AARP Online Community: aarpid - My Journals & Blogs

IDAHO DOCS ON TRACK TO SEE MASSIVE MEDICARE PAY CUT IN 2010

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

IDAHO DOCS ON TRACK TO SEE MASSIVE MEDICARE PAY CUT IN 2010

AARP Urges Senators Crapo & Risch to Support Legislation to Preserve Access to Doctors for Millions of Older Americans

BOISE, Idaho – With a near 22 percent cut in Medicare payment rates to doctors for 2010 on the horizon, Idaho’s 213,000 beneficiaries may soon find their doctor can’t afford to see them. For the influx of Medicare eligible state retirees who will soon lose their state health insurance in January of 2010, the issue could prove devastating. It’s a problem that can be avoided and AARP Idaho is calling on Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch to support legislation to do just that.

“Idaho state retirees are set to join hundreds of thousands of older Idahoans already in Medicare, if this issues doesn’t get tackled now, we’re sending them into a broken program, where they may not even be able to see their own doctor,” said Jim Wordelman, AARP Idaho State Director. “We’re calling on Senators Crapo and Risch to stand up for the elderly residents in Idaho and support legislation to preserve access and choice under Medicare.”

AARP is backing Senate Bill 1776, the Medicare Physician Fairness Act, which will replace the currently flawed formula with a new system to ensure physicians are paid fairly so they’ll not only continue to treat existing Medicare patients, but will also accept new patients.

Over the last seven years, Congress has passed legislation seven times to override the flawed Medicare physician payment formula; the legislation would permanently address the problem.

“It’s time to end the band-aid approach to helping older people get the care they need under Medicare,” added Wordelman. “Coupled with news of severe state budget cuts to key programs that allow older Idahoans to get health care in the community, this issue, if left unaddressed, could pull the rug out from beneath many of our state’s elderly.”

Roughly 75 percent of all Idahoans covered by Medicare used the program to visit their physicians in 2006, while about 30% percent are at or near the federal poverty, leaving them with little to no access to health care services if their doctor won’t accept the program.

####

Added: October 22, 2009
Views: 23 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

OLDER IDAHOANS TO BE HIT HARD BY NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

Thursday, October 15, 2009

OLDER IDAHOANS TO BE HIT HARD BY NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

AARP Urges Congress to Immediately Pass Relief Legislation Would Benefit Nearly 250,000 Idahoans

BOISE, Idaho – For the first time in nearly 30 years, there will be no Social Security cost of living adjustment – it is news that could spell disaster for some older Idahoans. With dwindling retirement savings, sinking home values and soaring health care costs – the announcement couldn’t come at a worse time for the state’s elderly already living on the brink. AARP is calling on Congress to pass legislation to provide immediate relief.

“Without any relief, many of Idaho’s elderly won’t be able to afford their health care, prescription drugs or other basic necessities,” said Jim Wordelman, AARP Idaho State Director.

While 100% of older Idahoans receive Social Security, without it, nearly half would fall below the poverty level. For six in ten residents age 65 and older, the program makes up at least half of their income, 25% rely on it as their only source of income. One in six Idaho residents receives Social Security.

“Idaho’s elderly, who have among the lowest incomes in the nation, are particularly vulnerable to this harsh news – AARP is urging Congress for immediate relief,” added Wordelman.

The relief would come in the form of a one-time $250 payment to all Social Security beneficiaries, providing many people the additional money they need to get by in the harsh economic climate.

The reason given for no COLA is because of stagnant inflation - while the items older people spend the most amount of money on have soared over the last year - prescription drugs saw the highest increase over the past year than in the prior six, health care costs which eat up nearly 30% of older residents income continue to soar past the rate of inflation and rising utility rates.

####

Added: October 15, 2009
Views: 33 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP SAYS NO WAY TO NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

For Immediate Release : T hursday, October 1, 2009

AARP SAYS NO WAY TO NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

Urges Congress to Pass Relief Legislation for Older Americans – Would benefit Nearly 250,000 Idahoans

BOISE , Idaho - In the midst of dwindling retirement savings and soaring health care costs, older Idahoans are bracing from more bad news that could spell disaster for many – no Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010. Today, AARP announced it will urge Congress to immediately pass legislation to provide relief to the over 50 million Social Security beneficiaries across the nation, including nearly 250,000 Idaho residents.

“While prescription drug prices continue to see record increases of 8% and insurance premiums are expected to double in the next few years, the lack of a Social Security COLA will hit many older Idahoans hard,” said Jim Wordelman, AARP Idaho State Director. “We urge Congress to act on this issue immediately and provide older Americans the relief they need.”

The relief would come in the form of a one-time $250 payment to all Social Security beneficiaries, providing many people the additional money they need to get by in the harsh economic climate. With older people spending roughly 30% of their income on health care costs which continue to skyrocket past the rate of inflation- consuming a larger share of income each year - the money couldn’t come at a better time for many people.

While 100% of older Idahoans receive Social Security, without it, nearly half would fall below the poverty level. For six in ten residents age 65 and older, the program makes up at least half of their income, 25% rely on it as their only source of income. One in six Idaho residents receives Social Security.

####

Added: October 1, 2009
Views: 49 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Read the Truth About AARP's Positions on Health Care Reform

AARP is in this fight for health care reform to make sure your voices are heard. We have listened to you and you’ve made it very clear you want us not only to fix what’s wrong with health care in this country – but to preserve what’s right – to preserve what already is working well for so many of you.

That’s why we’re working with the president and Congress to create health care reform legislation that will -- above all -- guarantee you a choice of dependable, affordable health insurance – along with a doctor you can count on who will work with you to make the best possible treatment choices for you and your families.

AARP is committed to making sure health care reform will strengthen and improve Medicare by closing the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole,” ensuring patients’ access to the doctors you choose, and eliminating fraud and wasteful spending.

In fact, we are strongly committed to making sure all Americans can choose their doctor, their health insurance plan, and where they receive their care.

We also are strongly committed to ending discrimination by insurance companies by preventing them from denying you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or forcing Americans 50 to 64 to pay unaffordable premiums just because of their age.

And, we are strongly committed to ensuring that all Americans have the security of knowing that if they lose or change jobs, they will be able to get affordable, quality health insurance.

Now, there are special interest groups out there trying to block progress on health care reform by using myths and scare tactics.

Like the notion that health care reform would ration your care, hurt Medicare, or be a government takeover.

These statements are false – and that’s the most polite term to describe them. Perhaps the most disgraceful is the myth that health care reform will somehow give the government the power to make life or death decisions about us and our family members.

The simple truth is: Every health care reform plan currently being debated in Congress would ensure that you and your doctor will continue as the ones making decisions about your health. Period.

Under any health reform plan AARP will support, the majority of working Americans will continue to receive their health care through their employer. And any health care reform plan AARP will support will strengthen Medicare by eliminating billions of dollars in waste, paying doctors fairly so they’ll keep treating Medicare patients while lowering prescription drug prices.

AARP never has, and never will, support any legislation whatsoever that would threaten Medicare. We are working to ensure that any policies affecting Medicare strengthen the quality of care, improve efficiency of services, and eliminate wasteful spending, and, above all, protect your benefits.

This debate on how to fix what’s broken about our health care system shouldn’t be about politics. It’s not about Democrats and Republicans. It’s about lives.

Throughout this debate, AARP is pledged to help you cut through the noise and find the facts about what health care reform really means for you and your family. When we see special interests using scare tactics, we’ll make sure you’re given the facts so you can make informed decisions in your best interest. It’s just too important for us to do any less.

Because failure to pass health care reform legislation this year is not an option. If Congress fails to develop final legislation AARP can endorse because it’s right for you – and pass it – premiums will only climb higher and higher; benefits will have to be cut; choices will be taken away; and the rolls of the uninsured will grow by millions – with those ages 50 to 64 taking the greatest hits.

If we do nothing, the cost of the average employer-sponsored health insurance plan for a family will reach an estimated $24,000 by 2016. That’s only seven years from now. At that cost, how many businesses do you think will continue coverage for their employees? And, at that cost, if families had to pay for coverage on their own, at least half of all households would need almost half their incomes to buy health insurance. How many families do you think will be able to afford it? Could you?

There’s an old saying, "If something cannot go on forever, it will stop." Failing to address the problems in our health system will, over time, become the largest threat to your doctor and your health plan. In fact, the surest way to get rationed and “assembly line” health care in America that nobody wants is if we don’t pass health care reform and keep on our present course.

That’s not acceptable. And you can bet the farm that AARP will not accept it. AARP is committed to securing for you and all Americans the stability, security, and peace of mind that comes from having health care that you can count on no matter what.

Added: August 17, 2009
Views: 133 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

Don't Be Fooled by Health Care Scare Tactics - Get the Facts

Don’t Be Fooled by Scare Tactics – Get the Facts for an Honest Debate on Health Care Reform

Throughout the debate on how to fix what’s broken about our health care system, AARP pledges to help you cut through the noise and find the facts about what health care reform means for you and your family. When we see special interests using scare tactics, we’ll make sure you’re given the facts so you can make informed decisions about health care reform. Check out AARP’s blog this week, which is highlighting some of the most common myths being spread about health care reform and the facts that prove them wrong.

Added: August 6, 2009
Views: 107 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

Mr. and Mrs. Smith Go to Washington

Mr. and Mrs. Smith Go to Washington

Dede Shelton- ASD for Advocacy and Gene Wiggers – Volunteer E-Activist

This past week, over 150 AARP volunteers, activists and state staff from all over the country traveled to Washington DC to participate in Health Action Now Day on the Hill. Dede Shelton, AARP Idaho Associate State Director of Advocacy and volunteer Gene Wiggers visited with Senator’s Crapo and Risch and Congressman Simpson’s Legislative Aid. Dede and Gene presented AARP’s key priorities on Health Care Reform focusing on the needs of our members and all Americans to have affordable, quality healthcare.

Before meeting with their Members of Congress, our state colleagues went through a full day of training that included a briefing on the current state of play, framing the asks and the art of an effective congressional visit. Once prepped, staff and volunteers were ready to hit the ground running with our key asks: affordability for those age 50 to 64 years old, including age rating; no benefit cuts for Medicare beneficiaries; and closing the doughnut hole for Medicare Part D.

Volunteers and staff had over 200 meetings on the Hill, many of which were with Members of Congress. From our reports, Members and their staff appreciated the message of no benefit cuts to Medicare beneficiaries as it will help them sell health care reform to their older constituents. Additionally, our volunteers and activists were able to put a human face on issues surrounding affordability, especially age rating. As our colleagues lobbied Members on our top asks, they were able to derive real time intelligence on the status of health care reform in both the House and Senate. This is incredibly important as the situation is changing at a moment’s notice.

Now is the time to contact your Members of Congress and let them know that Health Reform is about people’s lives and urge them to make informed, bipartisan decisions.

Added: August 5, 2009
Views: 87 | Comments: 1 | Bookmarks: 0

Make a Difference - Contact Your Members of Congress

Only you have the power to make it better for your family and loved ones by making your voice heard in Congress. Contact your Idaho Senators and Representatives today and express your thoughts on issues important to you and your community.

Contact your Idaho Senators

Senator Mike Crapo

Washington DC- Tel 202 224-6142

Offices in Boise, Caldwell, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Twin Falls, Pocatello

Email:www.crapo.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

Senator Jim Risch

Washington DC -Tel 202 224-2752

Offices in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Twin Falls, Pocatello

Email: www.risch.senate.gov/webform.cfm

Contact your Idaho Representative

Representative Walt Minnick

(1^st District)

Washington DC - Tel 202 225-6611

Offices in Meridian, Lewiston, Coeur d’Alene

www.minnick.house.gov/contact/index.shtml

Representative Mike Simpson

(2^nd District)

Washington DC – Tel 202 225-5531

Offices in Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Pocatello

www.house.gov/simpson/emailme.shtml

Visit www.aarp.org/governmentwatch to see how they voted!

Added: July 29, 2009
Views: 76 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Attend the 22nd Annual Idaho Conference on Health Care

Idaho State University’s Kasiska College of Health Professions cordially invites you to participate in the 22nd Annual Idaho Conference on Health Care.

Friday, October 30, 2009, at Idaho State University in Pocatello.

This year’s theme is "Caring for Idaho." The conference will focus on providing professional development and continuing education credits for health care professionals and will include the following tracks:

• Thomas Geriatric Health Symposium: "Fall Prevention"

• Psychosocial Track: “Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)”

• Pharmacy Track

• Oral Health Track: “Oral Systemic Link”

Up-to-date conference information can be found at www.isu.edu/kchp/hlthconf.

Added: July 24, 2009
Views: 81 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Study Explores Rural Idahoans Long-term Care Needs

Survey Shows Lacking Long-term Care Services

Rural Idahoans Willing to Leave Their Communities for Care

Few can afford the cost of formal care

Background

What do Idahoans in rural communities do for long-term care when there are no services available? Can rural Idahoans afford to pay for long-term care, and how do they plan to pay for it? Where do rural Idahoans go for long-term care information?

All of these questions were posed to residents age 25 and older in the rural community of Cottonwood Idaho in the fall of 2008 in a study being released by AARP Idaho with contributions from the Camas Prairie Horizons Coalition and psychology students from Boise State University.

As Idaho ages, rural communities face greater challenges in providing long-term care support services—personal care, assisted living, adult day care, and nursing home care—for their residents. Cottonwood (population 1,023 in 2007) was selected to be surveyed because the community has virtually no long-term care services, and despite a growing demand for long-term care in Cottonwood, the only nursing home closed in the fall of 2008.

Because of an aging population, other rural Idaho communities will be facing similar situations to Cottonwood. According to AARP, between 2007 and 2030, the population of Idahoans age 85 and older will increase 91%. The majority of people in this age group will experience some sort of disability, meaning that they will be much more likely to need long-term care services.

Survey Highlights

Vast Majority Report Inability to Afford Costs of Long-term Care

In 2007, according to an AARP report, the average cost of one month in a nursing home in Idaho was $5,637. One month in an Idaho assisted living facility started at $2,327.

Only 3% of those surveyed indicated that they could afford to pay out-of-pocket for the monthly average cost of nursing homes and/or assisted living. Close to half (40%) responded they could pay under $500 a month and the vast majority (68%) responded $1,500 or less.

Residents Mistakenly Plan on Relying on Medicare for Long-term Care Expenses

Medicare covers only a limited amount of long-term care, and specific conditions must be in place. Medicare will pay for skilled nursing home care if a doctor determines the person needs the care after they have been in the hospital at least three days. In 2009, Medicare will cover 100% of the costs for the first 20 days. After 20 days, an individual pays $133.50 a day for up to the next 80 days (80 days = $10,680). Then after those 100 days, all costs are paid out-of-pocket. The survey results, however, show that most respondents did not understand the limitations of Medicare’s long-term care benefit.

A full 65% of respondents listed they would rely upon Medicare to pay for long-term care, and 64% indicated they believed it was Medicare’s responsibility to pay for long-term care.

After Medicare, the second most common response was personal savings and income (61%), followed by the responsibility for paying for long-term care rests with the individual (56%).

Just over half (51%) indicated that they planned on using Medicaid to pay for long-term care, and less than half (44%) thought it was the responsibility of Medicaid to pay for long-term care. Because of the high costs of long-term care, many Americans have to spend down all their savings and other assets, and then rely on Medicaid to pick up the cost of services. As a result, Medicaid pays the largest share of long-term care in America.

Residents Are Willing to Move or Drive to Receive Care

The majority of Cottonwood residents (61%) are willing to move, even a short distance, to receive long-term care. A quarter are not willing to move.

The vast majority (89%) are willing to travel some distance to visit a family member that needed long-term care. Over half (51%) would travel 51 or more miles to visit a family member.

High Likelihood of Needing Long-term Care

Half of the respondents (53%) indicated that it was ‘very likely’, or ‘somewhat likely’ that a family member would need long-term care in the next five years. When asked about their own likelihood, the vast majority (70%) responded that it was ‘not very likely’, or ‘not at all likely’ that they would need long-term care services for themselves in the next five years.

Preferred Settings to Receive Long-term Care

The most prevalent choice for preferred long-term care setting was in-home care provided by a paid caregiver (70%), followed by assisted living (57%), in-home care provided by an unpaid family member (52%), and then a nursing home (38%).

Where Residents Turn for Long-term Care Information

For Idaho to effectively provide information on long-term care, the survey found that the #1 place residents would turn for this information was medical support (36%), followed by a relative or friend (27%). Nearly 20% reported they didn’t know where to turn for long-term care information.

Rural Idaho and Caregiving

Informal caregiving appears to be the most likely and most common form of long-term care that will be provided in Cottonwood. The survey showed that most residents were married, and the vast majority had adult children; therefore most people have someone who could potentially provide long-term care support.

While it is unlikely that a long-term care service provider could successfully establish a business in Cottonwood and find enough residents able to pay for the average costs of their services out of pocket, they could consider offering lower cost alternative services that people indicated they preferred, such as home care, personal care, or support for caregivers, such as respite care.

Added: June 29, 2009
Views: 101 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Free Health Screenings in Treasure Valley

"AARP/Walgreen's Wellness Tour" is coming to the Treasure Valley providing free health screenings valued at more than $140

The “AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour” rolls in to the Treasure Valley in July and August as part of a 3,000-community, two-year national mobile health screening tour with a goal of providing more than $60 million worth of free health screenings. The tour aims to administer more than 2.5 million free screenings and is comprised of nine custom-equipped buses with dedicated staffs of Walgreens’ trained medical technicians.

The tour will include 5 stops in Nampa, Caldwell, Boise, and Meridian. Join us to receive six free screenings that take place inside the customized vehicle and include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index. Collectively the six health screenings (available for adults 18 and over) are worth more than $140 in value.

The services will provide adults with a critical foundation for early disease detection, and no appointment is necessary. Visitors will have access to free educational information on a variety of health and wellness issues that are available in both English and Spanish. Free, one-year AARP memberships will also be given to all adults who receive screenings. Participants under the age of 50 can pass on the free membership to an eligible adult, and existing members will receive a one-year extension on their current membership status.

A complete schedule of Idaho stops is below:

Idaho Tour Schedule

Event Date	Event Time	Event Location and Address
July 30, 2009	Noon – 6 PM	Walgreens 700 12^th Ave, S. Nampa , ID 83651 208-467-1560
July 31, 2009	Noon – 6 PM	Walgreens 1012 Cleveland Blvd. Caldwell , ID 83605 208-455-1792
August 1, 2009	Noon – 6 PM	Walgreens 8100 W. Fairview Ave Boise , ID 83704 208-375-2825
August 2, 2009	Noon – 6 PM	Walgreens 10580 Ustick Rd. Boise , ID 83704 208-377-3581
August 3, 2009	Noon – 6 PM	Walgreens 1625 S. Meridian Rd. Meridian , ID 83642 208-319-0600

Added: June 5, 2009
Views: 109 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (17)