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Showing posts from June, 2022

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: A World Without ‘Roe’

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The Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade has created far more questions than it has answered about the continued legality and availability of abortion, as both abortion rights supporters and anti-abortion activists scramble to put their marks on policy. Meanwhile, Congress completes work on its gun bill and the FDA takes up the problem of the next covid-19 booster. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Sarah Karlin-Smith of the Pink Sheet, and Victoria Knight of KHN join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews KHN’s Angela Hart, who reported and wrote the latest KHN-NPR “Bill of the Month” episode about two identical eye surgeries with very different price tags. http://dlvr.it/ST7m0N

Bustos Statement on Supreme Court’s EPA Decision

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate carbon emissions:  “Today, the Supreme Court ruled to harm Midwest communities. This decision is bad for the environment, bad for farming and bad for our communities’ health. “By severely limiting the ability […] The post Bustos Statement on Supreme Court’s EPA Decision appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/ST7SJl

Bustos on ABC News Live: “We have got to mobilize”

WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined Linsey Davis on ABC News Live to discuss the January 6th hearings, the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the national issues facing the nation. WATCH: Bustos on ABC News Live: “We have got to mobilize”  On reproductive rights: “If you’re a woman who values making her own medical decisions, […] The post Bustos on ABC News Live: “We have got to mobilize” appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/ST7HFp

California May Require Labels on Pot Products to Warn of Mental Health Risks

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Doctors and lawmakers in California want cannabis products labeled to warn consumers of the increased risk of schizophrenia and other disorders associated with heavy use. http://dlvr.it/ST60FD

Montana’s Blackfeet Tribe to Use Dogs to Sniff Out Disease and Contaminants

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The Blackfeet Nation is experimenting with a new way to detect chronic wasting disease in animals used by tribal members for food and cultural practices. http://dlvr.it/ST6081

Overdose Deaths Behind Bars Rise as Drug Crisis Swells

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Drug-related mortality rates have increased in prisons and jails even as the number of people incarcerated for drug offenses has dropped. The pandemic lockdowns on visitors didn't eliminate the problem, showcasing that guards have been a source of the contraband. http://dlvr.it/ST2b7R

What You Need to Know About Monkeypox

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For now, monkeypox poses a low risk to the U.S. public, but it could become a problem if the spread is left unchecked. Here’s what everyone should know about it. http://dlvr.it/ST2Zm2

Government Watchdogs Attack Medicare Advantage for Denying Care and Overcharging

The Government Accountability Office and the Health and Human Services inspector general’s office say seniors enrolled in the program are suffering and taxpayers are getting bilked for billions of dollars a year. http://dlvr.it/ST2ZkH

Bustos Talks Roe v. Wade on Bloomberg TV: “We’ve Got to Turn This Into Action”

WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined Joe Mathieu on Bloomberg TV’s Balance of Power to discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the next steps forward in protecting health care rights.   WATCH: Bustos Talks Overturning of Roe v. Wade on Bloomberg TV “If you are a person who values making […] The post Bustos Talks Roe v. Wade on Bloomberg TV: “We’ve Got to Turn This Into Action” appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/ST0Lcp

Three-Year Abortion Trends Vary Dramatically by State

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About 930,000 abortions occurred in the U.S. in 2020, an 8% increase from 2017. But that nationwide figure belies dramatic variation among states — disparities expected to magnify in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Roe v. Wade. http://dlvr.it/SSzC9l

‘American Diagnosis’: Indigenous Advocates Work for Better Reproductive Care

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From forced sterilizations in the 1960s to scant access to abortion care today, barriers to health care threaten Native people’s reproductive autonomy. Episode 7 explores efforts to protect and expand Native Americans’ access to comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care. http://dlvr.it/SSz77T

ICYMI: Bustos Holds Farm Bill Listening Session in Arizona

COOLIDGE — Over the weekend, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, held a Farm Bill listening session in Coolidge, Arizona with Ranking Member Austin Scott (R-GA) and Congressman Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ). The visit was the first in a series of listening sessions entitled “A 2022 Review of […] The post ICYMI: Bustos Holds Farm Bill Listening Session in Arizona appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSxcSn

Bustos Secures Local Wins in Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Markup

WASHINGTON — On Friday, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive financial services and general government funding bill that grows opportunity, and helps small business owners and middle-class families get ahead.  “When our families and small businesses succeed, our communities and our nation succeed,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “As […] The post Bustos Secures Local Wins in Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Markup appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSx5Wq

Bustos Secures Wins in Homeland Security Appropriations Markup

WASHINGTON — On Friday, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive homeland security funding bill that would invest in smart, effective border security, meet humanitarian needs of migrants and support programs proven to keep Americans safe.  “Ensuring Americans are safe here at home is critically important,” said […] The post Bustos Secures Wins in Homeland Security Appropriations Markup appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSwwxx

Genetic Screening Results Just Got Harder to Handle Under New Abortion Rules

Most prenatal genetic tests aren’t performed until after 11 weeks’ gestation, and the time between drawing a sample and getting results may be additional weeks. But new abortion restrictions prevent parents from choosing an abortion when they find out their child has a genetic disease, and make the already difficult decision for them. http://dlvr.it/SSvrCG

‘It’s Not a Haven’: With Limited Capacity for Abortion Care, Minnesota Clinics Brace for Influx

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In Minnesota, where abortion rights are protected by the state’s constitution, legal doesn't necessarily mean accessible. The state has just eight clinics that provide abortions, and both providers and advocates say resources available aren’t enough to meet demand as nearby states reduce abortion access. http://dlvr.it/SSncPp

After Two Ectopic Pregnancies, I Fear What Might Happen Without Roe v. Wade

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A journalism professor’s four failed pregnancies forced her to use procedures or drugs that could soon be difficult to turn to. http://dlvr.it/SSnN4W

A Post-‘Roe’ World in Georgia Will Mean More Restrictions — And More Political Battles

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Abortion will almost certainly face new restrictions in Georgia. Patients will have a harder time finding services, and providers will have to figure out how to navigate the new landscape. Meanwhile, abortion opponents see the moment as an opportunity to put further restrictions on the procedure. http://dlvr.it/SSnJ5K

Bustos Votes to Pass Keep Kids Fed Act

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan Keep Kids Fed Act to ensure that schools can continue to provide vital meals to students.  “School meals are a lifeline to families across our country – ensuring that every child has access to healthy food,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Today, I was proud to help pass bipartisan legislation to ensure […] The post Bustos Votes to Pass Keep Kids Fed Act appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSnD4g

Conservatives on Supreme Court, as Expected, End Nationwide Right to Abortion

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The 6-3 decision, telegraphed in May by an unprecedented leak of a draft opinion, eliminates the right to abortion as if it never existed at all. http://dlvr.it/SSn36F

Bustos Secures Rural Priorities in Agriculture Appropriations Markup

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive agriculture and rural development funding bill that would bring significant federal investments to communities in Northwest and Central Illinois.  “Investing in the future of rural communities is vital to Illinois and our nation,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “The bill […] The post Bustos Secures Rural Priorities in Agriculture Appropriations Markup appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSkH0j

Bustos Crisis Care Bill Passes House in Bipartisan Mental Health Legislation

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), voted to pass the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, a bipartisan package to support communities providing care to people in need of hope and healing amid a worsening mental health crisis in America. This package includes Bustos’ Crisis Care Enhancement Act, which requires states to use a percentage of their Community […] The post Bustos Crisis Care Bill Passes House in Bipartisan Mental Health Legislation appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSjzqR

Bustos Secures Local Wins in Defense Appropriations Markup

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance a comprehensive defense funding bill that would bring significant federal investments to the Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad-Cities, Collins Aerospace in Rockford and Bradley University in Peoria.  “Communities in Northwest and Central Illinois are playing a critical role in advancing […] The post Bustos Secures Local Wins in Defense Appropriations Markup appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSjzn8

Trump’s Legacy Looms Large as Colorado Aims to Close the Hispanic Insurance Gap

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Hispanic residents have long been among the least likely to have health insurance — in Colorado and across the country — in part because of unauthorized immigrants. The state is expanding coverage to some of them, although the change runs up against lingering fears about the use of public benefits. http://dlvr.it/SShcf0

Tribes Show Little Interest in Offering Abortions on Reservations Despite Speculation They Could

The notion that Native American nations could use tribal sovereignty to bypass state restrictions on abortion if Roe v. Wade falls is an idea largely proposed by non-Native groups. http://dlvr.it/SShcbD

New Weight Loss Treatment Is Marked by Heavy Marketing and Modest Results

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Approved as a device, not a drug, Plenity contains a plant-based gel that swells to fill 25% of a person’s stomach, to help people eat less. Results vary widely but are modest on average. http://dlvr.it/SSd92n

Senate Deal Raises Hopes for a Reduction in Gun Suicides

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A bipartisan U.S. Senate agreement on guns that focuses on mental health raises hopes and doubts in rural Western states with high suicide rates and easy access to guns. http://dlvr.it/SSd8yl

Medical Bills Can Shatter Lives. North Carolina May Act to ‘De-Weaponize’ That Debt.

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Medical debt is most prevalent in the Southeast, where states have not expanded Medicaid and have few consumer protection laws. Now, North Carolina is considering two bills that could change that, making the state a leader in protecting patients from high medical bills. http://dlvr.it/SSYmsg

Medi-Cal Will Cover Doulas at More Than Twice California’s Initial Proposed Rate

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Under a budget passed by California lawmakers, the state will pay nonmedical workers who assist in pregnancy and labor up to $1,154 per birth through Medi-Cal, which is up significantly from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s initial offer of $450. Though it’s more than what most other states pay, many doulas say it falls short of the $3,600 they sought. http://dlvr.it/SSYmh8

Sobering Lessons in Untying the Knot of a Homeless Crisis

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The homeless tragedy in Portland, Oregon, now spills well beyond the downtown core, creating a crisis of conscience for a fiercely liberal city that has generously invested in homeless support services. http://dlvr.it/SSYmcN

A Proposal to Import Drugs from Other Countries Creates an Unusual Alliance in the Senate

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As a Senate committee considered legislation to reauthorize the FDA’s user fee program, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul agreed on a proposed amendment related to importing drugs from Canada, the U.K., and other nations. http://dlvr.it/SSLm0P

Denied Care for a Dangerous Infection Because of Past-Due Bills

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One seriously ill Arizona man was denied care because of past-due bills. His only choice was to go to the ER, where he was stuck with thousands of dollars of additional bills he couldn’t pay. http://dlvr.it/SSKbjN

Bustos Votes to Pass Legislation Lowering Food & Fuel Costs

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act – a bipartisan legislative package to lower prices for America’s families in grocery aisles and at the gas pump by giving family farmers the support they need to thrive.  “Families in Northwest and Central Illinois are feeling the effects of inflation every single […] The post Bustos Votes to Pass Legislation Lowering Food & Fuel Costs appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSJnhK

Bustos Votes to Pass Package Addressing Racial Disparities in Employment, Income, Wealth, Housing and Access to Credit

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion and Economic Justice Act – a comprehensive legislative package promoting racial and economic justice in employment, income, wealth, housing and access to credit.  “A person’s race should never put the American Dream at further reach. But despite the progress we’ve made, our nation continues […] The post Bustos Votes to Pass Package Addressing Racial Disparities in Employment, Income, Wealth, Housing and Access to Credit appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSJd27

It’s Hot Outside — And That’s Bad News for Children’s Health

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An article in the New England Journal of Medicine takes a sweeping look at how heat — which can be a byproduct of air pollution and climate change — adversely affects people’s health, especially that of kids. http://dlvr.it/SSJPRC

At a Bay Area ‘Test-to-Treat’ Site, Few Takers for Free Antivirals

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In carrying out the federal covid-19 “test-to-treat” initiative, California is targeting the uninsured by outfitting 138 testing sites with screenings for free antiviral drugs. But as of mid-June, fewer than 800 people had been prescribed the medicines. And two-thirds of those undergoing screenings are insured. http://dlvr.it/SSHPPW

Reps. Bustos, Brown, Kinzinger, Ryan and Sen. Brown Lead Effort to Make Sure American Flags Are Made in America

WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Shontel Brown (OH-11), alongside Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), introduced the All-American Flag Act. If signed into law, the bill would require the federal government to only purchase flags that are 100 percent made in America. “When a veteran expressed his concern to me […] The post Reps. Bustos, Brown, Kinzinger, Ryan and Sen. Brown Lead Effort to Make Sure American Flags Are Made in America appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSFxnj

PEORIA, QUAD CITIES, ROCKFORD: Bustos Announces Nearly $1.6M in Federal Funding for Food Banks across Illinois

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that the Illinois Department of Human Services received $1,584,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Reach and Resiliency Grant. This will support eight food banks across Illinois, including three that serve Illinois’s 17th Congressional District: Peoria Area Food […] The post PEORIA, QUAD CITIES, ROCKFORD: Bustos Announces Nearly $1.6M in Federal Funding for Food Banks across Illinois appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SSFFMZ

Buy and Bust: When Private Equity Comes for Rural Hospitals

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Noble Health swept into two small Missouri towns promising to save their hospitals. Instead, workers and vendors say it stopped paying bills and government inspectors found it put patients at risk. Within two years — after taking millions in federal covid relief and big administrative fees — it locked the doors. http://dlvr.it/SSD0w3

Will the US Overcome Its Covid Complacency Even as the Threat Returns?

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One million Americans have died from covid-19 — far more per capita than in any other developed country. A new variant is doubling case rates in some states, and more than 300 people are dying a day. But our nation’s pandemic response has become mild-mannered and performative, backed by neither money, urgency, nor enforcement. http://dlvr.it/SSD0sF

Bustos Votes to Pass Ocean Shipping Reform Act

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted for the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a bipartisan bill to crack down on high fees being imposed by international ocean shipping companies. The legislation will address supply chain issues and rising costs facing consumers while ensuring that American farmers can get their products to the global market.  “As we work to […] The post Bustos Votes to Pass Ocean Shipping Reform Act appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SS9hWg

As Biden Fights Overdoses, Harm Reduction Groups Face Local Opposition

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The Biden administration’s latest plan to address opioid overdose deaths includes $30 million for harm reduction measures, but many conservative states don’t allow them. http://dlvr.it/SS8XZJ

Bustos Announces $45,000 for Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Safety Equipment at Quad Cities International Airport

MOLINE — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee,announced that the Quad Cities International Airport will receive $45,000 in funding for aircraft rescue and fire fighting safety equipment from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “Bringing home federal resources is a vital part of my job representing Northwest and Central Illinois,” said Congresswoman […] The post Bustos Announces $45,000 for Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Safety Equipment at Quad Cities International Airport appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SS74Mf

Race Is Often Used as Medical Shorthand for How Bodies Work. Some Doctors Want to Change That.

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Physicians have long believed it’s good medicine to consider race in health care. But recently, rather than perpetuate the myth that race governs how bodies function, a more nuanced approach has emerged: acknowledging that racial health disparities often reflect the effects of generations of systemic racism, such as lack of access to stable housing or nutritious food. http://dlvr.it/SS5FT5

States Fight Student Mental Health Crisis With Days Off

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In early 2022, Illinois joined a growing number of states where lawmakers and school leaders are trying to combat the ongoing student mental health crisis by granting days off for mental health needs. http://dlvr.it/SS5FCn

Covid Funding Pries Open a Door to Improving Air Quality in Schools

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Researchers say the billions in pandemic funding available for ventilation upgrades in U.S. schools provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combat covid-19, as well as making air more breathable for students living with allergies, asthma, and chronic wildfire smoke. http://dlvr.it/SS5F8w

Journalists Delve Into Vaccine Mandates and Surprise Billing

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KHN and California Healthline staff made the rounds on national and local media this week to discuss their stories. Here’s a collection of their appearances. http://dlvr.it/SS0YXS

Bustos on Fox News: We Have to Come Together to Protect Supreme Court Justices, Pass Gun Bills

WASHINGTON — This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined Sandra Smith on Fox News America Reports to discuss the need to pass legislation to protect Supreme Court justices, address gun violence and bring down gas prices for consumers.  WATCH: Bustos on Fox News with Sandra Smith On the legislation passed in the Senate: “We want to protect our […] The post Bustos on Fox News: We Have to Come Together to Protect Supreme Court Justices, Pass Gun Bills appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRyxyN

Long Wait for Justice: People in Jail Face Delays for Mental Health Care Before They Can Stand Trial

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People in jail who have serious mental illness and cannot stand trial because of their condition are waiting months, or even more than a year, to get into their state psychiatric hospitals. http://dlvr.it/SRxbSh

Medicaid Weighs Attaching Strings to Nursing Home Payments to Improve Patient Care

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The Biden administration is considering whether Medicaid, which pays the bills for 62% of nursing home residents, should require that most of that funding be used to provide care, rather than for maintenance, capital improvements, or profits. http://dlvr.it/SRxbPW

KHN’s ‘What the Health?’: Taking a Shot at Gun Control

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The U.S. House passed a package of bills seeking to keep some guns out of the hands of children and teenagers, but its fate in the Senate remains a big question mark. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission takes on drug and hospital prices. Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Anna Edney of Bloomberg News, and Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Cori Uccello of the American Academy of Actuaries about the most recent report from Medicare’s trustees board. http://dlvr.it/SRwPVH

Bustos Votes to Make Critical Investments in Nation’s Water Infrastructure

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, legislation that will authorize crucial investments in America’s ports, inland waterways, flood management systems, ecosystems and other water resources infrastructure.  “Inland waterways like the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers are critical to delivering tons of goods to market each year – and they’re essential […] The post Bustos Votes to Make Critical Investments in Nation’s Water Infrastructure appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRvY8G

Bustos Votes to Pass Protecting Our Kids Act

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the Protecting Our Kids Act – a package of commonsense bills aimed to address a rising tide of gun violence across the country.  “From Uvalde to Buffalo, Sandy Hook to Columbine, the precious lives of of our children continue to be robbed by an epidemic of gun violence. After each […] The post Bustos Votes to Pass Protecting Our Kids Act appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRvY6C

Children’s Vision Problems Often Go Undetected, Despite Calls for Regular Screening

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Eye exams for children are required under federal law to be covered by most private health plans and Medicaid, and many states mandate school vision screenings. But a federal survey finds that a quarter of children and teens are still not getting the recommended tests. http://dlvr.it/SRtJz8

Lawmaker Takes on Insurance Companies and Gets Personal About His Health

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State Sen. Scott Wiener opens up about a weeklong stint in the hospital last year and what it’s like to live with Crohn’s disease. The San Francisco Democrat is pushing a bill that would require insurance companies to cover certain medications while patients appeal denials. http://dlvr.it/SRtJw8

A Deep Dive Into the Widening Mortality Gap Across the Political Aisle

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Research out this week examines how an area’s political environment can affect its mortality rate. http://dlvr.it/SRrxkm

‘An Arm and a Leg’: Good News for Your Credit Report

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In July, credit reporting bureaus will start taking paid medical debt off people's credit reports. Here's what you need to know. http://dlvr.it/SRpxds

Bustos to Begin Accepting Applications for Military Academy Nominations August 1st

WASHINGTON — On August 1, 2022, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) will begin accepting applications from high school students in Northwest and Central Illinois seeking a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy for fall 2023. The deadline for applications will be September 30, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., which is earlier than previous years.  “Whether following in the footsteps of a […] The post Bustos to Begin Accepting Applications for Military Academy Nominations August 1st appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRmvVs

Misinformation Clouds America’s Most Popular Emergency Contraception

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At a moment when half of U.S. states stand poised to outlaw or sharply curtail abortion services, the nation’s most popular emergency contraception brand rests in the unlikely stewardship of two private equity firms. http://dlvr.it/SRlpCY

They Thought They Were Buying Obamacare Plans. What They Got Wasn’t Insurance.

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Some consumers who think they are signing up for Obamacare insurance find out later they actually purchased a membership to a health care sharing ministry. But regulators and online advertising sites don’t do much about it. http://dlvr.it/SRlctY

California Wants to Slash Insulin Prices by Becoming a Drugmaker. Can it Succeed?

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Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed spending $100 million to make insulin affordable to millions of people with diabetes under a new state generic drug label, CalRx. But state officials haven’t said how much the insulin will cost patients or how the state will deal with distribution and other challenges. http://dlvr.it/SRlcsz

Bustos, Axne, New Democrat Coalition Urge Department of Commerce to Prioritize Rural America with Supply Chain and Innovation Investments

WASHINGTON —Today, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), led by Rural Reinvestment Task Force Co-Chairs Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Cindy Axne (IA-03), wrote to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo urging the Department to ensure rural America is a top priority when distributing funds and resources made available in the bipartisan innovation legislation. New Dems are continuing to push for swift action on […] The post Bustos, Axne, New Democrat Coalition Urge Department of Commerce to Prioritize Rural America with Supply Chain and Innovation Investments appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRkPST

AARP’s Billion-Dollar Bounty

With its latest venture into primary care clinics, is America’s leading organization for seniors selling its trusted seal of approval? http://dlvr.it/SRhNkR

Immigration Bureaucracy Threatens 11-Year-Old’s Spot on Transplant Lists

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Julia Espinosa is a U.S. citizen who needs high-tech care and three transplants. But if the federal government won’t let her father work here, she could lose her insurance. http://dlvr.it/SRhNPT

She’s 31, Has Stage 4 Kidney Cancer — And Talked Openly About It in a Job Interview

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Katie Coleman’s friends warned her not to tell prospective employers about her cancer diagnosis, fearing it would jeopardize her chances of being hired — even though it’s illegal for employers to discriminate because of a medical condition. http://dlvr.it/SRhN66

Addressing the ‘Trust Factor’: South Carolina Researchers Tackle Health Disparities Using Genetics

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A new genetic research project underway in South Carolina aims to reduce health disparities between Black and white residents — such as cancer and cardiovascular disease rates — that have long ranked among the nation’s worst. But researchers face the challenge of recruiting 100,000 participants who reflect the diversity of South Carolina. And history isn’t on their side. http://dlvr.it/SRhN3H

Bustos Applauds EPA’s Historic Biofuel Blending Announcement

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement on the historic 2022 renewable volume obligations announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: “Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the largest renewable volume obligation levels in the history of the Renewable Fuel Standard. This is an extraordinary win for our nation’s family farmers, our environment […] The post Bustos Applauds EPA’s Historic Biofuel Blending Announcement appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRZjHP

ROCK FALLS: Bustos Announces $3.6 Million in Federal Funding for Head Start Projects

ROCK FALLS — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee,announced $3,659,452 in grants for the Tri-county Opportunities Council in Rock Falls. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be put toward Head Start projects. Tri-County Opportunities Council works in partnership with individuals, […] The post ROCK FALLS: Bustos Announces $3.6 Million in Federal Funding for Head Start Projects appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRZScN

PEORIA: Bustos Announces $3.6 Million in Federal Funding for Head Start Projects

PEORIA — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee,announced $3,611,497 in grants for the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be put toward Head Start projects. Since 1966 the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity […] The post PEORIA: Bustos Announces $3.6 Million in Federal Funding for Head Start Projects appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRZSbV

BARTONVILLE: Bustos Announces $10,000 for Alpha Park Public Library

BARTONVILLE — Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that the Alpha Park Public Library in Bartonville, Illinois will receive a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  “Libraries are at the very heart of our communities – ensuring that residents young and old have access to vital […] The post BARTONVILLE: Bustos Announces $10,000 for Alpha Park Public Library appeared first on Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. http://dlvr.it/SRVrmX

Despite a First-Ever ‘Right-to-Repair’ Law, There’s No Easy Fix for Wheelchair Users

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Colorado lawmakers approved a measure that will make it easier for people to fix their power wheelchairs when they wear out or break down, but arcane regulations and manufacturers create high hurdles for nationwide reform. http://dlvr.it/SRTp6P

Readers and Tweeters Go to the Mat on Abortion Rights and Perceived Wrongs

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KHN gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories. http://dlvr.it/SRTnnk

Skirmishes Over Medication Abortions May Renew Debate on State Vs. Federal Powers

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The Biden administration may have authority to allow the use of abortion pills even in states where the practice could be outlawed, say legal experts. http://dlvr.it/SRTnM3

Computer Glitches and Human Error Still Causing Insurance Headaches for Californians

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Covered California and Medi-Cal share a computer system for eligibility and enrollment. Nearly a decade since the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage options in the state, enrollees can be diverted to the wrong program — or dropped altogether — if erroneous information gets into the system. http://dlvr.it/SRTnH2

‘Desperate Situation’: States Are Housing High-Needs Foster Kids in Offices and Hotels

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Some foster children with complex mental, behavioral, and physical health needs without a foster placement are having to stay in hotel rooms and even office buildings, a practice called “hoteling.” http://dlvr.it/SRQQZV

Abortion Opponents Take Political Risks by Dropping Exceptions for Rape, Incest, and the Mother’s Life

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Conservative states are moving to severely restrict abortions, and many are pressing for bans that provide no exception for cases of rape or incest or even to save the life of the mother. But public opinion polls suggest those limits could cause blowback. http://dlvr.it/SRQQH5

Taco Bowls and Chicken Curry: Medi-Cal Delivers Ready Meals in Grand Health Care Experiment

California has embarked on an ambitious five-year initiative to improve the health of its sickest Medicaid patients by introducing nontraditional services. In the Inland Empire, where many residents have diabetes, one health plan is diving into the experiment by delivering healthy, prepared meals to those lucky enough to get them. http://dlvr.it/SRQQ0G

Montana Hires a Medicaid Director With a Managed-Care Past

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Montana, one of about a dozen states still managing its own Medicaid programs, has a new Medicaid director who championed handing the management of the program to private companies in Iowa and Kansas. http://dlvr.it/SRQPxx