Mercy Hospital FoundationThis is exactly the wrong approach. Social Security is about economics, but it is also about our values. It's about who we are as a people, and what kind of country we are determined to build. Every person who represents you in Washington should be talking about protecting and expanding Social Security not cutting it..In addition, the plans in his orders all have limitations. For example, the rebate order comes with a caveat that any plan cannot increase seniors' premiums, the unworkable problem that led the administration to kill its original rebate rule last year..At this point in time, it remains to be seen whether or not lawmakers will successfully avert the October 1st shutdown. Leaders in the House have already cancelled the week-long recess that was scheduled to begin on September 23rd, and according to Congressional Quarterly, a Senate vote on the measure could come as late as September 29th just one day before funding for federal agencies expires. … Continued
Prevent Wellness WisdomLeaders in Congress seem optimistic that they will reach a deal in the coming days. In a brief with the Republican Conference on Thursday morning, House Speaker Paul Ryan said, "I believe we will successfully complete the negotiations. We're not going to rush it. We're going to get it right.".For most Americans, the prices of essential prescription drugs are increasing far too rapidly for family budgets to sustain. Many Americans are being forced to choose between paying household bills and purchasing life-saving medications. The nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation issued a poll last October reporting that 77% of Americans - Democrats, Independents, and Republicans - identified the increasing prices of prescription drugs as their number one health concern.The American people are absolutely right..The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced plans to test new ways to rein in costs of some of the nation's most expensive drugs, like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis treatments, that are administered in doctors' offices and outpatient centers. The current Medicare Part B payment system, officials argue, provides incentives for prescribing the most expensive medication, rather than on how well it would work for the patient. … Continued
