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Criticism continues against Gov. Pritzker’s move closing health care enrollment for immigrants

Backlash continued to rain down on Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday following his decision last week to close enrollment for a state-funded health insurance program for immigrants under 65 as other Illinois officials highlighted that a bill is sitting on the governor’s desk that would allow the state to issue regular driver’s licenses for noncitizens. Though not connected, the two issues took center stage as Pritzker continued to push back against criticism from Latino lawmakers and immigrant advocates that his administration’s decision on the health insurance program was “immoral and fiscally shortsighted.” Pritzker has defended the move because program costs are…
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Ford government to open clinic at site of shuttered Minden ER

After weeks of pressure over the recent closure of a hospital emergency department in Minden with the busy summer cottage season approaching, the Ontario government says it will fund an urgent care clinic on the premises — but without doctors. The plan is to have the clinic open on weekends starting June 30, and staffed by nurse practitioners and nurses, Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a statement Tuesday. Emergency cases will still have to make the 25-minute trip to the nearest hospital emergency room in Haliburton, which local residents have warned could result in life-threatening delays in care. “We…
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New research reveals the impact of different species and their traits on human well-being

Credit: Martin Dallimer/University of Kent New research has revealed for the first time that well-functioning ecosystems are crucial to human health and well-being, with human-biodiversity interactions delivering well-being gains equating to substantial health care cost-savings, when scaled-up across populations. Published in Nature Sustainabilitythe Kent-led study, which is part of the project Relating Subjective Well-being to Biodiversity (RELATE), set out to understand which components of nature and biodiversity play a particular role in human well-being. The team, which was led by Professor Zoe Davies, analyzed the effects of species’ traits, based on people’s feedback following a series of workshops, to identify…
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With no room to raise taxes, where will Adams find the money for his pricey union deals?

Retired city workers are understandably upset the city is changing their health insurance, forcing them into a plan with less flexibility effective September. But they shouldn’t be surprised: Something had to give. Our retirees are getting off easy — so far. Mayor Eric Adams registered the new contract last week with healthcare provider Aetna to start administering the less-generous Medicare contract in the fall, overriding Comptroller Brad Lander’s objections. Thanks to a higher federal subsidy for the new Advantage plan, as well as stricter rules for specialty visits and the like, the city expects to save $600 million a year.…
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Ryan Finch donated $5 million to St. Joseph’s hospital

President of Finch Auto Group, Ryan Finch, has personally donated $5 million to St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Ont., through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. It’s the largest known gift of its kind to support mental health care research in southwestern Ontario. The donation will fund research into new solutions aimed at making it easier for patients to access mental health care and receive the help they need. “I feel lucky to be able to give back,” said Finch. “With mental health at the forefront of so many aspects of life today, I want to make a difference and if…
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New TGH freestanding emergency room boosts access to care and creates jobs as part of the $550 million expansion

TGH expanding health care access Tampa General Hospital is expanding health care access, hoping to serve the underserved. Kylie Jones reports. TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa General Hospital is expanding healthcare access as the Bay Area grows rapidly. TGH is opening a freestanding emergency department on W. Kennedy Blvd. It’s the hospital system’s third emergency department, joining one in Brandon and the main hospital’s level-one trauma center. The 15,000-square-foot emergency department will have full-service access for adults and children. “Which is going to really complement our level-one trauma center by having more capacity for, sort of lower acuity work,” said John…
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Desjardins’ income falls 24 per cent in the first quarter

For the quarter ended March 31, Desjardins Group recorded surplus earnings before member dividends of $342 million. This represents a decrease of $109 million compared to the same period in 2022, when surplus earnings were $451 million. The 2022 amount was adjusted, leading to a 24 per cent downturn over a 12-month period. Data for the first quarter of 2022 have been adjusted, as for all insurers, to reflect changes to IFRS accounting standards. Comparison with the previous year must be done with caution, the cooperative points out. Property and casualty insurance In P&C insurance, Desjardins posted a net deficit…