Cost of care
Sen. Tim Kaine stopped by Charlottesville on June 21 for a roundtable with the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.
Kicking off the discussion, JABA CEO Marta Keane highlighted how Kaine’s work to reduce healthcare costs through the Inflation Reduction Act and work on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee have benefitted local seniors.
As part of the IRA, maximum insulin prices have been set at $35 and annual out-of-pocket prescription costs have been capped for Medicare recipients. Other legislation co-sponsored by Kaine—the Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays and Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging Acts—aims to expand patient protections from potentially predatory medical and pharmaceutical practices.
One issue of particular concern to JABA leaders not addressed by existing legislation is the marketing of Medicare Advantage Plans in Virginia. While they may be a potentially good option for seniors in other states, where coverage and plan availability vary, several roundtable attendees indicated the plans have major pitfalls.
“The most common thing I hear from Medicare Advantage beneficiaries is, ‘I liked my Medicare Advantage plan until I had to use it,’” said Randy Rogers, JABA insurance counseling team manager.
Kaine acknowledged the concerns but told the press it would be difficult to pass a bill regulating marketing of Medicare Advantage plans given first amendment protections for commercial speech.
The senator’s conversation with JABA comes amid his reelection campaign. Kaine is currently running for a third term in the Senate and will face off against newly nominated Republican primary winner Hung Cao this November.
Supply drive
Charlottesville City Schools just closed for the summer, but families looking for help with supplies for the 2024-2025 school year can begin requesting free school supplies.
By applying through school-specific forms on the CCS website, families in need of assistance can request free school supplies and backpacks for each of their children. Supplies will be available for pickup during open houses and meet-and-greets at students’ schools later this summer.
People interested in donating to the drive, either through the Amazon wishlists or check donation, can find more information on the same site.
Beyond the supply drive, students in Charlottesville and Albemarle can also visit the Back to School Bash on August 10 at Ting Pavilion. In addition to classroom materials, haircuts and hairstyling will be available at the event. For a fun time, students can also check out the Back Together Bash on August 11 at the Cherry Avenue Boys & Girls Club, which will feature basketball, roller-skating, food, giveaways, and more.
Redemptive justice
The FBI has identified a suspect in the 1996 Shenandoah Park murders of Julianne Williams and Laura “Lollie” Winans through DNA testing. In a June 20 announcement, FBI Special Agent Stanley Meador indicated new DNA tests gathered from evidence matched the profile of Walter “Leo” Jackson Sr. A convicted serial rapist, Jackson died in an Ohio prison in 2018 while serving time for other offenses.
Triple threat
Police have responded to multiple shots-fired calls in the last week alone. Around 5pm on June 17, police responded to two calls at Sixth Street SE and Monticello Avenue, as well as the 1400 block of Midland Street. Suspect Malik Luck is charged with three offenses and is in custody. Later that evening, CPD responded to calls at the 900/1000 block of South First Street where, after an investigation, 69 shell casings were recovered. The morning of June 20 at Carlton Avenue, an 18-year-old woman suffered gunshot wounds to her upper body and was rushed to UVA Medical Center, where she remains in serious condition. Five charges have been placed against 25-year-old Travis William Herndon, who turned himself in on June 23. All incidents remain under investigation.
Backed support
Following Gloria Witt’s victory in the Democratic primary for the 5th district congressional seat, she is kicking off her campaign with a visit to Louisa alongside 2025 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. Spanberger currently represents Virginia as a congresswoman in the 7th district and is the only candidate in the Democratic primary for governor. Gov. Glenn Youngkin cannot run for reelection due to a ban on consecutive gubernatorial terms in Virginia.