KHN News: Medicare And Aging
Assisted Living’s Breakneck Growth Leaves Safety Of Dementia Patients Behind
By Jordan Rau
An analysis of inspection records in California, Florida and Texas shows significant numbers of violations related to assisted living residents with dementia.
Seniors Steamed Over Cuts To SilverSneakers Fitness Program
By Judith Graham
UnitedHealthcare has put the skids on offering SilverSneakers, the nation’s fitness program for seniors, as part of its benefit packages. A look at why and some alternatives.
In Grandma’s Stocking: An Apple Watch To Monitor Falls, Track Heart Rhythms
By Rachel Bluth
The new-generation gadget is designed to alert and protect wearers from falls and heart problems, expanding Apple’s target audience beyond the usual, tech-savvy, early adopters to those with older tickers.
Look-Up: Medicare’s Bonuses And Penalties For Nursing Homes Near You
The federal government is issuing bonuses and penalties to skilled nursing facilities based on how often their patients are readmitted to hospitals within a month of being discharged.
Feds Order More Weekend Inspections Of Nursing Homes To Catch Understaffing
By Jordan Rau
Medicare instructs inspectors to look for staffing inadequacies in homes that report suspiciously low numbers of registered nurses and weekend workers.
Chronically Ill, Traumatically Billed: The $123,000 Medicine For MS
By Jay Hancock
Shereese Hickson’s doctor wanted her to try the infusion drug Ocrevus for her multiple sclerosis. Even though Hickson is trained as a medical billing coder, she was shocked to see two doses of the drug priced at $123,019, with her share set at $3,620.
Check Your Medical Records For Dangerous Errors
By Judith Graham
Medical records often contain incorrect information that can lead to inappropriate medical treatment. Patients need to review them on a regular basis and correct any errors that creep in.
Paradise Lost: Wildfire Chases Seniors From Retirement Havens To Field Hospitals
By Brian Rinker
Having fled quickly — often without medications, wheelchairs or pets to comfort them — refugees from the Camp Fire manage as best they can in makeshift shelters miles from home. A virus is spreading, and medical attention is spotty.
At Death’s Door, Shedding Light On How To Live
By Judith Graham
When you learn you have a terminal illness, how do you live with purpose and authenticity?
In Days Of Data Galore, Patients Have Trouble Getting Own Medical Records
By Judith Graham
Federal law guarantees that people have the right to see and obtain a copy of their medical records. But, hospitals, doctors, pharmacies and insurance companies often erect obstacles.