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Take Action: Tell your senators to reject harmful cuts to health care!

Julie Carter

Senior Federal Policy Associate

Health Care Is on the Ballot

The general election on November 3 could have significant ramifications for many health care programs. State, local, and federal candidates offer various perspectives on what the U.S. system should look like and how programs should be supported or dismantled. Because of its vast importance, health care is always on the ballot.

COVID-19 Harming Older Adult Employment, Increasing Strain on Medicare

It is clear that older adults have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with far too many experiencing significant complications, hospitalization, and even death. But the harm of the pandemic goes beyond devastating health consequences to also include negative changes to employment, income, and financial security. This week, the Commonwealth Fund released an issue brief discussing the widespread economic damage the pandemic has caused older adults, and what these impacts may mean going forward for people with Medicare and the program.

Post Office Delays Threaten Access to Mail-Order Medications

Recent changes at the USPS have begun to slow delivery of many types of mail, and these delays threaten prescription drug access. Across the nation, there are reports of people going without their medications, which could have dire consequences for those with chronic or severe illnesses.

New Data Show Persistent Disparities in COVID-19 Cases

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that oversees the Medicare program, released more data showing the impact of COVID-19 on people with Medicare. As with previous data, this information confirms that communities of color and people who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid or who have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are disproportionately affected by the virus.

Classroom

School Reopening Policy Must Consider Risks to Older Adults

Fall is quickly approaching, meaning more and more schools and parents must decide whether to resume in-person classes amid the continued COVID-19 public health emergency. Importantly, because these choices will have implications for students, school employees, families, and communities, they will require a careful balancing of factors.