President issues executive orders after COVID-19 talks fail
After negotiations in Congress fell apart over the next COVID-19 relief package, the president signed a series of executive orders, which he said were necessary to keep families financially secure as Congress debates next steps.
“We’ve had it,” he said at a press conference. “We’re going to save American jobs and provide relief to the American worker.”
- Order #1 provides an extra $400 per week to unemployment payments.
- Order #2 suspends payment requirements on some student loans until the end of the year.
- Order #3 directs the Departments of the Treasury and Housing and Urban Development to identify potential funding sources for financial assistance for renters and homeowners.
- Order #4 directs businesses to defer payroll taxes for anyone making less than $100,000 starting September 1 through the end of the year.
The move drew complaints from Democrats and some Republicans.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called the orders “illusions that don’t accomplish what he sets out to do,” while Republican Senator Ben Sasse called them “constitutional slop.”
It is unclear when the orders will take effect, since they must go through a review process before they can be implemented. Critics of the move also claim all the orders may not be legal, since Congress controls spending and the power to tax, not the president.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® supports increased access to screenings and treatments. We strive to share information that can impact the availability of services, allowing you and your doctor to make decisions that work best for you. Though it is unclear when these orders may take effect, we hope awareness of them can provide some insight into how to plan for your care.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as they become available.
Study shows vaping increases COVID-19 risk for teens and young adults
A study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine on vaping behavior in teens and young adults shows those who vape are at a much higher risk of infection from COVID-19. Tracking behaviors through online surveys during the pandemic, researchers found that teens and young adults who vape are five to seven times more likely to catch the coronavirus than those who do not.
“Young people may believe their age protects them from contracting the virus or that they will not experience symptoms of COVID-19, but the data show this isn’t true among those who vape,” said the study’s lead author, Shivani Mathur Gaiha, Ph.D.
“This study tells us pretty clearly that youth who are using vapes or are dual-using [e-cigarettes and cigarettes] are at elevated risk, and it’s not just a small increase in risk; it’s a big one.”
Researchers from the study say more action from the federal government could help significantly reduce the availability and impact of vaping on the younger population.
One of the study’s main authors, Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, said, “Now is the time. We need the FDA to hurry up and regulate these products. And we need to tell everyone: If you are a vaper, you are putting yourself at risk for COVID-19 and other lung disease.”
Please join us in asking Congress to stop the youth vaping epidemic. Together, we can Stop Cancer Before It Starts!®
CMS proposes extension of telehealth service
As part of the upcoming physician fee schedule rule (the rule that determines what doctors will get paid for certain services) for 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed making permanent some of the coverage for telehealth services offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal would give more flexibility to physicians by continuing payments for telehealth services.
Since many patients report that they continue to have concerns over exposure to the coronavirus, this proposed rule could offer safer alternatives for medical care, especially for those who are high risk. The list of services CMS will cover has not been fully defined, and there will likely be additions after CMS evaluates public comments on the rule.
Keeping up with routine cancer screenings is critical, especially for those who may have a higher risk of cancer. While safety is important and appropriate measures should be taken to lower the risk of exposure to the coronavirus, cancer screenings save lives. Telehealth services can help you and your doctor determine the best course of action.
If you’ve postponed or canceled a medical appointment or cancer screening, get them Back on the Books, and visit our campaign page to learn more!
