For far too many Americans, the simple mention of “health care” causes stress. Daunting medical bills and complex bureaucratic systems that are all but impossible to navigate adds unnecessary anxiety. If you or your loved one is ill, your sole focus should be on treatment and recovery, not on the maze that is health insurance or the calculations for how you will pay a premium.
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The mental health crisis affects a devastating number of individuals and their families across the country. In fact, roughly 43.8 million Americans experience mental illness each year, and nearly 10 million suffer from a serious condition, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. With only 41 percent of adults with a mental health condition receiving care in the last year, our broken health care system has clearly failed to help those who need it most.
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At 9:56 a.m. on Monday, November 28, The Ohio State University (OSU) Emergency Management and Fire Prevention Twitter Account sent an alert they hoped they would never need to use: “Buckeye Alert: Active Shooter on campus. Run Hide Fight. Watts Hall. 19th and College.”
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Frequently, I get letters from my constituents who either are struggling with or have a loved one fighting a disease or illness for which we do not yet have a cure. The diseases are wide ranging -- Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, celiac disease, fibromyalgia, among many others -- but their pleas are the same – they are asking for more support so that we can develop life-saving or life-changing treatments.
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From the beginning of our nation’s history, Thanksgiving has been that annual tradition where we set aside time to reflect and give thanks for the past year. For many, this marks the beginning of the holiday season in which family and friends look forward to gathering and celebrating with one another. Unfortunately, for too many of our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet, the holidays can also be a very difficult time.
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On New Year’s Eve 1862, then-First Lieutenant Frederick Phisterer, while under heavy fire in the Battle of Stones River (Tennessee) during the American Civil War, conveyed information to a battalion commander and ultimately protected the unit from capture or annihilation.
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The men and women who have worn a military uniform have made incredible sacrifices to preserve our freedoms and keep us safe. Unfortunately, these same men and women have been particularly vulnerable to homelessness once their service is complete.
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During the Korean War, the United States came to the defense of our allies in South Korea who were being invaded by the oppressive government in North Korea. Over six decades later, North Korea remains a great threat to the entire region.
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We face a devastating mental health crisis in our country, one that affects thousands across the country. The veterans community has been particularly affected by this issue. In fact, a new study from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shows an average of 20 veterans per day died from suicide between 1979 and 2014. Unfortunately, we have also heard stories of veterans who seek mental health care, but are turned away at VA hospitals. Our veterans make incredible sacrifices to fight for our freedoms and we must improve the mental health care system so they can receive the care they deserve. With September being Suicide Prevention Month, I want to highlight some of the action Congress has taken to address this issue.
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The “Baby Boomers” generation of Americans born in the years following World War II represent one of the largest generations in our nation’s history. With this generation becoming older and reaching the age of 65, the number of new enrollees into Medicare continues to rise. In fact, since 2011, an estimated 10,000 Baby Boomers per day turn 65, and this statistic is expected to continue through 2030. Many of the employees in the Social Security Administration are also part of the Baby Boomer generation, meaning these offices are also losing some of the most experienced staff. More than ever before, it is necessary to ensure you keep track of deadlines and prepare if you are turning 65 in the near future or are already enrolled in Medicare.
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