are any items that might be highlighted by the insurance company as they review you.

When you've decided on a plan, be very careful filling out your application. If you write anything that is dishonest, or if you make simple mistakes, the policy could become null and void or it could be denied. Slowly and carefully fill out your application. Don't wind up paying for silly mistakes.

When you've decided on a plan, be very careful filling out your application. If you write anything that is dishonest, or if you make simple mistakes, the policy could become null and void or it could be denied. Slowly and carefully fill out your application. Don't wind up paying for silly mistakes.

Try to find a health insurer that provides you with an insurance card as opposed to filing claims. Having to pay for your care upfront can be a stress on your finances and submitting claims is archaic and difficult. It is far easier to use an insurance card which bills the insurer directly.

Check with your state to find out if you qualify for government health insurance or some type of subsidy for health insurance. Some states offer health insurance plans or check here subsidies for low income families or for children that come from low income families. Check out all your options to see if this applies to your situation.

Consider getting a secondary policy for your family for accident coverage. If you have children, this type of insurance may be a lifesaver. The premiums are usually inexpensive since it is only covering accidents. It can be a great choice to have if your normal insurance has high deductibles before they will cover certain services.

Regardless of what health insurance you currently have, either through your employer, the government or private insurance, it is essential to stay on top of current health insurance news. It is important to find a health insurance company that has the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

 

Amazon Expands Into Telehealth and Home Care

 

Many more people turned to telehealth services than ever before—the CDC reports a huge increase in telehealth during the pandemic, thanks to a combination of factors, including limited in-person services, caution from those avoiding in-person services, and an expansion of telehealth services and offerings from health facilities. Even Medicare, which previously didn’t allow home telehealth visits, saw a boom in virtual visits. In other words, more people were more willing to use telehealth and more medical offices were willing to offer it.


Amazon Care officially launched in September 2019 and has virtual care available nationwide, with in-person services in select areas, including Seattle, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Arlington. The service will also be branching out to 20 more cities this year, including San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, and New York City.


Basically, the virtual arm of Amazon Care works just like any other telehealth service, allowing patients to speak with a doctor or practitioner virtually from their home through a mobile app for non-emergency health issues. The in-person portion, however, is actually throwing healthcare back to its original model: home care. Patients in the areas with in-person care will have a nurse sent to their home for more complicated healthcare issues allowing the nurse to do everything from lab draws to physical assessments while in the patient’s home.

 





https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1s0E1pGI7CeRjMyD6-dVGfFMNUq24yRBGWmMBsMGibLA/edit?usp=sharing



Some New Information On Major Factors For telemedicine consultation

 

Don't Let Health Insurance Intimidate You, Be Confident With These Tips.




Nobody can predict when they will get sick or injured. This is why having a good health insurance plan is extremely important. Don't risk causing a financial burden to you or your loved ones! Use the great tips below to help you find the right health insurance plan for you.

Choosing the right health insurance plan will be a time and money saver in the future. Whether it is an HMO, PPO, POS or any of a variety of coverage types, the cost associated with medical treatment needs to fit within your budget and needs. Look for plans that will encompass care from your family physician, which will make your coverage more practical.

To save money on your health insurance plan, do not be fooled by plans with offers that are too good to be true. For instance, some plans may not require any fees for particular everyday preventative care, but do not have the benefits that many other health insurance plans offer.

Even if you have a great health insurance plan, there will likely be some out-of-pocket costs that need to be covered. If your employer offers it, take advantage of a flexible spending account to set aside some money to pay for these costs without a tax penalty. The downside is that you must spend the money within a set period of time.

It is usually cheaper to obtain insurance through group policies, such as those provided by employers, than obtaining an individual policy. Make compromises by settling for higher deductibles or less coverage. Look around for the best rates and coverage.

Never enroll in a health insurance policy by paying with cash. You want to have a good solid record of what you paid and when you paid it. Paying with a check or a credit card is going to be the evidence that you need if anything should happen and you have to go to court to prove when you started your policy.

Stop smoking and wear your seat belt to save money on your health insurance. Many companies offer discounts or financial incentives to individuals who lead a healthy life. Even business policies often offer such incentives if you participate in a wellness program. Check with your insurance agent or Human Resource Department to see if you qualify.

Consider a low-cost plan if your job is not stable. Government health insurance policies will offer you the same coverage should you lose your job, but you have to cover the entire cost of the premium yourself. In tough times, make sure you can afford to pay your policy should you need to leave your workplace.

If at all possible, use home health care services for recovery time rather than a hospital and reduce medical cost considerably. There are a few different types of home health care that may be covered by your insurance and each may be under different circumstances so check with your provider, but all will save you money and offer you much greater comfort than a hospital.

Read several unbiased articles online about how to find the best health insurance at the greatest rates. You will be able to find a wealth of great information and this will help ensure that you are not paying more than you should be for the protection that you need for your health.

Whether you pay all or just a portion of your prescriptions, or you have a Health Spending Account to cover those purchases, you want to look for a deal when buying your pills. Check out pharmacies at either major discount retailers, or membership club stores, as their prices will often be very low.

Familiarize yourself with your state laws and regulations in regards to purchasing health insurance individually. There are certain states that may have individual protections if they have pre-existing health issues, but some may not. It is of utmost importance that you know and fully understand the rules where you live.

When shopping for health insurance, consider how important it is to you to keep your current doctors. Most plans are very specific about which doctors you can use, and the lowest cost options may not include your favorite physicians. It's important to prioritize keeping your current doctor, versus cost of the policy, when making your decision.

The cost of your health insurance is not just the premium paid every month, it is everything involved with your medical care. With a lot of health insurance policies, you will have to pay a certain amount each time you see a doctor. Determine your co-pay and figure out if it is worth it.

Current laws state that all children who are under 26 must continue to be permitted under your health insurance unless their employer offers them health benefits. Even adults who have a pre-existing condition that is chronic or potentially very expensive, like cancer, cannot be rejected when you add them to your plan.

When you get a follow-up phone call for your health insurance application, only give the information they are asking for. You never know when you might slip up and say something you regret later! Feel free to pause after every question to collect your thoughts so you can give a clear, concise answer. Remember - the call WILL be recorded!

It's likely that the company you apply for health insurance to has looked at your medical history, if available, before they call you to follow-up on your application. Therefore they will know you are lying as soon as you do it, invalidating your application immediately. Complete honesty will ensure that your application is approved and you receive coverage.

Before searching for new quotes for a health insurance plan, make sure you get up to date on your family's medical history. Pre-existing conditions, lifestyles, weights and ages all play a big role more info in where your quote is going to end up. Make sure you are ready to provide all relevant information.

Obtaining health insurance is a necessary part of living a healthy life. Planning for your future (and your family's) is vital so you can stay healthy and in good financial standing. Use the tips above to help you begin this very important planning today. Don't wait, get health insurance today!

 

Amazon Expands Into Telehealth and Home Care

 

Many more people turned to telehealth services than ever before—the CDC reports a huge increase in telehealth during the pandemic, thanks to a combination of factors, including limited in-person services, caution from those avoiding in-person services, and an expansion of telehealth services and offerings from health facilities. Even Medicare, which previously didn’t allow home telehealth visits, saw a boom in virtual visits. In other words, more people were more willing to use telehealth and more medical offices were willing to offer it.


Amazon Care officially launched in September 2019 and has virtual care available nationwide, with in-person services in select areas, including Seattle, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Arlington. The service will also be branching out to 20 more cities this year, including San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, and New York City.


Basically, the virtual arm of Amazon Care works just like any other telehealth service, allowing patients to speak with a doctor or practitioner virtually from their home through a mobile app for non-emergency health issues. The in-person portion, however, is actually throwing healthcare back to its original model: home care. Patients in the areas with in-person care will have a nurse sent to their home for more complicated healthcare issues allowing the nurse to do everything from lab draws to physical assessments while in the patient’s home.

 





https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1s0E1pGI7CeRjMyD6-dVGfFMNUq24yRBGWmMBsMGibLA/edit?usp=sharing


Reasonable telehealth urgent care Products - Practical Guidelines

 

Become A Health Insurance Guru By Following These Vital Insurance Tips




The costs of healthcare have been rising rapidly in recent years. If you don't have health insurance, and you suffer an illness or injury, you could find yourself deep in debt. Health insurance is vital to protecting both your health and your finances. Read this article for some important advice about your health insurance.

To make sure you have the best health insurance, don't let your policy lapse while you're looking for new coverage. If you lose your insurance for some reason, you may be eligible for COBRA. This is a government program designed to let you continue with your insurance until you can find a new policy.

To lower the deductible costs of your health insurance, choose a plan whose network includes your primary care doctor as well as your preferred specialists. This will save you from paying a fee to continue to visit your primary care doctor and from paying fees to see your preferred specialists.

Before purchasing health insurance, take your own needs into consideration. You do not want to be stuck paying for health insurance that does not help you with the care you need. For instance, if you plan on starting a family soon, get a health plan that covers pregnancy and delivery costs.

When shopping around for a great healthcare policy, always make sure that you're comparing policies online. You can receive multiple quotes from multiple providers, so take your time and compare them all to see where you can save money without losing out on great coverage options. A few minutes to compare, can save you some big money.

Consider high deductible health insurance policies. If you are young and healthly with no family history of serious health problems, a high deductible health insurance policy could be suitable for you. These policies make health insurance coverage much more affordable, but make should that you are aware of medical problems which aren't covered by the policy.

Use online calculators to calculate the final cost of health care insurance prior to signing up for the policy. It will factor in the co-pays and deductibles that you are going to be responsible. Just because you are going to save money in premiums does not mean that it is going to be cheaper for your family.

When getting dental insurance, do not get features that you do not think you are going to use. For instance, many dental plans are packed with additional discounts for prescription drug plans. If you feel like you do not need it, don't get it. It will just end up costing you more.

When shopping for health insurance, consider your need for maternity coverage. Maternity coverage is often expensive and leaving it off can save you thousands. Even if you are planning to add to your family, consider your desire to use a birth center or participate in a home birth. These options might not be covered by your policy, even with maternity coverage, so the extra premium paid may be wasted.

Let's spend a minute talking about the differences between an HMO and a PPO. HMOs are wellness-focused: they cover almost all preventive exams, their premiums are click here generally far lower, and your doctor will likely be chosen for you. PPOs, on the other hand, allow you to choose doctors from a PPO network; they do cost more; but on the other hand, they are more focused on treating and covering you when things go wrong, if that makes sense. So if you want to keep costs down and are very healthy, an HMO is your best bet. If you want to be sure your coverage is as high as possible no matter what the contingency, and are willing to pay more for it, a PPO is the right choice for you.

Make sure you know what kind of inpatient treatment your health insurance covers before you end up in the hospital. If your insurance doesn't cover a private room, then you should be prepared to either share or pay for the room yourself. They also may not cover other aspects of your care, such as an ICU room, so know before you go.

Before traveling overseas, check to see if your health insurance policy will cover you. Many policies do not cover you in other countries and therefore, most doctors will expect a cash payment when service is rendered. Purchasing a separate policy for travel can sometimes be a good idea. Discuss it with your insurance agent.

If you have any firm reason to believe that the health insurance you applied is not going to accept you, you should cancel your application before you are denied. Health insurance companies ask you if you have ever been denied insurance, and this raises a red flag. Avoid being denied by researching the conditions for being accepted.

Try to find a health insurer that provides you with an insurance card as opposed to filing claims. Having to pay for your care upfront can be a stress on your finances and submitting claims is archaic and difficult. It is far easier to use an insurance card which bills the insurer directly.

When it comes to preparing to change your health insurance policy, be sure to make a list of all the medications that you or your dependents are taking. Add the annual total. If they're covered by your current plan, add your co-pay separately and view the cost of what it'd be without your policy.

When you get a letter letting you know your health insurance is coming due for renewal, read the fine print. The letter will detail any changes that are being made and it's important you know if anything will no longer be covered. The worst time to find out is when your claim is denied!

When deciding on getting a health insurance plan, make sure that you do get one so that you don't go without one. Many people don't have health insurance because they can't afford it or think that it's too expensive. This is actually incorrect. It is generally more expensive not having health insurance than it is having it. Without insurance, you could easily pay tons annually in regards to medical bills, when policy rates are much cheaper.

Don't assume that the insurance offered by your employer is the cheapest option, especially if you require a policy that covers your entire family. While this is the easiest option, there are often significant savings available if you are willing to shop around and obtain quotes on individual plans for each family member.

Look out for health insurance polices that also offer eye and dental care converge. Some health plans now include this extra converge and these plans could save you a lot of money. Paying separately for dental procedures, lens, glasses, annual eye and dental checkups, etc. can really add up.

As was stated in the beginning of the article, knowing all there is to know about health insurance could make a difference in getting the proper health insurance for your needs. Apply the suggestion in the above article that fits you! Try not delay with any needed adjustments! Remember, insurance is for the unexpected, so prepare now for tomorrow!

 

People with disabilities left behind by telemedicine and other pandemic medical innovations

 

Divya Goel, a 35-year-old deaf-blind woman in Orlando, Florida, has had two telemedicine doctors' appointments during the pandemic. Each time, she was denied an interpreter.


Her doctors told her she would have to get insurance to pay for an interpreter, which is incorrect: Under federal law, it is the physician's responsibility to provide one.


Goel's mother stepped in to interpret instead. But her signing is limited, so Goel, who has only some vision, is not sure her mother fully conveyed what the doctors said. Goel worries about the medical ramifications — a wrong medicine or treatment — if something got lost in translation.


"It's really, really hard to get real information, and so I feel very stuck in my situation," she signed through an interpreter.


Pandemic-fueled shortages of home health aides strand patients without care


Pandemic-fueled shortages of home health aides strand patients without care


Telemedicine, teleworking, rapid tests, virtual school, and vaccine drive-throughs have become part of Americans' routines as they enter Year 3 of life amid Covid-19. But as innovators have raced to make living in a pandemic world safer, some people with disabilities have been left behind.


Those with a physical disability may find the at-home Covid tests that allow reentry into society hard to perform. Those with limited vision may not be able to read the small print on the instructions, while blind people cannot see the results. The American Council of the Blind is engaged in litigation against the two dominant medical testing companies, Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, over touch-screen check-in kiosks at their testing locations.


Sometimes the obstacles are basic logistics. "If you're blind or low-vision and you live alone, you don't have a car," said Sheila Young, president of the Florida Council of the Blind, pointing to the long lines of cars at drive-through testing and vaccination sites. "Who can afford an Uber or Lyft to sit in line for three hours?"


One in 4 adults in the US have some sort of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though barriers for the disabled have long existed, the pandemic brings life-or-death stakes to such long-running inequities.

 






https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QgeK7rJ6U0f66uVa86DUMnAFLjW3g40jFmTFcYD563w/edit?usp=sharing


Elementary telehealth Guidelines - Professional Ideas

 

Gaining The Best Knowledge About Health Insurance




Many people have worried about the changing environment in the United States, regarding health insurance. It is not as difficult to find good affordable health insurance as you may think. This article will provide several great tips to help you find the perfect insurance for yourself or your family, at a price that fits your budget.

Avoid being turned down for insurance or having to pay astronomical rates, by avoiding dangerous, risky activities like racing cars, rodeo riding, skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, kiteboarding, and so on! If you do have a dangerous hobby, don't keep it a secret. Be sure to tell your insurance agent about it right up front. That way, if you are injured while participating in your dangerous hobby, you will have insurance coverage. If you don't tell your insurance agent, you could lose your coverage altogether.

Medical insurance is a must have today. With premiums so high, it can seem like it is impossible to get a good rate. It is not hard if you stay as healthy as possible and reduce your risks to serious injury and disease. The fewer pre-existing conditions that you have and quitting dangerous habits can lower what you will pay in total costs towards your medical insurance.

To help you find good insurance deals you need to do your research. Make sure that you know the regulations and the laws for the state that you live in when you are looking at purchasing health insurance. Some states may have protection for those they have a preexisting conditions but other states may not have this option so be sure to do your homework.

It is important that you take price into consideration when looking for medical insurance. Although having health insurance is very important, you do not want to end up losing it because you cannot afford the premiums. If a potential insurance company's premiums seem too high, shop around for another one. You can even try to negotiate a lower price with your preferred company.

Understand copays and deductibles. Look at your plan carefully, and make sure you understand exactly what is covered, and what you are responsible for. The last thing you want is a health insurance plan that doesn't cover what you need. Take into account how much you will have to pay for each doctor's visit and what your initial deductible is before insurance kicks in.

In case you are interested in changing your health insurance policy, make sure to determine how many regular routine doctor visits you go to annually. Add their costs with the co-pay if they're covered and view the amount they'd be without insurance. Ask your doctor about their visit fees if you don't know how much they are without a policy.

Consider opening a savings account to use as an expense account that you can use to make payments on your co-pays and deductibles that apply to your health insurance. It can be used to pay for things that are not covered under many policies like prescriptions, eye glasses and contact lenses.

The high cost of health insurance has caused many people to reconsider having coverage. But responsible families realize they don't know when sickness/illness is going to occur, so to protect themselves in the event this happens, they choose to purchase health insurance.

Being aware of laws applicable to health insurers, is vital to protecting yourself and your coverage. Most of the time, an insurance company cannot cancel coverage or deny payment because of a clerical error on your part, including during the application process. Unfortunately, paperwork and red-tape are part of the health insurance process, but read more knowing your rights up front, enables you to plow through it with greater confidence.

Having health insurance is important. Health care costs can be expensive, especially if you need an emergency surgery or are in an accident. Routine visits can also add up quickly. Health insurance gives you piece of mind, knowing that if something happens, your insurance will help cover the out-of-pocket expense.

Ask your doctor to double the prescription he writes for you. Since the higher dose is usually not double the price of the smaller dose, you save money. The money you will save on your prescriptions will help you pay for your pill splitter.

Low priced health insurance plans usually cover a portion of major health problems and do not cover preventative treatment. Expensive plans cover almost every health need you may have. To decide on the best plan, figure out what your family's current needs are and how much you can afford.

To avoid a plan that you don't want, see what your state says is required. Each one will have a list of things that health insurance must cover. Specific treatments have to be covered and specific things must be provided. Check this before purchasing a plan. Make sure these things are provided with your policy. You have to make sure that you and them are following the laws and that everything that is required is obtained.

When moving to a new state you need to find out if there are any laws where you now reside that might affect your health insurance coverage. For example, the age of your dependents may cause them to lose coverage on your insurance. Also, whether or not your child is enrolled in school could affect their coverage as well.

A vital health insurance tip is to never abandon your claim just because it has been initially denied. Filing an appeal is always an option, and it is important to note that the denial could simply have been the result of a data error in the insurer's computer system. By appealing unexpected denials, you have the power to receive every bit of coverage your policy is meant to provide.

You need to make sure you know exactly what is included in the health insurance policy. Make sure you know what is and isn't covered. Going to a physician who is not in your network can cost you quite a bit more than it would to stay in the network.

Ask your local physician about your medical records before applying for health insurance. Many private health insurance providers will review your 10 year medical history before allowing you to purchase a policy, so make sure that your medical records are up-to-date and discuss any health issues that insurance companies might red flag with your physician.

Look out for health insurance polices that also offer eye and dental care converge. Some health plans now include this extra converge and these plans could save you a lot of money. Paying separately for dental procedures, lens, glasses, annual eye and dental checkups, etc. can really add up.

Shopping in the health insurance market is difficult, but there may be some things that you don't yet know that could help you get the best policy offered for you. You have individual needs, so make sure they are met by using these tips to start shopping for your new health insurance policy.

 

People with disabilities left behind by telemedicine and other pandemic medical innovations

 

Divya Goel, a 35-year-old deaf-blind woman in Orlando, Florida, has had two telemedicine doctors' appointments during the pandemic. Each time, she was denied an interpreter.


Her doctors told her she would have to get insurance to pay for an interpreter, which is incorrect: Under federal law, it is the physician's responsibility to provide one.


Goel's mother stepped in to interpret instead. But her signing is limited, so Goel, who has only some vision, is not sure her mother fully conveyed what the doctors said. Goel worries about the medical ramifications — a wrong medicine or treatment — if something got lost in translation.


"It's really, really hard to get real information, and so I feel very stuck in my situation," she signed through an interpreter.


Pandemic-fueled shortages of home health aides strand patients without care


Pandemic-fueled shortages of home health aides strand patients without care


Telemedicine, teleworking, rapid tests, virtual school, and vaccine drive-throughs have become part of Americans' routines as they enter Year 3 of life amid Covid-19. But as innovators have raced to make living in a pandemic world safer, some people with disabilities have been left behind.


Those with a physical disability may find the at-home Covid tests that allow reentry into society hard to perform. Those with limited vision may not be able to read the small print on the instructions, while blind people cannot see the results. The American Council of the Blind is engaged in litigation against the two dominant medical testing companies, Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, over touch-screen check-in kiosks at their testing locations.


Sometimes the obstacles are basic logistics. "If you're blind or low-vision and you live alone, you don't have a car," said Sheila Young, president of the Florida Council of the Blind, pointing to the long lines of cars at drive-through testing and vaccination sites. "Who can afford an Uber or Lyft to sit in line for three hours?"


One in 4 adults in the US have some sort of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though barriers for the disabled have long existed, the pandemic brings life-or-death stakes to such long-running inequities.

 






https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QgeK7rJ6U0f66uVa86DUMnAFLjW3g40jFmTFcYD563w/edit?usp=sharing


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15