SUMMARY: In Huron, South Dakota, community health workers assist local residents facing various healthcare challenges. Kelly Engebretson, needing a prosthetic after amputation, and Nah Thu Thu Win, struggling with her sons’ vaccinations and lack of insurance, benefit from their support. Workers help with navigating the healthcare system, understanding bills, and connecting clients to resources. This initiative, funded by federal grants and state Medicaid programs, addresses barriers like poverty and language barriers, improving health access in the region. Community health workers serve diverse populations, enhancing preventive care and reducing hospital visits through culturally competent assistance.

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SUMMARY: No nuns currently serve as CEOs in over 600 Catholic hospitals in the U.S., despite their historical role in establishing these institutions. As the focus on financial viability intensified, many hospitals transformed into large for-profit entities, straying from their original charitable missions. Sister Mary Jean Ryan, a prominent former leader at SSM Health, emphasized the critical role nuns played in healthcare leadership. Current Catholic hospital executives, led by Laura Kaiser, earn significant salaries, raising questions about their commitment to community welfare. While Catholic doctrine influences care practices, the hospitals’ tax-exempt status and community contributions are often questioned, highlighting disparities between mission and profit.

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SUMMARY: During the campaign, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are positioning themselves as defenders of Medicare, each blaming the other for potential cuts to the program. The election could significantly impact Medicare’s future, especially with more beneficiaries opting for Medicare Advantage plans run by private insurers, a trend that could escalate under a Trump administration. Critics warn that increased privatization would limit care options and raise costs, while supporters argue these plans provide better benefits. Polls indicate that a candidate’s stance on Medicare heavily influences voter decisions, highlighting the program’s importance in the upcoming election.

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