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OP-ED: Patients Over Profits: Insurance Companies Must Provide Americans the Care They Deserve

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Each year, more than 1.5 million Medicare Advantage prior authorizations are improperly denied, according to KFF, and that number is only growing with every coming year. The Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services documented nearly 640,000 denials in 2019, with that number skyrocketing to 2 million in 2021 alone.
The post OP-ED: Patients Over Profits: Insurance Companies Must Provide Americans the Care They Deserve first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Millions of Americans are increasingly finding themselves at the mercy of commercial insurance companies that are arbitrarily denying their claims. These insurance giants, rejecting claim after claim without valid reasons, are forcing American patients to shoulder significant financial and emotional burdens, in addition to their serious health issues. Once designed to serve the best interests of patients, some of these companies have turned their backs on the ones they were meant to protect. A recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation reveals that, on average, insurance companies deny 1 in 5 claims. Some insurers reject as much as 49 percent, with one shocking example rejecting 80 percent of claims. Cigna, a major health insurer with 20 million customers and $195 billion in revenue last year, was caught denying claims without even reviewing patients’ files.

The issue is not limited to traditional insurance plans. Medicare Advantage plans, designed to offer more choices and comprehensive benefits, now cover more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries. Unfortunately, these plans are also plagued by an overwhelming number of prior authorization requirements and coverage denials. Each year, more than 1.5 million Medicare Advantage prior authorizations are improperly denied, according to KFF, and that number is only growing with every coming year. The Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services documented nearly 640,000 denials in 2019, with that number skyrocketing to 2 million in 2021 alone. For example, UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest health insurer with over 50 million customers and the largest share of Medicare Advantage enrollment, denies at least 2 million Medicare Advantage prior authorization claims annually. This is a very alarming number considering the critical role these types of claims play in ensuring the elderly receive the proper care they deserve.

Last year, unfortunately, UnitedHealthcare was sued for using an artificial intelligence algorithm to wrongfully deny care to elderly patients under Medicare Advantage plans. The algorithm, known to have a 90 percent error rate, led to patients being prematurely discharged from care facilities, disrupting their lives and putting their health in jeopardy. Unfortunately, the elderly are not the only vulnerable community affected by these insurance denials. Prior authorization requirements, along with insurance denials, disproportionately affect minority and underserved lower-income populations. A 2022 study found that Black cancer patients were three times more likely to be denied health insurance compared to their white counterparts. This racial disparity underscores the urgent need for reform to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all. For too long, some insurance companies have amassed enormous profits at the expense of patients, providers, and hospitals. It’s time we prioritize patients over profits and hold these corporate giants accountable. This critical issue must be addressed by implementing stricter regulations and oversight on insurance claim denials can provide much-needed relief and justice to millions of Americans. Our healthcare system should be a source of support and healing, not a battleground for patients to fight for the care they deserve.

The Honorable Edolphus “Ed” Towns Jr.  is an American educator, military veteran, and former member of Congress who served in the United States House of Representatives. A Democrat from New York, Towns was Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Towns was an administrator at Beth Israel Medical Center, a professor at New York’s Medgar Evers College and Fordham University, and a public school teacher teaching orientation and mobility to blind students.

The post OP-ED: Patients Over Profits: Insurance Companies Must Provide Americans the Care They Deserve first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

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Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

 

 

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

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The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org

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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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