 |
 TELEPHONE AMPLIFIER Helps helps hearing amplifies 3X  US $12.99
|
 THE STANDELLS Help Yourself 65 Garage Punk VG HEAR IT US $5.98
|
 HEAR Bobby Byrd I need help Part 12 M US $2.00
|
 Blues Rockabilly EDDIE ALSTON Just Cant Help It HEAR US $10.95
|
 JELLYROLL 45 Strange Help Me Over garage psych HEAR US $9.95
|
 1 CENT CD Hear To Help Beck Air Keane Snow Patrol SEALED US $.01
|
Hearing Help
Few from board show at PEIA hearings
The board that governs the state employees' health insurance program is holding public hearings across West Virginia before it votes on whether to raise rates for its 200,000 members.
But board members aren't always showing up to hear feedback on the proposal.
At the first two of the six public hearings, held by the Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board, dozens of angry state employees and retirees protested the rate increases, which they said amounted to pay cuts.
But fewer than half of the nine-member finance board made it to either hearing.
The board is proposing changes that would amount to a 4 percent premium increase for employees. The changes would also increase deductibles by $50 and raise the out-of-pocket maximums by $1,500 for those on the family plan.
So far, only four of its nine members have attended one of the two public hearings. On Monday in Charleston, four PEIA board members made it. On Tuesday in Beckley, only two showed, both who had also been to the first meeting.
Over the years, it's rare for many of the board members to make any given hearing, observers say. "To my knowledge there has never been every board member there at any of these," said Elaine Harris, who has been on the board since Gov. Cecil Underwood's administration.
Perry Bryant, a former board member, said he attended "virtually all" of the public hearings during his four years on the board. Bryant said he couldn't remember a recent meeting where more than half the board members showed up.
"There is not a requirement to have a quorum at the public hearings because it is not an official meeting," said Diane Holley-Brown, a PEIA spokeswoman.
When the finance board does have a regular meeting, such as one where they vote on raising rates or cutting premiums, there is apparently always a quorum.
The lack of participation at public hearings may only feed claims by union leaders that the finance board doesn't care what employees have to say.
Judy Hale, the president of the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, told the board as much at Monday's hearing in Charleston.
"You know we are all wasting our time here tonight," Hale said.
Bob Brown, the executive director of the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association, said it's folk wisdom that if someone has to swallow a frog there's no sense to talk about it too much.
"It's clear to us you're going to force us to swallow this frog," Brown said.
PEIA officials say the rate increase is needed to keep pace with rising medical costs.
Over the summer when the board was considering cuts to retiree subsidies for future hires, every board member attended at least one meeting, said board member Josh Sword, who also works for the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.Union leaders also say they'd at least like the board to hear what public employees are going through.
PEIA's Holley-Brown said an audiotape of the hearings is offered to all members ahead of the meeting in which they are expected to vote on the plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
"This is common practice for PEIA to ensure that the members are knowledgeable of the feedback received at all of the hearings," she said.
That isn't enough, said Dale Lee, the president of the West Virginia Education Association.
"I find that very disturbing because you certainly - even if you even listen to the transcripts - you can't feel the emotion of what the people are saying," Lee said.
Sword, who is the only board member other than chairman Robert Ferguson to attend both this week's hearings, said while the board members owe it to the public to attend, their presence might not matter because they would simply vote against the wishes of public employees anyway.
Earlier this year, when the board voted to eliminate the retirement subsidy for employees hired after the middle of next year, they did so after hearing hundreds of people speak against the proposal. Sword said not one person at the hearings spoke up for eliminating the subsidy."Why waste our time holding these public hearings if the administration just shrugs it off and the majority of the board says we are going to do what the administration wants us to do regardless of what the majority of public wants us to do," Sword said.
Bryant, the former board member who also heads the West Virginians for Affordable Health Care advocacy group, said he understands why board members don't attend. The crowds can be harsh. On Monday, one woman called PEIA director Ted Cheatham a "cold, heartless man."
There also is the question of whether the hearings help the board make its decision.
Bryant said one year he tried to get feedback from employees about whether they would prefer to see their premiums go up or their co-pays go up. Premium increases are spread out across the whole insured population, meaning everyone has to pay more. Co-pays, on the other hand, can steer people away from seeking health care and cost those who use it frequently. While some might consider that fair, others might think it punishes those who need help the most.
"I wanted to engage people in a constructive criticism about, 'We're likely to have to raise revenues from employees, would you prefer to have increases in co-pays or increases in premiums?'" he said.
During the six hearings that year, Bryant said he heard only one straight answer to his question.
"People say, 'We don't want anything [that raises rates].' And I said, 'Well, OK,' but that isn't going to give you the insights you really want," he recalled.
Bryant said it's difficult for unions to state a preference for higher co-pays or higher premiums because it could open them up to an attack from another union.
"As soon as someone does that the other side would blast them for that," Bryant said.
Bryant added, "So they're really not very constructive meetings."
About the Author
Quoting & Saving just got easier...EasyToInsureME Health Insurance Quotes... Quote all carriers in seconds
Virginia Health Insurance
North Carolina Health Insurance
What would happen if you do not show up to a lawsuit hearing?
I am filing a lawsuit for money owed on a now defaulted promissory not. I am wondering what could happen if the person I'm filing against does not show for the court hearing. Can come someone help me with this?
I will list some legal sites for you to get better results but I am pretty sure you would win by default. Which only means a judgment would be rendered. Since money is involved than this could be listed on their credit file and depending on how much it is for you could turn it over to a collection agency or put a lien on real property so that if it is sold you would collect the debt. Garnishment I am not sure of so you would have to check with a lawyer about that.
Siemens Pure 700 Hearing Aid Review Part 2 (Post-Trial) 1
 |
Tinnitus masking (Sound of the Rainforest) List Price: $11.99 Sale Price: $11.99 Used From: $13.26  |
|
Tinnitus masking audio CD with sound of the rainforest. Author John Dull is trained and a member of the International Hearing Society and is also a tinnitus sufferer and a hobby musician. This audio CD contains what is called a masking sound used by audiologists and hearing instrument specialists to temporarily block out the Tinnitus sounds typically heard by most Tinnitus suffers... |
 |
Choices List Price: $7.99 Sale Price: $6.15 |
 |
London Calling Sale Price: $1.99 |
 |
In Case of Separation Anxiety Sale Price: $1.99 |
 |
Blue Sale Price: $1.99 |
 |
Williams Sound TGS PRO MULTI Tour Guide System List Price: $2,304.00 Sale Price: $1,958.00 |
|
The Personal PA FM Tour Guide System, model TGS PRO MULTI, helps tour group members with hearing difficulties overcome background noise and distance from the guide. Use it in factories, museums, power plants---anywhere hearing assistance is needed... |
 |
Thomas & Betts RC3030D Extend-A-Chime List Price: $27.99 Sale Price: $16.82 |
|
Wireless plug in chime extender activates plug in chime when existing chime sounds. 8 note Westminster 2 note tone front door selection with volume control. Provides up to 100' of additional range. 128 selectable codes... |
 |
Deluxe Performance Ear Muff - Ear Plugs Hearing Pr List Price: $8.99 Sale Price: $3.99 |
|
Looking for a quality, cost-effective ear muff that works great and feels even better? well look no further, and get them while they last! ? features: provides cost-effective hearing protection ultra lightweight, weighing less than 6 ounces adjustable headband slides to give a custom fit evenly spread tension in headband allows for a comfortable fit individually rotating ear cups provide a great fit soft, padded ear cup for added comfort behind-the-head design allows for the use of hard hats or other headgear... |
|
|
Hearing $29.09 Hearing |
|
|
Hearing (Paperback) $14.69 Learn about the different sound that people can hear, how people can keep their ears safe, and how hearing aids can help some people to hear. |
|
|
Living With Hearing Loss $34.2 Having experienced hearing loss and having served as the president of the organization Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Dugan offers advice to the lay reader on how to cope with hearing loss. She discusses some of the basic science of hearing, the causes of hearing loss, and the various treatments, products, and techniques that can be used to mitigate hearing problems. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) |
|
|
Hearing God $28.65 This book has one objective?to help you realize you can hear God`s voice. Within its 30 chapters, Hearing God includes 30 ways that God communicates. Whether you are an individual reading this book for personal reflection or working through this book with a friend, church or a group study, expect God to speak to you, even in unexpected ways. |
|
|
Hearing Protection Training Video $190.39 Hearing protection training videos comply with OSHA standards and avoid hearing loss. High-impact videos are the economical answer to simple, comprehensive training. Help employees understand how, when and why to use safe work procedures. Training topic - Hearing protection: a sound practice. |
|
|
The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss And Hearing AIDS (Hardcover) $46.48 This Third Edition has been completely updated with every chapter revised, three new chapters added and two chapters retired. All contributors have brought the content of their work current to knowledge and technology that should prevail for the next several years. The collective effort of these writers covers about everything you would want to know if you have a hearing loss and are considering purchase of hearing aids. There can be a lot of uncertainty and emotions that surface during the process of addressing untreated hearing loss. The average American waits at least five years before seeking such help. In the interim, it can leave a trail of devastation and turmoil in its wake since procrastination of treatment is often at the expense of loved ones.This book charts a quiet path toward transformation and how to attain life satisfaction despite less than optimal hearing. A recurrent theme of pushing through the resistance gently and sensitively comes through. You`ll understand how to align your expectations with actual hearing ability. This book is written for individuals with hearing loss as well as the entire family. Thereby, it addresses the whole person, not merely one aspect of the problem.Flap Copy Dr. Carmen, a clinical and research audiologist, has been writing consumer books and articles on hearing loss for more than 30 years. In this one-of-a-kind book he has assembled the most distinguished audiologists, scientists and authorities, each seasoned professionals, some who themselves have hearing loss and wear hearing aids. What you`ll read inside is state of the art and designed to change your life! ? Explore the volatile emotions and issues surrounding hearing loss ? Learn where and how to find help ? Map your own audiogram ? Discover how hearing aids can transform your life ? Educate yourself on the best choice of hearing aids for you ? Read why some people reject hearing aids but how they can work for you ? Consider the possibilities of preserving your |
|
|
Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears $21 Approximately 10 percent of Americans (and nearly one-third of people age seventy and older) have some degree of hearing loss that, if left untreated, causes frustration, isolation, and depression. A hearing aid is a simple tool to improve careers, relationships, and self-esteem, and to provide independence and security. Yet of the nearly thirty million people with a hearing impairment, only about 20 percent choose to use one. This is true despite the fact that technological advances have enabled hearing aids to address a greater range of hearing losses, while making them smaller, better designed, and easier to use than those of the past. Overcoming Hearing Aid Fears can help readers take that first step to a better life. Audiologist John M. Burkey addresses common fears, concerns, and misconceptions about this topic. He provides practical information about hearing aid styles, options, and costs. His experience in caring for more than 50,000 patients will help people with hearing loss address their concerns. The book also helps family and friends understand why a loved one might resist getting a hearing aid, and offers tips on counseling. Audiologists will find this text an important educational tool in advising their own patients. |
|
|
How Hearing Loss Impacts Relationships $11.91 (Flap Copy) This book will help families understand the resistance of a loved one with untreated hearing loss. There are more than 28,000,000 Americans with hearing loss. Twenty percent have sought help for themselves. Eighty percent have not. Among then |
|
|
Hearing Protection: A Sound Practice Training $24.7 Video and handbook make training more economical and effective. Video and handbook will help you comply with OSHA's hearing protection standard (1910.95) and help your employees avoid hearing loss Complies with OSHA 1910.95 Topics Include: Dangerous noise levels Sensori-neural hearing loss |
|
|
Hearing Protection Training Handbook $25.59 Hearing protection training handbooks comply with OSHA standards and avoid hearing loss. High-impact training handbooks are the economical answer to simple, comprehensive training. Help employees understand how, when and why to use safe work procedures. Handbooks reinforce the message of training videos and include a detachable quiz. Training topic - Hearing protection: a sound practice. |
|
|
The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss And Hearing AIDS (Paperback) $36.23 This Third Edition has been completely updated with every chapter revised, three new chapters added and two chapters retired. All contributors have brought the content of their work current to knowledge and technology that should prevail for the next several years. The collective effort of these writers covers about everything you would want to know if you have a hearing loss and are considering purchase of hearing aids. There can be a lot of uncertainty and emotions that surface during the process of addressing untreated hearing loss. The average American waits at least five years before seeking such help. In the interim, it can leave a trail of devastation and turmoil in its wake since procrastination of treatment is often at the expense of loved ones.This book charts a quiet path toward transformation and how to attain life satisfaction despite less than optimal hearing. A recurrent theme of pushing through the resistance gently and sensitively comes through. You`ll understand how to align your expectations with actual hearing ability. This book is written for individuals with hearing loss as well as the entire family. Thereby, it addresses the whole person, not merely one aspect of the problem. |
|
|
Save Your Hearing Now $9.99 After 20 years of research, leading otolaryngologist Dr. Michael Seidman has developed a breakthrough all natural alternative treatment program to battle hearing loss safely and effectively. Using a specifi c combination of antioxidants, diet, exercise, and basic lifestyle changes, Dr. Seidman's program can help to prevent--and possibly reverse--hearing loss. The book offers a simple self-assessment test that identifies the type, severity, and prognosis of hearing loss, comprehensive advice on diet and supplements, and natural remedies and important lifestyle changes that can make a difference. This is the ultimate resource providing answers--and hope--to the millions of hearing impaired. |
|
|
Mathematics and Physics for Speech and Hearing $99.27 Mathematics and Physics for Speech and Hearing is a CD-ROM designed to help users develop the knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities required for the mastery of concepts in math and physics. This multimedia courseware integrates common concepts |
|
|
Children With Hearing Loss (Paperback) $130.83 For undergraduate and graduate students in speech-language-hearing programs, early childhood education and intervention programs, and parents, Cole, an audiologist who specializes in working with children with hearing loss and teaches at the U. of Hartford and the U. of North Carolina, and Flexer, an audiologist who taught at the U. of Akron, detail the facilitation of auditorily based spoken language for infants and young children with hearing loss. With the aim to help readers promote listening and spoken language development in these children and using a developmental and preventative model, they discuss hearing, listening, auditory technology, spoken language development, and intervention, with updated information on hearing instruments and cochlear implants and the ways professionals can support parents in promoting children`s language and listening development. This edition also contains a new appendix on the competencies for AG Bell Academy`s Listening and Spoken Language Specialist Certification Program. Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) |