SUMMARY: Carter County, Kentucky, has controversially spent $15,000 of its opioid settlement funds on an ice rink, raising concerns about its relevance to the ongoing opioid crisis. Advocates argue that resources could be better allocated to overdose prevention, such as Narcan kits or local substance abuse programs. Brittany Herrington, a local in recovery, criticized the decision as neglecting community needs. While officials claim the rink fosters drug-free youth activities, critics note it lacks direct ties to combating addiction. Local leaders are calling for stricter oversight on how settlement funds are used, emphasizing the need for targeted support in addressing substance use disorders.

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SUMMARY: During his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made inaccurate statements about Medicaid, such as claiming it is fully federally funded and that many enrollees face high out-of-pocket costs. Medicaid, a $880 billion program, provides health coverage to over 79 million low-income and disabled Americans. It differs from Medicare, which serves older adults. Eligibility depends on income, and states have flexibility in program design. Funding is shared between federal and state governments. Medicaid faces potential cuts, but its popularity (77% favorability) complicates efforts for significant changes.

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SUMMARY: Iowa’s collection agents are pursuing millions in Medicaid reimbursements from the estates of deceased individuals with disabilities, including Kristin Higgins and Eric Tomlyn, who spent decades at the Glenwood Resource Center. Their families received bills exceeding $4 million, despite both having minimal income and assets. Critics argue that Medicaid estate recovery disproportionately affects low-income families, while wealthier families often evade these debts. The practice has drawn national scrutiny, with calls for reforms to limit aggressive collection efforts. Some states, like Massachusetts, have already curbed similar programs, but Iowa’s aggressive approach continues, generating significant revenue for the Medicaid program.

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