One of the latest polls relating to immigration reform shows that more Americans are beginning to relate to the Democrat Party’s formal position. Support for the Republican agenda seems to be evaporating. A whopping 48 percent reported that they hold the belief that the Democrat’s policies on immigration reform are much like their own, personally-held beliefs. Thirty-six percent said they were in line with the Republicans.
While the numbers may seem to be neck-and-neck, once they are broken down, another story is evident. The results actually appear to be a warning of sorts for the GOP —- a warning that they need to seriously consider whether or not push forward some form of a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants or bite the bullet and agree to the Democrats’ plan.
What are they really thinking? The Republicans really have their sights set on the 2016 election, which means nothing much is likely to get done with immigration reform, because it is too valuable in terms of political payoff to act now. If the Republicans can figure out how to break the stranglehold Obama seems to have on the Hispanic electorate, then 2016 may bring some interesting developments. In the meantime, immigration reform assumes its old, tired status as a much-abused political football, almost, but not quite, punted into the end zone for a touchdown.
The poll figure are capable of being cut down into specific demographics, and it shows roughly 70 percent of African Americans and about 60 percent of Hispanics like the Democrats’ plans, while14 percent of African Americans and 26 percent of Hispanics identify with the Republicans’ plans. Across the board, Caucasian Americans are in duelling position, with 41 percent favoring the Democrats and 42 percent the Republicans. Nothing gets done in the meantime, and figures bandied about make no difference in the final analysis, as it is plain as day that immigration reform is stalled —- still.
It’s no secret Latin Americans swung the vote pendulum in the last two elections, and it’s a no-brainer that they will carry the same clout in 2016. Whoever woos them the best may get elected. But, will immigration reform ever get passed? Chances are slim to none.
The post Immigration reform still in holding pattern first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>
Rural areas could suffer in states that opt against Medicaid expansion.
The goal of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act is supposed to cover more of the working poor and balance out cuts that were made to already-struggling hospitals. However, Republican-led states have been opting out or holding out, while outlying areas in states like Tennessee may be the most severely impacted.
(Related: DOMA Increases Medicare Costs For Same-Sex Married Couples)
Partners for Healing in Tullahoma, Tenn., offers care exclusively to the uninsured workers — and there’s a number of them in the town of 18,000 — with a number of studies indicating that rural Americans are more likely to have low-wage jobs, and no insurance.
Kentucky Democrat Governor Steve Beshear announced that he will expand Medicaid coverage and nearly cut the state’s uninsured population in half. The expansion will extend coverage to adults earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, providing public health assistance to more than 300,000 people.
(Related: Google’s Plan for ‘Digital Afterlife’)
Those pushing for Medicaid expansion credited GOP lawmakers for putting forth a House bill for discussion. Senate Republicans met behind closed doors to discuss the plan but failed to reach a consensus.
(Related: How Much Will Medicaid Cost in the Future and Why: Federal Projections)
A health advocacy group has developed a compromise proposal in hopes of ending the debate in California of how to expand Medi-Cal. Health Access California proposes a time frame and percentages for the state and countries to share $1.4 billion in savings when Medi-Cal coverage is expanded next year. State and county officials have been playing tug-a-war with how the windfall should be divided.
Read more: http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Daily-Reports/2013/May/10/medicaid-expansion.aspx
Christopher J. Berry is a Michigan elder law attorney Dedicated to helping seniors, veterans and their families navigate the long-term care maze. To learn more visit http://www.michiganelderlawattorney.com/ or call 248.481.4000
The post Rural Areas Could Suffer In States That Opt Against Medicaid Expansion first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>
Gov. Rick Snyder and health advocates have the difficult task of persuading the GOP-led Legislature to expand Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands more residents.
(Read more: The Affordable Care Act At Three: Quality Over Quantity)
Currently, too few Michigan Republicans support the plan for it to advance. However, there are some in the GOP that claim they are open to expanding the health insurance program if changes are made to it.
Changes could potentially include making more participants pay co-pays. Advocates for the poor counter that they can’t afford the co-pays.
(Read more: Why Elder Law Attorneys Aren’t Just for Seniors)
A broad alliance of business, hospitals and low-income advocates support Medicaid expansion and say it’s a good deal for the state. Conservative groups stand in opposition.
(Read more: Tips to Alleviate the Burden of Caring for Someone With Alzheimer’s)
Medicaid expansion is optional under the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the federal health care law.
Read more: http://www.fox28.com/story/21776517/medicaid-expansion-in-trouble-in-mich-legislature
The post Medicaid expansion in trouble in Mich. Legislature first appeared on SEONewsWire.net.]]>