ENATOR TONI BOUCHER, will talk about: Connecticut is one of nine states that had a smaller population in fiscal year 2017-18, marking a fifth consecutive year of decline, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Nutmeg State had 3,572,665 residents between July 1, 2017, and July 2018, representing a loss of 1,215 residents, or less than a half percent decline. Meantime, the U.S. population increased 0.6 percent due to natural increase of births over deaths and slightly higher international migration. Connecticut, where population peaked in 2013 at 3,594,915, was the only New England state that recorded a lower population last year. Other states with declining populations were New York (down 48,510), Illinois (45,116), West Virginia (11,216), Louisiana (10,840), Hawaii (3,712), Mississippi (3,133), Alaska (2,348) and Wyoming (1,197), federal officials said. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, lost 129,848 people, or 3.9 percent, for the year. Nevada and Idaho were the country's fastest-growing states last year with population increases of about 2.1 percent. Trailing were Utah (up 1.9 percent), Arizona (1.7 percent) and Florida and Washington (1.5 percent).

A proposed bill PB317 has been written by CT State Senator Eric Berthel which proposes to require insurance companies to cover bariatric surgery benefits. Despite coverage by Medicaid and Medicare in our state, the majority of private insurance plans do not offer bariatric surgery as a benefit. When the ACS was passed by Obama, the essential benefit in Connecticut was based on the current coverage by our biggest HMO: Connecticare. As a result Obamacare has NOT covered bariatric surgery. Most insurers do not and have not been forced to offer the benefit. Many of our patients have switched to Medicaid for coverage despite having good jobs. This has caused a burden to taxpayers. State employees also have bariatric surgery coverage. Darren Tishler spoke to Brad and Paul about it

DOCTOR PAUL STANISLAW JR, DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED FACIAL SURGEON, The dream of serving in the military is being dashed for many young people by two small problems: stretched earlobes. All branches of service prohibit anyone with the popular earlobe gauges or plug piercings to enlist. Facial surgeon Dr. Paul Stanislaw is on a mission to educate military hopefuls about the quick one-day procedure that can repair the large openings and restore the ear's appearance. He is offering a ten percent discount to all military and law enforcement for earlobe reconstruction procedures, not just on Veterans’ Day, but year-round to ensure anyone who wishes to serve will not be disqualified and he was on to talk with Brad and Paul about it!