Senior Issues / Public News Service

Nebraska homeowners lost about $17 million in home equity between 2014 and 2021, when more than 300 homes were taken for property tax debts. (blvdone/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Court's 'home equity theft' ruling helps homeowners in NE, nationwide

A year-old U.S. Supreme Court case means relief for two Nebraskans who faced losing their homes and all the equity they had built, when investment …

Iowa seniors list the out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications as one of their main health-care concerns, according to AARP Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

Prescription costs soon to be capped for Iowa seniors

A new report from AARP Iowa predicts thousands of seniors on Medicare Part D in the state will save money on their prescriptions, thanks to a cap on …

About 3.2 million Medicare enrollees are expected to save money in 2025 under a new law capping prescription drug costs. (Scott Hales/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

Report: Oregonians to save money with prescription drug cost cap in 2025

Tens of thousands of Oregonians are expected to see savings next year when prescription drug costs are capped, according to a new report from AARP…

According to the research website Definitive Healthcare, consumers spent $603 billion on prescription drugs in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

IN residents await price reductions on costly prescriptions

Indiana ranks 20th among states for its prescription drug spending and especially for older adults, some help is on the way. The Inflation Reduction …

According to a poll of 50-64-year-olds, top issues of concern are strengthening the economy (80%), defending against terrorism (76%), and making the Social Security system financially sound (73%). (Adobe Stock)

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Voters over age 50 reliably show up to the polls in large numbers but sometimes candidates overlook them. In 2020, 138,000 South Dakotans ages 45-64 …

AARP says between 3 million and 4 million Medicare enrollees nationwide are estimated to benefit from the new out-of-pocket federal cap every year between 2025 and 2029. Of the total, 40,050 are in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Picture becomes clearer on drug cost savings for older Minnesotans

Consumer advocates have long detailed how older adults struggle to manage the cost of their medications but hope is emerging in Minnesota and elsewher…

The Commonwealth Fund finds personal care attendants are facing nationwide shortages driven by low wages and retention, high turnover, and recruitment challenges. (Adobe Stock)

CT home health care workers still facing payroll issues

Despite a changing of the guard, Connecticut home health care workers still face payroll issues. Personal care attendants dealt with late paychecks …

Food deserts are regions where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food due to income, location, or transportation issues. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 86.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2023. (guvo59/Pixabay)

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

A new report showed more than 100,000 eligible Virginians 65 and older are not enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With …

An AARP report showed Medicare drug plan enrollees nationwide who reach the new out-of-pocket cap will see average savings of roughly $1,500, or 56%, in 2025 for their prescription drugs. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

Ohioans struggling with rising prescription drug prices may find relief in a new law, which caps annual out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D …

According to Redfin, in 2019 Minneapolis became the first city to eliminate exclusively single-family zoning citywide. (Delores Harvey/Adobe Stock)

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Drawing attention to a housing option that could make it easier for older Nebraskans to "age in place" is one of the goals of an AARP Community Challe…

By 2029, Connecticut's estimated share of enrollees benefiting from Medicare's out-of-pocket cap will be higher than 30 states and the District of Columbia. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicare cap helps reduce CT prescription drug costs

A new report found Connecticut residents will benefit from Medicare's new out-of-pocket cap. An estimated 49,000 people in the state would see …

The UUH Outreach Program in Northwest Philadelphia is using its funding to provide three educational workshops for older adults to help them age in place safely. A support team will include an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and social workers. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards eight grants to help Pennsylvania communities boost 'livability'

In Pennsylvania, civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to …

80% of Wyoming adults say that EMS should be considered an essential service, according to a 2024 AARP survey. (Kirill Gorlov/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Some emergency medical services, or EMS, are consolidating or closing across Wyoming, while the need for services is increasing. In 2021, Wyoming EMS …

Ohio House Bill 458 limits who can deliver absentee ballots to the voter, postal workers or specific close relatives, excluding caregivers and non-relatives. (PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock)

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

As Ohio gears up for the upcoming election, debates over new voting regulations are heating up. The recent proposal by Secretary of State Frank …

Beginning in January, new federal changes will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 annually for 56 million Americans with Medicare drug plans. (Adobe Stock)

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Around 60,000 Kentucky seniors will save more money on their medications in the New Year, according to a new AARP report. Under the federal …

1 in 5 U.S. voters is a caregiver, providing $600 billion in unpaid labor annually, according to AARP.(Adobe Stock)

Online resource guide helps Mainers prepare for upcoming elections

A new online resource guide is available to help Mainers prepare for the upcoming presidential election. It includes key dates for voter …

On price negotiations alone, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Inflation Reduction Act will generate more than $100 billion in savings over 10 years for those using Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Older Wisconsin residents struggling to manage prescription drug costs, have new data on how much they might save as a new federal rule kicks in …

Medicare enrollees will not have to spend more than $2,000 annually on prescription drugs, starting next year. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

Hundreds of thousands of older Californians will see huge savings on prescription drugs starting in January, according to a new report from AARP…

Among all voters in Maryland, 79% rate their motivation to vote as 10 out of 10. (Fahad Ayub/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Hogan, Alsobrooks tied at 46% in Senate race

A new poll found the Maryland's U.S. Senate race is a dead heat and Marylanders 50 and older are highly motivated to vote. The bipartisan poll …

A toolkit written for and by LGBTQ+ people aids in end-of-life decisions. (Sage)

New toolkit helps LGBTQ+ people make end-of-life decisions

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely to experience discrimination in health care, including as they age, according to a new survey from the Kaiser …

The average Social Security payout is a little more than $1,500 per month for retired Idahoans. (Lane Erickson/Adobe Stock)

Future of Social Security in spotlight at AARP ID town hall

The future of Social Security is a priority issue for many voters across the country. The interest on Social Security Trust Funds will run out of …

The objective of the Health Connector program is to ensure enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all residents, according to Dallas County officials. (Dallas County Health Department)

Iowa transportation program aims to reduce missed health appointments

County health officials in rural Iowa are using a new app to connect people to their doctors and cut down on missed appointments. The Health …

Older adults are an economic driver for New York State, as some 935,000 people 60 and older contribute 495 million hours of service with an economic value of $13.8 billion. (Adobe Stock)

NYS develops ‘master plan’ for older adults to age in place

New York State is developing a Master Plan for Aging. It will act as a framework to help older adults age in place while ensuring their quality of …

The Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute is training members of the local community to reduce shortages in the health care workforce. (LRMAI)

CA program combats shortage of medical assistants

California faces a big shortage in the health care workforce, so health centers in San Diego are taking matters into their own hands, launching a …

The Compassionate Care Act would create a public awareness campaign that encourages conversations between patients, their families and doctors about end-of-life wishes. (Nimito/Adobe Stock)

New bill in Congress would improve end-of-life care

A bill just introduced in Congress would raise public awareness of issues surrounding the end of life, including palliative care, and hospice…

Exposure to smoke from wildfires has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and a decline in cognitive function. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for breathing easier during Colorado’s bad air quality days

Wildfires are becoming bigger and more frequent in Colorado and across the Mountain West, and health experts are offering tips to breathe easy even …

A University of Michigan survey found 54% of older adults have not completed an advance directive. Some reasons were they had not gotten around to it, they did not know about them or they did not like talking about it. (Adobe Stock)

CT senator’s federal bill could improve end-of-life planning

A new bipartisan federal bill could improve end-of-life care planning. The Compassionate Care Act creates guidelines for advanced care and end-of-…

In a recent AARP survey, nearly nine in 10 respondents said they are worried Social Security will not be able to provide at least the same level of benefits in the future it provides today. (Adobe Stock)

ND retiree: Fixing Social Security requires careful thought, discussion

Congress faces increasing pressure to adopt changes to keep Social Security on firm financial ground in the years to come. North Dakota retirees are …

Advocates said Arkansans who lost Medicaid coverage are missing vital doctor's visits. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid troubles continue for many AR residents

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, workers at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families are interviewing Arkansans about their …

A new poll found strong support for the Biden-Harris administration's agenda to lower prescription drug prices and stand up to big drug companies. (Adobe Stock)

Report details Big Pharma’s price-gouging patent tactics

As advocacy groups take a victory lap for moving lawmakers to finally allow Medicare to negotiate lower prices for 10 widely-used medicines, a new …

The US Census Bureau says in a couple of decades older Americans will outnumber children for the first time in history. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Poll shows sheer numbers of older caregivers in U.S.

One in four people over age 50 is taking care of at least one person with a health issue or disability, according to a new poll. In Virginia…

More than one in five Ohio residents, 2,427,966 people, receive Social Security benefits. The payments inject more than $44.7 billion into the state's economy every year. (Chris Langer)

Social Security at 89: Ohio conversation tackles myths and reform

As Social Security marks its 89th anniversary, the program's future remains a crucial topic of discussion. Jennifer Carlson, state director for AARP …

Veterans with disabilities qualify for home modification grants through the Department of Veterans Affairs. (VadimGuzhva/Adobe Stock)

OR vets have financial aid options for home modifications

Oregon has more than 270,000 veterans. Many of them may not know they're eligible for home modification grants through the U.S. Department of …

SEIU 775 represents more than 50,000 caregivers in three states, including Washington. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

WA home care workers push for better wages, benefits

Washington home caregivers are negotiating with the state on wages and benefits. The caregivers' union, SEIU 775, is in talks with the Consumer …

TennCare offers medical coverage to roughly 1.3 million Tennessee residents. (Dmytro/Adobe Stock)

TN offers free diapers through Tenncare, CoverKids

Some Tennessee parents now have access to monthly supplies of free diapers under the state's Medicaid program. TennCare provides coverage for …

An AARP survey found 89% of people age 50+, and 90% of those ages 18-49, own a smartphone.(Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

AARP grant funds Lincoln 'Digital Literacy' project for seniors

Many seniors report using technology on a regular basis but those who do not risk missing out due to its role in so much of daily life. "Digital …

Researchers have announced a blood test they say can predict with 90% accuracy whether a patient has Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans to benefit from new Alzheimer's blood test

Researchers have announced a new blood test that will predict whether someone has Alzheimer's disease far better than current tests can. A new law in …

The National Institute of Health describes symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as changes in behavior and personality, a decline in decision-making and language skills, and difficulty recognizing family and friends. (Adobe Stock)

New tests bring hope to Indiana Alzheimer's patients, families

New research directed at earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease has produced a more promising method for diagnosis. It was unveiled last week at …

The Empowering the Age group in Gaithersburg funded a program to provide older adults with individualized technology supported by high school students, teaching the adults skills to help them communicate online with family members and medical providers. (Adobe Stock)

Community Challenge grants help nonprofits benefit MD seniors

A relatively small amount of money can go a long way toward helping seniors in Maryland and across the country live better lives. AARP's Community …

In Ohio, 30% of older voters identify as family caregivers, making up 17% of voters. In addition, 39% percent of senior Black voters and 32% of women older than 50 identified as family caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Ohio seniors list inflation, economy, Social Security as top issues

Recent changes on the political scene may have brought many younger voters into the fold, but a new poll shows that in Ohio, older voters could still …

AARP's Livable Communities initiative aims to provide safe and walkable streets, age-friendly housing and transportation options, access to needed services and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline near for AARP Colorado 2024 Planning Academy

AARP Colorado is encouraging residents, including those age 50 and older, to sign up for its free 2024 Planning Academy. Marissa Volpe, associate …

Green spaces are valuable, cost-effective public health resources that can drive mental, physical, and environmental outcomes for communities, according to the Trust for Public Land. (Adobe Stock)

NV nonprofit receives funds to improve Reno community park

A Nevada nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for elders is among the 343 organizations nationwide to receive funding for quick-action…

Many Fargo residents want to stay in their communities but are struggling to maintain their properties as they age. (FiledIMAGE/Adobe Stock)

ND seeks better housing for older population

A new design competition is looking to find better housing for Fargo's aging population. Like many other states, North Dakota has a growing number …

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

SEIU members from the across the country met with the Biden-Harris administration at the White House. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Nursing home workers in Washington state have come back from the White House with renewed resolve to fight for their union contract. A delegation of …

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds projects through three different grant opportunities: flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants and demonstration grants. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards grants to help four MS communities boost 'livability'

Civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to recently awarded …

The United States has 403 centers for independent living, according to the National Council on Independent Living. (Adobe Stock)

Disability advocates call for more independent living in Nevada

Advocates for individuals with disabilities want the state of Nevada to further embrace what is known as the "independent living" model. Dawn Lyons…

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Senior Issues

Court's 'home equity theft' ruling helps homeowners in NE, nationwide

Prescription costs soon to be capped for Iowa seniors

Report: Oregonians to save money with prescription drug cost cap in 2025

IN residents await price reductions on costly prescriptions

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

Picture becomes clearer on drug cost savings for older Minnesotans

CT home health care workers still facing payroll issues

AR officials consider new ways to address food deserts

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

New cap on prescription costs offers relief to Ohio seniors

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Report: Medicare cap helps reduce CT prescription drug costs

AARP awards eight grants to help Pennsylvania communities boost 'livability'

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Controversy erupts over Ohio's proposed drop-box ban

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Online resource guide helps Mainers prepare for upcoming elections

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

Poll: Hogan, Alsobrooks tied at 46% in Senate race

New toolkit helps LGBTQ+ people make end-of-life decisions

Future of Social Security in spotlight at AARP ID town hall

Iowa transportation program aims to reduce missed health appointments

NYS develops ‘master plan’ for older adults to age in place

CA program combats shortage of medical assistants

New bill in Congress would improve end-of-life care

Tips for breathing easier during Colorado’s bad air quality days

CT senator’s federal bill could improve end-of-life planning

ND retiree: Fixing Social Security requires careful thought, discussion

Medicaid troubles continue for many AR residents

Report details Big Pharma’s price-gouging patent tactics

Poll shows sheer numbers of older caregivers in U.S.

Social Security at 89: Ohio conversation tackles myths and reform

OR vets have financial aid options for home modifications

WA home care workers push for better wages, benefits

TN offers free diapers through Tenncare, CoverKids

AARP grant funds Lincoln 'Digital Literacy' project for seniors

Iowans to benefit from new Alzheimer's blood test

New tests bring hope to Indiana Alzheimer's patients, families

Community Challenge grants help nonprofits benefit MD seniors

Poll: Ohio seniors list inflation, economy, Social Security as top issues

Deadline near for AARP Colorado 2024 Planning Academy

NV nonprofit receives funds to improve Reno community park

ND seeks better housing for older population

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

AARP awards grants to help four MS communities boost 'livability'

Disability advocates call for more independent living in Nevada