Barbara Bush’s End-Of-Life Decision Stirs Debate Over ‘Comfort Care’
By Melissa Bailey and JoNel Aleccia
The former first lady’s announcement “not to seek additional medical treatment” and to focus on “comfort care” shone a light on end-of-life choices.
‘Scary’ Lung Disease Now Afflicts More Women Than Men In U.S.
By Anna Gorman
Barbara Bush’s case highlights that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a disease linked to long-term smoking and traditionally considered a men’s disease — is now more prevalent among women.
New Medicare Perk For Diabetes Prevention Stumbles At Rollout
By Judith Graham
On April 1, Medicare launched a major initiative — a diabetes prevention program for seniors and people with serious disabilities— that is available in only a few cities.
Congress Urged To Cut Medicare Payments To Many Stand-Alone ERs
By Michelle Andrews
As free-standing emergency departments multiply, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recommends a 30 percent reduction in some federal reimbursements for those within 6 miles of a hospital.
What We Know And Don’t Know About Memory Loss After Surgery
By Judith Graham
Memory problems and trouble multitasking are among the symptoms of POCD, a little-known condition that affects a substantial number of older adults after surgery.
Is There Such A Thing As Normal Aging?
By Bruce Horovitz
Our experts track the signs of normal aging from ages 50 to 100 — and there are some surprises.
Older Americans Are Hooked On Vitamins Despite Scarce Evidence They Work
By Liz Szabo
Sixty-eight percent of those 65 and older take vitamin supplements. Much of what we once believed about the benefits is wrong.
Medicare Advantage Plans Cleared To Go Beyond Medical Coverage — Even Groceries
By Susan Jaffe
Under new federal rules unveiled this week, these privately run alternatives to traditional Medicare might provide air conditioners, rides to medical appointments and home-delivered meals.
Scrutinizing Medicare Coverage For Physical, Occupational And Speech Therapy
By Judith Graham
Treatment has been terminated for some seniors because therapists told them they weren’t making enough progress or that they had reached their annual limit. We examine the treatment benefits and the barriers under Medicare’s coverage rules for therapy.
As Trump Targets Immigrants, Elderly Brace To Lose Caregivers
By Melissa Bailey
Families and nursing homes say Trump administration policies threaten to drive immigrants away from caring for older and disabled patients, intensifying a shortage in these low-wage jobs.
Everything You Need To Know About The New Medicare Cards (But Beware Of Scams)
By Judith Graham
Starting in April, new Medicare cards will be issued to the program’s 59 million enrollees. The new cards address serious security concerns, yet there are growing “scams” linked to the rollout.
Oregon Medical Students Face Tough Test: Talking About Dying
By JoNel Aleccia
Starting this spring, aspiring doctors at the Oregon Health & Science University must prove they can communicate about difficult subjects ranging from admitting medical mistakes to notifying families about a patient’s death.
New Technologies Help Seniors Age In Place — And Not Feel Alone
By Gabi Redford
Motion sensors, Alexa and other voice-assistive technologies give seniors the tools they need to live independently and safely.
Lifting Therapy Caps Is A Load Off Medicare Patients’ Shoulders
By Susan Jaffe
Last month’s budget deal means Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for physical and occupational therapy indefinitely. Plus, prescription drug costs will fall for more seniors.
Mind Over Body: A Psychiatrist Tells How To Tap Into Wisdom And Grow With Age
By Judith Graham
Seniors face tough — often life-changing — events throughout their final years. But this stage of life does not have to be limited to loss and deterioration.
Oregon Couple’s Final Days Captured In Intimate Aid-In-Dying Video
By JoNel Aleccia
Dr. Charles Emerick and his wife, Francie, died together last spring after both being diagnosed with terminal illnesses. First, they let their daughter turn on the camera.
As Surgery Centers Boom, Patients Are Paying With Their Lives
By Christina Jewett and Mark Alesia, USA Today Network
An investigation by Kaiser Health News and the USA TODAY Network discovers that more than 260 patients have died since 2013 after in-and-out procedures at surgery centers across the country. More than a dozen — some as young as 2 — have perished after routine operations, such as colonoscopies and tonsillectomies.
A Tale of Love, Family Conflict And Battles Over Care For An Aging Mother
By Judith Graham
“Edith + Eddie,” a documentary shortlisted for an Academy Award, is a gripping look at a couple in their 90s caught up in an intense family conflict. But more facts about the disputes involving a parent with dementia help to paint a complicated story about aging in America.
Never Too Late To Operate? Surgery Near End Of Life Is Common, Costly
By Liz Szabo
Nearly 1 in 3 Medicare patients undergo an operation in their final year of life.