What you need to know, October 25, 2024: EviCore, the Company Helping U.S. Health Insurers Deny Coverage for Treatments

Golden caduceus, the symbol for medicine.
Continuing the series of articles on the healthcare system, I offer a link to an article in Pro Publica which investigates the largest of companies which health insurers hire to examine and deny medical procedures. Evicare claims to the insurance companies that it will provide a 3 to 1 return.
Read MoreWhat you need to know, October 25, 2024: EviCore, the Company Helping U.S. Health Insurers Deny Coverage for Treatments

How cyber soldiers at Kirtland Air Force Base safeguard the integrity of New Mexico’s vote

On left, voters in early voting; on right, military observer watching computer screen
This reprint of Michael Benanav's article in Searthlight New Mexico describes not just the electronic protection of your vote but all the ways in which the state secures the legitimacy of the elections. Re-publication is done through a Creative Commons licence.
Read MoreHow cyber soldiers at Kirtland Air Force Base safeguard the integrity of New Mexico’s vote

A ballot question you should question

Arroyo in Monticello after it was regraded by Sierra County Flood Commissioner Sandy Jones after a torrential rain, Sept. 9, 2024.
I am sponsoring this guest perspective and one more to follow by Sierra County Flood Commissioner Sandy Jones, who was appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. He oversees flood-control projects using revenue from the 1.50 mills all property owners already pay for flood control. If the Sierra County Commission submits a counter-perspective, I will publish it.
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Establishment of Sierra County flood control authority? A ballot question you should question.

Painting of people seeking refuge from flood in Java by Raden Saleh, circa 1865, image courtesy of Wikipedia
I am sponsoring this guest perspective and two more to follow by Sierra County Flood Commissioner Sandy Jones, who was appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. He oversees flood-control projects using revenue from the 1.50 mills all property owners already pay for flood control.
Read MoreEstablishment of Sierra County flood control authority? A ballot question you should question.

Truth or Consequences—one of three case studies in legislative report on water infrastructure

Urban water cycle illustration, image courtesy of EPA
The Legislative Finance Committee asked for and received advice on what to do to fix the looming water and wastewater infrastructure problem. Local entities say they need $5.7 billion for repairs over the next five years. T or C was used as an example of what not to do.
Read MoreTruth or Consequences—one of three case studies in legislative report on water infrastructure

What you need to know, October 15, 2024: Healthcare in the election

Official portraits of Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Two weeks ago, The Conversation published a summary of Vice-President Harris's and former President Trump's past actions and policies during their political careers in regard to healthcare in the nation. The article is by Dr. Zachary W. Schultz of Auburn University, a specialist in the history of healthcare.
Read MoreWhat you need to know, October 15, 2024: Healthcare in the election