Health Insurance

A federal judge in Virginia has declared part of the Obama administration's landmark health care reform law unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson is the first judge to rule against the law. Two other judges, another in Virginia and one in Michigan have ruled it constitutional. Virginia's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli filed the lawsuit challenging the law's requirement that citizens buy health insurance or pay a penalty starting in 2014. He argues the federal government doesn't have the constitutional authority to impose the requirement.

Having a child graduate from college is a big milestone. But it's a harsh reality that once grown children are out of school, they often lose their health coverage. How can you avoid a potentially dangerous gap in coverage? Consumer Reports has some tips for families. Best, of course, is getting a job with benefits. If no job materializes, check whether your child is eligible to stay on your health plan for up to three years under the federal COBRA program. It's the best option in terms of protection, says Consumer Reports . You'll have the same comprehensive coverage you always had, including prescription drugs and dental.

Update 10/28/09: Months without money.  A time when big dreams collide with harsh reality.  Back in January, ask any single mother who signed up for the "In His Shadow" program, they would tell you how fortunate they were to be a part of it.  IHS was an opportunity for a single mom to better herself and the lives of her children.  IHS would pay for college, rent, utilities and nearly all expenses if the woman enrolled in school to pursue a medical-related career.  She was required to quit her job so she could focus on school and her children.

They target businesses and organizations under construction and claim to be all about fair wages.   But who's really behind the "Shame on” and “Labor Dispute” signs you've seen all around Wichita? Viewers contacted FactFinder 12 Investigators wanting answers. The Carpenters Local 201 are behind the signs and protests outside of Wichita State, the YMCA, and Central Christian Church to name a few.    They claim non-union contractors aren't paying standard wages and benefits for the area.

A couple of South Carolina lawmakers want to change the way state workers answer the phone. The republican governor mandated a greeting that includes the statement, "it's a great day in South Carolina. " A couple of democratic lawmakers say that greeting shouldn't be used, unless the state's unemployment rate goes down, all citizens have health insurance and schools get more money. They say it's insulting when people are suffering. Read more about it here and tell me what you think.

CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric spoke with President-elect Barck Obama before the election. She asked him where he stands on the most pressing issues facing The United States. The following is information collected from those interviews and from Obama's web site. Supports cutting or keeping level taxes for couples making less than $250,000 per year; would increase taxes on those making more. (An estimated three-fourths of small businesses pay their taxes through personal income taxes)

Name:  Peter Brungardt Office Sought:  State Senate - District 24 Political Party:  Republican Website:  N/A Education:  B.S. in General Science; Doctor of Optometry  Civic Activities:  Rotarian; Salina and Abilene Chambers of Commerce; St. Mary's Church Profession:  Optometrist Previous Office(s) Held:  State Senator (2 terms); City Commission (2 terms); Salina Mayor Top Campaign Issues:  Affordable health insurance Greater government efficiency and consolidation New transportation and energy plans Disclaimer: Eyewitness News sent identical surveys to every candidate running for office in the KBS viewing area.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A House insurance committee will consider a bill that would require extra insurance for abortions. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for Thursday before the House Insurance Committee. State Rep. Virgil Peck, a Republican from Tyro, says the bill would require people to pay more and get a separate rider for health insurance that covers abortions. Peck says people who are opposed to abortion shouldn't have to pay for coverage for services they find objectionable.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A federal judge has set a new date for the long-delayed trial of a Kansas doctor and his wife who are accused of operating a "pill mill" linked to 68 patient overdose deaths. Dr. Stephen Schneider and his wife, Linda, who is a nurse, are now scheduled for trial on April 26 in U.S. District Court in Wichita. The proceedings are expected to last eight to 12 weeks. A 34-count indictment unveiled earlier this month implicates them in 68 overdose deaths as part of a moneymaking conspiracy.

What is Medicaid? Is largely a health insurance program for low-income and disabled people Covers health services for more than 300,000 Kansans Who does it cover? More than half of the people covered are children Children, pregnant women, low income families, Adults with dependent children don't qualify unless they earn less than 30% of the Federal Poverty Level, about $5,600 a year for a family of three What does it cost? Costs $2.8 billion for next year (2 nd largest expense in state budget)