(SENATE) Kohl Questions Geithner on Proposed Changes in Bank Regulation
The chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Herb Kohl (D-WI), is raising concerns about the Obama administration's proposal calling for creation of a separate Consumer Protection Agency and removing consumer protection responsibilities from existing bank regulators and other agencies. The administration is proposing to remove most all consumer protection rules-writing authority, enforcement and oversight from different agencies and consolidating the responsibility into one federal agency. Login to see complete story
06/19/2009 3:44 PM
Advocacy
(DIABETES) Diabetes Screening Project Launched; New Program Aims to Educate Seniors
At a meeting Thursday (June 18) sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project (MDSP), former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), joined by experts in diabetes research and education, as well as representatives of senior-serving organizations from a four-state area, met in Washington, DC to focus public attention on the need for increased diabetes screening among Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 and older. Login to see complete story
06/19/2009 10:13 AM
Capitol Hill
(SENATE) Committee on Aging Calls for Proposals to Reform Social Security Program
A hearing Wednesday before the Senate Special Committee on Aging focused on Social Security, with special emphasis on how to target benefits for the populations who need them most. The hearing's topic is of particular interest to seniors, especially in the midst of an economic downturn when many Americans are relying on Social Security now more than ever, says committee Chairman Herb Kohl (D-WI). Login to see complete story
06/17/2009 2:50 PM
(SENATE) Legislation Would Establish National MS and Parkinson's Registries
Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mark Udall (D-CO) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) are pushing proposed legislation aimed at establishing national registries of multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease in order to better understand and treat these neurological diseases. Login to see complete story
06/17/2009 10:39 AM
Courts
(AGE DISCRIMINATION) Supreme Court Makes Age Discrimination Tougher to Prove
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision Thursday (June 19), has made it a whole lot tougher for workers to win age discrimination lawsuits, ruling against a 55-year-old employee who claimed he was demoted because of his age. The decision, penned by Justice Clarence Thomas, says it isn't enough for a worker to prove that age may have been a factor in an employer's decision to make a change in the worker's status; the employee now must show that it was the main factor. Login to see complete story
06/19/2009 12:18 PM
Federal Agencies
(COMMUNITIES) Age Advocates Back Unprecedented Federal Collaboration
Advocates for aging are throwing their support behind an unprecedented interagency collaboration between the U.S. Departments of Transportation (DOT), Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling it an important new development for people over 50. The three federal agencies have launched an initiative aimed at improving access to affordable housing, developing more transportation options at lower costs, and protecting the environment in communities. Login to see complete story
06/17/2009 12:49 PM
Medicare/Medicaid
(NURSING HOMES) New Nursing Home Guidance Includes Quality of Life, Environment Requirements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Friday (June 19) issued new guidance for nursing home surveyors, further defining and clarifying several important dimensions of care to help improve nursing home residents' quality of life and environment. Beginning June12, nursing home surveys will be conducted with a sharpened focus on resident rights in several key areas.
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06/19/2009 5:26 PM
Services
(FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) Where to Turn When You Need Help Paying for Rx Medications
Advocates and beneficiaries should be aware there are programs offering direct subsidies to pay for medications as well as those that provide free or discounted medications. The amount of assistance varies from program to program. Some assistance programs may have income limits or other requirements, but many have eased requirements due to the recession, even as they have seen an increase in applicants. Login to see complete story
06/19/2009 10:41 AM
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