This Week's Updates

Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 06/20/2025 03:28 PM AKDT

Local and national updates

ACoA Estate Planning Webinar Slide Deck & Recording

Thank you to everyone who attended our Estate Planning webinar last week with Chelsea Riekkola. Attached to this email is the updated slide deck (pdf). You can watch the recording on Facebook here. If you need a copy of the webinar transcript to read, please email us: doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov. Stay tuned as we work hard to bring you more free educational webinars.

ACoA Elder Listening Sessions in Nome, Shishmaref and Unalakleet July 8-11

Alaska Commission on Aging's Program Coordinator will be traveling to Nome, Shishmaref and Unalakleet July 8th - 11th despite the travel freeze. Thanks to UAA's ANCOR, our Program Coordinator Yasmin Radbod will be traveling with Dr. Steffi Kim to host Elder Listening Sessions, share dementia research and education, and present on senior resources. Stay tuned next week for the Facebook post and flyer details to share.

Honoring Juneteenth with Aging While Black

Juneteenth is the national, annual holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. Aging While Black recently shared this piece in the LA Sentinel by founder Raymond A. Jetson.

Learn more about their important work: https://agingwhileblack.co/

Senator Murkowski leads passage of HR 42 and HR 43 in the Senate by unanimous consent

On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan bills led by Senator Lisa Murkowski—H.R. 42, the Alaska Native Settlement Trusts Eligibility Act, and H.R. 43, the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025. H.R. 42 ensures that payments from Alaska Native Settlement Trusts to elders, people with disabilities, and their descendants are not counted as income when determining eligibility for federal assistance programs. H.R. 43 provides a path for Alaska Native village corporations to reclaim municipal lands previously conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), restoring local control over land and resources. Both bills had previously passed the U.S. House in February and now head to the President’s desk for signature. Senator Murkowski praised the legislation as essential to honoring commitments to Alaska Natives and advancing their economic self-determination. Watch the video here.

Alaska Food Policy Council: Alaska Hunger Trends and Federal Budget Decisions

The U.S Senate recently released draft legislation of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) that may impact Alaska’s food systems, particularly concerning nutrition assistance and rural agricultural development. With a bill of this size (over 1,100 pages), and covering an incredibly complex policy landscape, this blog by AFPC highlights some of the most pressing food systems issues in Alaska.

Read the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities President's statement on the Senate's reconciliation bill proposals here.

KFF 2025 Reconciliation Bill Tracker Now Includes Health Provisions in Draft Senate Bill

KFF expanded its side-by-side summary of the key health provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation legislation to include the Senate’s draft legislative language released by the Senate Finance Committee on June 16 and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on June 10. The Senate version’s Medicaid and Affordable Care Act provisions differ significantly from those in the House-passed bill.

With the updates, the tool compares details of the House-passed bill and draft Senate language with current law in four areas: Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Health Savings Accounts. KFF will continue to update the resource as the legislation moves through Congress.

Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association: Understanding Medicaid Coverage in Alaska

"Over 250,000 Alaskans are covered under Medicaid, with 72,000 individuals eligible through Medicaid expansion. An estimated 23,000 Alaskans obtain insurance coverage through the federal marketplace using enhanced tax credits. This means that about 100,000 Alaskans will be uninsured if Medicaid expansion is rolled back and the tax credits are not renewed. If the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Alaska is reduced, Alaska’s General Fund budget deficit will see a massive swing and the private insurance market in our state will be completely destabilized from loss of the enhanced tax credits and reinsurance support, causing premiums to skyrocket. Simply put, a significant and swift Federal pullback in Medicaid spending would be devastating for Alaska." - AHHA

Learn more about Medicaid in Alaska here.

AHHA is also hiring a new Executive Assistant. Learn more about the position here.

Paxaro Solutions Alaska & UAA AI Solutions Consortium

If you're familiar with Health TIE, which closes its doors the end of this month, get ready to transition working with Paxaro!

Paxaro Solutions provides: Research + Grant Matching, Grant Writing, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Business Consulting, and works with entrepreneurs, startups, and organizations to implement new ideas, chart new courses, and successfully improve their processes.

Paxaro is featured on the board of University of Alaska Anchorage Alaska AI Solutions Consortium 2025: The University of Alaska Anchorage Alaska AI Solutions Consortium serves as a hub for cutting-edge AI research across UAA departments, fostering strategic partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. By connecting academic expertise with real-world challenges, the Consortium develops innovative, Alaska-specific AI applications that address the unique needs of Alaskan communities, economy, and environment.

The AI Solutions Consortium is building an AI-UNITE mentor database to connect with industry, government, and community organizations. This database will help the university match students with mentors, design applied AI projects, and develop professional AI learning programs relevant to Alaska's needs. Sign up here!

"Public media is a lifeline across Alaska. Congress needs to protect it."

"Alaska’s two Republican senators have been among the strongest supporters of public media. So too are officials from states that depend on public media for life and safety information, weather alerts, educational programming and news for their constituents who have no other choices and for urban citizens who trust noncommercial public media to educate and enlighten their kids and their families. Americans are depending on these elected officials to protect the precious resource that they have come to rely on and the huge public investment that has made it possible."

Read the story here.

American Society on Aging Updates

ASA and the National Academy of Social Insurance are collecting stories about how cuts to Social Security and Medicaid programs could affect people’s lives. They've made it easy to record short videos, using your smartphone or laptop. You can record a message, invite the people you serve to participate, or you can share this opportunity with your partners. The Academy and ASA will use these stories as part of coordinated national advocacy strategies.

Take the Ageism Awareness Day survey! ASA is planning this year’s Ageism Awareness Day and they want to hear from you. What resources, support, or tools would help you engage your community and elevate the message? Share your feedback so ASA can better support your efforts to raise awareness and drive change.

On Aging Rewind delivers timely insights and standout sessions from the nation's largest multidisciplinary conference on aging. Register now to engage with leaders dedicated to ensuring everyone can age with dignity, purpose and connection. All sessions are free and open to the public (Alaska time):

100 Miles: Outcomes from a No-Cost Transportation Program for Older Adults Tuesday, July 8th at 8am

Creating Local Multisector Plans for Aging in Rural Communities Wednesday, July 9th at 8am

Wisdom of the Ages: Lessons from 20 Years of Intergenerational Programming Monday, July 14th at 8am

A New Canvas: Partnering with the Arts for Stronger Aging Communities Wednesday, July 16th at 8am

Storytelling to Bridge Generations and Cultivate Cultural Awareness Thursday, July 17th at 9am

How Men Can Thrive as They Age: Lessons from the Life Transition Group Monday, July 21st at 8am

Creative Sustainability: Strategic Routes for Sustaining Health-Related Social Needs Programs Tuesday, July 22nd at 8am

The Role of the Black Church in Mental Health for Older Black Seniors Wednesday, July 23rd at 8am

Adverse Effects of Ageism on Physical and Mental Health Thursday, July 24th at 5am

Bringing Research Interventions to Protect the Most Vulnerable Thursday, July 29th at 8am

Village Relocation Efforts Face Ongoing Challenges

"At least two tribal relocation efforts foreshadow what can go wrong when even small communities are forced to contend with the increasing threats posed by climate change. A report by the Washington Post, ProPublica, and Bethel radio station KYUK documents the ongoing difficulties which the residents of Newtok, Alaska confront after moving their village to escape the effects of the rising sea and thawing permafrost. We’ll hear about that report and the worries about future efforts to react to changing landscapes."

Read here.

Health Insurance Companies 'Not Accountable to Anyone'

"Health insurers issue millions of denials every year. And like the Tennants, many patients find themselves stuck in a convoluted appeals process marked by long wait times, frustrating customer service encounters, and decisions by medical professionals they’ve never met who may lack relevant training.

Recent federal and state efforts, as well as changes undertaken by insurance companies themselves, have attempted to improve a 50-year-old system that disproportionately burdens some of the sickest patients at the worst times. And yet many doctors complain that insurance denials are worse than ever as the use of prior authorization has ramped up in recent years, reporting by KFF Health News and NBC News found."

Read the entire article here.

AARP Community Grant 2025 Announcement

The 2025 AARP Community Challenge is supporting 383 projects, with a focus on meeting the needs of adults age 50 or older, through $4.2 million in quick-action grants. Grantees have been announced, including several Alaskan organizations as Flagship Grantees. Congratulations! No Alaskan orgs were selected for Demonstration and Capacity-Building Microgrants.

View all grantees here.

NCEA Ageism Research Short

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) has released a new Research Short on ageism—highlighting what it is, how it manifests, and how it connects to elder abuse. It’s a quick read that offers valuable perspectives to help strengthen our collective efforts to prevent elder abuse.

US Broadband Delays Affect Rural Health Nationwide

"The Commerce Department, which runs the massive Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, announced new rules in early June requiring states — some of which were ready to begin construction later this year — to solicit new bids from internet service providers.

The delay leaves millions of rural Americans stranded in places where health care is hard to access and telehealth is out of reach."

Justice in Aging: LGBTQ+ Elder Needs this Pride Month

LGBTQ+ Older Adults Can’t Afford Cuts to Medicaid explains why Medicaid is important to LGBTQ+ older adults and why cuts are particularly harmful to the community.

Threats to LGBTQ+ Older Adults in Health Care, Economic Security, Housing, and Elder Rights summarizes the threats from the current administration and the potential harms they cause.

Resources from SAGE: Facts on LGBTQ Aging identifies high level data about LGBTQ older people and the challenges they face as they age.

Project 2025: Understanding Its Consequences for LGBTQ+ Elders outlines some of the policies in the plan that would have significant impacts on LGBTQ+ elders.

Voices of Alzheimer's Updates

The VoA Foundation, in collaboration with Voices of Alzheimer’s, has released a moving new video with an accompanying advocacy toolkit highlighting the devastating impact of proposed federal cuts to Alzheimer’s research and care. Featuring the voices of individuals living with the disease, the video underscores the urgent need to preserve funding that supports critical research, treatment development, and support services.

In this episode of Alzheimer’s Voices, Chris and Debra Tann open up about their experience with frontal temporal dementia (FTD) and how a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) became the spark for something bigger. Chris shares his journey navigating the complexities of FTD, while Debra explains how it inspired her to launch Reminiscent, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals living with cognitive change. Together, they shine a light on the importance of awareness, accurate diagnosis, and the power of turning personal challenges into collective action.

According to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, social isolation “has even been suggested as one of the biggest public health issues of our time, on par with smoking and obesity.”

Lifeloop: Dementia Freedom – The Future of Senior Living Virtual Event June 24

Join senior living professionals, caregivers, and innovators for Dementia Freedom: The Future of Senior Living—a full-day virtual event, 7am - 2pm AKST, dedicated to transforming dementia care through dignity, autonomy, and inclusion. Participants will explore cutting-edge practices and technologies, hear from individuals living with dementia, and learn from leading voices in the field.

Highlights include:

Six impactful sessions featuring expert panels on person-centered care, C-level leadership, due process and placement rights, AI in dementia care, and the voices of those with lived experience
Insight into building dementia-inclusive communities and ethical use of technology in senior living

Alliance for Health Policy: Webinar on Aging in America & the Health Policy Community June 25

Alliance for Health Policy is hosting a webinar on the four foundational policies: Medicare, Medicaid, the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the Older Americans Act (OAA) that have the greatest impact on aging populations. A panel of experts will have a discussion about what resources they find useful to learn the basics, details, and latest information. By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

Identify the top 5 things policymakers need to know about Medicare, Medicaid, the SSA, and the OAA, including how they work, who they serve, and the challenges they face.
Recognize 2–3 pressing policy issues being tracked in the current year (e.g., legislation, court rulings, regulatory shifts) that affect older Americans.
Describe at least one innovative program or model—whether local, state, or federal—that could shape future aging policy.
Understand real-life implications for older adults accessing these programs and barriers to care.
Be able to debunk common myths and misconceptions about aging and benefits

Speakers:

Rob Lott, M.S., Senior Deputy Editor, Health Affairs
Abby Cox, M.A., MSW, Senior Director of Aging Policy, ADvancing States
Rebecca Vallas, J.D., CEO, National Academy of Social Insurance
Tricia Neuman, Sc.D., Senior Vice President, Executive Director for Program on Medicare Policy, KFF
Darin Gordon, B.S., Founding Partner, Speire Healthcare Strategies

This webinar will take place on Wednesday, June 25 from 9am to 10:30am AKST.

Click here to register for the webinar.

ACL Webinar to Celebrate the ADA: How Assistive Technology Supports Daily Life and Work July 8

Join the Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) at Administration for Community Living (ACL) July 8th from 11am - 12pm AKST for a special webinar in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with a focus on how technology is shaping the future of accessibility.

The ADA affirms a simple but powerful principle: individuals with disabilities who want to work should be able to work. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, there have been advancements made with tools to increase accessibility. At the same time, there are basic assistive technology (AT) tools that continue to be overlooked as a solution.

The webinar panel from the Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training Center (AT3 Center) will focus on increasing access to and acquisition of AT tools across the lifespan. The panel will share examples of how AT is a critical bridge to helping break down barriers and provide innovative approaches for one to be more independent within the workplace and the broader community.

Registrants can note accommodation needs, such as captioning or sign language, on the registration page. The webinar will be live captioned (with Spanish machine translations) and have ASL interpretation available. Webinars are recorded and posted with supporting materials on the DETAC website.

SHIP: Introducing a New Emergency Preparedness Toolkit Webinar July 10

Emergencies can strike at any time, from natural disasters to public health crises, and it’s vital that SMP, SHIP, and MIPPA programs are ready to respond. This webinar July 10th at 10am AKST will introduce a new Emergency Preparedness Toolkit, designed by RTI International, to help you develop a clear, personalized plan for maintaining fraud prevention and beneficiary support services during emergencies. Participants will get an overview of the toolkit’s practical guidance, templates, and planning tools, all informed by best practices and feedback from SMP stakeholders. The session will highlight the toolkit’s key components and explore how you can use it to ensure program continuity, support your community, and care for yourself and your team during times of crisis.

Center for Medicare Advocacy Updates

"A provision in the expansive 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' currently under consideration in Congress, would strip Medicare eligibility from certain groups of lawfully present immigrants, many of whom have worked and paid into the Medicare program for decades. Though not widely publicized, the measure would dramatically alter longstanding Medicare rules and jeopardize the health and economic security of a significant share of older and disabled U.S. residents. As far as CMA knows, the law would mark the first time Congress has categorically eliminated Medicare eligibility for entire groups of people, denying them benefits they would otherwise receive, setting a dangerous precedent."

Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregivers

The Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) has released a new series of Impact Papers showcasing over 20 years of research on family caregiving. These papers highlight key insights from RCI’s data, addressing issues such as caregiver isolation, financial stress, and mental health challenges. They explore the unique needs of rural caregivers, youth caregivers, and the role of cultural identity in caregiving experiences. Each paper offers evidence-based findings and practical next steps to build more inclusive, supportive systems.
Download the full series here: https://rosalynncarter.org/rci-impact-papers/

RCI released new research demonstrating the positive impact of a 6-month evidence-based support program for dementia caregivers. The study shows that the program significantly reduced distress, depression, burden, and financial stress while increasing caregiver confidence. It also decreased family-to-work conflict, helping caregivers better balance their responsibilities. The findings build on RCI’s previous research, which highlighted disparities in dementia knowledge—especially among older, male, and rural caregivers—and underscore the need for tailored support. The study’s framework draws on the Reframing Caregiver Experiences synthesis, which helped develop the 10 Caregiver Profiles©—a tool that centers caregiving around real-world lived experiences rather than disease types. RCI also hosted a recent advisory group with Duke University to further explore caregiver support strategies. Read the full paper and learn more about the impact on caregiver policy and program design.

Emergencies can strike without warning—especially during summer storms and hurricane season. For the 53 million family and military caregivers across the country, being prepared isn’t optional—it’s essential. In partnership with FEMA and the VA, RCI has developed a Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers to help you plan ahead, protect your loved ones, and stay resilient in any crisis.

ADvancing States Updates

Join the National I&R Support Center on Thursday, July 17 at 11am AKST for a webinar focused on helping low-income Medicare beneficiaries reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn about the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) and key benefit programs like the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Low-Income Subsidy. Experts from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and ADvancing States will share tools and outreach strategies for professionals working in aging and disability services. Register here.

The Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR) at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, in partnership with ADvancing States, has released a policy brief, "Supporting America’s 53 Million Family Caregivers". The brief outlines challenges faced by unpaid family caregivers—such as financial strain, social isolation, and difficulty navigating services—and identifies strategies and policy considerations to improve access to caregiver supports. A plain language version is also available to promote broader understanding. Click here to read the policy brief.

ATI Advisory, with support from The SCAN Foundation, has introduced an interactive dashboard that offers state- and county-level insight into usage of Medicaid’s Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The tool allows users to explore geographic trends and identify areas with high levels of need. Click here to access the dashboard.

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released its June 2025 Report to Congress this week. The report covers five topics related to Medicaid access, care coordination, and program administration.

Chapter 1: Transition from Pediatric to Adult Care
Chapter 2: Access to Residential Behavioral Health Services for Children
Chapter 3: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
Chapter 4: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Chapter 5: Self-Direction in Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Click here to read the full report.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is issuing draft guidance for public comment on the third cycle of negotiations under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (Negotiation Program). The draft guidance includes new policies to incorporate drugs payable under Part B into the Negotiation Program for the first time and solicits comments on how to facilitate access to any negotiated maximum fair price (MFP) for drugs payable under Part B. Additionally, the draft guidance outlines how CMS would choose, for renegotiation, certain drugs that were negotiated for initial price applicability in years 2026 or 2027. CMS will announce up to 15 drugs covered under Part D or payable under Part B for potential negotiation in the third cycle of negotiations by February 1, 2026. This third cycle of negotiations will occur during 2026, and negotiated MFPs will be effective starting January 1, 2028. Additionally, CMS will publish the selected drug list for negotiation for the initial price applicability year 2028 by February 1, 2026. At the same time, CMS will announce any drugs chosen for the first cycle of renegotiation, with renegotiated prices also taking effect on January 1, 2028. Public comment is requested by 7:59 p.m. AKST, June 26, 2025. CMS is also publishing a related information collection request on the Small Biotech Exception request for a Biosimilar Delay, and voluntary submission of information for the Identification and Selection of Renegotiation-Eligible Drugs for a 60-day comment period through July 14, 2025. Click here to learn more.

The Harvard Business Review highlights the need for formal workplace eldercare policies. Nearly 23 million U.S. workers are now providing care for aging family members. The article outlines impacts on productivity, absenteeism, and retention when eldercare is unsupported. Key recommendations include flexible scheduling, paid leave, and manager training. Employers are encouraged to treat eldercare as a business issue, not a personal one. The article includes practical guidance to leaders who want their organizations to meet the challenges and opportunities of this demographic shift. Click here to read the article.

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) has released an issue brief reviewing key aspects of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The brief covers the types of services and programs made available by the OAA, how these programs are administered through federal, state, and local agencies, recent funding levels, and data about the older adults receiving services provided under Title III programs in FY 2023. The article includes information about the proposed reorganization of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would relocate the Administration for Community Living (ACL) into the Administration for Children, Families, and Communities (ACFC) and reduce staffing. Click here to read the issue brief.

National Native News Updates

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals that the mortality rate for Native Americans and Alaska Natives is significantly higher than previously reported. The findings show that the gap in life expectancy between these populations and the national average is nearly three times larger than official statistics suggest. Researchers attribute the discrepancy to the misidentification of Native individuals on over 40% of death certificates—what one researcher describes as a form of “statistical erasure.” The study highlights a hidden public health crisis and calls for more accurate data to fully understand and address the disparities Native communities face. Listen here.

If you’re one of the 1.9 million people who still get a paper tax refund check from the federal government, you will need to make a change in the coming months. It’s the same for those who still count on Social Security checks in the mail rather than electronic direct deposit. A presidential executive order requires those and other transactions by the federal government to go completely electronic by September 30. The White House claims paperless transactions will save taxpayers as much as $657 million. At the same time, it poses a significant challenge for the high percentage of Native Americans who choose not to utilize conventional banks. Listen here.

American Indian & Alaska Native Resource Center for Brain Health News

The Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program (LRP) offers to repay educational loans for eligible health professionals in order to meet the staffing needs of the Indian Health Service (IHS) in Indian health programs. Applicants sign contractual agreements for 2 years of service in a full-time clinical practice at an IHS facility or approved Indian health program.

Opportunities are based on staffing needs and the availability of funds. Distribution of LRP awards are based on a ranking system created to address these needs. IHS identifies hiring priorities for Indian health program facilities with the greatest staffing needs in specific health profession disciplines.

Successful applicants must begin their service obligation no later than September 30 of the fiscal year in which the LRP contract is signed. Rolling monthly review with applications due on the 15th of the month.

Learn more here.

Generations United Updates

This month, the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network at Generations United shared more resources aimed at improving support for kinship families. A newly released toolkit offers five concrete actions for K‑12 school professionals and service providers to better support students and caregivers—building on the Pathways to Success report. The Network also introduced targeted brochures for TANF and education systems, designed to foster cross-system collaboration by explaining kinship families’ interactions with each sector. Additionally, they continue accepting individual technical assistance requests, helping professionals access tailored guidance—whether it's finding Spanish-language materials or designing program evaluations. These tools support data-driven, strategic investment in kinship and grandfamily support. Also review the several grant opportunities they shared this month. Read their newsletter here.

The Encore Network Updates

View their June newsletter here. The Encore Network is a national, nonprofit coalition of pro‑aging leaders, activists, and professionals dedicated to amplifying the civic, social, and economic contributions of individuals aged 50 and older. Through community-building, learning opportunities, and collaborative campaigns, Encore Network removes barriers and unlocks new possibilities for encore careers, advocacy, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and intergenerational connection. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, business, or seasoned professional, Encore Network offers visibility, resources, and peer support to help you drive meaningful change and leverage the strengths of later life.

Alaska DMV Leads the Way on Mobile ID

"Alaskans now have the option to put their ID at their fingertips with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) new mobile identification card (mID). The mobile credential, which became available to the public in March, is a digital representation of the information included on an Alaska driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or permit that is accessed through an app on the ID holder’s smart device. The mobile credential enhances security and privacy by putting the user in control of the information shared when verifying their identity with third parties."

Nurse Practitioners: A Solution to Fill the Geriatric Gap Nationwide?

As America’s older adult population grows, the need for specialized geriatric care is more urgent than ever—yet there’s a severe shortage of geriatricians. This KFF Health News article explores how nurse practitioners are stepping in to fill the gap, often serving as the primary source of care for older adults, especially in rural and underserved areas. Learn how NPs are reshaping the future of elder care and what challenges still remain.

Read it here.

Have Job-Based Health Coverage at 65? You May Still Want to Sign Up for Medicare

"When Alyne Diamond fell off a horse in August 2023 and broke her back, her employer-based health plan through UnitedHealthcare covered her emergency care in Aspen, Colorado. It also covered related pain management and physical therapy after she returned home to New York City. The bills totaled more than $100,000.

The real estate lawyer, now 67, was eligible for Medicare at the time but hadn’t enrolled. Since she was still working, she thought her employer health insurance plan would cover her.

That misunderstanding has had financial repercussions that she continues to deal with today."

Read the KFF article here.

NCOA: Meeting the Needs of Older Adults Who Are DeafBlind: Challenges and Solutions

Aging brings both opportunities and challenges—but for older adults who are DeafBlind, meaning they experience both significant vision and hearing loss, those challenges can be especially complex.

Barriers in communication, transportation, healthcare access, and social connection can significantly affect their well-being. Overcoming these obstacles requires a comprehensive approach that includes tailored support services, stronger advocacy, and improvements in accessibility across all aspects of life.

A recent report, Recognizing the Needs of Older Adults with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss, offers key recommendations to enhance the lives of older DeafBlind individuals. These insights can help guide efforts to ensure greater access, independence, and quality of life for this population.

NIH: Safe Driving Tips for Older Adults and their loves ones

"While many older adults value the independence of driving, changes that happen with age may alter a person’s ability to drive safely. You may notice driving becoming more difficult over time for yourself or for your loved ones. Changes in health, including medical conditions or injuries, also may impact a person’s driving skills. Learn more about the different factors that can affect driving as you age and signs of when it may be time to stop driving."

Altarum 2024 Report

Altarum’s 2024 Impact Report showcases the organization’s ongoing dedication to improving health for underserved and financially vulnerable populations. Through partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, Altarum helps design and implement critical public health and healthcare delivery programs. Altarum is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of individuals with fewer financial resources and populations disenfranchised by the health care system.

'Razor blade throat': What to know about COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1

"A painful sore throat, often referred to as 'razor blade throat', is just one of the symptoms of a new COVID-19 variant. This variant is currently being monitored by the World Health Organization."

Rising Health Costs and New SSA Law Accelerate Insolvency Dates for Medicare and Social Security

"The go-broke dates for Medicare and Social Security 's trust funds have moved up as rising health care costs and new legislation affecting Social Security benefits have contributed to earlier projected depletion dates, according to an annual report released Wednesday.

Disclaimer: The information and announcements included in this email are being redistributed for informational purposes only. Our agency does not necessarily endorse or support the views, opinions, or activities of these organizations, and inclusion in this email does not imply any affiliation or recommendation.

Estate Planning 2025 Slides ACoA.pdf

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