Medicare drug coverage would help seniors facing high bills
The Gazette notes bipartisan support for prescription drug coverage under Medicare though funding and reform remain contentious. Senators push for a $40 billion package and broader Medicare restructuring to equalize physician and hospital payments across states, while critics warn rural areas may be disadvantaged.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Clinton
Charles Grassley
Iowa
Texas
Capitol Hill
the Gazette
Congress
Medicare insolvency postponement eyed amid budget warnings
The article notes Medicare Hospital trust fund solvency through 2023 with deficits beginning by 2010, and Social Security solvency to 2037 with deficits starting in 2015. It cautions that postponement of insolvency could enable prescription drug plans but warns lawmakers not to delay needed reforms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Medicare
Medicare Hospital Trust Fund
Social Security Trust
Congress
Environmental provisions stall Iowa electric deregulation plans
The piece condemns the environmental section of the proposed electric deregulation bill in Iowa. It argues the plan overpays for renewable power while cutting energy efficiency funding, miscounts renewables, and risks higher prices for consumers. It urges waiting for fixes by DNR Director Paul Johnson.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Department of Natural Resources
DNR
Iowa Electric Utilities
Storm Lake
California
MidAmerica Energy
Wisconsin
Maine
United States
Paul Johnson
Trekkers behold splendor amid Third World critique
A reader challenges a front page piece on travel in Nepal and Kathmandu. The letter defends Nepalese charm and people while criticizing Western tourism for litter and insularity. The writer recalls 1978 impressions and questions Iowans’ portrayal, noting enduring appeal beyond Mount Everest.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
National Enquirer
Kathmandu
Singapore
Mount Everest
Disneyland Club
Nepal
CNA Passion Shines Through Years of Dedicated Care
A CNA urges recognition of rewarding, long term nursing home work over agency positions. She credits stable, resident centered care for happy, respected elders and cites CNAs with 20 to 33 years at the same home, inviting critics to visit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
CNA
Cnas
God's master plan sparking pro life debate letter
Ed Dolan responds to Dan Coleman's April column Is God pro life or pro choice arguing that religious views should not dictate policy while contending abortion ends a life and citing political controversies to question Coleman’s logic and constitutional understanding.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dan Coleman
Coleman
Tony Shade
Marengo
White House
FBI
Republican Congress
Clinton
Madeleine Albright
Rambo Reno
Waco
Justice Department
United Nations
Panama Canal
DNC
Hillary
U.N
Ed Dolan
Central City
Gazette accepts reader letters with contact details
The Gazette invites letters up to 300 words. Writers must include name street address and daytime phone number, though only name and hometown appear in print. Send to The Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids Iowa 52406 or via FAX 319 398 5846 or email gazedit fyiowa com.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Also Mentioned on This Page
Chuck Peters
Ken Slaughter
Dale Larson
Jerry Elsen
Mark Bowden
Upa
David Osterberg
God
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