Buying Bread or Paying for Your Medication? Public Drug Plans Must Cover Cost of Latest Depression Medications
OTTAWA, May 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Ron Campbell and Brianne Moore — on behalf of millions of other Canadians living with mental illness and depression — have a message for Minister of Health Jane Philpott following her address yesterday at The Economic Club of Canada. Their message is this: an effectively reformed system to review patented medications must include the many people who are currently shut out from getting the latest — and most effective — medications for their depression.
Ron and Brianne are referring to Canada's publicly funded drug plan system, which currently does not cover many of the latest innovative depression medications that Canadians need to treat their illness. Those medications are only available through private health plans.
Right now, Canada's most vulnerable, including veterans, seniors, single parents, Indigenous peoples, the unemployed and homeless people, are shut out. That's because publicly funded drug plans don't cover the cost of the latest innovative medicines designed to treat depression.
All these Canadians, say Ron and Brianne, are part of an untold story.
"It's a travesty," says Ron, a retired RCMP officer with both PTSD and major depressive disorder. He's one of the lucky ones because he has private drug plan coverage. After years of tweaking and crashing, more tweaking and crashing, his specialist found the right combination of medications that make it possible for him to cope — and live.
"I'm finally in the best place I've been in 13 years," says the man who twice came within a hair's breadth of ending his life, once with pistol in hand. "I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have private drug plan coverage."
Ron is concerned about all those others he sees who struggle to get through their day without the benefit of the medication that will work for them — or people like Brianne who sometimes forfeits the medication she needs when she can't afford it.
Brianne is only 19, but she has struggled with mental illness for virtually her entire life and has had to pay for her own medications for the last three years. Life's hard, but things would certainly be easier if her medication was covered under the public drug plan.
"You shouldn't have to choose between buying food or the medication you need to stay mentally healthy," she says. "Unfortunately, sometimes those are the only choices I have."
Ron and Brianne are members of the newly formed Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medications (CEADM). CEADM is calling on Minister Philpott to fix the system, ensuring that all Canadians living with mental illness, regardless of their income, have access to the latest medications for depression.
"Minister Philpott is correct to tackle the high price of patented medications, and we are pleased that she has also touched on the important issue of access, but her plan for reform does not go far enough," says Phil Upshall, a member of CEADM's National Leadership Team and National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. "Yes, developing a common national formulary that reflects the 21st century's 'patient-centered care' philosophy is an important step in the right direction to improve affordability and accessibility. But Canada's inequitable public drug plan system, which leaves many people out in the cold, the hardest hit being the most vulnerable in society and those with no private benefit plan, must be fixed."
"We cannot afford to let an employment lottery dictate who can and who cannot access the medications that restore wellness, quality of life and full functionality that permits Canadians living with a mental illness to become productive members of Canadian society," he adds.
SOURCE Canadians for Equitable Access to Depression Medication
Havas just published an article about the newest Prosumer Report, Money, Money, Mon€y: Attitudes Toward Credit, Consumption and Cryptocurrency, which explores our current relationship with money, debt and alternative methods of payment (including the popular Bitcoin)
"The new Prosumer Report seeks to understand how citizens are adapting to the uncertain political world we now live in," commented Judikaela Auffrédou, Director, Strategy at Havas Montréal. "If the political landscape seems weakened, the economic landscape is equally so. We are still feeling the effects of the big 2008 recession and the result is widespread pessimism. Also, we are definitely feeling a certain cynicism toward capitalism and free trade."
The results of this most recent study, which surveys consumer attitudes towards the world economy, the true value of money, personal finance and the future of banking, are compelling. The majority of respondents (6 out of 10) believe that the world has reached (and passed) peak economic growth and that we all need to get used to living with less in the future. Another major finding undermines the capitalist model: a lost belief in the merit of hard work, with respondents no longer seeing this as a cornerstone of success. Prosumers also believe that in the 21st century, banks will have to reinvent their models in order to stay competitive with emerging currencies.
Canadians are the most optimistic about their country's economic future, with only 21% of Prosumers believing that Canada could go bankrupt. Canadians are positive about their country's prospects and those of their children, as well. Nearly 97% of Canadians believe that children should learn more about our finances. Quebec is already riding this wave, with financial education classes set to become obligatory in Fall 2017.
About Havas
Present in Montreal since 1986, global communications group Havas acquired TP1 in 2016. This agency's 10 years of experience in the digital realm has enhanced Havas expertise in Canada. Havas' worldwide network, combined with strong roots in Montreal, has greatly benefited a variety of local, national and international clients, including Couche-Tard, Brandsource, Fromageries Bel, Jean Coutu, L'Oréal, LasikMD, New Balance, Société de transport de Montréal (STM), TVA and Bromont, montagne d'expériences.
If you fall off track, hop back on
If you were given $24 and managed to lose $1 would you then throw away the $23 you had left? Of Course not! So why treat your days like that?
Often times, were on a program to help us accomplish goals. It may be a weight loss program, a muscle building program, a program for a competition or a eating program to help restore our health. Whatever the case, sometimes we mess up. But when we mess up, should we give up? Absolutely not! Everyday were given 24 hours but it's up to us to use them effectively.
If you find yourself cheating or deviating from your meal plan because you just can't beat your craving, you shouldn't beat yourself up. Instead, you should take note of what events led up to your deviating from your plan, how you felt after, what you can do next time to avoid messing up and finally MOVE ON. The same way you wouldn't throw away $23 if you managed to lose $1, you should never throw away an entire day to unhealthy eating or quitting your plan because of one disruption. As we've all heard before, things happen.
So next time you find yourself eating that cookie, or eating a slice of cake, remember that were all imperfect, things happen and you must move on and forward. Get back on course finishing the day healthy, strong and on track and continue to work towards reaching your goal.
Riding the Waves of the Silver Tsunami
On average, 10,000 Americans turn 65 every single day.[1] This means more people retiring, collecting Social Security retirement benefits and withdrawing funds from their investments accounts, like IRAs and 401ks. This mass shift in the workforce comes with both benefits and drawbacks for the economy.
First, the bad news.
With more than $58 million per month being paid out in Social Security retirement benefits,[2] people from government to employers are trying to figure out how to strengthen Social Security. Higher taxes[3] is one way to bolster Social Security’s funding as boomers draw down what’s available now.
Another potential economic pitfall is the uptick in Medicare usage, which means health insurance could get very costly.
Finally, for those boomers who didn’t save enough money while working, more elderly people will depend on their families and government programs for support. For women, this could be a bigger concern as they outlive men.
So women must consider this when planning for retirement. Unfortunately, a recent study suggests single women today are not saving what they should. A 2016 study by the Employee Benefits Research Institute and Greenwald and Associates reports that 40 percent of single women have saved less than $1,000.[4]
But, there is a silver lining to this retirement boom cloud.
There will be a huge chest of trillions that will change hands, some have dubbed it the “silver tsunami.” As retiring business owners turn over privately held companies – a new generation will be at the reigns. For many employees, this means a chance to buy the business and even strengthen local communities and stimulate those economies.
Another benefit of having such a substantial swath of the population in retirement is more time for people to spend money. This could be a great stimulator for the economy and, in turn, the stock market.
From Uncle Sam’s point of view, more people dipping into their 401ks means more tax dollars in the federal coffers.
The bottom line is that however this boom in retirement affects the economy, the same principle remains: it’s our responsibility to save for our retirement. Social Security is just one piece of the income puzzle after you retire. Savings and smart investments are essential in creating a secure and comfortable lifestyle for yourself.
To get Money Confident, pre-order your copy of my latest book http://crystaloculee.com/money-confidence-subscribe
Financial tips from Snowe Saxman Money Oracle
Snowe’s Bio
Snowe Saxman is a Success, Wealth & Women’s Expert + two-time Amazon Best Selling Author, also known as the Money Oracle. She was a millionaire at age 25, living on food stamps + bankrupt by age 35 and now she is earning multiple six figures on her way to Millions again. She is married to love of her life, Paul. They have 7 children and 2 grandchildren. Yes, Snowe is a Glamma. Someone way too young and gorgeous to be called Grandma. She has been able to channel a painful past into a purposeful future and rebuild her global empire by teaching women God-Inspired success, financial & business strategies. Snowe had been featured on The Huffington Post, US News & World Report, Chase.com, Fast Company and hundreds of radio stations across the country.
http://snowesaxman.com
https://www.facebook.com/snowemsaxman
https://twitter.com/SnoweSaxman
How to decide what kind of at home business a busy mom should start?
There are three questions you want to ask yourself when you begin to think about starting your own business.
1) How much time do I have to invest in a business per week?
Today we have so many options to help us work from around our families because of the internet. It truly gives you the freedom to design your life and reach billions of people all around the world, which I did not have when starting my first business almost 20 years ago. However, you still need to sit down with a weekly plan sheet and figure out exactly how much time you can devote to a business each week especially as a busy mom. A more traditional business like becoming a beauty blogger, coach or a service based consultant is going to require more of a time investment than the many wonderful direct sales and network marketing opportunities. They allow you to ability to step into a business model
Without having to develop the entire business plan.
2) What financial resources do I have available?
just like the time consideration, you must figure out how much money you have to invest and how long you can work a business without profiting. More traditional businesses require a bigger financial investment. You can “boot strap”, but that means you are not taking a profit, so you have to figure out how long you can do that. Direct sales and network marketing opportunities do not require the same amount of financial investment, but you will need to invest something, so you need to know up front how much do I have. More traditional businesses can take as long as 3 to 5 years to be totally profitable. Direct sales and network marketing can be 3 to 5 months, so understanding this when starting out is so important.
- What gifts, talents of experience can I monetize?
I truly believe that everyone has something they can monetize and turn into a business. Begin by taking an inventory of the things you are really good at, so that you can begin to find what you can turn into a business. Ask yourself, what can I do with my eyes closed? What do people always ask for me help with? And what would I do for free?
These are really great questions to figuring out what to monetize. And this is another reason why I am hosting an exclusive online this Sat, called Financially Free. Learn more here and grab your free divine financial gift bundle snowesaxman.com/FinanciallyFree
How to create more money and work around children at the same time
A weekly plan sheet is a great building block to use for your success! Take time at the beginning of each week and actually hand-write you schedule and goals for the week. The time that you spend actually writing everything down solidifies those times in your mind because it turns on a system in our brains which signals it's importance, meaning that you’re more likely to follow through with your plan.
Your weekly plan should be mapped out in blocks of time, so that you can work without interruptions and so that you do not multitask. Multitasking reduces our brains potential. For a busy mom this can mean nap time, while the kids are at school, or once everyone has been put to bed.
So instead of trying to work while taking care of a baby, wait until your little ones are asleep.
Spend your morning blocks that you have available for your creative thinking; use that time to focus on marketing and other income producing activities. Then use your afternoon and evenings for responding to e-mails, scheduling and other things that require higher brain activity. First thing in the morning has been scientifically proven to be the best time to create.
The number one thing in order to allow yourself to be able to work while having young children is communication. Divide your time so that they understand that there’s “mommy’s work time” and “their time” and help them understand the differences. The greatest way to make this a success is ensuring that during “their time” they have your undivided attention. This allows for quality moments and intentional conversations that can be the foundation for your family’s growth as well.
More tips to becoming a smarter business woman can be found during my exclusive online event “Financially Free” this Sat. Learn more here SnoweSaxman.com/financiallyfree and to get your free divine financial gift bundle.
Creative ways to make more Money in 2017 & The best ways moms can increase their income
Health/Beauty, Finance, and Relationships are the top things that people are always willing to pay to get wisdom and advice about. Can you offer relationship advice? How about a financial service or a fitness guide? If so, then you maybe on your way to financial success this new year. Or you could choose a direct sales or network marketing business that specializes in one of these areas.
What gifts, talents of experience can you monetize?
I truly believe that everyone has something they can monetize and turn into a business. Begin by taking an inventory of the things you are really good at, so that you can begin to find what you can turn into a business. Ask yourself, what can I do with my eyes closed? What do people always ask for me help with? And what would I do for free?
These are really great questions to figuring out what to monetize. And this is another reason why I am hosting an exclusive online this Sat, called Financially Free. Learn more here and grab your free divine financial gift bundle snowesaxman.com/financiallyfree
Money Makeover Tips & The Importance of Having a Date with Your Finances Weekly
Put on your favorite dress, lip gloss and pour a glass of champagne! Engaging with your finances should be something that is enjoyable and inspiring. Set aside time each week to be alone with your finances, so that you can review everything coming in and going out. This is important for anyone, but imperative as a business owner. I know lots of women, even myself, don't always enjoy looking at numbers. This is why I teach women to have money dates and make it fun!!
In order to have a successful business and be financially stable, you have to be aware of where you are financially. Start with knowing exactly what bills you need to pay, even down to the simple things such as toiletries and clothing. Literally, science has proven that people who write their goals down and review them, not only achieve them, but they earn 10 to 100 times more than people who do not. We cannot avoid our money! We must take control of our finances, so that we can live financially FREE!
Make saving for an emergency fund a priority, having at least $400 aside for unexpected things that life throws at us.
If you’re ever going to overcome your debt you have to know where you are today and set goals for the future. What we focus on is what grows, so spend time understanding your financial situation and determine the best method for you to feed your piggy bank.
More tips to being a savvy financial woman can be found during “Financially Free” an exclusive online event with Snowe Saxman SnoweSaxman.com/financiallyfree
The Importance of Money Mindset & How Our Past Experiences Shape Our Spending AND our children's.
How we relate to money today is completely shaped by our past experiences and most likely a result of what we were taught between the ages of 2 and 5.
Between the ages of two and 5 our conscious brains begin to form and our core beliefs are developed by what we are taught directly and indirectly. Then our life experiences either solidify these truths or totally change them.
What you believe about something will determine how you act and therefore the results you see in your life. This all happens on a subconscious level, so you are not even aware you have a belief that limits you and holds you back. I completely understand because I have been there myself. This is exactly how I went from millionaire to bankrupt and living on food stamps. We must begin to think about what we are thinking about, so that we can create the life that God intends.
If you grew up being told that the rich get richer or that there was never enough money, you will take that belief on in your core and it will guide you without you realizing. What we think about, we truly bring about. And what we model to our children will do the same thing in their lives.
More tips to being a savvy financial mom can be found during “Financially Free” an exclusive online event with Snowe Saxman www.SnoweSaxman.com/financiallyfree
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