Doctors received payments to deliver COVID-19 shots

Liberty Counsel

Special to the Post-Telegraph ORLANDO, Fla. The Biden administration and health insurers incentivized doctors and health care providers with bonus payments and reimbursementsmuch of it taxpayer dollars - to vaccinate large percentages of their Medicaid patients with the COVID-19 shots. The federal government also used taxpayer dollars to reimburse providers for administering the shot to the uninsured at twice and, in some cases, nearly three times the usual dollar amount than it normally does for traditional vaccines.

Documents reveal that the federal health insurance program Medicare, California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and the health insurance provider Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky incentivized health care providers with direct financial gain to promote and administer the COVID-19 shot, particularly to Medicaid beneficiaries in lower income and minority communities. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps people with limited income to cover medical costs.

According to California’s DHCS, $350 million in incentive payments was devoted to injecting the state’s 14 million Medicaid beneficiaries with the COVID shot from September 2021 to February 2022. Out of the $350 million, half came from federal taxpayer dollars and the other half came from California state taxpayers, the DHCS stated in a press release. Specifically, $200 million went to paying out financial rewards to health care providers who met certain performance marks raising the percentage of patients who had received the COVID-19 injection. To get paid under California’s incentive payment structure, which

Culture Wars

weighted young people 12 to 25, people ages 50 to 64 with chronic conditions, and minorities higher than other demographics, doctors needed to boost the vaccination rates of these specific groups by upwards of 75 percent to achieve the biggest payouts. The pay structure was unclear as to how much money doctors would actually receive.

As for Medicare, a program for people 65 years or older, the Biden administration is reimbursing health care providers significantly more to administer COVID-19 injections than it does for established vaccines. Notably, the government spent $2 billion when it bought 600 million COVID shots - enough to inject most of the U.S. population. Then it also funded the “American Rescue Plan Act” (ARPA) making the shot free for all Americans regardless of their health insurance status. Under the ARPA and the provider relief fund established by Congress, more emphasis and money has been put on the COVID shot than any other shot despite all the dangers.

For instance, before March 15, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursed providers $28.93 for a single-dose vaccine, and $16.94 for the first dose in a series of two. On March 15, 2021, those rates increased specifically for the COVID-19 shots to $40 per dose, and for “in-home” administered doses the rate went as high as $75.50 on August 12, 2021, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration website.

In Kentucky, health insurance provider Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid used the same strategy to reach low-income and minori- ty communities. According to the provider’s bulletin, Anthem told doctors they would “recognize your hard work by offering incentives for helping patients make the choice to become vaccinated.” The payments were incremental and included an initial and final payment based on injection dates. For patients injected before Sept. 1, 2021, payments for doctors ranged from a $20 bonus per vaccinated person who injected 30% of their patients, to $125 per vaccinated person for those who vaccinated 75% of their patients. A final incentive payment was paid to doctors for newly injecting people after Sept. 1, 2021, at $100 per person who injected 30% of their patients, to $250 per vaccinated person for those who vaccinated 75% of their patients. Since then, Anthem has changed the rate to a flat $50 per newly injected patient.

Anthem’s incentive program also included guidance to health care providers in how to “soft start” conversations to convince hesitant patients to take the shot. The guidance cautioned doctors not to question a hesitant patient’s information sources, and implied those sources were not of “high quality” and that sources critical of the COVID-19 shot were “misinformation.” Rather, the guidance told doctors to downplay side effects, to advise patients the shot “prevents infection” and that it “is proven safe for all.”

Dr. Peter McCullough, an internist, epidemiologist, and one of the most published cardiologists in America, with over 1,000 publications and 660 citations in the National Library of Medicine has publicly stated the COVID-19 mRNA injection is toxic, dangerous, and the cause of sudden cardiac death

See COVID payments, Page 4

Commission Mercer County Commission

Report taken from minutes of meetings of the Mercer County Commission.

All votes are unanimous unless otherwise noted. Monday, April 17

• Corrected minutes of the April 3 meeting were approved.

• Minutes of the April 10 meeting were approved.

• Bills were approved and paid.

• Time sheets and the April 15 payroll were approved.

• The county received Schedule 13s from Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation and Evergy Missouri West Inc., of 2,023 miles of line.

• Commissioners voted to approve an ordinance imposing a sales tax of 3% (Ordinance 2023-4-17). Article XIV, Section 2.6. (5) of the Missouri Constitution authorizes the governing body of a county to impose a county sales tax on all tangible personal property retail sales of adult use marijuana sold in such political subdivision. Mercer County voters adopted a 3% sales tax at the election held April 4, 374144, and Mercer County Clerk/Election Authority Judy Hamilton certified the ballot question on April 10. Commissioners signed the ordinance, and Hamilton attested to the signatures.

• Commissioners voted to move $1 of county funds from a money market account to a seven-month certificate of deposit. Commissioner Cheston Easter will discuss it with Collector/ Treasurer Susan Moore and Tracy Kilen of First Interstate Bank.

• Commissioners and Hamilton signed a certified copy of order authorizing Moore to pay the following:

*$15 to Missouri Sheriffs United for concealed carry weapon permits issued (money taken from Sheriff’s Revolving Fund #35);

*$110.67 to Hamilton’s office for election expenses, and $38 to Grundy Electric Cooperative Inc. for utilities in Lindley Township (money taken from Lindley Township Fund #43); and *40.56 to General Revenue for half of the Xerox lease (money taken from Recorder’s Special Fund #06).

• Commissioners received certificates from the Missouri Sheriffs Association and Training Academy for Sheriff Jose Lopez and Deputy Riley Nelson for the 2023 MSA Spring Training Conference.

Mercer school

From Page 1 with the district paying 100% of the costs. Persons choosing the HSA plan will have $73 placed into their account each month.

• In his report, Hall said Title I data was handed out for board members to review. Title I teachers are working on final benchmarks for their classes.

He said the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is still releasing guidance about a literacy plan.

Hall said he’d like to hold a summer reading program for students in grades K-6. Students would receive invitations and would work with teachers on a one-on-one basis.

He also proposed changes to secondary handbooks for next year, about students attending the vo-tech school in Bethany or participating in work study.

• In his report, Owens said one of the district’s CDs will be coming due. He’ll get rates and present them during the May meeting.

He also went over the school board’s role and responsibilities, the chain of command the Sunshine Law and financial terminology.

Employment decisions

After a closed session, the board voted to re-employ Greg Frost as a teacher. He is a tenured teacher, but his contract wasn’t renewed last month because he was a candidate for the principal position that needed to be filled when Hall was hired to become the district’s superintendent after Owens’ retirement on June 30.

Non-certified staff employed for 2023-24 were Terry Bomgardner, Martha Clark, Kelly Cowan, Debra Goodman, Nellie Henley, Kerri Jincks, Joni Johnson, Richard Jones, Tara Jones, Erin Nall, Jeff Powers, Midayli Purvis, Jamie Robinson, Jennifer Wilson, Kay Wyatt, Doug Eldridge, Doyal Wyatt and Martin Mason.

A supplemental pay schedule and extracurricular contracts will be presented to the board during its May meeting.

Editor’s Note: Information for this report was taken from unapproved meeting minutes provided by district bookkeeper Jennifer Lynn Wilson.

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Tigers’ Moreno signs with NCMC golf

PRESTON COLE/Princeton Post-Telegraph Princeton High School senior Riley Moreno (left), the only member of the Tiger girls’ golf team last fall, will be continuing her academic and athletic careers during the 2023-24 academic year at North Central Missouri College (NCMC) in Trenton. She signed her letter of intent to attend NCMC last Wednesday (April 19) during a ceremony held in the PHS activity room. The event included taking photos with family, classmates and friends, along with refreshments. Also shown is NCMC golf coach Nate Swann.

Some like it hot

New Mexico officially is the first state in the nation to have an official aroma, namely the “sweet smell of green chili peppers roasting in the fall.” The state is a major producer of chili peppers and, in the most recent growing season, produced a record 53,000 tons of the spicy treats. In fact, the Rio Grande River town of Hatch is known as the “Chili Capital of the World.”

Division I Circuit Court

Judge Anthony Horvath

Persons listed in this report are Missouri residents unless otherwise noted. Addresses shown are those of the defendants on the day their cases were heard.

Putnam County Associate Circuit Judge Anthony Horvath presided over this session following the recent death of 3rd Circuit Presiding Judge Thomas Alley. Mercer County Associate Circuit Judge Matthew Krohn was appointed as presiding judge by the Missouri Supreme Court, but under state law he cannot preside over Mercer County Division I cases in most circumstances.

Wednesday, April 19

• Brayden M. Wiggins, Trenton, vs. Riverside Country Club, Trenton: The case was called and passed to June 14 at 9 a.m. for trial setting.

• State vs. Charlie Benfield, Mercer: Benfield appeared for a probation violation hearing involving his 2007 conviction on a Class C felony charge of felonious restraint. At the state’s request, cause continued to May 16 at 1 p.m. due to an attorney conflect. He was remanded to custody.

• State vs. Jeffrey Ray Demry, Centerville, Iowa: Demry appeared on charges of Class E felony charges of driving while intoxicated (persistent offender) and unlawful use of a weapon (exhibiting), and Class A misdemeanor fourth-degree assault. The case was set for May 10 at 9 a.m. for arraignment.

• State vs. Jimmy L. Taylor, Exeter: Taylor appeared for a probation violation hearing for his 2020 conviction for Class D felony first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. Cause continued to May 10 at 9 a.m. due to an attorney conflict. He was remanded to custody.

• State vs. Larry Eugene Kuster, Osceola, Iowa: Kuster did not appear for a hearing on Class E felony charges of driving while intoxicated (persistent offender) and driving while revoked or suspended, Class D misdemeanor owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (motor vehicle required to be registered), and an infraction charge of failure to display plates on motor vehicle or trailer. His public defender was presented, and she requested a continuance. Cause continued to June 14 at 9 a.m. for plea or trial setting. Kuster’s bond was continued.

• State vs. Ray Frank Lewis, Princeton: Lew- is appeared with his attorney for a criminal motion hearing involving his 2022 convictions on two counts of Class A misdemeanor driving while revoked or suspended (second or third offense), misdemeanor owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (motor vehicle required to be registered; second or third offense), and Class B misdemeanor failure to register motor vehicle. At his request, cause continued to May 10 at 9 a.m. for a probation violation hearing. Lewis was remanded to custody.

Land Transfers

Friday, April 14

• Bob Martin to Larry Berndt.

• Keeling Land & Cattle LLC to Rakestraw LLC.

• Catherine A. Howie to Kyle Power.

Monday, April 17

• Daniel L. McLain to Seth Hudalla.

• FBN Finance, LLC to US Bank National Association.

• MRM Land Group, LLC to Shandy Holdings, LLC et al.

Tuesday, April 18

• Amos DeWayne Schwartz et al to Jonathan Miller.

Wednesday, April 19

• Raymond Dale Donelson to Bruce E. Bates, trustee, et al.

• Bruce E. Bates, trustee, to Raymone Dale Donelson. (2 transactions)

Thursday, April 20

• Steven Ray Weets to Tacey Laurie.

• Helen Robinson to Paula Delp et al.

Senior Menus

All menus subject to change.

Mercer County

SENIOR CENTER

Serving from 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Meals can be picked up at the west door (facing Broadway Street) from 11:30-12:15. Meals served with 2% milk, coffee or tea. All bread, rolls, buns and crackers are whole grain; at least half grains are whole grains. For meal deliveries, call 660-748-3636 by 10 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to eat at the Senior Center.

Meals for anyone age 60 and older are a suggested contribution of $5. Meals for anyone under age 60 cost $7.

Monday, May 1: cheeseburger/bun, potato wedges, lima beans, mandarin oranges.

Tuesday, May 2: scalloped potatoes and ham, green beans, cornbread biscuit, pudding, peaches.

Wednesday, May 3: breakfast scramble (eggs, peppers, onions, mushrooms), bacon, tomato juice, strawberries and bananas, oatmeal scotchies.

Thursday, May 4: chicken pot pie, mixed vegetables, roasted cauliflower, biscuit, pears.

Friday, May 5: beef roast, potatoes, carrots, biscuit, red velvet cake, assorted fruit.

POST-TELEGRAPH RETAIL OUTLETS PRINCETON

Casey’s General Store

EverCare Pharmacy

Hy-Vee Clinic Pharmacy

Snappy’s Store

Post-Telegraph Office MERCER Hour Place

Mercer Hometown Market

SOUTH LINEVILLE

Randy’s Short Stop SINGLE COPY PRICE 75¢

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The Princeton High School FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter recently chose its officer team for the 2023-24 academic year. From left: FRONT - Grace Kelly, treasurer; Emma Walkup, secretary; Hannah Meighen, vice president); and Addy Henke, president; BACK - TJ Stark, reporter; Ellie Guilkey, activity chair; Gracie Mitchell, media chair; Audrey Kelly, photographer/historian; and Kelsey Goodin, activity chair.

Division Ii Circuit Court

Judge Matthew Krohn

NOTES: Persons listed in this report are Missouri residents unless otherwise noted. Addresses shown are those of the defendants on the day their cases were heard.

Tuesday, April 17

• State vs. Nicole Deanne Bryan, Las Vegas, Nev.: Bryan did not appear on a Class C misdemeanor charge of exceeded posted speed limit by 11-15 mph. At the state’s request, cause continued to May 2 at 9 a.m. for arraignment and disposition.

• State vs. Parker A. Coon, Princeton: Coon appeared with his attorney on charges of Class B misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, Class C misdemeanor failure to drive on right half of roadway when roadway was of sufficient width, and Class D misdemeanor purchase or attempt to purchase or possession of liquor by a minor. At his request, cause continued to May 16 at 9 a.m. for plea setting, the setting of a preliminary hearing, or disposition.

• State vs. Lorrie Dolan, Harris: Dolan appeared on two Class A misdemeanor counts of passing bad checks. She was advised of her right to counsel, which she waived. She also waived arraignment and entered a plea of guilty. The Court did not accept the prosecuting attorney’s recommendation for punishment. Dolan was sentenced to six months in jail; execution of sentence was suspended, and she was placed on probation for two years. She was also ordered to pay restitution, court costs, a payment to the county law enforcement restitution fund and a crime victims compensation judgment totaling $745.49. A file review was scheduled for July 18 at 9 a.m. to check payment.

• State vs. Donnie E. Gannon, Princeton: Gannon did not appear for a probation violation hearing on his 2022 convictions for Class A misdemeanor driving while intoxicated (prior offender) and Class D misdemeanor driving while revoked or suspended (first offense). His attorney was in court, however, and asked for a continuance. Cause continued to May 16 at 9 a.m. It was noted that Gannon is still in treatment.

• State vs. Alexis Graham, Mercer: Graham did not appear for a probation violation hearing on her 2022 conviction of Class B misdemeanor operated motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent driving. Her attorney was present and requested a continuance. Cause continued to May 16 at 1:30 p.m. The Court said Graham needs to be present in person on May 16. Failure to appear is likely to result in a warrant being issued for her arrest.

• State vs. Carter Wade Graham, Mercer: Graham appeared with his attorney on a Class E felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon (exhibiting), and Class B misdemeanor charges of operated a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, and peace disturbance (first offense). At his request, cause continued to May 16 at 9 a.m. for a plea setting or the setting of a preliminary hearing. Graham was to report to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting before leaving the courthouse.

• State vs. Larry D. Howie, Princeton: Howie appeared in custody for a probation violation hearing on his 2021 conviction of Class B misdemeanor peace disturbance (first offense). At his request, cause continued to May 2 at 9 a.m.

Howie also made his first appearance on a 2023 charge of Class A misdemeanor peace disturbance (second or subsequent offenses). He entered a plea of not guilty, and was referred to the public defenders office for representation. He requested his bond be reduced to $100, but the request was denied. A bond hearing was scheduled for April 25 at 9 a.m.

• State vs. Robert M. Howie, Cameron: Howie appeared on a Class B misdemeanor charge of peace disturbance (first offense). He was advised of his right to counsel, and waived that right. He was arraigned and entered a plea of guilty. He was sentenced to serve 20 days in jail. Execution of sentence was suspended, and he was placed on probation for two years.

Howie was ordered to serve three days of shock time in jail and pay the costs of incarceration, and credit was given for time served. He was ordered to pay

$107.50 in court costs, plus $200 to the county law enforcement restitution fund and a $10 crime victims compensation judgment. He requested that his $250 bond be applied to his costs and restitution. A file review was scheduled for May 16 at 10 a.m. to check payment. However, that hearing was canceled on April 21 after the bond was applied and Howie paid the rest of the judgment against him.

• State vs. Sandra Elaine Hull; Princeton: Hull appeared on a Class D misdemeanor charge of stealing (value less than $150 and no prior stealing offense). She waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. The case was set for May 2 at 9 a.m. to check counsel status. Hull has applied for public defender services, and the request is pending. She was to report to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting before leaving the courthouse.

• State vs. Ray Frank Lewis, Princeton: Lewis appeared in custody, accompanied by his attorney, for a trial setting on two Class E felony

See Division II, Page 12