A diverse audience of more than 500 New York and national movers and shakers gathered at the Marriott Marquis Grand Ballroom on Thursday, February 21st for One Hundred Black Men, Inc. of New York City’s 50th Anniversary celebration and 33rd Annual Benefit Gala.
Mother Nature is not done with winter yet.
Tuesday’s beautiful sunshine won’t last more than a day as a major midwestern snowstorm pushes east and becomes a sleety Nor’easter.
BEFORE SPIKE
Before Spike Lee, John Singleton, Antoine Fuqua, the Hughes brothers, the Wayans clan, F. Gary Gray and Tyler Perry-there was and still is Melvin Van Peebles. When it was confirmed that I would be interviewing Mr. Van Peebles, my hands began to sweat. What in the world could a fledgling writer asked this seasoned man? Excuse me, this genius… Icon? What questions could I possibly ask Melvin Van Peebles that he hasn’t been asked before? I mean the man is 80-years old.
He’s lived in Paris, Chicago, Mexico and the Big Apple. He speaks French, Spanish, and Dutch and studied Astronomy at the University of Holland. In addition to all these great talents, Melvin Van Peebles is a world renowned filmmaker, honored with The Legion D’Honneur, France’s highest honor for the arts, painter, sculptor, composer, innovator, philanthropist and the originator of rap. Yes- Melvin Van Peebles or MVP as his close friends call him is ALL of that and then some.
Just in case you’re wondering, why am I interviewing Melvin Van Peebles? What has he done lately? The question instead,should really be ‘What is Melvin Van Peebles not doing?’ Melvin is like the sun. Even when you don’t see him, he’s still shining. The man is mentoring and teaching future filmmakers here and abroad. He is still creating, writing stories and does a show, called Melvin Van Peebles Wid Laxative (because MVP don’t take no shit).
In this production, MVP sings original songs, tells stories the way only he can, and just has himself a good o’l time. He’s backed by the fellas from Burnt Sugar, carries with him on stage a giant book that looks like a bible from a distance… and he does the zampougie!
ANYBODY HUNGRY?
I arrived at Mr. Van Peebles’ place late, scared and embarrassed. But the show must go on. I prepared 21 questions to ask him. They were cheeky, well researched and to the point. At least I thought so. I couldn’t find my words- “HELLO! YOU ARE SITTING AND SPEAKING TO THE MELVIN VAN PEEBLES!” was all I could hear in my head. “GET IT TOGETHER MADAFI AND ASK YOUR DAMN QUESTIONS!” I ask the first question, the second, then the third, and upon asking the question after that- my lesson began. Melvin Van Peebles is the truth, tells the truth and sometimes naughty jokes. At times it may be a little hard to decipher when he’s serious or not, but if you really listen, you’ll catch it.
‘What inspired you to be a filmmaker?’ “Hunger.” “Hunger?” I asked. His response seemed too simple for me. I thought he was pulling my leg, but he was serious. Millions of people around the world know who and what Melvin Van Peebles has done. Yet, millions more don’t know the beginning of his story. When Melvin was a young boy, he and his friends would go to the NRA Movie Theatre in Southside Chicago (also known as the National Rat Alley Movie Theatre to the kids), and watch all types of movies. But the Black films touched him a little bit more than the others. The characters, the dialogue and the plots annoyed young Melvin.
DO – OVER
As my interview continued, I committed the first sin of journalism: Thou shall not interrupt your subject. I know better. Yet, something came over me and I lost myself. And like a good sansei, Melvin Van Peebles put me in check, or as we say down south, read me my rights. “Look, you’re a smart girl. Don’t ask me trivial questions. Ask me questions with meat.” The last thing you want to hear as a writer is that your questions are trivial. Still, truth be told, maybe that’s exactly what I needed to hear. The zing I felt from that statement hurt and I wanted to redeem myself. Discussing and learning from Melvin Van Peebles was achance of a lifetime. “Can we start over Mr. Van Peebles?” “Yes.” And so I did.
He said to ask questions with meat. Ask questions where which the answers could really teach the reader (that would be you) something new. Once again my nerves started to act up, but I stepped over them and asked the question I’ve had ever since I saw Sweet Sweet Sweetback’s Bad Ass Song for the first time. “How did you make it happen? I mean, how did you really make this movie happen? ” Melvin sat back in his chair, took the cigar stump out of his mouth and looked at me.
COURAGE
Before Sweet Sweet Sweetback’s Bad Ass Song, Melvin Van Peebles made a movie in France called La Permission. Sweetback… was his third feature film. It was shown in only two theatres at its release, one in Detroit and the other in Atlanta. Melvin Van Peebles is so bad, that when the cinemas suggested that Sweetback… be run as a double feature, Mr. Van Peebles said absolutely not. He knew what he had.
Sweet Sweet Sweetback’s Bad Ass Song is definitely not your typical action or drama film, and certainly not in the style of the Blaxpoitation movies of that time. This movie is what connoisseurs of film would call an Art House film. Melvin Van Peebles and Sweet Sweet Sweetback’s Bad Ass Song did something Black films at the time had never done before. He literally did everything. He wrote the screenplay, directed, edited it and wrote the score for it- all using his own money.
Sweetback… also gave the main character, who was a person of color- power. Not some power, not make believe power, but the real thing. Mr. Van Peebles made power moves in Hollywood that Black filmmakers had never done before. Perhaps it was his destiny to have the initials M.V.P.
It takes a tremendous amount of courage to be Melvin Van Peebles. That’s why his fans, family and friends love him so much. They’ve all recognized that this man has been and is about something. He is not one of those artists who will bow out gracefully and work on a project just because the pockets are tight. No, Melvin Van Peebles has been kicking, screaming, laughing, loving, teaching and sharing for far too long to go out quietly. And quiet frankly, we won’t let him. We love him too much. He’s worth much more than gold and diamonds put together. Melvin Van Peebles is more valuable than any pair of sneakers or headphones. He is the icon, the myth and the legend… and he knows it.
Written by: Madafi Pierre
Kiki Barth. This tall, dark chocolate beauty stands 5’11 and model skinny, but very curvy. She is definitely a chameleon, able to transform her looks from one character to another very easily. I initially met Ms. Barth last year at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim, where she was walking for the Lisa Blue Show. She immediately caught my eye, and when she opened her mouth to speak, her French/Creole accent revealed that she was Haitian. And she is so proud of her native country Haiti.
We had an instant connection. She was just as excited to find out that I was also Haitian. We discussed the condition of the country, the families we lost, the plans to go back, the amazing people we may have in common, and our love for Marc Baptiste–the work he is doing for Haiti and how we should all collaborate. We promised to work together, but if you know anything about the fashion industry, you can go months without seeing the same person again. During fashion week you stand a better chance of reconnecting. True to the industry, we did meet again at Fashion Week, and promised that this time we were definitely going to make things happen on all levels… business, pleasure, and Haiti.
This season, we had the opportunity to work Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim again in the tents while she was working the Red Carter and the Rana Rojo shows. She killed! Both men and women were mesmerized by her beauty and walk of confidence. She blew kisses and gave us that walk reminiscent of Naomi Campbell; no exaggeration.
Walking the runway this season for eleven shows was definitely a full schedule. Undoubtedly, this prepares Ms. Barth to return to New York to walk Fashion Week for this upcoming season. The demand is already very high. She humbly declines to name some of the shows requesting her. I like that. Please keep in mind, Ms. Barth has already been shot by the legendary Bruce Weber, which gives her bragging rights. But still she keeps mum. Upon further investigation, I learned some famous names that she has the luxury of calling clients are Bobbi Brown, Chloe, Lanvin, Cavalli, Michael Kors, Herve Leger, Anne Fontaine, Nicole Miller and the notable Agent Provocateur.
When I requested an interview for my column, she responded, “Awww, that is so nice. I really appreciate it.” She has not an ounce of haughtiness or sense of entitlement. Her career is what gave her a measure of confidence, because she feels beautiful when she’s modeling.. So, Ms. Barth wanted our interview to highlight her career, as a way to empower girls. Her desire is to help the orphans of Haiti, to be a role model, like her own idol Iman, whom she admits is one of the Beauty icons she loves.
Q & A With Kiki Barth
MLM: Where were you born?
Kiki Barth: I was born in St. Marc, Haiti.
MLM: When and where did you start modeling?
Kiki Barth: I was 15 when I started, and it was in West Palm Beach, FL.
MLM: What is your connection to Haiti?
Kiki Barth: I want to go back there to help the orphans.
MLM: What does modeling mean to you as a Haitian model?
Kiki Barth: To me, modeling is a different outlet I could focus my energy on and it gave me the confidence all young girls should have. It makes me feel so Amazing and beautiful, especially on the runway.
MLM: Who are your role models?
Kiki Barth: My mother definitely, but as for the industry it’s Iman. She is classy, beautiful, and smart. Her look is timeless. She’s been in the beauty, fashion, and cosmetics industry for a long time, and certainly has done a huge part to help define true beauty for African American women. She is such an inspiration. She is not just a model, but a role model for women of color. I also wear many of Iman’s cosmetic products.
MLM: What are your future plans for Haiti?
Kiki Barth: I don’t have one big cause or a plan to save the world, but I contribute to my country Haiti simply by helping out in small ways. I commit most of my free time to working at the food bank, travel to Haiti to teach young girls in school about my modeling, and any other experience, and I volunteer for a variety of causes.
Obviously my seemingly random volunteer efforts may not change the world or Haiti, but I have learned that if I can impact even one person, then I have done a good job. Realizing that I helped pack hundreds of boxes of food reminds me that even in small ways, an individual can make a difference. I’ve also learned that service does not flow in only one direction. Although I may be the one giving my time to help others, by sharing their laughter, their tears, and their stories with me, other people constantly inspire me to have faith that humans are good. My efforts may feed their body for the moment, but their words feed my soul forever.
MLM: What is your message for young Haitian girls who want to model?
Kiki Barth: My advice to any inspiring young Haitian girls, is to love yourself, recognize your gifts and unique talents and put them to good use. Dream of what you can become. Accept and value the person you are now. Reach for the impossible and do the best job you can do. Never give up, no matter how much rejection you may encounter. One day you will succeed.
Words by Myrdith: Your stereotypical model is supposed to be vacuous and shallow. However, I don’t think Kiki Barth got that memo. This brilliant, motivating artist sees beyond her own victories to the future success of others that will come after her. What a wonderful legacy to be working towards–to inspire the next generation of Haitians, and all girls that have the privilege of seeing her on the runways, and in the pages of fashion magazines.
See you on the catwalk, Kiki Barth! Representing women, women of color, and Haiti… Your success is our success.
Interview done by Myrdith Leon McCormack
Photo credit: Michaelle Chapoteau
Myrdith Leon-McCormack & Boris Kodjoe
Each year, on the 4th of July, many Americans celebrate “Independence Day”. Independence Day. Independence Day dates back to the 18th century and American Revolution War.
In June 1776, representatives of the first 13 U.S. colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence.
Two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
Independence Day became a national holiday in 1941. Most Americans look forward to cookouts, fireworks, and gathering with family. However, to many Americans, Independence means little more than time off from work.
However, Black Americans are keenly aware that our ancestors were still slaves when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Emancipation from slavery would not come for Blacks for another eighty-nine years. Hence, there is apathy towards the notion of celebrating “Independence” on a day that most Black Americans would agree did not apply to their ancestors.
On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave a speech at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, held at Rochester’s Corinthian Hall. It was an indictment of the fact Independence was not yet a reality for most Black Americans. Douglass boldly declared: “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.” And he asked them, “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak to-day?”
He went on to proclaim: “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sound of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants brass fronted impudence; your shout of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanks-giving, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour”
Frederick Douglass would, undoubtedly, deliver a different speech today. I believe he would be proud of how far America has come in ensuring all of its citizens are equally protected under the law. Moreover, he would certainly find more than a few reasons to celebrate the Fourth of July.
No longer is the celebration of Independence a fraud in America, for every American now, under the U.S Constitution, equally enjoys the possibilities of individual freedom that the constitution guarantees.
That said, I also believe that Frederick Douglass would charge Blacks in America with remembering the Blacks who contributed to the Independence of America, even as they often did not live to see the reality of Freedom. They did it because they envisioned the America we now live in. It is these Freedom Fighters I hope we all pay tribute today and, in this, find reason to celebrate the 4th of July with pride and dignity.
It is important to tell our families and, especially, our youth, about Black Founding Fathers like Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, and Salem Poor.
Crispus Attucks, a Black American who had escaped slavery, was the first casualty of the American Revolution when he was shot and killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre. On March 5, 1770 a group of Blacks, Irish Americans, and others, attacked a British custom house. Attucks was one of five men killed when they opened fire.
American Patriots dubbed the incident as the “Boston Massacre”. Attucks became known as a martyrs and symbol of liberty. Moreover, in spite of laws and customs regulating the burial of blacks, Crispus Attucks was buried in the Park Street cemetery along with the other honored dead and will forever be remembered as an American hero.
Peter Salem and Salem Poor were commended for their bravery at Bunker Hill. On June 17, 1775 Peter Salem shot and killed British Major John Pitcairn as he was rallying the British troops against American. In his honor, soldiers of the New England army raised money to reward Salem.
He was later presented to Gen. George Washington as a hero.
Salem Poor was born a free Black American in the early 1750s. In 1775, he voluntarily, in the hope of playing a role in the freedom of all Black Americans, joined a Massachusetts Militia company commanded by Benjamin Ames. Salem Poor killed a high ranking British officer, Lt. Col. James Abercrombie.
His heroism was noted, in a petition, by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by fourteen of his officers:
“A negro slave, called Salem Poor, of Colonel Frye’s regiment, Captain Ames’ company, in the late battle at Charlestown, behaved like an experienced officer, as well as an excellent soldier. It would be tedious to go into more detail regarding his heroic conduct. We only beg leave to say, in the person of this said Negro centers a brave and gallant soldier.”
Black men everywhere believed that the Revolutionary War was a fight for liberty. Liberty for slaves. Their loyalty was indeed to the principle of individual freedom. Over 5,000 Black men fought for the Continental Army, while over 20,000 fought for the British army. It is important to celebrate the fact that Black women, many of whom were slaves, served both the Americans and the British in the capacity of nurses, laundresses and cooks. They too played a vital role in the independence that we all now are privileged to enjoy.
The heroes and heroines are too many to mention and the knowledge of the contribution of Blacks too vast to know in detail.
“What, to Black Americans, is the 4th of July?
In light of the contributions of Blacks before and during the Revolutionary War, as well as the role the Declaration of Independence would one day play in ending chattel slavery, the answer is quite simple: Everything.
Written by Stacy Swimp
Source: Washington Times
Children Dangerously Flirting Online
The access to online sites that promote innocent Flirting is drawing attention by law enforcement because of the growing incidents of rapes on minor boys and girls. This is scary as a parent and elementary school teacher with over 20 yrs at the elementary level and even in higher education. Presenting at workshops and seminars to teach youth and teens about their online content and the dangers of making unseen friendships. Social Media sites entice and encourage young girls and boys to flirt, but it is being found that older men are enticing young girls and even boys to meet face to face with dangerous results.
News Reports
News reports from sources as Huffington Post, NY Times, and CNN have shown a dangerous trend with online contact with older men and minor young teen girls. Flirting is seen as innocent and playful; high school girls and boys flirt, even elementary school age kids experimenting with who they like. This ”greenness” form of flirting is perceived as cute and harmless in most cases. Skating the edges of emotional connectivity to see if there is a potential for a relationship either as friends or a more serious relationship. The Internet has created a dangerous
opportunity for sexual encounters for girls and even boys.
Parental Awareness
Parents need to be aware and involved in their children’s Internet activities. The seriousness of this can be seen from NY Times reports that show this is not an isolated incident of rapes, but a growing national concern. The challenge is that technology has allowed an open and unregulated connection that parents must be concerned. Unfortunately pedophiles, stalkers and child molesters visit SM sites and pretend to be youth and teens. They study the conversations, styles, words, slang and the best times to be online to make contact. Teens also will lie about their ages to gain access to adult sites. Even though there are dangers, teens discount the dangers for the chance to act as adults and engage in adult wordplay and sometimes behaviors.
Parents Check Phone Records
Cell phone apps are being used to interact online and parents are hesitant to check their child’s phones. Too many parents are either scared to monitor their child’s phone records for fear of the child’s reaction or work to be their child’s friend instead of parent. Just as Facebook is researching lowering the age for allowing younger members access, there are thousands of minors already using Facebook because they lied about their ages. As an elementary school teacher I talk to students at my school and their conversations are adult in nature, discussing their online activities, parents have no clue. These results could eventually be dangerous as seen from information that has shown by sexual assaults against girls and boys. Parents need to make sure that even if they allow their minor children or teens to access sites that promote social contact that their children understand not to post their address, phone numbers, or other personal information that can be used online to find them. When kids are adamant about not allowing parents to look at their phones or online content then that could be an indication they are hiding something. The recent case of a 12year old California girl that disappeared, the police had to check the girl’s cell phone records and found that she met someone through a mobile app. Fortunately the girl was later found at the home of a 24 year old man who said he had alleged sex with the underage girl.
Parental Ignorance is Dangerous
Parents should understand that information online never goes away, it is archived and stored somewhere and can be found later. This makes it easier and deadlier for stalkers and pedophiles to find and potentially threaten children and teens. Vint Cerf, considered one of the “Fathers of the Internet” stated, “The Internet is a reflection
of our society and that mirror is going to be reflecting what we see.” Protecting children takes more than laws it takes parental participation.
Conclusion
An Austin, Texas women whose niece was abducted and used for prostitution shows the violence children maybe exposed too. Parents are missing the warning signs and children are exposed to content that has long term psychological and emotional damage. Kids are being kidnapped, raped, forced to work as prostitutes, both male and female. Interaction on Facebook and other social media sites has grown dangerous for youth and tees. The tragic events of the Austin, Texas girl are a prime example. Austin, Texas 12-year-old lured into sex trade through Facebook invite, if parents do not enforce or reinforce safety on the Internet for their minor children this will continue to happen. Prevention and education are the keys, statements like, “I had no clue this was even going on, I thought it was a third world country situation.” Parents if you have not done so talk to your children, don’t wait until a tragic event.
Social Media Workshops
Social Media / Social Network workshops are available, parents must participate and be involved. Churches and other organizations that work with children need to educate their youth, tweens and teens of Social Media and Social Network dangers and safety.
William Jackson, M.Edu.
My Quest To Teach
http://myquesttoteach.wordpress.com
Written by: William Jackson
Disclaimer: All views are that of the author and not BLACK STREET entirely
Crystal Barnes
Crystal Barnes, formerly Director of Industry Relations, was named Vice President of Industry Relations for Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights, effective immediately. In her role, Barnes is responsible for expanding the reach of Nielsen’s thought leadership efforts across the media and consumer industries, focusing on the increasingly diverse and connected consumer.
Barnes began at Nielsen in 2004 as part of the company’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). As an Emerging Leader Associate, she was exposed to various industries and expertise across the company. Upon completion of the program, Barnes worked in public affairs and was instrumental in the expansion of Nielsen’s multicultural outreach efforts, strengthening the company’s communications and public affairs program. Since her appointment to the industry relations position, she has developed and managed strategic alliances with industry
and business associations within the global business community. Barnes applies significant strategic and tactical skills to expand and transform the company’s position in the industry, both with traditional and new associations in the digital space.
Prior to joining Nielsen, Barnes held production and communications positions at WHP, a CBS affiliate in Harrisburg, Penn. and Comcast SportsNet in Bethesda, MD. A native of Pennsylvania, she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Telecommunications and Mass Media from Temple University.
About Nielsen
Nielsen Holdings N.V. (NYSE: NLSN) is a global information and measurement company with leading market positions in marketing and consumer information, television and other media measurement, online intelligence, mobile measurement, trade shows and related properties. Nielsen has a presence in approximately 100 countries, with headquarters in New York, USA and Diemen, the Netherlands. For more information, visit http://www.nielsen.com.
BS: What was your career focus in undergraduate school? Has that changed from the focus in which your career is geared to now?
Crystal Barnes: I received my Bachelor’s degree at Temple University (Philadelphia PA) with a major in Broadcast Telecommunications and Mass Media and a minor in Business. Business provided the tool kit necessary to survive in Corporate America however; broadcasting lifted me out of the classroom and in to the community. In my mind I was well on my way to being the next Robin Roberts, during her ESPN Sportscenter days. Sports are, and still is, my “thing” and the idea of communicating about it for a living was a no brainer. Fast forward to 2012 there are key elements in my previous and current role at Nielsen that align with my career focus. In my current position I am responsible for expanding the reach of Nielsen’s thought leadership efforts, across the media and consumer landscape, working with industry and business associations within the global business community. At its core, the idea of building and maintaining relationships, storytelling to help the audience understand the message and creating a communications platform for that message to be received are all skills that I retained and apply daily.
BS: Was it difficult to break through the position you now hold? How would you advise others who want to move up and they are battling with a lack of diversity within their industry? How can their work ethics and capabilities receive recognition?
Crystal Barnes: I joined Nielsen as part of our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). The program focuses on developing diverse talent and leadership throughout the company by exposing participants to various industries and expertise. As I see it, behind every challenge is an opportunity. In many cases, and in many industries, that challenge is a lack of diverse representation. The opportunity however is to set a precedent, through your work ethic, of the benefit and enhancement that diversity brings to every business. Being proactive with your career plan, engaging mentors and getting involved with company initiatives help to define your position as a leader and investor in the success of the company.
BS: We commend you on your efforts to encourage diversity. When did you realize there was a need? How did you plan your approach to effectively encourage diversity?
Crystal Barnes: It really wasn’t about when it was more about how. As a company our research and insights focus on the increasingly diverse, demanding and connected consumer. By the pure nature of what we do it is important for us to make sure that we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. It is a work in progress and through our various programs it is imperative that I participate in that movement.
BS: What other projects and/or initiatives are you a part of?
Crystal Barnes: Nielsen has three national independent advisory groups, consisting of external industry, academia and community influences that help inform and enhance the Company’s efforts to recruit measure and accurately report diverse communities. I am a founding member of the African American Advisory Council and work closely with them to help reinforce and drive diversity efforts across our company. Internally, I work with our Employee Resources Groups which are voluntary, employee driven teams that are organized around a shared interest, and I lead our recruitment efforts at New York University (NYU). Outside of Nielsen, I sit on the NYC Museum for African Art ELA Board and am involved with Student Sponsor Partners. Working with these groups in various capacities helps me to apply diverse perspectives to my work and ultimately to my life. In my spare time I am a full-time wife and mother!
BS: Are there any motto’s you live by? Why?
Crystal Barnes: Yes, God will never put more on you than you can bear (paraphrased): 1 Corinthians 10:13. It’s just so true! In a time when uncertainty and ambiguity are part of most of our lives it’s important to believe in the idea that from change come great things and from trust comes the courage to break through and receive your blessings.
Emotions raged high yesterday, June 28th, 2012, as Obama announced his health plan was upheld by the supreme court with a victory of 5-4. Democrats and the general public cheered on of this victorious win. Republicans however are convinced this is indeed a mistake and an unwanted expansion of the government. Undoubtedly it’s because it will cost them a loss of millions of profitable dollars. Millions of Americans now have access to healthcare. Specially those with pre-existing illnesses. Also, children can be covered under their parents care until they reach the age of 26.
The Affordable Care Act – At-A-Glance:
Ending Insurance Company Abuses: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, insurers can no longer put a lifetime cap on how much care they will pay for if you get sick or cancel your coverage when you make a mistake on your paperwork. Starting in 2014, health insurers will be prohibited from charging you more because you are a woman.
More Affordable Care: Today, we have the new 80/20 rule: insurance companies must spend at least 80 cents of your premium dollar on your health care or improvements to care. And insurance companies must publicly justify their actions if they want to raise premiums by 10 percent or more. And States have more power to block them.
President Obama signs the health care bill in the East Room of the White House
Coverage for Young Adults: Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults under age 26 can stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until age 26 – a change that has already allowed 3.1 million young adults to get health coverage and given their families peace of mind. For more information on how the Affordable Care Act impacts young adults please Click here.
Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan in every State offers an option to people who have been locked out of the insurance market because of a pre-existing condition like cancer or heart disease. And under the new law, insurers can no longer deny coverage to children under age 19 because of a pre-existing condition like asthma and diabetes. Starting in 2014, health insurers will be prohibited from discriminating against anyone due to pre-existing conditions.
Preventive Benefits: All new health plans must now cover preventive services ranging from mammograms to vaccinations for your child, without making you pay a copay or deductible.
For more information on how the Supreme Court Decision and the Affordable Care please go to: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/index.html
Source: http://www.rodneysebichotte.com
