Health, Fitness and Style

[The bill's analysts] point out that, whereas the ACA penalizes people for not having insurance on an ongoing basis, the AHCA penalty kicks in only when people try to buy coverage after a break. It could actually discourage healthy people from getting back into the market unless they're sick. In addition, the AHCA penalty, which is based on a plan’s premium, would likely have a greater impact on older people, whose premiums are relatively higher, and those with lower incomes. more »

This Week: Sponsored by Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), S. 804 would require every medical center operated by the VA to include a full-time obstetrician-gynecologist. In addition, the bill would require an examination of medical centers to ensure that they are able to meet the health needs of women veterans. Sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), S. 681 the legislation would establish a peer-to-peer assistance program for women veterans. Among other provisions, the bill would require medical facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include at least one full-time or part-time women’s health primary care provider. more »

Jo Freeman writes: Mother Earth was celebrated over the Mother's Day weekend at the DC Green Festival, one of five held around the country during the year. This year health and body products dominated among a wide variety of commercial and educational booths. Quorn foods were passing out a non-chicken salad made from mycoprotein that looked, felt and tasted like the real thing. You could sample half a dozen different Mycoprotein bars or Lundberg Family Farms rice and quinoa crackers. Kia Motors let attendees test-drive three electric models. I tried out the Soul EV. Nice car, but it felt really weird to be driving a car and hear no noise. more »

On May 4, 2017, the House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA), to repeal and replace elements of the ACA (Appendix Table 1). It would eliminate individual and employer insurance mandates, effectively end the ACA Medicaid expansion, cap federal funds for the Medicaid program, make major changes to the federal tax subsidies available to assist individuals who purchase private insurance, and ban federal Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood. It would also allow states to waive the ACA’s Essential Health Benefits requirements and permit health status as a factor in insurance rating for individuals who do not maintain continuous coverage with the goal of reducing insurance costs.  more »