This week, I joined other members of the Doctors Caucus and sent a letter urging the president to take necessary steps to contain Ebola.

As doctors and nurses, we have been closely monitoring the growing Ebola epidemic in West Africa with concern. The transmission of Ebola to two health professionals who helped care for Thomas Duncan is extremely concerning, as is the possibility that many more Americans were potentially exposed to the virus by these individuals. Containment is the key to stopping the spread of this highly contagious and deadly disease, and we strongly urge your administration to consider implementing a temporary travel ban for individuals who are citizens of, or traveled to, affected countries in West Africa. For American citizens who have been exposed to Ebola, we support the recommended 21-day quarantine before they can enter the country.

We understand and support the continued flow of aid workers and supplies to control the spread of Ebola at its source, but temporarily restricting entry to the United States for individuals from—or who traveled to—affected countries could limit the possible introduction of additional individuals carrying the virus. We strongly support continued American leadership to help the affected countries in West Africa combat this deadly disease, and urge other members of the global community to redouble their efforts. Read to f ull letter on my website.

In addition:

I joined the entire Ohio House Delegation and sent a bipartisan letter to the CDC: Click here to read the letter.
I joined Bruce Wolf and Dan Proft on WLS 890AM to talk about the federal government's response to Ebola: Click here to listen to the full interview.

For more information on Ebola, I encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website or the Ohio Department of Health's website.

Medicare Open Enrollment
Ends Dec. 7, 2014

The Medicare Open Enrollment period began last week. Now until December 7, 2014, you may change your Medicare health and prescription drug plans for next year. Below, you will find important and helpful information that you may need during open enrollment season if you wish to change your plan.

According to the Center of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), during open enrollment you can change your plan in the following ways:

Change your Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan.
Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a plan that does and vice versa.
Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
If you are satisfied with your plan, you do not need to take any action.

Need assistance?

Visit Medicare.gov/find-a-plan.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and say "Agent."
Call my office (513) 474-7777.
For more information from CMS on Medicare Open Enrollment visit their Tip Sheet and Yearly Medicare Plan Review document.