(FEAR & LOATHING) Republicans Attack CMS for Alleged 'Gag Order' -- But Agency Has Defenders
Key Republicans in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are going on the attack, accusing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of issuing a "gag order" to stop providers of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans from communicating with seniors. Meanwhile, CMS' actions are being staunchly defended by advocates for the elderly who say the agency acted properly. Login to see complete story
09/25/2009 5:49 PM
Capitol Hill
(HOUSE) Lawmakers OK Bill to Protect Seniors from Higher Medicare Part B Premiums
The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelming approved HR 3631, the proposed Medicare Premium Fairness Act, by a vote of 406-18. The bill is intended to protect seniors and people with disabilities from disproportionate increases in their Medicare Part B premiums at a time when Social Security payments are not increasing. Login to see complete story
09/24/2009 5:06 PM
Fitness & Health
(EYE CARE) Doc Offers Tips on 'Eye-dentifying' Common Vision Problems in Diabetics
A highly respected Chicago-based opthamologist reminds organizations and other entities providing services to seniors that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20 to 74. Login to see complete story
09/24/2009 2:30 PM
Funding Opportunities
(GRANTS) MDU Resources Foundation Grant Application Deadline Approaches
MDU Resources Foundation, a Bismarck, ND-based funder, supports organizations serving seniors. The foundation is particularly interested in supporting programs related to health and human services, education, civic and community activities, culture and the arts. The Foundation is underwritten by MDU Resources Group Inc., a company primarily focused on energy and transportation infrastructure. Login to see complete story
09/24/2009 2:03 PM
(GRANTS) HUD Releasing $20 Million for Assisted Living Conversion Program
The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is making available some $20 million in federal funding for the Assisted Living Conversion Program, a grants program for the physical conversion of some or all of the dwelling units in an eligible project into assisted living facilities (ALFs) for frail elderly persons. Login to see complete story
09/21/2009 12:47 PM
Healthcare Reform
(FEAR & LOATHING) CMS Acts to Stop Misleading Medicare Private Plan Communications About Healthcare Reform
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has sent a clear message to private Medicare Advantage, prescription drug, and cost plans not to send misleading and confusing communications to their plan enrollees about the potential effects of healthcare reform now being considered by Congress. The action comes as a direct response to a mailing by Humana, one of the nation's largest private insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans under Medicare, to their plan enrollees. Login to see complete story
09/24/2009 4:52 PM
Medicare/Medicaid
(BUDGET DEFICIT) CBO Examines Policy Option for Slowing Medicaid Spending
A Congressional Budget Office analysis of healthcare reform proposals explores how a controversial policy option -- converting Medicare to a defined-contribution program -- would affect long-term budget deficits. This option, one of two explored by CBO, would dramatically change the nature of Medicaid, impacting low-income elderly beneficiaries. Login to see complete story
09/22/2009 10:36 AM
(OPEN ENROLLMENT) CMS Slates 'Listening Session' on Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plan
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Thursday, Sept. 24, will conduct a "listening session" focusing on Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Open Enrollment for 2010. During the session, which is set for 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST, experts from CMS will discuss information about the 2010 plan offerings that every Medicare beneficiary will need to know when they begin to review their plan options during the upcoming Open Enrollment period Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. Login to see complete story
09/23/2009 11:05 AM
Message From The Editor
(ONLINE HELP) How to Use Our Service
The email alerts you receive from us are not the sum total of the service to which you subscribed. Those alerts are intended as courtesy messages letting you know when new content has been posted to the online news service. You do not have to wait until you receive an email alert from us in order to access your subscription. You can access your subscription any time you wish -- 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. You can, of course, access the service from the email alerts as well. But you need to log in first. Login to see complete story
09/21/2009 10:29 AM
News in the States
(LOCAL PROGRAM) Pinellas County, FL Combines Creativity with Healthy Aging
Pinellas County, FL has a thriving coalition focused exclusively on creativity and aging issues. Last year, the Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall coordinated the formation of the Partners for Creative Aging in Pinellas with representatives from the community, government, education, arts and aging services. Login to see complete story
09/22/2009 11:21 AM
Research and Reports
(ALZHEIMER'S) Research Predicts 35 Million New Dementia Cases in 2010
By this time next year, more than 35 million people worldwide will suffer from dementia, find the authors of the newly released 2009 World Alzheimer's Report from Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), a London-based, nonprofit, international federation of 71 national Alzheimer organizations. The new report surfaced Monday, Sept. 21 -- World Alzheimer's Day -- and is intended to raise awareness about the disease. Login to see complete story
09/21/2009 1:37 PM
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