CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.
Biden-Harris administration helps expand access to rural health care through investing in America Agenda
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is expanding access to health care for more than 5 million people living in 39 states and Puerto Rico as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
USDA is awarding $129 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants to improve health care facilities in rural towns across the nation. These grants will help 172 rural health care organizations expand critical services.
Today’s investments will help regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and Tribes solve regional rural health care challenges. These solutions will build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system for the nation’s small towns and communities.
The investments will help people in the West benefit from state-of-the art medical equipment that will enhance their access to quality health care.
In California, Tule River Indian Health Center Inc. is purchasing a generator, freezers and refrigerators that will protect medical equipment during emergencies to continue providing health care services for people living on the Tule River Reservation.
The investments will improve health outcomes for people in rural communities by improving access to healthy foods in the Northeast.
This funding is made possible by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.
Background: Emergency rural health care grants
Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 to deliver immediate economic relief to people impacted by the pandemic. Within months after the Act’s passage, USDA responded quickly by making this funding available to ensure the long-term availability of rural health care services.
In August 2021, USDA made the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the American Rescue Plan Act to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to health care services and nutrition assistance.
The assistance is helping provide immediate relief to support rural hospitals, health care clinics and local communities. USDA is administering the funds through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.
To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
—Submitted
SAN FRANCISCO
BBB Scam Alert: Student loan pause is ending. Here’s how to avoid scams
After more than three years of relief, the payment pause on student loans is coming to an end. The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that student loan interest will resume Sept. 1, 2023, and payments will be due starting in October 2023.
This student loan news affects millions of Americans, which creates an excellent opportunity for scammers. In fact, BBB has already received multiple reports of scams related to student loan repayment citing “new 2023 guidelines.” Get to know the signs of a scam and always be sure to do your research before sharing any personal information.
How the scam works
You receive an email, letter, or phone call from someone claiming you are eligible for “student loan consolidation,” “payment reduction program,” or a similar service. This new benefit is allegedly part of “the new 2023 guidelines,” and the scammer may even claim to represent the Federal Student Aid (FSA) department.
If you respond, the scammer will ask you for personal information to “confirm your identity” or to “check your eligibility.” This information might include your Social Security number, name and address, and even your FSA.gov login information.
After “verifying your identity” the scammer will offer you an enticing plan to reduce your loan repayment. If you agree, you may end up making payments a third-party in vain for months or even years. None of your payments will go towards your student loan. And even if you don’t make a payment, sharing personal information puts you at risk for identity theft.
Tips to avoid student loan forgiveness scams
- Get to know the terms of your student loan and the relief program before acting. Always do your research before sharing personal information. Be sure to understand the ins and outs of your specific loan and how student loan terms impact you. For information, go straight to official government websites, such as ED.gov and studentaid.gov.
- Never pay money for a free government program. Scammers often trick victims into paying for free government programs – or they claim you can get additional benefits, faster benefits, etc., for a fee. A real government agency will not ask for an advanced processing fee.
- Be wary of out-of-the-blue calls, emails, or text messages claiming to be from the government. Generally, the government will not contact you using these methods unless you grant permission.
- Watch out for phony government agencies or programs. If you speak to someone claiming to be a government representative offering you student loan relief, research before you agree to anything. Scammers often make up look-alike government websites that sound similar to legitimate agencies or programs.
- Be careful, even if the information comes from a friend. Even if a close friend or family member you trust sent you the information regarding student loan relief, make sure the claims are real first. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BBB received many reports of hacked social media accounts being used to spread government impostor scams.
For more information
Read more on BBB.org about scams targeting recent college graduates and government impostors.
—Submitted
