It’s no secret that our lives have changed because of COVID-19. Our routines have been altered, we’ve become highly cognizant of new safety precautions, and we’ve become more unified as neighbors, community members, and as Americans. Now, based on a decline in overall cases that have been reported by the CDC, it’s time for states to reopen and get our country running again. We don’t have a moment to spare.
By following the appropriate health guidelines, our nation’s small businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues can reopen and operate safely. The longer that our country is closed for business, unemployment will rise, more small businesses will close their doors, and our economy will falter. Delay is the true enemy of progress, and the American people want to get back to work.
President Trump Protecting Seniors
On Tuesday, President Trump announced sweeping improvements to the Medicare program for seniors. Under his leadership, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that many Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage Plans have now offered to lower out-of-pocket insulin costs to seniors for the 2021 plan year.
Currently, 34.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. One in every three seniors on Medicare has diabetes, and over 3.3 million beneficiaries use at least one type of insulin. Participating plans will cap costs at just $35 a month per type of insulin. This is tremendous news. For far too long, seniors have been subject to escalating insulin prices. Now, Americans will save an average of $446 on insulin costs in just a year.
New Scam Update
Have you heard of contact-tracing scams? New mobile apps have been released that help “trace” individuals that have been in contact with someone who contracted COVID-19. While these applications have been used to help a wide range of people, scammers have now created alternative mobile applications and are posing as contact tracers. What does this really mean? Scammers are sending misleading text messages with links – that if clicked – will steal personal information from your phone. Simply put, don’t open the messages and click the links.
Real contact tracers will never ask you for your social security number, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. They also won’t ask you for money or participate in any sort of transaction. Linked here are some ways you can deter scammers, malicious texts, and unwanted calls.
Recent Events
Rhododendron in full bloom on my driveway
Education and Labor Subcommittee Meeting On Worker Protections
Speaking with the National Italian American Foundation
