Study Highlights Significant Gaps In Vision Care Coverage For Medicaid Enrollees
A study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), published in Health Affairs, reveals alarming disparities in vision care coverage for Medicaid enrollees across the United States. According to the study, 6.5 million enrollees (12%) live in states where routine adult eye exams are not covered, and 14.6 million (27%) reside in states that do not provide coverage for eyeglasses.
It found significant variability in coverage, with 20 states excluding glasses under fee-for-service Medicaid, and seven states offering no coverage for either eye exams or glasses. Additionally, 35 states do not cover low vision aids, such as magnifiers, leaving many, particularly older adults, without essential vision support.
The findings highlight an urgent need for policy changes at the state level to address these gaps, especially as the aging U.S. population faces a projected doubling of vision impairment cases by 2050.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Operation Safe Neighborhoods Seizes 675 Illegal Guns In Michigan Crackdown
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced that 675 illegal guns have been removed from Michigan streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing gun violence. Since the operation’s launch, law enforcement officials have conducted 6,424 check-ins with felony offenders, leading to the seizure of illegal firearms, drugs, and ammunition.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Operation Safe Neighborhoods is keeping Michiganders safe by getting 675 illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals before they can hurt or kill anyone.” The program targets high-risk individuals with prior weapons-related offenses, reinforcing Governor Whitmer’s broader efforts to enhance public safety across the state.
Since taking office, Whitmer has invested over $1.5 billion in public safety, including significant funding for law enforcement and violence prevention initiatives.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Friends Of The St. Clair River Urge Float Down Participants To Keep Waterways Clean
As thousands prepare for the annual Float Down on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Lighthouse Beach in Port Huron, Friends of the St. Clair River is urging participants and spectators to keep the river clean.
Their “A Clean River is a Fun River” campaign highlights the importance of preserving the St. Clair River’s pristine waters, which are vital for drinking water and fish habitats. The group asks floaters and onlookers to responsibly dispose of trash and recyclables, reducing the litter and plastic waste that can accumulate from the event.
Executive Director Sheri Faust emphasized the river’s significance, stating, “The St. Clair River is a vital resource for 60,000 people. We all have a responsibility to protect and celebrate this precious resource.”
For more information about the campaign, email: info@scriver.org.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
St. Clair County Primary Election: Results & Key Highlights
**St. Clair County Primary Election Results – August 6th, 2024**
Key highlights include:
- Voters in St. Clair County rejected millages for SC4 and local parks.
- Sheriff Mat King prevails over Warren Head.
- County Commissioner Jeff Bohm has lost his seat.
- Anter won the Democratic primary in the District 64 race.
- Pavlov won the Republican primary.
- Kerry Ann Ange won the Republican primary for District 2 County Commissioner.
The general election will follow this November.
For more in depth results about the primary election, visit: https://app.enhancedvoting.com/results/public/st.-clair-county-MI/elections/August2024PrimaryElection