Public Policy "NEWS"

Define what "aging gracefully" means to you. What does it mean to you to age well? Do you want to stay active and independent? Do you want to maintain your mental sharpness? Do you want to stay connected with your loved ones? Once you know what "aging gracefully" means to you, you can start to develop a plan to achieve your goals. Take care of your physical health. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. It also includes managing chronic health conditions, if you have any. Take care of your mental health. This includes finding ways to manage stress, staying connected with others, and keeping your mind active. Stay engaged in life. This could mean volunteering, learning new things, or traveling. It could also mean simply spending time with loved ones and doing things you enjoy. Accept the changes that come with aging. This doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams or goals. But it does mean accepting that your bo

Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are a critical lifeline for many people who need access to life-saving or life-changing medications but cannot afford them. These programs are offered by pharmaceutical companies, foundations, and other organizations to help patients pay for their medications. There are several reasons why safeguarding and advocating for PAPs is important. First, PAPs help to ensure that patients have access to the medications they need. This is especially important for people with chronic conditions, who may need to take medication for the rest of their lives. Without PAPs, these people would be unable to afford their medications and could suffer serious health consequences. Second, PAPs help to improve patient adherence. When patients know that they can get help paying for their medications, they are more likely to stay on their treatment plans. This is important because medication adherence is essential for achieving good health outcomes. Third, PAPs help to reduce

The history of American slavery highlights the role of white people in codifying racism into law. The chattel slavery system was race-based, with laws designed to control enslaved people targeting Black people. The Casual Killing Act of 1699, passed in Virginia, made it legal for masters to kill their slaves at will in the process of inflicting punishment. This law distinguished between the punishment of Black enslaved people and White indentured servants, allowing Black people to be killed casually by enslavers without fear of reprisal. This racist blame-the-victim culture attempts to explain away the brutality experienced by Black people and normalize violence. American policing, which punishes non-compliance with brutality or death, dehumanizes Black people and prevents them from resisting the fight-or-flight response.  According to Berkeley Law , American jurisprudence and law have profoundly shaped, defined, and constrained the lives of Black people for over 400 years. Racial ineq

A target letter is a formal notification from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that a person is the target of a criminal investigation. The letter is typically sent by the United States Attorney's Office or the DOJ and is a formal notification that you are the target of an investigation. The letter will typically state that the DOJ has "substantial evidence linking [you] to the commission of a crime" and that you may be indicted. The letter will also advise you of your rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Target letters are not uncommon in white collar crime cases. They are often used as a way to give the target a heads up that they are under investigation and to encourage them to cooperate with the investigation. If you receive a target letter, it is important to consult with an attorney immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in the investigation and any subsequent

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what are safe cosmetics. Some people may be more sensitive to certain chemicals than others. It is always best to err on the side of caution and choose products that are free of harmful chemicals. Safe cosmetics are those that do not contain harmful chemicals that can potentially cause health problems. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when ingested. Some of the most common harmful chemicals found in cosmetics include: Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make plastics more flexible and are often found in nail polish, hairspray, and lotion. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems, cancer, and developmental disorders. Formaldehyde: This chemical is used as a preservative in many cosmetics, including makeup, shampoo, and deodorant. Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions and has been linked to cancer. Parabens: These chemicals are used as preservatives in many

CMS issued a proposal Friday to cut reimbursements to home health providers by 2.2% next year, or an estimated $375 million less than 2023 levels. On June 30, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 2.2% cut to Medicare home health payments in 2024. This would amount to a loss of $375 million for home health agencies. The proposed cut is due to a number of factors, including the implementation of the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), which is a new payment system for home health services. The PDGM is designed to better align payments with the cost of providing home health services. However, some home health agencies have argued that the PDGM is not adequately compensating them for the services they provide. They have also said that the proposed cut will make it more difficult for them to provide quality care to Medicare beneficiaries. The CMS is currently accepting public comments on the proposed cut. The agency will make a final decision on the cut