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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Health Coverage Surprises for Virginians this Month

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Friday, December 7, 2007   

Richmond, VA – It's that time of the year when Virginians shop for holiday presents, cook up family dinners -- and do the math to see if they'll be able to afford health insurance coverage in coming year. Many insurers raise rates and change coverage levels through their employer-based plans this month. As a result, Rick Shinn of the Virginia Community Healthcare Association expects more and more Virginians to be joining the ranks of the uninsured in 2008, dropping their coverage because of rising premiums.

Shinn says the influx is straining a healthcare safety net that is stretched thin. Community health centers across the state already are reporting more patients in poor health because they didn't see a doctor sooner. Shinn admits it's tough to meet the growing demand, and some centers have even held auctions to keep their doors open.

"The need for funding is becoming more critical every day, particularly with the increasing number of uninsured persons coming into our health centers for services. There are going to be more people seeking services at health centers, free clinics and emergency departments, and that's going to create more financial problems, particularly for our Community Health Centers."

The Governor's Health Reform Commission has recommended $10 million in state funding for "safety net" health care, through such venues as Community Health Centers and free clinics, but Shinn says the recommendation could lose priority because of the state's budget crunch.


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