Senior Issues / Public News Service

The State of Illinois Department on Aging predicts by 2030, adults age 60 and older will be 25% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Volunteers vital for meal delivery to older IL residents

As the new year approaches, people often make resolutions to donate money to a charity. Donating one's time as a volunteer is an option that …

USPS recommends deleting 'smishing' texts and blocking the senders.(WesSide/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Oregonians need to watch out for 'smishing' packages

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known …

To avoid phishing and smishing scams, more than 40 million people have already signed up for

Monday, December 23, 2024

USPS warns NM customers awaiting packages not to fall for 'smishing'

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known …

In 2020, the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported more than 240 victims of phishing, smishing and other fraudulent schemes, resulting in losses exceeding $54 million. (EdvvinStudios/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Postal Service warns MI customers about smishing 'Grinches'

The United States Postal Service is warning Michiganders not to fall for what are known as smishing scams. These scams involve fraudulent text …

The USPS says texts with questionable tracking information and clickable links should be avoided in order to prevent scammers from gaining personal information. (Rokas/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 23, 2024

USPS warns AR residents to be aware of 'smishing' scams

Many folks are still expecting holiday packages this week, and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for what are known …

In Indiana, people aged 75-84 must renew their driver's license every three years and are required to take a vision test. Drivers 85 and up must do it every two years. (Adobe stock)

Winter roads test older drivers across Indiana

Indiana's busy holiday roads can put older drivers to the test. With 2.8 million Hoosiers traveling this season, the AAA Hoosier Motor Club …

Among adults over the age of 65, 20% do not drive, according to one study on the transportation needs of seniors. (Adobe Stock)

Helping seniors through loneliness during the holidays

With Christmas less than a week away, experts are giving advice on how seniors and the community can fight against social isolation. A United Health …

A survey from the American Heart Association revealed 79% of respondents neglect their health during the holidays. Many say they find this time of year more stressful than income tax season.<br />(deagreez/Adobe Stock)

MO doctor shares holiday travel tips for a healthy heart

Holiday travel is in full swing and for many, so is the stress. The American Heart Association of Missouri has health tips for anyone with heart …

According to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter, 11% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. (Adobe Stock)

IN Alzheimer's caregivers can comfort, support patients during holidays

The excitement of the holiday season is celebrated with family get-togethers. For Alzheimer's patients, large groups can produce fear and confusion…

The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter 2024 report shows 12% of adults over age 65 have the disease. (Adobe Stock)

IL Alzheimer's patients can enjoy holiday fun

The excitement of the holiday season is celebrated with family get-togethers. But for Alzheimer's patients, large groups can produce fear and …

The latest federal numbers show that about 8.7 million U.S. households, with at least one adult older than 50, participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). (Adobe Stock)

Clearing the myths: Simplifying SNAP benefits to fight senior hunger

Hunger doesn't retire, yet millions of older Americans struggling to afford food may not realize help is within reach. Misconceptions and stigma …

Despite strong federal regulations governing child labor, some states, such as Iowa, have weakened protections in order to compensate for what industries say is a labor shortage. (Creative Commons)

Worker shortage pushes Iowa employers to hire children for dangerous jobs

A conflict between federal child labor regulations and those passed by the Iowa Legislature has increased the number of businesses fined for hiring ch…

As of October, Florida's Medicaid enrollment stands at 4,307,965, according to the state's Agency for Health Care Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed federal cuts to health programs could impact millions of Floridians

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for office, federal health programs affecting 85 million low-income Americans, including millions in Florida…

Out-of-pocket costs increased by $1700 on average for older Coloradans with Medicare Advantage coverage, plans claiming to limit health costs for people living on fixed incomes. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado health care costs rose 139% between 2013-2022

Between 2013 and 2022, health care spending in Colorado surged by 139% to nearly $30 billion, according to a new analysis by the Center for Improving …

Calls to 911 for GLOW users tend to occur in geographic areas where poverty is more concentrated in Longview. (MclittleStock/Adobe Stock)

East TX program connects residents to services, frees up 911

First responders in the east Texas city of Longview are getting help from a recently formed organization. The GLOW program helps connect residents …

Dementia is the third-largest cause of death for individuals age 70 and older in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Pathways developed to reduce dementia risk in Colorado

Dementia, a disease with profound effects on families, loved ones and caregivers, affects more than 55 million people globally, including 6 million …

Consumer advocates say cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, is less regulated and harder to recover in a scam situation. They say that's why holiday shoppers should steer clear of it if asked to convert their payment to crypto. (Freepik)

Cryptocurrency part of latest scam warnings for Nebraskans

If your holiday shopping list is far from complete, consumer advocates in Nebraska hope you don't ignore warning signs of scams in the rush to buy …

The unpaid care provided by more than 580,000 Wisconsin caregivers is valued at $9.2 billion, according to AARP. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

More support needed for over half-million WI family caregivers

More than 580,000 Wisconsinites are unpaid family caregivers and they serve as the backbone of the state's long-term care system, and one …

A cap on out-of-pocket drug costs will likely decrease health care costs for many people on Medicare. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Medicare changes in 2025 to benefit Oregonians

Changes coming to Medicare in 2025 could be beneficial for Oregon residents who are eligible for the program. Oregonians who qualify for Medicare …

AARP Mississippi helped pass The Caregiver Act, making it one of the first states to implement such legislation, in 2015. (Malambo/peopleimages/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi group provides support, resources to family caregivers

The holidays can be both joyful and bittersweet for family members caring for loved ones. AARP Mississippi said it is working to help meet the …

In day-to-day life, 'solo agers' lean on neighbors and friends

By Judith Graham for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Servic…

Wyoming caregivers provide an estimated $910 million in economic value to the state, according to AARP Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

AARP expands 'Care for Caregivers' course to more WY communities

November is National Family Caregivers Month and AARP Wyoming is working to meet rising demand for caregiver resources. About 58,000 Wyomingites …

Studies show being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. (Adobe Stock)

Fostering connection: Combating social isolation during the holidays

For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration - but it can often bring loneliness and isolation for older adults. Steve Morrison…

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

The holiday season is not merry and bright for everyone. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, lost your job or if you're going through a …

Changes could be coming to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act as President-elect Donald Trump builds his administration. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

Low-income Arkansas families could be in for some big cuts to health care under a second Trump administration, according to health experts. Policy …

Easy Estates, put together by NDSU architectural student Noah Boen, was one of the winning designs in a North Dakota competition to spur more age-friendly housing. An AARP survey found 55% of state residents prioritize living independently as they age if they were to consider moving out of their current residence. (Photo courtesy AARP)

ND project lays out new 'age-friendly' housing vision

Recent surveys show a majority of North Dakotans want housing that allows them to live independently as they age. But there aren't a lot of suitable …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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)

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)

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)

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - December 24, 2024

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Senior Issues

Volunteers vital for meal delivery to older IL residents

Oregonians need to watch out for 'smishing' packages

USPS warns NM customers awaiting packages not to fall for 'smishing'

Postal Service warns MI customers about smishing 'Grinches'

USPS warns AR residents to be aware of 'smishing' scams

Winter roads test older drivers across Indiana

Helping seniors through loneliness during the holidays

MO doctor shares holiday travel tips for a healthy heart

IN Alzheimer's caregivers can comfort, support patients during holidays

IL Alzheimer's patients can enjoy holiday fun

Clearing the myths: Simplifying SNAP benefits to fight senior hunger

Worker shortage pushes Iowa employers to hire children for dangerous jobs

Proposed federal cuts to health programs could impact millions of Floridians

Colorado health care costs rose 139% between 2013-2022

East TX program connects residents to services, frees up 911

Pathways developed to reduce dementia risk in Colorado

Cryptocurrency part of latest scam warnings for Nebraskans

More support needed for over half-million WI family caregivers

Medicare changes in 2025 to benefit Oregonians

Mississippi group provides support, resources to family caregivers

In day-to-day life, 'solo agers' lean on neighbors and friends

AARP expands 'Care for Caregivers' course to more WY communities

Fostering connection: Combating social isolation during the holidays

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

ND project lays out new 'age-friendly' housing vision

PA Medicaid, Medicare dual enrollees may qualify for expanded benefits

IL doctors seek revisions to their Medicare reimbursement amounts

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

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

Dual health plans offer extra support for low-income Hoosiers

Ohio’s workforce gets an age advantage

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

Older IL population has options for healthy meals

Champion of LGBTQ+ rights in OR wins volunteering award

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

MN readying new program to close big gaps in retirement savings

Some Louisiana residents eligible for broader health coverage