WinnDems News

The Supreme Court, come autumn, will consider a Mississippi law that bans nearly all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. That’s hardly the most restrictive abortion law passed in the South. How did anti-abortion views become concentrated in the South? http://dlvr.it/S4lNWl

Posts circulating on Facebook and Instagram incorrectly claim that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is withdrawing its covid test because it can’t differentiate between that virus and flu viruses. These statements could be an attempt to blur the high cumulative numbers of covid cases. http://dlvr.it/S4lD1v

California Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a recall election in September, fueled in part by anger over his pandemic policies. The health care industry has ponied up more than $4.8 million so far to defend the first-term Democrat. http://dlvr.it/S4lCyn

The state says it will look at the levels of disease-fighting antibodies among nursing home residents vaccinated against covid, which could help indicate whether they need a booster shot. http://dlvr.it/S4jSJT

The summer that promised to let Americans resume a relatively normal life is turning into another summer of anxiety and face masks, as the delta variant drives covid caseloads up in all 50 states. Meanwhile, the Americans with Disabilities Act turns 35, and the Missouri Supreme Court orders the state to expand Medicaid after all. Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News and Rachana Pradhan of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also, Rovner interviews KHN’s Samantha Young, who reported and wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about an Olympic-level athlete with an Olympic-size medical bill. http://dlvr.it/S4gXfc

A bicyclist from California competed in a Pennsylvania race that could have landed him in this month’s Tokyo Olympics. Instead, a crash on the velodrome track landed him in two hospitals where his out-of-state, out-of-network surgeries garnered huge bills. http://dlvr.it/S4dvl1

Pharmaceutical companies routinely cover the cost of patient copays for expensive drugs under private insurance. A federal judge could make the practice legal for millions on Medicare as well. http://dlvr.it/S4dvkT

Each year, people in pain travel to Montana and pay to sit amid radon gas, which is pitched as therapy for a long list of health issues. While low-dose radiation therapy is getting another look amid the pandemic, experts say that treatment is different than sitting in a tunnel of radioactive gas. http://dlvr.it/S4dvh4

WASHINGTON – Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), led by NDC Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Vice Chair for Policy Scott Peters (CA-52), announced the creation of three additional policy task forces on rural reinvestment, future of work and capitalism and trade. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) was named Co-Chair of the Rural Reinvestment Task Force alongside Congresswoman Cindy […] The post Bustos Named Co-Chair of New Democrat Coalition Rural Task Force appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S4bsmx

Scientists are trying to piece together why the delta variant so readily infects unvaccinated Americans, spewing 1,000 times more virus particles. http://dlvr.it/S4b2hr

Brexanolone is a promising new treatment for postpartum depression. But one insurer's requirement that women try four other drugs and electroconvulsive therapy before the infusion means it is out-of-reach for millions of women. http://dlvr.it/S4ZDDh

The most recent covid relief law offered federal funding to pay insurance premiums for workers who lost their jobs and opted to keep their workplace insurance through COBRA. But the window to take advantage of the subsidized coverage is closing: Many workers would need to enroll in the program by July 31. http://dlvr.it/S4ZD9c

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) introduced a bill to do away with a health insurance rule that dictates which parent’s plan becomes a new baby’s primary insurer. This could save some parents from unexpected, sometimes massive medical bills. Davids took up the issue after a KHN/NPR Bill of the Month story on one family’s unexpected $207,455 NICU bill. http://dlvr.it/S4Wvsk

In a suburb of Denver, a doctor runs a clinic that finds creative solutions to treat a large refugee and immigrant population, sometimes to the dismay of the medical establishment. http://dlvr.it/S4Vckh

At a pop-up vaccine clinic in a McDonald’s parking lot in the city of San Bernardino, fewer than two dozen people agreed to get a shot, offering a snapshot of the faltering vaccination effort. http://dlvr.it/S4VcgH

While covid is generally mild in children, doctors report a growing number of long-haul covid symptoms and MIS-C cases, particularly among Black and Latino children. http://dlvr.it/S4R66c

Patients seem to like remote visits, and health care providers now depend on them. But outages, freezing and other glitches cost time and money, and compromise quality of care. http://dlvr.it/S4R663

Missouri is the last state to create a monitoring program to help spot the misuse of prescription drugs. But some public health experts warn that the nation’s programs are forcing people addicted to opioids to seek deadlier street options. http://dlvr.it/S4R64v

Former Fox News Anchor Gretchen Carlson Joins Bipartisan Group of Legislators to Endorse Bill that Would End Forced Arbitration for Sexual Assault and Harassment Claims WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), along with U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Dick Durbin (D-IL), chair of […] The post BUSTOS, GRIFFITH, JAYAPAL, GILLIBRAND, GRAHAM, DURBIN, ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ALLOW SEXUAL ASSAULT & HARASSMENT SURVIVORS TO SEEK JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S4F8bN

With covid cases on the upswing again around the country, partisan division remains over how to address the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Biden administration proposes bigger penalties for hospitals that fail to make their prices public as required. Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico and Tami Luhby of CNN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest their favorite stories of the week they think you should read, too. http://dlvr.it/S4Dn8M

The major sports leagues are struggling to vaccinate enough of their players to protect the clubhouse and locker room, and few stars have stepped forward to pitch vaccination to teammates or fans. WNBA players are an exception, with a 99% vaccination rate and high-profile ads urging the public to get vaccinated. http://dlvr.it/S4C9fF

Unvaccinated Westerners are flocking to movie theaters, malls and other indoor spaces to beat the smoke and heat. Health officials worry that may fuel covid outbreaks. http://dlvr.it/S4C9dZ

Doctors in Washington state used human body bags filled with ice and water to rapidly cool the sickest patients affected by record heat last month. http://dlvr.it/S4C9Zf

In today’s pharmaceutical universe, a simple “safe and effective” determination by the Food and Drug Administration to approve a drug can be manipulated to sell products of questionable value. And drugmakers can profit handsomely, http://dlvr.it/S47dF1

At the center of the nation’s delta variant outbreak, public health efforts are mired in a political turf war. http://dlvr.it/S47d7q

Black women and girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often remain undiagnosed because their symptoms are mischaracterized by the blinders of sexism and racism. Getting treatment and finding the right medication can be even more difficult because they aren’t taken seriously or, worse, they’re racially profiled while getting their medicines. http://dlvr.it/S44BGB

State lawmakers aim to expand Medicaid enrollment by dedicating billions of dollars in coming years to simplifying paperwork, extending pregnancy coverage and opening the program to thousands of new enrollees, including older unauthorized immigrants and people who need nursing home care. http://dlvr.it/S44BFJ

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who is helping to negotiate the health care spending framework for the Democrats' budget plan, said lawmakers may have to settle for very basic versions of programs deployed in the package. But the key, he added, is to get the "architecture of these changes, bold changes," started and show people what is possible. http://dlvr.it/S44B9n

National Guard budget shortfall would severely hinder military readiness, cancel trainings, negatively impact Citizen Soldiers and Airmen WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Steve Womack (AR-03) led a call of nearly 70 lawmakers urging Congressional leadership to swiftly come to an agreement on emergency appropriations that includes full reimbursement for the National Guard, […] The post Bustos, Womack Lead Nearly 70 Bipartisan Members in Call to Reimburse National Guard for January 6th Response Efforts appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S42lVB

Novavax is a vaccine company that, despite $2 billion in new federal and international funding, still hasn't come through with a licensed covid vaccine. It hopes it can still help to fight the global covid scourge, but will it deliver? http://dlvr.it/S40j0F

After being mostly closed to the public and the press for more than a year, California’s state Capitol is open again — masks, temperature checks, covid outbreaks and all. http://dlvr.it/S40hzy

The July 9 directive addresses the importation of prescription drugs and broader efforts to reduce the high cost of medicines. http://dlvr.it/S40hyh

With Bustos Priorities, Appropriations Package Heads to House Floor for Final Passage WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped pass the FY 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill out of the full House Appropriations Committee – sending it to the House Floor […] The post Bustos Helps Pass Key Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Package Out of Committee appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S3szPD

Social Determinants Accelerator Act clears critical legislative hurdle WASHINGTON – Today, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) passed the Health Subcommittee in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, clearing a major hurdle on the pathway to becoming law. The bipartisan Social Determinants Accelerator Act would create federal grant programs to empower states, local governments, […] The post Bipartisan Bustos Bill to Improve Health Takes Step Forward to Becoming Law appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S3szML

Bustos’ bipartisan bill to improve long-term health receives Congressional committee hearing WASHINGTON – Rep. Cheri Bustos’ (IL-17) bipartisan Social Determinants Accelerator Act received a hearing in the Energy & Commerce Committee this week. The bill would create a federal grant program to empower states and local governments to tackle persistent economic and social conditions — […] The post What They’re Saying: Members of Congress Call for Bustos Bill appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S3szKT

Only severely injured patients are supposed to be billed for “trauma team alert” fees that can exceed $50,000. http://dlvr.it/S3rBt6

A vaccine clinic came to an international soccer tournament in Denver recently. It was an attempt to reach Latino Coloradans, whose vaccination rates trail those of non-Hispanic whites. http://dlvr.it/S3r0jb

Two intractable failings of the U.S. health care system — addiction treatment and medical costs — come to a head in the ER, where patients desperate for addiction treatment arrive, only to find the facility may not be equipped to deal with substance use or, if they are, treatment is prohibitively expensive. http://dlvr.it/S3mLLS

Pollution and noise from urban highways intersect with illness for neighbors. But “green” developments that replace them can displace the very families harmed in the first place. http://dlvr.it/S3mLGs

Leaders of a regional medical school program in Montana say two proposed medical schools could create a flood of students they worry will strain the clinical faculty and resources in the state they use for training. http://dlvr.it/S3mLFd

The plan from high-wire negotiations would affect five key areas of health, but there will be further tense negotiations among Democratic lawmakers about specifics of the $3.5 trillion in funding. And all Senate Democrats will need to be behind the plan, because Republicans oppose it. http://dlvr.it/S3mLDT

Former Fox News Anchor Gretchen Carlson Joins Bipartisan Group of Legislators to Endorse Bill that Would End Forced Arbitration for Sexual Assault and Harassment Claims WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), along with U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Dick Durbin (D-IL), chair of […] The post BUSTOS, GRIFFITH, JAYAPAL, GILLIBRAND, GRAHAM, DURBIN, ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ALLOW SEXUAL ASSAULT & HARASSMENT SURVIVORS TO SEEK JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S3kgL1

Statistics show that Colorado residents are much more likely than Wyoming residents to be vaccinated against covid. Yet both Wyoming and Colorado were among the top 12 states with the highest covid case rates at the beginning of July. A closer look at a pair of similarly sized counties in those states helps explain why. http://dlvr.it/S3hZHV

In an interview for KHN’s “What the Health?” podcast, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra says the administration is eager for Congress to make changes to Medicare that will provide more benefits and make more older adults eligible for the program. He also said a priority will be making permanent the enhanced premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. http://dlvr.it/S3fpY4

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswomen Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Ashley Hinson (IA-01) announced that, at their request, $22,500,000 in funding for the Upper Mississippi River Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program has been included in the House Appropriations Committee funding bill for Energy and Water Development. “Our agricultural producers depend on our inland waterways to deliver tons […] The post Bustos, Hinson Secure $22.5 Million in Funding for NESP in Appropriations Package appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S3dtgQ

A group of New York senior living facilities offer teens from 10 underserved schools the chance to volunteer and get free training for entry-level health jobs, career coaching and assistance on college prep. http://dlvr.it/S3cvXD

Food insecurity soared during the pandemic, including among unauthorized immigrants, who are not eligible for federally funded food stamps. California’s Democratic lawmakers want to expand the benefit to that population, but opponents cite the massive ongoing cost to the state. http://dlvr.it/S3cvSc

Bustos Bill Earns Key National Endorsements and Support from Providers in the Quad Cities, Rockford and Peoria WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Crisis Care Enhancement Act as the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis have revealed an increased need for comprehensive crisis care services. That’s why this bill […] The post Bustos, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Crisis Care and Address Mental Illness appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S3b93S

Thousands of schools have spent millions of federal covid relief dollars snapping up air cleaning technology that claims to inactivate covid-19. But the devices fall into a regulatory gap. http://dlvr.it/S3YCm0

It could take years for follow-up studies to prove Aduhelm slows the disease — or doesn’t. Meanwhile, its maker will profit. http://dlvr.it/S3YCkD