“US announces big hike in Medicare premiums,” by Maggie Fox and Tami Luhby, CNN   Quote: “The federal government announced a large hike in Medicare premiums Friday night, blaming the pandemic but also what it called uncertainty over how much it may have to be forced to pay for a pricey and controversial new Alzheimer’s drug. The 14.5% increase in Part B premiums will take monthly payments for those in the lowest income bracket from $148.50 a month this year to $170.10 in 2022. … Part B premiums are based on income. Individuals earning $500,000 or more a year and
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“Medicare Advantage’s cost to taxpayers has soared in recent years, research finds,” by Fred Schulte, NPR   Quote: “Switching seniors to Medicare Advantage plans has cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars more than keeping them in original Medicare, a cost that has exploded since 2018 and is likely to rise even higher, new research has found. … Medicare Advantage, a fast-growing alternative to original Medicare, is run primarily by major insurance companies. The health plans have enrolled nearly 27 million members, or about 45% of people eligible for Medicare, according to AHIP, an industry trade group formerly known as America’s Health
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“No cognitive gains from ‘brain gaming’ found in studies of older adults with dementia,” by Alicia Lasek, McKnight’s LTC News   Quote: “Using video and software games aimed at improving brain function may be enjoyable, but it doesn’t affect the cognitive abilities in older adults with dementia, a new meta-analysis finds. … Standardized cognitive testing scores showed no improvement across the studies, and no changes in memory, executive function, visuospatial skills and/or language. Measures of quality of life did not improve either, the researchers added. … The study was published in the November issue of JAMDA.” LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses, President,
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“Class action lawsuit filed against new WA long-term care tax,” by Rachel La Corte, Associated Press   Quote: “Opponents of a mandatory payroll tax to fund Washington state’s new long-term care program filed a class action lawsuit Tuesday in federal court seeking to stop the January start of the payroll premium for most employees in the state. … Among the arguments made by the suit is that the WA Cares Fund violates a federal law that forbids the state from passing any law that requires employees to participate in a plan that provides sickness or medical benefits. It also says
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“More than 2,000 nursing homes earn top U.S. News ratings,” by Danielle Brown, McKnight’s LTC News   Quote: “High vaccination rates among staff and patient safety standards were among the common characteristics of thousands of nursing homes recognized as the “best” in the nation, according to ratings released today by U.S. News & World Report. … More than 1,060 nursing homes, out of the 13,175 assessed, were designated as high-performing in the long-term care rating. Out of 13,500 facilities, about 1,650 were ranked as high-performing in the short-term rating. … The full ratings list can be found here.” LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses,
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“Pandemic Takes Its Toll On Caregivers,” Advisor Magazine   Quote: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been felt especially hard among the nation’s caregivers, according to the latest findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2021 Planning & Progress Study. One in five (21%) of Americans report they are currently providing care for someone, and among them six in ten (59%) say that they have had to take on new or expanded caregiving responsibilities during the pandemic. … On average, nearly a third (31%) of current caregivers’ monthly budget goes toward providing care. Those costs include professional support as well as expenses
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“Confronting Ageism in Health Care: A Conversation for Patients, Caregivers and Clinicians,” Kaiser Health News   Quote: “What does ageism in health care look like? It can be a thoughtless quip that makes an older person feel diminished. Or an assumption that patients are unable to follow a conversation or make their own decisions. Maybe it occurs when a concern is voiced, then discounted or dismissed. … KHN and The John A. Hartford Foundation held a web event Thursday. Judith Graham, KHN’s Navigating Aging columnist, hosted the discussion. ” LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform: Ageism usually just rolls
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“Milliman Report Shows $32.5B Value in Medicare Advantage,” by Amy Stulick, Skilled Nursing News   Quote: “Medicare Advantage delivers $32.5 billion, or $123.36 per member per month, in additional value to beneficiaries, according to a report released Thursday by the Better Medicare Alliance (BMA). Hospital and physician services are 24% less expensive per month: $709.66 for MA plans per month and $935.67 for Medicare FFS [fee for service]. These statistics exclude administrative expenses and profits, according to the report. … Still, one in five seniors don’t know the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare FFS, according to a poll conducted by BMA.”
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“Resourceless vaccine rule could have ‘disastrous’ impact on long-term care,” by Danielle Brown,McKnight’s LTC News   Quote: “Long-term care providers fear the federal government’s interim final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all staff at Medicare- and Medicaid-funded facilities could have dire workforce consequences due to its tight deadlines and lack of financial support.” LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform: Politicians gain power by promising constituents something for nothing. Then they demand that the private sector cover their promises by doing something for nothing. In the end, TANSTAAFL reigns: “There ain’t so such thing as a
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“Genworth Might Resume Long-Term Care Insurance Sales by July,” by Allison Bell, ThinkAdvisor   Quote: “Genworth Financial is working with a reinsurer to begin selling a new individual long-term care insurance (LTCI) policy that could reach the market as early as July 1, 2022. … Although Genworth will try to resume selling stand-alone LTCI, it will focus more on providing advice and other low-capital activities, such as selling LTCI policies designed in such a way that a reinsurer shares most of the risk, McInerney said.” LTC Comment, Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform: Once burned, twice cautious.
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