Simckes takes rural hospital effort on the road
Although the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination is over, the down-ticket Missouri primaries continue on.
This week, candidate for state treasurer Andria Simckes is trumpeting an initiative to help funding for rural hospitals with stops in Kirksville, Hannibal and St. Joseph.
Simckes, whose husband is a well-known Creve Coeur gynecologist, is running against three other Democrats for the nominee, two who are from the St. Louis area: Arnold Mayor Mark Powell and Florissant State Rep. Clint Zweifel.
Former Kansas City mayor Charlie Wheeler is also in the primary race.
All four candidates figure to split the urban vote to some degree, potentially making outstate Missouri a key swing area.
UPDATE: The Simckes campaign called to say that while this week’s focus is on rural hospitals, her program would benefit other treatment centers, as well.
If McCain gets his way, they might as well close most of the hospitals. McCain wants to force everyone into individual policies, which reject people for pre-existing conditions, occupations and prescription use.
http://www.courant.com/topic/la-fi-healthinsurers8-2007jan08,0,2296217.story
Health insurers in California refuse to sell individual coverage to people simply because of their occupations or use of certain medicines, according to documents obtained by The Times.
Entire categories of workers — including roofers, pro athletes, dockworkers, migrant workers and firefighters — are turned down for insurance even if they are in good health and can afford coverage…
Dozens of widely prescribed medications — including Allegra, Celebrex and Prevacid — may lead to rejection…