Scan Medical Insurance

What is a good site to get short term health insurance? I am looking for individual health insurance that would cover basic things such as a regular hospital visit, eye exam, dentist, etc in the short run for at least 6 months. As well as cover minor accidents like having a twisted ankle. I'm not really looking for something that would cover me if I had cancer or a major health problem. I'm looking for something with medical, vision, and dental. Pretty much preventive care and maintanence. I am looking to switch jobs since benefits are not offered where I work.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS QUESTION? I want to find out which states have brokerage agreements with Thrivent for major medical and short-term medical insurance. Their website has no info and my attempts to contact the company have been unsuccessful so far. No live person anwers a phone. Is this like the Kennedy Assassination or soemthingZ?

My Parents visiting from England and health insurance in the US? HELP? My parents come to visit from England every few years and in the past we were able to get them a Short Term Major Medical Policy for the 6-8 Week they were in the US. Now with there health they are most likely not going to qualify for it. Can anyone tell me how the Socialized medicine of England works if they get ill here in the US ( if at all) and what are some other options for them. They are scared to travel with out being covered in the US.

What would be a medical reason for me to stay home longer after a vaginal delivery? I want to stay home for more than 6 weeks, but I only had a vaginal delivery. Aside from exhaustion and a labor-induced, very uncomfortable hemorrhoid, I have no medical issue. Would that be enough of a reason for my doctor not to release me? Also, would that be a major enough medical reason for my short term disability insurance to continue paying me for the additional two weeks?

I need a slogan or a message for my business card (Insurance)? Mostly short term major medical and limited medical policies. I am just about the most un-creative person in the world. P.S. While I do enjoy some of the humorous, sarcastic answers people give on here, please only serious ones! OR, if you must be funny, give me a serious one first and then the funny one. :)

Short term disability, group policy and preexisting condition conundrum? The question: do I wait to sign up for short term disability (STD) until the preexisting condition exclusion period is past? Note: please read this carefully before replying. I suspect any meaningful answers will come from someone who has either been through this or works as an insurance agent. A group policy for short term disability is available to me through work (we can enroll at any time). The form only asks three simple questions about major medical conditions and there is a following clause asking whether you've had a few other conditions in the past five years (to which I would answer yes for one chronic joint injury). In August I saw an MD to evaluate the joint, but I haven't seen one or needed treatment since. The policy being offered has a 12 month preexisting condition exclusion clause. Seeing as I am an active individual, I am gambling that in the future, my chronic injury may require surgery (bodies wear and tear, that is life). The specific surgery that could potentially be needed in the future has a recovery time for which I would be unable to work for 4-6 months, thus my desire to get STD just in case. The conundrum: a. If I sign up before it has been a year since I saw an MD for my old injury, the policy then will not cover anything to do with that injury for a year from my sign up date. b. If I wait to sign up for short term disability until 12 months since my last MD visit, I believe the preexisting condition exclusion would not apply. Any insurance folk want to weigh in here? Honestly I am not trying to cheat the system, yet like any prudent individual, I am trying to set myself up for success should this condition cause me to be out of work. There is a chance that I won't need surgery, but after seeing a girlfriend of mine break her back and lose her house due to lack of STD, I am playing things safe. Thank you for your consideration and sharing of knowledge in this arena.

Insurance Options not associated with employers? Hi I want some guidance on shopping around for disability and health insurance in general. I am a 36 year old female who right now is employed to a company that offers short term and long term disability and I am being asked to sign up for them by the end of this month. SHORT TERM / LONG TERM DISABILITY $ 8.17 - Short Term Disability $10.26 - Long Term Disability The rates I put are weekly. I want to shop around more before I sign up for these things. Does anyone know of any good options for short term and long term disability options that are not tied to a company? Am I right in assuming that when such insurance is not tied to an employer it's probably better since the benefits can continue if something should happen to the job? SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL INSURANCE They also have the following options to supplement the medical insurance they already provide: $48.43 - Major Expense Medical ( to cover everything regular insurance won't cover) $12.00 - Hospital Indemnity ( to give extra money per day for hospital visits) These are weekly rates as well. I will definitely take the regular health insurance (a 70% / 30% deal), since it's free for employees, it's just the other supplementary health stuff I wanted to know if I had options for. Thanks for any direction you can provide.

A close relative is milking their short-term disability for thousands of dollars...how can it be proven? A close relative of mine went on short-term disability leave back in September right before having early-stage breast cancer surgery and has been receiving short-term disability payments from her employer's insurance company ever since. Following surgery and subsequent radiation (she didn't need chemo), more and more "stuff" started appearing at her house that she'd been buying with the insurance money--new clothes, a new sofa, she's talking about getting a treadmill, etc.--and spending hours online looking up genealogy-related stuff, which is a big hobby of hers. She's also taken a number of trips to see relatives around the state and has gone with them on hobby-oriented excursions for several days at a time (some of the relatives are self-employed while others are retired) and apparently having a grand old time. Meanwhile she's had no medical treatments in nearly two months--she finished radiation in January--but she says she still doesn't feel well enough to go back to work, and oh yeah, she also mentioned out loud on at least one occasion that she's making more money from short-term disability than she does from her job. But she feels really lousy and can't go back to work because she's not ready, yadda yadda yadda, but you wouldn't know it from the way she's been acting and the way she's been spending money on things she doesn't need to live. I'm waiting to hear back from her insurance company on an anonymous call I placed to their fraud hotline, but it got me to wondering...I and many other relatives are seeing her do all of these things, but she's apparently still giving her doctor this line that she's not ready to go back to work, etc., and besides the fact that she's stealing from the system, it's really creating major tensions within the family. So what I'm asking is, once I give the insurance company the details of what I know and what I've observed, how can it be proven that she's milking the system and what can be done to stop her? In the back of my mind I'm thinking it could even get her arrested if this sort of fraud is deemed serious enough, but not having dealt with anything like this before, I'm not sure how this plays out. Anyone have any insight on the process in reporting insurance/disability fraud and how insurance investigators go about proving something like this? I realize people can't give legal advice on here, but I'm just trying to understand how the system works and anything else that might be a consideration.

A close relative is milking her short-term disability for thousands of dollars...how can it be proven? A close relative of mine went on short-term disability leave back in September right before having early-stage breast cancer surgery and has been receiving short-term disability payments from her employer's insurance company ever since. Following surgery and subsequent radiation (she didn't need chemo), more and more "stuff" started appearing at her house that she'd been buying with the insurance money--new clothes, a new sofa, she's talking about getting a treadmill, etc.--and spending hours online looking up genealogy-related stuff, which is a big hobby of hers. She's also taken a number of trips to see relatives around the state and has gone with them on hobby-oriented excursions for several days at a time (some of the relatives are self-employed while others are retired) and apparently having a grand old time. Meanwhile she's had no medical treatments in nearly two months--she finished radiation in January--but she says she still doesn't feel well enough to go back to work, and oh yeah, she also mentioned out loud on at least one occasion that she's making more money from short-term disability than she does from her job. But she feels really lousy and can't go back to work because she's not ready, yadda yadda yadda, but you wouldn't know it from the way she's been acting and the way she's been spending money on things she doesn't need to live. I'm waiting to hear back from her insurance company on an anonymous call I placed to their fraud hotline, but it got me to wondering...I and many other relatives are seeing her do all of these things, but she's apparently still giving her doctor this line that she's not ready to go back to work, etc., and besides the fact that she's stealing from the system, it's really creating major tensions within the family. So what I'm asking is, once I give the insurance company the details of what I know and what I've observed, how can it be proven that she's milking the system and what can be done to stop her? In the back of my mind I'm thinking it could even get her arrested if this sort of fraud is deemed serious enough, but not having dealt with anything like this before, I'm not sure how this plays out. Anyone have any insight on the process in reporting insurance/disability fraud and how insurance investigators go about proving something like this? I realize people can't give legal advice on here, but I'm just trying to understand how the system works and anything else that might be a consideration. So tell me, Melissa, when did fraud become legal? I'd bring up the fact that it's unethical, too, but you wouldn't understand, obviously... SunAngel, I grew up in the same house as this person and see her several times a week, so I'm a very close relative... Maybe I should send her over to your place to rob you instead, Katherine. Just because she's not robbing me but robbing the system doesn't make it right. In fact, yeah, I'll send her over to your place to steal all your stuff because she's entitled to do so if she wants. Unless of course you believe she shouldn't, but it really doesn't matter what's right or wrong as long as it doesn't affect you, right?

How much would health insurance at the least be for an 18 year old....? I'm 17, I'll be 18 in December and I'll be moving out. I was wondering how much the cheapest health insurance would possibly be if I got my own plan? I don't have any major medical issues. I was diagnosed with Short-term memory loss and PCOS. Right now I'm not on any medication right now, but I MIGHT have to start taking something for my PCOS or my Thyroid before I move out. I went on one website, I can't remember which and it said for minimum coverage it's be 170$....Is that really true? Co-pay and all that was extremely low too. Any advice? BTW: I would stay on my dad's plan, BUT I am moving out of state which is why I'm asking this. I was also told that I don't need to disclose medical information from my past medical history if I was under 18...is that true also?

Help me? please? thanx!!? 18. The coverage included in an automobile insurance policy that covers property damage is _______ insurance. A. supplemental B. liability C. major medical D. term 19. A master plan is devised for A. emergencies. B. investments. C. short-term goals. D. long-range goals. I think number 18 is b. Im not sure. and number 19 i think its d. please tell me if im wrong. I'll apreciate it.

Editing help......??? If you have a few minutes to spare, could anyone please, please help me edit my paper. For many years, people have been debating how medical insurance should be paid: Whether private payment or government payment or some combination. Private payment means one would pay for ones own insurance. Government payment would mean the government pays for ones insurance. If the government were to pay for ones insurance, it would limit ones abilities. Also, Government already has to cover Medicare, Social Security, Government housing, the Federal Housing Committee, and the collapse of the Financial Institutions. To a lot of thoughtful people, the only way to fix the health insurance crisis in the United States is to get the federal government to cover everyone. In most states, individuals can be denied coverage for any number of reasons, so it is wise to request and compare more than one individual health insurance quote. The extra short-term effort that's required to apply for individual medical insurance plans is easily worth the long-term savings. If one is insuring ones family, as opposed to just oneself, there are some additional considerations to take into account. Even if one does receive coverage through an employer-sponsored health plan, one should consider the cost-saving benefits of switching to a family medical insurance policy or moving some of your family members off of your group policy into a family policy. Most Americans receive their health coverage through some type of group health insurance. Although large corporations with hundreds or even thousands of employees have the bargaining power to negotiate with medical insurance companies for custom health plans for their workers, the small business owner must still research options and compare prices from multiple providers. Since small business health insurance offers guaranteed coverage to all employees in a given company, it can be difficult and time consuming for a small business owner to find the best policy. Most major colleges and universities require their full-time students to have medical insurance. While many of these same schools also offer their own student health plan, it is wise to explore his or her options. Typically the school will provide the minimum requirements that a health policy must meet in order to waive coverage under the school's policy. As a senior over 65, one is likely covered under some combination of Medicare plans. Changes in recent years to the federal government's medical insurance program for seniors has created a complex system with rigid enrollment timelines. Currently, we have a mixed system, where the government heavily intervenes in health care. In Canada and Great Britain, they have fully governmental health care systems, but a black market of private medicine exists. The government regulates which drugs are available on the market, through the FDA and through the agencies that fight its War on Drugs. Currently, drug companies are granted monopoly privileges called "patents" that give them the exclusive right to sell their drug for 17 years. A few years ago, Congress passed legislation which actually outlawed the importation of cheaper drugs from other countries and prohibited the federal government's health insurance programs (such as Medicare and Medicaid) from negotiating for lower prices. This provision was repealed by the Democrats after they won control of Congress. Britain, Canada, Japan and a number of other rich countries do so, and they each spend less money on health care than the United States does. They also do not have major companies, like General Motors, flirting with bankruptcy in large part because of the cost of health benefits Health insurers made $100 billion in profits last year, and industries of that size are just not legislated out of business, said Jonathan Gruber, an economist. The party that controls the White House and Congress also opposes the idea. Republicans have their own utopian notions, which generally involve letting loose the free market for Americans to demand better care on their own. The discussion has basically been paralyzed for years. In the meantime, the problem has grown worse. In the United States, forty-six million people lack health insurance, according to the most recent estimate, up from thirty-one million in 1987. Massachusetts changed the terms of the debate. Governor Mitt Romney, a Republican, and the State Legislature, controlled by the Democrats, reached a deal to cover almost everyone in the state. The plan will cut the cost of health insurance for families that do not have it and make it free for many poor families. The state will also require every resident to have insurance or face a stiff fine. The plan breaks free of the usual ideological shackles by dealing with both of the big reasons that nearly one- sixth of the U.S. population lacks insurance. One, many people cannot afford it. Two, some who can afford it imagin

How long do I have to stay at a job after maternity leave? I'm a store manager for a major retailer. I also am deeply unhappy with my current job. And, oh yeah, I'm pregnant. My current job is my only source of insurance and I know that I would not be able to afford the medical bills without it. I know that every state and every company will have a different policy, but I would like to get an average... How long after short-term disability leave/maternity leave does the average company expect an employee to...stay employed? How long do I have to 'pay them back'?

A recent spell in hospital in the UK got me thinking about the different levels of the social safety net.? A recent short period of hospitalisation in the UK brought home to me some of the key differences beween the UK and the US in terms of their respective systems of medical and social care. I was taken by ambulance to my local Primary Care NHS (National Health Service)hospital (a regional hospital with specialist care for major traumas etc) and provided treatment and advice from 3 different levels of doctor. First in A&E (I was seen within 45 minutes), then after being transferred to a short term care ward (up to 5 days expected stay) was seen a more senior doctor specialiseing in my condition, given approprate treatment and then subsequently seen by a senior consultant. My treatment and progress was monitored throughout by a network of doctors and other specialists including a physiotherapist and I was given advice on what I needed to do to complete my recovery. When I had recovered sufficiently I was discharged with a prescription of a months worth of medication to support my recovery. I was also given advice on the nutrition and excercise requirements to aid my recovery. I would imagine that the level of medical care provided was similar to the US for people with full medical insurance. The main difference is that under the NHS it is free to any person in the country including citizens from other EU countries. I have no medical insurance because I do not need it. People in the UK who can afford it have medical insurance to receive essentially the same medical treatment in more comfortable and private surroundings and to get quicker treatment for some non-urgent procedures for which there is a waiting list in the NHS. Of course they still have access to the NHS for more urgent treatment. After discharge I was passed into the care of my local GP (local community doctor) and local social services who took an active part in ensuring I had the support I needed in my recovery and in any other areas visiting me in my home to discuss these areas with me Many of the staff of the NHS are provided by second generation Afro-Carribian immigrants or more recent immigrants from the accession states of the EU (Poland, Hungry, Czech republic etc) and from countries such as the Philipines showing one of the great benefits of a massive influx of highly educated and trained immigrants from countries with excellent education and training systems but who currently are at a lower level of economic development than the leading economic powers like the US, established EU states, Japan etc. The NHS is not perfect by any means but it is going through a massive process of re-engineering itself with large regional hospitals becoming self governing NHS Trusts and outsourcing non-medical services to outside private sector bidders on a competitive bidding system and the whole system monitiored by performance indicators with mechanisms to correct poor performance Great efforts are being made to cater better to the needs of people who because of poor English language skills (another by product of mass immigration), lack of knowledge of the system or lack of basic life skills, including those with mental disabities, who may therefore have difficulty getting full access to to the facilities and help available. The NHS and other bodies are also actively pursueing ways of improving care and support for people in the community particularly to support them through the recovery phase. There is also an initiartive to give people access to self diagnoses and advice on nutrition, excercise etc and specific areas such as problem drinking or the whole range of medical conditions. This is targeted at low income groups who do not have access to the internet at home and may have poor IT skills.This is being done by using the internet facilities that already exist in public libraries and by training library staff in supporting the people concerned with advice on using the system. Medically trained staff will come into the library regurlarly to provide further support in face to face consultation. This is in addition to the services of the GP network. Again all these services are free to any member of the public including of course all new immigrants and any EU citizen. For key public sector workers including NHS staff and others on low income or suffering financial hardship through, for instance, marriage breakup a system exists for the provision of low cost home ownership. A system to provide shared ownership of houses and apartments is provided by government funded Housing Associations who provide newly built or second hand properties on the basis of an initial capital contribution funded out of capital. This will be either a from a mortgage or cash, often from the proceeds of the sale of a previuos home as a result of divorce with the usual 50/50 split of the proceeds of the sale of the matrimonial home, or from savings. This capital contribution can be as low as 30 % of the full market value and can range up to 70% or Question too long & cut off by system. Any suggestions. Question at the end was how people thought the UK system compared with the US. Two countries of similar per capita income. In US you pay for very expensive medical insurance or risk having no access to medical care at all. In the UK good quality medical care is available free for all (inc EU citizens).

Stepmother forged my name and cashed out my life insurance policy last august should i pursue legal action? I discovered several months ago that my stepmother who has been married to my father for 35 years had forged my name to change the address and then cash out my two life insurance policies which my father had set up and paid the monthly premiums on for me. My father is 88 years old and developed Alzheimers a few years ago. Although he knows who everyone is, and can to acquaintances seems just fine, he has absolutely no short term memory anymore and is obviously no longer competent.My father and i are very close, i worked for him for many years and he often spoiled me and spent money on me. They are fairly well off, he still works part time earning about $300,000 annually and they own many income properties in Southern California and elsewhere, drive luxury vehicles, etc. He told me a long time ago that once he died not to expect too much financially so he wanted to help me out financially while he still could. My stepmother has always been upset when he spent money on me (although for her own 3 adult children it was never an issue.) I spoke briefly with an attorney and he said that since the policy was closed fraudlently, if i called the insurance company they would reinstate the insurance along with the policy cash values. I would dearly like to do that since it is the only nest egg i have now. (Once he got the alzheimers diagnosis his wife took over all financial matters and i have had no assistance for about 4 years, which is fine, i am an adult, but having a little money to fall back on would be so nice.) Also I have a ten year old son with major health concerns and if something happened to me I always planned on him having my death benefits. The main reason i haven't done anything yet is that my father is my insurance agent and i feel like the only thing that is keeping him in good spirits and state of mind is going to work daily- always said he'd work until the day he died. I'm afraid if i pursue action his office may be shut down when it comes to light that he is not mentally competent. (My stepmother had a temporary secretary give her the form and just filled it out signed it and faxed it in herself, according to my father's long term office manager who informed me of what had happened when she returned from a medical leave.) I don't know if i have the right to ruin any portion of the remainder of my father's life by potentially affecting his ability to go to work which he loves. Also i dread the flak from my family and am afraid my stepmother might try to prevent me from seeing him after that. On a side note, the office manager also mentioned that all the family assets were being funneled into the stepsiblings names and there would soon be nothing left of my fathers formerly fairly vast estate for his own 4 children. (My stepmother never worked a day since they've been married. And she has been a good wife for him and cares for him now, and i don't begrudge her her share, but i just don't see why only her kids should get everything he worked 50 years for.) Would i be wrong to try and get my policies and money back? Would she face any legal consequences that could prevent her from caring for my father? Should my siblings and i try and protect our rights in his estate? Any help, legal advice, etc appreciated.

Vitex Agnus-Castus to help with hormonal acne issues? looking for a little bit of clarifications as i delve into more research... i have a hormonal issue that i believe is setting off phase II & III acne. i have no medical insurance to pay for treatment, but also refuse to use man-made nasty chemicals in & on my body any longer. i know it is hormonal because i was on a progestrone pill for potential PCOS symptoms and irregular period for 3 years awhile back. with the help of proactive it cleared up all but the occassional acne spot. i could of been a cliche proactive before and after face model at that time. but after i dropped the pill, proactive did not work as well at all and i was sick of it bleaching my towels, sheets, and clothing. i ended up dropping it from my regimen. i don't want to cover or treat with a short term fix (neutrogena, proactive, clean & clear, non-comodegenic make-up etc). i want to take care of this the PROPER way. permanently. I've read that Vitex Agnus Castor can help with PCOS and hormone imbalance as well with luteal defects.... i am currently tracking my cycle also to help me become more aware of my body & it's signals and have noticed i have a projected ovulation 3 days from beginning of luteal, which is only 5 days in length. here's my current specs health-wise: - 28 year young female, overweight, no major health concerns, no medications taken - face has been breaking out in Phase I - III acne; i look like a high school student - progestrone-based birth control helped with acne issue when mixed with proactive; was on pill for potential PCOS (was symptommatic, but never tested) and irregular cycles - improvement in eating habits helps, but result is minor improvement - i have been off said pill for well over a year. cycles have been normal. have minor PCOS symptoms, but regular cycle (~32 days) and 5 day luteal. -treating face externally with mix of 25ml pure aloe vera gel and couple drops tea tree oil (this mixture lasts about 1 week); oil production has lessened by 2nd day, face looks freshly washed all day. prior to use, i used to end up looking oily 1/2 was through day with just soap (Dr. Bronners baby mild is used). i have read VItex Agnus-Castus can affect the body differently depending on dosage; that is where i am looking for guidance. any information is helpful, a big thanks in advance. okay let me address a couple things: 1) i know about all insurance options and unfortunately i am in a position where i am between any options. i also went to school for medical billing. this was not the question, so your answer has no relation to this question whatsoever. but thank you for your input. 2) acne ace is a COVER UP. this product is not a cure although it is marketed as one. i also specialize in marketing, they're no better than proactive, clean & clear, neutrogena, etc. have fun ingesting your man made chemicals. thank you for your input.

Homeschool, homework HELP in comsumer math pt.3 from penn foster? 1. If you have earned income, which of the following retirement devices must you contribute to, by law? A. Pension plan B. IRA C. Social security (FICA) D. Vesting plan 2. Car insurance that pays for your injuries when you're in an accident in your car is _______. A. comprehensive B. liability C. medical D. collision 3. Jane Marko buys a car for $11,400.00. In three years, the car depreciates 48% in value. How much is the car worth in three years? 5. Ray Cupple bought a basic car costing $10,150.00, with options costing $738.00. There is a 6% sales tax in his state and a combined $50.00 license and registration fee. What was Ray's total cost? A. $10,938.00 B. $11,541.28 C. $11,547.00 D. $11,591.28 8. A share of stock in the Bree Medical Supply Company is quoted at 35 1/4 . Suppose you hold 20 shares of that stock, which you bought at 31 1/2. If you sold your stock at 35 1/4, which of the following would be true? A. You made a profit of $75.00. B. You suffered a loss of $75.00. C. You made a profit of $705.00. D. You suffered a loss of $630.00. 9. What is the first step that a smart new-car buyer should take before talking to salespersons and putting a deposit on a car? A. Shop around for a car loan. B. Obtain car insurance. C. Study the car market. D. Test-drive the car. 13. The major difference between a calculator and a computer, when performing calculations, is that a A. calculator is faster but needs more human assistance. B. calculator is slower and needs more human assistance. C. computer is faster but needs more human assistance. D. computer is slower but needs less human assistance. 15. Which of the following best describes term life insurance? A. The insured is covered during his or her entire lifetime. B. The insured pays the premium until his or her death. C. The insured pays a premium for a specified number of years. D. The insured can borrow or collect the cash value of the policy. 19. A master plan is devised for A. emergencies. B. investments. C. short-term goals. D. long-range goals. 20. A _______ is invested by managers in a diversity of stocks, bonds, and other securities. A. series EE bond B. promissory note C. preferred stock D. mutual fund A. $3,800.00 B. $4,788.00 C. $5,472.00 D. $5,928.00

Have you ever been depressed, stuck, eager to turn it around, but weren't sure how best to go about it? I’ll start by saying that this is a genuine question with the aim of drawing suggestions from others’ experience and strength, and I thank all genuine respondants from the bottom of my heart in advance. I will apologize, in advance, for its length, but I need to get it out, so I will use whatever resources I can to effect that, including edits. Those who have nothing intelligent to say, I implore you to move on to another question, as I can assure you that there are plenty of unintelligent questions out there begging for unintelligent answers. Contempt for blatant stupidity is a signature trait in any personality profile one might choose to construct for me. I am a 37-year-old man who is married to (who I think is) the most wonderful woman I could hope to meet. I am deeply in love with her, and despite my own first-person concerns, she is the main reason I am reaching out to others in hopes of discovering (or, perhaps, being reintroduced to) ways to help turn around my situation. I have been a chiropractor since 2003, and without going into a lengthy exposition as to my rationale, I have decided that I cannot practice chiropractic without violating my conscience. I have not practiced since October 2008, and I have since inactivated my license(s) to practice. My intermediate-to-long-term goal is to secure admission to medical school and to pursue that avenue, hopefully in a way that allows me to expand upon and integrate what I already know. I am very lucky to have married a woman who supports this position and, in fact, admires me for it (which is something I’m not sure I understand fully, considering what I put into it). My difficulty arises from what has been the short-term since discontinuing chiropractic practice. It is primarily economic, but my disposition, as a result, is turning me into someone I don’t like, and I know it has to be making it harder on the woman I love on a number of levels. Economic prospects for most new chiropractors are bleak; I am happy to dispute virtually any governmental report that states otherwise. They aren’t the ones saddled with over $120K in debts with most employment offers (when they’re available) in and around the $36K-$40K per year range. Dave Ramsey has a word for people who take out those kinds of loans to earn that kind of salary: “stupid.” How I wish I had been a Dave Ramsey listener 10-15 years earlier with a better glimpse of the future. What I thought was a profession largely on the up-and-up is truly replete with criminals and deviants of a multitude of backgrounds. Making the decision to walk away from chiropractic wasn’t easy, as it involved me looking back and realizing that I made a major life decision based on recommendations and a gross dearth of facts and figures. I owned up, though, and decided to chart a new course, as it was the only way I could make things right in my mind. My short-term goal was to work on securing employment in the interim so as to maintain some form of income while fleshing out what would become my longer-term plan. Employment opportunities for people who have a chiropractic education, I have found, are considerably scarce. I know that jobs, overall, are scarce now, but even more so for characters as pigeonholed as chiropractors. Prospects either wonder why on Earth you’d be applying at their establishment or they think you’re beneath pond scum. Either way, focus is taken off your need to work and placed on why you’re not in the field you studied so hard to enter. Any discussion that ensues derails the goal of getting hired even further. I have been trying to attain employment in areas that would generally leverage what I already know, such as doing insurance exams for life insurance applicants. I’ve gone through their training, but they have yet to contact me to get me started, despite my patience and continued contact with them. And, by the way, it has nothing to do with a background check, as they wouldn’t have gotten me started with their training if there was a concern that came back on the report. As we are in the process of refinancing our house for a lower interest rate, a friend suggested I look into becoming a contract mortgage closer, which doesn’t require any formalized training, according to her. I am looking into this, as well, but the process of gaining the necessary certification/credentials, despite not requiring formal training, is a time-consuming process, which, despite that truth, I have begun. Not having meaningfully worked for a long time has truly worn on me and has deeply affected my mood and disposition. I don’t snap at my wife or anything, but I have become increasingly withdrawn and seemingly unable to say anything because I know that anytime I open my mouth, nothing positive is going to come out. I personally feel like a human concrete weight, and it is slowly (but ever more rapidly, lately) killing my soul. Of course, I thank God for the fact that my wife is in (what seems to be) a good job and we haven’t really gotten behind. It’s the small things I notice that serve as a reminder that I’m not pulling my weight, for reasons within or beyond my control – I don’t even know at this point. For example, the other day, she mentioned that she needed some of her work pants hemmed, and she wanted to take them to a local cleaner to have it done, but when she saw our bank balance, she got really quiet and somewhat distant. After some time, I was able to elicit from her that she is frustrated with our situation, but that she feels badly for even feeling that way. I know she didn’t want to say anything for fear of hurting my pride even more than it already is as a result of my situation, but I really hate not knowing what’s bothering her. I’d just as soon have her tell me flat-out and risk hurting my feelings. I’m from the Northeast, originally; I like to know where I stand with someone, even if it isn’t in their good graces. Anyhow, the bottom line is that I believe that I am getting to a point of depression where it is beginning to interfere with my ability to function and my will to reach beyond my borders. I know, cognitively, that is counterproductive and I am considering seeing a physician regarding possible antidepressant therapy (God, who isn’t on that crap, nowadays?!), but in the meantime, I’m hoping that someone who reads this might have been in a similar situation (well, no, I’m not really wishing that on anyone – it’s just that if you’ve been there … you get my drift) and was able to find their way out of it successfully. I feel very disinclined, at the moment, to move. I feel trapped and very alone, despite the fact that I share this house with the most wonderful woman I know. I know this has to be indescribably hard for her, too, even just to watch. I want to do what’s right for both of us. I don’t want to let myself or her down. I need some feedback and suggestions, and that’s why I put my life of late out there for all in Yahoo! Answers-land to read. I almost fear what may come back, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take. That far, at this point, I am willing to venture. Again, I apologize for the length of this diatribe, but if you’ve made it this far, I would think you have a heart of gold, and I would be interested in your take, your feedback, your thoughts, and your experience, that which you would share. Thank you so very much...

Free Inpatient or Residential Treatment centers for Eating disorders? I have No income and no health insurance, I've been denied 2 times for Medicaid and am currently appealing again for the 2nd time however it still wont pay for treatment at all. I've had a severe long term eating disorder (EDNOS) for over 12 years, I am now 21 yrs old. I have tried every treatment option available to me (outpatient, psychiatry, therapy, 4 acute Psychiatric hospitals, 2 medical hospitals) I attempted Partial Hospital program when I still had insurance in early 2007 but they still needed the 20% that wasnt covered up front ($5000). I am now looking for long or short term residential treatment center, preferrably in Californa that will treat me for free. I have no more options left I cant find any places willing to help me pay and im desperate. I am also diagnosed with severe recurrent Major depressive disorder with psychotic features, borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorder, and PTSD so a Dual diagnosis program would be helpful... so thats pretty much everything if anyone can help me out that would be great. scholarships, sliding fee scales, foundations (that still exist), etc. please. I'll give you $5, seriously. im really at my rock bottom at this point.

Scenario: corrupt work enviroment reported sexual harassment and workplace harassment....? I have worked for a MAJOR company for just under a year. Since I started I have dealt with workplace harassment. It started out with a sort of workplace bullying and with each passing day it progressively got worse and worse. I have taken notes from day 1 about the things going on. Besides the obvious third party sexual harassment, work place bullying, and unprofessional behavior there has been several violations of the law and of the company code of conduct. I made several report inside my office to all levels of management; first my immediate supervisor then her supervisor and then her supervisor...nothing was done. Finally I reported it to HR and the next day I received a threat from one of the employees via internet communication (the threat was made during working hours I was off work that day but the employee who threatened me was not). I did a screen print and saved it to a word document (I doubled clicked on my lap top clock to pop up the clock in the screen before I did the screen print to show the time and date of the screen print). I have been in and out of the doctor because of this. My doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and depression as a result of this. My weight has yo-yo'ed, I have constant headaches and nausea, I get shaky, I just burst into tears over the slightest things (I started crying over a Rice Crispy commercial) and I'm not an emotional person at all and no I'm not pregnant. HR refused to relocate me to a different office (there are 16 offices in the county I work in) during the investigation. I told them I feared for my saftey due to the threats and they said they cannot relocate me because if they did it for me they could do it for anyone and as of right now all I have are allegations. I told them I had notes, proof of conversations, proof of the threat; they still said if you don't go to work you will be fired. I talked to my doctor and he agrees my symptoms are due to stress from this whole ongoing harassment and situation. So he put me on temporary disability. Well my last paycheck was only 75% of my normal salary. Turns out my "coding" was changed to part time the day after I reported the harassment and when I called to find out about my pay they also told me "oh also as a part time employee you aren't eligible for short term disability pay". They also told me my manager has to open a claim to get me back pay for the hours I worked and didn't get paid. I asked my manager to open a claim but she didn't and now she is on vacation. All I wanted was to be able to go to work and do my job without being harassed and now all these problems have started...what am I supposed to do? I can't afford an attorney I'm not getting paid at the moment! To summarize: They violated the whistleblower confidentiality They changed me from a full time status to part time status without consent or even notification so they don't have to pay me short term disability They are making me pay out of pocket for my medical bills as apart of my disability claim (they are not allowing me to use my insurance) They are not protecting me under the whistleblower law They aren't paying me for hours worked

Should I continue seeing my counselor? OK so a little about me - I am a college student in my second year. Starting around my second year of high school (4 years ago) I had major depression issues and contemplated suicide quite often. Well I didn't start seeing a counselor until last year and it completely changed my life. After about 2 months I stopped seeing him (as I wasn't put on any medications and I seemed to be pretty much better). Well, I decided to start seeing him again this year. I have appointments that are spaced about once every week and a half. Mostly I go to the appointments and it just gives me a chance to talk about problems that are bothering me, and just talk for about 45 minutes which most people don't let me do (I have a tendency to talk a LOT about things, its my only real way to relieve my stress). I really like getting the chance to talk to my counselor every so often because I get to have intelligent conversation with someone about pretty much anything I can think of. The only problem is that I am no longer depressed and I am pretty much just paying to have someone to talk to. The only other people I trust enough to talk to for hours on end are my parents (who live about 2000 miles away), and two friends at my college. The problem is that my parents are both busy with work during the day (I seem to like to talk more during the day than at night), and both of my friends are extremely busy with school work so I'm lucky if I get to see them more than once a week for a couple of hours. Also, I have tried other ways of getting my daily talking out. I tried writing in a journal for a while but that didn't work very well as I can never really get feedback from my own writing. I have also tried talking to my roommate (who I share a dorm room with, and I see him probably 4+ hours a day while we are awake). The problem with my roommate is that he is quite busy as well and I feel bad always talking to him for hours and hours just about my thoughts and things that bother me and such. Now to make the situation worse, the place where I get my counseling done (which is done through my university) is pretty much the only place I can afford to go (or at least I think so). I don't have a medical need for a therapist or counselor as I no longer have a mental illness so getting my insurance to foot the bill would be tough. And on top of that, my counseling center I go to has a limit on how many sessions someone can go to per year because they believe in a short-term healing process. So, what should I do? I have about 10 appointments left for the year and I don't mind using them, but what about after that? Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Well I should say the things I talk about change from visit to visit. I have a rather active imagination, so one visit I might talk about how I want to start looking for a job and then how I can't sleep because my roommate watches too much TV, and the next visit I might talk about how much I love cooking chicken and how I can't stand going to buffet restaurants. So there isn't really a group of people that I could talk to about EVERYTHING. Also I want to note that I'm open to anything - even non-therapy things. Like if you know of some place where people can just go talk about everything, or something else, then don't be afraid to write it as an answer! I'll give thumbs up to every answer that is helpful in some way, so thank you in advance once again!

I reallly need help in these 4!! thankkyouu? In a health insurance policy, a statement that an applicant won't be covered for a certain pre-existing condition is called a/an A. exclusion. B. supplement. C. waiting period. D. major medical coverage. A master plan is devised for A. emergencies. B. investments. C. short-term goals. D. long-range goals. A _______ is invested by managers in a diversity of stocks, bonds, and other securities. A. series EE bond B. promissory note C. preferred stock D. mutual fund i meant 3 sorry

help pleases and thank u? 1. If you have earned income, which of the following retirement devices must you contribute to, by law? A. Pension plan B. IRA C. Social security (FICA) D. Vesting plan 2. Car insurance that pays for your injuries when you're in an accident in your car is _______. A. comprehensive B. liability C. medical D. collision 3. Jane Marko buys a car for $11,400.00. In three years, the car depreciates 48% in value. How much is the car worth in three years? A. $3,800.00 B. $4,788.00 C. $5,472.00 D. $5,928.00 4. Which of the following devices imparts ownership in a corporation? A. Stock B. Bond C. Savings account D. U.S. Treasury Bill 5. Ray Cupple bought a basic car costing $10,150.00, with options costing $738.00. There is a 6% sales tax in his state and a combined $50.00 license and registration fee. What was Ray's total cost? A. $10,938.00 B. $11,541.28 C. $11,547.00 D. $11,591.28 6. The Hamilton Brush Company issued 2,500 shares of common stock worth $100,000.00 total. What is the par value of each share? A. $25.00 B. $40.00 C. $400.00 D. $250.00 7. Which of the following is intended primarily to enhance a person's tax advantage and retirement income? A. U.S. Savings Bond B. Growth fund C. Money market fund D. IRA 8. A share of stock in the Bree Medical Supply Company is quoted at 35 1/4 . Suppose you hold 20 shares of that stock, which you bought at 31 1/2. If you sold your stock at 35 1/4, which of the following would be true? A. You made a profit of $75.00. B. You suffered a loss of $75.00. C. You made a profit of $705.00. D. You suffered a loss of $630.00. 9. What is the first step that a smart new-car buyer should take before talking to salespersons and putting a deposit on a car? A. Shop around for a car loan. B. Obtain car insurance. C. Study the car market. D. Test-drive the car. 10. Jane has a checkbook balance of $68.00. She then writes two checks, one for $5.00 and one for $62.50. She also deposits $75.00. She then uses her calculator to determine her new balance. Which of the following is the correct series of keys she should press? A. 6 8 + 7 5 - 5 - 6 2 . 5 0 B. ON/C 6 8 - 5 - 6 2 . 5 0 + 7 5 = C. 6 8 + 7 5 - 6 2 5 0 - 5 = D. ON/C 6 8 + 7 5 = 5 = 6 2 . 5 0 11. The Emerson First National Bank is lending you money to buy a new car. The loan agreement will probably state that you must carry _______ insurance. A. liability B. collision C. no-fault D. medical 12. On which of the following types of policies is it a certainty that the insurance company will have to make payment? (We have assumed that the policy has been kept current, payments have been made, and the insurance company remains in business.) A. Life insurance B. Comprehensive car insurance C. Medical insurance D. Liability insurance 13. The major difference between a calculator and a computer, when performing calculations, is that a A. calculator is faster but needs more human assistance. B. calculator is slower and needs more human assistance. C. computer is faster but needs more human assistance. D. computer is slower but needs less human assistance. 14. Your _______ should furnish enough money to live on, in an emergency, for six months. A. investments B. savings C. interest D. IRA 15. Which of the following best describes term life insurance? A. The insured is covered during his or her entire lifetime. B. The insured pays the premium until his or her death. C. The insured pays a premium for a specified number of years. D. The insured can borrow or collect the cash value of the policy. 16. All insurance is based on a principle called A. premium earnings. B. investment premiums. C. division of risk. D. cash value coverage. 17. In a health insurance policy, a statement that an applicant won't be covered for a certain pre-existing condition is called a/an A. exclusion. B. supplement. C. waiting period. D. major medical coverage. 18. The coverage included in an automobile insurance policy that covers property damage is _______ insurance. A. supplemental B. liability C. major medical D. term 19. A master plan is devised for A. emergencies. B. investments. C. short-term goals. D. long-range goals. 20. A _______ is invested by managers in a diversity of stocks, bonds, and other securities. A. series EE bond B. promissory note C. preferred stock D. mutual fund

May I please get some educated help? If you have earned income, which of the following retirement devices must you contribute to, by law? A. Pension plan B. IRA C. Social security (FICA) D. Vesting plan 2. Car insurance that pays for your injuries when you're in an accident in your car is _______. A. comprehensive B. liability C. medical D. collision 3. Jane Marko buys a car for $11,400.00. In three years, the car depreciates 48% in value. How much is the car worth in three years? A. $3,800.00 B. $4,788.00 C. $5,472.00 D. $5,928.00 4. Which of the following devices imparts ownership in a corporation? A. Stock B. Bond C. Savings account D. U.S. Treasury Bill 5. Ray Cupple bought a basic car costing $10,150.00, with options costing $738.00. There is a 6% sales tax in his state and a combined $50.00 license and registration fee. What was Ray's total cost? A. $10,938.00 B. $11,541.28 C. $11,547.00 D. $11,591.28 6. The Hamilton Brush Company issued 2,500 shares of common stock worth $100,000.00 total. What is the par value of each share? A. $25.00 B. $40.00 C. $400.00 D. $250.00 7. Which of the following is intended primarily to enhance a person's tax advantage and retirement income? A. U.S. Savings Bond B. Growth fund C. Money market fund D. IRA 8. A share of stock in the Bree Medical Supply Company is quoted at 35 1/4 . Suppose you hold 20 shares of that stock, which you bought at 31 1/2. If you sold your stock at 35 1/4, which of the following would be true? A. You made a profit of $75.00. B. You suffered a loss of $75.00. C. You made a profit of $705.00. D. You suffered a loss of $630.00. 9. What is the first step that a smart new-car buyer should take before talking to salespersons and putting a deposit on a car? A. Shop around for a car loan. B. Obtain car insurance. C. Study the car market. D. Test-drive the car. 10. Jane has a checkbook balance of $68.00. She then writes two checks, one for $5.00 and one for $62.50. She also deposits $75.00. She then uses her calculator to determine her new balance. Which of the following is the correct series of keys she should press? A. 6 8 + 7 5 - 5 - 6 2 . 5 0 B. ON/C 6 8 - 5 - 6 2 . 5 0 + 7 5 = C. 6 8 + 7 5 - 6 2 5 0 - 5 = D. ON/C 6 8 + 7 5 = 5 = 6 2 . 5 0 11. The Emerson First National Bank is lending you money to buy a new car. The loan agreement will probably state that you must carry _______ insurance. A. liability B. collision C. no-fault D. medical 12. On which of the following types of policies is it a certainty that the insurance company will have to make payment? (We have assumed that the policy has been kept current, payments have been made, and the insurance company remains in business.) A. Life insurance B. Comprehensive car insurance C. Medical insurance D. Liability insurance 13. The major difference between a calculator and a computer, when performing calculations, is that a A. calculator is faster but needs more human assistance. B. calculator is slower and needs more human assistance. C. computer is faster but needs more human assistance. D. computer is slower but needs less human assistance. 14. Your _______ should furnish enough money to live on, in an emergency, for six months. A. investments B. savings C. interest D. IRA 15. Which of the following best describes term life insurance? A. The insured is covered during his or her entire lifetime. B. The insured pays the premium until his or her death. C. The insured pays a premium for a specified number of years. D. The insured can borrow or collect the cash value of the policy. 16. All insurance is based on a principle called A. premium earnings. B. investment premiums. C. division of risk. D. cash value coverage. 17. In a health insurance policy, a statement that an applicant won't be covered for a certain pre-existing condition is called a/an A. exclusion. B. supplement. C. waiting period. D. major medical coverage. 18. The coverage included in an automobile insurance policy that covers property damage is _______ insurance. A. supplemental B. liability C. major medical D. term 19. A master plan is devised for A. emergencies. B. investments. C. short-term goals. D. long-range goals. 20. A _______ is invested by managers in a diversity of stocks, bonds, and other securities. A. series EE bond B. promissory note C. preferred stock D. mutual fund

I need help with my work so can someone please answer the following questions so i may compair.? 5. Ray Cupple bought a basic car costing $10,150.00, with options costing $738.00. There is a 6% sales tax in his state and a combined $50.00 license and registration fee. What was Ray's total cost? A. $10,938.00 B. $11,541.28 C. $11,547.00 D. $11,591.28 6. The Hamilton Brush Company issued 2,500 shares of common stock worth $100,000.00 total. What is the par value of each share? A. $25.00 B. $40.00 C. $400.00 D. $250.00 7. Which of the following is intended primarily to enhance a person's tax advantage and retirement income? A. U.S. Savings Bond B. Growth fund C. Money market fund D. IRA 8. A share of stock in the Bree Medical Supply Company is quoted at 35 1/4 . Suppose you hold 20 shares of that stock, which you bought at 31 1/2. If you sold your stock at 35 1/4, which of the following would be true? A. You made a profit of $75.00. B. You suffered a loss of $75.00. C. You made a profit of $705.00. D. You suffered a loss of $630.00. 9. What is the first step that a smart new-car buyer should take before talking to salespersons and putting a deposit on a car? A. Shop around for a car loan. B. Obtain car insurance. C. Study the car market. D. Test-drive the car. 10. Jane has a checkbook balance of $68.00. She then writes two checks, one for $5.00 and one for $62.50. She also deposits $75.00. She then uses her calculator to determine her new balance. Which of the following is the correct series of keys she should press? A. 6 8 + 7 5 - 5 - 6 2 . 5 0 B. ON/C 6 8 - 5 - 6 2 . 5 0 + 7 5 = C. 6 8 + 7 5 - 6 2 5 0 - 5 = D. ON/C 6 8 + 7 5 = 5 = 6 2 . 5 0 11. The Emerson First National Bank is lending you money to buy a new car. The loan agreement will probably state that you must carry _______ insurance. A. liability B. collision C. no-fault D. medical 12. On which of the following types of policies is it a certainty that the insurance company will have to make payment? (We have assumed that the policy has been kept current, payments have been made, and the insurance company remains in business.) A. Life insurance B. Comprehensive car insurance C. Medical insurance D. Liability insurance 13. The major difference between a calculator and a computer, when performing calculations, is that a A. calculator is faster but needs more human assistance. B. calculator is slower and needs more human assistance. C. computer is faster but needs more human assistance. D. computer is slower but needs less human assistance. 14. Your _______ should furnish enough money to live on, in an emergency, for six months. A. investments B. savings C. interest D. IRA 15. Which of the following best describes term life insurance? A. The insured is covered during his or her entire lifetime. B. The insured pays the premium until his or her death. C. The insured pays a premium for a specified number of years. D. The insured can borrow or collect the cash value of the policy. 16. All insurance is based on a principle called A. premium earnings. B. investment premiums. C. division of risk. D. cash value coverage. 17. In a health insurance policy, a statement that an applicant won't be covered for a certain pre-existing condition is called a/an A. exclusion. B. supplement. C. waiting period. D. major medical coverage. 18. The coverage included in an automobile insurance policy that covers property damage is _______ insurance. A. supplemental B. liability C. major medical D. term 19. A master plan is devised for A. emergencies. B. investments. C. short-term goals. D. long-range goals. 20. A _______ is invested by managers in a diversity of stocks, bonds, and other securities. A. series EE bond B. promissory note C. preferred stock D. mutual fund

Who do you think 0bama is trying to "fix"? Thursday, October 22, 2009 Senate Defeats Costly Medicare 'Fix' Jennifer Haberkorn and Kara Rowland The Senate on Wednesday blocked an expensive change to the way doctors are paid under Medicare over concern about the mounting deficit, in what Republicans called the first defeat for President Obama's health care plan. Democratic leaders had sought the 10-year, nearly $250 billion bill as a fix to the long-term Medicare problem, but without proposing a way to pay for it, they lost support from moderate Democrats, signaling that cost could become a significant hurdle to a reform bill. In the House, Democratic leaders said they would have a bill by Thanksgiving. But they're still trying to figure out exactly how far they can push a government-run health plan that would compete with private insurers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told members at a caucus meeting Tuesday night that she was just eight votes short of the threshold for the so-called "robust public option," which ties reimbursement rates to those of Medicare plus 5 percent, according to a lawmaker who was present. Tying the public option to Medicare reimbursement rates has become a major sticking point in the House debate. The Senate proposal blocked Wednesday would have restructured that system, which requires Congress to block drastic cuts each year, and established a new formula. It "would help ensure that seniors and military families get the care they need by fairly compensating Medicare and [military] doctors," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "It is unfortunate that Republicans have again chosen to put politics before the needs of the American people." There was near-universal agreement on Capitol Hill to repeal the formula, called the Sustainable Growth Rate, but Republicans and moderate Democrats expressed skepticism to adding nearly $250 billion to the deficit. "With a record deficit and a ballooning national debt, the American people are saying, 'Enough is enough,' " said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Sen. Evan Bayh, a moderate Democrat from Indiana, told reporters last week that he supported the fix but wanted to find a way to pay for it. He voted against the bill Wednesday, as did 12 other Democrats and all Republicans. The procedural vote required 60 votes for passage. The bill was supported by the American Medical Association and the AARP and likely would have gone a long way toward gaining physicians' support for health care reform. Mr. Reid said that instead of the long-term fix, the Senate would likely pass a one-year repair to prevent a 21 percent cut required in January. In the House, the debate is focused on structuring a public option that can generate the 218 votes required for passage. In addition to the so-called robust public option, the chamber is considering a version under which Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius would negotiate doctor reimbursement rates with providers, a plan favored by members from rural states who fear that the public option would leave their doctors at a disadvantage. A third plan would trigger a public option if negotiated rates did not lower costs over a set period. Democrats who favor the robust option point to a superior initial cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office, which predicted it would cost $870 billion - $30 billion under President Obama's $900 billion ceiling. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, California Democrat and co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said the group has counted enough votes in favor of the plan. Progressive members previously have threatened to vote against any health care bill that does not include a robust public option. "We think we've got more than enough people who would vote for a public option, and we think most of the concerns other members have are being taken care of in the negotiations," she said. Meanwhile on Wednesday, both the House and Senate moved forward with plans to strip insurance companies of their exemption from antitrust regulations, a sign of the growing hostility over health care reform between lawmakers and the industry. The House Judiciary Committee voted for the proposal Wednesday and Senate Democrats announced that they plan to introduce a similar amendment to the health care reform bill. The exemption, provided in a 1945 McCarren-Ferguson bill, allows insurance companies to share information. "We'll prohibit the most egregious anti-competitive conduct - price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation - in the health and medical-malpractice insurance industry," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat and author of the amendment. "There's no place for those practices. They would be illegal if done by any other industry." http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/22/senate-defeats-costly-medicare-fix/?source=newsletter_must-read-stories-today_more_news_carousel

Give me your opinion insights and summary or how you understand this..? CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS Article One Basic Air Quality Policies SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999". SECTION 2. Declaration of Principles. - The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable development while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems. The State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-based. The State also recognizes the principle that "polluters must pay". Finally, the State recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should therefore be the concern of all. SECTION 3. Declaration of Policies. - The State shall pursue a policy of balancing development and environmental protection. To achieve this end, the frame work for sustainable development shall be pursued. It shall be the policy of the State to: a. Formulate a holistic national program of air pollution management that shall be implemented by the government through proper delegation and effective coordination of functions and activities; b. Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries through the application of market-based instruments; c. Focus primarily on pollution prevention rather than on control and provide for a comprehensive management program for air pollution; d. Promote public information and education and to encourage the participation of an informed and active public in air quality planning and monitoring; and e. Formulate and enforce a system of accountability for short and long-term adverse environmental impact of a project, program or activity. This shall include the setting up of a funding or guarantee mechanism for clean-up and environmental rehabilitation and compensation for personal damages. SECTION 4. Recognition of Rights. - Pursuant to the above-declared principles, the following rights of citizens are hereby sought to be recognized and the State shall seek to guarantee the enjoyment: a. The right to breathe clean air; b. The right to utilize and enjoy all natural resources according to the principles of sustainable development; c. The right to participate in the formulation, planning, implementation and monitoring of environmental policies and programs and in the decision-making process; d. The right to participate in the decision-making process concerning development policies, plans and programs projects or activities that may have adverse impact on the environment and public health; e. The right to be informed of the nature and extent of the potential hazard of any activity, undertaking or project and to be served timely notice of any significant rise in the level of pollution and the accidental or deliberate release into the atmosphere of harmful or hazardous substances; f. The right of access to public records which a citizen may need to exercise his or her rights effectively under this Act; g. The right to bring action in court or quasi-judicial bodies to enjoin all activities in violation of environmental laws and regulations, to compel the rehabilitation and cleanup of affected area, and to seek the imposition of penal sanctions against violators of environmental laws;and h. The right to bring action in court for compensation of personal damages resulting from the adverse environmental and public health impact of a project or activity. Article Two Definition of Terms SECTION 5. -Definitions.- As used in this Act: a.) "Air pollutant" means any matter found in the atmosphere other than oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and the inert gases in their natural or normal concentrations, that is detrimental to health or the environment, which includes but not limited to smoke, dust, soot, cinders, fly ash, solid particles of any king, gases, fumes, chemical mists, steam and radioactive substances; b.) "Air pollution" means any alteration of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the atmospheric air, or any discharge thereto of any liquid, gaseous or solid substances that will or is likely to create or to render the air resources of the country harmful, detrimental, or injurious to public health, safety or welfare or which will adversely affect their utilization for domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate purposes; c.) "Ambient air quality guideline values" means the concentration of air over specified periods classified as short-term and long-term which are intended to serve as goals or objectives for the protection of health and/or public welfare. These values shall be used for air quality management purposes such as determining time trends, evaluating stages of deterioration or enhancement o the air quality, and in general, used as basis or taking positive action in preventing, controlling, or abating air pollution; d.) "Ambient air quality" means the general amount of pollution present in a broad area; and refers to the atmosphere's average purity as distinguished from discharge measurements taken at the source of pollution; e.) "Certificate of Conformity" means a certificate issued by the Department o Environment and Natural Resources to a vehicle manufacturer/assembler or importer certifying that a particular new vehicle or vehicle type meets the requirements provided under this Act and its rules and regulations; f.) "Department" means the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; g.)" Eco-profile" means the geographic-based instrument for planners and decision makers which present an evaluation of the environment quality and carrying capacity of an area. It is the result of the integration of primary data and information on natural resources and antropogenic activities on the land which evaluated by various environmental risk assessment and forecasting methodologies that enable the Department to anticipate the type of development control necessary in the planning area. h.)" Emission" means any air contaminant, pollutant, gas stream or unwanted sound from a known source which is passed into the atmosphere; i.) " Greenhouse gases" means those gases that can potentially or can reasonably be expected to induce global warming, which include carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, chloroflourocarbons, and the like; j.) "Hazardous substances" means those substances which present either : (1) short-term acute hazards such as acute toxicity by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption, corrosivity or other skin or eye contact hazard or the risk of fire explosion; or (2) long-term toxicity upon repeated exposure, carcinogecity (which in some cases result in acute exposure but with a long latent period), resistance to detoxification process such as biodegradation, the potential to pollute underground or surface waters; k.)" Infectious waste " means that portion of medical waste that could transmit an infectious disease; l.)" Medical waste" means that materials generated as a result of patient diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals; m.) " Mobile source" means any vehicle propelled by or thorough combustion of carbon-based or other fuel, constructed and operated principally for the conveyance of persons or the transportation of property goods; n.) " Motor vehicle" means any vehicle propelled by a gasoline or diesel engine or by any means other than human or animal power, constructed and operated principally for the conveyance of persons or the transportation of property or goods in a public highway or street open to public use; o.) " Municipal waste" means the waste materials generated from communities within a specific locality; p)." New vehicle" means a vehicle constructed entirely from new parts that has never been sold or registered with the DOTC or with the appropriate agency or authority, and operated on the highways of the Philippines, any foreign state of country; q.) " Octane Rating or the Anti-Knock Index(AKI)" means the rating of the anti-knock characteristics of a grade or type of automotive gasoline as determined by dividing by two (2) the sum of the Research Octane Number (RON), plus the Motor Octane Number (MON); the octane requirement, with respect to automotive gasoline for use in a motor vehicle or a class thereof , whether imported, manufactured, or assembled by a manufacturer, shall refer to the minimum octane rating of such automotive gasoline which such manufacturer recommends for the efficient operation of such motor vehicle, or a substantial portion of such class, without knocking; r.) " Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)" means those substances that significantly deplete or otherwise modify the ozone layer in a manner that is likely to result in adverse effects of human health and the environment such as , but not limited to , chloroflourocarbons, halons and the like; s.) "Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)" means the organic compounds that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. These compounds resist photolytic, chemical and biological degradation, which shall include but not be limited to dioxin, furan, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, such as aldrin, dieldrin, DDT, hexachlorobenzene, lindane, toxaphere and chlordane; t.) "Poisonous and toxic fumes" means any emissions and fumes which are beyond internationally-accepted standards, including but not limited to the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values; u. " Pollution control device " means any device or apparatus used to prevent, control or abate the pollution of air caused by emissions from identified pollution sources at levels within the air pollution control standards established by the Department; v.) " Pollution control technology" means the pollution control devices, production process, fuel combustion processes or other means that effectively prevent or reduce emissions or effluent; w.) " Standard of performance " means a standard for emissions of air pollutant which reflects the degree of emission limitation achievable through the application of the best system of emission reduction, taking into account the cost of achieving such reduction and any non-air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirement which the Department determines, and adequately demonstrates; and x.) " Stationary source" means any building or immobile structure, facility or installation which emits or may emit any air pollutant. CHAPTER 2 AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Article One General Provisions SEC. 6. Air Quality Monitoring and Information Network - The Department shall prepare an annual National Air Quality Status Report which shall be used as the basis in formulating the Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework, as provided for in Sec. 7. The said report shall include, but shall not be limited to the following: a.) Extent of pollution in the country, per type of pollutant and per type of source, based on reports of the Department's monitoring stations; b.) Analysis and evaluation of the current state, trends and projections of air pollution at the various levels provided herein; c.) Identification of critical areas, activities, or projects which will need closer monitoring or regulation; d.) Recommendations for necessary executive and legislative action; and e.) Other pertinent qualitative and quantitative information concerning the extent of air pollution and the air quality performance rating of industries in the country. The Department, in cooperation with the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), shall design and develop an information network for data storage, retrieval and exchange. The Department shall serve as the central depository of all data and information related to air quality. SEC. 7. Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework.- The Department shall within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act, establish, with the participation of LGUs, NGOs, POs, the academe and other concerned entities from the private sector, formulate and implement the Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework for a comprehensive air pollution management and control program. The framework shall, among others, prescribe the emission reduction goals using permissible standards, control strategies and control measures to undertaken within a specified time period, including cost-effective use of economic incentives, managements strategies, collective actions, and environmental education and information. The Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework shall be adopted as the official blueprint with which all government agencies must comply with to attain and maintain ambient air quality standards. SEC. 8 Air Quality Control Action Plan- Within six (6) months after the formulation of the framework, the Department shall, with public participation, formulate and implement an air quality control action plan consistent with Sec. 7 of this Act. The action plan shall : a.) Include enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means or techniques, as well as schedules and time tables for compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of this Act; b.) Provide for the establishment and operation of appropriate devices, methods, systems and procedures necessary to monitor, compile and analyze data on ambient air quality; c.) Include a program to provide for the following : (1) enforcement of the measures described in subparagraph (a);(2) regulation of the modification and construction of any stationary source within the areas covered by the plan, in accordance with land use policy to ensure that ambient air quality standards are achieved; d). Contain adequate provisions, consistent with the provisions of this Act, prohibiting any source or other types of emissions activity within the country from emitting any air pollutant in amounts which will significantly contribute to the non-attainment or will interfere with the maintenance by the Department of any such ambient air quality standard required to be included in the implementation plan to prevent significant deterioration of air quality or to protect visibility; e.) Include control strategies and control measures to be undertaken within a specified time period, including cost effective use of economic incentives, management strategies, collection action and environmental education and information; f.) Designate airsheds; and g.)All other measures necessary for the effective control and abatement of air pollution. The adoption of the plan shall clarify the legal effects on the financial, manpower and budgetary resources of the affected government agencies, and on the alignment of their programs with the plans. In addition to direct regulations, the plan shall be characterized by a participatory approach to the pollution problem. The involvement of private entities in the monitoring and testing of emissions from mobile and/or stationary sources shall be considered. Likewise, the LGU's, with the assistance from the Department, shall prepare and develop an action plan consistent with the Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework to attain and maintain the ambient air quality standards with their respective airsheds as provided in Sec. 9 hereof. The local government units shall develop and submit to the Department as procedure for carrying out the action plan for their jurisdiction. The Department, however, shall maintain its authority to independently inspect the enforcement procedure adopted. The Department shall have the power to closely supervise all or parts of the air quality action plan until such time the local government unit concerned can assume the function to enforce the standards set by the Department. A multi-sectoral monitoring team with broad public representation shall be convened by the Department for each LGU to conduct periodic inspections of air pollution sources to assess compliance with emission limitations contained in their permits. SEC. 9 Airsheds. - Pursuant to Sec. 8 of this Act, the designation of airsheds shall be on the basis of, but not limited to, areas with similar climate, meteorology and topology which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere, or areas which share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or problems. For a more effective air quality management, a system of planning and coordination shall be established and a common action plan shall be formulated for each airshed. To effectively carry out the formulated actions plans, a Governing Board is hereby created, hereinafter referred to as the Board. The Board shall be headed by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as chairman. The members shall be as follows: a.) Provincial Governors from areas belonging to the airshed; b.) City/Municipal Mayors from areas belonging to the airshed; c.) A representative from each concerned government agency; d.) Representatives from people's organizations; e.) Representatives from non-government organizations; and f.) Representatives from the private sector. The Board shall perform the following functions: a.) Formulation of policies; b.) Preparation of a common action plan; c.) Coordination of functions among its members; and d.) Submission and publication of an annual Air Quality Status Report for each airshed. Upon consultation with appropriate local government authorities, the Department shall, from time to time, revise the designation of airsheds utilizing eco-profiling techniques and undertaking scientific studies. Emissions trading may be allowed among pollution sources within an airshed. SEC. 10. Management of Nonattainment Areas.- The Department shall designate areas where specific pollutants have already exceeded ambient standards as nonattainment areas. The Department shall prepare and implement a program that will prohibit new sources of exceeded air pollutant without a corresponding reduction in existing resources. In coordination with other appropriate government agencies, the LGUs shall prepare and implement a program and other measures including relocation, whenever necessary, to protect the health and welfare of residents in the area. For those designated as nonattainment areas, the Department, after consultation with local government authorities, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), people's organizations (POs) and concerned sectors may revise the designation of such areas and expand its coverage to cover larger areas depending on the condition of the areas. SEC. 11 Air Quality Control Techniques - Simultaneous with the issuance of the guideline values and standards, the Department, through the research and development program contained in this Act and upon consultation with appropriate advisory committees, government agencies and LGUs, shall issue, and from time to time, revise information on air pollution control techniques. Such information shall include: a.) Best available technology and alternative methods of prevention, management and control of air pollution; b.) Best available technology economically achievable which shall refer to the technological basis/standards for emission limits applicable to existing, direct industrial emitters of nonconventional and toxic pollutants; and c.) Alternative fuels, processes and operating methods which will result in the eliminator or significant reduction of emissions. Such information may also include data relating to the cost of installation and operation, energy requirements, emission reduction benefits, and environmental impact or the emission control technology. The issuance of air quality guideline values, standards and information on air quality control techniques shall be made available to the general public : Provided, That the issuance of information on air quality control techniques shall not be construed as requiring the purchase of certain pollution control devices by the public. SECTION 12. Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values and Standards.- The Department, in coordination with other concerned agencies, shall review and or revise and publish annually a list of hazardous air pollutants with corresponding ambient guideline values and / or standard necessary to protect health and safety, and general welfare. The initial list and values of the hazardous air pollutants shall be as follows : a.) For National Ambient Air Quality Guideline for Criteria Pollutants : Short Term a Long Term b Pollutants µg/Ncm ppm Averaging Time µg/Ncm ppm Averaging Time Suspended Particulate Matterc-TSP 230d 24 hours 90 -- 1 yeare -PM-10 150f 24 hours 60 -- 1 yeare Sulfur Dioxidec 180 0.07 24 hours 80 0.03 1 year Nitrogen Dioxide 150 0.08 24 hours -- -- -- Photochemical Oxidants 140 0.07 1 hour -- -- --- As Ozone 60 0.03 8 hours -- -- -- Carbon Monoxide 35 30 1 hour -- -- -- mg/Ncm 10 9 8 hours -- -- -- mg/Ncm Leadg 1.5 -- 3 monthsg 1.0 -- 1 year a.Maximum limits represented by ninety-eight percentile (98%) values not to be exceed more than once a year. b. Arithmetic mean c. SO2 and Suspended Particulate matter are sampled once every six days when using the manual methods. A minimum of twelve sampling days per quarter of forty-eight sampling days each year is required for these methods. Daily sampling may be done in the future once continuous analyzers are procured and become available. d. Limits for Total Suspended Particulate Matter with mass median diameter less than 25-50 um. e. Annual Geometric Mean f. Provisional limits for Suspended Particulate Matter with mass median diameter less than 10 microns and below until sufficient monitoring data are gathered to base a proper guideline. g. Evaluation of this guideline is carried out for 24-hour averaging time and averaged over three moving calendar months. The monitored average value for any three months shall not exceed the guideline value. b) For National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Source Specific Air Pollutants from : Industrial Sources/ Operations: Pollutants1 Concentration2 Averaging time (min.) Method of Analysis/ Measurement3 µ/Ncm ppm 1. Ammonia 200 0.28 30 Nesselerization/ Indo Phenol 2. Carbon Disulfide 30 0.01 30 Tischer Method 3. Chlorine and Chlorine Compounds expressed as Cl2 100 0.03 5 Methyl Orange 4. Formaldehyde 50 0.04 30 Chromotropic acid Method or MBTH Colorimetric Method 5. Hydrogen Chloride 200 0.13 30 Volhard Titration with Iodine Solution 6. Hydrogen Sulfide 100 0.07 30 Methylene Blue 7. Lead 20 30 AASc 8. Nitrogen Dioxide 375,260 0.20,0.14 30,60 Greiss- Saltzman 9. Phenol 100 0.03 30 4-Aminoantiphyrine 10. Sulfur Dioxide 470, 340 0.18, 0.13 30,60 Colorimetric-Pararosaniline 11. Suspended Particulate Matter-TSP 300 -- 60 Gravimetric 1 Pertinent ambient standards for Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Asbestos, Nitric Acid and Sulfuric Acid Mists in the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations may be considered as guides in determining compliance. 2 Ninety- eight percentile (98%) values of 30-minute sampling measured at 250C and one atmosphere pressure. 3 Other equivalent methods approved by the Department may be used. The basis in setting up the ambient air quality guideline values and standards shall reflect, among others, the latest scientific knowledge including information on : a) Variable, including atmospheric conditions, which of themselves or in combination with other factors may alter the effects on public health or welfare of such air pollutant; b) The other types of air pollutants which may interact with such pollutant to produce an adverse effect on public health or welfare; and c) The kind and extent of all identifiable effects on public health or welfare which may be expected from presence of such pollutant in the ambient air, in varying quantities. The Department shall base such ambient air quality standards on World Health Organization (WHO) standards, but shall not be limited to nor be less stringent than such standards. SEC. 13. Emission Charge System. - The Department, in case of industrial dischargers, and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), in case of motor vehicle dischargers, shall, based on environmental techniques, design, impose on and collect regular emission fees from said dischargers as part of the emission permitting system or vehicle registration renewal system, as the case may be. The system shall encourage the industries and motor vehicles to abate, reduce, or prevent pollution. The basis of the fees include, but is not limited to, the volume and toxicity of any emitted pollutant. Industries, which shall install pollution control devices or retrofit their existing facilities with mechanisms that reduce pollution shall be entitled to tax incentives such as but not limited total credits and/or accelerated depreciation deductions. SEC. 14 Air Quality Management Fund. - An Air Quality Management Fund to be administered by the Department as a special account in the National Treasury is hereby established to finance containment, removal, and clean-up operations of the Government in air pollution cases, guarantee restoration of ecosystems and rehabilitate areas affected by the acts of violators of this Act, to support research, enforcement and monitoring activities and capabilities of the relevant agencies, as well as to provide technical assistance to the relevant agencies. Such fund may likewise be allocated per airshed for the undertakings herein stated. The Fund shall be sourced from the fines imposed and damages awarded to the Republic of the Philippines by the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB), proceeds of licenses and permits issued by the Department under this Act, emission fees and from donations, endowments and grants in the forms of contributions. Contributions to the Fund shall be exempted from donor taxes and all other taxes, charges or fees imposed by the Government. SEC. 15. Air Pollution Research and Development Program. - The Department, in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), other agencies, the private sector, the academe, NGO's and PO's, shall establish a National Research and Development Program for the prevention and control of air pollution. The Department shall give special emphasis to research on and the development of improved methods having industry-wide application for the prevention and control of air pollution. Such a research and development program shall develop air quality guideline values and standards in addition to internationally-accepted standards. It shall also consider the socio-cultural, political and economic implications of air quality management and pollution control. ARTICLE TWO Air Pollution Clearances and Permits for Stationary Sources Sec. 16. Permits. Consistent with the provisions of this Act, the Department shall have the authority to issue permits as it may determine necessary for the prevention and abatement of air pollution. Said permits shall cover emission limitations for the regulated air pollutants to help attain and maintain the ambient air quality standards. These permits shall serve as management tools for the LGUs in the development of their action plan. SEC. 17 Emission Quotas. The Department may allow each regional industrial center that is designated as special airshed to allocate emission quotas to pollution sources within its jurisdiction that qualify under an environmental impact assessment system programmatic compliance program pursuant to the implementing rules and regulations of Presidential Decree No. 1586. SEC. 18. Financial Liability for Environmental Rehabilitation. As Part of the environmental management plan attached to the environmental compliance certificate pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1586 and rules and regulations set therefore, the Department shall require program and project proponents to put up financial guarantee mechanisms to finance the needs for emergency response, clean-up rehabilitation of areas that may be damaged during the program or project's actual implementation. Liability for damages shall continue even after the termination of a program or project, where such damages are clearly attributable to that program or project and for a definite period to be determined by the Department and incorporated into the environmental compliance certificate. Financial liability instruments may be in the form a trust fund, environmental insurance, surety bonds, letters of credit, as well as self-insurance. The choice of the guarantee instruments shall furnish the Department with evidence of availment of such instruments. ARTICLE THREE Pollution from Stationary Sources SEC. 19. Pollution From Stationary Sources.- The Department shall, within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, and every two (2) years thereafter, review, or as the need therefore arises, revise and publish emission standards, to further improve the emission standards for stationary sources of air pollution. Such emission standards shall be based on mass rate of emission for all stationary source of air pollution based on internationally accepted standards, but not be limited to, nor be less stringent than such standards and with the standards set forth in this section. The standards, whichever is applicable, shall be the limit on the acceptable level of pollutants emitted from a stationary source for the protection of the public's health and welfare. With respect to any trade, industry, process and fuel-burning equipment or industrial plant emitting air pollutants, the concentration at the point of emission shall not exceed the following limits: Pollutants Standard Applicable to Source Maximum Permissible Limits (mg/Ncm) Method of Analysisa 1. Antimony and Its compounds any source 10 as Sb AASb 2. Arsenic and its compounds Any source 10 as As AASb 3. Cadmium and its compounds Any source 10 as Cd AASb 4. Carbon Monoxide Any industrial Source 500 as CO Orsat analysis 5. Copper and its Compounds Any industrial source 100 ax Cu AASb 6. Hydrofluoric Acids and Fluoride compounds Any source other than the manufacture of Aluminum from Alumina 50 as HF Titration with Ammonium Thiocyanate 7. Hydrogen Sulfide i) Geothermal Power Plants c.d Cadmium Sulfide Method ii) Geothermal Exploration and well-testing e iii) Any source other than (i) and (ii) 7 as H2S Cadmium Sulfide Method 8. Lead Any trade, industry or process 10 as Pb AASb 9. Mercury Any Source 5 as elemental Hg AASb/Cold-Vapor Technique or Hg Analyzer 10. Nickel and its compounds, except Nickel Carbonyl f Any source 20 as Ni AASb 11. NOx i) Manufacture of Nitric Acid 2,000 as acid and NOx and calculated as NO2 Phenol-disulfonic acid Method ii) Fuel burning steam generators Phenol-disulfonic acid Method Existing Source 1,500 as NO2 New Source • Coal-Fired 1,000 as NO2 • Oil-Fired 500 as NO2 iii) Any source other than (i) adn (ii) Phenol-disulfonic acid Method Existing Source 1000 as NO2 New Source 500 as NO2 12. Phosphorus Pentoxideg Any source 200 as P2O5 Spectrophotometry 13. Zinc and its Compounds Any source 100 as Zn AASb a Other equivalent methods approved by the Department may be used. b Atomic Absorption Specttrophotometry c All new geothermal power plants starting construction by 01 January 1995 shall control HsS emissions to not more than 150 g/GMW-Hr d All existing geothermal power plants shall control HsS emissions to not more than 200 g/GMW-Hr within 5 years from the date of effectivity of these revised regulations. e Best practicable control technology for air emissions and liquid discharges. Compliance with air and water quality standards is required. f Emission limit of Nickel Carbonyl shall not exceed 0.5 mg/Ncm. g Provisional Guideline Provided, that the maximum limits in mg/ncm particulates in said sources shall be : 1. Fuel Burning Equipment a) Urban or Industrial Area 150 mg/Ncm b) Other Area 200 mg/Ncm 2. Cement Plants (Kilns, etc.) 150 mg/Ncm 3. Smelting Furnaces 150 mg/Ncm 4. Other Stationary Sourcesa 200 mg/Ncm a Other Stationary Sources means a trade, process, industrial plant, or fuel burning equipment other than thermal power plants, industrial boilers, cement plants, incinerators and smelting furnaces. Provided, further, that the maximum limits for sulfur oxides in said sources shall be : (1) Existing Sources (i) Manufacture of Sulfuric Acid and Sulf(on)ation Process 2.0gm.Ncm as SO3 (ii) Fuel burning Equipment 1.5gm.Ncm as SO2 (iii) Other Stationary Sourcesa 1.0gm.Ncm as SO3 (2) New Sources (i) Manufacture of Sulfuric Acid and Sulf(on)ation Process 1.5 gm.Ncm as SO3 (ii) Fuel Burning Equipment 0.7 gm.Ncm as SO2 (iii) Other Stationary Sourcesa 0.2 gm.Ncm as SO3 a Other Stationary Sources refer to existing and new stationary sources other than those caused by the manufacture of sulfuric acid and sulfonation process, fuel burning equipment and incineration. For Stationary sources of pollution not specifically included in the immediately preceding paragraph, the following emission standards shall not be exceeded in the exhaust gas : I. Daily And Half Hourly Average Values Daily Average Values Half Hourly Average Values Total dust 10 mg/m3 30 mg/m3 Gaseous and vaporous organic substances, expressed as total organic carbon 10 mg/m3 20 mg/m3 Hydrogen chloride (HCl) 10 mg/m3 60 mg/m3 Hydrogen fluoride (HF) 1 mg/m3 4 mg/m3 Sulfur dioxide (SO2) 50 mg/m3 200 mg/m3 Nitrogen monoxide (NO) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), expressed as nitrogen dioxide for incineration plants with a capacity exceeding 3 tonnes per hour 200 mg/m3 400 mg/m3 Nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), expressed as nitrogen dioxide for incineration plants with a capacity of 3 tonnes per hour or less 300 mg/m3 Ammonia 10 mg/m3 20 mg/m3 II. All the Average Values over the Sample Period of a Minimum of 4 and Maximum of 8 Hours. Cadmium and its compounds, expressed as cadmium (Cd) total 0.05 Thallium and its compounds, expressed as thallium (Tl) mg/m3 Mercury and its Compounds, expressed as mercury (Hg) 0.05 mg/m3 Antimony and its compounds, expressed as antimony (Sb) Arsenic and its compounds, expressed as arsenic (As) total 0.5 mg/m3 Lead and its compounds, expressed as lead ( Pb) Chromium and its compounds, expressed as chromium (Cr) Cobalt and its compounds, expressed as cobalt (Co) Copper and its compounds, expressed as copper (Cu) Manganese and its compounds, expressed as manganese (Mn) Nickel and its compounds, expressed as nickel (Ni) Vanadium and its compounds, expressed as vanadium (V) Tin and its compounds, expressed as tin (Sn) These average value cover also gaseous and the vapor forms of the relevant heavy metal emission as well as their compounds. Provided, that the emission of dioxins and furans into the air shall be reduced by the most progressive techniques. Provided, further that all average of dioxin and furans measured over the sample period of a minimum of 5 hours and maximum of 8 hours must not exceed the limit value of 0.1 nanogram/m3. Pursuant to Sec. 8 of this Act, the Department shall prepare a detailed action plan setting the emission standards or standards of performance for any stationary source the procedure for testing emissions for each type of pollutant, and the procedure for enforcement of said standards. Existing industries, which are proven to exceed emission rates established by the Department in consultation with stakeholders, after a thorough, credible and transparent measurement process shall be allowed a grace period of eighteen (18) months for the establishment of an environmental management system and the installation of an appropriate air pollution control device : Provided, That an extension of not more than twelve (12) months may be allowed by the Department on meritorious grounds. SEC. 20 Ban on Incineration.- Incineration , hereby defined as the burning of municipal, biomedical and hazardous waste, which process emits poisonous and toxic fumes is hereby prohibited; Provided, however, That the prohibition shall not apply to traditional small-scale method of community/neighborhood sanitation "siga", traditional, agricultural, cultural, health, and food preparation and crematoria; Provided, further, That existing incinerators dealing with a biomedical wastes shall be out within three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act; Provided, finally, that in the interim, such units shall be limited to the burning of pathological and infectious wastes, and subject to close monitoring by the Department. Local government units are hereby mandated to promote, encourage and implement in their respective jurisdiction a comprehensive ecological waste management that includes waste segregation, recycling and composting. With due concern on the effects of climate change, the Department shall promote the use of state-of-the-art, environmentally-sound and safe non-burn technologies for the handling, treatment, thermal destruction, utilization, and disposal of sorted, unrecycled, uncomposted, biomedical and hazardous wastes. ARTICLE FOUR Pollution from Motor Vehicles Sec. 21. Pollution from Motor Vehicles. a) The DOTC shall implement the emission standards for motor vehicles set pursuant to and as provided in this Act. To further improve the emission standards, the Department shall review, revise and publish the standards every two (2) years, or as the need arises. It shall consider the maximum limits for all major pollutants to ensure substantial improvement in air quality for the health, safety and welfare of the general public. The following emission standards for type approval of motor vehicles shall be effective by the year 2003: a.) For light duty vehicles, the exhausts emission limits for gaseous pollutants shall be: Emission Limits for Light Duty Vehicles Type Approval (Directive 91/441/EEC) CO (g/km) HC + NOx (g/km) PMa (g/km) 2.72 0.97 0.14 a for compression-ignition engines only b) For light commercial vehicles, the exhaust emission limit of gaseous pollutants as a function of the given reference mass shall be : Reference Weight (RW) (kg) CO (g/km) HC + NOx (g/km) PMa (g/km) Category 1 1250< RW 2.72 0.97 0.14 Category 2 1250< RW<1700 5.17 1.4 0.19 Category 3 RW>1700 6.9 1.7 0.25 a for compression-ignition engines only c.) For heavy duty vehicles, the exhaust emission limits of gaseous pollutants shall be : Emission Limits for Heavy Duty Vehicles Type Approval (Directive 91/542/EEC) CO (g/k/Wh) HC (g/k/Wh) NOx (g/k/Wh) PM (g/k/Wh) 4.5 1.1 8.0 0.36a a In the case of engines of 85 kW or less, the limit value for particular emissions in increased by multiplying the quoted limit by a coefficient of 1.7 Fuel evaporative emission for spark-ignition engines shall not exceed 2.0 grams hydrocarbons per test. Likewise, it shall not allow any emission of gases from crankcase ventilation system into the atmosphere. b.) The Department, in collaboration with the DOTC, DTI and LGUs, shall develop an action plan for the control and management of air pollution from motor vehicles consistent with the Integrated Air Quality Framework. The DOTC shall enforce compliance with the emission standards for motor vehicles set by the Department. The DOTC may deputize other law enforcement agencies and LGUs for this purpose. To this end, the DOTC shall have the power to : (1) Inspect and monitor the emissions of motor vehicles ; (2) Prohibit or enjoin the use of motor vehicles or a class of motor vehicles in any area or street at specified times; and (3) Authorize private testing emission testing centers duly accredited by the DTI. c.) The DOTC, together with the DTI and the Department, shall establish the procedures for the inspection of motor vehicles and the testing of their emissions for the purpose of determining the concentration and/or rate of pollutants discharged by said sources. d.) In order to ensure the substantial reduction of emissions from a motor vehicles, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the DOTC and the Department shall formulate and implement a national motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program that will promote efficient and safe operation of all motor vehicles. In this regard, the DTI shall develop and implement standards and procedures for the certification of training institutions, instructors and facilities and the licensing of qualified private service centers and their technicians as prerequisite for performing the testing, servicing, repair and the required adjustment to the vehicle emission system. The DTI shall likewise prescribe regulations requiring the disclosure of odometer readings and the use of tamper-resistant odometers for all motor vehicles including tamper-resistant fuel management systems for the effective implementation of the inspection and maintenance program. SEC. 22 Regulation of All Motor Vehicles and Engines. Any imported new or locally-assembled new motor vehicle shall not be registered unless it complies with the emission standards set pursuant to this Act, as evidenced by a Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued by the Department. Any imported new motor vehicle engine shall not be introduced into commerce, sold or used unless it complies with emission standards set pursuant to this Act. Any imported used motor vehicle or rebuilt motor vehicle using new or used engines, major parts or components shall not be registered unless it complies with the emission standards. In case of non-compliance, the importer or consignee may be allowed to modify or rebuild the vehicular engine so it will be in compliance with applicable emission standards. No motor vehicle registration (MVR) shall be issued unless such motor vehicle passes the emission testing requirement promulgated in accordance with this Act. Such testing shall be conducted by the DOTC or its authorized inspection centers within sixty (60) days prior to date of registration. The DTI shall promulgate the necessary regulations prescribing the useful life of vehicles and engines including devices in order to ensure that such vehicles will conform to the emissions which they were certified to meet. These regulations shall include provisions for ensuring the durability of emission devices. SEC. 23. Second-Hand Motor Vehicle Engines. Any imported second-hand motor vehicle engine shall not be introduced into commerce, sold or used unless it complies with emission standards set pursuant to this Act. ARTICLE FIVE- Pollution from Other Sources SEC. 24 Pollution from smoking. Smoking inside a public building or an enclosed public place including public vehicles and other means of transport or in any enclosed area outside of one's private residence, private place of work or any duly designated smoking area is hereby prohibited under this Act. This provision shall be implemented by the LGUs. SEC. 25. Pollution from other Mobile Sources. The Department, in coordination with appropriate agencies, shall formulate and establish the necessary standards for all mobile sources other than those referred to in Sec. 21 of this Act. The imposition of the appropriate fines and penalties from these sources for any violation of emission standards shall be under the jurisdiction of the DOTC. CHAPTER 3 FUELS, ADDITIVES, SUBSTANCES AND POLLUTANTS Article One- Fuels, Additives and Substances SEC. 26 Fuels and Additives. Pursuant to the Air Quality Framework to be established under Section 7 of this Act, the Department of Energy (DOE), co-chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in consultation with the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the DTI, the DOST, the representatives of the fuel and automotive industries, academe and the consumers shall set the specifications for all types of fuel and fuel-related products, to improve fuel composition for increased efficiency and reduced emissions; Provided, however, that the specifications for all types of fuel and fuel-related products set-forth pursuant to this section shall be adopted by the BPS as Philippine National Standards (PNS). The DOE, shall also specify the allowable content of additives in all types of fuels and fuel-related products. Such standards shall be based primarily on threshold levels of health and research studies. On the basis of such specifications, the DOE shall likewise limit the content or begin that phase-out of additives in all types of fuels and fuel-related products as it may deem necessary. Other agencies involved in the performance of this function shall be required to coordinate with the DOE and transfer all documents and information necessary for the implementation of this provision. Consistent with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs under this section, it is declared that : a. not later than eighteen (18) months after the effectivity of this Act, no person shall manufacture, import, sell, supply, offer for sale, dispense, transport or introduce into commerce unleaded premium gasoline fuel which has an anti-knock index (AKI) of not less that 87.5 and Reid vapor pressure of not more than 9 psi. Within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act, unleaded gasoline fuel shall contain aromatics not to exceed forty-five percent (45%) by volume and benzene not to exceed four percent (4%) by volume; Provided, that by year 2003, unleaded gasoline fuel should contain aromatics not to exceed thirty-five percent (35%) by volume and benzene not to exceed two percent (2%) by volume; b. not later than eighteen (18) months after the effectivity of this Act, no person shall manufacture, import, sell, supply , offer for sale, dispense, transport or introduce into commerce automotive diesel fuel which contains a concentration of sulfur in excess of 0.20% by weight with a cetane number of index of not less than forty-eight (48); Provided, That by year 2004, content of said sulfur shall be 0.05% by weight ; and c. not later than eighteen (18) months after the effectivity of this Act, no Person shall manufacture, import, sell, supply, offer for sale, dispense, transport or introduce into commerce industrial diesel fuel which contains a concentration of sulfur in excess of 0.30% (by weight). Every two (2) years thereafter or as the need arises, the specifications of unleaded gasoline and of automotive and industrial diesel fuels shall be reviewed and revised for further improvement in formulation and in accordance with the provisions of this Act. The fuels characterized above shall be commercially available. Likewise, the same shall be the reference fuels for emission and testing procedures to be established in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Any proposed additive shall not in any way increase emissions of any of the regulated gases which shall include, but not limited to carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter, in order to be approved and certified by the Department. SEC. 27. Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives.- The DOE, in coordination with the Department and the BPS, shall regulate the use of any fuel or fuel additive. No manufacturer, processor or trader of any fuel or additive may import, sell, offer for sale, or introduce into commerce such fuel for additive unless the same has been registered with the DOE. Prior to registration, the manufacturer, processor or trader shall provide the DOE with the following relevant information: a. Product identity and composition to determine the potential health effects of such fuel additives; b. Description of the analytical technique that can be used to detect and measure the additive in any fuel ; c. Recommended range of concentration; and d. Purpose in the use of the fuel and additive. SEC. 28 Misfueling. In order to prevent the disabling of any emission control device by lead contamination, no person shall introduce or cause or allow the introduction of leaded gasoline into any motor vehicle equipped with a gasoline tank filler inlet and labeled " unleaded gasoline only ". This prohibition shall also apply to any person who knows or should know that such vehicle is designed solely for the use of unleaded gasoline. SEC. 29. Prohibition on Manufacture. Import and Sale of leaded Gasoline and of Engines and/or Components Requiring Leaded Gasoline. Effective not later than eighteen (18) months after the enactment of this Act, no person shall manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, introduce into commerce, convey or otherwise dispose of , in any manner leaded gasoline and engines and components requiring the use of leaded gasoline. For existing vehicles, the DTI shall formulate standards and procedures that will allow non-conforming engines to comply with the use of unleaded fuel within five(5) years after the effectivity of this Act. Article Two Other Pollutants SEC. 30. Ozone-Depleting Substances. Consistent with the terms and conditions of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and other international agreements and protocols to which the Philippines is a signatory, the Department shall phase out ozone-depleting substances. Within sixty (60) days after the enactment of this Act, the Department shall publish a list of substances which are known to cause harmful effects on the stratospheric ozone layer. SEC. 31. Greenhouse Gases. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) shall regularly monitor meteorological factors affecting environmental conditions including ozone depletion and greenhouse gases and coordinate with the Department in order to effectively guide air pollution monitoring and standard-setting activities. The Department, together with concerned agencies and local government units, shall prepare and fully implement a national plan consistent with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other international agreements, conventions and protocols on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. SEC. 32. Persistent Organic Pollutants. The Department shall, within a period of two (2) years after the enactment of this Act, establish an inventory list of all sources of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Country. The Department shall develop short-term and long-term national government programs on the reduction and elimination of POPs such as dioxins and furans. Such programs shall be formulated within a year after the establishment of the inventory list. SEC. 33. Radioactive Emissions. All projects which will involve the use of atomic and/or nuclear energy, and will entail release and emission of radioactive substances into the environment, incident to the establishment or possession of nuclear energy facilities and radioactive materials, handling, transport, production, storage, and use of radioactive materials, shall be regulated in the interest of public health and welfare by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), in coordination with Department and other appropriate government agencies. CHAPTER 4 INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM SEC. 34. Lead Agency.- The Department, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be the primary government agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act. To be more effective in this regard, The Department's Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) shall be converted from a staff bureau to a line bureau for a period of no more than two (2) years, unless a separate, comprehensive environmental management agency is created. SEC. 35 Linkage Mechanism. - The Department shall consult, participate, cooperate and enter into agreement with other government agencies, or with affected non-governmental (NGOs) or people's organizations (POs),or private enterprises in the furtherance of the objectives of this Act. SEC. 36. Role of Local Government Units.- Local Government units (LGUs) shall share the responsibility in the management and maintenance of air quality within their territorial jurisdiction. Consistent with Secs. 7,8 and 9 of this Act, LGUs shall implement air quality standards set by the Board in areas within their jurisdiction; Provided, however, that in case where the board has not been duly constituted and has not promulgated its standards, the standards set forth in this Act shall apply. The Department shall provide the LGUs with technical assistance, trainings and a continuing capability-building program to prepare them to undertake full administration of the air quality management and regulation within their territorial jurisdiction. SEC. 37 Environmental and Natural Resources Office.- There may be established an Environment and Natural Resources Office in every province, city, or municipality which shall be headed by the environment and natural resources officer and shall be appointed by the Chief Executive of every province, city or municipality in accordance with the provisions of Section 484 of Republic Act No. 7160. Its powers and duties, among others, are : a. To prepare comprehensive air quality management programs, plans and strategies within the limits set forth in Republic act. No. 7160 and this Act which shall be implemented within its territorial jurisdiction upon the approval of the sanggunian ; b. To provide technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to air quality; c. To take the lead in all efforts concerning air quality protection and rehabilitation; d. To recommend to the Board air quality standards which shall not exceed the maximum permissible standards set by rational laws ; e. To coordinate with other government agencies and non-governmental organizations in the implementation of measures to prevent and control air pollution; and f. Exercise such other powers and perform such duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance. Provided, however, that, in provinces/cities/municipalities where there are no environment and natural resources officers, the local executive concerned may designate any of his official and/ or chief of office preferably the provincial, city or municipal agriculturist, or any of his employee; Provided, finally, that in case an employee is designated as such, he must have a sufficient experience in environmental and natural resources management, conservation and utilization. SEC. 38 Record-keeping, Inspection, Monitoring and Entry by the Department.- The Department or its duly accredited entity shall, after proper consultation and notice, require any person who owns or operates any emissions source or who is subject to any requirement of this Act to : (a) establish and maintain relevant records; (b) make relevant reports; (c) install, use and maintain monitoring equipment or methods; (d) sample emission, in accordance with the methods, locations, intervals and manner prescribed by the Department; (e) keep records on control equipment parameters, production variables or other indirect data when direct monitoring of emissions is impractical; and (f) provide such other information as the Department may reasonably require. Pursuant to this Act, the Department, through its authorized representatives, shall have the right of : (a) entry of access to any premises including documents and relevant materials as referred to in the herein preceding paragraph, b) inspect any pollution or waste source, control device, monitoring equipment or method required, and c) test any emission. Any record, report or information obtained under this section shall be made available to the public, except upon a satisfactory showing to the Department by the entity concerned that the record, report or information, or parts thereof, if made public, would divulge secret methods or processes entitled to protection as intellectual property. Such record, report or information shall likewise be incorporated in the Department's industrial rating system. SEC. 39. Public Education and Information Campaign.- A continuing air quality information and education campaign shall promoted by the Department, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Consistent with Sec. 7 of this Act, such campaign shall encourage the participation of other government agencies and the private sector including NGOs, POs, the academe, environmental groups and other private entities in a multi-sectoral information campaign. CHAPTER 5 ACTIONS SEC. 40 Administrative Action.- Without prejudice to the right of any affected person to file an administrative action , the Department shall, on its own instance or upon verified complaint by any person, institute administrative proceedings against any person who violates: a) Standards or limitation provided under this Act; or b) Any order, rule or regulation issued by the Department with respect to such standard or limitation. SEC. 41. Citizen Suits. for purposes of enforcing the provisions of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations, any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal or administrative action in the proper courts against: (a) Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions of this Act or its implementing rules and regulations; or (b) The Department or other implementing agencies with respect to orders, rules and regulations issued inconsistent with this act; and/or (c) Any public officer who willfully or grossly neglects the performance of an act specifically enjoined as a duty by this Act or its implementing rules and regulations; or abuses his authority in the performance of his duty; or, in any manner, improperly performs his duties under this Act or its implementing rules and regulations: Provided, however, That no suit can be filed until thirty-day (30) notice has been taken thereon. The court shall exempt such action from the payment of filing fees, except fees for actions not capable of pecuniary estimations, and shall likewise, upon prima facie showing of the non-enforcement or violation complained of, exempt the plaintiff from the filing of an injunction bond for the issuance of a preliminary injunction. Within thirty (30) days, the court shall make a determination if the compliant herein is malicious and/or baseless and shall accordingly dismiss the action and award attorney's fees and damages. SEC .42 . Independence of Action.- The filing of an administrative suit against such person/entity does not preclude the right of any other person to file any criminal or civil action. Such civil action shall proceed independently. SEC. 43 Suits and Strategic Legal Actions Against Public Participation and the Enforcement of this act.- where a suit is brought against a a person who filed an action as provided in Sec. 41 of this Act, or against any person, institutions or government agency that implements this Act, it shall be the duty of the investigating prosecutor or the court, as the case may be, to immediately make a determination not exceeding thirty (30) days whether said legal action has been filed to harass, vex, exert undue pressure or stifle such legal recourses of the person complaining of or enforcing the provisions of this Act. Upon determination thereof , evidence warranting the same, the court shall dismiss the case and award attorney's fees and double damages. This provision shall also apply and benefit public officers who are sued for acts committed in their official capacity, their being no grave abuse of authority, and done in the course of enforcing this Act. SEC. 44 Lien Upon Personal and Immovable Properties of Violators. Fines and penalties imposed pursuant to this Act shall be liens upon personal immovable properties of the violator. Such lien shall, in case of insolvency of the respondent violator , enjoy preference to laborer's wages under Article 2241 and 2242 of Republic Act No. 386, otherwise known as the New Civil Code of the Philippines. CHAPTER 6 FINES AND PENALTIES SEC. 45. Violation of Standards for Stationary Sources. For actual exceedance of any pollution or air quality standards under this Act or its rules and regulations, the Department, through the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB), shall impose a fine of not more than One hundred thousand pesos ( P 100,000.00) for every day of violation against the owner or operator of a stationary source until such time that the standards have been complied with. For purposes of the application of the fines, the PAB shall prepare a fine rating system to adjust the maximum fine based on the violator's ability to pay, degree of willfulness, degree of negligence, history of noncompliance and degree of recalcitrance. Provided, That in case of negligence, the first time offender's ability to pay may likewise be considered by the Pollution Adjudication Board; Provided, further, That in the absence of any extenuating or aggravating circumstances, the amount of fine for negligence shall be equivalent to one-half of the fine for willful violation. The fines herein prescribed shall be increased by at least ten percent (10%), every three (3) years to compensate for inflation and to maintain the deterrent function of such fines. In addition to the fines, the PAB shall order closure, suspension of development, construction, or operations of the stationary sources until such time that proper environmental safeguards are put in place; Provided, that an establishment liable for a third offense shall suffer permanent closure immediately. This paragraph shall be without prejudice to the immediate issuance of an ex parte order for such closure, suspension of development or construction, or cessation of operations during the pendency of the case upon prima facie evidence that their is imminent threat to life, public health, safety or general welfare, or to plant or animal life, or whenever there is an exceedance of the emission standards set by the Department and/or the Board and/or the appropriate LGU. SEC. 46. Violation of Standards for Motor Vehicles. No motor vehicle shall be registered with the DOTC unless it meets the emission standards set by the Department as provided in Sec. 21 hereof. Any vehicle suspected of violation of emission standards through visual signs, such as, but not limited to smoke-belching, shall be subjected to an emission test by a duly authorized emission testing center. For this purpose, the DOTC or its authorized testing center shall establish a roadside inspection system. Should it be shown that there was no violation of emission standards, the vehicle shall be immediately released. Otherwise, a testing result indicating an exceedance of the emission standards would warrant the continuing custody of the impounded vehicle unless the appropriate penalties are fully paid, and the license plate is surrendered to the DOTC pending the fulfillment of the undertaking by the owner/operator of the motor vehicle to make the necessary repairs so as to comply with the standards. A pass shall herein be issued by the DOTC to authorize the use of the motor vehicle within a specified period that shall not exceed seven (7) days for the sole purpose of making the necessary repairs on the said vehicle. The owner/operator of the vehicle shall be required to correct its defects and show proof of compliance to the appropriate pollution control office before the vehicle can be allowed to be driven on any public or subdivision roads. In addition, the driver and operator of the apprehended vehicle shall undergo a seminar on pollution control managem

Indiana health insurance agents need help? My husband is self employed and uninsurable in our state due to a preexisting condition. We are on short term insurance for the last 2 years since i am unemployed and unable to get full time employment. i am a independent contractor. i am age 55 and looking for a good medical insurance for myself since i am currently healthy but i don't want to have to answer for 5/10 years medical history which some companies require. i tried that once 2 years ago and gave up. who can remember every doctor visit or diagnosis they had? to make it worst, if one company denies me for whatever reason, i will be like my husband and uninsurable and at age 55 that would cause us to go bankrupt if any condition should arise in the next 10 years when and/if i am still around to qualify for medicare. i am afraid of taking quotes online since if one asks the wrong question, they may deny. the only medical problems i have; 1; i smoke; i know i have to quit and i will, so please don't scream at me since i know i am an idiot. 2; i had a hernia operation this past summer. 3; high cholesterol, but the doctor has not prescribed meds and suggested low fat diet to control. 4; taking evista for menopause; only med i am taking. 5; went to pcp for RX of activan for stress (2 years ago) since i knew i was going to be fired that day which i was. 6; went to urgent care 2 months later for heart palpitations, was given an EKG that was ok, and found out i had an anxiety attack. I admitted to the doctor that i had drank a bottle of wine the previous evening due to fighting with my daughter and husband, and still being mad about being fired 2 months earlier, so he wrote on the form to quit drinking and smoking, which was a 1 time event, but still on my record. the urgent care has cause me the most distress. so many questionaires ask if you have a drinking problem, which i dont, but since the doctor put on the form to stop drinking/smoking and fu with family dr if problems, it could be considered a problem. i saw on 1 application the question on anxiety attacks and ekg and then they ask you to explain. i know that smoking makes me a higher risk and higher premiums which is ok. in the state of indiana, if no company can insure us, we are then eligible for the indiana high risk pool. my understanding is that there is a $100K lifetime maximum, which would be exhausted if a heart attach, stroke, cancer or other emergency so dont want to consider this. i want a good policy that under my good health would protect me if an emergency should occur and not cause us to sell our house and file bankruptcy. also, my understanding the indiana high risk has gone bankrupt so we maybe still sol. my husband is 14 months from age 65, so hoping to continue on short term till medicare. unfortunately, i had not have a mamogram, or other tests in fear that they find something and then cannot get any insurance at all. any suggestions? i need a minimum of 2 million or more to cover any major medical expenses or catastrophies. anything that could cause me to be denied from your experience based on the info i have given? i may have addtl questions based on your answers, so please check back. thank you kim for your help. went to site and had numerous phone calls and emails; lol my concern at first was that too much info given could hurt. i was able to answer min questions and talk to agent to before proceeding forward. found great agent who even helped with application on line with me; hopefully my app is approved and i can move forward.