Medicare & Medicaid News

Medicare Celebrates 49th Birthday Today

Senior Citizen Politics

Planning Kicks Off for White House Conference on Aging 2015

Note: The first meeting was held yesterday to begin preparing for the White House Conference on Aging, which will take place in 2015 – the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older American Act, as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security.

On the Horizon: The 2015 White House Conference on Aging

Features for Senior Citizens

Senior Citizens at Risk of Financial Abuse, Most Often by Family Members

Financial exploitation of elderly is a common and serious problem; adult children most likely suspects

July 30, 2014 - Nearly one in twenty elderly Americans is being financially exploited – often by their own family members. This burgeoning public health crisis especially affects poor and black people. It merits the scrutiny of clinicians, policy makers, researchers, and any citizen who cares about the dignity and well-being of older Americans, says Dr. Janey Peterson of Weill Cornell Medical College. More...

Caregiver & Elder Care News

Simple Telephone Support a Great Relief for Caregivers of Dementia Patients

Program potentially less expensive than in-person treatment options, more convenient for many caregivers

July 30, 2014 – Caregivers for dementia patients must deal with enormous stress and many suffer depression. A new study has found, however, that a support program simply by telephone can significantly reduce depression and other problems for informal caregivers, such as family or friends, and is as effective as face-to-face intervention programs. Read more...

Caregiver & Elder Care News

Medicare Experiment Could Signal Sea Change for Hospice Care

What is hospice care? How does it differ from palliative care? And. curative care? Being changes in care for oldest and sickest Americans

By Michelle Andrews, KHN Writer

July 30, 2014 - Diane Meier is the director of the Center to Advance Palliative Care, a national organization that aims to increase the number of palliative care programs in hospitals and elsewhere for patients with serious illnesses. Meier is also a professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. We spoke about a recently launched pilot program under the health law that allows hospice patients participating in the pilot to continue to receive life-prolonging treatment. More...

Medicare & Medicaid News

Obamacare Helping Medicare Fight Fraud in Several States

CMS extends moratoria for enrolling ground ambulance suppliers, home health agencies in targeted high risk areas; regular service uninterrupted

July 30, 2014 – Obamacare is coming in handy for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) again, but this time it is in the unusual area of helping the agency fight fraud, waste, or abuse. CMS announced yesterday it is extending its enrollment moratoria on new grand ambulances in the Houston and Philadelphia metropolitan areas and new home health agencies in the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, and Miami. More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

Early Life Experiences Influence Cognitive Ability in Senior Citizens

Challenges earlier research pointing to importance of demographic characteristics such as race and ethnicity

July 29, 2014 - An association between an increased risk of late-life cognitive impairment and dementia and the person’s race and ethnicity, is challenged by new research with senior citizens that finds early life experiences, such as childhood socioeconomic status and literacy, may have greater influence on the risk of cognitive impairment late in life. More...

Health and Medicine for Seniors

Surgeon General Issues Call to Action to Prevent Increase in Skin Cancer

Skin cancer rates are rising, major reason is it primarily strikes seniors and that population group is increasing rapidly - see graph of melanoma deaths by age

July 29, 2014 - Skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., is a major public health problem that requires immediate action, according to a new Call to Action released today by the U.S. Surgeon General. Melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, primarily strikes and kills senior citizens. The damage that causes the cancer, however, is usually done by ultraviolet radiation exposure while victims are younger. More...

Medicare & Medicaid News

Senior Citizens, Medicare Reaping Big Benefits from Obamacare, $11.5 Billion Saved on Drugs

New report says per capita Medicare spending growth averaged 2% over 2009 – 2012, and nearly 0% in 2013

July 29, 2014 - More than 8.2 senior citizens and people with disabilities covered by Medicare have saved $11.5 billion since 2010 as a result of the Affordable Care Act, according to data released by the Department of Health and Human Services. Obamacare was just yesterday credited with extending the life of Medicare benefits. This news also comes on the heels of continued historic low levels of growth in Medicare spending. More...

Senior Citizen Politics

Social Security, Medicare Trustees Call for Legislative Action Now to Save Programs

‘Lawmakers should address the financial challenges facing Social Security and Medicare as soon as possible’

July 28, 2014 – The annual report on Medicare and Social Security by the trustees is no small matter – these two programs accounted for 41 percent of U.S. government spending in 2013. The trustees also issued a summary on the reports that – as they say – told it like it is! Things may look okay for now but neither program can be sustained without legislative changes. They emphasize sooner than later for these action. More...

Senior Citizen Politics

AARP Response to Trustee Reports Cautions Medicare on Health Costs, Praises Social Security Strength

Cites wasteful spending throughout health care system; modest changes on Social Security can ensure current and future generations of Social Security beneficiaries

July 28, 2014 – While most seemed to be joyous over the report of the Medicare Trustees today, AARP pointed out the challenges facing the program and complained about the high cost of health It was more cheerful about the Social Security report, saying “Social Security remains strong as seen in today’s long term projected outlook.” Both statements were made by Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. More...

Medicare & Medicaid News

Medicare’s Hospital Trust Fund Flush Until 2030: Good News for Boomers, Seniors

News not so good on Social Security: projected to run out of disability benefit money in 2016, just two years from now, unless Congress intervenes

By Julie Rovner, KNH Staff Writer

July 28, 2014 - Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund, which finances about half the health program for seniors and the disabled, won’t run out of money until 2030, the program’s trustees said Monday. That’s four years later than projected last year and 13 years later than projected the year before the passage of the Affordable Care Act. More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

How Senior Citizens Function So Well Despite Declining Cognitive Ability

Can they really think well when they focus real hard? Psychology prof says it is ‘selective engagement’

July 28, 2014 - Senior citizens almost universally show decline in their cognitive ability as they age, but they often do not seem to suffer in their ability to cope with decisions in their work or daily life. A psychology researcher at North Carolina State University thinks it is something he calls “selective engagement.” More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

Alzheimer’s, Other Diseases a Step Closer to Treatment with New Protein Structure

Stops harmful changes of body’s normal proteins into state linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and Lou Gehrig’s disease

Michelle Ma, University of Washington

July 28, 2014 - There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, but University of Washington bioengineers are one step closer to finding a treatment. They have designed a peptide structure that can stop the harmful changes of the body’s normal proteins into a state that’s linked to widespread diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and Lou Gehrig’s disease. Read more...

Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, & Mental Health

Six New Genetic Risks Found for Parkinson’s Disease that Targets Seniors

Study shows power of combining big data analysis with cutting-edge genomic techniques

July 28, 2014 - Using data from over 18,000 patients, scientists have identified more than two dozen genetic risk factors involved in Parkinson's disease, including six that had not been previously reported. The biggest risk factor long established for PD is age: it usually attacks people at about age 60 and the risk factor continues to increase with age. More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

Senior Citizens Who Walk Slowly Can Expect Dementia to Catch Up with Them

Series of research reports in recent years have dire predictions for slow walking seniors, including a shorter life

July 25, 2014 – If you are a senior citizen and you walk very slowly, you have some things to worry about. The latest is a report from a study of 27,000 seniors age 60 or older that declares it can predict dementia in the future of those who walk slowly and have cognitive complaints. Another study early this year says slow walking seniors are less happy and have shorter longevity. In fact, a study of seniors in 2011 says how fast they walk is a better gage of how long they will live than trying to do a more complicated analysis of their medical condition and history. More...

Features for Senior Citizens

How Can I Get Health Coverage for My Grandchildren?

When an adult child is out of work, grandparents may need to step up to help the grandchildren

July 25, 2014 – A reader of the Insuring Your Health column has come up with an unusual question, or maybe it is not that unusual. The question is, “How can I get health coverage for my grandchildren?” Michelle Andrews has the answer and it may be one many grandparents need. More...

Senior Citizen Alerts

Coffee-Loving Seniors, Others Warned by FDA to Avoid Powdered Pure Caffeine

FDA says at least one death reported from use of pure caffeine sold in bulk over internet

July 24, 2014 – Say the word caffeine and the heads of senior citizens usually pops up. It makes them think of their favorite drink – coffee. But, this time it is a message from the Food and Drug Administration warning about powdered pure caffeine being marketed directly to consumers. More...

Aging News & Information

Where You Live, Income May Play Significant Roles in Falls by Senior Citizens

Elderly living in lower-income neighborhoods at highest risk of injury on on sidewalks, streets and curbs

July 23, 2014 – A bit of good news for senior citizens about falling is that you are twice as safe from tumbling to the ground when you are walking for recreation or exercise that as you are when you a walking for some necessity – like shopping, or going to an appointment. The not so good news is that it is elderly with lower incomes who are most often walking because they have to. More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

False Memories May Be Result of Not Getting Enough Sleep

Findings raise questions about reliability of eyewitnesses who may have experienced long periods of restricted or deprived sleep

July 23, 2014 - Numerous recent studies have grabbed the attention of senior citizens with results showing that lack of adequate sleep can cause people – seniors in particular – numerous problems with cognition, memory and even disease. Now the scientist say lack of sleep can even cause us to create false memories. The possible good news for seniors is this study was with college students. More...

Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors

Rosemary and Oregano Herbs May Pack Punch to Stop Type 2 Diabetes

Study reveals diabetes-fighting compounds and that how they are grown makes a difference

July 23, 2014 - The popular culinary herbs oregano and rosemary are packed with healthful compounds, and now lab tests show they could work in much the same way as prescription anti-diabetic medication, scientists report in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

Potential Found for Cancer Drug as Oral Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

Previous work with mice found cognition improved, nerve cell loss was reduced when microtubule protein stabilized

July 23, 2014 - Scientists are reporting new progress on a set of compounds initially developed for cancer treatment that shows promise as a potential oral treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Currently, no cure exists for the devastating neurological disease that affects more than 5 million Americans – primarily senior citizens. More...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senior Citizens Leading the Charge for Medical Marijuana in Florida

Vote comes in November for recreational and medical purposes; most say senior citizens will decide the outcome, which could make this the 23^rd state to approve it for medical use

July 22, 2014 - The campaign to legalize marijuana use – especially for medical purposes – is riding the winds of victory that are blowing from the west coast to Florida, where a vote in November seems poised to make its use legal there. What is becoming obvious in the Sunshine State is that senior citizens may be the key to victory, making Florida the twenty-third state, plus the District of Columbia, allowing some form of marijuana use for medical purposes. More...

Features for Senior Citizens

Pew Finds Christians, Jews Rated Higher by Senior Citizens Than by Younger People

New Pew survey looks at how U.S. citizens feel about religious groups, atheists

July 21, 2014 – Senior citizens – citizens age 65 or older – are more likely than younger Americans to view Christian groups and Jews favorably, according to a new survey by Pew Research Center. The survey also found Jews, Catholics and evangelical Christians are viewed warmly by the American public - atheists and Muslims, not so hot. More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

Fish Oil May Help Protect Alcohol Abusers from Dementia

Up to 90% less inflammation, death in brain cells of drinkers after exposure to omega-3 DHA

July 21, 2014 – Anything that reduces the risk of dementia is of high interest to most senior citizens. New research says one way – at least for those who drink alcohol regularly - is to take omega-3 fish oil. The researchers discovered it will protect against inflammation and neuronal cell death that damages the brain in alcohol abusers and can lead to dementia. More...

Social Security News

Social Security Benefit Verification Available Online but Also in Local Offices

‘We recognize that some members of the public may require in-person assistance and we will have a presence in local communities’

July 17, 2014 – Despite a hard push to encourage seniors and others who need benefit verification letters from the Social Security Administration to obtain them online, the agency today issued a news release confirming that local Social Security offices will continue to provide benefit verification letters. More...

Senior Citizen Alerts

Study of Seniors Shows Niacin Too Dangerous for Routine Cholesterol Therapy

Mainstay drug for many seniors now linked to death risk, dangerous side effects and no benefits in large study of older adults

July 17, 2014 - After 50 years of being a mainstay cholesterol therapy for many seniors, niacin should no longer be prescribed for most patients due to potential increased risk of death, dangerous side effects and no benefit in reducing heart attacks and strokes, writes Northwestern Medicine preventive cardiologist Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., in a New England Journal of Medicine editorial. Read more...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health - Opinion

Alzheimer's Conference Offers Signs of Hope in Battle Against Mind-Crushing Disease

Below are some of the highlights from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference that are important to every senior citizen

By Tucker Sutherland, editor, SeniorJournal.com

July 16, 2014 – For the first time in the almost-20-years that I have closely followed the battle against Alzheimer’s disease, I am encouraged about our odds. As the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference for this year wraps up in Copenhagen, the researchers and other experts who made presentations convinced me we are finally getting our arms around this cruel killer, and have a chance to - someday - bring it under control. Below are the highlights and every senior citizen, the primary victims of the disease, needs to read them. More...

Health and Medicine for Seniors

Diabetics with Heart Disease Can Live Longer by Taking Statins Says Researcher

Patients taking statins at beginning of study had a 50% increase of being alive as compared to those who didn’t

July 16, 2014 – Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death and disability among people with Type 2 diabetes. In fact, at least 65 percent of people with diabetes die from some form of heart disease or stroke, according to the American Heart Association. The good news is that it appears they may add years to their lives by taking statins. More...

Health and Medicine for Seniors

One Injection Stops Diabetes in Its Tracks Report Salk Scientists

FGF1 treatment reverses symptoms of type 2 diabetes in mice without side effects

July 16, 2014 - In mice with diet-induced diabetes - the equivalent of type 2 diabetes in humans - a single injection of the protein FGF1 is enough to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range for more than two days. The discovery by Salk scientists, published today in the journal Nature, could lead to a new generation of safer, more effective diabetes drugs. More...

Senior Citizen Alerts

Scams Targeting Grandparents Get Attention from Senate Committee on Aging

Goal today is to identify solutions to help authorities better detect and prosecute such crimes, and encourage retailers, phone companies to help protect consumers

July 16, 2014 – The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging will hold a hearing today at 1:30 p.m. to seek solutions to the increase in scams targeting grandparents. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the committee’s chairman and ranking member, called for the hearing after receiving complaints from victims through the committee’s fraud hotline. More...

Caregiver & Elder Care News

Ten Questions About End-of-Life Care to Ask Your Aging Parents

May seem downright frightening, but it is important to know your parents' preferences at the end of life; may also be questions for discussion with a spouse

By Amy Tucci, President, CEO, Hospice Foundation of America

July 15, 2014 - If you have aging parents, now is the time to discuss what's important to them as they near the end of their lives. Too many adult children wait to have end-of-life conversations when their parents are dying or in the midst of a crisis. More...

Medicare & Medicaid News

HHS Funds to Enhance Ability of States to Improve Medicaid Reform

HHS also announces $11 Million to integrate HIV services in Community Health Centers

July 15, 2014 - A new collaboration with states to improve care for Medicaid beneficiaries by accelerating efforts in reforming their health care systems to improve health and care, while also reducing costs, was announced yesterday by Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell, who called the program “innovative.” More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

Exciting Glimmer of Hope in Fight Against Alzheimer’s in U.S. but World Epidemic Grows

New data on fewer new cases in U.S. and other developed nations suggests possibility of prevention and risk reduction; reports from Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

July 15, 2014 – Older Americans have become accustomed to assuming that Alzheimer’s disease in becoming more common among senior citizens and is destined to increase rapidly due to the increased incidence rate and the explosion in longevity. New reports today at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2014 suggest the possibility of reducing risk and maybe even preventing the disease most feared by most seniors. Some of the best news was found in studies from the United States.

Caregiver & Elder Care News

Patients Moving from Hospital to Hospice Often Prescribed Questionable Antibiotics

About 27% of hospice patients still taking antibiotics for infection in the final week of their life

July 14, 2014 - New research suggests that use of antibiotics is still prevalent among terminal patients who have chosen hospice care as an end-of-life option, despite little evidence that the medications improve symptoms or quality of life, and sometimes may cause unwanted side effects. More...

Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health

Seniors Almost Twice as Likely to Have Memories Affected By Environmental Distraction

‘Almost any type of memory test administered reveals a decline in memory from the age of 25 on’

July 14, 2014 - Seniors are nearly twice as likely as younger people to have their memory and cognitive processes impaired by environmental distractions (such as irrelevant speech or written words presented along with target stimuli), according to a new study from psychologists at Rice University and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. More...

Health and Medicine for Seniors

Stroke Risk in Seniors, Middle-Age Adults Jumps with Stress, Hostility, Depression

Psychological characteristics equally important to cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking other traditional risk factors

July 11, 2014 - Higher levels of stress, hostility and depressive symptoms are associated with significantly increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in middle-age adults and seniors, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. Interestingly, anger was not seen to cause a significant increase in stroke risk. More...

Nutrition, Vitamins & Supplements for Seniors

Alcohol Drinking Gets a Couple of Bad Reviews and Seniors Should Know Limits

Many U.S. senior citizens consume low to moderate amounts of alcohol on a regular basis but need to be aware of special warnings for seniors by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

July 10, 2014 – For a while now alcohol has had a good run with research studies declaring it a safe or even beneficial drink when it comes to major health threats like heart problems and cancer. Two reports this week seem to be pointing in the opposite direction. One says even light-to-moderate drinkers can lower their risk of heart disease, their body mass index and their blood pressure by cutting back on alcohol consumption. And, a doctors’ organization this week put alcohol on its list of things to avoid to reduce your cancer risk. More...