Even though healthcare reform is working on closing the Medicare “doughnut hole,” it’s going to be a while
This year, the closing of the gap starts with seniors receiving a one-time $250 rebate when they reach the doughnut hole level.
Pittsburgh area doctors worried about upcoming Medicare reimbursement rate cuts
At issue is the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which uses a formula that determines how much doctors get paid for treating Medicare patients based on a number of cost-related factors including inflation and geographical location, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Make-A-Wish type foundations also exist for seniors
A handful of charities provide wishes– anywhere from the practical (such an expensive trip to visit a relative) to the fanciful (like skydiving)– to low-income elderly people.
Despite reassurances, seniors still wary of healthcare reform’s changes to Medicare
Their biggest fear is what the cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates to hospitals mean for their care.
PA’s U.S. Rep. Kanjorski says Medicare is safe with health reform
He recently held a town hall meeting to address seniors’ concerns.
New licensing regs for homecare agencies go into effect soon
The state is now going to have more oversight over the agencies.
Another healthcare plight for the elderly: Living in a rural area
The recession and cuts to programs for aging Americans have made growing old in isolated areas even tougher, reports the New York Times.
The hubbub over potential cuts to Medicare Advantage funding
Supporters of the cuts say that they can cut funding to the program to make it more efficient without effecting seniors’ care, but opponents say that that’s not possible.
Inquirer: Seniors on front line of healthcare battle
They’re especially concerned, of course, with a Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and a public option.
House bill likely to include long-term health care
AP reports:
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR (AP) – 16 hours ago
WASHINGTON — House health care legislation expected within days is likely to include a new long-term care insurance program to help seniors and disabled people stay out of nursing homes, senior Democrats say.
The voluntary program would begin to close a gap in the social safety net overlooked [...]