WinnDems News

In his proposed budget, President Joe Biden called for a boost in health spending that includes billions of dollars to prepare for a future pandemic. But that doesn’t include money he says is needed immediately for testing and treating covid-19. Also this week, federal regulators authorized a second booster shot for people 50 and older yet gave little guidance to consumers about who needs the shot and when. Amy Goldstein of The Washington Post, Jennifer Haberkorn of the Los Angeles Times, and Rachana Pradhan of KHN join KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey to discuss these issues and more. Plus, Julie Rovner interviews KHN’s Julie Appleby, who reported and wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about a very expensive air ambulance ride. http://dlvr.it/SMkc7P

Federal data shows that vaccination rates for American Indians and Alaska Natives were some of the highest in the nation, but tribes say resistance has slowed efforts to boost members. http://dlvr.it/SMhwQd

KHN is asking nurses and other medical professionals to weigh in on the conviction of RaDonda Vaught, a former Tennessee nurse who administered the wrong drug to a patient, killing her. http://dlvr.it/SMg4dz

Recent studies from around the world have found that people with schizophrenia are as much as five times as likely to die from covid-19 as the general population. Scientists think the findings suggest schizophrenia is not just a disease of the brain, but also a disease of the immune system. http://dlvr.it/SMdNST

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) – a longtime leader in the push to end forced arbitration – helped to pass the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act (the FAIR Act). This bill would prohibit the enforcement of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in contracts involving consumer, employment, antitrust and civil rights disputes. This bill builds on Bustos’ Ending Forced Arbitration of […] The post Bustos Votes to End All Forced Arbitration appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SMbkYC

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, issued a statement following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to the U.S. Congress. Prior to the address, the Congresswoman joined NewsNation’s Morning in America to discuss American support for Ukraine. “In President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress I saw an undaunted, but dire, […] The post Bustos Statement on President Zelenskyy’s Address to Congress appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SMbbxz

Over decades, federal and state policies have left many tribal communities without access to clean, running water. This episode explores what separates some Diné and other Native people in the western United States from this critical resource. http://dlvr.it/SMYw8P

It's illegal for a person who isn't a lawyer to give even basic legal advice to people being sued for medical debt. Two New Yorkers are suing to change that. http://dlvr.it/SMVSf6

RaDonda Vaught, a former nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, could spend years in prison after being convicted of two felonies in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday. http://dlvr.it/SMNLwj

Sens. Robert Casey Jr. and Ron Wyden want a probe into what barriers are keeping Medicaid plans from reaching enrollees. http://dlvr.it/SMLSyS

Although its fate was in doubt more than a few times, the Affordable Care Act turned 12 this week. Year 13 could be pivotal in determining how many Americans receive ACA health insurance, and at what price. Meanwhile, three leading credit bureaus agreed to stop using most medical debt to measure U.S. consumers’ creditworthiness. Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, Rachel Cohrs of Stat, and KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. http://dlvr.it/SMJkKd

Throughout history, parents have searched for the secret to getting fretful children to sleep through the night. The latest strategy involves giving children melatonin-infused gummies and tablets, a trend that concerns some doctors. http://dlvr.it/SMGzJ5

The number of medical schools and residency programs where aspiring physicians can learn to perform abortion procedures continues to shrink, a byproduct of the anti-abortion legislation being enacted in multiple states. http://dlvr.it/SMCRkd

Former nurse RaDonda Vaught is on trial for reckless homicide, and her case raises consequential questions about how nurses use computerized medication-dispensing cabinets. http://dlvr.it/SM7vn2

A corporate CEO’s call for a fourth mRNA shot struck those closely watching the pandemic as self-serving. It creates public pressure for a fourth dose of vaccine before government experts have time to assess the evidence and settle on the best course forward. http://dlvr.it/SM4XPL

Thousands of ICE detainees nationwide have tested positive for covid; 11 have died. Medical providers in California are volunteering to educate immigrants awaiting trial or deportation about covid treatment and vaccination. http://dlvr.it/SLwJFH

Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on Acast. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Logistics expert Jeff Zients, who has headed the White House covid-19 response team since the start of the Biden administration, is stepping down and will be replaced […] http://dlvr.it/SLtbPV

At least 7 million immunocompromised people could benefit from the monoclonal antibody injections designed to prevent covid-19. The government says it has enough doses for a fraction of those in need ― and it doesn’t have the money to buy more. http://dlvr.it/SLtPlL

A backlog at Montana’s psychiatric hospital for those facing criminal charges has left people with serious mental illness behind bars for months without adequate treatment. In some cases, judges have freed defendants over due-process violations. http://dlvr.it/SLrr6t

The No Surprises Act offers protection from many surprise medical bills — but that protection may be only as good as a patient’s knowledge of the law and ability to make sure it’s enforced. Here’s what you need to know. http://dlvr.it/SLnK1g

Even a personal finance expert can get stuck with a huge unexpected bill for a drug. Listen up for what you need to know about "copay accumulators." http://dlvr.it/SLjmD4

Membership-based villages help arrange services for seniors — such as handyman help or transportation to appointments — and provide social connections through classes, leisure opportunities, or community events. Despite great promise, they have been slow to expand because of difficulties raising funding and keeping people interested. http://dlvr.it/SLfHc0

Gun buying among African Americans has soared in recent years. So have suicide rates among young Black men. Suicide prevention and gun safety efforts need to address race and cultural differences, Black gun owners say. http://dlvr.it/SLVKr0

The Biden administration’s request for billions more in funding to fight covid-19 hit a snag on Capitol Hill this week, as Democrats objected to Republican demands that money allocated to states but not yet spent be reclaimed. Meanwhile, the big annual spending bill about to cross the finish line addresses other health policy changes, such as giving the FDA authority to regulate “synthetic” nicotine. Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico, Rachel Cohrs of Stat, and Jessie Hellmann of Modern Healthcare 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/SLSQCy

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), helped to pass bipartisan legislation to ban the import of Russian oil and energy products into the United States – further isolating Russia from the global economy. This action in the House bolsters President Biden’s announcement that his administration is banning Russian oil, coal and natural gas imports to the […] The post Bustos Votes to Suspend Energy Imports from Russia appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SLS4FV

The package includes federal funding for local projects in Peoria, Rockford, the Quad-Cities, Galesburg, East Dubuque, Freeport and Morrison WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped pass a major funding package for Fiscal Year 2022. Congresswoman Bustos secured significant local wins – including more than $55.65 million for […] The post Bustos Secures More Than $55 Million for Local Projects, Support for Illinois’ Priorities in Major Funding Package appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SLRvSp

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17),Chair of the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee, joined David Westin on Balance of Power to discuss the war in Ukraine, its impact on U.S. gas prices and the need to continue ethanol blending to keep gas prices down for consumers.  WATCH: Bustos Highlights […] The post Bustos Boosts Biofuels on Bloomberg TV: Ethanol Blending “Saves Consumers Money” appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SLRf14

U.S. and global drug manufacturers invested in Russia’s sizable pharmaceutical industry contend international humanitarian law requires they continue manufacturing and selling their products there, even while condemning the Ukraine invasion. Not everyone agrees. http://dlvr.it/SLQmff

The agency’s updated recommendations lower the level of covid risk for most of the country and therefore the need to mask. But some experts question the strategy. http://dlvr.it/SLMDQl

PEORIA — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that Peoria Public Schools District 150 will be receiving a $100,000 grant from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to purchase five new, more environmentally friendly school buses. The funding comes through the 2021 Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates program which is distributing more than $10 million to […] The post Bustos Announces $100,000 for New School Buses in Peoria appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SLKbVF

Doctors and scientists are debating whether a little-known measure in covid testing should be used to distinguish who is infectious from who isn’t. The NFL adopted the practice, but laboratory professionals caution against its use. http://dlvr.it/SLHm7H

WASHINGTON — Over the weekend, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) traveled to Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Alabama with colleagues and civil rights leaders as a part of the annual Faith and Politics Institute Civil Rights Pilgrimage. Bustos was among the nearly 20 members of Congress in attendance. Yesterday, Vice President Kamala Harris joined the lawmakers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge […] The post Bustos Participates in Annual Civil Rights Pilgrimage appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SLGCjm

MOLINE – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that she has nominated five Illinois students for admission to United States Service Academies for the class entering in the fall of 2022. Each year, Congresswoman Bustos has the honor of nominating qualified young people from Illinois’ 17th Congressional District for attendance at four service academies: the U.S. Military Academy in […] The post Bustos Nominates Five Illinois Students for U.S. Service Academies appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SLF2nC

KHN Senior Correspondent Samantha Young joined California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly for an engaging conversation about how California moves forward in an environment in which covid persists, but at more manageable levels. http://dlvr.it/SLDBNq

Kennedy Stonum, a 17-year-old high school junior, resisted getting vaccinated against covid-19, as did 20-year-old Tyler Gilreath, whose mother had nagged him for months to get the shots. Both died. http://dlvr.it/SL3y8J

Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched several initiatives to cut rising drug prices, but the savings haven’t been as monumental as he promised. And his plan to have California make its own generic drugs hasn’t gotten off the ground. http://dlvr.it/SL3mTn

President Joe Biden spent a large portion of his first State of the Union address talking about foreign affairs, but he also spent time on an array of health topics, including mental health, nursing home regulation, and toxic burn pits. Also this week, the administration unveiled a strategy to address the covid pandemic going forward. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Amy Goldstein of The Washington Post, and Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet 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/SL1xtd

The pandemic has shown that loosening the strict regulations on distributing methadone helps people recovering from addiction stay in treatment. But clinics with a financial stake in keeping the status quo don’t want to make permanent changes. http://dlvr.it/SL0QBQ

CMS chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure says the agency reserves its power to quickly institute new regulations for “absolute emergencies.” On staffing, nursing home residents might need to wait years to see any real change. http://dlvr.it/SL03zM

Stan Thomas’ wife, Monica Melkonian, was one of only nine people in the U.S. confirmed to have died from vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, a rare side effect associated with the Johnson & Johnson covid vaccine. For the first time, Thomas shares her story of how excited she was to get the shot, how she died, and why he remains firmly pro-vaccine. http://dlvr.it/SKxTDb

What a difference a year makes. The speech was delivered to a largely unmasked crowd of lawmakers, justices, and Cabinet members in the House chamber. http://dlvr.it/SKx4mb

The president wants to set minimum staffing levels for the beleaguered industry, but the industry’s opaque finances make it a mystery how homes will shoulder the added costs. http://dlvr.it/SKwRHS

The president used broad language to say that Americans no longer needed to worry about surprise bills, but there are exceptions to the new law that could cost unsuspecting consumers. http://dlvr.it/SKryng