* Hmmm…
*** UPDATE 1 *** Oof…
Responding to Governor Rauner’s “Facebook Live” on breast cancer detection and awareness, breast cancer advocates will hold their own “Facebook Live” to talk about how Illinois’ budget impasse has left low-income women without access to mammograms, breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests that could save their lives.
“Since FY 2015, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program has lost $22 million in state funding,” said Teena Francois-Blue, MPH, Associate Director of Community Initiatives and Research for the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Taskforce. “This program makes it possible for low-income women to get health screenings that detect cancers early, when there are better treatment options. It is tragic that some Illinois women may have lost their chance for early, successful cancer treatment because our state budget was being held hostage for political reasons.”
“When Governor Rauner announced his Facebook Live session, he illustrated it with a photograph of his dog wearing a pink ribbon around her neck, saying, ‘Stella is doing her part to raise awareness and we are, too,’” said Beulah Brent, Board President of Sisters Working It Out (SWIO). “Frankly, I find that insulting. Illinois women need access to life-saving screening services, not photographs of family pets.”
Francois-Blue added: “Governor Rauner’s mother-in-law was successfully treated for breast cancer in 1987, and she has been cancer-free ever since. We believe that every woman in Illinois should have that same chance for early detection and a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, many low-income women and women of color don’t have access to high-quality screening and treatment services – a disparity that can cost them their lives. Illinois women don’t need an online chat with a nurse-practitioner; they need reliable funding that will give them access to breast exams, mammograms, pelvic exams and Pap smears.”
This Facebook Live event is being presented by the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Taskforce and members of the Responsible Budget Coalition, a large, diverse non-partisan coalition of more than 300 organizations unified in support of a fully funded, yearlong state budget with adequate revenue to serve our people and empower our communities.
Emphasis added for obvious reasons.
*** UPDATE 2 *** He did take the question and gave the standard answer…
*** UPDATE 3 *** From the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force…
Hi Rich,
Hope you had a chance to see our response to Rauner Live on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MCBCTF/
Just wanted to follow up on why the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) and Stand Against Cancer (SAC) are so important and the $22 million in state funding cuts are so harmful.
1. One-third of Illinois’ population is Latino. Many immigrants do not have insurance and are not currently eligible for insurance on the ACA exchange or through Medicaid. IBCCP and SAC are two programs that provide lifesaving screenings, diagnostics and treatment for this population.
2. Many women who are newly insured get their screening covered for free, but then face a $1,000+ deductible for diagnostic follow up. Follow-up diagnostic screens can cost a woman anywhere from $300-$700, and a biopsy cost the woman $1,000 in out of pocket costs due to high deductibles. It is well-established that the subsidies assist people with covering their health insurance premiums but that they do nothing to assist with the deductible. The costs of diagnostic services are extremely high and pose a significant financial barrier both to early diagnosis and care.
3. Many small business owners and people who make above a certain income do not receive any subsidies. These individuals must bear the full cost their premiums, deductibles and other out of pocket expenses. Often these costs pose unreasonable barriers to care. These programs provide a safety net for people to assure that they are still able to get swift access to quality care.
Additionally, Rauner’s cut of $22 million to IBCCP and SAC have contributed to significant delays in care for Illinois women and risking women’s lives.
Thanks for your attention to this important matter,
Sincerely
Ariel J. Thomas, MS
Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force
*** UPDATE 4 *** From the governor’s office…
Despite decreasing demand for state support due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act that women be covered free of charge by insurers, Governor Rauner ensured $5 million in additional state dollars was allocated for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program in this summer’s bridge funding. Governor Rauner agrees that funding for preventative services is of the utmost importance, which underscores why he held today’s Facebook Live highlighting Breast Cancer Awareness Month and signed legislation to improve early detection methods by requiring insurance plans, including Medicaid, to cover 3D mammography.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:32 am:
“When you refuse to fund Social Services, purposely, are you fooling us or yourselves with your concern as governor?”
‘Nember when Bruce Rauner talked about him (Bruce Rauner) and being heartless?
I do.
Rauner made clear. Rauner wants Turnaround Agenda items passed, then the Governor will concern himself with… whatever.
The heartless keep being heartless… I guess(?)
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:40 am:
Get that in a 2018 commercial. Heck, get it in a commercial now for every Bruce-bought-and-paid-for Republican running, because they support whatever Bruce wants. Figures don’t lie, but liars figure.
- Earnest - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:42 am:
Why wouldn’t he take it? It’s a great setup to bash Madigan for his leadership of the state over the last two years. /s
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:42 am:
So at this point it’s give up rights to organize or he won’t fund breast cancer research?
He really is running this state like he’s running Comcast.
- Handle Bar Mustache - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:42 am:
Related-
Gov. Rauner, When you and the First Lady pledged you had “no social agenda” did you just mean abortion and gay marriage? Do you acknowledge the social impact of the budget crisis?
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:44 am:
I wish more people could see this.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:44 am:
Unbelievable. Just enough of some of the people, all of the time, is all that it takes.
“No social agenda” was kind of like that “Twilight Zone” episode, “To Serve Man.” Everyone misinterpreted the message until it was too late.
The fact that the governor can fulfill his promise of “no social agenda” by reneging on signed contracts is a Bustout King’s dream.
- Not It - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:46 am:
This question about cuts to a healthcare question is misleading in that it ignores the fact that the program exists for those without health insurance. Due to Obamacare and the expansion of Medicaid, a lot of health expenses are shifted over to that line.
This question is an unfair question.
- AC - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:46 am:
The @ChooseMemorial tag in the tweet from the Governor seems like advertising.
- Langhorne - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:47 am:
Leverage.
Once we are past the election, dems will compromise (cave) and give us a grand bargain, right gov.? Dont waffle now. Persevere. Discipline.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:48 am:
From this week’s Capitol Connection-
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/capitol-connection/breast-cancer-funding-drying-up
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:50 am:
Let’s get this in commercials and hang it around the neck of every bought-and-paid-for Republican.
- DuPage Bard - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:51 am:
Sleeps like a baby! Doesn’t bother him.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:53 am:
“Not It” got it right. But don’t let facts stop y’all from getting on the Outrage Express.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:55 am:
Perspective?
You’re a male Union carpenter, and you want to bid on working on a project for your child’s school…
… Rauner… wants to curb your prevailing wage, and even your unions’ ability to collectively bargain with the school district….
Unless you personally take a pay cut, and/or give up your ability to collectively bargain… Bruce Rauner will continue to stop social service funding for… your wife, your mother your daughter… if the had (heaven forbid, never wish this upon anyone) breast cancer.
That’s Bruce Rauner and the three others, Diana Rauner, Ken Griffin, Richard Uihlein.
Is that “simple” enough?
Rauner said, he’s not heartless, but requires what he requires…
- Stumpy's bunker - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:55 am:
…seems Trump & Rauner have chosen different paths to express their concern for the welfare of women. /s
- Lynn S. - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 9:59 am:
My questions: 1. Is this federal grant subject to a certain level of matching funds from the state, and if yes, what is the required level of match (2x, 3x, ?x)? 2. If we have not met the required level of match last year and this year, what penalties do we face? Will the Governor pay for the State’s defense from his own pocket, or will he try to claim it’s not his fault? Should the Feds slap the state with some sort of financial penalty, will the Governor pay that from his own pocket, or will he take the $$ from another budget line? 3. If Illinois is kicked out of this program completely, how will the Governor fix this? Or will he declare another victory for his “run aground” agenda?
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:06 am:
For those who think that these women can just automatically be transferred to Medicaid funding or another insurance plan on the Exchange, please watch the Capitol Connection link I posted earlier. It isn’t that easily done in a short time period, and the goal is to catch the disease EARLY, not put them on a waitlist until you can get the “who’s gonna pay” part worked out. Pay now, and outcomes are far better if caught early. pay later, and outcomes become multiple times more expensive and, in some cases, tragic. Rauner sees this as leverage. Don’t look through his glasses. Use your own “vision”.
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:08 am:
To the update:
Good for the advocates! Beat Rauner at his own game. Seems like his schtick of trying to appear like the ‘common man’ is wearing thin. He can’t even recognize how tying a pink ribbon around his dog’s collar while withholding funding for preventative care is insulting. Perfidy, I believe, is the applicable term.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:12 am:
To the Update….
Social Services,
“More like this please”
I couldn’t be more proud of those who wrote that “update”
So very proud.
Oswego Willy
- AlfondoGonz - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:15 am:
“This question is an unfair question.”
I guess Rauner the Bruce isn’t taking slings and arrows anymore.
- Soccermom - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:19 am:
OW, I know they appreciate your good words.
- Henry Francis - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:21 am:
Poor Stella. She is now being forced to don costumes like her master in an effort to make it look like her master cares.
- GraduatedCollegeStudent - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:26 am:
—-This question about cuts to a healthcare question is misleading in that it ignores the fact that the program exists for those without health insurance. Due to Obamacare and the expansion of Medicaid, a lot of health expenses are shifted over to that line. —-
Obamacare passed in 2010 and most of the provisions took hold in January 2014. The budget years in question are FY 2016 and FY 2017. That dog won’t hunt.
- Dee Lay - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:29 am:
To be honest, an alternative Facebook Live event is counter-productive. They should have their advocates posting a variety of questions about funding on his event. He may not answer it, but anyone who looks at the event will see the funding questions repeatedly floating by.
- Ahoy! - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 10:59 am:
This is probably more of a personal thing, but instead of talking about spending cuts, let’s talk about service cuts instead. For instance, instead of saying a program lost $22 million in State funding, how about reporting the number of people who did not receive needed services? Otherwise, it just looks like a cut in spending.
- X-prof - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:06 am:
Please, the governor speaks the truth when he tells us he is not heartless. It is his heartfelt wish that the Dems and the people of IL fold and grant him his agenda so that all the unfortunates can get the cancer care they need, when they need it.
- Ms. SHEESH - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:15 am:
Dee Lay–Yes…I agree and the FB Live Event is on at 12 noon today. So get your questions and comments ready. And I think Stella’s Pink Ribbon FB post has been deleted. I can’t find it on the FB feed.
- Not ItAnon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:18 am:
Anon221 - Thank you for confirming that the State is moving people over from a GRF funded program to a federally funded program. Your complaint that it “isn’t easy” is ridiculous when the State doesn’t have enough money to even pay its bond debt service.
You want us to look through your glasses? We’ll try looking through the glasses of taxpayers.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:19 am:
- Soccermom -
I know Social Services are doing the real, honest, true heavy lifting needed for them, and I am continually amazed, impressed and awed by them. These groups, they never cease to amaze me.
I am doing so very little, besides what I do personally and privately, and speak up here. It’s minuscule compared to what the hard working groups and individuals do daily.
Thank you for saying what you said. It’s means a great deal, especially saying it comes from those doing the real work. Humbled.
- Not Itgraduated - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:21 am:
GraduatedCollegeStudent - Nice try inserting facts that don’t matter. While you’re correct that Medicaid expansion passed in 2014, it didn’t even BEGIN implementation until 2015, which was a part of FY 2016 and all of FY 2017.
This dog hunted and found himself a full meal.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:23 am:
Thank you Rich Miller, Emily Miller, and all those I won’t continually name because by stopping there, I won’t feel more awful forgetting all who are looking out for social services, including the numerous commenters here that say things Brett that I do when it needs to be said most.
The “update” today.
Powerful. So very powerful. The more I can follow those leading the charge, I know social services will get their voices heard.
- Miss Marie - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:44 am:
There are too many people to tag in this reply. But for the people arguing that Obamacare is taking care of this service, and the administration is moving people from a GRF funded program to fed funding, you’re only partially right.
Yes, this is happening, but not at the pace needed to justify Rauner’s cut in spending to this program. Even the agency admitted to this (they didn’t want to, but they did).
To sum up:
Are people being served by Obamacare and receiving need cancer screenings? Yes.
Has this transfer been slow? Yes.
Were waiting lists created due to the lack of state funding (aka Rauner cuts)? Yes.
Does early detection in cancer screenings help save lives and by creating waitlists is the state putting women’s’ lives in danger? That’s a big yes
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:46 am:
I won’t feed trollfulness. BTW the way, I am a taxpayer, and my glasses aren’t blinders.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 11:47 am:
Thank you Miss Marie! - “Does early detection in cancer screenings help save lives and by creating waitlists is the state putting women’s’ lives in danger? That’s a big yes “
- Annonin' - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:01 pm:
Someone should ask BigBrain if he ws wishin’ he want to Cleveland and see if he does his Trump dodge or realizes we were talkin’ Cubs.
BTW we seem to note he was more engaged on the WS than the debates and presidential election ….he is very odd person.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:03 pm:
Facebook link live now-
https://www.facebook.com/GovRauner/videos/vb.313710615502068/566511533555307/?type=2&theater
- GraduatedCollegeStudent - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:03 pm:
@Not It
Breast Cancer patients and survivors pay taxes too. I would know, my Mom and most of her sisters fall in the latter category.
- Rabid - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:08 pm:
The donation boxes that get checked on the income tax forms, does the money get to it’s destination now? I hope so
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:09 pm:
Rauner just went down the “can’t be compassionate without reforms” rabbit hole. Heartlessness at it’s absolute worst.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:14 pm:
=== “can’t be compassionate without reforms”====
Social Service vendors, advocates, patrons, and those most in need of services, now…
Vote. Accordingly.
Bruce and Diana Rauner have donated nearly $46 million for…
“can’t be compassionate without reforms”
It’s a “business decision”… at a rate of nearly… $46 million…
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:19 pm:
To hear the budget side at about 12:30 pm-
https://www.facebook.com/SistersWorkingItOut/
- Cubs in '16 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:25 pm:
According to Rauner compassion is conditional. Got it. “Can’t be compassionate without reforms” should be used on every mailer a Democratic candidate sends out. Somehow I think it would be more impactful than “because Madigan”.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:26 pm:
Counterpoint on funding importance-
https://www.facebook.com/MCBCTF/videos/vb.160619667297945/1479429035416995/?type=3&theater
- Soccermom - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:28 pm:
Also —
I think about a third of population served by the programs are Latinas. Many immigrants do not have insurance and are not currently eligible for insurance on the ACA exchange or through Medicaid. IBCCP and SAC are two programs that provide life saving screenings, diagnostics and treatment for these women.
Many women who are newly insured get their screening covered for free — but then they face a $1000+ deductible for diagnostic follow up. The cost of diagnostic services is extremely high and poses a significant financial barrier to early detection and treatment.
And let’s remember that many small business owners and people who make above a certain income do not receive any subsidies. These programs provide a safety net for women who may not be destitute but who can’t afford the deductibles and copays that can keep them from accessing quality care.
It seems pretty clear that these cuts have contributed to significant delays in care.
- DuPage - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:28 pm:
I heard an ad on the radio offering mammograms and follow up office visit at no charge at all during October. It would seem some providers have given up on Rauner taking care of those in need, and don’t want women dying unnecessarily. Also a good PR move.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:30 pm:
=== “can’t be compassionate without reforms”====
What’s “compassion” got to do with it?
Rauner contracted for services. They were performed in good faith. Rauner purposely took actions to renege on the contracts. That’s bad-faith deadbeatism.
He did the same thing in the private sector.
- HealthcareLady - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:31 pm:
To those who say that ObamaCare now covers everyone and so the Illinois Breast and Cancer Program is unnecessary - untrue. There are many people who are not eligible for ObamaCare or they can’t afford the exchange products. There are big waitlists for IBCCP at many agencies. Also, even though screening mammograms are free under ObamaCare, if you need diagnostic followup, it generally comes in your deductible and can cost you anywhere from $450 to thousands depending on what you need and how high your deductible is. This is unaffordable for many women. It takes a certain level of Chutzpah to have this Breast Cancer Awareness event when the Governor is proposing cutting IBCCP by 71% and completely eliminating the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program.
- Jocko - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 12:46 pm:
==(the) state needs reforms to properly fund health care.==
Translation: “Give me what I want or the woman gets it!”
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 1:10 pm:
To Update #2
“state needs reforms”
Rauner is heartless… until he gets his way.
Make no mistake.
Bruce Rauner cares more about reforms than people(?)
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 1:22 pm:
To Update #3
===Additionally, Rauner’s cut of $22 million to IBCCP and SAC have contributed to significant delays in care for Illinois women and risking women’s lives.===
Rauner’s Cuts.
The Rauner Cuts.
Let that sink in… the Rauner Cuts.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 1:26 pm:
Diane warned us… Bruce doesn’t have a social agenda. I wonder if she does in regards to “Rauner’s cut of $22 million to IBCCP and SAC (that) have contributed to significant delays in care for Illinois women and risking women’s lives.”
Are people in Illinois only important if they are under age 5???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kM7NvQTUDU&list=PLXYN_6jkqQk_nTN4Y6DaBo_hL9eIaH0xo
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 1:39 pm:
- Anon221 -
Even Diana Rauner makes clear in that Ad
“It’s not about Democrat or Republican”
You’re Right, Diana Rauner, it’s about Raunerism, and your Democratic credentials and $46 million as leverage… to hurt social services… until labor is destroyed.
That’s an Agenda…
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 1:51 pm:
OW- As long as she looks good, I guess that’s all that counts…
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150112/BLOGS03/150109838/the-chicago-designer-responsible-for-diana-rauners-inaugural-fashion
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 1:57 pm:
- Anon221 -
Bud, you gotta start shortening your links, lol. Look into it.
From you link, filed under “irony”…
===When Diana Rauner joins her husband for today’s inauguration festivities, she’s likely to be wearing dresses made by Chicago fashion designer Barbara Bates.
The two met before the election at a fundraising event, “Knocking Out Breast Cancer,” that Bates organizes apart from her fashion business. The event benefits a foundation she started that calls attention to the need for breast cancer awareness and supports programs===
Speechless.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 2:01 pm:
Will do, OW. I’ll go tiny url more often in future posts
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 2:36 pm:
–Asked about impact of budget impasse on breast cancer screenings, Rauner repeats line that state needs reforms to properly fund health care.–
You can’t fund breast cancer screenings without term limits or redistricting reform?
But you can dish out millions in bonuses when you’re running an $8 billion annual deficit and piling up a $14 billion backlog in unpaid bills?
Is that all a malevolent gag, or do some people think any of that makes sense?
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 3:06 pm:
===Is that all a malevolent gag, or do some people think any of that makes sense?===
Salesmen talk so fast that it doesn’t matter what they actually say. Rauner said he is a salesman. I believe him. Anyone that was actually a governor would do his job vs selling selling selling.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 3:11 pm:
RE Update 4- “Despite decreasing demand for state support due to requirements of the Affordable Care Act that women be covered free of charge by insurers…”
PROVE.IT! Show us the numbers that justified ZERO funding in 2016 and nearly 9 MILLION dollar reduction for FY 17.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 3:14 pm:
To Update X4
Dear Governor’s Office,
It’s swell that you added that $5 million in that bridge, but please read the following… From Ms. Brent…
===“When Governor Rauner announced his Facebook Live session, he illustrated it with a photograph of his dog wearing a pink ribbon around her neck, saying, ‘Stella is doing her part to raise awareness and we are, too,’” said Beulah Brent, Board President of Sisters Working It Out (SWIO). “Frankly, I find that insulting. Illinois women need access to life-saving screening services, not photographs of family pets.”===
Your update list nary a monetary commitment towards additional, or actual, funding.
I also direct your attention to Ms. Garcia’s tweet and the Governor’s own conditions before funding…
“Rauner repeats line that state needs reforms to properly fund health care.”
Your update seems confusing to both examples cited, and aren’t showing leadership in the process beyond showing a knack to use Facebook.
Oswego Willy
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 3:22 pm:
These issues are not photo ops in Illinois, as many politicians used to treat them. The governor hasn’t figured that out yet.
These have always been serious issues, made even more serious by the devastating cuts that have occurred.
Governor, you are not helping.
- Mama - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 3:32 pm:
I’m sure there will be more money for social services when he runs for re-election in 2018.
- crazybleedingheart - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 3:38 pm:
==requirements of the Affordable Care Act that women be covered free of charge by insurers,==
Superstars, do you even listen to yourselves?
The civilized world, of which Illinois was once a part, calls this “ends sex-based discrimination in healthcare”
- Whatever - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 3:46 pm:
====state needs reforms to properly fund health care.==
But not to fund a new employee bonus program.
==Governor Rauner agrees that funding for preventative services is of the utmost importance ==
Preventative? Hate that word. And if we have preventive measures for breast cancer, let’s @#$&* well fund them asap, not wait for repeal of prevailing wage.
- Earnest - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 4:07 pm:
>Our question for @GovRauner and his #RaunerLive - do actions speak louder than words?
I would have to say that, so far, Rauner’s words are winning out over his actions with the general public and msm.
- Cassandra - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 4:11 pm:
I understand that a program is needed for undcoumented residents as they are ineligible for the ACA (I think California is trying to change this in Calif. but that’s a separate issue).
For citizens, the other costs should be covered by the ACA and that requires federal intervention. Indeed, it is wikdely reported that Hillary is going to have to make some fixes to the ACA, and hopefully this will be one of them. Given the uncertainties of state funding, advocates should also focus on federal solutions, not solutions based on which state you happen to live in.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 4:19 pm:
===Given the uncertainties of state funding, advocates should also focus on federal solutions, not solutions based on which state you happen to live in.===
This is a federal issue? Hmm
Rauner cuts $22 million in funding, that’s on Bruce Rauner, and only Bruce Rauner…
That’s how it works.
- Cassandra - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 4:33 pm:
But railing at Rauner doesn’t seem to be working, does it, OW. Maybe someday.
In the meantime, health insurance IS primarily a federal issue and the solution is to enhance the ACA including expanding subsidies well into the middle class as well as expanding what is covered for all those covered.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 4:47 pm:
===In the meantime, health insurance IS primarily a federal issue===
Isn’t each state in “charge” and further insurance is within what each state is doing?
===and the solution is to enhance the ACA including expanding subsidies well into the middle class as well as expanding what is covered for all those covered.===
That’ll all get done… before… more social services close due to Gov. Rauner refusing to fund even more programs?
Nah, if we let the Rauners off the hook, more business decisions will lead to more social services facing the role of hostage, and being mocked by Bruce… on Facebook.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Oct 26, 16 @ 4:49 pm:
He’s got to get a better line than the reform line, at least with issues like this. The answer just sounds callous.