The barriers to life-saving care are often overwhelming, aggressive deterrents. Healthcare is expensive, it takes a long time to access what should be immediate care, it’s a complex system to navigate, receiving care can be too out of the way or too long of a drive, and it’s scary to think about a potential life-threatening diagnosis. I hear it all, and I empathize with those who must endure this.

As Mother’s Day approaches, I think about all the moms I’ve seen who, despite their schedules, financial difficulties and anxieties, have made an appointment to get screened for breast cancer, and it has saved their lives. I wish it were the case every time, but often, mothers and caregivers put everyone and everything before themselves. As a mother, I can certainly relate. Their mammograms get put on the back burner and the consequences are devastating.

In our state, particularly in rural areas, incurable breast cancer rates are extremely high. Increasingly, rural Missouri women under age 50 who are supposed to be in the prime of their lives, often mothers with young children, are dying from breast cancer. We know that White women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but Black women are 40% more likely to die. In Kansas, the percentage is 40%, commensurate to national statistics, but in Missouri, it’s 46%. I know that’s not comforting, but unfortunately, it’s the stark reality. Here’s a more encouraging truth: breast cancer has an almost 100% cure rate when caught early.

Understanding why it’s important to get checked for breast cancer is only half the battle. Taking the first step is just as critical. At Liberty Hospital, we have effective resources to help patients in need. We have financial assistance through our Patient Assistance Program. We also have bonafide funds for breast cancer care and access through the Liberty Hospital Foundation, which has been an incredible resource for patients. We also have Patient Advocates and Nurse Navigators that can assist patients in understanding how to access these funds and the processes that they entail.

And because hard things are easier to do when there are additional supplemental options to help those in need, I love to refer patients to Gateway to Hope, a Missouri-based nonprofit and a free resource. They are experienced in guiding Missouri women through all the unknowns of breast health care. When you call or reach them at www.gthmo.org, you’re quickly paired with a navigator who lives in your community. The help they offer is limitless, from transportation and financial support, to patiently answering your questions, alleviating fears, and more. They understand the pressures of motherhood and caregiving, and they are happy to help. Although our health systems do the absolute best they can to help patients in need, relationships with organizations like Gateway to Hope are crucial as it takes a village in the fight against breast cancer.

My wish for mothers and caregivers this Mother’s Day is that we all take care of our health. Make that appointment and know that you don’t have to do it alone. There is a network of resources here for you every step of the way. More importantly, there is a network of people who care and are here for you. We have seen so many breast cancer conquerors which is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. We as a breast cancer community are here to provide hope and healing. Please make yourself a priority.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Amy K. Patel, M.D.

Dr. Amy Patel is a board certified, Breast Imaging Fellowship trained Radiologist and Medical Director of the Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital.

The post Opinion: Mother’s Day is a reminder for women to take care of our health appeared first on The Missouri Times.

The Biden administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan aimed to forgive up to $475 billion in student loans, a move critics argue lacked clear congressional authorization. Attorney General Bailey, recognizing the constitutional implications, led a coalition of seven Republican-led states in a lawsuit against this plan. The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Missouri, ruling that the Education Department had overstepped its authority, thereby blocking the SAVE plan in its entirety. ​

This legal victory underscores Missouri’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that executive actions do not bypass legislative processes. As Attorney General Bailey aptly stated, “Though [President] Biden is out of office, this precedent is imperative to ensuring a president cannot force working Americans to foot the bill for someone else’s Ivy League debt.”

Governor Mike Kehoe’s administration complements these efforts by promoting policies that prioritize fiscal responsibility and personal accountability. Rather than endorsing sweeping debt cancellations, Missouri focuses on expanding workforce development programs, supporting trade schools, and strengthening community colleges. These initiatives provide affordable pathways to employment without imposing undue burdens on taxpayers.​

The state’s proactive approach serves as a model for others grappling with the complexities of student debt. By challenging unconstitutional federal mandates and promoting practical solutions, Missouri reaffirms its dedication to conservative values and the principles of limited government.​

As the national debate on student loan forgiveness continues, Missouri’s leadership exemplifies how states can assert their rights and protect their citizens from federal overreach. Through steadfast commitment to the Constitution and prudent policymaking, Missouri ensures that the ideals of personal responsibility and fiscal integrity remain at the heart of American governance.

Sarah Graff

Sarah Graff serves on Moberly’s city council and is a candidate for state senate to replace a term-limited Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin in Northeast Missouri.

The post Opinion: Missouri leads the charge against Biden’s unconstitutional student loan forgiveness appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Right now, Congress is considering changes that could limit access to or reduce funding for these programs. That would hit southeast Missouri hard. In Missouri’s 8th District, 13.4% of residents rely on SNAP, and 22% are enrolled in Medicaid. These aren’t just statistics — they’re our neighbors. Many of them are working in low-wage jobs while trying to support their families, while others are veterans or seniors.

SNAP is a smart investment. For every meal the charitable food network provides, SNAP delivers nine. It’s efficient, targeted, and boosts our local economy; every $1 used of SNAP generates about $1.50 in economic activity, supporting small-town grocery stores, farmers, and local jobs.

Medicaid works the same way. Nearly two-thirds of enrollees are already working —many in the essential roles that keep our communities running. For kids, seniors, and those with disabilities, Medicaid is often the only access to healthcare they have. Without it, we’d see increased strain on emergency rooms and rural hospitals, not to mention greater long-term costs for taxpayers.

We want to recognize Congressman Jason Smith for the care he’s always shown for our most vulnerable. He’s stood with working families before, and we believe he understands how important these programs are to the 8th District. I’m asking him — and all of us — to stay the course. Of course, we support efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse; but these programs are a hand-up, not a hand-out.

Let’s protect SNAP. Let’s preserve Medicaid. Let’s help Southeast Missouri not just survive — but thrive.

Joey Keys

Joey Keys is the President and CEO of Southeast Missouri Food Bank

The post Opinion: SNAP & Medicaid are vital to our SEMO community appeared first on The Missouri Times.

If you’re a homeowner, chances are your premiums have skyrocketed—or worse, your insurer has pulled out of your state entirely. From the West Coast to the Midwest, Americans are facing an insurance crisis marked by disappearing coverage options and jaw-dropping rate hikes. In states like California and Florida, entire markets are collapsing under the strain of mounting natural disasters and inflation-driven rebuilding costs.

You don’t have to look far to see the damage: 72,000 property owners in California recently lost coverage after State Farm decided not to renew their policies, citing wildfire risks. Meanwhile, Florida residents have seen property insurance costs surge by 57% since 2015, with no relief in sight.

This growing crisis should have sparked a full-court press from insurance regulators. Instead, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)—the organization responsible for overseeing the industry—has turned its attention inward, embarking on a $6 million renovation of its Kansas City headquarters. While families across the country worry about losing their homes to floods, fires, and tornados, NAIC officials are choosing new office furniture with a $2.5 million price tag.

A new report from the Buckeye Institute shows that the lack of transparency and oversight at nongovernment organizations (NGOs) allows entities like the NAIC to benefit while consumers in states across the country pay the price. The American Consumer Institute also wrote a report on the NAIC’s opacity, while the Competitive Enterprise Institute highlighted the concerning political agenda the NAIC is pursuing with regard to its endorsement of European-style regulations.

The consequences of this neglect are far-reaching. States in Tornado Alley—Nebraska, Kansas, Texas—are seeing double-digit increases in premiums. Missouri, too, is feeling the strain. A PolicyGenius analysis found that home insurance premiums in Missouri jumped 21% between 2022 and 2023. That’s on top of a 2024 MarketWatch study showing Missouri’s average annual premium is now $3,609—over $1,300 more than the national average.

Insurers blame climate change, inflation, and higher construction costs. But while they’re exiting high-risk markets and shifting costs to consumers, the regulators charged with oversight are choosing silence—and new office space.

This isn’t just bad optics. It’s a failure of public responsibility. When homeowners remodel after a storm, they do so with sacrifice—budgeting, borrowing, and rebuilding from the ground up. When the NAIC wants a new conference room, it just collects more fees from member organizations—many of which are simultaneously abandoning American families in their moment of need.

At a time when bold, innovative solutions are desperately needed, the NAIC’s luxury remodel sends a chilling message: the organization has the resources to act but lacks the will.

Thankfully, leaders like Representative Jason Smith, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, are stepping up to demand accountability. With Republicans now in control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, there’s a critical opportunity to bring oversight to NGOs like the NAIC—and to re-center consumer protection in national insurance policy.

The storm is already here. It’s time the insurance industry’s watchdog remembered who it’s supposed to protect—before more families are left in the rubble.

Caleb Arthur

Caleb Arthur is the Founder and CEO of Sun Solar.

The post Opinion: Remodeled Offices, Broken Promises: How Insurance Regulators Are Failing Homeowners appeared first on The Missouri Times.

One key area for legislators to focus on is regulating crypto kiosks, which allow users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using cash. These conveniently located machines, often found in places like convenience stores and supermarkets, offer easy access to digital currencies. However, they have also become a tool for scammers to defraud unsuspecting individuals. As the groundwork for regulating these groundbreaking global assets is laid, addressing this specific vulnerability is crucial.

I commend State Rep. David Casteel (R-97) and State Sen. Curtis Trent (R-20) for tackling these scams head-on with HB 1428 and SB 779. Their bills mandate that crypto kiosk operators display fees and highlight common scam examples before transactions can proceed. Furthermore, companies would be required to bolster their customer service and compliance teams and adhere to strict policies aimed at preventing scams and ensuring compliance with all financial crime laws.

These bills proposed by Rep. Casteel and Sen. Trent set consistent consumer protection standards for all crypto kiosk operators. By making it easier for consumers to spot and avoid scam attempts, these bills help prevent fraud. As more individuals venture into the crypto market, establishing a fundamental level of regulation is essential to safeguard consumers. I urge our elected officials to back HB 1428 and SB 779, ensuring Missourians’ protection while maintaining their access to cryptocurrencies.

Vinnie Clubb

Vinnie Clubb is a REALTOR and active member of the Wayne County community.

The post Opinion: Missouri bills safeguard cryptocurrency’s role in the state’s future appeared first on The Missouri Times.

How is it doing?

Some recent analyses are cause for concern. The system has come under scrutiny due to its subpar safety and quality ratings. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), MU Health Care holds a 2-star rating out of a possible five, indicating below-average performance in various critical areas.

One of the most concerning aspects of MU Health Care’s performance is patient safety. Reports suggest that patients at this facility are more susceptible to adverse events such as falls resulting in injuries, including broken hips, collapsed lungs, and dangerous blood clots. Additionally, the hospital has received poor ratings concerning its error prevention practices, notably in safe medication administration and adherence to hand-washing protocols.

In stark contrast, university-affiliated teaching hospitals in neighboring states have demonstrated superior performance. The University of Chicago Medical Center in Illinois, for instance, has achieved its 25th consecutive ‘A’ grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization that evaluates hospital safety.

Similarly, institutions such as Vanderbilt University Hospital in Tennessee and the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital have secured higher safety grades, reflecting a stronger commitment to patient safety and quality care.

Financially, MU Health Care’s operations raise further questions. According to the Sage Transparency tool, a tool that tracks hospital system’s finances, the system enjoys a 77 percent profit margin, significantly exceeding the national average of 10.5 percent. This disparity prompts concerns about whether financial priorities are overshadowing the imperative of patient care and safety.

Apparently, a 77% profit margin is not enough for MU Health Care’s executives. Now the public is learning MU Health Care executives are threatening to terminate their contract with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Missouri, leaving thousands of Missourians with limited access, unless Anthem agrees to a 3-year, 39% price increase. According to the Health Action Network, this would result in $132 million higher healthcare costs for Missouri families and taxpayers. Thankfully, Anthem is standing firm, but that’s no consolation for the tens of thousands of patients whose care could be disrupted due to MU’s demands.

If they’re not using the money they have or the money they’re trying to get from Anthem customers toward better patient care, what are they doing? A quick look at headlines tells us MU Health Care has been actively expanding its operations. In 2024, it announced plans to fully integrate with its long-time affiliate, Capital Region Medical Center. Additionally, the system embarked on a $232 million project aimed at centralizing its facilities, described as one of the most ambitious in its history. Earlier this year, the governing board approved $70 million worth of renovation projects.

While expansion and modernization are essential for any healthcare institution, they must be balanced with a steadfast commitment to patient safety and quality care. The current trajectory of MU Health Care suggests a misalignment of priorities, where infrastructural growth and financial gains may be taking precedence over the well-being of patients.

The discrepancies in quality between MU Health Care and its regional counterparts underscore the need for introspection and reform. Leaders at the hospital clearly would like to see the system grow and expand in prestige, but their issues with quality betray that they’re putting the cart before the horse and forgetting that their chief mission is to take care of patients. Patients deserve assurance that their healthcare providers adhere to the highest standards of safety and quality and the money they invest in those institutions through premiums, co-pays, or direct payments are going toward better patient care. Before they ask Missouri consumer and patients for more money, it is imperative for MU Health Care to address these deficiencies promptly, realign its focus towards patient-centered care, and implement robust safety protocols to restore public trust and ensure that it no longer lags behind its peers in delivering exceptional healthcare services.

Chris Arps

Chris Arps is a conservative talk radio show host.

The post Opinion: When MU Health Care values profits over patients, Missouri suffers appeared first on The Missouri Times.

The Biden administration’s sweeping plan to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers has always been a misguided attempt to shift personal obligations onto the backs of taxpayers. By bypassing Congress and using executive power to erase up to $20,000 per borrower, the administration sought to solve a complex issue with a blunt instrument, leaving those who never took out a loan or have already repaid their debts to pick up the tab. That is neither fair nor sustainable.

Missouri’s own quasi state government entity servicing federal student loans stands at the forefront of this legal battle, defending the rights of American taxpayers and the sanctity of the law. Missouri’s participation in this case isn’t merely a technicality; it’s a clear affirmation that there are legal grounds to challenge this reckless overreach. The Eastern Court of Appeals in Missouri has the opportunity to reaffirm Missouri’s legal standing and protect not just the taxpayers of our great state but also every American citizen who believes in limited government and fiscal prudence.

This case goes beyond partisan politics or political grudges; it is a matter of principle. It is about defending the idea that personal responsibility matters in our society. We do not believe in a government that swoops in to wipe away individual obligations on a whim. We believe in a nation where people are encouraged to make thoughtful decisions about their future, not one where they expect a bailout when the going gets tough.

Critics of our stance will say that student debt relief is a compassionate response to the financial struggles of our youth. But true compassion lies in creating opportunities for all Americans to earn their way to prosperity, not in saddling future generations with debt they didn’t incur. Free-market solutions, such as incentivizing apprenticeships, vocational training, and private sector partnerships, can help individuals gain valuable skills without taking on the massive financial burdens that come with traditional four-year colleges.

Moreover, the economic impact of broad-based debt cancellation could be catastrophic. The Biden administration’s plan would not eliminate the debt; it would merely transfer the cost to the taxpayers, potentially driving inflation even higher and stifling economic growth. The future of our economy depends on a responsible government that understands the limits of its power and respects the free-market principles that have made America prosperous.

As this case returns to the Eastern Court of Appeals in Missouri, we have faith that the court will once again stand firm in defense of constitutional principles. We trust that they will uphold Missouri’s legal standing and protect the rule of law against executive overreach. The implications of this decision will set a precedent not just for student debt but for the boundaries of executive power in this nation.

This is a victory not just for Missouri but for all Americans who believe in a limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the principles that make our nation strong. The fight against student debt cancellation isn’t a fight against students or education; it’s a fight for a better, more accountable future for all Americans. As we look to the court for a decision, let’s remember that the path to prosperity is paved not with handouts but with opportunity, responsibility, and the freedom to make our own way in the world.

Missouri has a chance to lead the nation by example, showing that we will stand up for what is right and preserve the principles of free markets and individual accountability. Let the message be clear: the rule of law will prevail, and fiscal responsibility will triumph over reckless spending.

Sen. Rusty Black

Sen. Rusty Black (R) represents MO Senate District 12.

The post Opinion: Missouri killed Biden’s plan to kill student debt. We’re about to do it again appeared first on The Missouri Times.

We are all more than familiar with and rightly concerned with farmland being owned by the Chinese. Now, there is an urgent debate on Chinese manufacturers dominating the supply of inputs for Missouri farmers.

For years, trial lawyers and activist judges have waged war against the tools our farmers need to grow food efficiently. Glyphosate, better known as Roundup, has been used safely for decades, backed by science, and trusted by farmers. President Trump’s EPA says the product is safe. But thanks to massive legal campaigns fueled by misleading claims, we are seeing a dangerous shift. The result? American companies are being crushed under the weight of endless litigation, while Chinese manufacturers avoid this lawfare and step in to fill the void.

This isn’t speculation – it is happening right now. China already dominates global production of key agricultural inputs, from fertilizers to crop protection chemicals. If we allow these coordinated unfounded legal attacks to continue, we are putting our American based supply chain and farmers at the mercy of the Chinese Communist Party. Do we really want to be dependent on our greatest geopolitical rival for the very products that sustain our nation?

It is time for “We The People” to stand up. We must push back against lawsuits that undermine American agriculture. We must demand that our leaders prioritize domestic production of essential farm inputs. And we must ensure that Americans, not the Chinese, control our food security.

If we fail, the consequences will be clear: higher costs for farmers, higher prices at the grocery store, and more power in the hands of a foreign adversary. We cannot allow that to happen. Our farmers deserve better. Our country deserves better.

The time to act is now. Will our leaders step up, or will they let China tighten its grip on our agricultural future?

Rep. John Simmons

Rep. John Simmons (R) represents MO House District 109.

The post Opinion: We The People must protect our farmers from China’s growing grip appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Here in the Show-Me State, we know that actions speak louder than words. That is why I’m optimistic that Congressman Smith will work to deliver on President Trump’s promise to cut taxes for America’s family caregivers who assist their older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and other loved ones so they can live independently in their own homes.  Already, Smith is leading the effort to evaluate tax proposals and build consensus around policies that will provide the most significant economic relief for Missourians and Americans across the country.

After years of record inflation and an out-of-control cost-of-living crisis, simply renewing the expiring 2017 tax cuts won’t do enough to put money back into the pockets of working Missourians and make America’s economy great again for the working class. The 119th Congress will need to not only renew but also expand the Trump tax cuts with the addition of new policies. And few of the proposals under consideration carry such broad support or stand to have such a widespread impact on Missouri’s working families, rural seniors, and taxpayers as the proposed tax relief for family caregivers.

Family caregivers across the country provide an estimated $600 billion in unpaid labor each year – a cost that would at least partially fall on taxpayer-funded programs if it weren’t for America’s 48 million family caregivers who help seniors live independently in their homes. In Missouri alone, more than 800,000 family caregivers hold up our broken long-term care system providing an estimated $11.6 billion in unpaid labor as they care for older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and other loved ones. Additionally, family caregivers typically spend over $7,200 a year out of their own pockets on care-related costs as they help loved ones with everything from medications and medical care to meals, bathing, transportation, and much more. These out-of-pocket costs in the face of skyrocketing prices of groceries, gas, and other everyday goods compound the need for tax relief.

Simply put, Missouri needs our family caregivers, and they need a tax credit. Thankfully, Congressman Smith is prepared to lead the fight to turn President Trump’s tax promise into law and deliver for the “Show-Me” state by showing our family caregivers some much-needed tax relief.

Vinnie Clubb

Vinnie Clubb is a REALTOR and active member of the Wayne County community.

The post Op-Ed: Keep Fighting for Missouri’s Working Class: Family Caregivers Need Tax Relief and Congressman Smith is Ready to Lead the Charge appeared first on The Missouri Times.

As an independent voter living in the Northland, I am very accustomed to being hounded with political ads from both sides come election season. Unfortunately, that means my phone, TV, and mailbox all get splattered with mudslinging. But this year, I am especially disappointed with the local politics in MO House District 17.

Shirley Mata’s hostility and apparent anger has overshadowed anything I’m seeing on the national level (which is really saying something). Name calling, spreading false rumors, including profanity in her advertising: these are things we wouldn’t let children get away with in a student government election! As a retired elementary school teacher, I held my young kindergarteners to a higher standard.

Of course, both sides have outside groups helping to smear the mud around, but I’ve only seen one candidate in this state house race churning out the negative muck with her own voice and keyboard.

If Shirley Mata cannot act professionally on the campaign trail, I can only imagine how she’d conduct herself as my representative. If elected, I think Shirley Mata would be sidelined in the state capitol on day one—and as a result, my community and I will suffer the loss of a respected bipartisan voice who can actually get results for our local needs.

I may not completely align with all the things either candidate stands for in this state house race, but I will certainly not be voting for a candidate who’s made it clear she’s a bully who refuses to play nice with others. I implore my neighbors in the Northland to hold our politicians to a higher standard so that this kind of behavior is not rewarded—whichever party it comes from.

Judith Cauldwell

Judith Cauldwell is a retired teacher who resides in the 17th Missouri House District.

The post Opinion: Shirley Mata’s unprofessionalism hurts the Northland appeared first on The Missouri Times.