text:
Front Page • Medicare-Medicaid • Aging • Health-Meds • Alzheimer's-Mental • Nutrition • Politics
• Fitness • Social Security • Sex Health • Features • Retirement • Elder Care ■ Search ■ Senior Links
SeniorJournal.com
Political News for Seniors
AARP Aims at Getting More Senior Citizens to Vote
Age 50+ group wants older voters to hold politicians accountable.
May 2, 2018 – Senior citizens have long been the most prolific voters in the United States, but that crown is slipping...
Senior citizens support voter ID laws even if among victims
Most voters don't believe it suppresses turnout
Aug. 29, 2017 – Senior citizens, although often among those who are victims of strict voter ID laws, are among Americans who are the most likely to support voter ID laws, says a study published recently in the journal Social Science Quarterly.
Seniors citizens, boomers no longer dominate voters
Millennials and Gen Xers out voted them in 2016 presidential election
Aug. 16, 2017 – Senior citizens are no longer the dominant voice on election day. Baby Boomers and other older Americans are no longer the majority voters in U.S. presidential elections, according to Richard Fry, a senior researcher at Pew Research Center, who predicted this result a year ago.
AARP Wants Senate Health Bill Stopped; Older Americans in Danger
Seniors most threatened by new Republican health bill, says leading organization of older Americans
June 25, 2017 — The Senate health bill imposes and "Age Tax" on older adults - increasing health insurance premiums and reducing tax credits. Even more damning, it makes cuts to both Medicare and Medicaid funding, and yet gives billions of dollars in tax breaks to drug and insurance companies. AARP calls on every Senator to vote 'NO' on this harmful bill.
Senior citizens, less educated about only ones happy with Trump transition
Pew Research finds most unhappy with President-elects performance so far
Dec. 8, 2016 - Donald Trump is off to a rough start with his transition to be President of the United Stated. A solid majority of Americans are unhappy with his work. The only two groups solidly in his corner are the elderly and the least educated Americans - a solid base of his Republican party.
Seniors may see massive changes in Medicare from new Trump appointee to head HHS
Aggressive advocate for the privatization of Medicare, Tim Price, will head Health & Human Services
Nov. 30, 2016 - This week, with the appointment of Rep. Tim Price to head Health and Human Services (HHS), many Americans are left wondering what will happen to Medicare, according to a report on the Fox News website. More...
Social Security News
Social Security receives little attention in Presidential Campaigns; AARP wants seniors to act
67% of AARP Members Cite Social Security's Future as Their #1 Concern in Survey; roundup of Social Security news below news story
Sep. 30, 2016 -AARP, a sponsor of the presidential debates, sent a letter to moderator Lester Holt before the first debate urging him to ask the candidates for their plans for maintaining the security of Social Security. He didn't and that highlights the unusual lack of interest in this critical government program. AARP now wants seniors to start using social media to get the attention of the political candidates focused on Social Security. More...
Trump and Clinton health plans would add to federal deficit
Today's political news and more from Kaiser Health News
Sept. 27, 2016 - However, the effect on the number of uninsured in the country differs dramatically. More political news for seniors...
Boomers, older voters may no longer dominate elections
Analysis by Pew Research suggests senior citizens will pass the torch to Gen X and Millennials
August 30, 2016 - Donald Trump may be the last chance for the old folks of America. His strongest support seems to be among older, less educated, white people. A new analysis by Pew Research, however, indicates the baby boomers and the generations even older may have seen the last election where they were the dominant force at the polls. More...
President Obama calls for increasing Social Security benefits
Program should be more generous, wealthiest should pay cost
June 2, 2016 – Improving Social Security was a prominent subject in a speech on the economy yesterday by President Barack Obama, including his call to make it "more generous" and to "increase its benefits."
Donald Trump debt proposal a Social Security bombshell
Motely Fool says Trump's plan to tackle our growing national debt could be surprisingly bad news for seniors.
May 23, 2016 - America has a plethora of growing concerns, but none may loom larger over the long term than our burgeoning national debt, writes Sean Williams in the popular website for investment advice, The Motely Fool.
Congress wins delay in new Medicare star rating of hospitals
Politicians bend to pressure from local hospitals to halt new quality measure
By Jordan Rau, Kaiser Health News
April 21, 2016 - Bowing to pressure from the hospital industry and Congress, the Obama administration on Wednesday delayed releasing its new hospital quality rating measure just a day before its planned launch.
Senator demands stop to abuse of nursing home residents on social media
ProPublica reported in December about inappropriate posts by employees of nursing homes and assisted living centers
by Charles Ornstein, ProPublica
March 11, 2016 -A U.S. senator has asked government regulators what, if anything, they're doing to stop nursing home workers from taking degrading and dehumanizing photos of residents and posting them on social media. More...
AARP still pressing presidential candidates on Social Security
Only Trump not responding to "Take A Stand" initiative
March 9, 2016 – Since the beginning of the year AARP members and the organization have been dogging the presidential candidates for their position on Social Security. The only remaining candidate not to offer an opinion on this critical program has been Donald Trump. More...
Tax credit for family caregivers proposed in U.S. House
AARP, others support bipartisan bill
March 9, 2016 – A bill introduced in the House of Representatives this week, the Credit for Caring Act, that supports America's family caregivers by offering a federal tax credit of up to $3,000 for those who qualify, has won the support of AARP. More...
Polls show how senior women feel about feminism
Which age group of women is most likely to identify as "Strong Feminist?"
Feb. 15, 2016 - Many women are today asking themselves about where they stand on feminism. The question is being pushed to the forefront in American politics by the emergence of Hillary Clinton as a leading candidate for President of the United States – a position never held by a woman. Senior women, in particular, may find the following poll results, which provide insight into what women of different ages are thinking, of very high interest. More...
Senior citizens not enjoying political debates but still most likely to watch
Youngest U.S. adults say debates are fun but they don't watch
Jan. 17, 2016 - Senior citizens, those age 65 and older who are in the age group most likely to vote in U.S. elections, say they are not enjoying the debates - at least most of them do. And, they add, they are not "fun to watch," according to Pew Research Center. The youngest adults find them the most fun to watch but, interestingly, report they are the least likely to even watch them. More...
Trump Plan will allow veterans to get their care from Medicare doctors
Vets will be able to get care from any doc of facility that treats Medicare patients
Nov. 2, 2015 - All U.S. military veterans can go to any doctor that treats Medicare patients to receive healthcare, according the campaign proposal yesterday by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. More...
Budget deal stops Medicare increase, Social Security cuts
Seniors have much on the line in the budget deal set to close today; much to do about entitlement programs
Oct. 28, 2015 - It is a giant day of politics for seniors, who should see the latest budget deal between the White House and pass today, which has several important provisions concerning Medicare and Social Security.. Then they can watch the Republican presidential debate, where new positions on Medicare by several candidates are sure to draw attention. More...
Jeb Bush now wants to save Medicare rather than phase it out
Bush introduces his latest ideas for Medicare and Social Security as next debate is about to start
Oct. 27, 2015 - Gov. Jeb Bush, who has almost disappeared in the polls for the Republican nomination for president, and appears desperate to revive his campaign in tomorrow's Republican debate, launched a new initiative today aimed at the senior entitlement programs of Medicare and Social Security. Earlier in the campaign he proposed doing away with Medicare but today says he wants to "preserve and protect" it. More...
Seniors pivotal in move to legalization and use of marijuana
Gallup and JAMA Psychiatry studies find seniors making difference in marijuana push
Oct. 22, 2015 – The trend is clear – making marijuana legal in the U.S. is on the way and even senior citizens are jumping onboard. A new Gallup Poll says 35% of seniors now favor making it legal, and this helped push support among all adults to a record high 58%. JAMA Psychiatry also reports the use by U.S. adults doubled between 2001 and 2013, but the authors are raising an alarm and are urging caution. More...
No help evident for senior citizens on lack of COLA, Medicare price hike
The Hill has the best report on the current situation in Washington
Oct. 19, 2015 - As millions of America's senior citizens worry about the financial crisis they face next year – no Social Security increase on top of a significant increase in Medicare costs for many – there is little evidence that Washington politicians will offer any relief. More...
Media, others recognizing financial crisis for senior citizens from no COLA
Older Americans look at impact of Medicare price hike and no Social Security increase for 2016; solutions costly
Oct. 16, 2015 – There is no denying millions of senior citizens, most whom struggle to survive financially with Social Security as their primary income, are devastated by the double whammies from their government that they will not receive a Social Security increase for 2016 but millions will face a Medicare bill that is up to 50% higher. More...
Senior League says Congress must increase Social Security, stop Medicare price hike
Low inflation is striking blow to the long-term Social Security income of millions of older, disabled Americans - new analysis by TSCL
Oct. 16, 2015 – Most senior citizens depend on Social Security for most of their income and "simply can't be expected to bear" not receiving a COLA increase for 2016, according to The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), which calls on Congress to provide an emergency COLA and Medicare relief from increases for 2016.
Pulling for Senior Citizen to be President? Three Democrats, Two Republicans Qualify
Clinton could tie Ronald Reagan for oldest incoming president, but Trump could become oldest
Oct. 12, 2015 - Just in case you are pulling for a senior citizen to be the next president of the United States, you should know that three of the five Democrats on the debate stage Tuesday night will be bona fide senior citizens – age 65 or older – before the swearing on January 20, 2017. More...
Age artist makes the candidates appear as they might in 2025
Oct. 12, 2015 - USA Today shows what some of the presidential candidates may look like in the year 2025. The artist say it is art based on scientific principles. Well, anyway, it is fun to see the candidates look more like they should be reading SeniorJournal.com. Emanuel Craciunescu of photo manipulation firm, Phojoe, based in Clarkson, Mich., told USA Today, "We scour the Internet for photos of parents and older siblings and make projections." See them all at USA Today!
Social Security a touchy topic – GOP's Kasick says 'Get over' cuts
AP says lower gasoline prices have doomed Social Security COLA; many seniors face higher Medicare fees
Oct. 11, 2015 – Social Security and Medicare are both hot topics in the news with the looming announcement there will be no cost-of-living increase for seniors next year, but many will be paying higher fees for some Medicare services. Grabbing the headlines, however, a GOP presidential candidate said those near retirement should just "get over" cuts he proposed in Social Security benefits. More...
Aid-in-Dying Bill to become law in California
Gov. Jerry Brown says it is what he would want; terminally ill can buy lethal medication
Oct. 5, 2015 - California Gov. Jerry Brown says it all came down to what he would want in the face of his own death, when he signed landmark legislation today to allow terminally ill patients to obtain lethal medication to end their lives.
Most Americans, other than senior citizens, say budget must fund Planned Parenthood
New Pew Research survey finds strong 60% public support for Planned Parenthood; blame Republicans for conflict
Sept. 8, 2015 - For senior citizens it should not be a surprise that Americans age 65 and older are the least likely to support maintaining federal funding for Planned Parenthood. Surprisingly, however, the percentage of seniors in favor is substantially larger than the number who want to eliminate the funding, according to the Pew Research Center.
Phase Out Medicare?
Did Jeb Bush say we got to do it?
• Jeb Bush Says We Should Phase Out Medicare
Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush said Wednesday that we ought to phase out Medicare, … Huffington Post
• Jeb Bush defends Medicare comments
Bush refused to back down... CNN
• Jeb Bush wants to 'phase out' Medicare. Here's what he meant.
Democrats seized on a remark by Bush on Thursday, saying his comments on phasing out Medicare showed he … Washington Post
Senior Citizen League finds things to like at White House aging event
July 20, 2015 – The Senior Citizen League (TSCL), often a careful critic of things that impact America's senior citizens, has issued their review of the White House Conference on Aging, that happens every 10 years. Following is the TSCL's report on the meeting that finds some things to like. More...
Senior citizens led swing to support same-sex marriage but still most against
Pew Research has followed issue for years and has insights into change
June 29, 2015 - You will probably be surprised to learn that senior citizens – called the Silents by researchers at Pew Research Center – led the nation in the wide-spread swing over the last 10 years to acceptance of same-sex marriage, which was approved by the U.S. Supreme Court last week. More...
Senior Citizen Politics
White House Conference on Aging gets big boost from Gerontological Society
Society publishes magazine dedicated to this conference that happens every 10 years - conference details below news story
April 17, 2015 – The activist involved in issues of aging in America are working feverishly in preparation for the White House Conference on Aging, which includes the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), which has just published an issue of their magazine that is totally about the conference. More...
Wealthy seniors to pay more for Medicare under bill passed to fix doctor pay
Medicare's troubled physician payment formula will soon be history, Congress passed bill and here is what it says
By Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News
April 15, 2015 - As expected, the Senate last night easily passed legislation to scrap the formula, accepting a bipartisan plan muscled through the House last month by Speaker John Boehner and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. The Senate vote came just hours before doctors faced a 21 percent Medicare pay cut. More...
Senior Politics from other media:
White House Conference on Aging begins regional forums with AARP today
Have your views heard...
March 31, 2015 - The regional forums are designed to help provide input and ideas for the national 2015 White House Conference on Aging, held in Washington, DC, later this year. Regional forum participation is by invitation, but AARP will live stream each regional event. Phoenix, AZ - March 31, Seattle, WA - April 2, Cleveland, OH - April 27, Boston, MA - May 28. >> More at AARP
Political News for Senior Citizens
House Republican budget calls for privatizing Medicare, cutting Medicare
Senate Republicans expected to reject cutting benefits for senior citizens
March 18, 2015 - House Republicans are proposing to cut $5.5 trillion in U.S. government spending and balance the budget in nine years by cutting Medicaid and food stamps and partially privatizing Medicare. The House plan released Tuesday, straight from Representative Paul Ryan's budgets of the past, is sure to run into opposition among Republicans who control the Senate. Almost half the Senate Republicans are up for re-election next year, and few senators are eager to run on a budget that would cut benefits for senior citizens. Bloomberg News
Senior Political News from other media
No more attacks on Medicare by Republicans in Senate
As budget work begins they break with Rep. Paul Rayan's entitlement overhauls
March 16, 2017 - Ending Medicare as we know it appears to be over, even as Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) moves up to chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. Paul Waldman writes in a Washington Post blog, "Republicans will not include detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs when they unveil their first budget in nearly a decade this week, according to GOP sources." Senate Republicans are breaking with Ryan because they want to avoid agitating senior citizens - especially with a slim majority and in danger of losing their majority in 2016. Washington Post
Regional Forums to Provide Ideas for 2015 White House Conference on Aging
Website up and running to share information on updates, events and activities
By Cecilia Muñoz, White House Blog
Jan. 13, 2015 - Today, I am delighted to announce the launch of a series of regional forums to engage older Americans, their families, caregivers, advocates, community leaders, and experts on aging on the key issues affecting older Americans. These forums are designed to help provide input and ideas for the upcoming 2015 White House Conference on Aging. More...
Senior Politics News – Other Media
Sen. Sanders in Iowa vows to resist Social Security cut
Dec. 17, 2014 - Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, in Ames, Iowa weighing a 2016 presidential candidacy, said his top priority as ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee will be resisting cuts to Social Security in the newly Republican-controlled chamber. AP/Clinton Herald
Congress allowing first cut ever in pensions of America's seniors opens door for more
Dec. 15, 2014 - A massive spending bill passed by Congress allows benefit cuts for retirees in one kind of pension plan, something that could set a precedent for other retirement programs, according to a MarketWatch article by John D. McKinnon.
Pensions of retirees, widows face cuts in action by House of Representatives
AARP. Pension Rights Center, labor unions trying to build last-minute opposition
Dec. 10, 2014 – While most seniors were focused on Thanksgiving with their families and then getting ready for Christmas, some members of the U.S. House of Representative have hit them with a nightmare… a reduction in pension benefits for those already retired or their widows. This amendment is rapidly moving forward but senior advocates are swinging into action to motivate senior citizens to let their voices be heard.More
Senior Politics – Other Media
Why the older Americans Act matters
Dec. 9, 2014 - Next year will be important and symbolic for aging programs and services, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Social Security, the 50th anniversaries of Medicare and Medicaid and the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Another reason to celebrate in 2015: the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act... one in five older adults - 11 million people - receive services from an Older Americans Act program. By Bob Blancato, Next Avenue Contributor, Forbes
Senior Citizen now official title at age 60 in Bangladesh
Sixty year old President makes the declaration after congressional approval
Nov. 29, 2014 - The President of Bangladesh, Abdul Hamid, has declared the country's people aged 60 years or above as senior citizens. President Hamid, who turned 60 in January, urged all to work sincerely to ensure social dignity and security, and other facilities including food, clothing and treatment for senior citizens. More..
More Services for Senior Citizens Move to Administration for Community Living
Created in 2012, ACL has gobbled up many of the organizations in the federal government that serve senior citizens – new organizational chart below
Oct. 29, 2014 – In a low-key but massive reorganization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which was formed in April of 2012, has made more changes and is becoming a large government home for many programs to support senior citizens in the U.S. Last year it was formed as the new home for the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Now it has swallowed the Paralysis Resource Center from the CDC and the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) from CMS. More...
Leading Medical Groups Urge Congress to Stop Steep Medicaid Cuts
Doctors treating Medicaid patients face big pay cut in 2015, way below pay for treating Medicare patients
Oct. 27, 2014 - Doctors representing four major physician organizations are knocking on doors in Washington today to try and preserve the current law of payment parity for primary care and immunization services under Medicaid for at least two years. The law, set to expire at the end of this year, mandates that doctors treating Medicaid patients – the poorest patients – be paid the same as what is paid doctors treating Medicare patients with the same procedure. More...
Minimum Social Security COLA of Three Percent Demanded by Senior Citizens League
About $113 Missing from Social Security in 2015, Says The Senior Citizens League
Oct. 23, 2014 – Only a day after Social Security announced a 1.7 percent cost-of-living increase for beneficiaries in 2015, The Senior Citizens League is calling for a minimum increase of 3 percent, which was the average before 2010. The group's leader, Ed Cates, says benefits of the typical Social Security recipient will be about $5,298 lower by the end of 2015 due to the government not maintaining at least a 3 percent increase. More...
Federal Retirees Most Unhappy with COLA, Face Healthcare Cost Hike of 3.8 Percent
President of National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association pleads for change in COLA calculation
Oct. 23, 2014 – Millions of seniors receiving Social Security were probably more than a little disappointed in the small 1.7 percent increase in the benefit for 2015, but retirees from the military and federal employment received the same percentage increase. The problem for the federal employees is a little worse than others due to a 3.8 percent increase in health care premiums for 2015. Medicare for other retirees will have virtually no increase in costs. More...
New Women's Initiative Focuses on Income Inequality, Health and Retirement Security
"Eleanor's Hope" continues Roosevelt legacy of social progress
Oct. 11, 2014 - A new national initiative, Eleanor's Hope, to help bring an end to the disparity between men's and women's income, health and retirement security, was launched this week by The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. A "press call" announcement included Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), NOW President Terry O'Neill and Tufts Health Plan President/CEO, James Roosevelt, Jr. More...
Other Media Reports
Pew Finds Voters Unhappy with Political Parties on Immigration
Republicans Unhappy on Several Major Issues
Sept. 25, 2014 - By wide margins, older Republicans who are unhappy with the party's stance on illegal immigration say it is too willing to allow undocumented immigrants to get legal status. Here are the age groups in the Pew survey and the percentage of Republicans saying the GOP is not doing a good job on this issue: 18-34 = 45%, 35-39 = 58%, 50-64 = 58% and 65+ = 64%. For all adults, 56% say the GOP is not doing a good job.
Scotland's Senior Citizens Saved the Union
September 20, 2014 - Fears over pensions, the economy and jobs drove most people to reject an independent Scotland in the recent referendum. Those 65 and older voted 73% to 27% to stay in the Union with Great Britain.
AARP Voter Guides: View Candidates Own Words on Social Security, Medicare
Sept. 19, 2014 - AARP has released voter guides featuring positions from Senate, Congressional, Gubernatorial and other statewide candidates – in their own words – on critical issues including Social Security, Medicare, and financial security. Voters of all ages may view the voter guides at www.aarp.org/yourvote.
Senior Citizens Support Legal Weed in Oregon
September 20, 2014 - The legal marijuana campaign is getting a nod of approval from a surprise group of Oregonians, senior citizens. "Just because we're old doesn't mean we're foolish," said Steve Weiss, President for the Oregon State Council of Retired Citizens. (Also see Senior Citizens Leading the Charge for Medical Marijuana in Florida)
Age, Gender Differences in Political Priorities
September 17, 2014 - Foreign policy and immigration rate as much more important issues for older voters than younger voters. About seven-in-ten voters 65 and older (71%) view foreign policy as very important to their vote, as do about as many of those 50 to 64 (70%). Among voters younger than 30, only about half (51%) say this… Pew Research Center
More Inspections of Medicare Hospice Programs Demanded by New House Bill
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization backs bi-partisan bill
Aug. 5, 2014 – Just before the House of Representatives slammed the door shut to go on their August recess, a bi-partisan bill was introduced that will require "more timely" surveys of Medicare-certified hospice care programs, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). More...
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
Blog by Cecilia Muñoz, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council.
July 29, 2014 - Today at the White House, I was delighted to host a roundtable discussion with leaders from across the aging community who came together to discuss the White House Conference on Aging, which will take place in 2015 – the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security. More...
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...
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...
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 23rd 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...
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
Click to committee website and live video.
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...
Kansas Governor Asked to Veto Bill Putting State in Charge of Medicare, Medicaid, Their Federal Funds
Wichita Eagle tries to stop this effort it calls a "real and present danger"
April 10, 2014 – Many of America's senior citizens may not be aware of the threat posed to Medicare and senior health benefits covered by Medicaid and the Affordable Care Are. Much of the attack is happening in states and is below the radar of national media. Actions by Republicans in Kansas provide a clear picture of the danger, as explained in an editorial that appeared this week in the Wichita Eagle. Read more...
Senior Advocates No Happier with Ryan's New GOP Budget Than Last Year's
Old Medicare ideas attract most attention – voucher system, later eligibility, and higher cost for middle class
April 2, 2014 – Virtually all organizations that advocate for senior citizens, Medicare or Social Security that issued statements on the Republican FY2015 House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's were critical of the provisions impacting seniors. Most news reports acknowledge his ideas were about the same as in his last budget push, including a voucher system for Medicare, high age for joining Medicare, higher cost for middle class seniors in Medicare. Read more...
Congress Retreats to Temporary Fix to Medicare Doc Payments for 17th Time
Mary Agnes Carey, KHN, and Emily Ehtridge, CQ Roll Call, explain the drama in Health on the Hill
March 28, 2014 - For the 17th time, Congress is on the verge of approving yet another temporary fix to the Medicare physician payment formula, according to Mary Agnes Carey, Kaiser Health News. "Known as the Sustainable Growth Rate, or the SGR, the formula has repeatedly called for cuts in Medicare physician payments, but every time that deadline comes up, Congress comes through with yet another sort term patch," she says. Read more...
Forget Talk About Cutting Social Security, New Campaign Wants Benefits Increased
National Committee wants to end Congressional efforts to reduce the program and put spot light on making it better
Feb. 10, 2014 - A new campaign to persuade Congress to increase the benefits provided by Social Security was launched last week by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. With most of the Congressional efforts in the last few years being aimed at reducing the cost of the program, it may seem, at first, to be at odds with public opinion. But, maybe not. There is considerable polling to show Americans do place great value on Social Security. Read more...
Senior Citizen Political Wish List Prepared for Congress by NCOA
Aging program funding, Medicare low-income protections, senior hunger top list
Feb. 5, 2014 – While reminding members of Congress that about one-quarter of the voters this November are expected to be senior citizens (age 65 or older), the National Council on Aging is has released a senior wish list for Congress. It suggests five ways Congress can help seniors – "especially those in greatest need." Read more...
New MyRA Retirement Savings Program, Opportunity Agenda Signed by President Obama
Presidential notes that Social Security often is not enough but often no solutions to make it better - see video
By Tucker Sutherland, editor, SeniorJournal.com
Jan. 30, 2014 – President Obama yesterday signed a presidential memorandum to begin his "opportunity agenda, including MyRA, that he calls a "new type of savings bond," that will help more Americans save for their retirement through automatic payroll deductions. He told workers at U.S. Steel this is the fourth part of the opportunity agenda he introduced the night before in the State of the Union, which is aimed at "making hard work pay off for every single American." He noted that Social Security is often not enough for a secure retirement. Read more...
Bill to Help Americans Better Prepare for Retirement Introduced by Leaders of Senate Aging Committee
Senators Bill Nelson and Susan Collins present Retirement Security Act of 2014
Jan. 29, 2014 – The two ranking members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging – Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), chairman, and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), ranking Republican – joined forces to introduce legislation today that would encourage small employers to offer retirement plans, encourage employees to save more for retirement, and ensure that low- and middle-income taxpayers are able to claim tax benefits for retirement savings already authorized in law. The goals of the bill seem to answer the plea by President Barack Obama in the State of the Union last night, where he said, Let's do more to help Americans save for retirement." Read more...
Social Security, Medicare Drop in Public Interest for State of the Union but Top Issues for Actuaries
American Academy of Actuaries offer their help in strengthening lifetime income solutions
Jan. 28, 2014 – A strong plea for President Barack Obama to address the financial security of Social Security and Medicare in his State of the Union address tonight has been voiced not by senior citizens or their advocates but by the American Academy of Actuaries (AAA). Voters, however, seem to have lost some interest in the security of these federal programs and are more interested in strengthening the economy, creating more jobs, protecting us from terrorism and improving the educational system, according to Pew Research. Read more...
Medicare Kept 25 Percent of Part D Contracts Out of Plan Finder Due to Pricing Inaccuracy: GAO Report
Senate Special Committee on Aging requested GAO study the shows Medicare's watchdog actions
Jan. 17, 2014 - A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released last week found that during the first seven months of 2013, 25 percent of Medicare Part D contracts had one or more plans suppressed from Plan Finder, the Medicare website seniors use to choose their drug plans, due to pricing inaccuracy, according to a news release from the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Read more...
Seniors with Multiple Chronic Conditions to Benefit from Medicare Changes in Bi-Partisan Bill
U.S. Senators, Representatives from both parties introduced today the Better Care, Lower Cost Act - video of news conference in story
Jan. 15, 2014 – Millions of senior citizens in Medicare may the among those to benefit from unusual cooperation between Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation that will, according to the sponsors, provide better care and lower cost for seniors and others covered by Medicare that have multiple chronic conditions. Two U.S. Senators from opposite political parties (Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.) and two House members representing both parties (Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., and Peter Welch, D-Vt.) have joined forces to introduce the Better Care, Lower Cost Act today. Read more...
Senators Press Medicare for Answers on Failure to Monitor Doctor Waste in Drug Program
Earlier ProPublica report detailed wasteful practices by doctors who routinely give patients pricey name-brand drugs when cheaper generic alternatives are available
by Charles Ornstein and Tracy Weber, ProPublica
Dec. 26, 2013 - A Senate committee chairman said he is concerned about the "serious vulnerabilities" detailed in a ProPublica report about scams that target Medicare's popular prescription drug program. Read more...
Congress Moves Closer To Changing How Medicare Pays Doctors
Annual battle over how much physicians will be paid for treating Medicare patients may be coming to and end, as well as worry by seniors if their doctor will still take Medicare patients
Dec. 13, 2013 – Almost as regular as Christmas in December of the last few years has been the congressional battle over how much physicians will be paid by Medicare. Long-standing legislation cut the pay each year and the doctors would have to spend heavily to convince Congress to give them a slight increase. But key House and Senate committees approved legislation Thursday to repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate, the formula officials use to pay doctors who treat Medicare patients. KHN's Mary Agnes Carey and Politico Pro's Jennifer Haberkorn discuss below. Read more...
Protect Low-Income People with Medicare Urged by Aging, Disability, Faith-Based Groups
60 organizations call for Congress to make Medicare QI Program permanent
Dec. 9, 2013 – The ational Council on Aging (NCOA) and 59 other diverse national organizations are urging Congress to make the low-income Medicare Qualified Individual (QI) program permanent as part of the Medicare physician payment (SGR) bill, scheduled to be considered by the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees this week. Read more...
Political Squabbling May Cause U.S. to Fail to Improve Failing Health Care System
U.S. spends 50 percent more of GDP on health care, yet life expectancy growing slower here than in other countries; much higher medical costs and worse outcomes; aging population not cause costs
Nov. 12, 2013 – The aging of the population has not been the primary cause of high health care costs over the last decade in the U.S. Nor has it been the large number of tests and treatments being prescribed. Instead, new Johns Hopkins-led analysis suggests it has been the increasing prices of drugs, medical devices and hospital costs - prices that doctors, patients and insurers rarely know until the money has been spent. The administrative costs alone - the costs associated with physicians and hospitals procuring payment from health insurers and individuals - are rising by 6 percent a year. Read more...
Medicare/Medicaid News
Key Senate, House Committee Chairmen Offer Plan To Fix Medicare Doctor Payments
Medicare physician payments will reduce by nearly 25 percent on Jan. 1 unless Congress intervenes; possible end to annual dilemma
By Mary Agnes Carey, KHN Staff Writer
Nov. 5, 2013 - The Democratic and Republican leaders of two key congressional committees have agreed on a framework to scrap the problematic Medicare payment formula for physicians and replace it with one that would link physician reimbursement to the quality of care provided, a step that could put an end to the annual "doc fix" debate. Read more...
Senior Citizens Most Likely to Favor Slumping Tea Party in New Pew Study
Despite giant swing away from favorable view of political rebels, seniors emerge from government shutdown as still its biggest supporters
Oct. 29, 2013 - The popularity of the Tea Party has plummeted following the government shutdown, according to an extensive research report by the Pew Research Center. This study also finds senior citizens are one of the two age groups leading the swing away from a favorable opinion of the political group, yet, surprisingly, still its biggest supporter. Read more...
Budget Conference an Excellent Opportunity to Examine Rep. Ryan's 'Entitlement' Proposals
Editor's Note: Another gigantic battle seems eminent as Republicans are expected to continue their efforts to cut the entitlement programs of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. This is a look at the strategy of Paul Ryan, GOP House Budget Chairman; 10th Anniversary for Center for American Progress - see video
By Scott Lilly, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
Oct. 24, 2013 - At the 11th hour, Congress bought itself some time to find a sensible path forward - a path that a majority in both houses can support and the president can sign. This should be an opportunity to step back from the partisan struggle and look at the budget options and alternatives that people on both sides bring to the table. Read more...
Social Security COLA Increase of About 1.5 Percent Now Expected on October 30
The cost-of-living allowance for seniors and others on Social Security was delayed due to 'lapse in funding' by Department of Labor's CPI determination
Oct. 18, 2013 – Senior citizens and others on Medicare will find out their pay increase for 2014 on Wednesday, October 30. The Department of Labor says that is the day it will release the Consumer Price Index for September, which is the last number needed to calculate the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2014. Current estimates are an increase of 1.4 or 1.5 percent. Read more...
National Council on Aging Tells Congress to Protect Social Security, Medicare
If Congress fails to increase the debt limit key payments to seniors may not be made
Oct. 14, 2013 – The National Council on Aging (NCOA) joined the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) in strongly urging Congress to end the government shutdown and extend the debt limit to December 2014, without putting at risk the Social Security, Medicare, and other benefits that millions of older Americans need to "stay healthy, independent, and secure." Read more...
Chained CPI May Reduce Your Retirement Income; Social Security Advocates Stir Opposition
National Committee, a leader in battle against chained CPI to determine social security COLA, issues study on detrimental impact, provides informational sources
Oct. 13, 2013 – One of the most strident opponents of changing the consumer price index used to calculate the annual cost-of-living adjustment for those on Social Security is The National Committee. It released a study earlier this month on the potential impact with the headline, "…Billions of Dollars and Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs Would Be Lost While Seniors, Veterans and Disabled Put at Risk." The group's news release called it a "startling" report. Read more...
AARP Study Says $762 Billion Paid by Social Security in 2012 Supported Nine Million Jobs
Organization uses report to also highlight its opposition to chained CPI to determine COLA for Social Security
Oct. 7, 2013 – AARP, one the organizations representing older Americans that has been a staunch defender of Social Security and opponent of the chained CPI for determining the COLA, released a study last week reporting that each dollar paid to Social Security beneficiaries generates nearly two dollars in spending by individuals and businesses, adding about $1.4 trillion in total economic output to the U.S. economy in 2012. Read more...
Congressional Progressive Caucus Rallies to Divert Budget Axe from Social Security, Medicare
Growing speculation that GOP seeking way to end government shutdown and swing budget axe at entitlements
Oct. 7, 2013 – Among the organizations that see a possible shift in the Republican budget cutting target from Obamacare to the so-call "entitlements" – Social Security and Medicare – is the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which issued a statement demanding "that cuts to the Social Security benefits millions of Americans have earned are not put on the table to end the government shutdown." Read more...
Republicans Seem Ready to Shift Fight to Cutting Senior Entitlements
Speaker Boehner says on ABC that the fight in Washington is really about the growth in the senior citizen population… the important goal is reducing entitlement spending; may push for cuts that President Obama earlier suggested
Oct. 6, 2013 – There are many who now say the real target of the Republicans in the current battle in Washington is not really Obamacare, it is entitlements, or, more specifically, Social Security and Medicare. These concerns were heightened today when House Speaker John Boehner said on ABC's This Week that what is driving the conflict is the growth in the senior citizen population. Read more...
Chained CPI Affects More Than Social Security COLA, Seniors Would Get Less, Pay More
The Seniors Citizens League (TSCL) continues to be an unrelenting fighter to preserve Social Security and the cost-of-living allowance now in place - COLA for 2014 should be announced this month
By Tucker Sutherland, editor
Oct. 2, 2013 – While most of the media attention on the U.S. government is focused on the Republican efforts to defund the Affordable Care Act, and the government shutdown this has caused, many seniors are worrying more about their Social Security and the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) increase that is normally announced in October. And, too, there is plenty of concern about a proposal to change the way the COLA is determined – using a different consumer price index – that most experts predict will significantly decrease these increases. Read more...
Senior Citizen Opinions & Analysis
Poor Communication to Senior Citizens About Obamacare May Be Costly Error
Even key news release from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services misleads senior citizens – its primary audience
By Tucker Sutherland, editor & publisher, SeniorJournal.com
Oct. 1, 2013 – One of the complaints we hear often is that the Obama Administration has done a poor job of communicating to the public about the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. We certainly agree with this opinion. The administration continues to not only fail to effectively market the programs benefits, but their poor communications continues to confuse the public and senior citizens in particular. Read more...
FDA Opens the Door to Rapid Growth in Health Apps for Smart Phones
Seniors may take greater interest in smart phones that help them manage their health
Sept. 24, 2013 – Senior citizens, the biggest consumers of health care, have a new reason to get a smart phone. The Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday meaning it will not enforce requirements under the Federal Drug & Cosmetic Act for the majority of medical applications, or apps, which are software programs that run on mobile communication devices and perform the same functions as traditional medical devices. Read more...
Caregiver & Elder Care News
Home Care Workers Who Assist Elderly Get Minimum Wage, Overtime Coverage
Millions of senior citizens who want to spend as much of their lives as possible in their homes expected to welcome Labor Department action making work conditions better for two million care workers
Sept. 17, 2013 - Fulfilling a promise by President Obama to ensure that direct care workers receive a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule today extending the Fair Labor Standards Act's minimum wage and overtime protections to most of the nation's workers who provide essential home care assistance to elderly people and people with illnesses, injuries or disabilities. Read more...
Senior citizens need to know details of how Obamacare affects them; don't join Marketplace plan
Sen. Nelson posts detailed information on how health care reform impacts senior citizens on Senate Select Committee on Aging website
Sept. 5, 2013 – There is a daily barrage of news and advertising for and against the Affordable Care Act – better known as Obamacare – and it has left many senior citizens confused about what they should be doing. Basically, seniors are not involved in the major provision of the plan, which mandates insurance for all Americans and has established the Health Insurance Marketplace to help them locate plans that meet their needs at the best price possible. Seniors on Medicare, however, already have outstanding insurance coverage and should not enroll in a Marketplace insurance plan. Read more...
Veterans need protection from abuse in benefits claims process
Senate committee on aging chairman says 'has to be fixed right away
Sept. 5, 2013 - Some individuals approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans - many of them senior citizens - applying for benefits may be doing them more harm than good, congressional investigators have found. The finding comes in a new report released last week by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that had been requested by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Chairman, Senate Special Committee on Aging, and other lawmakers last year. Read more...
Need to Address Long-Term Care Demands Highlighted in Report by AARP, Others
States struggling with high demand and limited resources to provide non-Medicaid long-term services and supports
July 16, 2013 - A report highlighting the challenges facing states in providing long-term services and supports (LTSS) was released today, just as states begin to implement LTSS options in the Affordable Care Act that increase access to Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS). Most states did not increase funding for non-Medicaid services – including senior centers, information and referral, transportation and caregiver supports, such as those under the Older Americans Act. Read more...
Supreme Court Says You Can't Sue Generic Drugmakers for Bad Drugs
June 25, 2013 (Reuters) - The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that generic drugmakers cannot be sued under state law for adverse reactions to their products, a decision that consumer advocates called a blow to patient safety. More at Reuters
Looming Retirement Crisis in U.S. Prompts Senator to Announce Bill for Secure Retirement
Average family has $3,000 retirement fund says new study by National Institute on Retirement Security; Sen. Harking wants 'secure source of income for life'
June 21, 2013 – With millions of retired senior citizens struggling to make ends meet, there appears to be millions more that will soon join them in battling to stay out of poverty in their final years. A report released yesterday showing the average family has just $3,000 in retirement savings prompted Senator Tom Harking (D-IA) to announce he will offer a bill "to give every American access to a retirement fund that will give people a secure source of income for life." Read more...
Sequester hits cancer patients — doctors, lawmakers seek fix
By Rachel Rose Hartman, Yahoo! News | The Ticket
June 10, 2013 - You may have heard that White House tours were cut due to across-the-board federal spending cuts known as the sequester. Or that Congress made sure to minimize disruptions to air travel. Or perhaps you know someone being furloughed as a result of the cuts.
But did you know a major fight is being waged over sequester cuts to some cancer drugs?
After Congress failed to pass a budget this spring, a 2 percent cut to Medicare chemotherapy drug reimbursements went into effect April 1 as part of the across-the-board federal spending cuts designed to save $85.4 billion this year. More at Yahoo News
Long-Term Survival of Social Security Unchanged in Latest Trustee Report
Downhill slide will begin with 2021; depleted in 2033
June 3, 2013 – There was little news in this year's Social Security Board of Trustees annual report on the long-term status of the trust funds, since there was no change from last year. Everything is fine until 2021, when the cost of the program seems destined to exceed income. Read more...
Medicare News
Better Control of Spending Extends the Life of Medicare Trust Fund
See below news report: About Trustees Report (Links to detailed information); Summary of 2013 Reports; News Reports by Leading Media
June 3, 2013 - Slower growth in spending is helping extend the life of Medicare's hospital trust fund to 2026, two years beyond last year's estimate, officials said Friday. Read more...
Senate Aging Committee Wants GAO Investigation of Medicare Drug Plan Information; Opens Hearing
'Aggressive marketing tactics used by Medicare Advantage plans may be misleading senior citizens about the true cost and scope of benefits'
May 22, 2013 – The bi-partisan leadership of the Senate Special Committee on Aging has requested an investigation of pricing and coverage details presented by sponsors of Medicare prescription drug programs on Medicare's online Part D. prescription drug plan finder. The committee will also hold its own hearing today on the Medicare drug program, which is nearing its tenth anniversary. Read more...
Ideas on Cutting Cost of Medicare Released by Medicare Rights Center
Medicare advocate also unveils updated fact sheets on Medicare deficit reduction proposals
May 20, 2013 - The Medicare Rights Center, New York, recently released its latest fact sheet in a series on ways to reduce the Medicare deficit. The latest resource, "Build on What Works: Medicare Cost Savers," outlines proposals to eliminate wasteful spending in Medicare and promote the delivery of high value, affordable health care. Read more...
Marilyn Tavenner Confirmed to Head Medicare, Medicaid After Six Years of Senate Inaction
Jennifer Haberkorn of Politico Pro discusses the confirmation and the future for the CMS chief in interview with Kaiser Health News
May 16, 2013 – It only took about six and a half years but the Senate has confirmed a chief administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Marilyn B. Tavenner, the Obama nominee, got the Senate nod yesterday on a 91-to-7 vote. She has been acting head for two years after serving as Virginia's health secretary and as a hospital executive. Read more...
Seniors Stunned by Costly Medicare Rules for Observation Care; Advocates Head to Court
Elderly patient shocked to learn two days of hospital stay were considered 'observation care' and kept her from nursing home coverage
By Susan Jaffe, Kaiser Health News
May 3, 2013 - After Lois Frarie, a 93-year-old retired teacher from Monterey, Calif., spent four days at a local hospital while being treated for a broken elbow and pelvis, she went to a nearby nursing home to build up her strength. But her family was stunned to find out that they would have to pay thousands of dollars up front since two of the days she spent in the hospital were considered "observation care." Read more...
Medicare Seeks To Limit Number Of Senior Citizens Placed In Hospital Observation Care
Statement issued by CMS is below this news story; now elderly must spend three days as hospital patient before being eligible for nursing home care
May 3, 2013 - Medicare officials have proposed changes in hospital admission rules that they say will curb the rising number of beneficiaries who are placed in observation care but are not admitted, making them ineligible for nursing home coverage. Read more...
Report Finds Financial Advisors Using Over 50 Titles to Suggest Expertise in Senior Citizen Matters
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Office for Older Americans calls for action by regulators to assist senior citizens who are 'often confused and mislead'
April 24, 2013 – A report highlighting the well-known problem of so-called "senior designation" credentials of questionable value used by many financial advisers to market their services to older Americans was released last week. It also calls for specific action by federal and state regulators to protect seniors. Read more...
First Public Hearing Underway on Chained CPI Proposed to Slow Future COLA for Senior Citizens
Republican chair of House Ways and Means subcommittee on Social Security issued news release blasting Treasury secretary; in opening says reducing COLA only would be called 'benefit cut' in Washington
April 18, 2013 – The first congressional hearing on the budget cuts to Social Security proposed by President Obama is underway. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Tx), chair of the Social Security panel of the House Ways and Means Committee, released his opening statement and the prepared testimony of witnesses. The Texas Republican also released a news release this morning accusing Treasury Secretary Jack Lew of making "conflicting statements" about the Chained CPI before the full committee. Read more...
Five Ways the President's Budget Would Change Medicare; Reduce Spending $371 Billion in Decade
Wealthier beneficiaries to pay more for coverage and future retirees to pay higher copays for outpatient services such as doctor's visits and home health care
April 15, 2013 - President Barack Obama's fiscal 2014 budget includes a variety of what he says are "manageable" changes for Medicare's 54 million beneficiaries as well as for the hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers that serve them. Read more...
Ways and Means Draws Bead on Medicare Cuts, Chained CPI to Limit COLA for Social Security
HHS Secretary Sebelius in witness chair today on total budget for HHS, CMS with Social Security proposal the target this Thursday
April 12, 2013 – The Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee has grabbed the lead in questioning President Obama's 2014 budget proposals for the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will testify there today and next Thursday the hearing topic will be on entitlement reform proposals, with emphasis on the controversial Chained Consumer Price Index, which will be used to lower cost-of-living adjustments for seniors and others in future years. Read more...
Obama Says Budget Proposal Offers 'Manageable' Curbs on Medicare Cost, Social Security Benefits
Most media reports say focus of White House is to strike a 'Grand Bargain' with Republicans who want to change Medicare into a voucher-style system; Medicare proposal has one revenue item - higher premiums for couples making more than $170,000 a year
April 11, 2013 - The White House says its budget is a good start toward controlling government entitlement programs by offering proposals to curb the growth of Social Security, Medicare and other federal benefit programs. The budget blueprint, released Wednesday, includes what the president called "manageable" curbs on Medicare spending growth, but GOP congressional leaders were dismissive, while some Democrats and virtually all senior citizen advocacy groups were unsettled. Read more...
How Chained Consumer Price Index Proposed by Obama Works to Curb Social Security Benefits
Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a Q&A about inflation calculation that will slow cost-of-living adjustments for senior citizens
April 11, 2013 – The term "COLA" is a part of the Social Security program that has been highly cherished by senior citizens. It stands for "cost-of-living adjustment," and was the government's way of being trying to keep retired older Americans from seeing their Social Security benefits eaten away by inflation. Now, the Obama administration has come up with a new way to calculate inflation that will reduce COLA in the future. It is called the chained consumer price index and below is a Q&A on this method provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read more...
Reporters Dig Into Obama Budget and Find Other Proposals that May Impact Seniors
More spending on Medicaid, mental health; replacing current formula for Medicare pay to doctors
April 11, 2013 – Senior citizens have – rightly so – primarily focused on the cuts to Social Security and Medicare in the 2014 budget proposal from the White House that was presented yesterday. Media sources have found other parts of the budget that may also impact many seniors - funding boosts for mental health and food and drug safety, as well as the elimination of the SGR formula to set Medicare physician payment rates. It also delays funding cuts to hospitals that treat the uninsured. Read more...
Congress Could Lose Older Voters by Cutting Social Security, Medicare, Vets Benefits: AARP Poll
Senior advocates seem solid in opposition to cuts expected to appear Wednesday in President Obama's budget; Congressional call-in on Wednesday
April 8, 2013 – Groups that advocate for senior citizens and senior issues appear to be solid in their opposition to budget moves advocated by Republicans and now supported by the White House that will cut income from Social Security and reduce spending by Medicare. A survey released today by AARP says 84% of American voters age 50 and older oppose the chained CPI proposal for reducing Social Security benefits for years ahead. Read more...
Budget Axe Ready to Strike Social Security, Medicare as President Makes Appeal to GOP
Reports say Obama in agreement on plan reducing Social Security COLA for seniors, cutting $400 billion from Medicare over 10 years
By Tucker Sutherland, Editor SeniorJournal.com
April 5, 2013 – For more than a week there has been a steady stream of rumors, speculation and news leaks indicating White House and Republican negotiators are near agreement on significant changes to Medicare and Social Security aimed at reducing the government's cost. Reports from major newspapers this morning say the Obama budget will be out next week and it will have cuts to Social Security and Medicare in hopes of winning Republican support. Read more...
Medicaid News
Arkansas Medicaid Plan, Born Of Necessity, Shakes Things Up in Reluctant Republican States
By Karl Eisenhower, Capsules – the KHN Blog
March 26, 2013 - Since the Supreme Court made the Medicaid expansion under the federal health law optional last year, states' decisions have largely split along party lines. States run by Democrats have been opting in; states run by Republicans have mostly been saying no or holding back.. Read more...
Medicare a Hot Button as Budget Proposals from Political Parties Smash Head-On
GOP'S Ryan presents 'austere budget proposal that looks a lot like one they approved last year that Democrats quickly dismissed. Republicans revived plans to overhaul Medicare, slash the social safety net for the poor and bolster defense — all while lowering corporate and individual tax rates to no more than 25%'
March 13, 2013 – The political parties are running out their budget proposals and the general consensus is they are "miles apart." The House GOP plan, which was unveiled yesterday, would repeal the health law's subsidized insurance exchanges and Medicaid expansion and turn Medicare into a premium-support system. The Senate Democrats' plan, scheduled for release today, would lower domestic spending in part by saving $275 billion through changes to Medicare and Medicaid that are smaller than those proposed by Republicans. Read more...
Senate Aging Committee Hears Changes to Medicare Unpopular with Senior Citizens, Voters
First hearing of this Congress lays out the problems and the options with a focus on fixing the cost of healthcare
Feb. 28, 2013 - The first hearing by the Senate Special Committee on Aging since the leadership was handed to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fl) and ranking member, Susan Collins of (R-Me) took on the challenge of Medicare's future yesterday. But, rather than a doom-and-gloom hand wringing, it was an earnest, straight-forward approach at helping the popular senior program survive with little or no damage to its services. Read more...
New Senate Aging Committee Tackles Future of Medicare in Hearing Wednesday
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fl) takes over as chairman; Sen. Susan Collins (R-Me) now leads Republicans (see members below news story)
Feb. 26, 2013 – The first hearing by the Senate Special Committee on Aging will convene tomorrow in hopes of finding the best way to shape the future of Medicare to meet the challenges of a booming senior population, climbing prices for health care and a strained federal budget. It is the first hearing under new chairman, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fl), and ranking member, Sen. Susan M. Collins (R-Me). Read more...
Changes To Medicare is Focus of Three Congressional Hearings This Week
Small signs that Democrats and Republicans are beginning to wrestle with the issue of what role Medicare should play in deficit reduction
By Mary Agnes Carey
Feb. 25, 2013 - With $85 billion in automatic federal spending cuts set to take effect on Friday and predictions of economic disruption, much of official Washington is focused on the "blame game." Publicly, there has been no sign that Congress or administration officials has made any progress on averting these cuts or finding common ground on tackling the country's fiscal problems. Read more...
Traditional Medicare's Administrative Cost – 1%; Private Company Medicare Advantage – 6%
Setting the record straight on Medicare's overhead costs: New study finds surprising results
Feb. 20, 2013 - The traditional Medicare program allocates only 1 percent of total spending to overhead compared with 6 percent when the privatized portion of Medicare, known as Medicare Advantage, is included, according to a study in the June 2013 issue of the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law. Read more...
President Obama Calls For Two 'Modest Reforms' To Medicare
Obama suggests two specific changes in Medicare: drug-makers should go back to giving rebates for dual-eligibles, having wealthiest seniors pay more for Medicare
Feb. 14, 2013 - Jackie Judd and Kaiser Health New's Mary Agnes Carey examine the health care issues in Tuesday night's State of the Union address - and Sen. Rubio's Republican response - in this Health on the Hill discussion. Read more...
Social Security Head: Program Fraying from Neglect
By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press
Feb. 14, 2013 - Outgoing Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue has some parting shots for Congress, the White House and advocates for seniors. They have all "really walked away from Social Security," he says, leaving the program "fraying because of inattention to its problems." Instead of making the hard choices to fix Social Security's financial problems, policymakers "use it as a tool of political rhetoric," Astrue said in an interview with the AP. Read at Yahoo/AP
Features for Senior Citizens
Senior Citizens Least Likely to Support Women in Combat: Pew, Washington Post Survey
Researchers finds broad support among most demographic groups for expanding women's military role to the battlefield
Feb. 6, 2013 - The public broadly supports the military's decision to life the restrictions on women serving in combat, according to a recent survey by Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and The Washington Post. Senior citizens, however, composed the age group least likely to support the decision. Read more...
Obama Says He Has Offered 'Sensible Reforms To Medicare' in Press Briefing on Budget
'Reforms would reduce our government's bills by reducing the cost of health care, not shifting all those costs on to middle-class seniors…' see video
Feb. 6, 2013 – President Barack Obama spoke briefly to the press yesterday about budget negotiations and emphasized the need to reduce the cost of health care in the U.S. He also touched on entitlements and, specifically, Medicare. Below is the complete transcript with key words on senior programs highlighted in yellow. Read more, see video...
Senior Citizens Hear Encouraging Words on Entitlements in President's Second Inaugural
'The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us' - see video
Jan. 22, 2013 – President Barack Obama generally drew praise from senior citizen advocates for the words in his inaugural address yesterday that signaled his commitment to preserve the "entitlement programs" of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Read more, see video...
Aging Coalition Urges Policymakers: Don't Reduce the Deficit on the Backs of Seniors in Need
Groups representing 60 million older Americans oppose cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Dec. 17, 2012 - The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) - who together represent over 60 million older Americans - expressed grave concerns about proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, the Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and discretionary programs like the Older Americans Act as part of the emerging budget agreement. Read more...
Increasing Medicare Age of Eligibility May Not Be Off Table but Chances of Approval Look Dim
White House does not support statement by Sen. Durbin that issue is not on the table
Dec. 14, 2012 – Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that increasing the eligibility age for Medicare was no longer part of the budget negotiations with Republicans. This good news for older Americans not yet age 65 did not hold up, however, as McClatchy Newspapers report today that the White House will not confirm the measure is off the table in talks aimed at avoiding the fiscal cliff. Read more...
Medicare Silver Bullets: What's The Best Way To Control Costs? Experts Sound Off
Dec. 14, 2012 - Kaiser Health News (KHN) asked a range of health policy experts the following question: If you could make only one change to Medicare to control costs, what would it be and why? Edited excerpts of their thoughtful answers follow. Read more...
Increasing Age for Medicare Eligibility Appears Off the Table for White House
Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin says he got the info from the White House; major issue for House leader Nancy Pelosi; hot button for GOP
Dec. 13, 2012 - There is good news for baby boomers pressing age 65 - the Associated Press is reporting that an increase in the age for Medicare eligibility is no longer being considered by the Democrats as an option in negotiations with Republicans on avoiding the "fiscal cliff."
How the 'Fiscal Cliff' May Affect Senior Health Care: Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE
Republicans and Democrats continuenever-ending battle over the budget, while nation faces government shut-down; seniors concerned do to dependence on government health care
Dec. 7, 2012 - The impending "fiscal cliff" is a package of automatic spending cuts and tax hikes set to kick in next month unless President Barack Obama and Capitol Hill agree on a way to stop them. Below are answers to how this could impact Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE, the health program for the military and veterans. Read more...
GOP 'Fiscal Cliff' Plan with Big Reductions in Social Security and Medicare Rejected by White House
$200 billion in savings to come from GOP trick to change way inflation is calculated, thus reducing COLA for Social Security and slow Medicare benefit increases
Dec. 4, 2012 - The House Republican's made a counteroffer to President Obama's earlier budget proposal and it that for big cuts in the critical programs for America's senior citizens – Social Security and Medicare – while still refusing to allow taxes to rise back to previous levels for the wealthiest taxpayers. The While House rejected the plan because it rejects the tax increase and does not meet his "test of balance." Read more...
Key Group Rejects Calls To Limit Seniors' Medigap Policies to Shrink Spending
Insurance Commissioners examine if seniors would use less Medicare if the most popular Medigap plans were less generous
By Susan Jaffee, Kaiser Health News
Nov. 30, 2012 - A key group of state insurance commissioners dealt a blow Friday to proposals that would shrink Medicare spending by asking seniors to pay more for Medicare supplemental coverage. Read more...
AARP Says 7 in 10 Older Americans Oppose Medicare, Social Security Changes Now
'Congress should not make last-minute deals that would jeopardize the promise made to current and future generations that they receive the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have contributed…'
Nov.15, 2012 - In an AARP survey fielded immediately following the 2012 election, 70 percent of Americans age 50 or older say that they believe a separate public debate about the future of Medicare and Social Security is needed and changes should not be part of any end-of-year deal addressing the nation's budget deficit, often referred to as the "fiscal cliff." Almost all (92%) older Americans also said that it is very important that Washington listen to ordinary citizens when it comes to decisions about Medicare and Social Security. Read more...
Fiscal Cliff: What Is At Stake for Medicare, Medicaid as Budget Battles Get Underway?
Medicare and Medicaid are big targets as the Congress and White House begin urgent task of preventing the government from falling off the "Fiscal Cliff'
Watch video, listen to audio or read transcript
Nov. 15, 2012 - The budget negotiations scenarios that may include Medicare are discussed by Mary Agnes Carey of Kaiser Health News in an interview by Jackie Judd. They also look at where the "doc fix" (Medicare pay raise for doctors) fits into the budget picture and whether Medicaid cuts are possible. Read more, see video...
Changes in Medicare Expected in Negotiations to Avoid the 'Fiscal Cliff'
'Lawmakers are wrestling with finding a balance between asking beneficiaries to pay more for Medicare services and reducing payments to Medicare providers'
Nov. 14, 2012 - Expectations are high. President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, say they want to avert the fiscal cliff, that toxic mix of expiring tax breaks and automatic spending reductions set to begin in January. If Republicans make concessions on taxes, Democrats and the president say, they'll move on entitlements, such as Medicare and Medicaid, as part of a larger deal to reduce the federal deficit. Read more...
Obamacare Gets New Life with Election Win by President Obama; Takes Place in History
President's second term will be about bringing the law to life; Obama reelection, Democrats holding the Senate will solidify the law in American history - see editor's notes on benefits for seniors
By Jay Hancock, KHN Staff Writer
Nov. 7, 2012 - President Barack Obama's victory cements the Affordable Care Act, expanding coverage to millions but leaving weighty questions about how to pay for it and other care to be delivered to an increasingly unhealthy, aging population. Read more...
HHS Secretary Sebelius Touts Savings, Assistance for Seniors from Obamacare
Pre-election day announcement says Affordable Care Act has saved Medicare patients $4.8 billion on prescription drugs
Oct. 25, 2012 – In a timely pre-election day press release, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that because of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), 5.6 million seniors and people with disabilities have saved $4.8 billion on prescription drugs. And, she adds, in 2012 alone, 2.3 million people in the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap known as the "donut hole" have saved an average of $657. During the first nine months of 2012, over 20.7 million people with original Medicare got at least one preventive service at no cost to them. Read more...
Seniors Satisfied With Medicare, Anxious About Future, Survey Finds
'Somewhat surprising how many seniors would be willing to pay more for Medicare'
By Alvin Tran, Capsules, The KHN Blog
Oct. 19, 2012 - Although most seniors appear to be at least somewhat satisfied with their Medicare coverage, many are deeply worried about what the future may hold for the program, according to a national survey released this week. More than 60 percent of seniors surveyed said they are concerned about changes the program may undergo. Read more...
GOP Premium Support Plan Could Raise Medicare Premiums In Many Parts of Country
A central part of the House Republican budget written by Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, now GOP's vice-presidential candidate; also embraced by Mitt Romney
By Jordan Rau, KHN Staff Writer
Oct. 15, 2012 - The type of proposal championed by Republicans to overhaul Medicare by giving beneficiaries a fixed amount of money to purchase insurance could lead to significant increases in premium costs in some parts of the country, according to a new study. Read more...
In VP Debate, Biden And Ryan Clash On Health Issues
Oct. 12, 2012 - In this face-off, the two candidates outlined very different sets of policies and perspectives on issues ranging from their respective Medicare plans to the uninsured and abortion. Kaiser Health News
Entitlement Program Changes, More Saving, Longer Work Life Likely as Population Ages
National Research Council looks at demands of aging nation - 'Although 65 has conventionally been considered a normal retirement age, it is an increasingly obsolete threshold for defining old age and for setting benefits for the elderly'
Sept. 26, 2012 - The unprecedented demographic shift in which people over age 65 make up an increasingly large percentage of the U.S. population is not a temporary phenomenon associated with the aging of the baby boom generation, but a pervasive trend that is here to stay, says a report from the National Research Council. Read more...
Medicare Moves Into Spotlight of Presidential Race; Poll Finds Obama More Trusted
AARP upset that Medicare, Social Security or not on agenda for first presidential debate on Oct. 3; Medicare topic today at AARP meeting in New Orleans
Sept. 21, 2012 – Just as both presidential campaigns are shifting more of their focus to Medicare, the Commission on Presidential Debates has announced that this hot issue for senior citizens is not listed as a topic for the first presidential debate. AARP has issued a statement urging that "retirement security issues be directly addressed." A new USA Today /Gallup Poll shows President Barack Obama is more trusted to address Medicare issues than Mitt Romney. Read more...
HHS Touts Growth in Medicare Advantage Plans, Drop in Premiums Ahead of Hearing
GOP working on case that Obamacare cut MA plans, causing seniors to leave program; House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing Friday
Sept. 20, 2012 - Just days away from a House hearing where Republicans are likely to charge that the 2010 health law's cuts to Medicare Advantage plans will cause insurers to leave the program and seniors to pay more for coverage, the Obama administration said Wednesday that as a result of the law seniors now have more of these private plans to choose from and that coverage is less expensive. Read more...
Media Spotlight Turns to Medicare in U.S. Presidential Race: New Twist Every Hour
Summary of news coverage – everyone will know a lot more about Medicare and Medicaid
Aug. 15, 2012 – Medicare – a top political issue for senior citizens – has taken front and center in the U.S. presidential race following the selection of Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as the Republican vice presidential running mate of Mitt Romney. Some of the highlights of news coverage include the backing away by both Republican candidates from some of the Medicare proposals included in the budget proposal of the House Republicans that was authored by Rep. Ryan. Read more...
Pew Says Older Americans Highly Resistant to Medicare Changes, Ryan Plan
Survey in June 2011 found just 33% of senior citizens think Medicare needs major changes or to be completely rebuilt
Aug. 14, 2012 - Senior citizens do not like the idea of making changes to Medicare and only a handful think the program needs major changes, according to a commentary by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Read more...
Romney's Choice of Rep. Ryan Key to Politics of Campaign Medicare Debate
Senior citizen issues like Medicare and Social Security take center stage in presidential race as GOP's Romney picks vp with controversial ideas on entitlements - see video
Aug. 13, 2012 - KHN's Mary Agnes Carey and Marilyn Werber Serafini discuss how Medicare reforms could figure into November's presidential election now that presumptive GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has chosen Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to be his running mate. Read more..see video.
AARP Says Working Boomers Focused on Economic Issues, Retirees on Entitlements
Age 50 -64 voters want more information on candidates' plans to strengthen Social Security, Medicare - 'Anxiety Index'
Aug. 10, 2012 - In the coming November elections, a key group of voters – non-retired baby boomers ages 50-64 – are driven by economic anxieties that extend well beyond the single issue of jobs, according to the results of a new series of surveys by AARP. Among all voters age 50+ the focus is more on Social Security and Medicare. These seniors want the candidates to better explain their plans for the entitlements, which will help them determine their choices. Read more...
Senate Aging Chair Wants Social Security to Better Inform Seniors About Benefits
• Link to GAO report "Retirement Security: Women Still Face Challenges."
• testimony by hearing witnesses
• video of Senate hearing
• GAO on purpose of report on women and retirement
• Summary of GAO report
At hearing on Retirement Challenges for Women, Sen. Kohl also pushes for higher minimum benefit
July 26, 2012 – At a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging yesterday - "Enhancing Women's Retirement Security" - Chairman Herb Kohl, D-Wis., called on the Social Security Administration to do more to help older Americans understand their benefits. Read more...
Medicare Wants Pay Hike for Primary Care Providers; Pay to Return Patients Home
Proposal includes more Medicare-covered preventive services that can be provided by interactive telecommunications system
July 9, 2012 – Family physicians are getting a pay increase of almost 7 percent from Medicare in January and other practitioners providing primary care services will get between 3 and 5 percent. More than a million physicians and non-physician practitioners are covered under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year (CY) 2013. Read more...
Supreme Court Gives America's Senior Citizens Longer, Healthier Lives
Helpful in getting senior citizens who oppose Obamacare to take a second look are statements issued today by many well-informed senior advocates
June 28, 2012 – Many, many senior citizens – maybe millions – will live longer healthier lives due to the approval of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) this morning by the U.S. Supreme Court. For seniors the legislation has already put in place lower drug costs, more free preventive health care screening and an annual consultation with a physician to discuss their personal health plan. And, for all Americans it should mean an end to out-of-control increases in medical costs. Read more...
Cuts by Affordable Care Act in Medicare Payments to Advantage Plans Did No Harm
Medicare Rights Center releases report: doomsayers wrong saying a reduction in plan payments would increase costs, decrease benefits, diminish plan choices
June 28, 2012 – One of the tactics used by opponents of the Affordable Care Act was to tell senior citizens that it made "cuts" in the Medicare program. Details were usually left vague but the implication was it reduced benefits. That was never the case, according to a report released yesterday by the Medicare Rights Center. It shows that even when the cuts were accurately described as reductions in money Medicare paid insurance companies to promote Advantage plans, the action had no negative impact on Medicare patients. Read more...
Awaiting Court Ruling: Consumer Guide to Health Care Reform Law
Senior citizens could lose several popular benefits created by Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) that are already in place
June 22, 2012 -The Supreme Court is expected to rule within a week on some key constitutional challenges brought by states against the 2010 health care overhaul law. The decision will have sweeping ramifications for consumers, state officials, employers and health care providers, including hospitals and doctors. Read more...
Filling the Part D Doughnut Hole: Savings Could Disappear in Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling against the healthcare law could mean 'a nasty hit in the wallet the next time millions of seniors go to the pharmacy'
By Ron Pollack, Executive Director, Families USA
June 14, 2012 - As just about anyone with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage can tell you, one of the biggest problems with the benefit has been the gap in coverage that's known as the "doughnut hole." Under the original Part D, when your total drug costs (the costs paid by both you and your plan) reached an initial limit ($2,930 in 2012), your coverage would stop completely. Read more...
Medicare Drug Discounts for Seniors At Risk if Court Strikes Health Law
Over 5.1 million of those in Medicare drug plan saved more than $3.2 billion on drugs from March 2010 - December 2011
June 13, 2012 - Billions of dollars in drug savings for Medicare beneficiaries may come to an end if the Supreme Court overturns the 2010 federal health law, a drug industry spokesman said Tuesday. Read more...
3 Large Insurers to Keep Features of Obamacare Even if Court Strikes It Down
Unitedhealthcare to allow children to stay on parents' policies to age 26, will not reinstate lifetime limits on coverage, will continue to offer cancer screenings and other preventive services without a copayment
By Julie Appleby, KHN Staff Writer
June 12, 2012 - As speculation over the fate of the health care law heightens in anticipation of the Supreme Court ruling, at least three major insurers Monday promised to continue following some of the rules in the federal health law that are already in effect. Read more...
CMS, Partners to Reduce Antipsychotic Drugs for Dementia in Nursing Homes
Government joins providers, caregivers, patients to ensure better use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes; follows bi-partisan senate action to curb use of the drugs
May 31, 2012 - With a goal of reducing use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing home residents by 15 percent by the end of this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services yesterday introduced the Partnership to Improve Dementia Care. No doubt a motivating factor is a bill crafted by Sen. Herb Kohl, chair of the Special Committee on Aging, that will require Health and Human Services to gain consent from nursing home patients or their guardians prior to the administration of these drugs. Read more...
Senators Want Antipsychotic Drug Use Better Controlled in Nursing Homes
'…overuse of antipsychotics is a common and well-recognized problem that puts frail elders at risk and costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year'
May 23, 2012 – Senators from both parties joined with the Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., to propose legislation to combat the costly and inappropriate – yet widespread – use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes. Read more...
Obama Administration: A Plan To Prevent Alzheimer's By 2025
Plan has been through months of development since President Obama signed National Alzheimer's Project Act in January 2011, funding, however, an issue - see video
By Christian Torres, KHN
May 16, 2012 - The Obama administration is moving forward with an ambitious, fast-moving agenda to improve the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and unlock a method to prevent it by 2025. The final draft of the plan, released yesterday, also sets up a wide-ranging effort to improve the care that Alzheimer's patients receive and support families. Read more, see video...
National Plan to Fight Alzheimer's Presented by Obama Administration
HHS Secretary outlines research funding, tools for health care providers, awareness campaign and new website
May 15, 2012 – An aggressive national plant to fight Alzheimer's disease was released by the Obama Administration today. The plan was called for in the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), which President Obama signed into law in January 2011. The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease sets forth five goals, including the development of effective prevention and treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by 2025. Read more...
AARP Says Social Security, Medicare Trustee Reports Show 'Long-Term' Challenges
2012 Reports underscore the need for a national conversation on strengthening retirement security for Americans; action soon by Washington
April 23, 2012 – AARP's statement on the Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports for 2012 emphasized that there is time for action on the looming financial crisis for senior citizens and called for a "national conversation on strengthening retirement security," which is a campaign it recently launched. The statement emphasized Social Security funding appears secure until 2033. Read more...
Fewer Antipsychotic Drugs, More Nurses Will Improve Care, Save Money in Nursing Homes
Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing focuses on long-term care for senior citizens; The Center for Medicare Advocacy offers ideas
April 23, 2012 - The Center for Medicare Advocacy issued a statement last week saying that huge savings in nursing facility costs, and advances in resident care, could be achieved if facilities eliminated the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs and provided sufficient staff to meet resident needs. Read more...
Revamping Medicare: A Guide to the Proposals, Politics and Timeline
Immediate pressure is to reduce the deficit by the end of this year to stop automatic 2 percent spending cuts from going into effect in 2013
By Marilyn Werber Serafini, KHN Staff Writer
April 5, 2012 - Congress is unlikely to consider legislation that would fundamentally restructure Medicare until a new Congress - and possibly a new president - are seated in 2013. But politicians have sought to tackle the growth in Medicare costs several times in the past two years, most notably in the 2010 health care law and, then again, in last year's budget deal. Read more...
Physicians Wade Into Efforts To Curb Unnecessary Medical Treatments
Groups suggest one third of health care spending is for unnecessary treatments; Dr. Donald Berwick, the former head of Medicare, called the campaign "a game changer."
April 4, 2012 - Nine prominent physician groups today released lists of 45 common tests and treatments they say are often unnecessary and may even harm patients. The move represents a high-profile effort by physicians to help reduce the extraordinary amount of unnecessary treatment, said to account for as much as a third of the $2.6 trillion Americans spend on health care each year. Read more...see video
Sec. Sebelius Highlights Success in First Two Years of 'Obamacare'
Affordable Care Act has been particularly beneficial for senior citizens
March 23, 2012 – In a brief statement on the second anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act, which some call "Obamacare," Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued a statement hitting the highlights of the law's accomplishments for various groups, including senior citizens. Read more...
Republicans Push New Budget Proposal Changing Medicare, Cutting Deeply into Medicaid: Media Views
Health on the Hill video examines changes in GOP proposal, Summaries of news reports from across American - see video
March 21, 2012 - The blueprint is an election-year marker that envisions a smaller government and deep cuts to entitlement and safety net programs. The Republican budget presented Tuesday by Rep. Paul Ryan has no chance of passage this year. Below are summaries of what others are reporting and below that is a video - KHN's Marilyn Werber Serafini and Mary Agnes Carey discuss the budget Ryan presented and how it differs from the proposal he released last year. Read more, see video
New Ryan Budget Would Drastically Transform Medicare, Medicaid With Cuts
GOP again pushes for senior citizens to buy private insurance but makes modification to previous proposal to allow room for traditional Medicare - See video
March 21, 2012 - The Republican chairman of the House Budget Committee surprised no one Tuesday when he released a spending blueprint that would drastically reshape the Medicare and Medicaid programs for the elderly and poor in an attempt to rein in their soaring costs. Read more, see video
AARP Program to Draw Seniors into Conversation on Medicare, Social Security
'You've Earned a Say' gives platform for older Americans who have paid into these programs to have a say in their future - see video
March 19, 2012 - AARP leaders at events across the country today announced the launch of You've Earned a Say, which the organizations describes as a national conversation about strengthening health and retirement security. AARP says this program is taking the debate about Medicare and Social Security out from behind closed doors in Washington and making sure that all Americans have a voice in the discussion about their future. Read more, see video
Medicare Commission Wants Some Cuts, Equalization, End to How Doc Fees Decided
MedPAC tells Congress it also wants changes in low-income drug assistance to encourage more genetics
March 19, 2012 – The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has released its annual report to the Congress, Medicare Payment Policy 2012, which recommends some pay reductions for nursing homes and hospitals, an equalization of pay for the same service, more emphasis on generic drugs and, once again, a plea for an end to the way physician's fees are determined each year. Read more...
House Bill Would Make Colonoscopy, Polyp Removal Free for Medicare Patients
Groups want to allow removal of polyps during procedure with no unexpected co-pay
March 1, 2012 - Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening saves lives, but a loophole in current Medicare law may cause patients to think twice before undergoing this vital test, says three medical groups. Legislation introduced today seeks to ensure that colorectal cancer screening for all Medicare beneficiaries is free, as was intended. Read more...
Doctors 'Disgruntled' And Frustrated By Battle Over Medicare Pay Cuts
Note: Congressional negotiators agreed today to delay the huge cut in Medicare pay rates for physicians until next year.
By Julie Rovner
Feb. 17, 2012 - A looming 27.4 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements likely won't happen. But next year, any cuts could be greater. The good news for the nation's doctors — and the millions of Medicare patients they care for — is that assuming everything goes as planned, the 27.4 percent cut in reimbursements that would have taken effect March 1 won't. Read more...
Presidential Candidates Court Senior Citizens with Positions on Medicare
Romney would give seniors money to buy insurance; Obama would keep program, reduce the cost
Feb. 15, 2012 - When GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney told conservative activists on Friday that he wants to "save" Medicare by turning it into a program that would give seniors a defined sum to shop for the health plan of their choice, he teed up an issue that has the potential to sway millions of voters, especially seniors, in November. Read more...
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
Feb. 7, 2012 – The battle against Alzheimer's disease is getting a gigantic number of reinforcements from the Obama Administration today, including $130 million in research funding and $26 million for caregiver support and education. These actions follow the signing last month by President Obama of the National Alzheimer's Project Act. Read more...
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
Jan. 31, 2012 – In an effort to protect provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) – sometimes called "Obamacare" – that are of "vital importance to the health and well-being of people 65 and older," six groups that serve senior citizens have filed a brief with the Supreme Court saying Congress never intended these provisions be tied with the "individual mandate" now being challenged in the Court as unconstitutional. Read more...
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...
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. Read more...
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
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. Read more...
Only Senior Citizens Support Romney Over President Obama in Pew Survey
Nationally unpopular, Romney holds solid lead over GOP challengers, Ron Paul a threat as third party candidate
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...
President Obama, GOP Have Similar Ideas on Medicare Changes
Baby boomer tsunami forcing actions to reduce spending growth
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.
The AP report says there are "surprising similarities" in the remedies being offered by President Barack Obama and the Republican leader on this issue, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.
Squeezing more money out of higher-income senior citizens, limiting Medicare spending, and increasing the age for eligibility are mentioned by both. >> Read AP report at Yahoo
Links to Political Archives of SeniorJournal.com
Senior Politics 2011-10
Published by New Tech Media - NewTechMedia.com
Click to E-mails - Advertising or News