NWH-7-21-2013

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Optometrist’s departure leaves void at Woodstock clinic

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013

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The only daily newspaper published in McHenry Co.

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‘SCRIBE TO THE QUEEN’

GAVERS FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

McHenry calligrapher a staple at Faire Planit Style, 8

Barndance takes stage to fight cancer Local, B1

More checks may be put on legal bills

HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGES COMING SOON

OPEN MARKET GRAND OPENING OCT. 1, 2013

Mental Health Board looks to rein in cost of attorney By KEVIN P. CRAVER kcraver@shawmedia.com

INSURANCE PLANS

Two proposals that the embattled McHenry County Mental Health Board will vote on Tuesday take aim at reining in the legal fees it pays. And under one of the proposals, board attorney Francis Gosser might find himself replaced as its legal counsel. The board first will vote on a measure to forbid an attorney from billing for any service that is not approved in writing by both interim Executive Director Todd Schroll and new board President Robert Routzahn. It then will vote to direct Schroll to draft a request for proposals so it can bid competitively for legal services. The board late last year raised Gosser’s hourly rate to $250. “I think that would be a nice step, to make sure we’re not over-relying or overusing [counsel] for things I think are trivial,” Routzahn said.

B

At issue About $180,000 of the $290,000 the McHenry County Mental Health Board spent on legal fees last fiscal year went to board attorney Francis Gosser. The $290,000 for legal expenses was almost six times the $50,000 the board budgeted.

See LEGAL BILLS, page A9

Illustration by Caleb West – cwest@shawmedia.com

Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, or the Exchange, will open Oct. 1 as a centralized location for small businesses, individuals and families to shop for health insurance. In Illinois, there will be four “metal” levels of coverage – platinum, gold, silver and bronze – with dozens of insurance options offered at every level.

Will offer coverage options for families, small businesses By JEFF ENGELHARDT jengelhardt@shawmedia.com

S

hopping for health insurance soon will be as convenient as choosing between Frosted Flakes and Cheerios at a grocery store. But expect to have to sift through much more information than sugar and calorie

content to figure out which one is best for you. In the largest step toward fully implementing the Affordable Care Act, Illinois will open its Health Insurance Marketplace, often referred to as the Exchange, on Oct. 1. The Exchange is a website that will serve as a central location for residents and

small businesses to compare and choose from dozens of insurance plans. Six providers – including well-known companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield – have proposed 165 plans that are awaiting approval. Each plan will be categorized in one of four “metal” levels – bronze, silver, gold

and platinum – with bronze the lowest and platinum the highest in terms of coverage, breadth, depth and services. Mike Claffey, spokesman for the health care division in Gov. Pat Quinn’s office, said specific prices for plans would be made public in September

See MARKET, page A10

This is the first in an occasional series from the Northwest Herald that will examine the multiple changes to health care in America in 2014 due to the federal Affordable Care Act. Future stories will focus on how local families, businesses and health care systems will be affected by the various aspects of the law.

Eye on the

Affordable Affordable Care Act Act

Inaugural goals meet with reality By JULIE PACE The Associated Press WASHINGTON – Six months ago, President Barack Obama stood on the Capitol steps and offered a soaring liberal vision for his second term. Buoyed by re-election, he said the nation must pursue without delay steps to protect children from gun violence, tackle climate change and overhaul fractured immigration laws. But the intervening months have showcased the political limits of Obama’s ambitions. The result has been an uneven and sometimes disjointed first half of what arguably could be the most important year of the remainder of his presidency.

See OBAMA, page A10

LOCALLY SPEAKING

LAKE IN THE HILLS

VOLUNTEERS HELP LESS FORTUNATE

In President Barack Obama’s second term, victories have been scarce, with his gun control measures vanquished, slim prospects for a deficit reduction deal and an uncertain future for an immigration overhaul.

Air Conditioning not working?

Members of the Hearts of Gold group, formed as a way to help people in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills, have distributed school supplies to students in District 300. Volunteers from Hearts of Gold also sponsor holiday giving trees, where they ask people to buy gifts for those in need around Algonquin and Lake in the Hills. For more, see page B1.

Sarah Nader – snader@shawmedia.com

HIGH

LOW

82 67 Complete forecast on A12

KANE COUNTY: Statistics don’t always measure success for minor league players in Cubs organization. Sports, C1 Vol. 28, Issue 202

Where to find it Business D1-4 Lottery Classified F1-8 Obituaries Local&Region B1-8 Opinion

A2 Planit Style Inside B5-7 Puzzles F5 A11 Sports C1-10

Leave the pool for the kiddies and call...

Althoff Industries (815) 455-7000 Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, Electrical Lic #058-194325


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