Medicare & Aging News
Medicare Vs. Medicare Advantage: How To Choose
Judith Graham
Despite Medicare Advantage plans’ increasing popularity, several key features remain poorly understood. Here is what you need to know.
A Few Pointers To Help Save Money And Avoid The Strain Of Medicare Enrollment
Susan Jaffe
Most beneficiaries have from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 to decide on drug coverage and whether to switch from traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
Fires Prey On Frail Residents Living On Their Own
Barbara Feder Ostrov
The ferocious fires in Northern California underscore the vulnerability of seniors and disabled people whose mobility is limited. Experts recommend basic precautions.
Social Security Giveth, Medical Costs Taketh Away
Michelle Andrews
Out-of-pocket health costs eat up about 18 percent of retirees' incomes.
Dementia Patient At Center of Spoon-Feeding Controversy Dies
JoNel Aleccia
Nora Harris, 64, who had early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, raised questions about the power — and limits — of an advance directive to withdraw care.
In Oregon, End-of-Life Wishes Are Just A Click Away
JoNel Aleccia
A new link creates two-way access to the state registry that documents the type of medical care sick and frail patients want — or refuse.
Despite Boost In Social Security, Rising Medicare Part B Costs Leave Seniors In Bind
Judith Graham
With higher premiums on tap for many Medicare enrollees, here’s help figuring out the particulars of the Part B puzzle and how it affects you.
Heart Device Failure: Medicare Spent $1.5B Over 10 Years To Replace Defective Implants
Fred Schulte and Christina Jewett
The inspector general at Health and Human Services says defective pacemakers or defibrillators had to be replaced from 2005 through 2014, costing Medicare $1.5 billion.
As Loyal Donors Age, Industry Is Out For Young Blood
JoNel Aleccia
Nearly 60 percent of the U.S. blood supply is provided by people older than 40 — and most of that is from folks in their 50s and 60s. Why is it so hard to find young donors?
Money-Saving Offer For Medicare’s Late Enrollees Is Expiring. Can They Buy Time?
Susan Jaffe
Sept. 30 marks the end of Medicare’s temporary offer to waive penalties for certain late Medicare enrollees with Affordable Care Act insurance coverage.
Caregivers Draw Support By Mapping Their Relationships
Judith Graham
Innovative CareMaps tool helps caregivers understand their roles and take steps to improve their lives.
Nursing Home Disaster Plans Often Faulted As ‘Paper Tigers’
Jordan Rau
Too often enforcement of rules for dealing with crisis is lax, advocates for nursing home residents say.
A Rare Dementia Gene Runs In The Family, But He’s Fine — So Far
JoNel Aleccia
A Washington state man inherited the mutated gene that stole his mother’s mind. He doesn’t have the disease, and doctors don’t know why.
Shedding New Light On Hospice Care: No Need To Wait For The ‘Brink Of Death’
Judith Graham
Hospice care often prompts fear and misunderstanding, but the services provided can lead to less pain and trauma at the end of life.
The Secret To Chronic Happiness As You Age
Bruce Horovitz
Happy doesn’t always mean healthy. These older adults are still finding joy in spite of their physical challenges.
Soul Purpose: Seniors With Strong Reasons To Live Often Live Stronger
Judith Graham
New research bolsters evidence that older adults with a sense of purpose are less likely to see their health decline with age. The question is: How does one cultivate more meaning and motivation in life?
Elder Abuse: ERs Learn How To Protect A Vulnerable Population
Barbara Sadick
An emergency department at New York-Presbyterian Hospital trains staff to recognize signs of elder abuse and help victims.
Dying At Home In An Opioid Crisis: Hospices Grapple With Stolen Meds
Melissa Bailey
As more patients receive hospice care at home, some of the powerful, addictive drugs they’re prescribed are ending up in the wrong hands.
Despite Advance Directive, Dementia Patient Denied Last Wish, Says Spouse
JoNel Aleccia
Oregon court says Alzheimer’s patient Nora Harris must be spoon-fed. But her husband says she never wanted to live like this.