WinnDems News

Health equity advocates see a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide a dental benefit to millions of older Americans as Congress considers expanding Medicare services. But complicating that push is a debate over how many of the more than 60 million Medicare recipients should receive dental coverage. http://dlvr.it/SBXM2V

Certain patients who couldn't get in to see a doctor earlier in the pandemic, or were avoiding the covid risks inside hospitals, have become too sick to stay away. Many ERs now struggle to cope with an onslaught of demand. http://dlvr.it/SBWHCH

A huge thank you to our readers who participated in our third annual KHN Halloween Haiku Contest. Based on a review by our expert panel of judges, we unmask the winner and serve a sampling of finalists. http://dlvr.it/SBWHBy

The Supreme Court justices, who accepted the case only 10 days before the arguments will be made, may skirt the issue of abortion and concentrate instead on the legality of the law’s unusual tack to let private citizens enforce it. http://dlvr.it/SBWH7k

President Joe Biden unveiled a compromise “Build Back Better” framework shortly before taking off for key meetings in Europe, but it’s unclear whether the framework can win the votes of all Democrats in the House and Senate, and it leaves out some of the party’s health priorities, notably significant provisions to lower prescription drug prices. Meanwhile, younger children may soon be eligible for covid vaccines. Joanne Kenen of Politico and Johns Hopkins, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet and Rachana Pradhan of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. http://dlvr.it/SBTT6z

As lawmakers weigh new spending provisions to cover dental, hearing and vision services for Medicare beneficiaries, a group supporting Medicare Advantage plans is airing commercials that raise concerns about the funding for those private plans. http://dlvr.it/SBRr4f

The ads for supplemental Medicare Advantage plans describe vision and dental benefits, even grocery discounts and food deliveries. But look at the fine print. http://dlvr.it/SBQT08

Local health officials who quit or were forced out during the pandemic have been replaced by people who must face an increasingly polarized public with fewer powers than their predecessors. http://dlvr.it/SBQSyh

“Regions like mine need both the bipartisan infrastructure package and the Build Back Better Act—and we need them right now” WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) published an op-ed in Newsweek urging her colleagues to come together and compromise to pass the bipartisan infrastructure package and the Build Back Better Act. Speaking as one of […] The post BUSTOS IN NEWSWEEK: “We Must Unite and Build Back Better” appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SBPx7M

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) took to the House Floor to express her condolences for a John Deere employee who was struck and killed by a vehicle in Milan, Illinois near the United Auto Workers (UAW) picket line this morning. During her speech, Bustos voiced her support for the workers on strike pushing […] The post Bustos Speaks on House Floor to Express Condolences, Support United Auto Workers Striking at John Deere appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SBPx2D

With an eye to shutting down Medicare drug price negotiations, drug companies and their lobbying groups gave roughly $1.6 million in the first six months of 2021, with Democrats edging closer than they have in a decade to Republicans’ total haul. http://dlvr.it/SBNLSL

MOLINE — Today, U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that the cities of Moline, Pekin, Peoria and Rockford will receive a combined $275,990 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program grants from the U.S. Department of Justice for local law enforcement. Communities plan to use the funds for technical support.  “We have to […] The post Bustos Announces More Than $275,000 in Federal Grants for Law Enforcement Technical Support appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SBLbS2

The pandemic has so seriously strained already tight state psychiatric hospitals in Georgia, Virginia, Texas and elsewhere that these facilities for the poorest and most vulnerable people with mental illness struggle to admit new patients. http://dlvr.it/SBJrHN

Some doctors, sick of mainstream health care’s red tape, are finding refuge in practices that combine concierge medicine with charity care. http://dlvr.it/SBJrFh

The state’s unique health system controls what hospitals can charge for services. http://dlvr.it/SBJr7P

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement in support of legislation to award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the emergency evacuation of citizens of the United States and vulnerable Afghan allies at Hamid Karzai International […] The post Bustos Statement in Support of Legislation Honoring Service Members Killed in Afghanistan appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SBHYSK

Following the devastating impact of covid-19 on nursing homes, state lawmakers want to be sure that government and private payments primarily go to improve care and staffing. http://dlvr.it/SBFB6z

The covid vaccination rate for first responders in the state is more than 95%. But it's lower in more rural areas, where ambulance crews can't function if even just a few people quit. http://dlvr.it/SBFB1g

ROCK ISLAND — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the Rock Island Arsenal for a tour of Lock and Dam 15 on the Mississippi River with the Army Corps of Engineers to highlight the importance of inland waterways to agriculture and the nation’s supply chain.  “Often, […] The post Bustos, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Visit Rock Island Arsenal to Discuss Inland Waterway Infrastructure Needs appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SB6x3Z

GENESEO — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to announce the availability of $1.15 billion in loans and grants to expand broadband availability in rural areas through the ReConnect Program.  “In the district I serve, one in four families lack access to high-speed internet. This has a […] The post Bustos Joins Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Announce $1.15 Billion for Rural Broadband Expansion appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SB6n78

Negotiations on the health parts of President Joe Biden’s domestic agenda are getting serious but have yet to produce a deal every Democrat can support. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration remains without a nominated leader but manages to take the first steps toward approving over-the-counter hearing aids. Joanne Kenen of Politico and Johns Hopkins, Tami Luhby of CNN and Rachel Cohrs of Stat join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read too. http://dlvr.it/SB2sjF

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in support of her bipartisan, bicameral legislation to recognize the service of Cadet Nurses. The Cadet Nurse program was established during World War II to address nursing shortages. Despite their selfless service, Cadet Nurses have […] The post Bustos Bill to Honor WWII Cadet Nurses Receives Congressional Hearing appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SB1r2V

Expectations are high for the city’s first-ever gun violence prevention director to curb the surging murder rate with interventions outside of traditional law enforcement. http://dlvr.it/SB0ygl

Using a local approach, everyday people in cities without strict mask mandates take covid-19 safety into their own hands to protect themselves and their neighbors. http://dlvr.it/SB0ydp

Managers are trapped in a pricey hiring cycle, competing for critical care nurses who can monitor covid patients on life support. Some hospitals are looking abroad to replace staffers who quit to become travel nurses or leave the profession. http://dlvr.it/SB0ybn

Ageism in health care settings, which can result in inappropriate or dangerous treatment, is getting new attention during the covid pandemic, which has killed more than half a million Americans age 65 and older. http://dlvr.it/S9x4D9

KHN’s Angela Hart leads a lively discussion on the challenges facing California’s mental health care system and potential solutions. The panel was part of a broader symposium on mental health and addiction hosted by the Sacramento-based publication Capitol Weekly. http://dlvr.it/S9x47g

Scientists treating kids for MIS-C point to rare genes, leaky guts and a “superantigen.” http://dlvr.it/S9x460

In a battle reflecting turf wars around the country, Illinois dentists defeated legislation that would have allowed hygienists to practice in nursing homes and prisons where dental care can be scarce. http://dlvr.it/S9sFtf

For children with special needs returning to an L.A. classroom, mask-wearing is the least of their troubles. http://dlvr.it/S9sFnX

Chemistry Week will be celebrated October 17th through 23rd MOLINE —  U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and John Moolenaar (MI-04) sponsored a bipartisan House resolution designating the week beginning October 17, 2021 as National Chemistry Week and recognizing the important role chemistry plays in addressing critical challenges around the world. The resolution also notes the […] The post Bustos, Chemistry Caucus Recognize National Chemistry Week appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S9nzSt

With Kentucky in the grip of a covid surge, public health workers are taking their vaccination campaign house to house and church to church, trying to outmaneuver the fantastical tales spread on social media and everyday hurdles of hardship and isolation. http://dlvr.it/S9nV6V

KHN teamed up with Hulu for a discussion of America's opioid crisis, following the Oct. 13 premiere of the online streaming service’s new series “Dopesick.” http://dlvr.it/S9nV3M

In this episode, we get our bearings on self-funded insurance plans, and how they affect the average — sometimes burned-out — American worker trying to get answers about insurance. http://dlvr.it/S9nV1D

Illinois Families Will Receive Next Round of Child Tax Credit Monthly Tax Cut Payments on October 15th  MOLINE — Congresswoman Cheri Bustos is highlighting that the next round of Child Tax Credit monthly tax cut payments will hit bank accounts tomorrow on Friday, October 15th. Each month, families across Northwest and Central Illinois can expect to […] The post Bustos Highlights Child Tax Credit Payment Hitting Bank Accounts TOMORROW appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S9ff2S

Bill updated to reflect recommendations following the outrageous findings of a Bustos-commissioned GAO report WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) introduced legislation to stand up for workers and consumers by ending abusive executive bonuses during corporate bankruptcies.  First introduced in 2019, the No Bonuses in Bankruptcy Act of 2021 is an updated version of the legislation […] The post Bustos, Burchett Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to End Abusive Executive Bonuses During Corporate Bankruptcies appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S9ff1k

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to keep the United States under the debt limit through at least December 3rd, avoiding an unprecedented default and preventing severe economic consequences.  “Addressing the debt limit today was necessary to make sure our nation doesn’t default and avoid economic catastrophe,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Addressing the debt ceiling has long been a bipartisan […] The post Bustos Votes to Address Debt Ceiling, Avert Default appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S9fdyc

New, often lower-cost plans capitalize on the convenience of telemedicine — and patients’ growing familiarity with it. But consumers should weigh costs and care options before enrolling in a “virtual-first” plan. http://dlvr.it/S9cTXl

The law says nonprofit hospitals are supposed to offer low-income patients financial assistance. But the average person doesn’t know about it. Here’s how to get help. http://dlvr.it/S9cTS9

Like almost everything else associated with the covid-19 pandemic, partisans are taking sides over whether vaccines should be mandated. Meanwhile, Democrats on Capitol Hill are still struggling to find compromise in their effort to expand health insurance and other social programs. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Jen Haberkorn of the Los Angeles Times and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews best-selling author Beth Macy about her book “Dopesick,” and the new Hulu miniseries based on it. http://dlvr.it/S9ZTDb

California Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored legislation to create and fund the state’s new 988 phone line for mental health emergencies, spoke with KHN about the effort and what more will be needed to create a full-fledged response network for people experiencing mental health crises. http://dlvr.it/S9XY4m

The availability of covid testing and turnaround times for results still vary widely around the country, some 19 months since the pandemic was declared a national crisis. A jumbled testing system, technician burnout and squirrely spikes in demand are all part of the problem. http://dlvr.it/S9XY3J

ANDALUSIA — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) visited Andalusia Elementary School for her 109th “Cheri-on-Shift” as a school principal. The Congresswoman was joined by Principal Mike Ruff to show support for teachers and educational leaders as they continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.  “It’s wonderful to see students back in the classroom and interacting in-person […] The post Bustos Becomes Principal for a Day at Andalusia Elementary School appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S9Mrv8

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) issued the following statement: “I strongly support both the bipartisan infrastructure deal and the Build Back Better Act. “Our nation needs both of these packages. As our infrastructure crumbles around us, the bipartisan package would rebuild America. And as too many hardworking families continue to struggle, the Build […] The post Bustos Statement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better Act appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/S9MrpY

In a practice dating to the 1980s, many hospitals require people with alcohol-related liver disease to complete a period of sobriety before they can be added to the waiting list for a liver. But this thinking may be changing. http://dlvr.it/S9MQPL

Long-term relationships between patients and doctors often enrich the quality of care and create deep emotional bonds. When the doctors retire or move on, saying goodbye can be hard. http://dlvr.it/S9MQN2

But Americans generally have little confidence that the White House or Congress will recommend the right thing, a new poll shows. http://dlvr.it/S9MQLv

Health care workers already bore the brunt of workplace violence in the U.S. Now, tensions from an exhausting pandemic are spilling over into hospitals. http://dlvr.it/S9JB7T

Federally qualified health centers from California to Michigan are mired in a bureaucratic mess over how they should be paid under Medicaid for each dose of covid vaccine given. In California alone, clinics await reimbursement for at least 1 million shots, causing a “massive cash flow problem.” http://dlvr.it/S9JB2h

Following a February KHN investigation into covid vaccine accessibility, the Department of Justice reached an agreement with five New York government agencies to make their websites accessible to people who are visually impaired. http://dlvr.it/S98DRw

At issue is whether transplant patients who refuse the shots are not only putting themselves at greater risk for serious illness and death from covid-19, but also squandering scarce organs that could benefit others. http://dlvr.it/S98DR3

The polarizing abortion issue threatens to tie up Congress, the Supreme Court and the states for the coming year. Meanwhile, Congress kicks the can down the road to December on settling its spending priorities. Joanne Kenen of Politico and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Yasmeen Abutaleb of The Washington Post and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KHN’s Aneri Pattani, who delivered the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about a covid test that cost as much as a luxury car. http://dlvr.it/S96Zc9

After experiencing multiple quarantines and school closures in less than two months, covid vaccine approvals for 5- to 11-year-olds can’t come soon enough for a KHN editor in Montana. http://dlvr.it/S94qtY