Shelby County to get $1.5M to address HIV, AIDS
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County has been awarded $1,473,378 in federal funding to help address HIV/AIDS and provide care for those living with HIV, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced on May 27.
This funding comes through the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which helps local governments provide HIV-related services to more than half a million people each year who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources for coping with the disease.
Cohen said, “While there have been major breakthroughs in treatment in recent years, HIV remains a problem in the Ninth District. This federal Ryan White funding will help thousands of Memphians living with AIDS and HIV access the high-quality, comprehensive care they need.”
During Cohen’s time in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Ninth District has received more than $20 million in Ryan White Program funds to fight AIDS and HIV.
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is the single largest federal program designed specifically for people with HIV/AIDS. First enacted in 1990, it provides care and support services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, functioning as the “payer of last resort”; that is, it fills the gaps in care for those who have no other source of coverage or face coverage limits. This funding comes through Part A of the program, which provides assistance to locales most severely affected by HIV/AIDS.
Healthcare rate hikes blamed on Obamacare
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) on Monday released a statement on the announcement of the requests for double-digit rate hikes by four Tennessee health insurance companies. The requets were recently submitted to the Tennessee Commissioner of Insurance for approval and posted on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website June 1.
“The unfortunate reality is, principally because of Obamacare, tens of thousands of Tennesseans who buy individual Obamacare policies could see their health care premiums go up next year by double digits — and by more than 36 percent if they’re enrolled in the state’s most popular plan,” Alexander said. “This is money that will come straight out of many of these Tennesseans’ pocketbooks. Republicans are ready to reduce Tennesseans’ costs with plans to restore freedom and competition to the insurance marketplace and allow individuals to choose the health care plan that meets their needs and their budget.”
The information posted on the administration’s website on Monday only includes health plans requesting a rate increase of 10 percent or more, with full reporting coming closer to the third Obama-care open enrollment, Alexander noted. So far, hundreds of health plans have requested this double-digit increase, often citing increased costs due to Obamacare.
Of the five insurers in the Tennessee exchange, Community Health Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Humana, and Cigna have all requested rate increases from the state.
The fifth, Assurant, has announced it will not be on the exchange for 2016.
Change in Cuba’s designation will aid U.S. relations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep Steve Cohen (TN-09) issued the following statement on Friday regarding Secretary of State John Kerry’s decision to remove Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism:
“Two decades ago our government determined the Cuban military poses no threat to us, while the State Department has found no evidence the Cubans provide support or training to terrorists — and there are even signs that Cuba is, in fact, taking steps to fight terrorism. That is why I have worked to normalize relations with Cuba since I was elected to Congress.
“I support the President’s efforts to chart a new course in our relationship with Cuba, something I have implored the President to do for both our freedom to travel and for our business interests.
“The State Department’s move to remove Cuba’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation is a positive step for both of our nations that will promote human rights and freedom. I hope this shift will help bring our two nations closer to full diplomatic relations and tear down the walls that have kept Memphis entrepreneurs and businesses out of such a close and important market.”
Sen. Corker decries letting counterterrorism provisions expire
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) made the following statement Sunday regarding expiring counterterrorism provisions of the Patriot Act.
“Not only am I deeply concerned about the way the administration has limited the effectiveness of this critical national security program, but I am also extremely disappointed lawmakers allowed a lapse in our ability to hunt down terrorists plotting against Americans,” he said.
“Congress should restore these intelligence capabilities in a manner that can still be effective and robust to keep Americans safe while continuing to respect our cherished civil liberties.”
