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Republicans Vow Not to Cut Veterans’ Benefits. But the Legislation Suggests Otherwise.

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by Michael McAuliff
Tue, 09 May 2023 18:05:00 +0000

Addressing the impact of the House GOP debt-ceiling bill on veterans’ programs,“I’m dead serious that we’re not cutting veterans, and I mean it.”

Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, in a speech on the House floor, April 26.

House Republicans have set themselves a tough, if not impossible, task in attempting to use a standoff over the nation’s debt limit to cut federal spending to what it was in 2022.

Retrenching to those budget levels would require cutting 8% or 9% from the discretionary program side of the ledger, which excludes entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare. Spending on those programs is required by law. Other spending is dictated by congressional appropriations annually. The latter is up for debate here.

Nevertheless, House Republicans tried to thread the needle with the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which narrowly passed the House on April 26. Its backers say the measure would address the debt ceiling while implementing “commonsense spending reforms.” The House GOP leadership promised to spare programs that are popular with Republican voters, such as the defense budget and veterans’ health services.

Democrats pounced on these possible cuts, especially those that would affect veterans. Their talking points appeared to infuriate Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. On the House floor, he drew a line in the sand.

“I’m dead serious that we’re not cutting veterans, and I mean it,” Bost said. “The White House and Democrats know that we can get our fiscal house in order while ensuring our service members and veterans are taken care of, and yet, with no regard for the impact of their words, they continue to speak lies about how House Republicans are cutting veterans’ benefits.”

https://kffhealthnews.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Rep.-Mike-Bost-Promises-No-Cuts-For-Veterans.mp4

By: Michael McAuliff
Title: Republicans Vow Not to Cut Veterans’ Benefits. But the Legislation Suggests Otherwise.
Sourced From: kffhealthnews.org/news/article/mike-bost-veterans-benefits-debt-ceiling-bill-politifact-fact-check/
Published Date: Tue, 09 May 2023 18:05:00 +0000

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Kaiser Health News

California Dengue Cases Prompt Swift Response From Public Health Officials

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kffhealthnews.org – Claudia Boyd-Barrett – 2024-11-12 04:00:00

SUMMARY: Jason Farned and his team at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District have been preparing for dengue’s arrival, with the virus now detected in California. The spread of Aedes mosquitoes, capable of transmitting dengue, has been fueled by climate change and international trade. In 2023, California saw 13 locally acquired cases, prompting efforts like surveillance, pesticide applications, and public education. Authorities are also exploring techniques like sterile mosquito releases to reduce populations. Public cooperation is key, as Aedes mosquitoes are now established in 24 counties, and local outbreaks pose a growing threat to public health.

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Kaiser Health News

Older Americans Living Alone Often Rely on Neighbors or Others Willing To Help

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kffhealthnews.org – Judith Graham – 2024-11-12 03:00:00

SUMMARY: Donald Hammen, 80, relies on his neighbor Julie McMahon for support as he lives alone in Minneapolis. With no close family, he has formed connections with friends, former colleagues, and fellow volunteers, who help him navigate daily challenges. However, he remains uncertain about future care if his health declines. Many older adults like Hammen, lacking close family ties, face similar dilemmas. AARP research shows that only a quarter of solo agers can count on someone for help with basic tasks. Building local support networks is essential, yet many find it challenging to establish reliable connections for assistance in their later years.

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Kaiser Health News

Watchdog Calls for Tighter Scrutiny of Medicare Advantage Home Visits

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kffhealthnews.org – Fred Schulte, KFF Health News – 2024-11-08 04:00:00

SUMMARY: A new federal audit from the Health and Human Services Inspector General highlights concerns over $7.5 billion in Medicare Advantage overpayments linked to home visits that yielded no medical treatment in 2023. Despite these findings, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) declined to limit payments for such visits, arguing they enhance in-home care access. The audit suggests UnitedHealthcare accounted for a significant portion of contested payments, highlighting inefficacies in treating diagnosed conditions. Critics argue CMS needs stronger oversight to prevent potential waste of taxpayer dollars and enforce accurate diagnosis reporting.

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