Representative Seth Moulton introduced a bill to reverse a recent funding increase to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and reallocate the funds to lower healthcare tax credits. This bill aims to restore ICE funding to its previous level and repurpose the remaining funds, aligning with growing public outrage over recent actions by ICE agents. The bill is also a response to the lapsing of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Furthermore, the bill is meant to address concerns about escalating immigration operations and potential future government shutdowns.
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For 80 years, Republicans have blocked us from fixing our health care system.
It’s astonishing, isn’t it? The sheer longevity of this struggle. Eighty years ago, the seeds of a national health system were sown, a vision of healthcare for all, paid for through payroll taxes. President Truman championed this idea, a system that would have covered everything, from doctor visits to hospital stays. But the Republican response? A resounding “no.” They decried it as “socialized medicine,” and aligned themselves with the American Medical Association, which had its own plan, one that preserved the dominance of private insurance. It’s a pattern that has sadly repeated itself throughout the decades.… Continue reading
In a surprising turn of events, nine Republican House members defied their party leaders and supported a Democrat-led healthcare bill to extend expired Obamacare subsidies. This move, a blow to Speaker Mike Johnson, was fueled by frustration from GOP moderates concerned about rising insurance premiums. Four Republicans had previously signed a discharge petition to force a vote, joining five others in Wednesday’s advancement. While the bill is likely to pass the House, its fate in the Republican-controlled Senate remains uncertain, as a similar measure failed to garner enough votes in December.
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Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren have accused UnitedHealth of refusing to hand over internal records related to its policies on nursing home resident hospital transfers. The senators launched an inquiry last summer after reports about UnitedHealth’s bonus payments to nursing homes that limit hospitalizations, a move that saves the insurer money. Despite repeated requests, UnitedHealth has provided only brief answers and no internal documents, prompting the senators to renew their inquiry with heightened concern. This comes after reports of deaths related to the company’s nursing home care program, as families have filed lawsuits alleging that UnitedHealth delayed or denied necessary medical care to increase profits.
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In a significant decision, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that two state laws banning abortion, including a unique ban on abortion pills, are unconstitutional. The court, comprised of justices appointed by Republican governors, sided with the state’s sole abortion clinic and others who challenged the bans enacted after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The ruling affirmed the right of competent adults to make healthcare decisions under a state constitutional amendment. Governor Mark Gordon expressed disappointment and called for a constitutional amendment to ban abortion, which would be put to a vote this fall.
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A legal complaint has been filed against the Trump administration on behalf of government employees. The complaint, spearheaded by the Human Rights Campaign, challenges a new policy eliminating coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance programs. The plaintiffs argue the policy constitutes sex-based discrimination and seek its rescission, citing personal testimonies of affected federal workers and their families. This action follows the administration’s broader efforts to restrict transgender care, including proposed limitations on care for minors, despite medical consensus supporting gender-affirming treatment.
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Tom Steyer, a California gubernatorial candidate, recently announced his support for a single-payer health care system, reversing his prior stance. Steyer previously believed the US could control healthcare costs through technological innovation and private sector involvement, but now recognizes the need to eliminate the profits of intermediaries. Steyer, who ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary advocating for a “Right to Health” plan, now aligns with the views of Bernie Sanders. Polling indicates Steyer currently has limited support within the California electorate.
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President Trump has requested a reduced schedule with fewer but more important meetings to utilize his time “efficiently,” though staff has not yet accommodated this. This request stems from internal concerns regarding Trump’s health and his tendency to doze off during public events and lengthy meetings. White House aides have been working to keep the president awake, even advising him to keep his eyes open during meetings. Further complicating matters, Trump has admitted to nighttime habits that may contribute to daytime fatigue, including late-night texting and difficulty sleeping on Air Force One.
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ACA subsidies that lower monthly insurance premiums for millions of Americans are set to expire, and the consequences are looking pretty grim. One analysis estimates that the cost of insurance for those who get financial assistance could jump by a staggering 114%, leading to average premiums soaring from roughly $888 to a whopping $1,904. That’s a massive increase, and it’s not just a number; it translates to real-world hardship for a lot of people.
This expiration isn’t happening by accident. It’s an active choice, a decision that will make it harder for millions to afford basic healthcare. The political implications are significant, and the midterms could become a critical test of voter sentiment on this issue.… Continue reading
Exclusive: Drugmakers raise US prices on 350 medicines despite pressure from Trump. This is a real head-scratcher, isn’t it? We’re hearing about drug prices going up, even though there was supposed to be some sort of intervention. It’s almost like the opposite of what was claimed is happening. It’s as though there was talk, maybe even a “stern talking to,” but the actual outcome is a hike in prices.
It’s tempting to think that maybe we were misled, or that the numbers weren’t quite what they seemed. Remember those claims about significant price reductions? Well, when you crunch the numbers, the reality is a little different.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood