September 2009
Reforming health care
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:49am — adminHealth care reform has been a hot-button topic since the presidential election, and even more so in recent months. Although several plans are still being considered by lawmakers, the Log Cabin Democrat approached several people in the health care industry about their concerns and hopes. These discussions shed light on various issues.
A provider
Jim Lambert, CEO of Conway Regional Medical Center, said some plans being discussed call for the proposed public rate to be based on Medicare and Medicaid rates while others leave it open for negotiation. One of his concerns is that Medicare and Medicaid do not reimburse providers enough to pay for the care, he said.
HSAs an alternative to traditional health insurance
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:42am — adminMany financial institutions in Faulkner County offer Health Savings Accounts. Centennial Bank provided the Log Cabin with the pros and cons of HSAs.
Lately, one of the major hot button issues facing our nation is health care. There are many different options to attain health care coverage. Many believe that the only way to attain health care coverage is through their employer’s plan. However, other alternatives, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), are available.
The changing face of the tax system
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:38am — adminDr. Pam Spikes, CPA, is a professor of accounting at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. Patricia Mounce, CPA, is associate professor of accounting at UCA.
Congress still has four months in which to make changes to the 2010 tax law. At this point no one knows exactly what is to come. However, we can only assume that some recent tax changes that will affect 2010 tax returns will remain as enacted.
Conway Farmers Market provides quality fresh produce, helps local economy
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:35am — adminKami Marsh is a Faulkner County Extension Agent-Agriculture.
Do you ever wonder where the food that your families are getting comes from? Do you ever stop to think about the quality of the food that you are preparing? Would you like to be feeding your family produce that doesn’t have to travel hundreds of miles before it makes it to your dinner table?
We are blessed with a great asset in our community and county, the Conway Farmers Market. This market provides a service to both the customers and the producers. Customers are able to feed their families produce that is produced locally and is of the best quality, and producers are able to make a living and sustain their family farms by selling their fresh produce.
Committed to Public Health
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:29am — adminRep. Robbie Wills, D-Conway, served as the speaker of the House during the 87th Arkansas General Assembly, which adjourned May 1.
The health care debate in Washington, D.C., and around the country has certainly captured the attention of many people in the United States. Heightened media coverage of town hall meetings and the back-and-forth debate on the issue has provided an opportunity for each of us to examine how we feel about the availability and affordability of health insurance and basic medical care.
Salem Place features luxury, comfort and care
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:25am — adminSalem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is undergoing a large expansion. Salem Place provided the Log Cabin with information about some of the many services offered.
Designed with a luxurious hotel in mind, Salem Place offers more than a beautiful décor and plush furnishings. With all the comforts of home and exceptional clinical care, it is the best place for those seeking a new home or just the right environment to heal.
“We have all the amenities of a luxury hotel, all the best in clinical care and all the comforts of home, all in one place,” said Vickey Kirkemier, facility administrator.
The business of paying for health care
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:16am — adminGreg J. Dunseath is a registered representative for Conway Financial Services.
Q:How are businesses encouraging their employees to live healthier lifestyles?
Health care reform keeps assisted living facilities in check
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:05am — adminThere is a growing demographic that is anxiously watching the health care reform debate.
This group’s need is different from the rest. They do not have the option to return to work to receive health care benefits, or the physical ability to do so. For the thousands of individuals that depend on assisted living facilities in Faulkner County, there are professionals in the industry eyeing legislation that may affect them.
People in assisted living facilities in Conway depend on assistance from Arkansas Medicaid, HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and other sources. Village Park and Independent Living Services (ILS) are two such places that cater to the citizens of our community.
Small businesses tackle rising costs on their terms
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 10:56am — adminTry going through downtown Conway without running into a small business. Make a list of restaurants you see on your daily commute that are owned and operated by “mom and pops.” It’s impossible to drive down Front, Main or Oak Street and not see a business that is owned by a fellow neighbor, friend or family member.
Needless to say, small businesses are the nucleus of Faulkner County.
Rising health care related costs bombard small businesses and word of new legislation regarding health care reform has some local places changing how they do business. Others are deeply concerned and passionate about finding answers.