Spending Bill Changes, Online Romance Scams

Key takeaways

• Gain extended Medicare telehealth and hospital-at-home benefits under the new federal spending bill.
• Experience improved Social Security services as budgets rise and field offices remain open nationwide.
• Stay vigilant against growing online romance scams targeting adults 50+, especially as digital benefits expand.

Summary

Major changes to Medicare and the Social Security Administration are coming after Congress approved a new federal spending bill. Older adults will benefit from extended Medicare telehealth coverage for two more years, a five-year boost for the hospital-at-home program, and smoother access to generic drugs. The Social Security budget is also getting a 3.8% increase, including $50 million aimed at improving customer service and keeping field offices open.

However, as these government programs expand, the threat of online romance scams targeting older adults is also on the rise. Recent AARP research reveals that nearly 1 in 10 adults over 50 has been targeted by online scammers asking for money or cryptocurrency, with those ages 50 to 64 especially at risk. As benefits and digital services increase, it’s more important than ever for older adults to stay informed and vigilant online.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full Transcript:

[00:00:04] The new federal spending bill to end a partial government shutdown will bring major changes for older adults.
[00:00:10] The bill extends key services for Medicare like telehealth coverage 2 two more years, and the hospital-at-home program for 5 years.
[00:00:19] The bill also reforms generic drug approvals and Medicare Advantage provider verification.
[00:00:25] President Trump signed the bill on February 3. The Social Security Administration is also getting a boost with a $50 million
[00:00:34] deal to improve customer service. Congress met this month to approve a spending bill that includes a 3.8%
[00:00:42] increase to the Social Security budget. These provisions could prevent field office closures and continue
[00:00:48] direct services operations. This comes as the Social Security Administration lost more than
[00:00:54] 6,000 employees last year. This budget is funded through September 30. There’s a growing threat targeting older adults online: romance scams.
[00:01:07] New AARP research shows nearly 1 in 10 adults over 50 has been
[00:01:12] drawn into an online relationship by scammers that ended with a request for money or cryptocurrency.
[00:01:19] Adults ages 50 to 64 are hit at more than twice the rate of those
[00:01:24] 65 and older, because they’re more likely to be active online. 1 in 6 say they or someone they know has lost money.