Senior Issues / Public News Service

An AARP report showed Medicare drug plan enrollees nationwide who reach the new out-of-pocket cap will see average savings of roughly $1,500, or 56%, in 2025 for their prescription drugs. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Ohioans struggling with rising prescription drug prices may find relief in a new law, which caps annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D …

According to Redfin, in 2019 Minneapolis became the first city to eliminate exclusively single-family zoning citywide. (Delores Harvey/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Drawing attention to a housing option that could make it easier for older Nebraskans to "age in place" is one of the goals of an AARP Community Challe…

By 2029, Connecticut's estimated share of enrollees benefiting from Medicare's out-of-pocket cap will be higher than 30 states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 6, 2024

Report: Medicare cap helps reduce CT prescription drug costs

A new report found Connecticut residents will benefit from Medicare's new out-of-pocket cap. An estimated 49,000 people in the state would see …

The UUH Outreach Program in Northwest Philadelphia is using its funding to provide three educational workshops for older adults to help them age in place safely. A support team will include an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and social workers. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards eight grants to help Pennsylvania communities boost 'livability'

In Pennsylvania, civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to …

80% of Wyoming adults say that EMS should be considered an essential service, according to a 2024 AARP survey. (Kirill Gorlov/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Some emergency medical services, or EMS, are consolidating or closing across Wyoming, while the need for services is increasing. In 2021, Wyoming EMS …

Ohio House Bill 458 limits who can deliver absentee ballots to the voter, postal workers or specific close relatives, excluding caregivers and non-relatives. (PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock)

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

As Ohio gears up for the upcoming election, debates over new voting regulations are heating up. The recent proposal by Secretary of State Frank …

1 in 5 U.S. voters is a caregiver, providing $600 billion in unpaid labor annually, according to AARP.(Adobe Stock)

Online resource guide helps Mainers prepare for upcoming elections

A new online resource guide is available to help Mainers prepare for the upcoming presidential election. It includes key dates for voter …

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 …

Medicare enrollees will not have to spend more than $2,000 annually on prescription drugs, starting next year. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

Hundreds of thousands of older Californians will see huge savings on prescription drugs starting in January, according to a new report from AARP…

Beginning in January, new federal changes will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 annually for 56 million Americans with Medicare drug plans. (Adobe Stock)

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Around 60,000 Kentucky seniors will save more money on their medications in the New Year, according to a new AARP report. Under the federal …

Among all voters in Maryland, 79% rate their motivation to vote as 10 out of 10. (Fahad Ayub/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Hogan, Alsobrooks tied at 46% in Senate race

A new poll found the Maryland's U.S. Senate race is a dead heat and Marylanders 50 and older are highly motivated to vote. The bipartisan poll …

A toolkit written for and by LGBTQ+ people aids in end-of-life decisions. (Sage)

New toolkit helps LGBTQ+ people make end-of-life decisions

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely to experience discrimination in health care, including as they age, according to a new survey from the Kaiser …

The average Social Security payout is a little more than $1,500 per month for retired Idahoans. (Lane Erickson/Adobe Stock)

Future of Social Security in spotlight at AARP ID town hall

The future of Social Security is a priority issue for many voters across the country. The interest on Social Security Trust Funds will run out of …

The objective of the Health Connector program is to ensure enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all residents, according to Dallas County officials. (Dallas County Health Department)

Iowa transportation program aims to reduce missed health appointments

County health officials in rural Iowa are using a new app to connect people to their doctors and cut down on missed appointments. The Health …

Older adults are an economic driver for New York State, as some 935,000 people 60 and older contribute 495 million hours of service with an economic value of $13.8 billion. (Adobe Stock)

NYS develops ‘master plan’ for older adults to age in place

New York State is developing a Master Plan for Aging. It will act as a framework to help older adults age in place while ensuring their quality of …

The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute is training members of the local community to reduce shortages in the health care workforce. (LRMAI)

CA program combats shortage of medical assistants

California faces a big shortage in the health care workforce, so health centers in San Diego are taking matters into their own hands, launching a …

The Compassionate Care Act would create a public awareness campaign that encourages conversations between patients, their families and doctors about end-of-life wishes. (Nimito/Adobe Stock)

New bill in Congress would improve end-of-life care

A bill just introduced in Congress would raise public awareness of issues surrounding the end of life, including palliative care, and hospice…

Exposure to smoke from wildfires has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and a decline in cognitive function. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for breathing easier during Colorado’s bad air quality days

Wildfires are becoming bigger and more frequent in Colorado and across the Mountain West, and health experts are offering tips to breathe easy even …

A University of Michigan survey found 54% of older adults have not completed an advance directive. Some reasons were they had not gotten around to it, they did not know about them or they did not like talking about it. (Adobe Stock)

CT senator’s federal bill could improve end-of-life planning

A new bipartisan federal bill could improve end-of-life care planning. The Compassionate Care Act creates guidelines for advanced care and end-of-…

In a recent AARP survey, nearly nine in 10 respondents said they are worried Social Security will not be able to provide at least the same level of benefits in the future it provides today. (Adobe Stock)

ND retiree: Fixing Social Security requires careful thought, discussion

Congress faces increasing pressure to adopt changes to keep Social Security on firm financial ground in the years to come. North Dakota retirees are …

Advocates said Arkansans who lost Medicaid coverage are missing vital doctor's visits. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid troubles continue for many AR residents

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, workers at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families are interviewing Arkansans about their …

A new poll found strong support for the Biden-Harris administration's agenda to lower prescription drug prices and stand up to big drug companies. (Adobe Stock)

Report details Big Pharma’s price-gouging patent tactics

As advocacy groups take a victory lap for moving lawmakers to finally allow Medicare to negotiate lower prices for 10 widely-used medicines, a new …

The US Census Bureau says in a couple of decades older Americans will outnumber children for the first time in history. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Poll shows sheer numbers of older caregivers in U.S.

One in four people over age 50 is taking care of at least one person with a health issue or disability, according to a new poll. In Virginia…

More than one in five Ohio residents, 2,427,966 people, receive Social Security benefits. The payments inject more than $44.7 billion into the state's economy every year. (Chris Langer)

Social Security at 89: Ohio conversation tackles myths and reform

As Social Security marks its 89th anniversary, the program's future remains a crucial topic of discussion. Jennifer Carlson, state director for AARP …

Veterans with disabilities qualify for home modification grants through the Department of Veterans Affairs. (VadimGuzhva/Adobe Stock)

OR vets have financial aid options for home modifications

Oregon has more than 270,000 veterans. Many of them may not know they're eligible for home modification grants through the U.S. Department of …

SEIU 775 represents more than 50,000 caregivers in three states, including Washington. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

WA home care workers push for better wages, benefits

Washington home caregivers are negotiating with the state on wages and benefits. The caregivers' union, SEIU 775, is in talks with the Consumer …

TennCare offers medical coverage to roughly 1.3 million Tennessee residents. (Dmytro/Adobe Stock)

TN offers free diapers through Tenncare, CoverKids

Some Tennessee parents now have access to monthly supplies of free diapers under the state's Medicaid program. TennCare provides coverage for …

An AARP survey found 89% of people age 50+, and 90% of those ages 18-49, own a smartphone.(Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

AARP grant funds Lincoln 'Digital Literacy' project for seniors

Many seniors report using technology on a regular basis but those who do not risk missing out due to its role in so much of daily life. "Digital …

The National Institute of Health describes symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as changes in behavior and personality, a decline in decision-making and language skills, and difficulty recognizing family and friends. (Adobe Stock)

New tests bring hope to Indiana Alzheimer's patients, families

New research directed at earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease has produced a more promising method for diagnosis. It was unveiled last week at …

The Empowering the Age group in Gaithersburg funded a program to provide older adults with individualized technology supported by high school students, teaching the adults skills to help them communicate online with family members and medical providers. (Adobe Stock)

Community Challenge grants help nonprofits benefit MD seniors

A relatively small amount of money can go a long way toward helping seniors in Maryland and across the country live better lives. AARP's Community …

Researchers have announced a blood test they say can predict with 90% accuracy whether a patient has Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans to benefit from new Alzheimer's blood test

Researchers have announced a new blood test that will predict whether someone has Alzheimer's disease far better than current tests can. A new law in …

In Ohio, 30% of older voters identify as family caregivers, making up 17% of voters. In addition, 39% percent of senior Black voters and 32% of women older than 50 identified as family caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Ohio seniors list inflation, economy, Social Security as top issues

Recent changes on the political scene may have brought many younger voters into the fold, but a new poll shows that in Ohio, older voters could still …

AARP's Livable Communities initiative aims to provide safe and walkable streets, age-friendly housing and transportation options, access to needed services and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline near for AARP Colorado 2024 Planning Academy

AARP Colorado is encouraging residents, including those age 50 and older, to sign up for its free 2024 Planning Academy. Marissa Volpe, associate …

Green spaces are valuable, cost-effective public health resources that can drive mental, physical, and environmental outcomes for communities, according to the Trust for Public Land. (Adobe Stock)

NV nonprofit receives funds to improve Reno community park

A Nevada nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for elders is among the 343 organizations nationwide to receive funding for quick-action…

Many Fargo residents want to stay in their communities but are struggling to maintain their properties as they age. (FiledIMAGE/Adobe Stock)

ND seeks better housing for older population

A new design competition is looking to find better housing for Fargo's aging population. Like many other states, North Dakota has a growing number …

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

SEIU members from the across the country met with the Biden-Harris administration at the White House. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Nursing home workers in Washington state have come back from the White House with renewed resolve to fight for their union contract. A delegation of …

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds projects through three different grant opportunities: flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants and demonstration grants. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards grants to help four MS communities boost 'livability'

Civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to recently awarded …

The United States has 403 centers for independent living, according to the National Council on Independent Living. (Adobe Stock)

Disability advocates call for more independent living in Nevada

Advocates for individuals with disabilities want the state of Nevada to further embrace what is known as the "independent living" model. Dawn Lyons…

A mural mock-up by artist Lacy Hale is seen in Jenkins, Ky. (Adobe Stock)

Eastern KY town plans mural to commemorate 2022 flood

A $20,000 grant from AARP Kentucky will help rebuild sidewalks in Jenkins damaged by the deadly 2022 flood that took the lives of 45 residents…

Health experts recommend people age 50 and older get a hearing test every five years. (Adobe Stock)

Hearing-aid use could reduce risks of dementia

Correcting hearing loss by using hearing aids is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia during aging…

About 25% of people covered by Medicare in 2023 used a telehealth service that year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Jeff Bergen/Adobe Stock)

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare patients …

Family members often become caregivers overnight and are suddenly responsible for helping with medications, medical care, meals, bathing and dressing, chores, finances, grocery shopping and transportation. AARP is traveling the state of Iowa to help educate caregivers. (AARP Iowa)

AARP 'road trip' educates IA caregivers where they are

AARP Iowa is on a road trip, taking knowledge to family caregivers wherever they are and helping them learn more about the resources that may be …

Washington state lawmakers approved the long-term care program, WA Cares, in 2019. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Costs high for making WA long-term care program optional

A new analysis from Washington state shows passing an initiative making a long-term care benefit program optional could cost taxpayers millions…

Mental health professionals said therapy can play a crucial role in helping ALICE populations cope with mental health issues. (ibreakstock/Adobe Stock)

Financial strains create mental-health issues for AR ALICE population

By LaGanzie Kale for KLEK-FM.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KLEK-FM-Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Publi…

Nearly 60% of Kentucky Medicaid beneficiaries reported a lack of reliable and affordable transportation as a barrier to receiving health care services, according to data from the University of Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Medicaid changes expand medical transportation access

Kentucky has made some changes to expand access to free transportation for people who need help getting to medical, dental and mental health …

Washington state legislators passed a law in 2018 allowing voters to register up to and on Election Day. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down

A 30-day residency requirement to register to vote in Washington state will not go into effect, after a federal judge struck it down. Under the …

Telehealth was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic when Americans were under lockdown orders. (supamotion/Adobe Stock)

Report: Congress needs to act quickly, wisely on Medicare teleheath provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare …

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Senior Issues