“The COVID-19 Downturn Triggers Jump in Medicaid Enrollment,” by Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News Quote: “Reversing a three-year decline, the number of people covered by Medicaid nationwide rose markedly this spring as the impact of the recession caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 began to take hold. Yet, the growth in participation in the state-federal health insurance program for low-income people was less than many analysts predicted. One possible factor tempering enrollment: People with concerns about catching the coronavirus avoided seeking care and figured they didn’t need the coverage.”   LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term
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“Flu and pneumonia vaccinations linked to lower Alzheimer’s incidence,” by Alicia Lasek, McKnight’s LTC News Quote: “A single flu vaccination is tied to a 17% reduction in Alzheimer’s incidence, and more frequent flu vaccinations confer an additional 13% risk reduction, scientists at the University of Texas have found. The effect was strongest for those who got their first flu shot at a younger age (age 60 versus 70, for example).”   LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): Or are people prone to Alzheimer’s maybe less likely to think about getting vaccinations?      
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“Pandemic-Driven Change: 60 Seconds with Steve Monroe,” by Steve Monroe, The Senior Care Investor Quote: “I remember in April talking to a few industry professionals (you know who you are) who thought this ‘coronavirus thing’ would be mostly history by July. So did President Trump. The problem is, hope is never a good business plan. I took the unpopular opinion back then that it was going to be a long, tough slog for the industry. I wish I had been wrong. “Because of the pandemic, there have been all sorts of news stories about what is going to happen to
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“Ten Targets for Reducing Alzheimer’s Risk,” by Judy George, MedPageToday Quote: “Ten risk factors appeared to have a significant effect on developing Alzheimer’s disease, many of which could be targeted with preventive steps, a meta-analysis suggested. … The suggestions pinpointed 10 risk factors with Class 1 Level A strong evidence, they wrote in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry: Diabetes Hyperhomocysteinemia Poor BMI management Reduced education Hypertension in midlife Orthostatic hypotension Head trauma Less cognitive activity Stress Depression” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): Good news: you can reduce dementia risk. Bad news: it
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“Now Available: 2019 Profile of Older Americans,” Administration for Community Living Quote: “The Profile of Older Americans is an annual summary of the available statistics related to the older population in the United States. Principal sources of data are the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Profile illustrates the shifting demographics of Americans age 65 and older. It includes key topic areas such as income, living arrangements, education, health, and caregiving. This year’s report includes special sections on obesity as well as aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities.” LTC Comment (from
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“Elderly who distinctly smell roses, paint-thinner or lemons ‘have half the risk of dementia‘,” by Alexandra Thompson, Yahoo! News     Quote: “Elderly people who really can smell the roses may have a lower risk of dementia, research suggests. Scientists from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), followed 1,800 people in their seventies for up to 10 years. They found those who retained good sensory function – including being able to identify the scent of roses, paint-thinner and lemons – were up to half as likely to develop the memory-robbing disease.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center
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“Federal Government Will Send Point-of-Care COVID-19 Testing Units, Kits to All Nursing Homes in U.S. [Updated],” by Maggie Flynn, Skilled Nursing News   Quote: “The federal government on Tuesday announced that it would send point-of-care testing supplies for COVID-19 to all skilled nursing facilities in the country, starting next week, according to Admiral Brett Giroir, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.” LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): Where would you rather reside? In a mostly Medicaid
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  “Medi(long-term)care for All: A Look into the Future of Long-Term Care Insurance—Part Two,” by Stephanie Moench and Shawn Stender, Society of Actuaries Long-Term Care News   Quote: “Conclusion: While the case study performed demonstrates that a social LTC program similar to that adopted in Washington state could be beneficial for both consumers and LTC insurers, it is still un-clear whether this type of program would be the best fit for the current social, political and economic environment in the United States. Additionally, there are a number of unknowns, including funding and program features, which would need to be addressed
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