Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Author: Michael Swayze

  • Factory Farming And Public Health

    Federal health officials yesterday released an alarming report about the threat posed by the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ findings, “Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections.” The alert is contained in the report, Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2013.

    A few other aspects of the problem were cited in the report and in related news articles. For example:

    • 70% of the antibiotics sold by pharmaceutical companies in the United States go into livestock production (animal feed for hogs, poultry, cattle, etc.)
    • The amount of antibiotics fed to healthy animals is eight times greater than the amount given to sick people, based on a 2001 2001 Scientific American article, “Most U.S. Antibiotics Fed to Healthy Livestock”
    • Agribusiness is reluctant to allow scientific studies of their factory farming practices as it relates to the antibiotic-resistance health threat

    In lieu of being exposed to antibiotic laced meat or poultry consider purchasing organically raised meat or produce which do not contain unnecessary drugs.

    The full CDC report is available online at http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf.

  • Fugitive Safe Surrender Program: September 16 Community Info Meeting, Jersey City

    From the Desk of Freeholder Bill O’Dea –
    Community Meeting: Monday, September 16th
    Time: 6:30 p.m.
    Location: The Hank Gallo Center in Lincoln Park next to the West Side Playground

    Subject: Fugitive Safe Surrender Program

    In late Fall there will be a 4 day program run out of the Jersey City Armory. Come learn more about the program. Representatives of the Attorney General’s Office, JCPD and HC Prosecutor will be in attendance to make a presentation and answer questions.

    You can also learn more by calling 855-377-6512 or on line at fssnj@lps.state.nj.us.

  • New Jersey Medicaid Expansion Information Released

    Federal and state officials are beginning to provide information so the uninsured can begin to apply for health coverage beginning October 1. Information is available at the Health Insurance Marketplace.

    The following is a reprint of information recently posted to a New Jersey Family Care
    web page.

    Medicaid Eligibility Changes Effective October 1, 2013

    The Affordable Care Act changes the Medicaid eligibility rules by streamlining the populations we cover under NJ FamilyCare. NJ FamilyCare will now cover: children, pregnant women, parents/caretaker relatives, and single adults/childless couples. There are no changes in eligibility for anyone applying for the Aged, Blind or Disabled program or those in Long Term Care.

    • Children 18 and under will continue to be eligible with higher incomes up to 350% FPL ($82,425 for a family of four). Parents still need to renew the coverage each year.
    • Parents/Caretaker Relatives with income up to 133% FPL ($31,322 for a family of four) must have tax dependent children in their household in order to be eligible under this category. This is a new Medicaid Expansion eligibility group. Dependent children in the household must be insured also.
    • Adults without dependent children among ages 19-64 with incomes up to 133% FPL ($15,282 single/ $20,629 couple) are considered to be another new Medicaid Eligibility Expansion Group.
    • Pregnant Women up to 200% FPL ($31,020 family of two). There are no changes.

    ACA Standardizes Income and Household Size Calculations

    Beginning October 1, 2013, financial eligibility for individuals seeking eligibility for NJ FamilyCare will based on their Modified Adjusted Gross Income or MAGI. This means the income and household size will be determined by their latest federal tax return which when filed, can be electronically verified. This new Tax Based Household size provides a simplified income calculation. Prior to ACA, the income was counted for parents/guardians and children up to age 21 that were living in the household and in some cases counted earned and unearned income separately.