Public News Service

In the latest AARP Wisconsin poll, the most important policy issues for older voters in the Badger State include immigration and border security, the economy and jobs, and inflation and rising prices. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some …

On price negotiations alone, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Inflation Reduction Act will generate more than $100 billion in savings over 10 years for those using Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Older Wisconsin residents struggling to manage prescription drug costs, have new data on how much they might save as a new federal rule kicks in …

In a new AARP survey of Wisconsin voters, nearly two-thirds of older voters say Social Security is or will be a major source of their income. Pollsters said it underscores how big an issue the safety net program will be in the 2024 election. (Adobe Stock)

WI voters share election views in new post-debate poll

After the much-talked-about presidential debate, pollsters have a fresh snapshot of how Wisconsin voters feel about the leading candidates. Older …

the United Health Foundation says that for older adults, the early death rate has gone down by 8%. Officials say while that's an improvement, the rate is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. (Adobe Stock)

Some well-being metrics improve for seniors, but troubling trends loom large

Older adults in Wisconsin and across the nation are navigating various challenges that affect their quality of life. An annual report shows progress…

The nonpartisan Votebeat organization says in measuring their use, ballot dropboxes have been embraced by both Republican and Democratic voters in various jurisdictions around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court takes up ballot dropbox case

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday took up arguments in a highly watched case concerning ballot dropboxes. Supporters of lifting a near-total ban …

Demonstrators appear at a recent Wisconsin rally, where attendees called for making the Social Security program stronger without cutting benefits. (Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans)

WI rallies highlight policy demands that 'retirement be dignified'

On this May Day, Wisconsin groups are rallying in Green Bay to highlight a key issue facing the working class: the ability to retire. Organizers see …

In a new AARP survey, roughly a quarter of respondents 50 and older who are not yet retired say they expect to never retire. (Adobe Stock)

Troubling survey results prompt reminders to save for retirement

A new national survey says one in five Americans 50 and older has nothing in savings for retirement. Wisconsin workers young and old are being …

Nearly 13 million Americans receive health coverage through unique plans under both Medicare and Medicaid. They are known as Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. (Adobe Stock)

Unique government health plans try to find an audience

Medicare and Medicaid are key sources of health coverage for many Americans and some people qualify for assistance under both programs. With lagging …

Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping states accelerate efforts to boost access to high-speed internet. That includes the approval of Wisconsin's vision for creating digital equity. (Adobe Stock)

WI poised to break through digital equity logjam

Wisconsin has announced a big development in trying to establish more digital equity around the state. Gov. Tony Evers and the Public Service …

The 2024 tax filing season kicked off in late January, with this year's April 15 deadline falling on a Monday. (Adobe Stock)

Overwhelmed with tax filing costs? WI service sites are back

Many Wisconsinites have received their income documents for filing taxes. A long-standing program geared toward low to moderate-income adults is …

Around 74% of adults age 55 and older are susceptible to scams, losing an average of $350 per scam in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

WI ‘grandparents scam’ case prompts safeguard reminders

A Connecticut man has been indicted by a Wisconsin grand jury on wire fraud charges over accusations he scammed older residents. It's the latest case …

According to AARP, the U.S. is seeing more older adults nationwide receiving long-term care at home, rather than in nursing homes and other institutions. (Adobe Stock)

WI fares well in long-term care rankings, but issues remain

A new report ranks Wisconsin 15th in the nation for long-term care services but advocates for the people who need care say more could be done…

AARP researchers say nearly 450,000 Wisconsin residents, or 46% of those 65 and older, live in families that rely on Social Security for at least half of their income. (Adobe Stock)

Hearing From People, Not Politicians, About Social Security

Keeping Social Security afloat without enacting cuts remains a thorny topic in Congress. As those debates continue to unfold, Wisconsin residents …

As of Aug. 15, 2023, the federal government lists 75 disasters in the U.S. and its territories, compared with 55 in the same period last year. Senior advocates under climate change threats, more older adults need to be prepared for a disaster. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Indicates More Older Adults Need Disaster Readiness Plans

Most older adults are not as prepared as they should be to respond quickly in the event of natural disasters, which can strike with little notice…

This year, six Wisconsin communities received Community Challenge grants from AARP. Improving pedestrian safety and accessibility was a common theme among awarded projects.

Amid Concerning Data, WI Cities Carry Out Pedestrian Safety Projects

A recently released report shows pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. remain at alarming levels. In Wisconsin, local communities are stepping up with …

In a new AARP poll, 43% of respondents said they would be motivated to support political candidates who vow to expand access to family caregiver support and respite services. (Adobe Stock)

New Poll Shows Caregiver Concerns Cross Generations

A majority of U.S. voters say it is important for Congress to expand services to enable seniors to live independently at home. That's according to a …

In a new AARP report, the work of unpaid family caregivers in Wisconsin is valued at $16.97 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Uptick in Hours, Value of Unpaid Family Care in WI

The economic value of uncompensated family caregiving in Wisconsin has increased by more than $2 billion, according to the latest report estimating …

A national study from 2022 found a higher percentage of young adults ration their insulin supply, compared to those 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

An Insulin Hurdle Out of The Way, Others Remain

Some older patients with diabetes are now getting easier access to insulin. But there is concern many younger ones are still navigating a difficult …

Senior advocates point out that family caregivers perform a range of tasks such as shopping, transportation, meal preparation, medication management, wound care and home updates, ultimately saving the state money. (Adobe Stock)

WI Sees Renewed Calls for Caregiver Tax Credit

Wisconsin lawmakers are back in session and have a large budget surplus to work with. Advocates for the state's older residents hope any spending …

Last year, more than five million people became new Social Security beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

WI Retirees Hopeful about Social Security Increase

People who receive Social Security payments are eager to see the new cost-of-living adjustment be applied. The highest increase in decades comes as …

Not all states have updated their laws to allow public employees such as teachers to qualify for Social Security benefits. Wisconsin is one of the states to have taken such action. (Adobe Stock)

WI Educator: Social Security Vital for Eligible Teachers

Wisconsin is one of 33 states allowing Social Security benefits to be extended to teachers. As the future of the program is debated, a retired …

According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit is $1,542.22. (Adobe Stock)

Social Security Benefits to See Big Jump, But Concerns, Debates Linger

Social Security benefits again could see their highest increase in several decades, but those advocating for beneficiaries in Wisconsin and elsewhere …

According to a new poll, 90% of voters 50 and older in Wisconsin say they're extremely motivated to vote in the November election, with issues such as inflation on the top of their minds. (Adobe Stock)

Election Poll: Older WI Residents Drive Home Message on Inflation

Those 50 and older make up more than half of Wisconsin's registered voters, and a new statewide poll shows they want candidates to hear their …

Also included in the Inflation Reduction Act is an extension of expanded subsidies in the American Rescue Plan that help bring down costs of ACA insurance plans. These subsidies are seen as important to those ages 50 to 64, who pay up to three times more for their insurance. (Adobe Stock)

IRA Passage: Older Wisconsinites to See Prescription Drug Cost Relief

Sweeping legislation approved by Congress is designed to address a range of issues, including climate change and deficit reductions. Other components …

According to AARP Wisconsin, prescription drug prices have outpaced inflation in recent years. (Adobe Stock)

Petition Pushes Congress to Lower Prescription Drug Prices

More than 126,000 Wisconsinites have signed an AARP petition urging Congress to lower prescription drug prices. According to GoodRx, an American …

A poll by Compassion & Choices found 68% of self-identified Republican respondents and 70% of Democratic respondents support medical aid in dying. (Adobe Stock)

As Legislative Session Ends, WI Medical Aid-in-Dying Bill Stalls Again

Wisconsin's legislative session has drawn to a close, and a measure to permit medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients was one of many bills …

Unpaid family caregivers take on many common support roles, such as transportation to their love one's appointments, therapies and daily activities. (Adobe Stock)

WI Family Caregivers Have Helpline Support into 2022

MADISON, Wis. - November is National Family Caregivers Month, and Wisconsin residents are being reminded about an extra resource they can lean on as …

Between mid-August and mid-September, there were more than 160 new COVID-19 infections among Wisconsin nursing-home residents. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Ravages WI Nursing Homes, Again

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin is seeing similar COVID-19 patterns in long-term care facilities compared to fall of last year. Advocates for the state's …

Research has shown the average older American takes four to five prescription drugs each month. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: WI Residents Priced Out of Prescription Drug Market

MADISON, Wis. - Prescription drug costs are climbing faster than wages for the average Wisconsin resident. That's according to a new analysis…

Broadband advocates say it isn't just lack of Wi-Fi options or slow downloads causing internet access issues. The cost of service is often a barrier for people to stay connected. (Adobe Stock)

Temporary Program Can Help WI Residents with Internet Bills

TOMAHAWK, Wis. - Wisconsin residents struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic can turn to a federal program for help. Supporters say …

Groups like AARP Wisconsin say Governor Evers' plan for more broadband spending could pave the way for more telehealth visits. (Adobe Stock)

Senior Advocates Optimistic About WI Budget Proposal

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin's debate over the next state budget is far from over, but the spending plan outlined by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has …

So far, Wisconsin officials say, nearly 250,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administrated across the state. (Adobe Stock)

WI Announces Vaccine Rollout for Seniors

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin is expanding its COVID-19 vaccine rollout to include more people. Older adults will soon be eligible, but officials urge …

According to the 2019 Wisconsin Family Caregiver Survey, 73% of respondents reported not being able to meet their own personal care needs, while 63% said they struggled to balance caregiving with their regular jobs. (Adobe Stock)

As Crisis Drags On, WI Caregiver Advocates Ask for State Support

MADISON, Wis. -- COVID-19 continues to ravage Wisconsin, and it's not just hospitals pleading for extra help and for residents to embrace safety …

A new poll from AARP says President Donald Trump is favored among likely male voters, but significantly trails former Vice President Joe Biden among likely female voters. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Poll: Biden Hangs On to Lead in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. -- As in 2016, Wisconsin is a key battleground state for the presidential election, and a new poll for AARP Wisconsin indicates Joe …

Nearly 480,000 Wisconsin residents are age 50 and older. AARP Wisconsin hopes members of this

As WI Economy Reopens, Isolation Concerns Persist for Seniors

MILWAUKEE - Whether by court decisions or expiring stay-at-home orders, Wisconsin residents are seeing more business restrictions ease as the …

According to USA Today, the coronavirus has been found in at least 2,300 of the nation's nursing homes. (Adobe Stock)

WI Residents Urged to Check Nursing Home Safety Protocols

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin health officials say there have been more than 400 coronavirus cases in group housing facilities, including nursing homes…

In addition to local agencies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says seniors staying at home because of COVID-19 can refill medications with a mail-order service. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19: Local Resource Centers Seen As Key to Helping Seniors

MADISON, Wis. -- Older Wisconsin residents are being asked to stay in their homes as a precaution against the new coronavirus, and they're being …

A new report says Wisconsin continues to see caregiver vacancies, even with the state's older population projected to increase 112% in the next 20 years. (Adobe Stock)

WI Caregiver Shortage: A Safety Risk for Patients?

MADISON, Wis. -- Advocates for Wisconsin seniors and people with disabilities say those who live in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities may …

Wisconsin is considered among nearly 20 states where there's an urgent plea for people to apply for census jobs. (AARP.org)

Midwest States Lag in Hiring Census Takers

MADISON, Wis. -- You might get a knock on your door from a census worker sometime this spring, but the bureau says it still has a lot of recruiting …

About 1 million Wisconsin workers do not have an employer-sponsored retirement savings program. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: WI Small Businesses Want to Help Workers Save for Future

MADISON, Wis. - As state leaders examine ways to improve retirement security, some small businesses are expressing interest in a Wisconsin retirement …

As Wisconsin's population ages, a task force and several pieces of legislation have been filed to help caregivers. (Pixabay)

WI Bills Target Care for Family Caregivers

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers's Caregiver task force explores ways to provide better wages and benefits to the state's caregivers. And two …

Wisconsin caregivers provide an estimated 538 million hours of unpaid care each year. (AdobeStock)

Poll Shows Wisconsinites Care about Caregivers

MADISON, Wis. – New polling shows that Wisconsinites care about caregivers. Eight-in-10 voters in an AARP statewide survey support components …

Frank Abagnale was a notorious con artist, but now helps others from becoming victims of fraud.<br />(WikiMediaCommons)

Reformed Con Artist to Teach Wisconsinites How to Avoid Scams

MADISON, Wis. – With ever changing technology, con artists keep finding new tactics to scam people out of their hard earned cash or steal their …

Creating more livable communities means ensuring public spaces are accessible and inclusive for people of all ages. (Maria Sbytova/Adobe Stock)

New Wisconsin Livability Projects Swinging Into Action

MADISON, Wis. — Several projects that will help create more welcoming communities for Wisconsinites of all ages are swinging into action…

More than 80,000 Wisconsinites would gain access to health care coverage if the state would accept federal Medicaid expansion dollars. (designer491/Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin Advocates Vow to Fight for Medicaid Expansion

MADISON, Wis. – For some Wisconsin policy advocates, a vote to remove Medicaid expansion from the proposed two-year state budget is simply the …

Last year, 67,000 Wisconsinites received AARP Foundation Tax-Aide assistance in filing their 2017 federal tax returns. (Fort Rucker/Flickr)

WI Taxpayers Don't Have to Go It Alone

MADISON, Wis. – With pencils and calculators in hand, hundreds of volunteers are standing by to help Wisconsin taxpayers crunch the numbers on …

Health care and affordable prescription drugs are among the top issues for older Wisconsin voters. <br />(Daniel Morrison/Flickr)

Voters Over 50 Send Strong Messages to WI Lawmakers

MADISON, Wis. – As Wisconsin's new governor steps into office and the State Legislature begins a new term, policy groups say it's important for …

An estimated 78 percent of caregivers spend their own money to help family members or loved ones stay in their homes. (sabinevanerp/Pixabay)

Money and Time: Easing the Caregiving Burden in WI

MADISON, Wis. – November is National Family Caregivers Month, which honors those whose invaluable contributions allow older Wisconsinites to …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - September 20, 2024

2024Talks - September 20, 2024

The Yonder Report - September 19, 2024

WI: Senior Issues