As a public health professional, the emphasis on preventive care is important. It remains to be seen what the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can achieve in regards to preventive care. Currently, the ACA requires most health plans to cover a set of preventive services like shots and screening tests at no cost to the insured. … Continue reading
The 1994 passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a major commitment to bolstering the interconnectedness between the United States and Mexico. Since implementation, the two countries have continued to realize increased economic growth and efficiency gains from integrated production. In 2012, Mexico was the second largest goods export destination for the … Continue reading
Broader choice comes with a price. As the Affordable Care Act (ACA) slowly phases in, health policy experts predict a primary care physician shortage gap as well as a deep crack in the patient-physician relationship in the United States to grow deeper over time. Especially if the President doesn’t keep the promise he made to … Continue reading
The EPA recently held 11 sessions for public input on the agency’s new rules to restrict carbon emissions from existing power plants. While large coal interests and major labor unions were represented, the vast majority of attendees represented environmental advocacy groups (or themselves) and favored regulation. Some might suggest that this indicates broad support for … Continue reading
One can hear the slow thundering footsteps of the beast. He slowly trudges up the hill and although he grows larger with each step, he leaves behind a trail of dollars. In the meantime, the swift millennial teenager longboards past the monster, over the hill, and into the beautiful sunset. This is a story of … Continue reading
For the past decade holiday spending has begun before Halloween for about 40% of Americans, meaning the 2013 season is already underway. Halloween spending has served as an indicator of things to come, and this year spending decreased slightly (first decrease since 2009). The National Retail Federation (NRF) has projected a modest 2% spending decrease … Continue reading
Since the financial crisis on Wall Street, consumers have been finding their way to the local doorsteps of credit unions instead of corporate banks – and they are realizing that the doors are always open. While banks continue to feed from the pockets of their customers with mounting checking fees, debit fees, hidden fees, and … Continue reading
Age is a sensitive topic in our society. Even Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain has gone on the record saying that she will never reveal her age because she’s an “actress.” (It is widely speculated she is 35 years old.) Another actress Isabelle Huppert rebuked an interviewer for asking a question about her “longevity” in the … Continue reading
An increase in immigration also increases the risk of human rights abuse because immigrants are often so desperate that they are willing to work for any employer, even under deplorable conditions. The above statement is used by several anti-immigrant groups like the Progressives for Immigration Reform as an argument against immigration. Since when do anti-immigrant … Continue reading
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program The 2009 Recovery Act was scheduled to have its boost to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reduced when it expired on November 1. For households of three, this will be reduced by $29/month reducing monthly assistance from $63 to $37, Single person households’ SNAP benefits will be cut $11/month, and two-person … Continue reading
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