When it comes to solving the problems and challenges of a country or organization, few things are more frustrating than policies or programs designed by ideology. This is an ever present problem in politics, and is often the reason bills and laws are several hundred pages long. You need that much room to put in rules that address whatever political or social world view of the politicians crafting the bill. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is no different, and in installment four of Toonaripost’s Series on the law, we will touch on two provisions written into the law that illustrate this phenomenon.

Equal Premiums for Women

In web advertisements and mailers, the Democratic Party refers to this provision as, “being a woman is no longer a pre-existing condition.” The reason for this is that under ACA a woman can no longer be charged a higher premium for health insurance than a man of equivalent age. Two people, male and female, in the same city and town, of the same age, will now have the same or equal monthly premiums.

Implications

There are two implications to this provision. The first, as discussed in Parts One, Two, and Three of our series, is that it is just one in a long list of items that create higher premiums. Why would this be? The reason is simple. Insurance companies do not charge higher premiums to women because they dislike women, they charge higher premiums because women have higher overall health care costs.

Insurance of any type is a service meant to provide money or expenses paid for various types of risk. Companies determine through statistics and probability computations what the company’s risk is for paying out a claim are in a given market; auto insurance, life, or in this case, health care expenses. Premiums are not determined in isolation; there is a reason for them.

According to a study by the Health Services Research center, the per capita lifetime expenditure for a female is $361,200, a third higher than males, at $268,700. Two-fifths of this difference owes to women’s longer life expectancy. Another reason is that women give birth.

If you contrast this with auto insurance, then the roles are reversed. Men pay higher premiums, because men have more accidents, get more speeding tickets, and are more aggressive drivers than women. As a result, women pay lower premiums. That is not unfair or discrimination. That is a function of risk and real costs.

Whether a person agrees with the ACA law is not the issue. This series is about the provisions of the law, and its implications apart from political sides. Nonetheless, this is a provision that has a political viewpoint driving the policy. On the political left is a view that everyone should be treated equal in all things and in all areas.

Those on the right would not disagree, but it can be construed that sometimes the policies from the left, substitute the word equal, with the phrase “the same.” Everyone is equal, but not everyone is the same. And sometimes those differences are significant in financial terms. If politicians continue to make laws based on ideology and not reality, there will be more bills and laws that are long, complicated, expensive, and do not fix the problem they were designed for in the first place.

The 80/20 Law

Even though the most publicized area of contention about ACA was the individual mandate, it is not the only mandate in the ACA law. As we discussed in Part Three, there are mandatory coverage items that must be in each insurance plan. There is also a provision called the Medical Loss Ratio. The health care law generally requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of consumers’ premium dollars on medical care and quality improvement. Insurers can spend the remaining 20 percent on administrative costs, such as salaries, sales, and advertising. Noticeably absent from that list is any mention of a profit ratio.

Implications

The 80/20 law is perhaps the most partisan provision within the ACA law. It has nothing to do with costs, and nothing directly related to health care. What it does is reflect a worldview as it relates to health care.

The view for most Left leaning politicians and individuals is that health care and health care insurance is not something you should be making a profit from. It is seen as profiteering off the misery of sick people. Whether that is right or wrong is immaterial to this series, but that is the view. That opinion is now law, because there is effectively a backdoor price fixing mechanism within ACA.

Insurance companies now have a ceiling to which they can achieve a positive return on their operations. Over the long haul this will turn health insurance into another form of public utility. If you do not agree with profit motive being a part of health care, then this may not bother you. If you want lower prices, then you should be alarmed.

Many may think that this is not a big deal, because it will mean the insurance company may make 250 million instead of 500 million, but that is not how it works. What happens is that smaller companies cannot get to the 250 million. It means that the profit margin, about 2.5% per person now, could be cut in half, making it less attractive for new players to enter the market, or smaller ones to remain in it. Take, for instance, Humana healthcare. They started out as nothing but a single nursing home.

A company in similar circumstances today may look at the margins, the regulations, etc., and just not enter the market. Smaller and regional insurers will find it more difficult to complete and will go out of business or be gobbled up by bigger players. In the end, there will only be a few insurers in the market, making for even less competition than is already available on a state by state basis now. That means higher premiums, and often lower quality. That is the effect of price fixing, regardless of the marketplace you are talking about.

In 10 or 20 years the ultimate implication and consequence of this one, single provision could turn the Conservative boogieman of single payer into a reality.

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Have you dyed or relaxed your hair? Do you put on lipstick before you head out to work? Do you paint your nails? Many women have a beauty routine or beauty products that they regularly use. Have you ever worried that yours might increase your risk for cancer? Before you panic and cancel your appointment at the salon, read on—it’s time to break down some beauty-related cancer fact and fiction.

Hair Dye: It is estimated that more than one-third of women over age 18 and about 10 percent of men over age 40 use some type of hair dye.  Hair dyes are full of chemicals—5,000, to be precise—and that hasn’t escaped the notice of cancer researchers. Decades ago, researchers began studying chemicals used in hair dye.

They found that early dye formulations contained chemicals that could cause cancer in animals. Not surprisingly, manufacturers changed the formulas and eliminated some of these chemicals in the United States around 1980. Because so many people use hair dyes, researchers continue to monitor whether chemicals in hair coloring products can increase risk for cancer in humans.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the evidence for increased risks for cancer from modern hair dyes use is limited and inconsistent. Some studies have indicated that people who used hair dyes had an increased risk for bladder and breast cancer, as well as cancers of the blood and bone marrow (such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia), while other studies have not.

Based on its review of the evidence, the Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that personal use of hair dyes is “not classifiable” as cancer-causing to humans. So it is still unclear if personal use of hair dyes can increase your risk for cancer.

If you would like to learn more about hair dye and health risks, the Outreach and Information Center of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has information about hair dyes and how they are regulated.

Hair Straightening: If you or your stylist uses hair smoothing or straightening products keep in mind that some of these products contain formaldehyde. Although formaldehyde is naturally occurring and is also used widely in many consumer products, this chemical is a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and can also cause skin irritation and sensitization. 

People can be exposed to formaldehyde in the workplace and in their home environment, but the highest levels are found in work settings where formaldehyde is produced or used. In a salon, formaldehyde levels are elevated when formaldehyde-containing products are being applied, but they quickly return to a lower level.

Remember that although your cancer risk from these hair products may be low, both hair dyes and straightening products contain chemicals that can hurt your skin, hair, and eyes especially if you are not careful or do not use them as intended.

Nail Products: When you head in for a manicure and you see the manicurist wearing a dust mask, you may have wondered about your own safety too. Nail salon workers wear dust masks to minimize breathing in dust particles when filing or shaping artificial nail enhancements.  Dust masks are intended to prevent inhalation of dust, but they do not protect against inhalation of chemicals.

Professional nail care products are typically formulated to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals that may cause adverse health effects.  However, overexposure may occur and could result in skin irritation, allergic reaction, or serious eye injury. If you work at a nail salon, own a salon, or just want to learn more, check out the publication Protecting the Health of Nail Salon Workers by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The publication helps workers understand product ingredients and how to prevent overexposure to those that present potential health risks. As with any cosmetic product that may be hazardous if misused, you should read labels of nail products carefully and heed any warnings. But as far as cancer is concerned, there is no known risk associated with using nail products.

Lipstick: Some of the natural colors used in lipstick contain trace amounts of lead.  The National Toxicology Program (NTP) of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health says that lead and lead products are “reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.”

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assessed the potential for harm to consumers from use of lipstick containing lead and determined that there is no safety concern because lipstick is intended for topical use and is only ingested incidentally and in small quantities. Always use your lipstick only as directed and keep the products away from children.

With all the news coverage out there claiming this product or that product may cause cancer, it sometimes may be hard to figure out what’s safe, what’s hazardous, and what’s plain, old sensationalized.

One way to minimize the damage and fear caused by misinformation is to identify respected sources—such as the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) or Food and Drug Administration—and use them as primary resources for your health information.   Knowing the facts is one way to keep your beauty routine good-looking inside and out.

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According to the American Heart Association, ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. That’s why The Quaker Oats Company, is encouraging women to take just five minutes a day to do something good for their hearts during American Heart Month through the “Nourish What Counts” campaign.

To support heart disease awareness and elevate the importance of preventative lifestyle changes for women, “Nourish What Counts” provides simple, proactive steps to help women eat healthy, become more active, take the quick American Heart Association “My Life Check” risk assessment and join the Go Red For Women movement.

Recent figures from the American Heart Association estimate that eight million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six American women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat, representing a significant disconnect between women’s beliefs about their heart health status – and reality.

“With the growing incidence of heart disease, it’s important now more than ever to help women make simple lifestyle changes,” said Andrew Sutherland, Senior Director of Marketing, Quaker Foods & Snacks North America. “For more than a century, Quaker has been committed to nourishing America’s families with heart-healthy whole grain oats, and we’re proud to help raise awareness with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement.”

Throughout February, American Heart Month, QuakerOats.com will feature multiple ways people can start making changes in just five minutes. Nutrition tips, heart healthy recipes and exclusive fitness routines from Quaker Coach Bob Harper are also available. A sneak peek of tips includes:

• Eat heart healthy meals: You don’t have to go on an extreme diet to be more heart-healthy. Replace some of the refined grains you eat with whole grains. Start making the change at breakfast by eating 100% whole grain Quaker Oatmeal.Three grams of soluble fiber daily from oatmeal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Old Fashioned Quaker Oatmeal provides 2 grams per serving.

  Each serving of super grain Quaker Oatmeal helps provide energy plus fiber to fill you up and at least one serving of whole grains – a great first step towards meeting the recommended minimum of three daily servings of whole grains for overall good health.

• Increase your workout time: Take five minutes to post your favorite workout to Facebook or Twitter, and ask your social network to share their top picks in return. You’d be surprised what great workouts you can learn from your friends!

Experts cite lifestyle habits, like poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking as significant contributors to poor heart health among Americans. “While genetics play a role in everyone’s individual heart health, there are many simple things you can do to change your routine to benefit your heart,” said William H. Roach Jr., Chairman of the Board of the American Heart Association.

“Over time, these changes could have a powerful effect on your life and your family. Partners like Quaker are so important because they help to extend our efforts to raise awareness and educate Americans about the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/GoRed

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Everything But Water, the largest women’s specialty swim and resort wear store in the United States is donating five percent of all sales from Black Friday (Nov. 25) through Cyber Monday (Nov. 28) to LUNGevity Foundation, the nation’s largest lung cancer nonprofit. The five percent donation will apply on all sales, including gift cards, throughout the retailer’s 58 stores and online.

This will be the third year Sheila Arnold, CEO and President of Everything But Water, has promoted store initiatives to benefit LUNGevity Foundation. She took on the battle against lung cancer because she believes it is important to address issues that affect women and women’s health.

Lung cancer kills more women than any other cancer – almost twice as many women die of lung cancer than breast cancer. Arnold also has a special connection to the issue because her mother died of lung cancer and her brother, Jerry Sorkin, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in 2007. Sorkin serves as vice-chair of LUNGevity Foundation’s Board of Directors, and is a never-smoker.

“LUNGevity is grateful to Everything But Water for supporting us with a national sponsorship as we battle against the country’s number one cancer killer,” said LUNGevity Foundation President Andrea Stern Ferris. “The disease impacts thousands of families just like Jerry and Sheila’s across the nation. I encourage you to support the store in its very personal crusade to help stop this horrible disease.”

Everything But Water chose the timing of its contribution – the kickoff to holiday shopping and one of the year’s busiest shopping periods – to highlight its commitment to the cause, to help bring attention to the disease, and to capture the spirit of generosity that marks the holiday season.

Throughout the weekend, Everything But Water’s expert sales associates will help shoppers find perfect getaway looks and gorgeous gifts. Customers can also shop, and learn more about the partnership, at www.everythingbutwater.com.

“We are passionate about raising awareness for such an important issue,” said Arnold. “Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer and affects too many families, including my own. Far too many men and women are stricken with this disease. I learned about LUNGevity Foundation’s powerful work after my brother was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2007.

We are committed to the cause and see Black Friday weekend as an ideal opportunity for our customers to show their support while they shop.” Lung cancer takes a terrible toll on our nation. More than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer and more than 150,000 die from the disease each year.

Over the course of their lives, one in 14 Americans is affected by lung cancer. Lung cancer can afflict anyone regardless of age, gender, smoking history or skin color. And because there is no widely available, effective early diagnostic test for the disease, less than 16 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer survive more than five years.

About LUNGevity Foundation

The mission of LUNGevity Foundation is to have a meaningful and immediate impact on improving lung cancer survival rates, ensure a higher quality of life for lung cancer patients, and provide a community for those impacted by lung cancer.

In order to accomplish its mission, LUNGevity funds the most promising research into the early detection and successful treatment of lung cancer. LUNGevity also supports the largest national grassroots lung cancer network in the U.S., as well as the largest online support community for those affected by lung cancer.

The organization was recently awarded the coveted four-star charity ranking by Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator based on LUNGevity’s sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

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