Senior Issues / Public News Service

Under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, Dual Special Needs Plans must secure contracts with the state Medicaid agency to enhance the integration of Medicare and Medicaid benefits for

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

PA Medicaid, Medicare dual enrollees may qualify for expanded benefits

Many Pennsylvania residents could benefit from health coverage known as a Dual Special Needs Plan, but may be unaware of this option. According to …

Some Dual Special Needs plans can be used to pay for a variety of different things, including fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Dec 7 deadline for CO Medicare-Medicaid enrollees to get additional benefits

Over 150,000 Coloradans with both Medicare and Medicaid coverage who need additional help - whether due to disabilities, age, income or health …

Research site Statista lists 23,000 specialty physicians in Illinois including 2071 radiologists, 1489 cardiologists and 987 oncologists. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

IL doctors seek revisions to their Medicare reimbursement amounts

The number of Medicare enrollees is projected to rise over the next few years as the baby boomer population ages. More than 2 million Illinoisans are …

Dual Special Needs Plans offer Medicare and Medicaid coverage for eligible consumers. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Dual Special Needs Plans in NY can provide extra health care benefits

Some New Yorkers could see a host of benefits from Dual Special Needs Plan, which offer Medicare and Medicaid coverage for eligible consumers…

Health experts said it is unclear whether the next Trump administration will continue drug price negotiations in Medicare or seek to repeal or weaken them. (Eric Hood)

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Health experts brace for Trump Administration 2.0

California could be in for some big cuts to health care for low-income families under a second Trump administration, according to health experts…

More than 40% of caregivers for people with dementia have household incomes of $50,000 or less, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Expanding outreach to Iowa caregivers during Alzheimer's Awareness Month

The Iowa Alzheimer's Association chapter is making new resources available to caregivers during November, a month set aside to educate and help …

Idaho Gov. Brad Little was first elected in 2018. (gov.idaho.gov)

Monday, November 18, 2024

Idahoans get chance to speak with Gov. Little at town hall

Older Idahoans have an opportunity to speak with Governor Brad Little next week. AARP Idaho is hosting a telephone town hall with the governor…

People who qualify can receive benefits beyond doctor visits and prescription drugs through a Dual Special Needs Plan. (Pexels)

VA Medicaid, Medicare enrollees may qualify for expanded benefits

Virginians enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid may be able to get expanded health benefits through what are known as Dual-Eligible Special Needs Pl…

The Ohio Department of Aging dispels myths about older workers, highlighting employees in their 50s tend to stay with an employer longer than those in their 20s or 30s, which may lower retraining costs.(Daniel Laflor/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Adults 55 …

Eligible Hoosiers can access additional benefits beyond doctor visits and prescriptions with a Dual Special Needs Plan. (Adobe stock)

Dual health plans offer extra support for low-income Hoosiers

Nearly 13 million people nationwide, including thousands of Hoosiers on Medicare and Medicaid, may qualify for additional coverage through a Dual …

A new program in Washington state will give people access to long-term care benefit of $36,500 starting in July 2026. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

New book explores living, caregiving questions in 'The Second Fifty'

Aging brings with it new questions on how we can live our best lives and a new book could help people answer some of those questions. One of the …

Depending on a person's income, disability, age or health condition they could be eligible for a Dual Special Needs Plan at no additional cost. (Eric Hood/Adobe Stock)

TX seniors could benefit from extra Medicare and Medicaid coverage

Medicare open enrollment is underway, and seniors have until Dec. 7 to update their plans, if needed. Lindsey Vanderbilt, director of communications …

Every major insurer increased its number of Dual Special Needs Plan offerings between 2018 and 2024. <br />(fotofabrika/Adobe Stock)

Missourians may qualify for health plans with extra benefits

As we roll into the final weeks of Medicare's open enrollment, some Missourians may not realize they qualify for a specific type of health insurance …

According to the RAND Corporation, more than 14 million Americans provide daily care to veterans and service members who are ill, injured or wounded. (Adobe Stock)

New Nebraska caregiver tax credit has military focus

As Nebraskans anticipate the upcoming holiday season, some might also be looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, which will include a new tax credit …

New Mexicans who qualify can receive benefits beyond doctor visits and prescription drugs through a Dual Special Needs Plan. (Kzenon/Adobe Stock)

NM Medicaid, Medicare enrollees qualify for extra health insurance coverage

Nearly 13 million people nationwide, including 785,000 in New Mexico who receive Medicare and Medicaid, may also qualify for even more coverage under …

The federal Scams Against Older Adults Advisory Group, formed in 2022, works to better identify and stop scams affecting older adults. (Adobe Stock)

Report: KY's older adults now losing millions to fraud

A new report from the Federal Trade Commission found older adults nationwide lost nearly $2 billion to fraud. The combined median loss reported by …

The FTC received fraud reports from 2.6 million consumers last year, a number almost identical to 2022. (ronstik/Adobe)

PA residents warned to use caution to avoid scams during holidays

The FBI said Pennsylvania had more than 3,000 scam victims last year, with reported losses of more than $118 million. The Federal Trade Commission …

Dual Special Needs Plans offer more health coverage than Medicare or Medicaid alone. (Kiattisak/Adobe Stock)

Dual care plans could provide some Washingtonians more health coverage

Millions of Americans could qualify for more health coverage. People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid can enroll in a Dual Special …

According to the Meals on Wheels website, more than 1 million meals were delivered in Northern Illinois during the pandemic, and volunteers contributed 52,000 hours of their time. (Adobe Stock)

Older IL population has options for healthy meals

The number of older Americans who live alone, because of self-isolation or losing a spouse, is increasing. These factors can prevent them from …

Older LGBTQ+ people face different health and equity issues than their peers. (Hector/Adobe Stock)

Champion of LGBTQ+ rights in OR wins volunteering award

A champion of rights for older LGBTQ+ people has received recognition for her volunteer work in Oregon. Liz James is the winner of the AARP Andrus …

According to the Pew Research Center, inadequate retirement savings will result in a $1.3 trillion increase in public assistance costs over the next two decades. (Adobe Stock)

MN readying new program to close big gaps in retirement savings

Roughly 30% of Minnesota's private-sector employees do not have a work-sponsored retirement plan but some business owners and consumer advocates hope …

Dual Special Needs Plans cover things above and beyond standard Medicare and Medicaid programs but millions of people who qualify are not enrolled, according to the research organization KFF Health. (Adobe Stock)

Some Louisiana residents eligible for broader health coverage

Nearly 13 million people who receive Medicare and Medicaid may also qualify for even more coverage under a Dual Special Needs Plan. In 2023…

Sioux Falls and Pierre both scored well on AARP's 2024 Livability Index, with particularly high rankings on the

Sioux Falls, Pierre rank high in the nation for 'livability'

Two South Dakota cities scored well this year on a national ranking of livable communities. In AARP's 2024 Livability Index, Pierre ranked 15th in …

The FTC says in 2023, emails replaced texts as the most common tool used by scammers, followed by phone calls as the second most commonly reported contact method for fraud. (Adobe Stock)

IN residents should use caution to avoid scams

The FBI says Indiana's older population lost almost $38 million to fraud last year, according to a new report. The Federal Trade Commission says …

Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living increase to their benefits beginning in 2025, according to the federal government. Officials said it translates to an average increase of roughly $50 for retirees each month. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Social Security, caregiving top issues for older ME voters

Mainers over 50 are the state's largest voting bloc and surveys show they are concerned how the election will affect Social Security. The fund's …

Eligibility for heating assistance is based on several factors, including household size and combined gross annual income of residents 18 and older. The program provides assistance for all sources of heat, including oil, electricity, natural gas, propane, kerosene, wood and coal. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Chills vs. bills: MA kicks off home heating aid program

Temperatures are dropping in the Commonwealth and community action agencies said help is available for those struggling to pay their heating bills…

The Internet Crime Complaint Center is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency investigating crime. (Anete Lusina/Pexels)

Global summit in VA addresses rising threat of scams worldwide

Online scams are growing in scale and sophistication, affecting millions and creating economic losses estimated at $1 trillion globally in 2023…

In Pennsylvania, an AARP poll showed voters are split in their retrospective approval of former President Donald Trump, with 50% approving and 49% disapproving. Vice President Kamala Harris has a slightly negative rating at 45% approval to 52% disapproval. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

PA suburban women 50+ talk healthcare, inflation, immigration, caregiving

Pennsylvania voters aged 50 and older are expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming election, motivated by key issues, and could affect the …

More than 55 million people now have dementia worldwide, more than 60% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. (Pixabay)

‘Navigating the Journey’ conference aims to empower dementia caregivers

The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium will host its annual conference on Saturday - bringing together caregivers, medical experts, and …

If they haven't already, Idahoans still have time to register to vote in person. (PX Media/Adobe Stock)

ID Secretary of State to answer voting questions at town hall meeting

Election Day is one week away, and a town hall meeting on Wednesday is aimed at helping people with last-minute questions on how they can cast their …

Montana's open enrollment period to purchase insurance on the federal marketplace runs from this Friday, Nov. 1, to Jan. 15, 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Check your options during insurance enrollment

People have the opportunity to enroll in Medicare, or change their supplemental coverage, between now and December 7. In Montana, insurance experts …

Vice President Kamala Harris leads former President Donald Trump 55% to 40% among Hispanic voters 50+ in Nevada, according to AARP Nevada. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Nevada poll confirms neck-and-neck race, up and down ballot

A new AARP Nevada poll showed former President Donald Trump holds a seven-point lead over Vice-President Kamala Harris among voters 50+ in the Silver …

Around 65% of New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries have a traditional Medicare plan, while the rest are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or other type of plan. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Patients shop around as Medicare open enrollment gets underway

One million, six hundred and fifty thousand New Jerseyites on Medicare - almost 18% of the state - have a big decision to make, because the Medicare …

Nearly 1.9 million residents are enrolled in Medicare in Georgia. (Adobe Stock)

Georgians choose insurance benefits during open enrollment period

The open enrollment period for Medicare and other health care plans is underway and Georgians are making their selections for insurance coverage for t…

In 2026, it is estimated Medicare Part D enrollees will likely save $1.5 billion on out-of-pocket costs due to negotiated drug prices. (C Daniels/Adobe Stock)

Medicare open enrollment can bring cost savings for Tennesseans

For millions of Tennesseans age 65 and older, Medicare can be a vital resource and it is the time of year to give their coverage a closer look…

Boxes are set up across Washington for people to drop off their ballots. (David Gales/Adobe Stock)

With WA ballots in mail, voters still have time for informed decisions

The 2024 election is hitting its home stretch, and many Washingtonians have already received their ballots in the mail. Even with Election Day …

The top reasons for Medicaid or exchange-eligible Rhode Islanders to be uninsured are concerns about the quality of care, the choice of providers and worries providers might treat the person differently. (Adobe Stock)

Experts have advice for RI residents during Medicare open enrollment period

Rhode Island experts said people must carefully consider what is important to them in an insurance plan during Medicare's open enrollment period…

For 2024, Medicare changed its prescription drug programs to capped at $2000 in annual out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska seniors urged to review options during Medicare open enrollment

Experts are encouraging Nebraska seniors and others to review their health care needs during open enrollment season. Medicare's open enrollment is …

Experts say Medicare Advantage plans often provide types of coverage original Medicare does not but they advise seniors to check individual plans to see what they offer. (Adobe Stock)

Kansans can review care options during Medicare open enrollment

Advocates are encouraging Kansas seniors to review their health care needs during Medicare's open enrollment period, which is underway now through …

Medicare Advantage plans will see significant changes to both funding and drug-cost liability for 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare Advantage changes hit Alabama amid open enrollment; experts offer tips

Medicare Advantage, a private version of Medicare plans offering additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage, is becoming more uncertain …

Starting in January, the Biden administration's cap on prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D will be limited to $2,000 per year. (Margaret/Adobe Stock)

Medicare changes could save Hawaiians big bucks during open enrollment

For Hawaiians on Medicare, opening the mail is the first step in successfully navigating 2025 health-care coverage. It's open enrollment season…

Many people who rely on 'Part D' coverage for essential medications like those used to treat diabetes, heart failure and cancer will likely pay less out-of-pocket for these drugs, starting in 2025. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Medicare open enrollment in MS requires some homework

Medicare open enrollment is underway and older adults in Mississippi are being encouraged to weigh their coverage options. More than 625,000 people …

Medicare Advantage Plans provide coverage in more areas than original Medicare plans. (may1985/Adobe Stock)

Medicare enrollees can evaluate, change plans in SC

It is the time of year when people eligible for Medicare can shop around and make sure they are signed up for the health coverage that makes the most …

As of 2022 there were more than 800,000 Marylanders enrolled in Medicare. (Jim Vallee / Adobe Stock)

Marylanders encouraged to weigh options during open enrollment season

With open enrollment season getting underway, advocates are reminding Marylanders to consider their options before the window closes. Medicare's …

As of 2022, there were more than 79,000 Alaskans on Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Alaskans should review health plans during open enrollment

With open enrollment season underway, advocates are reminding Alaskans to consider their options before the window closes. Medicare's open enrollment …

As pandemic-related Medicaid coverage extensions came to an end, 2.4 million individuals who were previously covered under Medicaid or CHIP switched to Marketplace plans during the 2024 open-enrollment period. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

DE residents revamp health care plans during open enrollment

Open enrollment is here - a brief window for Delaware residents and people all around the country nationwide to revamp their health-care plans…

The open-enrollment period is here. Experts say now is the time to review and update your health insurance plans. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Arkansans choose insurance benefits during open-enrollment period

The open enrollment period for Medicare and other health care plans is underway and Arkansans are making their selections for insurance coverage for t…

About 21% of Wyoming's population, or nearly 124,000 people, were enrolled in Medicare coverage in June 2023, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

WY health insurance experts: Everyone should check their plans

The enrollment period for Medicare is already underway and open enrollment on the Health Insurance Marketplace is about to begin. Experts in Wyoming …

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Senior Issues

PA Medicaid, Medicare dual enrollees may qualify for expanded benefits

Dec 7 deadline for CO Medicare-Medicaid enrollees to get additional benefits

IL doctors seek revisions to their Medicare reimbursement amounts

Dual Special Needs Plans in NY can provide extra health care benefits

Health experts brace for Trump Administration 2.0

Expanding outreach to Iowa caregivers during Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Idahoans get chance to speak with Gov. Little at town hall

VA Medicaid, Medicare enrollees may qualify for expanded benefits

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

Dual health plans offer extra support for low-income Hoosiers

New book explores living, caregiving questions in 'The Second Fifty'

TX seniors could benefit from extra Medicare and Medicaid coverage

Missourians may qualify for health plans with extra benefits

New Nebraska caregiver tax credit has military focus

NM Medicaid, Medicare enrollees qualify for extra health insurance coverage

Report: KY's older adults now losing millions to fraud

PA residents warned to use caution to avoid scams during holidays

Dual care plans could provide some Washingtonians more health coverage

Older IL population has options for healthy meals

Champion of LGBTQ+ rights in OR wins volunteering award

MN readying new program to close big gaps in retirement savings

Some Louisiana residents eligible for broader health coverage

Sioux Falls, Pierre rank high in the nation for 'livability'

IN residents should use caution to avoid scams

Social Security, caregiving top issues for older ME voters

Chills vs. bills: MA kicks off home heating aid program

Global summit in VA addresses rising threat of scams worldwide

PA suburban women 50+ talk healthcare, inflation, immigration, caregiving

‘Navigating the Journey’ conference aims to empower dementia caregivers

ID Secretary of State to answer voting questions at town hall meeting

Experts: Check your options during insurance enrollment

AARP Nevada poll confirms neck-and-neck race, up and down ballot

Patients shop around as Medicare open enrollment gets underway

Georgians choose insurance benefits during open enrollment period

Medicare open enrollment can bring cost savings for Tennesseans

With WA ballots in mail, voters still have time for informed decisions

Experts have advice for RI residents during Medicare open enrollment period

Nebraska seniors urged to review options during Medicare open enrollment

Kansans can review care options during Medicare open enrollment

Medicare Advantage changes hit Alabama amid open enrollment; experts offer tips

Medicare changes could save Hawaiians big bucks during open enrollment

Medicare open enrollment in MS requires some homework

Medicare enrollees can evaluate, change plans in SC

Marylanders encouraged to weigh options during open enrollment season

Advocates: Alaskans should review health plans during open enrollment

DE residents revamp health care plans during open enrollment

Arkansans choose insurance benefits during open-enrollment period

WY health insurance experts: Everyone should check their plans