Latest Morning Briefing Stories

California Aims to Address the ‘Urgent’ Needs of Older Residents. But Will Its Plan Work?

KFF Health News Original

State officials recently unveiled a “master plan” to address the needs of California’s rapidly aging population, from housing to long-term care. Kim McCoy Wade, director of the state Department of Aging, vows it will not end up on a shelf gathering dust.

Family Caregivers, Routinely Left Off Vaccine Lists, Worry What Would Happen ‘If I Get Sick’

KFF Health News Original

Tens of thousands of middle-aged sons and daughters — too young to qualify for a vaccine — care for older relatives with serious ailments and want to get the shots to protect their loved ones and themselves.

After Nearly 60 Years of Marriage, This Missouri Couple Stayed Together to the End

KFF Health News Original

Arthur and Maggie Kelley of St. Louis died 30 days apart. Maggie died of complications of dementia in November. Arthur, who had moved into her nursing home to be with her, died a month later of covid. Their family held a double funeral.

‘Cruel’ Digital Race For Vaccines Leaves Many Seniors Behind

KFF Health News Original

Glitchy websites, jammed phone lines and long lines outside clinics are commonplace as states expand who’s eligible to be vaccinated. The oldest Americans and those without caregivers and computer skills are at a distinct disadvantage.

Older Adults Without Family or Friends Lag in Race to Get Vaccines

KFF Health News Original

Public health officials have singled out seniors as key candidates for the covid-19 vaccines but too many of these seniors are not able to get shots because they don’t use computers, don’t have internet services or transportation, or don’t have someone to help them with the process.

Vaccination Disarray Leaves Seniors Confused About When They Can Get a Shot

KFF Health News Original

As covid cases and deaths soar, it’s difficult to get up-to-date, reliable information about inoculations, and many older adults don’t know where to turn for help. Navigating Aging columnist Judith Graham answers questions from several readers.

Seniors Face Crushing Drug Costs as Congress Stalls on Capping Medicare Out-Of-Pockets

KFF Health News Original

While many private insurers cap what members pay in health costs, Medicare does not. Democrats and Republicans in Congress have proposed annual limits ranging from $2,000 to $3,100. But there’s disagreement about how to pay for that cost cap.

Retiree Living the RV Dream Fights $12,387 Nightmare Lab Fee

KFF Health News Original

A gynecologist in Carlsbad, New Mexico, tested the 60-year-old grandmother for various sexually transmitted infections without her knowledge. Her share of the lab fee was more than $3,000.

With Vaccine Delivery Imminent, Nursing Homes Must Make a Strong Pitch to Residents

KFF Health News Original

More than half of long-term care residents have cognitive impairment or dementia, raising questions about whether they will understand the details about the fastest and most extensive vaccination effort in U.S. history.

Alzheimer’s Inc.: Colleagues Question Scientist’s Pricey Recipe Against Memory Loss

KFF Health News Original

Dr. Dale Bredesen is a well-known, well-respected neurologist. But his colleagues think the comprehensive Alzheimer’s program he’s marketing through a private company is a mixture of free-for-the-asking common sense and unproven interventions.

What Seniors Can Expect When COVID Vaccines Begin to Roll Out

KFF Health News Original

At least two vaccines could get federal emergency use authorizations this month. Nursing home and assisted living residents will be among the first to receive inoculations. Here’s a guide on how that rollout may proceed.