NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, This week, the House and Senate passed a bill that would extend government funding into February 2022. I know how important it is to avoid a shutdown; however, protecting my constituents’ relationships with their doctors is just as important.
Beginning January 1st, 2022, medical providers will endure a nearly 10 percent cut in their Medicare reimbursement payments. Many providers may be forced to close their doors or stop accepting Medicare entirely. This is terrible news for my constituents and the rest of America, especially our seniors. I voted no to extending government funding into 2022 because Congress failed to address this issue, and I cannot in good conscience vote in favor of a bill that neglects to help seniors in my district.
If you have Medicare today, you should still be able to see your doctor tomorrow. We cannot limit access to care when patients need it most.
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
House Energy & Commerce Committee
On Thursday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to examine the Biden Administration’s proposal to schedule fentanyl analogues ahead of the expiration of the temporary scheduling of these drugs.
Fentanyl analogs are drugs that mimic the pharmacological effects of the original drug. Some illicit drug manufacturers create new fentanyl analogs to avoid classification as illegal, policy restrictions on manufacturing, and/or detection in standard drug tests.
The Biden plan suggests permanently classifying fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances, drugs that have a high potential for abuse; however, it also explicitly seeks to exempt them from mandatory minimum sentencing requirements.
This is not a proposal I can support. I support the permanent scheduling of fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs and maintaining strict sentencing guidelines for traffickers and dealers of this poison on our streets. Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues have made their way to our district, harming thousands, and endangering our communities. This is not the time for leniency in sentencing.
Updates for Veterans
Important Update from GCVHCS
Due to supply chain and staffing shortages, the vendor contracted by the Government Publishing Office to provide printing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing delays in printing and mailing notification letters to Veterans and claimants. The disruption may impact the ability of some claimants to meet required deadlines via written correspondence with the VA.
In response to the mailing delays and to protect the best interest of claimants, the Veterans Benefits Administration is extending its response period by 90-calendar days for claimants with letters dated between July 13, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2021.
If a claimant does not reply to a time-limited notification, such as, making an election of benefits or services, or reporting for a scheduled compensation and pension examination., VBA will not take adverse action to deny, reduce or terminate benefits and services unless: 1) the claimant is contacted and there is documentation of their right to respond; 2) the requested information has been received; or 3) the response period has lapsed.
VA and GPO are proactively working to quickly address the mailing delays. For questions on this matter, Veterans and claimants can contact VA at 800-827-1000.
Veterans who filed an appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals can click here for information specific to Board correspondence, scheduled hearings at the Board, and receiving your Board decision.
Help is available. You are not alone.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Call 800-273-8255
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated
Floridians 12 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons aged 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for persons aged 18 and up.
I encourage you to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine. The State of Florida has partnered with Sharecare to provide an easy-to-use platform that will save your spot for your shot. Schedule your appointment here. Florida has many sites providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Use the vaccine finder to find a site near you. Supplies are limited and appointments may be required.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently announced the authorization of single booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines. You can find more information about the boosters here. Please consult your doctor before getting a booster vaccine.
Monoclonal antibody treatments
Early monoclonal antibody treatment saves lives. Antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, monoclonal antibody therapy should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. Referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatment is available at no cost to patients.
If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19, visit this link to find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatment. For more information about the treatments, click here.
Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter @DrNealDunnFL2. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
| Constituent Casework Corner
A constituent almost missed their Master of Business Administration (MBA) program graduation in Italy because their passport needed to be renewed before they could travel. Unable to get an appointment themselves, they contacted my office. We were able to work with the Miami Passport Agency to schedule an in-person appointment, so they were able to renew their passport before the ceremony.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
|
No comments:
Post a Comment