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Senior Citizen Politics Political News and Information for Senior Citizens & Baby Boomers
Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health War Against Alzheimer’s Gets Big Boost from Obama Administration Today New research funds of $130 million, more for education, support of Alzheimer’s Project Act
Senior Citizen Politics Senior Advocates Want Supreme Court to Keep Obamacare Provisions for Seniors Out of Case Six aging groups say Congress did not intend to tie senior benefits with individual insurance mandate being challenged in court
Senior Citizen Politics Obama Makes Slight Mention of Health Care, None of Medicare in State of Union Minimal mention of health law may be reflection of difficulty president, administration, supporters are having selling it...
Election Year Politics, Renewing Older Americans Act Play Key Roles for Seniors in 2012 NCOA says entitlements are top priorities but sees no major changes this year
Only Senior Citizens Support Romney Over President Obama in Pew Survey
Jan. 18, 2012 – A new survey released today shows only senior citizens – registered voters age 65 or older – would vote for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in a race with President Barack Obama. Read more... Groups for Patients with Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease Ask Court to Defend Health Law Affordable Care Act ('ObamaCare') critical for people with life-threatening chronic diseases: expands access to quality, affordable health care, reduces family cost burden, emphasizes prevention
Jan. 12, 2012 - The nation’s leading groups representing patients and families living with cancer, diabetes, heart disease or stroke jointly filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today in support of provisions of the Affordable Care Act - often referred to as 'Obamacare" by critics - that are critical for people with life-threatening chronic diseases. Read more...
Senior Citizen Politics Wyden-Ryan Plan Could Neutralize Medicare in 2012 Election: Analysis Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., unveiled new Medicare plan, would give seniors a fixed amount of money to buy private insurance or pay for traditional Medicare - plus video from GOP debate on Gingrich position By Marilyn Werber Serafini, KHN Staff Writer
Dec. 16, 2011 - Even with just two congressional supporters, a new Medicare overhaul plan could have big implications for next year’s congressional election. Indeed, it could neutralize a political problem that has been plaguing Republicans since April, argues Robert Blendon, a professor of health policy and political analysis at the Harvard School of Public Health. Read more, see video... Rep. Ryan Joins with Democratic Senator Wayden to Take Another Shot at Medicare Reform Senior advocates say it is still a voucher system and only winners would be private insurance companies
CMS to Make Drug-Makers Disclose Dealings with Physicians: Senators Prompt Action Senators Kohl, Grassley force action by agency on their bill which also includes other medical device-makers and teaching hospitals
Medicaid News Administration Ties Medicaid Private Care to Performance; More Control to States Latest signal Feds will give broad leeway to states to expand Medicaid to private managed care if they meet performance measures By Phil Galewitz,KHN Staff Writer
Social Security News Sen. Casey to Close Social Security Loopholes Allowing Philly Basement Case Basement case suspects held 4 mentally disabled captives while taking their SSA benefits
Senior Citizen Politics Health Programs Facing Cutbacks After Super Committee’s Failure Cuts to Medicare limited to hospitals and other medical providers, would not exceed 2%; Congress must act before year end to stop a scheduled 27% physician pay cut by Medicare By Marilyn Werber Serafini and Mary Agnes Carey,
Medicare News Affluent Seniors Could Take a Hit on Medicare in Deficit Reduction Deal Conservatives argue that federal government shouldn’t help finance health care benefits for the rich By Mary Agnes Carey & Marilyn Werber Serafini, KHN Staff Writers
Senior Citizen Politics Republican Voters, Party Leaders Disagree Over Cuts to Social Security, Medicare AARP surveys find Iowa, Florida GOP primary voters dead set against cuts to senior citizen programs to balance budget
Senior Citizen Politics Medicare Changes are Part of Super Committee Republicans Deal On Tax Revenues Health On The Hill interviews Kaiser Health News Reporter Mary Agnes Carey - video and transcript
Medicare News Physicians Take Another Big Medicare Pay Hit; Opens Annual Congressional Battle Obama administration has consistently fought to change 1997 law that causes annual lobbying effort by medical groups
Senior Citizen Politics Speaker Boehner Moves the Target for Super Budget Cutters to Social Security Republicans say 'no' to tax hikes but will consider Medicare price increases
New Office of Older Americans in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to be Led by Skip Humphrey Task is improving the financial decision-making of seniors and preventing unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices targeted at senior citizens
Senate Committee to Hear About Seniors Hit Hard by Recession from NCOA Hearing to Focus on Aftermath of Recession on Older Adults and Ways to Provide Economic Assistance
Medicare News GAO Finds Abuse in Medicare Drug Program, Mostly Younger Patients Admitted for Disabilities Less than 30% by senior citizens: of 170,000 prescribed drugs from 5 or more docs in 2008, about 120,000 (71%) were eligible for Medicare Part D based on a disability - see hearing video
Senior Citizen Politics Gerontology Experts Hit Washington to Stump for Senior Issues, Funding Gerontological Society organizes first Take Action Week to push funding for aging research; renewal of Older Americans Act
Senior Citizen Politics How Obama Plans To Cut Medicare, Medicaid Costs By $320 Billion Biggest cut to Medicare requires drug companies to lower their rates, saving Medicare an estimated $135 billion over 10 years- watch videos By Phil Galewitz, KHN Staff Writer
Senior Citizen Politics Medicare Advantage Premiums Dropping 4%, Enrollment Up Despite Dire GOP Predictions Republicans, insurance companies predicted high prices, less benefits after Obama health law By Phil Galewitz, KHN Staff Writer
Medicare News State Insurance Chiefs Tell Congress Don’t Make Seniors Pay More for Medicare Medigap Policies ‘…will also cause serious confusion for seniors with fixed incomes who rely on Medigap insurance to protect them...’ By Susan Jaffee, Kaiser Health News
Medicare News Medigap Changes Meet Resistance from States, Insurers, Consumer Advocates Some seniors may forego medically necessary care because they can't afford it -- even though they have a Medigap policy By Susan Jaffe
Senior Citizen Politics Problem for Super Committee is Cost of Health Care: Former GOP Senator Danforth Listen or read transcript of Kaiser Health News interview where former senator tells it like it is
Group Fighting to Save Senior Citizen Benefits in Social Security, Medicare Finds An Angel - Maybe GOP appointee to Super Committee, Rep. Fred Upton, says senior benefits should not be cut for those in program
Analysis: Medicare, Liberals And The Lesser Of Two Evils Fear is that cuts would leave the elderly without adequate financial protection or access to medical care By Jonathan Cohn
Senate Aging Committee Chair Calls for More Screening, Oversight of Guardians Sen. Kohl releases GAO report showing need for strong screening of those making financial decisions for incapacitated seniors, others
Medicare ‘Not Just A Seniors’ Issue’ - Pollster Finds An even more important political issue now than in the past By Stephanie Stapleton, Capsules – The KHN Blog Aug. 8, 2011 - Even though the health insurance program for senior citizens and the disabled survived the initial phase of the debt-ceiling deal without suffering cuts, Medicare is likely to be a target in the next round. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Debt Deal 'Super' Committee's Impact On Health Spending Explained Q&A: How congressional super committee's deliberations could influence Medicare and Medicaid By Mary Agnes Carey and Phil Galewitz, KHN Staff Writers
Senior Citizen Politics Health Care Providers Scurry to Prepare for Medicare Budget Cuts to Come with Debt Deal Social Security and Medicaid exempted from budget cuts - see video below
Senior Citizen Politics Medicare, Medicaid Appear to Have Escaped Budget Cuts This Round: Health on the Hill KHN Senior Correspondent Mary Agnes Carey has been investigating to understand why
Public Wants Debt Ceiling Compromise, Expects a Deal Before Deadline: Pew Research ● GOP Widely Viewed as "More Extreme in Its Positions" ● Earlier Pew Poll Finds Obama Draws More Confidence
Senior Citizen Politics Sen. Kohl Launches Efforts to Cut Prescription Drug Costs at Aging Committee Hearing Policies must change or prescription drug costs will continue to rise and increase deficit
'Gang Of Six' Plan Includes Deep Health Care Cuts; Making Social Security Solvent Seniors, advocates focus on health care cuts; Social Security actions draw little concern - plan summary below
Obama Backs 'Gang Of Six' Plan That Includes Medicare, Social Security Cuts Senate leaders, others working on backup plan to allow Obama to raise the debt ceiling in exchange for a much smaller package of spending cuts
Senior Citizen Advocates Warn About Cuts to Entitlements in Last Minute Deal National Association of Agencies on Aging take their message to Capitol Hill to stop cuts to Medicaid and Medicare By Juan E. Gastelum
Senior League Flatly Opposes Social Security Cuts for Those 50+, But Cites Alternatives
July 18, 2011 – The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) makes clear its opposition to benefit cuts in Social Security that would impact any Americans age 50 or older, but says there are alternatives to reduce the budget in less painful ways. Read more... President Obama Calls for 'Meaningful Changes' To Medicare, Medicaid (Video) ‘we have an obligation to make sure that we make those changes that are required to make it sustainable over the long term’
Medicaid News HHS Offers States New Ways to Improve Care, Lower Costs For Medicaid Initiatives focus on 'Dual Eligibles,' people receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits; often most expensive patients to cover
Senior Citizen Politics Lieberman-Coburn Medicare Proposal Could Stress Strapped Senior Citizens: NPR Blog Half of seniors had income under $22,000 in 2010; 25% had income under $13,000; just 5% had incomes above $85,000. By Julie Rovner, NPR Health Blog
Senate Proposal to Raise Medicare Eligibility Age Draws Quick Democrat Opposition Proposal by Senators Coburn, Lieberman would increase eligible age to 67, save $600 billion
AARP Fights Back Against Charges of Giving In on Cuts to Social Security; Launches TV Ad CEO reaffirms opposition to cutting Social Security, asks seniors to pledge help in fight; AARP kicks off TV ad urging protection for SS and Medicare
June 20, 2011 – The Wall Street Journal stirred up a storm last week when it quoted in a news story AARP’s policy director John Rother saying the senior advocacy group was dropping its objection to cutting Social Security benefits. AARP CEO A. Barry Rand fired back that the report was inaccurate and that AARP has not changed its position on Social Security. Read more, see video Seniors Most Reluctant to Support Government Help with Birth Control But A Majority Do
Seniors in usual “most negative” spot on birth control help but surprisingly strong majority say it’s ok June 10, 2011 - A recent survey of Americans by Thomson Reuters and NPR with questions on birth control pills and family planning came out like most surveys do with senior citizens being the most negative age group. There was a little surprise in this one, however, that found a majority of those age 65 and older with positive attitudes on birth control and government help with family planning. Read more... Senior Citizens Not In Step with Majority of Americans Wanting Homosexuality Accepted Pew Research finds seniors also don't like the idea of gays and lesbians raising children
May 16, 2011 - A majority of Americans (58%) say homosexuality should be accepted by society and only about a third (35%) think gays and lesbians raising children is a bad thing for society. Senior citizens, however, skew the results as the only adult age group with less than a majority for accepting homosexuality and a massive 62% don’t think it is good for homosexuals to raise children, reports the Pew Recent Center. Read more Medicare News Gloomier-Than-Expected Forecast for Medicare: Trustees Say Out of Money in 2024 Sluggish economy hurting but health reform helping save money for critical senior citizen program - see links to other news reports, news release from CMS below story
Social Security News Social Security Trustees Project Trust Fund Exhaustion One Year Sooner Senior citizen advocacy groups not alarmed by 2036 deadline, see time for fix
Senior Citizen Politics AARP Offers Detailed Response to Republicans’ Questioning of Non-Profit Tax Status GOP trio on House Ways and Means see ‘conflict between AARP’s drive for profits, the best interests of its members’ - see video response
Don’t Make Harmful Cuts to Social Security, Medicare to Get Deal on Debt Ceiling: AARP Organization launches campaign to preserve health and retirement security of older Americans - See TV commercial May 6, 2011 - With the national debate heating up on raising the debt ceiling, AARP announced a new campaign Wednesday to fight against proposals with arbitrary limits, caps or triggers that would result in harmful cuts to critical Social Security and Medicare benefits that millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of hard work. Read more... Senior Citizen Alerts Treasury Retiring Paper Check for Social Security, Other Benefits; Saves $1 Billion
Seniors, others currently receiving federal benefits by paper check must switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013. April 27, 2011 – Starting on May 1, the U.S. Treasury will switch to an electronic payment method for Baby Boomers and others signing on for Social Security, veterans’ affairs payments or other benefits. Senior citizens and others currently receiving their federal benefits by paper check must switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013. The move is projected to save taxpayers $1 billion over ten years. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Obama Budget Plan Cuts Deficit by $4 Trillion, Strengthens Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Around two-thirds of budget is spent on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and national security - watch video
Partnership for Patients to Improve Care, Lower Costs Introduced by Obama Administration Potential savings of $50 billion for Medicare plus billions for Medicaid by improving hospital care
Republican Congressmen Launch Attack on AARP, Challenge Non-Profit Status House Ways & Means members release investigative report, send letter to IRS
President to Outline Strategy to Make Entitlements More Secure for Senior Citizens President Obama lays out his budget reduction plan on Wednesday, to change course for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security
Senior Citizen Opinions & Analysis GOP Plan Replaces Medicare’s Guaranteed Benefits with ‘Premium Support’ Payment Budget does not address root of high Medicare costs -rising costs in the entire health care sector By Joe Baker, President, Medicare Rights Center
Medicare News Politics Heat Up In Response to GOP Budget's Medicare, Medicaid Proposals Newspapers: 'politically risk', 'little chance', 'converts Medicare to premium support program', 'you'll need to pay a bigger share'
Medicare News Understanding Rep. Ryan's Plan for Medicare Based on Premium Support September poll found 69 percent of senior citizens - people older than 65 - opposed vouchers for Medicare - see video By Kaiser Health News Staff April 5, 2011 - House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., left many details to Congress when he unveiled his plan today to make major changes to Medicare as part of a fiscal 2012 budget resolution. He says his overall objective is to convert Medicare into a premium support program for which the government will spend a specific amount for beneficiaries' care, a fundamental shift from the current fee-for-service program. Read more, see video discussion.. Medicare News Medicare, Medicaid Are Targets in GOP's 'Path to Prosperity' That Shifts More Costs to Seniors Democrats say it cuts medical care to the “most vulnerable Americans”
Medicare News GOP Proposals on Medicare Could Shift Costs to Senior Citizens, other Beneficiaries This is week when Republicans show their hand for cutting Medicare, Medicaid; yesterday House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis) gave a glimpse of what's to come; GOP hits elderly in states, too
By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News Staff Writer April 4, 2011 - Amid the buzz about a possible government shutdown over this year's budget looms a more difficult question: What to do about entitlement programs, especially Medicare? Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Senate Leader Reid to Help Kickoff Nationwide Effort to Protect Social Security National advocacy group plans week of activities, new radio spots, use of social media March 28, 2011 – A news conference and rally featuring Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will be held in Washington today to kickoff a nationwide mobilization effort by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. It is part of the group's “Hands Off Our Social Security Campaign.” Read more... Senior Citizen Opinions & Analysis No More Senior Moments On The Health Law That Moves Into Year Two Senior citizens should lead the way in granting Affordable Care Act the time in needs to prove its worth Judith L. Lichtman, Senior Adviser and former President of the National Partnership for Women & Families
Senior Citizen Opinions & Analysis The Donald Berwick Predicament: Draws High Praise as Head of CMS but Won’t Be Confirmed ‘Universally regarded… thoughtful guy who is not partisan;’ endorsed by two former GOP heads of CMS but GOP senators say 'No' By Harold Pollack and Christopher Lillis, M.D., Kaiser Health News
Senior Citizen Politics Putting Senior Citizens Back to Work Popular Way to Help Social Security Medicare Even senior citizens like this idea and the idea for increasing eligibility age says Harris Poll March 9, 2011 – Persuading you (senior citizens) to go back to work, or continue to work, is a popular idea with most Americans for making Medicare and Social Security more financially viable, according to a new Harris Poll. But, guess which age group likes this idea the most – older people. The public and the seniors also likes the idea of raising the age for joining these programs. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Actor Mickey Rooney Testifies Before Aging Committee on Elder Abuse He Has Endured Called on committee of senators to stop the abuse ‘Now;’ urges support of bills being introduced by Sen. Herb Kohl, committee chair: watch video of testimony March 2, 2011 – Legendary movie actor Mickey Rooney, now 90, gave riveting testimony before the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging today as he described the elder abuse that has happened to him. The World War II veteran said he was “stripped of the ability to make even the most basic decisions.” Read more, watch video testimony Senior Citizen Politics Senior Citizens Least Likely Americans to Back Teachers, Public Workers in Wisconsin Only 33% of older Americans back unions in battle with Wisconsin governor: most people in U.S. support the unions March 2, 2011 - The teachers and other public employees fighting to save their unions in Wisconsin better not depend on the support of senior citizens to help them keep their collective bargaining rights. Older people are much, much more likely than younger people to side with the Republican governor than the workers, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Read more...
Social Security isn't responsible for federal deficit - just the opposite. Until last year it took in more than it paid out. It lent the surpluses to the government By Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor Feb. 26, 2011 Senior Citizen Programs Targeted by U.S. House-Approved Spending Bill National Council on Aging lists programs; says bill guts only jobs program for vulnerable older Americans
President Obama’s Budget Offers Health Care Cuts to Stop Big Medicare Pay Cut for Doctors Roundup of media reports by Kaiser Health News indicates the plan ‘avoids’ tackling entitlement spending Feb. 14, 2011 - President Barack Obama's budget plan includes a two-year Medicare "doc-fix" that uses heavy cuts in other health payments to stave-off a scheduled 25 percent reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements. Meanwhile, news outlets also report the plan "avoids" tackling entitlement spending. Read more... Social Security News Nearly Half of Senior Citizens Receiving Smaller Social Security Checks in 2011 New survey finds lack of COLA hurting seniors as over 60% see their expenses rise, Medicare premiums reduce checks
Senior Citizen Politics Senate Republicans Fail in Attempt to Repeal National Health Care Law Today's amendments are the first in the Senate dealing with health care reform, but they likely won't be the last
Health Care Repeal Fades as Centrists Take Stage: Tone More Civil Bipartisan Policy Center persuades former Senate Majority leaders, Democrat Tom Daschle and Republican Bill Frist, to help make health care bill work By Merrill Goozner, The Fiscal Times
Medicare News Obama Administration Abruptly Pulls Plug on Medicare End-of-Life Counseling Original sponsor of provision intends to reintroduce legislation allowing Medicare to pay for such discussions with doctors that many view as helpful to critically ill seniors
Senior Citizens Warming to Health Care Reform as Republicans Set Stage to Kill It Negative attitude about health care reform reaches new low among senior citizens By Tucker Sutherland, editor, SeniorJournal.com Jan. 4, 2011 – The last Kaiser Health Tracking Poll of 2010 shows U.S. adults almost evenly divided in their opinion of the health care reform bill passed last March, but senior citizens, who were panicked by claims that the bill set up death panels to consider the fate of old people, and other misconceptions, have turned the corner and are seeing positive benefits in the legislation. This has not stopped the Republicans from moving ahead in the House with an effort to repeal the whole plan. Read more... Caregiver & Elder Care News Sen. Kohl Says Pain Relief Will Soon Be More Available to Senior Citizens in Nursing Homes
Dec. 22, 2010 – The chairman of the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging says he has received assurances from Attorney General Eric Holder that the administration will help in changes to the Controlled Substances Act that will allow faster delivery of pain medication to nursing home patients. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) says he will now stop blocking the nomination of a new head for the Drug Enforcement Agency. Read more... Republicans Block $250 for Senior Citizens to Replace Lack of Social Security Hike in 2011 Also other action reduces income to Social Security Trust Fund by $120 billion
Senate Approves Medicare 'Doc Fix' to Stop 25 Percent Cut in Physician Pay; Up to House 'Stopping the cut for one year will inject some much needed stability into the system for seniors and physician practices,' says AMA president Dec. 9, 2010 – Seniors can breath a sigh of relief as their worry about physicians refusing to treat Medicare patients in the future due to a giant reduction in pay has ended with a quiet unanimous vote by the Senate to stop the 25 percent cut. The White House helped push for the vote and will do the same in the House, where it is expected to pass before the January 1 deadline. Read more... Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health Senate Aging Committee Forum to Hear Ideas for Improving Care for Alzheimer’s Patients
Dec. 6, 2010 - On Wednesday the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging will host a forum that will emphasize the often overlooked aspect of quality of care for those living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Much of the focus for Alzheimer’s advocates has been on finding a cure for this disease that devastates so many senior citizens. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Fiscal Commission Fizzles on Deficit Reduction Plans that Focused on Senior Programs Much of the commission’s deficit-cutting was aimed at the costly entitlements, Social Security and Medicare but not enough votes to pass
Social Security News Booming Senior Citizen Population Will Bring Social Security to Its Knees: Deficit Committee Significant changes in seniors’ security blanket program detailed by committee in ‘The Moment of Truth’ report By Tucker Sutherland, editor, SeniorJournal.com
Medicare News Knives Come Out to Slash Medicare in Deficit Reduction Committee’s New Draft Suggestions on enhancing the health of the U.S. budget is entitled, 'The Moment of Truth', but may be an ugly moment for senior citizens By Tucker Sutherland, editor, SeniorJournal.com Dec. 2, 2010 – Senior citizens and baby boomers should have been restless last night – the two most important government programs they will depend on in their old age – Social Security and Medicare – were the major victims in a cost-slashing proposal by a government deficit reduction panel for improving the financial future of the U.S. government. Read more... Medicare News Deficit Reduction Plans Would Squeeze Medicare; Battle Looms with SeniorsPlans would require seniors to pay a larger share of Medicare; one idea would give senior citizens a set amount of money to buy their own coverage By , KHN Staff Writer Nov. 29, 2010 - Spurred by growing concerns about the federal deficit, plans to curb Medicare spending are proliferating - setting the stage for potentially bruising battles between seniors’ advocates and budget cutters. Read more... Medicare News Latest Deficit Report Recommends Senior Citizens Pay More For Medicare Sub-committee also calls for a national debt-reduction sales tax of 6.5 percent, as well as changes in Social Security and income tax rates By Phil Galewitz and Jordan Rau, KHN Staff Writers Nov. 18, 2010 - Offering the latest tough-love strategy to reduce the nation's debt, a panel of high-profile Republicans and Democrats on Wednesday recommended that Medicare beneficiaries pick up far more of their health care costs and the government substantially curb the amount both Medicare and Medicaid programs can grow in future years. Read more... Social Security, Medicare Cuts in Bulls Eye for Federal Commission Trying to Reduce Budget
Nov. 11, 2010 - Senior citizens, that turned out in droves to support the Tea Party rallies urging cuts in federal spending, came face-to-face with reality today as the co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released a long list of spending cuts that could be made. Although a small part of the total savings from these ideas, projected to be $200 billion a year, it does suggest significant reductions in Social Security, Medicare and Veterans programs that are critical to millions of elderly Americans. Read more... New Campaign Gets 136 in Congress to Warn President About Cutting Social Security These House Democrats pledge to oppose any form of Social Security cuts coming from commission setup by President Obama
Social Security News Speaker Pelosi Backs $250 Payment to Senior Citizens, Veterans if No COLA for 2011 Senior Protection Act by Rep. Earl Pomeroy still in committee; President Obama has backed $250 payment for seniors
Senior Citizen Politics Legislation Moves Forward to Increase Low-Cost Housing Options for Senior Citizens Banking subcommittee approves bill from Sen. Kohl, Chair, Special Committee on Aging, other Democrats Oct. 4, 2010 – A program of Housing and Urban Development, Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, is headed for expansion and improvement, according to an announcement from the office of U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Special Committee on Aging. Read more... Democrats, Republicans Trying To Sway Senior Citizens With Health Care Spin Advocacy groups protest the presence of lobbyists at the gathering of state insurance regulators Aug. 16, 2010 – Senior citizens (age 65 and older) – the most consistent voting age group - stands out, too, as the age group least pleased with the Obama Administration. One reason has been confusion over health care reform. All this has made them prime targets by both political parties for a barrage of “spin.” Read more... Seniors Least Likely to See Conflict with Immigrants, Most Likely to Back Arizona Law Two surveys by Pew Research seem to be in conflict on views of senior citizens July 6, 2010 – A recent survey by Pew Research found senior citizens are far more likely to approve of the tough immigration law passed in Arizona than are younger people. This results seems to conflict with another survey by Pew just last September that found those age 65 or older the least likely to see "very strong" or "strong" conflicts between immigrants and people born in the United States. Read more... Senate Committee Hearing June 30 to Investigate Drug Waste and Disposal in U.S. Goal to reduce health risk of risky disposal, like flushing drugs in toilets, leaving them in places accessible to children June 29, 2010 – A U.S. Geological Survey in 2002 of 139 bodies of water in 30 states found over 80 percent of their water samples were contaminated by prescription drugs and personal care products. U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging has called a hearing of his committee tomorrow to look at the risks associated with improper disposal and lack of disposal options for consumers. Read more... Medicare News Last Minute Change of Heart by GOP Too Late to Save Physicians from Giant Medicare Pay Cut Congress is playing Russian roulette with seniors’ health care,” said AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD June 18, 2010 – After months of fighting back attempts by the Democrats to restore a gigantic 21.3 percent reduction in pay for doctors to treat Medicare patients, the Republicans relented early this afternoon and supported a six-month extension. It looked good for the doctors and senior citizens worried about their doctors leaving Medicare, but then hope and joy faded. Medicare had already begun processing payments at the reduced rate, which was actually effective on June 1. Read more... Medicare News Republicans Again Block Democrats' Effort to Stop Huge Medicare Pay Cut for Doctors Physicians say they are not making enough money on their existing Medicare patients and would be hesitant about accepting new ones June 17, 2010 - A bill that would, among other things, extend some unemployment benefits and provide a temporary fix for Medicare physician payment rates languished in the Senate Wednesday as a procedural vote to end debate on the bill failed, 52 to 45 - eleven Democrats broke with the party to vote no. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics President Obama Speaks to Seniors, Answers Questions About Affordable Care Act
June 8, 2010 – President Barack Obama this week met with senior citizens at the Holiday Park Multipurpose Senior Center in Wheaton, Maryland, to discuss and answer questions about how the Affordable Care Act will effect seniors and their health care. The complete text of his remarks and the Q & A are below. Read more....watch video AMA Predicts ‘Medicare Meltdown’ as Senate Fails to Stop 21% Pay Cut for Doctors
June 3, 2010 - The U.S. Senate’s failure to act before a June 1 deadline to avoid a 21 percent Medicare physician pay cut has put seniors’ health care at grave risk, according to the American Medical Association, which launched a new media campaign today. A new AMA survey shows that many physicians are already limiting the number of Medicare patients they treat. Read more...See video Senior Citizens Lose 24 Percent of Their Buying Power Since 2000, Says Senior League Group pushing for legislation to adopt new cost of living measure for seniors May 28, 2010 - Seniors have lost almost one-quarter of their buying power since 2000, according to the Annual Survey of Senior Costs, released this week by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). TSCL claims to be one of the nation’s largest nonpartisan seniors advocacy groups and is affiliated with the Retired Enlisted Association. Read more...watch video Florida GOP Senate Candidate Wants Social Security Investment Accounts, Higher Retirement Age Marco Rubio also says Social Security benefits should be cut for younger workers, AP reports
Social Security News Social Security Can Be Fixed with Just Modest Changes: Senate Committee on Aging Chairman Kohl sends to Congress various options committee found for consideration
Health Reform News & Information Senior Citizens Exposed as Biggest Opponents of Health Care Reform by New Kaiser Poll More Americans supporting the legislation; 2010 provisions very popular; widespread support for them across the political spectrum
Senior Citizen Politics Bi-Partisan Senators Join to Keep Banks from Freezing Accounts with Social Security Funds Democratic Senators Kohl, McCaskill, Baucus joined by Republican Grassley to push for new Treasury regulations protecting seniors, veterans
Democrats Successful in Stopping Big Cut in Medicare Pay for Physicians Bill passed with help of only three Republicans, signed by President last night April 16, 2010 – Senior citizens can take their annual sigh of relief that a Medicare pay cut for physicians has once again been avoided. The giant pay cut – over 21 percent – had the potential of causing many doctors to no longer care for Medicare patients. The bill stopping this year’s pay cut was signed by President Barack Obama last night after Democrats won a hard fought battle with Republicans. Three Republican senators did vote with the winning Democrats. Read more... Senate Democrats Move Closer To Delaying 21% Medicare Pay Cut Slated For Doctors AMA Prez says says senior citizens already having problems finding a doctor... Proposal by Sen. Max Baucus to delay pay cut to June 1 passes 60-40 April 15, 2010 - Senate Democrats on Wednesday won a "key vote" toward delaying a 21 percent cut in physicians reimbursements from Medicare, according to MedPage Today. Those cuts officially went into effect on April 1. On a 60-40 vote, the Senate agreed to exempt a provision to delay the cuts by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., "from a Senate rule that says all spending legislation must be paid for." Read more... Doctors Face 21% Medicare, TRICARE Pay Cut Tomorrow Without Congressional Action Many physicians expected to no longer treat Medicare, TRICARE patents at lowered pay rate April 14, 2010 – April 15 is a costly deadline for many Americans filing their taxes on deadline day. But it could even be more costly to many doctors facing a 21 percent pay cut from Medicare if Congress does not act immediately. Efforts by Democrats to fix this glitch in regulations that make the pay cut mandatory have been blocked by Republicans. Seniors and patients in TRICARE, too, could be big losers, as it is considered certain many physicians will no longer accept Medicare or TRICARE patients if this pay cut is finalized. Read more... Senior Citizen Opinions & Analysis Medicare Advantage Competitive Pricing: The Political Failure of a Good Idea ‘There should be a better way to pay Advantage plans, one less likely to be a taxpayer rip-off…’
Austin Frakt, Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management Apr 13, 2010 - Few Americans should be satisfied with the way the government pays private health insurance plans that participate in the Medicare Advantage program. Taxpayers pay 14 percent more to insure a beneficiary through the Advantage program than through traditional, fee-for-service Medicare, the program’s “public option.” The new health reform law–the Affordable Care Act--will reduce, but not eliminate, the additional payments to Advantage plans. Medicare beneficiaries are concerned about the reductions in Advantage plan availability and generosity that will result from those payment cuts. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Actions Helpful to Senior Citizens in Health Care Bill Promoted by Senate Aging Chairman Provisions are from bills championed by Sen. Herb Kohl to provide better health care to seniors March 23, 2010 – Several provisions of the Health Care Reform Bill that was signed into law this morning by President Obama were long-championed by the Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI). All were supported by Kohl as being helpful to senior citizens. Read more... Health Reform Bill Passage Hailed by Senior Citizen Advocates for Its Benefits for Seniors Seniors laud plugging ‘donut hole’, paying for more Medicare preventive services
Money, Insurance & Investments for Seniors Democrats on Senate Aging Committee Back New Bill to Protect Senior Citizens from Fraud Financial regulation bill includes language to protect against unscrupulous financial advisors March 16, 2010 – Four Democrats on the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging came together yesterday to support a provision included in the Restoring American Financial Stability Act that they say will protect older Americans from fraud at the hands of unscrupulous financial advisors. Speaking out were senators Herb Kohl (WI), Bob Casey (PA), Claire McCaskill (MO), and Al Franken (MN). Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Impact on Senior Citizens of Rising Drug Prices in Medicare to Be Hearing Topic Sen. Bill Nelson will be guest chair for Special Committee on Aging hearing March 17 March 16, 2010 – The Special Committee on Aging will convene Wednesday, March 17, for a hearing to examine the rise of prescription drug prices in America and its impact on senior citizens who participate in the Medicare Part D program. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) will be the acting chairman. Read more... Medicare News Annual Fight in Washington Over Mandated Medicare Cuts in Doctors’ Pay Started in 1965 National Public Radio reporters explain the history on All Things Considered
Medicare News Medicare’s Mandated 21% Cut of Pay for Physicians is Delayed Until April 1 Senate Democrats push through the bill late Tuesday, President Obama signs it March 4, 2010 – The newspaper for members of the American Medical Association reported yesterday that late Tuesday night Senate Democrats “were able to overcome a procedural roadblock that led to an unprecedented 21% cut in Medicare physician pay taking effect the day before. But the development bought Congress only about a month to approve a longer-term solution before the reduction comes back.” Read more... Medicare News Senior Citizens, Military Families May Find Doctors Refusing Service as Medicare Pay Shrinks 21% Military families are also hurt by March 1 reduction as TRICARE ties its payment rates to Medicare
Medicare News Senior, Physician, Military Groups Urge Fix to Medicare’s Annual Crisis in Physician Pay Almost yearly physician’s face mandated cut in pay that is then reversed by Congress Jan. 25, 2010 - Focusing on looming Medicare physician cuts of 21 percent scheduled to begin on March 1, the American Medical Association (AMA), AARP and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) have joined together in an “unprecedented” multi-state event to urge a lasting fix to this annual crisis. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Comparison Online of House, Senate Health Reform Bills on Key Issues for Senior Citizens
Jan. 7, 2010 - The SCAN Foundation has released a policy brief summarizing the key provisions of the House and Senate health care reform bills that support the continuum of health and long-term care for seniors. The two houses are Congress are working now to reach agreement on a final bill. Read more... Many Questions Remain on Expanding Medicare to Buy-In for Younger Americans Expanded Medicare program could help cover the 4.3 million uninsured Americans in the 55 to 64 age group
Senior Citizen Hot Button Issue - Drug Importation - Takes Center Stage in Senate Senate bill sponsored by North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan and Maine Republican Olympia Snowe, draws fire from drugmakers Dec. 10, 2009 - Debate on a proposal that would make it easier to bring prescription drugs into the country from abroad is taking center stage on the Senate floor as part of the health care reform debate. Read more... Democrats' Idea to Expand Medicare for Younger Americans Raises Industry Hackles Details fluid but people aged 55 to 64 who were uninsured or could not afford employer-sponsored health insurance would be allowed to enroll in Medicare By Julie Appleby and Mary Agnes Carey, KHN Staff Writers Dec. 9, 2009 - Hospitals, doctors and insurers are mounting a full-blown attack on a proposal to allow people under 65 to join Medicare – an idea that's gaining new momentum among Senate Democrats as they scramble to pick up the 60 votes needed to pass the sprawling health care legislation. Read more... Video by Senior Citizen Advocates Explains Benefits of Senate Health Care Reform Bill Senate Aging Committee Chair Sen. Herb Kohl organized, chaired presentation Dec. 2, 2009 – Four panelists knowledgeable about the issues of the health care reform debate in Congress spoke on the effects the bill on the Senate floor will have on senior citizens. An online video of their presentations and the Q&A that followed is now available. Read more...Watch Video Senior Citizen Opinions & Analysis Congress Targets Senior Abuse in Elder Justice Act as Part of Health Care Reform ‘As part of health care overhaul legislation, lawmakers are taking steps that would for the first time establish a federal beachhead in fighting elder abuse’ Produced in collaboration by the Los Angeles Times and Kaiser Health News Nov. 23, 2009 - When it comes to political, social or health causes, elder abuse has not had the star power of some other movements focusing on the rights of vulnerable people. Last month, actress Nicole Kidman headlined a congressional hearing on violence against women, and stars of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" appeared at a Capitol Hill rally for child-abuse victims. An event sponsored by a coalition of elder abuse groups, meanwhile, featured ordinary senior citizens, recounting in sometimes aching detail how they or their loved ones had been physically and emotionally abused or financially exploited. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Seven Major Advocacy Groups Join in Letter Urging Senators to Allow Health Care Debate Urge Senators to vote against any filibuster that would prevent the debate from moving forward Nov. 20, 2009 - On the eve of a key vote this Saturday about health insurance reform, seven major national organizations today sent a joint letter to all Senators urging them "to vote against any filibuster that would prevent the health insurance debate from moving forward." Read more... AARP Finds Member Support for Health Care Reform Provisions; Older Members Hardest to Sell
Nov. 17, 2009 – A new poll of AARP members released yesterday found “strong support across party and ideological lines for elements of health care reform” in the current bill in the House of Representatives. But, it also shows, as have other polls, that senior citizens are a tougher sell on health care reform than are younger Americans. Read more... House Hands Health Care Challenge Off to Senate Which Faces Christmas Deadline Public option in a House bill is opposed by a handful of moderate Senate Democrats, and Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent backed by insurance By Liz Halloran, NPR News Nov. 9, 2009 - Democrats have little time to savor the narrow passage of their historic heath care overhaul in the House of Representatives as attention turns to the deeply divided U.S. Senate. Majority Leader Harry Reid's challenge is to corral enough votes to bring a companion bill to the floor of his chamber before a White House-imposed Christmas deadline. Read more... Most Key Players in Senior Citizen Health Care Back House Plan Headed to Senate AARP, AMA, American Heart Association, Council on Aging back HR 3962; insurance execs oppose Nov. 9, 2009 - The narrow 220-215 margin of victory for the House Democrats' health reform bill late Saturday foreshadows a potentially tougher fight in the Senate. Yet, as it came time to vote on Saturday, most of the large groups that usually advocate for senior citizens’ health care issues had jumped on board. Insurance companies were about the only organization opponents. Read more... House Finally Unveils Health Care Reform Bill; Expands Coverage to 36 Million Americans Has 'public option' preferred by moderates, raises Medicaid eligibility levels to 150% of the federal poverty level, guarantees that 96% of Americans have coverage Oct. 29, 2009 - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Thursday morning unveiled a House health care reform plan that is expected to cost about $894 billion and "provide insurance to up to 36 million people by broadly expanding Medicaid, the state-federal insurance program for the poor, and by offering subsidies to moderate-income Americans to buy insurance either from private carriers or a new government-run plan," the The New York Times reports. Read more... GOP Defeat of Bill to Fix Problem in Medicare Physician Pay Devastating to Doctors, Seniors Doctors face 21% pay cut from Medicare in 2010; same annual quandary Democrats tried to fix; senior citizens many find it harder to get a doctor; AMA issues new list of states with problems
By
Tucker Sutherland, editor & publisher Oct. 22, 2009 – An annual event for years has been the threat of a Medicare pay cut for doctors, caused by an automatic payment formula for physicians that takes in annual data and spits out a demand that doctors’ pay must be cut. This is followed by the physicians' lobbyists and medical associations rushing to Washington, campaign cash in hand, to get the Congress to magically transform the pay cut into a pay hike. - which they always do. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Senators Introduce Elder Abuse Victims Act to Combat Exploitation of Senior Citizens Companion bill introduced earlier in the House by Rep Joe Sestak (D-PA) was passed by a vote of 397 to just 25 Oct. 22, 2009 – A group of Senators, frequently active in legislation supporting senior citizen issues, today introduced the Elder Abuse Victims Act, a bill , they say, that will improve the law enforcement community's ability to target and combat abuse and exploitation of senior citizens. Read more... Senior Citizens Lead Swing to Support Government-Run Health Care Plan; U.S. Now Supports It Independents and seniors, two groups crucial to the debate, have warmed to the idea of a public option, and are particularly supportive Oct. 20, 2009 – Senior citizens and independents have swung to favor a government-run health-care plan to compete with private insurers, according to a new Washington Post-ABC poll showing support for the government-run plan to complete with private insurance has rebounded from its summertime lows and wins clear majority support from the public. Read more... Senate Postpones Vote on Fixing Medicare Doc Pay; Medicare Officials Easy Up on Insurers More details emerging on changes to Medicare in health care reform proposals Oct. 19, 2009 - Senate Democrats have postponed a scheduled cloture vote today on a bill that would make permanent changes to scheduled rate cuts to Medicare reimbursement for doctors and hospitals. Meanwhile, doctors worry about the cuts and lawmakers worry that the fix could break budget goals. Read more... Senior Citizens League Pushes Bill Giving Seniors $415 Increase in Social Security for 2010 House bill proposes a 3% pay hike for seniors – the average COLA increase over last 10 years Oct. 16, 2009 – Despite strong Congressional support and the backing of President Obama for a $250 payment to senior citizens in 2010 to compensate for the lack of an increase in Social Security, The Senior Citizens League is not giving up on its support for a House bill that would give the average beneficiary an additional $415.20 in Social Security payments, a boost of $34.60 per month in 2010. Read more... Social Security News Social Security Makes It Official: No COLA Increase for Seniors in 2010 Due to No Inflation
Oct. 15, 2009 – Social Security made it official this morning. Over 57 million Americans will not see an automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) added to their Social Security payments for 2010. More than 36 million of these are senior citizens. The COLA is automatically determined each year to cover inflation, but, since the economic crash back in 2008 inflation has gone flat in the struggling economy. Read more... President Wants Congress to Give Each Senior Citizen $250 to Offset No Social Security COLA Obama wants additional $250 Economic Recovery Payment paid to seniors, veterans and people with disabilities Oct. 15, 2009 - President Obama yesterday announced his support for an additional $250 Economic Recovery Payment to the seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who are struggling to make ends meet with retirement savings that have not fully recovered from their losses over the first year of the recession. Read more...
Sen. Olympia Snowe – almost a senior citizen at 62 – is in spotlight after casting lone GOP ‘yes’ vote; Sen. Joe Lieberman jumps ship Oct. 14, 2009 - An amendment to the Senate Finance Committee bill, sponsored by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., would allow most Medicare Advantage patients in southern Florida to keep their current benefits. Dems Get Boost from Another Republican Backing Health Reform: Former Bush Medicare Chief Key leader in Bush effort for Medicare drug program, former CMS chief Scully, joins growing list of GOP speaking up for health refrom Oct. 9, 2009 - Former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services chief Thomas Scully is the latest Republican to throw his support behind health care reform. He supports the approach taken by the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Montana Democrat Max Baucus. Read more... Powerful Congressional Leaders Offer New Legislation to Protect Older Workers Judiciary Committee opens hearing on how ‘bare majority’ of Supreme Court has made it more difficult to prove age discrimination in workplace Oct. 7, 2009 – Older workers received good news yesterday of a Congressional challenge to a Supreme Court decision in June of this year that many say encourages age discrimination in the workplace. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman George Miller (D-CA), introduced legislation they say restores vital civil rights protections for older workers in the face of the Supreme Court’s decision. Read more... Senior Citizens Lead Decline in Opposition to National Health Care Reform New Associated Press poll finds opposition by seniors dropped from 59 to 42 percent in a month; nation now evenly split Oct. 7, 2009 – The Associated Press is reporting a new poll shows a “significant” change in attitude about health care reform by senior citizens. Their opposition has dropped by 16 percentage points – from 59% in September to 43% in October. Read more... For One Senior, Medicaid Provides Model Care Doctor suggested signing up for Medicaid to pay the $80,000 a year bill for her long-term care By Oct. 5, 2009 - Lela Petersen thinks about health care a lot these days. She's a small business owner who pays $1,150 a month to an HMO, covering her and her husband. Petersen doesn't have any other option, but her 94-year-old mother, Gracie Scarrow, is another story. Read more... Administration Provides Information Online for Senior Citizens on Health Insurance Reform Vice President Joe Biden and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius presented report at meeting with seniors Oct. 1, 2009 – In an effort to clear up some of the confusion about how senior citizens could be affected by health care reform, Vice President Joe Biden and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently hosted a meeting for seniors and released a report by HHS that outlines how reform issues may help older Americans and answers key questions. Read more... Senate Aging Committee Chair Says GOA Report Shows Severe Leakage of 401(k) Funds Sen. Kohl calls committee hearing October 21 on 401(k) reforms suggested by GOA report he requested Sept. 28, 2009 – A report requested from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) finds severe leakage from workers’ 401(k) retirement savings and suggests action Congress can take to plug the leaks. Kohl, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, has called a hearing on October 21, and says he will introduce new legislation to strengthen the 401(k) system. Read more... Massachusetts' Health Reform Requiring Health Insurance for Most Citizens is Highly Popular 79% want to continue health reform legislation making this the only state were nearly all are insured; poll did find concerns about the future Sept. 28, 2009 - Massachusetts is currently facing the impact of a severe recession, state budgetary and fiscal problems, and continued rising health care costs. Despite this difficult environment, a new poll finds that 79% want the state's health reform legislation, making it the only state where nearly all of the population has health insurance, to continue. Read more... Fireworks Surround Efforts in Finance Committee to Add Drug Discount Some of the money would have been used to close a gap in Medicare coverage of prescription drugs for seniors
Social Security News House Passes Bill to Stop 2010 Increase in Medicare Part B Costs, Helping Seniors Cope
Action stops insurance increase for about 27% of senior citizens, others protected already; Seniors won’t see COLA for 2010 Sept. 25, 2009 – Senior citizens may have a little financial relief on the way in 2010 as they prepare to make ends meet without a cost-of-living increase in their Social Security check. The House of Representatives yesterday overwhelmingly approved a bill that will prevent an increase in the Medicare Part B insurance by making $567 million available to pay the additional cost in 2010. Read more, see video... Social Security News Bills Hit Congress to Help Senior Citizens Deal with Lack of Social Security COLA in 2010 Proposal by Democrats Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter DeFazio getting most of the attention Sept. 24, 2009 – Although it has been obvious for months that senior citizens were not going to get a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their Social Security checks for 2010, due to the recession and high gasoline prices that hit last year, members of Congress are now jumping on the bandwagon to do something about it. At least four new bills in the House and one in the Senate propose providing some increase in benefits to seniors. Read more, Watch video... Social Security News House Gets Bill to Stop Medicare Part B Premium Increase as Seniors Face No COLA in 2010 An increase in the Medicare premiums would effectively reduce Social Security income for seniors Sept. 24, 2009 – A bill sponsored by Rep. Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat, aimed at protecting senior citizens and others with disabilities from increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums was introduced in the House of Representatives today, after receiving a nod from the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees. Read more... Senior Citizen Politics Medicare Makes Patients Happy, But Can It Last?
Many of the nation's most satisfied health care consumers are recipients of an existing government health plan: Medicare By Julie Rovner, NPR News Sept. 22, 2009 - Whether or not to create a new government-run health plan may be the biggest source of discord in the ongoing debate over a health overhaul. At the same time, however, many of the nation's most satisfied health care consumers are recipients of an existing government health plan: Medicare. Read more, see video... Changes Made in Senate Health Care Reform Bill That Impact Senior Citizens Sen. Baucus presents amended version of Finance Committee bill; changes in Medicare, Medicaid provisions Sept. 22, 2009 – A number of modifications were added to the Chairman’s Mark of the America’s Healthy Future Act today by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and many of these changes could directly impact senior citizens. Read more... Chairman Baucus Releases Health Care Reform Proposal from Senate Finance Committee CBO says it will not add to federal deficit: to be fully paid for mostly through quality, efficiency, prevention and adjustments in federal health programs
Senate Aging Committee Chair Joins Moderate Democrats to Meet with Obama on Health Care Sen. Herb Kohl stresses need for health care reform to reduce the cost of health care in U.S. Sept. 11, 2009 – The chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), joined the Moderate Democrat Working Group to meet yesterday with President Barack Obama. He emphasized the need for health care reform to reign in the rising costs of health care, while maintaining quality and expanding access. Read more... Senior Citizens Most Likely to be Confused by Health Care Debate, Young ‘Invincibles’ Quiet One myth seniors can lay to rest: No proposal calls for rationing health care for older Americans
Health Care Reform Reaching Pick: Obama Speaks Tonight, Finance Chair Ready to Go
By Dan Robinson, Voice of America Sept. 9, 2009 - When he addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday night, President Barack Obama will face difficult hurdles in persuading skeptical members of his own Democratic Party as well as minority Republicans to support his vision of how to move the country forward on health care reform. Read more... New HHS Report Highlights Need for Health Insurance Reform for Older Women Chronic conditions drive health care spending in the U.S. for all ages but highest among senior women Sept. 8, 2009 – Last week, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a report on the importance of health insurance reform for older women (ages 55-64) and senior women (ages 65 and older). One of the most striking points in the report is the cost of caring for Americans with chronic conditions, which are most often women, because they live longer. Read more... Health Insurance: How Much More Should Older People (Baby Boomers) Pay? Lawmakers face balancing act - limit insurers to a small difference in premiums between older and younger people and younger ones likely to pay far more than now; allow larger spread, and boomers may be priced out of coverage. Seniors on Medicare not affected. By Julie Appleby Aug. 31, 2009 - Chris Denny, who runs a small marketing firm in Santa Rosa, Calif., buys his own health insurance for $117 a month. An avid gardener, Denny, 27, describes himself as healthy and fit. The same policy, from the same insurer, would cost a 60-year-old man $735 a month... Read more... Senior’s Health Care Bill of Rights Issued by Republican National Committee News organizations are analyzing the health reform challenges ahead for the President and suggesting direction change after vacation
Senior Citizen Politics Many Yelling at Town Halls are Senior Citizens Worried Health Reform Will Hurt Instead Of Help Democrats have a senior citizen problem, reports Politico; also fighting full-blown myths - attacks claiming reform would create government 'death panels' authorizing euthanasia Aug. 12, 2009 – Many of those people wildly shouting at the Congressional town halls are senior citizens, who already have a government health plan that they like – Medicare. Yet, they are screaming against reform, possibly because many fear it will endanger the Medicare benefits they happily receive now. Read more...
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Political News (PoliticalWire)
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Jan. 25, 2012 – Perhaps the biggest surprise of the lengthy State of the Union Address by President Barack Obama last
night was his lack of mention of Medicare and saying very little about health care. Even the Republican response referred to Medicare, notes
Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News, in a video interview with Jackie Judd.
Jan. 25, 2012 – The National Council on Aging has identified the six top key issue priorities for 2012 and encourages
older adults and their caregivers to advocate for key issues that could greatly affect their lives, and their livelihoods.
1/2/12
- Medicare is headed for big changes in 2012, no matter who wins the White House, according to an analysis by AP reporter Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar.
And, it is the flood of baby boomers – 1.5 million a year - hitting the Medicare door-opening age of 65 that is forcing changes to slow the spending
growth.
Dec. 15, 2011 – Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), who proposed converting Medicare to a system where senior citizens were given
vouchers to buy health care protection, has joined with an Oregon Democrat, Sen. Ron Wyden, to propose a new idea for changing the government
health care program. Senior advocates don’t seem to like the new plan better than Ryan’s first.
Nov. 11, 2011 – An obvious and perhaps disastrous disconnect seems to have developed between Republican voters – senior
citizens in particular - and their national party, including their presidential candidates. AARP has just released polls from Florida and Iowa
showing a vast majority of GOP voters oppose cutting Social Security or Medicare benefits to reduce the deficit – solutions the leadership is
suggesting. 
Nov.
2, 2011 - The annual big-dollar battle over the rate of pay for physicians kicked off yesterday with a rule from the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services that set the rates for 2012 – the cut was slightly less than expected but still a gigantic 27.4 percent.
The CMS rule was mandated to follow current law, although the administration is firmly against the cuts.
Oct. 17,
2011 - The National Council on Aging will provide testimony tomorrow on behalf of senior citizens and their increasing economic insecurity.
Testifying will be NCOA's senior vice president of economic security, 
Sept. 19, 2011 - In his plan to trim the federal deficit, President Barack Obama Monday proposed $320 billion in cuts to
Medicare and Medicaid, largely by changing how the federal government pays health providers, slashing payments to drug companies, and
dramatically changing the way it splits the costs of Medicaid with the states, according to a fact sheet the White House released today.
Aug. 15, 2011 - Why does the debt ceiling deal give liberals so much heartburn? Many reasons, obviously. But a big one is
the possibility that it will trigger automatic cuts to Medicare, the jewel of the Great Society and the program on which virtually every
senior citizen depends for health insurance. 
Aug.
4, 2011 - The deal President Barack Obama and Congress struck this week to raise the nation's debt ceiling has prompted many questions about
how a special "super committee" established by the law will affect federal health care programs.
Proposals include raising payroll tax cap, raising retirement age, adding public workers
June 29, 2011 - Can seniors afford to pay more for
Medicare? Medicare patients would pay more - in some cases much more -
under a bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate today (Tuesday 6/29).
But can they really afford it?
AARP TV ad fighting cuts to
senior programs. See video
May 15, 2011 - The Social Security Board of
Trustees late Friday (May 13, 2011) released its annual report on the
financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds and said they will
be exhausted in 2036, one year earlier than projected last year.
one year sooner than projected last year. Most senior advocacy groups
were not alarmed (see comments below news report).
April 11, 2011 - Three Republican members of the
House Ways and Means Committee have launched an attack on AARP,
including the release of a report focusing on the massive amount of
money the organization earns from insurance companies, and sending a
letter last Friday to the Internal Revenue Service asking for an
investigation of AARP’s non-profit tax status.
April
11, 2011 – Still reeling from the Republican proposal to severely cut
Medicare and Medicaid and to push Medicare toward a private insurance
program, senior citizens are now bracing for cost reduction proposals
for entitlement programs expected on Wednesday from President Barack
Obama. 
Complete
text below of President’s remarks and answers to questions from
senior citizens, also link to video of event
Congresswoman Dina Titus,
Democrat from
Nevada’s Third District, spoke on the House floor on the
Medicare Premium Fairness Act, which she introduced.
