“Are Medicare Advantage Plans Steering Enrollees to Lower-Quality Nursing Homes?,” ElderLawAnswers Quote: “A new study has found that people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan were more likely to enter a lower quality nursing home than were people in traditional Medicare. The study raises questions about whether Medicare Advantage plans are influencing beneficiaries’ decisionmaking when it comes to choosing a nursing home.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! Elder law attorneys have dumped untold millions of their relatively affluent clients into Medicaid nursing homes at reimbursement
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“Clichés about only being as old as you feel are starting to have scientific backing,” by Marlene Cimons, Washington Post Quote: “One study, for example, found that as people get older, they consistently say they feel younger — much younger — than their actual age. Another study examining the attitudes of the offspring of centenarians concluded that the centenarians’ children — if they, too, were healthy and long-lived — have a strong sense of purpose and meaning to their lives, compared with the general population. Finally, there is evidence that positive attitudes about aging may reduce the risk of dementia,
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“65% of Baby Boomers Are Making a Huge Financial Mistake That Could Leave Them Broke,” by Christy Bieber, Motley Fool Quote: “Many pre-retirees think they don’t need to worry about healthcare because they anticipate care costs will be covered by Medicare. But the reality is that Medicare makes seniors responsible for picking up a significant percentage of their cost of care. Seniors may face high deductibles, coinsurance costs, premiums, and coverage limitations. … There are also many services Medicare doesn’t cover, including hearing aids, long-term care, and dental care. … Qualifying for Medicaid could also help you afford care costs by
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“Report identifies seven ways to prevent dementia,” Medical Xpress Quote: “Anstey has estimated that close to 50% of dementia cases can be attributed to seven key modifiable lifestyle factors; midlife hypertension, diabetes, low educational attainment, smoking, physical inactivity, midlife obesity, and depression.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):  This does not mean those seven factors “cause” dementia, but it does show we suffer several parallel epidemics the resolutions of which are highly likely to have mutual benefits. Report identifies seven ways to prevent dementia #dementia #goldencareagent
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“Improper payments, bad data threaten access to long-term care, GAO health leader testifies,” by Kimberly Marselas, McKnight’s LTC News Quote: “Despite efforts to reduce improper payments in Medicaid, they continue to increase — rising to about $37 billion in fiscal year 2017,  the Government Accounting Office’s healthcare director told members of Congress Thursday. ‘The Medicaid program alone accounted for 26.1 percent of the fiscal year 2017 government-wide improper payment estimate,’ Carolyn L. Yocom testified before the House subcommittees on Government Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs. ‘It is critical to take appropriate measures to reduce improper payments, as dollars wasted detract from
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“Breakthrough: Researchers fix Alzheimer’s gene,” by Ana Sandoiu, Medical News Today Quote: “Groundbreaking research shows, for the first time, how the most well-known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease causes signs in human brain cells. Also, the scientists managed to correct the gene and erase its harmful effects.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):  After so much heart-breaking news about Alzheimer’s research, it’s hard not to be dubious now. But hope springs eternal. Breakthrough: Researchers fix Alzheimer’s gene #alzheimer’s #goldencareagent
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“Is There Such A Thing As Normal Aging?,” by Bruce Horowitz, Kaiser Health News Quote: “Drawing on their decades of practice along with the latest medical data, Gill and three geriatric experts agreed to help identify examples of what are often — but not always – considered to be signposts of normal aging for folks who practice good health habits and get recommended preventive care.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):  If you’re older, read this article to see how you’re doing in comparison to others. If you’re younger, find out what you have
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