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Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need.

Some Good News

What to Know: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on our nation’s mental health, as well.

The TPPF Take: The good news is that officials at all levels of government are working to expand access to mental health care.

“Texas Governor Greg Abbott waived many restrictions on telemedicine so health care providers, and particularly those dealing with mental health issues, can more easily treat patients,” says TPPF’s Stephen Pickett. “At the federal level, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has waived similar restrictions for providers serving those covered by Medicaid and Medicare. Since these waivers at the state and federal levels are temporary, we need the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress, respectively, to make many of these waivers permanent so patients can more easily access health care providers.”

Expansion of Rationing

What to Know: Oklahoma voters have chosen to expand Medicaid.

The TPPF Take: The results of expanding Medicaid will be higher costs and less access for those for whom it was intended.

“Other states that have expanded have seen up to twice the enrollment from what was projected,” says TPPF’s David Balat. “Medicaid was intended for vulnerable women, children, the disabled, and the elderly. Let’s focus on improving Medicaid for them rather than crowding them out in an expansion.”

Energy Independence

What to Know: The COVID-19 has created higher demand for home energy, especially now that summer temperatures are rising.

The TPPF Take: American energy ingenuity, which has kept energy prices down, continues to play a big role in helping us deal with the pandemic.

“Amid the pandemic, it’s more apparent than ever how intimately entwined our lives are with the availability of electricity,” says TPPF’s Katie Tahuahua. “Because of affordable, reliable energy, most of us can still get our work done, keep our food cold and our homes comfortable, and order necessities online. Even for those of us whose jobs prevent remote work, those jobs still depend on efficient communication and supply chain operations made possible by the Internet. It’s fitting that groups such as The Empowerment Alliance are celebrating American energy ingenuity and independence.”