WinnDems News

The covid pandemic and President Joe Biden's agenda — a planned $400 billion infusion of support — have focused national attention on the need to expand home- and community-based long-term care services designed to keep people out of nursing homes. But the need far outpaces the staffing. http://dlvr.it/S2lshj

If international scientific sleuths are hoping to see a lab log or find a whistleblower, that sort of information won’t be revealed. In China today, it is dangerous to say what you know if it challenges the official government narrative. http://dlvr.it/S2gvxK

California’s vaccination rates have stagnated, particularly in Black and Latino inner-city neighborhoods and in rural towns. County health officials, who say trust is their most important commodity, need more money for one-on-one interactions with holdouts, but the state has instead largely funneled money to advertising firms and tech companies. http://dlvr.it/S2gvt1

A college student never got an answer for what caused her intense pain, but she did get a bill that totaled $18,736 for an ER visit. She and her mom, a nurse practitioner, fought to understand all the charges. http://dlvr.it/S2c3t5

Even after recovering from covid, many patients experience respiratory or other problems and, since this effect of the virus is so unpredictable, medical experts aren't sure when it is safe to undergo elective surgery. But medical experts are setting up guidelines. http://dlvr.it/S2c3rF

Patients and some lawmakers have long blasted the Medical Board of California for failing to discipline negligent or abusive physicians. But the politically powerful California Medical Association, which represents doctors, has mobilized against the latest attempt to give the board more money and power to investigate complaints. http://dlvr.it/S2c3jb

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Cheri Bustos issued the following statement today, after President Joe Biden announced his support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. “This moment offers us a historic opportunity to make the largest long-term investment in infrastructure that our nation has seen in nearly a century – we cannot let it pass us by. Democracy […] The post Bustos Statement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S2SHxC

Long before covid, music therapists used singing and wind instruments to help COPD and asthma patients. These same therapies might help patients recover from covid’s lingering symptoms as well. And though it wasn’t clinical music therapy, singing with an online choir has helped me navigate long covid. http://dlvr.it/S2R2X3

The World Health Organization this week updated its guidance on children and covid vaccinations — but in a different way than alleged in a viral social media post. http://dlvr.it/S2R2Wp

What's known as emergency room boarding of psychiatric patients has risen between 200% and 400% monthly in Massachusetts during the pandemic — and the problem is widespread. The CDC says emergency room visits after suicide attempts among teen girls were up 51% earlier this year as compared with 2019. http://dlvr.it/S2R2Tz

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) issued the following statement after the release of President Joe Biden’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget request: “A budget reflects what we value – what we choose to invest in. Today, I’m thrilled to see President Joe Biden propose historic investments in economic opportunity, infrastructure, public health, education, affordable […] The post Bustos Statement on Biden FY2022 Budget appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S2NBmH

In second hearing this week, Bustos pushes to remove barriers to vaccination in rural areas WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee discussed how to increase vaccination rates in rural areas and address vaccine hesitancy with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky […] The post Bustos to CDC Director: We Must Increase Vaccination Rates in Rural America appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S2NBg4

Even those not infected by the virus could suffer health problems related to poverty, job loss, eviction — or all of the above. And the pandemic drove the nation’s largest decline in life expectancy since World War II. http://dlvr.it/S2MBkj

In a sharp shift from Trump-era policies, President Joe Biden looks at expanding Medicaid eligibility to new mothers, inmates and undocumented immigrants and adding services such as food and housing. http://dlvr.it/S2MBjL

Millions of older adults want to be comfortable going online and using digital tools to enhance their lives. But many need help. A number of groups around the country offer assistance. http://dlvr.it/S2MBhD

More than 46,000 children in the U.S. have lost a parent to covid-19. Families say finding even basic grief counseling has been difficult and there’s been no coordinated effort to help these children access services or benefits. http://dlvr.it/S2HLDf

The scientific literature shows that natural immunity does provide protection against covid-19, but experts say getting vaccinated can provide additional protection against variants. http://dlvr.it/S2CZYq

Venture capitalists have poured billions into the digital mental health space, sensing an area of unmet demand that is ripe for disruption. The problem for consumers is separating the apps that might help from those that offer little more than distraction — or could actually do harm. http://dlvr.it/S2CZYV

Eager to control costs, health systems and insurers are trying to address patients’ social needs such as food insecurity, transportation and housing. Yet, after years of testing, there’s slim evidence these efforts pay off. http://dlvr.it/S2CZXm

About three dozen elite health systems are involved in for-profit hospital projects overseas. Though the systems are exempt from U.S. taxes for providing “community benefit,” there’s limited evidence that such business ventures benefit American patients. http://dlvr.it/S2CZTs

St. Louis Blues leading scorer David Perron took 10 days to explain he had indeed been vaccinated before he caught covid-19, which knocked him from playing in the NHL playoffs against the Colorado Avalanche. His case and those of other public figures raise questions about the role of celebrity in enticing people to get covid vaccinations. http://dlvr.it/S27tKX

When the Blackfeet tribe shut down the roads leading to the eastern side of Glacier National Park, businesses worried for their future. But it worked, and with one of the nation’s highest covid vaccination rates, the reservation has reopened to visitors. http://dlvr.it/S27tJn

A growing number of Mexican and Central American migrants are trying to cross into the U.S. at the southern border. Volunteers at one free clinic in Tijuana tend to the health needs of migrants waiting for their immigration cases to come up — and simply trying to survive in packed and dangerous encampments. http://dlvr.it/S27tHN

Health care workers find it easy to empathize with Central American children after their painful journeys to the U.S. http://dlvr.it/S27tCx

In a surprisingly strong 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court turned back the latest constitutional challenge to the Affordable Care Act, likely heralding the end of GOP efforts to strike the law in its entirety through court action. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are looking for ways to expand health benefits. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call and Rachel Cohrs of Stat join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also, Rovner interviews Andy Slavitt, who recently stepped down from the Biden administration’s covid response team, about his new book on the pandemic. http://dlvr.it/S20YSj

Despite a hearts-and-minds campaign and millions spent in incentives, managers struggle to get staffs vaccinated against covid. Some workers have threatened to quit over the pressure to get a shot, which employers can’t afford. http://dlvr.it/S1zHhr

More than 80 million Americans with low incomes were receiving health coverage through the federal-state program in January. The program now covers nearly 1 in 4 people nationwide. http://dlvr.it/S1xjgt

Justices rule that Republican state officials and individuals did not have standing when they brought a suit arguing that a change in the tax penalty for not having insurance invalidated the historic health care law. http://dlvr.it/S1wM38

Federal officials say that some of the money changing hands has corrupted doctors and endangered patients. http://dlvr.it/S1vHvB

Rare reports of minor heart damage have convinced some scientists that further study is needed before racing to extend covid shots to more children. http://dlvr.it/S1vHtm

It will soon take a court order to change one’s gender on a Montana birth certificate. Montana health officials are seeking comment on proposed rules for a law that would affect dozens of people each year. http://dlvr.it/S1vHsY

Across the country, doctors report that those hospitalized with covid now are largely unvaccinated. New York City lags the rest of the nation in vaccinating people 65 and older, and its efforts to reach the homebound and disabled have been late in coming and disorganized. http://dlvr.it/S1rxkX

The pandemic created disruption and family stress that may have lasting effects on young children’s social and emotional development. http://dlvr.it/S1qVkv

A federal program to help with the funeral expenses for people who died of covid is a challenge for grieving family members who aren’t fluent in English or the ways of a bureaucracy. http://dlvr.it/S1qVhy

Criminal charges filed against two officers who injured a Colorado woman with dementia don’t address the fact that police often lack the skills to effectively deal with suspects with mental disabilities. http://dlvr.it/S1ljKN

It won’t hurt to remain cautious, even as California reopens for business in response to mass vaccinations and diminishing cases of covid. http://dlvr.it/S1ljDR

More communities are creating teams of health care providers to respond to mental health crises instead of cops, a shift propelled by nationwide demonstrations against police brutality. But the shapes of those mobile crisis response teams vary because the movement is still in an experimental stage. http://dlvr.it/S1gxst

HCA charges patients an “activation fee” of up to $50,000 for trauma teams at centers located in half its 179 hospitals — and they often don’t need trauma care, an analysis of insurance claims data shows. http://dlvr.it/S1gxsQ

Health care insiders get surprise medical bills, too. One of them shares tips for writing an insurance appeal. http://dlvr.it/S1gxn5

WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Blake Moore (UT-01), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan House Military Depot, Arsenal, Ammunition Plant and Industrial Facilities Caucus, led a call for the Organic Industrial Base (OIB), or military arsenals, depots and ammunition plants, to be included in any upcoming infrastructure package. In a letter to House Speaker Nancy […] The post Bustos, Moore Lead Bipartisan Call for Military Arsenals, Depots to be Included in Infrastructure appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S1Xb5x

Citing the deaths of thousands of health care workers, the new rules will force employers to report fatalities or hospitalizations to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and provide higher-quality protective gear, among other actions. http://dlvr.it/S1TgL8

Direct primary care and health care sharing ministries can offer people more accessible or cheaper health care options, but they lack the benefits of traditional insurance and aren’t regulated. http://dlvr.it/S1RQTs

Medical subscriptions, a $199 million CEO payday and the race to fix primary care in the U.S. One Medical is betting big that a subscription model can fix primary care. But the firm faces competition from CVS, Target and large hospital systems. http://dlvr.it/S1RQSF

California Democratic lawmakers are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to approve $100 million per year to fund programs that address health inequality and structural racism. http://dlvr.it/S1RQQS

Safety-net clinics especially are bracing for how the drugmaker’s policy shift could reduce their budgets and hamstring their ability to provide care to an at-risk population. http://dlvr.it/S1RQLQ

CARES Act funding expanded meal delivery services during pandemic Community member shares how adult day services allows family member to go to work ROCKFORD – This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) toured Lifescape Adult Day Program Center in Rockford as part of a nationwide Week of Action to discuss how the American Jobs and Families […] The post PHOTOS: Bustos Tours Lifescape Adult Day Program, Pushes Investments in Caregiving Economy appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S1Pg1X

Young women have closed the gender gap for excessive drinking. And that was before the pandemic. The trend is particularly troubling because women are at greater risk for blackouts, liver disease, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers linked to alcohol use. http://dlvr.it/S1Mg7C

A new movie produced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine group tries to capitalize on the covid-19 pandemic, the racial justice movement and renewed interest in the history of medical racism. http://dlvr.it/S1Mg6p

Connecticut residents who learned how to communicate with family and friends through digital technology when their nursing homes closed to visitors last year used that skill to testify remotely during legislative hearings on bills affecting them. http://dlvr.it/S1Mg5P

As vaccine expiration dates loom, states with hundreds of thousands of doses on hand say demand is tanking and there’s no easy way to donate to other states or countries that might want them http://dlvr.it/S1Lhnj