Aging News Alert
Michigan
Simple Steps Could Reduce Infections in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes historically have had fewer infection prevention resources than hospitals, which contributes to these high rates. Patients with devices that stay in their bodies, such as urinary catheters and feeding tubes, present an attractive habitat for "superbugs," setting the stage for device-related infections.
When It Comes to Sepis, Being Fat is a Good Thing
In a study of 1,404 Medicare beneficiaries, heavier patients were more likely to survive sepsis, a life-threatenng infection that can lead to a stay in a hospital's ICU. These findings raise interesting questions about how obesity impacts the body’s response to infection.
Partnership to Assist Michigan Seniors
A new interagency partnership at the state level in Michigan will help seniors maintain independent lifestyles at home and ensure they have timely access to health care services.
U-M Health System Launches Musculoskeletal Center
In response to this growing demand for bone, muscle, joint and spine care, the University of Michigan Health System is announcing an innovative approach to care through its new Comprehensive MusculoskeletalCenter.
Patients’ End-of-Life Wishes Now Part of EMR
This unique, ground-breaking development partnership will enable all UMass Memorial providers to access, understand and implement patients’ wishes, reducing the cost of care at end of life while improving care quality and satisfaction of patients and their families.
Hospice of Michigan Expands, Partners with Ohio Provider
Michigan’s first -- and largest -- nonprofit hospice provider has signed an agreement with Ohio-based Western Reserve At Home Support to deliver its advanced illness management program. HOM’s At Home Support provides comfort care to patients with serious illnesses through an interdisciplinary team who handle the medical, social and spiritual needs of patients and caregivers.
Study Suggests Many Older Americans Not So Blue After All
Between 1998 and 2008, rates of severe depression fell among the majority of older adults, especially the elderly, who have historically been a higher risk group for depression, the findings show. Meanwhile, late middle-agers between ages 55-59 appeared to experience increased depression over the same 10-year period.
Michigan AAA Wins Modest Grant to Combat Elder Exploitation
The funding will support the production, distribution and dissemination of a Don't Be A Victim tool kit.
Breakthrough Research Paves Way for Better Arthritis Treatment
The new research identifies how a specific group of genes works behind the scenes to activate bone-destroying cells that cause severe rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating health issue for millions of Americans, the overwhelming majority of whom are older adults.
Firm Wins Three MarCom Awards for Marketing/PR Excellence
This firm was chosen from more than 6,000 entries from around the world.
Cooking Classes Help Male Caregivers Achieve Kitchen Comfort
Getting comfortable in the kitchen can sometimes be a challenge for older male caregivers. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is hoping to change that by offering male caregivers "Conquering the Kitchen" cooking classes.
Experimental Program Found to Reduce Hospital Stays, Readmissions
This latest research emerges in the face of new Medicare data released earlier this month showing hospital readmission rates are stubbornly stagnant, costing Medicare $17.5 billion in inpatient spending. Indeed, Medicare in October will begin penalizing hospitals with higher than expected readmission rates, a mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
Gift Shop Combines Fundraising and Volunteer Opportunities
Since its opening in February 2011, the gift shop has raised more than $21,000, with all proceeds going directly to the center.
MI's Isabella CCOA Combines Fitness, Fundraising for Meals on Wheels
The Isabella County Commission on Aging of Mount Pleasant, MI, has come up with a successful way to combine fundraising and fitness through its Meals on Wheels Rolling Fitness Event.
Older Diabetics Living Long Enough to Benefit from Interventions
Middle-aged and older adults with diabetes showed substantial survival rates in a new study of retirees. Survival rates were strong even for adults living in nursing homes or who have multiple health issues like dementia and disabilities that make self-managed care for diabetes difficult.
Detroit-Area Patient Recruiter Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud
A Detroit-area patient recruiter has pleaded guilty for his participation in a Medicare fraud scheme.
University's 'Memory Connection' Offers Help on Memory Loss, Dementia
"Memory Connection" is designed to be a one-stop resource to learn about and connect to U-M memory loss and dementia services. The goal is to help individuals and families affected by memory and/or thinking changes to learn about services in an easy, non-stressful way.
(MEDICARE FRAUD) Clinic Owner Sentenced to 6½-Year Prison Term
Joaquin Tasis, has been sentenced to 78 months in prison for his role in a $9.1 million Detroit-area Medicare fraud scheme.
(PARTNERSHIPS) Corporate Funder to Partner with AAAs on Holiday Meals Project
The program is expected to result in the delivery of holiday meals to more than 10,000 seniors in Detroit and its suburbs, Grand Rapids and Muskegon.
(BEST OF THE BEST) MI-based AAA Uses 'Senior Power Day' To Boost Advocacy Efforts
The Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA), serving Michigan's Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee counties, has come up with a unique way to promote its advocacy efforts while also providing a fun day for area seniors.
(PROGRAMS) Michigan Transition Program Helping Seniors Gain Independence
The state of Michigan is partnering with area agencies on aging statewide to assist eligible nursing home residents transition to more independent living situations.
(MEDICARE FRAUD) Clinic Owner Gets 10-Year Prison Term for $9.1 Million Scam
U.S. District Judge Arthur Tarnow of the Eastern District of Michigan sentenced Martin Tasis to the 10-year prison term. Additionally, after he is released, Tasis will have to serve three years of supervised probation and pay $6 million in restitution, jointly and severally with his co-conspirators.
(COGNITIVE HEALTH) Patients Surviving Sepsis Infections Found Three Times More Likely to Develop Cognitive Problems
Patients who survive sepsis infections face a long battle with cognitive and physical decline, according to new research from University of Michigan physicians, soon to be published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
(BITS & PIECES) Aging-Related News Briefs From Around The Nation
Presented here is aging-related news briefs from around the nation -- this week featuring Arizona, California, Kansas, Michigan, and New Jersey.
(GRANTS) Foundation Supports Seniors Programs in MD, MI
The Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation is committed to providing for the dignified treatment of older adults, including healthcare services. The foundation provides general operating and program support. Organizations in Maryland and Michigan that provide direct healthcare services are eligible to apply for funding on a rolling basis.
(SENATE) Measure Would Enhance Law Enforcement's Ability to Combat Elder Abuse
Four prominent senators on Thursday (Oct. 22) introduced legislation aimed at strengthening the law enforcement community's ability to combat elder abuse. The Senate measure would be a companion bill to the proposed Elder Abuse Victims Act (HR 448), which was introduced by Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) and overwhelmingly passed by the House earlier this year by a vote of 397-25.
(SENATE) Legislation Aims to Strengthen Oversight of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
A group of Democratic senators is pushing legislation aimed at improving governance and oversight of the government's Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). In introducing the bill, Sens. Herb Kohl (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Russ Feingold (D-WI) contend the measure addresses recent questions concerning the PBGC's capability to fulfill its mission to insure the pensions of nearly 44 million Americans.
(HOUSE) Energy & Commerce Committee Approves CLASS Act
In a move being loudly applauded by advocates for the elderly, Reps. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Joe Barton (R-TX), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Dingell (D-MI) led efforts Monday (July 20) by the House Energy & Commerce Committee to include the Community Living Assistance & Supportive Services (CLASS) Act in HR 3200, the Affordable Health Choices Act.
(DUAL ELIGIBLES) States to Pursue Integrated Care Approaches for 'Dual Eligibles'
The Hamilton, NJ-based Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is launching Transforming Care for Dual Eligibles, a state initiative to test innovative care models for people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (aka: "dual eligibles"). Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Vermont will implement strategies to improve care and control costs for dual eligibles, a high-need population with health care costs nearly five times those of other Medicare beneficiaries.
(AWARDS/MICHIGAN) Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan Seeks Nominations for Claude Pepper Awards
Each year since 1990, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan's Senior Advisory Council has honored outstanding senior citizen advocates for the Claude Pepper Award -- an award named after the late congressman who campaigned for senior citizens' rights.
CMS Names Sites for Pilot Program Aimed at Elevating Quality as Patients Move Across Care Settings
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Monday (April 13) identified 14 communities around the nation that have been chosen for the agency's Care Transitions Project, which seeks to eliminate unnecessary hospital readmissions.
Census Bureau Accepts NAHB's Recommendation To Collect Data On Age-Restricted Housing
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is praising the U.S. Census Bureau for its decision to expand the Survey of Construction (SOC) to track the supply of new age-restricted housing for people 55 and older. "We appreciate that the Census Bureau accepted our recommendation to include ne...
Dingell Loses Energy & Commerce Chair To Waxman
When the 111th Congress convenes in January, the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee will be chaired by someone other than Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), the longest-serving lawmaker on Capitol Hill. The new chairman will be Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), a close friend and ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
SAMHSA Awards $12M-Plus In Grants To Meet Older Americans’ Mental Health Needs
The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today has awarded 10 grants totaling more than $12 million over three years through the Older Adults Targeted Capacity Expansion Grant Program to help communities meet the special mental health needs of older Americans.
Can FHA Handle The New Stress?
As federal legislative efforts open up the possibility for more mortgages to be included in Federal Housing Admin., including a wider array of reverse mortgages for 62+ homeowners, concern appears to be growing regarding whether the program can handle the crush.
Medicare Beneficiaries Advised To Review, Compare Current Drug Coverage
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has unveiled the 2009 Medicare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plan options and is advising benefiiciaries to reivew their plans. Approximately 97% of beneficiaries enrolled in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) will have access to Medicare drug and health plans in 2009 whose premiums would be the same or less than their coverage in 2008.
CMS: Medicare Providers Remain Satisfied With Fee-For-Service Contractors
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports that Medicare healthcare providers continue to be satisfied with services provided by Medicare fee-for-service contractors showing a relatively smooth transition to the new Medicare Administrative Contractors.
Doc Groups See Performance Pay For Improving Patients’ Quality Of Care
All physician groups participating in the Physician Group Practice (PGP) Demonstration improved the quality of care delivered to patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus during performance year 2 of the demonstration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says.
IRS Expands VITA Grants Program For Underserved Populations
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has unveiled a new matching grant opportunity to enable the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to extend services to underserved populations in hardest-to-reach areas, both urban and non-urban; increase the capacity to prepare and file federal tax returns electronically; heighten quality control; enhance training of volunteers; and significantly improve the accuracy of returns prepared at VITA sites. The deadline for applications is Sept. 2.
Legal Services Corp., LexisNexis To Provide Free Software To Needy Groups
Legal Services Corporation (LSC), a quasi-governmental nonprofit funded by Congress, and LexisNexis have launched the HotDocs Software Donation Program for legal aid programs that help the nation's poor. Under the program, LexisNexis, a private provider of business information solutions, will provide free HotDocs software to eligible organizations, including those serving the elderly.
EPA Calls Out Nation's Largest Manufacturer Of Hospital Disinfectants
Consumers should never have to second-guess information on product labels, and through a recent settlement between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Lonza Inc., the nation's largest manufacturer of hospital disinfectants -- many of which are used in nursing homes and other elder care facilities -- consumers will now assuredly be getting what they pay for.
Spending Growth, Shift To Docs' Offices Indicate CMS Should Alter Practices
From 2000 through 2006, Medicare spending for imaging services paid for under the physician fee schedule more than doubled -- increasing to about $14 billion, a Government Accountability Office investigation has found. Spending on advanced imaging, such as CT scans, MRIs, and nuclear medicine, rose substantially faster than other imaging services such as ultrasound, X-ray, and other standard imaging, the GAO says in a just-released report.
Levin: Bogus Medicare Payments For DME Unacceptable
Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, is raising serious questions about the integrity of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' payment policies with respect to durable medical equipment (DME).
Key Congress Members Seek GAO Study Of Medicare RAC Program
Five key members of Congress have fired off a letter to the acting head of the Government Accountability Office asking for an in-depth review of the Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), chairman of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, joined with House Ways & Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY), House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI), House Energy & Commerce health subcommittee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), in seeking the GAO study.
Pilot Program Saves $700 Million In Improper Medicare Payments, Report Says
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is trumpeting a new report offering fresh evidence that the recovery audit contractors pilot program is successfully identifying improper payments. The findings will also help the agency improve the program as it is expanded nationwide within two years, CMS officials say.
Centers On Demography & Economics Of Aging Grants Available
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is soliciting Research and Development Center (P30) grant applications in the areas of demography and economics of aging, including relevant interdisciplinary areas rooted in population-based social science research.
AoA Solicits Applications For Next Generation: POMP Grants
The Administration on Aging (AoA) is soliciting applications for its Next Generation: Performance Outcome Measurement Project (POMP). Closing date for applications is Aug. 12. Only state agencies on aging are eligible to apply. Twelve grants, each ranging between $20,000-$60,000, will be awarded.
Website Helps Seniors Who Haven't Filed For Stimulus Payments
In response to the recent IRS announcement that millions of older Americans had not yet filed for their economic stimulus payments, the National Council on Aging is urging seniors to use its Stimulus Payment Tool at www.BenefitsCheckUp.org.
Senators Author Bill To Protect Seniors From Investment Fraud
Sens. Bob Casey, a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Herb Kohl, chairman of the committee, are pushing a legislative proposal aimed at protecting seniors from investment fraud. Dubbed the "Senior Investor Protections Enhancement Act," the measure would increase penalties for those who commit securities violations against people who are at least 62 years old.
Labor Gets Court OK On Settlement Restoring $2.2M To Retirement Plan
The Department of Labor and Troy, MI-based Delphi Corp. have obtained approval of settlement by the U.S. bankruptcy court in New York that allows the government to recover more than $2.2 million in retirement plan assets owed to the Delphi Personal Savings Plan for Hourly Employees in the United States.
Conference of Mayors Backs Single-Payer National Health Insurance
The U.S. Conference of Mayors, meeting in Miami, has adopted a resolution in support of single-payer national health insurance. The assembly, in unanimous vote, backed a resolution calling for the enactment of the "United States National Health Insurance Act," HR 676.
House & White House Agree on Supplemental War Appropriations Bill
House leaders and the White House this week reached agreement on a $250 billion supplemental war appropriations bill with a provision that would place a one-year moratorium on six new Medicaid regulations proposed by the Bush administration.
The Battle To Improve Medicare -- Round Two
The House of Representatives passed legislation in 2007 that would have reduced overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans and would have made significant improvements for beneficiaries. Similar efforts by the Senate, however, were unsuccessful, mostly for political reasons. The debate began again wit...
Reposting of Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule
CMS discovered an error in the calculation of the out-migration adjustment and corrected Table 4J accordingly. As a result of these corrections, some providers no longer qualify for an out-migration adjustment for the FY 2009 proposed wage index.
AAHomecare Sues HHS To Halt Controversial Bidding Program Set For July 1
Citing faulty implementation of Medicare's competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and supplies, the American Association for Homecare has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop the controversial bidding program. The program affects medical equipment and services used by Medicare beneficiaries in the home including oxygen therapy, hospital beds, and power wheelchairs.
Baucus Measure Would Stall Cuts In Medicare Docs' Pay
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has introduced a bill (S 3101) that would, among other things, postpone for 18 months a 10.6% reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled to take effect on July 1 and increase payments by 1.1% -- and cost an estimated $20 billion.
Center's White Paper Examines Nursing Home Diversion Program
The Washington, DC-based National Senior Citizen Law Center has produced an eight-page white paper, titled "The Administration on Aging's Nursing Home Diversion Program" which provides an excellent description of the program and its history.
Nearly One-Third Of U.S. House Seeks One-Year Delay In Medicare Bidding
Nearly one-third of the members of the U.S. House of Representatives are urging a one-year delay in the controversial "competitive bidding" program for home medical equipment in Medicare.
Dems Ignore Veto Threat; Push Bill To Stop 10.6% Physician Payment Cuts
Ignoring a White House veto threat, Senate Democrats within the next couple of weeks will move forward on legislation to reduce payments to Medicare Advantage plans as a way to offset the cost associated with postponing a 10.6% cut to Medicare physicians' payments.
Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen May Be Effective At Reducing Risk of Alzheimer's
Different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, appear to be equally effective in lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to the largest study of its kind.
National Ad Campaign Highlights Patient Ratings For Hospitals
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services is launching the first national print advertising campaign focusing on the quality of care available in the nation's hospitals.
Indiana Retirement Community Looks, Feels More Like Resort
Concierge services, a personal valet, indoor pool-Jacuzzi, day spa, library, and a five-star chef are all perks that will be available to residents of The Stratford at WestClay, a $65 million project with 215 residences developed by the Stratford Companies.
CMS Zapped by GAO For Its Inability To Ensure Nursing Home Quality
The Government Accountability Office has just released report focusing on the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services' apparent inability to accurately monitor the effectiveness of states in ensuring nursing home quality of care.
Women With Osteoporosis Seen Not Doing Enough To Stay 'Strong To The Bone'
A new nationwide survey conducted by Harris Interactive of over 1,000 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis found that about one in three women had not currently been prescribed medication and more than half reported they do not know enough about this potentially serious disease.
Analysis: Presidential Candidates' Healthcare Reform Plans
As Illinois Democrat Sen. Barack Obama closes in on his party's presidential nomination, he and his opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), continue to present their respective plans for fixing the nation's ailing healthcare system at forums throughout the country.
Study Focuses On Glaucoma Patients With Poor 'Health Literacy'
Glaucoma patients in urban areas who have poor "health literacy" appear to miss more appointments and to have worse disease understanding and greater disease progression than patients with adequate health literacy, find the authors of a new report.
Bill Would Protect Seniors' Investments
Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) have introduced a bill that would give states the resources necessary to protect seniors from unscrupulous financial advisors who prey on the retirement savings of the elderly by touting misleading or fraudulent "senior designations."
Medicare Coverage of Power Mobility Devices: Tips & Reminders
When it comes to obtaining Medicare coverage for Mobility Assistive Equipment, coverage criteria -- particularly patient assessment standards -- continue to be misunderstood by providers and beneficiaries, say experts at the Washington, DC-based Center for Medicare Advocacy.
Calendar of Events - Spring, Summer 2008
Interested in attending aging-related events? Here's the 2008 Calendar of Events for Spring & Summer at a glance
Stark Blasts Leavitt For Making 'Alarmist Statements' About Medicare
House Ways & Means health subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark is railing against Health & Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt for making "alarmist statements" regarding Medicare's future.
Opportunity Finance Network To Award $8.35 Million
Opportunity Finance Network commences the second annual round of the Wachovia NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance -- an awards program totaling $8.35 million for responsible lenders across the United States known as community development financial institutions.
More Medicaid Beneficiaries Could Get Home & Community-Based Care
Thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries who were previously limited to receiving care in an institutional setting may now be given the option to receive that care in their homes and communities, under a proposed rule published today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
High Court Declines To Hear Legal Challenge To EEOC Rule
The U.S. Supreme Court this week declined to hear a legal challenge brought by AARP regarding an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruling that permits employers to reduce benefits for retirees who reach age 65 and become eligible for Medicare.
Legislation Would Boost Nation's Long-Term Care Workforce
The proposed Caring for an Aging America Act of 2008 (S 2708) seeks to enhance recruitment and retention of direct care workers in long-term care settings with specialty training in geriatrics and gerontology.
Ending the Medicare Doomsday Predictions Once and For All
The Medicare Board of Trustees on Tuesday, March 25, released its annual report examining the fiscal status of Medicare. As expected, the Trustees issued a 'Medicare funding warning' based on the proportion of general revenues financing the Medicare program.
AAA Helps Aging Drivers Match Vehicle Selections to Physical Changes
The Automobile Association of America (AAA), in partnership with the University of Florida's National Older Driver Research & Training Center (NODRTC), has unveiled its "Smart Features for Mature Drivers," which identifies vehicle features that can assist drivers with visual, physical and mental...
PCMA: 'Prompt Pay' Legislation Could Cost Medicare $3.3 Billion Over Next Decade
Legislation that would make Medicare prescription drug plans pay drugstores twice as fast as Medicare pays other providers could cost the program and its beneficiaries at least $3.3 billion over the next decade, finds a new by PricewaterhouseCoopers that was commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association.
Alzheimer's Foundation Offers Grant for Innovative Service
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America has announced that it will be accepting applications for the Brodsky Grant, a $30,000 award to an innovative program or service that improves the lives of those affected by the brain disorder.
10 Million Boomers at Risk for Alzheimer's
A new report from the Alzheimer's Association estimates that 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's disease in the United States.
Effort Launched to Encourage Hispanics to Become More Involved in Their Health
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality and The Advertising Council have launched a Spanish-language national public service campaign designed to encourage Hispanics to become more involved in their health care.
Phishing Scams, Frivolous Arguments Top the 2008 'Dirty Dozen' Tax Scams
If you're offering income tax advice to seniors, you should be aware the Internal Revenue Service has just released its 2008 list of the 12 most egregious tax schemes and scams, highlighted by Internet phishing scams and several frivolous tax arguments.
Hospitals File Lawsuit Against U.S. Government to Stop Medicaid Cuts
A coalition of hospitals is asking a federal court to prevent the Bush administration from implementing a proposed Medicaid regulation that would cut $5 billion in funding to safety net hospitals.
GOP Lawmakers Press for Tougher MA Plan Marketing Rules
Rep. Jim McCrery (R-LA), ranking Republican on the House Ways & Means Committee, and Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI), ranking Republican on the Health subcommittee, are in the process of gathering signatures from their GOP colleagues for a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services seeking tougher rules governing the marketing of private Medicare Advantage plans.
FNS Food Stamp Program Participation Grants Available
The Food & Nutrition Service is seeking grant applications for the Food Stamp Program (FSP) Program Participation Grants (PPG) for FY 2008.
Medicare Open Enrollment Ends March 31
The Medicare Part A open enrollment period began Jan.1 and ends March 31. Medicare Part A enrollment has become particularly important for lower income people.
Increasing Use of Home Care in Long-Term Care Insurance Policies
The 2007 Society of Actuaries' examination of claim experience from 1984-2004, under long-term care insurance policies, shows a significant change in the types of services received as compared with their 2002 report.
Nation's First Boomer Receives First Benefit Check Via Direct Deposit
Kathleen Casey-Kirschling, the nation's first Baby Boomer, on Tuesday (Feb. 12) became the first of her generation to receive a Social Security retirement benefit.
Senate Passes Stimulus Plan; House to Move Quickly
The Senate late Thursday afternoon (Feb. 7) passed an economic stimulus measure that would send $600-$1,200 in rebates to most taxpayers and $300 to low-income people, including disabled veterans and the elderly.
CMS' 9th Statement of Work for Quality Improvement Organizations
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' "9th Statement of Work for Medicare's 53 Quality Improvement Organizations focuses on improving the quality and safety of services for beneficiaries.
New Part D Data Spotlights on Formularies, Utilization Management
The Kaiser Family Foundation has issued two new Medicare Part D Data Spotlights focusing on Medicare drug plan formularies and utilization management techniques.
Nominees for MedCAC Membership Sought
CMS seeks nominations for membership on the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MedCAC), and requests nominations for both voting and nonvoting members.
Ahead of Bush Speech, Advocate Calls for Medicare Support
Anticipating President Bush's final State of the Union speech, the executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy calls for an economic stimulus package that will help the nation's seniors, disabled people and taxpayers.
New Model Would Bring CCRCs to New Audience
Jeff Petty, CEO of Wesley Enhanced Living in Pennsylvania, believes the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) model is a fantastic way for older adults to live. In fact, he wants to bring it to a much larger audience -- with a few improvements.
New Ethics Training Available for Boomer, Senior Investment Advisors
Kaplan Financial, a provider of education and compliance solutions, is offering brokerage and investment firms a new course to certify the credibility of their sales people who reach out to retired or soon-to-be retired investors.
OIG Audits Part D Rx Drug Costs
Medicare Part D payments, excluding dispensing fees, to local, community pharmacies exceeded the pharmacies' drug acquisition costs by an estimated 18.1%, OIG finds.
Helping Seniors Avoid Winter Weather-Related Falls
Winter weather that results in melted snow and ice can cause potentially dangerous and hazardous conditions for everyone
Renowned Organ Manufacturer Focuses on Boomers' Health
Healthcare issues such as paying for medical expenses, universal healthcare and rising drug costs topped the list for seniors in a recent Lowrey Organ survey of 2000 LIFE Members, a nationwide music group sponsored by Lowrey.
Course Helps Firms Approach Ethical Selling to Seniors
On the heels a congressional investigation, many financial services companies are realizing there's no time to lose in educating their sales staff about the do's and don'ts when it comes to ethical sales practices and the mature market.
Did Boomers Get What They Wanted from Santa?
What did big-spending baby boomers want Santa to leave in their stockings? Age Lessons, a boomer think tank, conducted an analysis of issues and trends impacting boomers in 2007 and compiled a top-10 list of most-wanted items.
Doctor Gets 10.5-Year Prison Term for Medicare Fraud
A Michigan dermatologist has been sentenced to a term of 126 months' imprisonment on 31 counts of healthcare fraud.
Clinton Campaign Reaches Out to Seniors
The Clinton campaign has released what it described as Clinton's "agenda to ease the burden on families that are struggling to balance caring for elderly parents, spouses and children, while meeting their job obligations."
Proposals Sought for Programs to Strengthen Geriatrics Training
The Reynolds Foundation expects to commit up to a total of $20 million under this call for proposals. Up to 10 grants will be awarded, each totaling up to $2 million over four years, with a limit of $500,000 in each grant year.
Renewed Focus on Poor Quality Nursing Homes
CMS on Nov. 29 made public a list of 54 nursing homes -- called Special Focus Facilities -- that provide especially poor quality care to their residents. Interestingly, the CMS list includes no more than three facilities in any state; California, with 1,400 nursing homes, has only one SFF on the list.
CMS Proposes Policy for CPAP Therapy
CMS is proposing to extend Medicare coverage for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices to include beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea as a result of a Type II, III, or IV home sleep test.
Omnibus Spending Bill Maintains Domestic Focus
Lawmakers Sunday completed work on a $516 billion omnibus budget package that would include the FY 2008 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill and the 10 other unapproved appropriations bills.
HHS Approves Medicaid Waiver for Indiana Health Plan
HHS has approved a Medicaid waiver allowing Indiana to implement an innovative healthcare proposal giving approximately 120,000 low-income, uninsured residents access to critical healthcare services.
New Directory of Social Service Grants Now Available
If you're responsible for tracking down private grant funding, a new report from CD Publications is bound to make your job a whole lot easier.
Nominations for the Achievement in Environmental Justice Award
EPA seeks nominations for the Achievement in Environmental Justice Awards. Nominations must be postmarked by Jan. 11, 2008.
CMS to Set Accreditation Deadlines at Open Door Forum
CMS will hold a special "Open Door Forum" on Dec. 19 to announce the deadline by which all durable medical equipment providers will need to be accredited.
Committee Leadership Seeks SBA Intervention to Delay Bidding Program
The chairman and ranking member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee's subcommittee on Investigation & Oversight have sent a letter SBA Administrator Steven Preston asking SBA to "intervene with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to delay implementation of the final rule on competitive bidding for DMEPOS until the Office of Advocacy can sufficiently assess the economic impact of the rule on small businesses."
Know Your Appeal Rights for Traditional Medicare
After a Medicare-covered 3-day inpatient hospital stay, beneficiaries in traditional Medicare are eligible for up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care. To be covered, the care must be skilled, must be daily, and must, as a practical matter, need to be rendered in an inpatient facility....
AARP 'Baffled' by Administration's Medicare Inconsistencies
AARP's top executive sends a letter to Health & Human Services Secy. Michael Leavitt outlining AARP's priorities for a Medicare bill and questioning Leavitt's plan.
Baucus Cancels Medicare Mark-Up to Negotiate With House Democrats
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) on Wednesday canceled plans for a mark-up of Medicare legislation in order to give himself more time to negotiate with House Democrats on the measure
Age Discrimination Law a Success, but Needs Improvement
While the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) has improved conditions for older workers, is "a work in progress," says John Rother. director of policy and strategy for AARP.
What Is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news feeds make it possible for you to put together your own customized list of news and information.
What Is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news feeds make it possible for you to put together your own customized list of news and information.
IP Access for Public, Higher Ed Libraries
Did you know that public and/or higher education (school/university) libraries can recieve this news service by way of IP access? And at no additional cost!
IP Access for Public, Higher Ed Libraries
Did you know that public and/or higher education (school/university) libraries can recieve this news service by way of IP access? And at no additional cost!
IG Finds Lower Power Wheelchair Prices
HHS's Office of Inspector General finds power wheelchair prices much lower on the Internet than through Medicare.
Major New Initiatives Focus on Elder Abuse
The World Health Organization has developed a global strategy for the prevention of the abuse of older people, and the Dept. of Health & Human Services' Admin. on Aging (AoA) has launched a new National Center on Elder Abuse.
Book Takes Long, Hard Look at Long-Term Care
In what appears to amount to part-educational piece, part-lobbying ammunition, Genworth Financial unveils a compilation book designed to raise awareness regarding the long-term care industry.
CMS Lists Poor-Performing Nursing Homes
CMS has released the first ever ranking of the nation's poor-performing nursing homes.
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