There’s a LOT of good news today…
The House finally approved a massive aid bill for Ukraine – and the aid is already flowing – hallelujah.
Several encouraging takeaways…
- It was bipartisan, with strong support from both parties (who’da thought??)
- It passed despite strong opposition from the Republican Presidential candidate
- It includes long-range missiles that Ukraine can use to demolish Russian air defenses, oil infrastructure, shipping, bridges and railroads
Long range ATACMS
Here’s why this is so incredibly important…
Health insurance coverage
is benefiting more Americans than ever, thanks to expansion of the Affordable Care Act. Another major driver is the increase in insurance subsidies for lower-income folks.
This means more moms and dads, kids, and families have access to health care.
The addition of dental care is the cherry on top; new regs allow states to add that coverage.
Work comp
WCRI’s just released in-depth analyses in its CompScope series…this year they’ve added details on COVID’s impact in 17 states.
Work comp rates for employers continue to drop – IVANS reported a drop of 0.9% for the first quarter of this year. (Hat tip to R&I for the news)
California is slamming work comp fraudsters, (sub req) with the latest conviction resulting in a 54+ year prison sentence for a scheming fraudster. The Golden State’s been ramping up its prosecution of these dirtbags...here’s hoping these massive penalties discourage others from stealing from employers and taxpayers. Kudos to WorkCompCentral for a comprehensive update on recent convictions.
What does this mean for you?
A safer America comes from a diminished Russia.
More insured Americans = healthier families.
More crooks in jail = hopefully less future fraud.
Joe: “What does it mean for me (us)?” Coverage may be better, but accessibility and availability continue to worsen; patients continue to demonstrate poor adherence to therapy–particularly with the asymptomatic, chronic diseases (eg. hypertension, diabetes, mental health, etc.)–see the % of scripts that are unfilled; obesity is rampant; ERs increasingly are filled with victims of violent crimes; the southern border offers an medical economics latency that no one yet appreciates (but Washington increases foreign aid and provides healthcare coverage to those who enter the country illegally); and, for generations who follow espousing work-life balance and shorter work weeks, check the unfunded Medicare liability on a per capita basis for those working ($300,000+/worker). Where do we draw the line; when will patients take personal responsibility; and, have you noticed most gyms by February 1st are populated by the healthiest of members?
Thanks for your observation, Striker. Of course you make valid points; in many ways, our healthcare system is a mess, can be problematic, especially in rural areas and states that have not expanded Medicaid, the unfunded liability for Medicare, which to a great extent is driven by George W. Bush’s part D giveaway to seniors Are all looming issues.
All that said, we are near record levels of health insurance participation, which is certainly good news, it’s great to see crooks spend the rest of their lives in jail, and we must repeat, must help Ukraine.
Be well, Joe