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After weeks of receiving your answers to our questions, we finally closed our 2008 eLetter Survey. We asked questions like, “How often do you read our newsletter?” and “How often would you like to receive our newsletter?” (The majority of you asked us to keep sending it weekly and on Fridays.) |
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Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an uncommon connective tissue disease characterized by a pathological thickening and tethering of the skin and involvement of internal organs (gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs, and kidneys). SSc seems to result from a multifactorial process (alterations of the immune system, genetic and environmental factors) but its pathogenesis remains unclear. |
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 In December, Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives (“House Concurrent Resolution 268”) calling for a commemorative postage stamp highlighting scleroderma. The resolution seeks the support of Congress for a postal stamp to be issued to “promote public awareness of, and additional research relating to, scleroderma.”
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“Congressional Quarterly Today” reports that, due to strong opposition by congressional Democrats, the Social Security Administration’s commissioner has decided not to go forth with plans to change the application process for disability benefits.
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OVERVIEW OF MEDICARE
Medicare is the federal health insurance program created in 1965 for all people age 65 and older regardless of their income or medical history. The program was expanded in 1972 to include people under age 65 with permanent disabilities. |
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Families USA
Since 1982, Families USA has worked to promote high-quality,
affordable health care for all Americans. 
State index to web sites of consumer health assistance programs that help with insurance problems. |
