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On Health Care Reform

AnswersForCare™ – Legal & Financial Issues

HealthCare.gov Met Repair Goals On Time, US Dept of Health & Human Services Announces

In a report issued December 1, 2013, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) said that the ongoing repairs to the HealthCare.gov website met the Administration’s goals, and the site is now working properly for the vast . . . → Read More: HealthCare.gov Met Repair Goals On Time, US Dept of Health & Human Services Announces

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Seminar on New Insurance Options in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace to be Given by Palm Beach County Medical Society

The Palm Beach County Medical Society has announced that it will hold a seminar on “Understanding the Affordable Care Act” which will “explore new options the Health Insurance Marketplace will give physicians and your patients.” The Seminar will . . . → Read More: Seminar on New Insurance Options in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace to be Given by Palm Beach County Medical Society

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Free Events November 1 & 2 to Help Palm Beach County Residents Find Health Insurance - Hosted by Palm Beach County Medical Society

The Palm Beach County Medical Society (PBCMS) has announced that, through its “Project Access,” it will host Free Events on November 1 and 2 to help residents of Palm Beach County, Florida find health insurance programs for which they . . . → Read More: Free Events November 1 & 2 to Help Palm Beach County Residents Find Health Insurance – Hosted by Palm Beach County Medical Society

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Public Meeting on Healthcare/Medicaid Expansion Called by Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation

The Palm Beach County, Florida State Legislative Delegation has announced that it will hold a public meeting on July 15, 2013, to hear comments from the public on the topic of Healthcare/ Medicaid Expansion under the new federal . . . → Read More: Public Meeting on Healthcare/Medicaid Expansion Called by Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation

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Health Insurance Exchanges under Health Care Law Do Not Affect Medicare

Apparently some seniors on Medicare have expressed confusion or concern about whether the new Health Insurance Marketplace (also referred to as a health care exchange) being implemented under the Health Care Law affects Medicare in any way. It does . . . → Read More: Health Insurance Exchanges under Health Care Law Do Not Affect Medicare

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Enrollment for New Health Insurance Exchanges Begins on Oct 1, 2013; HealthCare.gov Updated to Help Consumers Prepare

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced on June 24 that open enrollment for the new federally-run health insurance exchange (called the “Health Insurance Marketplace”) being implemented under the Health Care Law, will begin October 1, . . . → Read More: Enrollment for New Health Insurance Exchanges Begins on Oct 1, 2013; HealthCare.gov Updated to Help Consumers Prepare

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Slowdown in Health Care Spending May be Here to Stay, Harvard Studies Suggest

Two new Harvard studies published May 6 in the journal HealthAffairs have examined the causes of a dramatic slowdown in the growth of health care spending that the U.S. has experienced in recent years. They have concluded that the . . . → Read More: Slowdown in Health Care Spending May be Here to Stay, Harvard Studies Suggest

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Tips to Stop Unsolicited Mail, Phone Calls and E-mail, issued by FTC

Is your mailbox full of junk mail? Are you tired of telemarketers bothering you or your senior loved one? Is your e-mail inbox filling up with spam e-mails that make it difficult for you to find the important . . . → Read More: Tips to Stop Unsolicited Mail, Phone Calls and E-mail, issued by FTC

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Number of Uninsured Up, but Health Care Law Has Helped & Will Help Further Starting in 2014, Commonwealth Fund Reports

In a new report issued on Friday, the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund reported the results of its 2012 biennial survey on the number of U.S. adults who lacked health insurance or were underinsured. The total number of uninsured adults over . . . → Read More: Number of Uninsured Up, but Health Care Law Has Helped & Will Help Further Starting in 2014, Commonwealth Fund Reports

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Opinion: Center for Medicare Advocacy Condemns Paul Ryan Budget; Offers Solutions

The Center for Medicare Advocacy, a non-profit organization “that provides education, advocacy and legal assistance to help older people and people with disabilities obtain fair access to Medicare and necessary health care,” issued a statement on Wednesday, March 13, . . . → Read More: Opinion: Center for Medicare Advocacy Condemns Paul Ryan Budget; Offers Solutions

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Large Physicians Group Calls for More Health Care Reforms; Condemns Budget Impasse in Washington

The American College of Physicians (ACP), the largest medical specialty group in the U.S. and second-largest physicians group (whose members include 133,000 internal medicine physicians and related subspecialists), has issued its annual “State of the Nation’s Health Care” report . . . → Read More: Large Physicians Group Calls for More Health Care Reforms; Condemns Budget Impasse in Washington

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Health Care Law Saved 6.1 Million People on Medicare Over $5.7 Billion on Prescription Drugs in 2012, New Report Shows

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new report on February 7, 2013, showing that during 2012, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (which some call “Obamacare”) has saved 6.1 million people on Medicare . . . → Read More: Health Care Law Saved 6.1 Million People on Medicare Over $5.7 Billion on Prescription Drugs in 2012, New Report Shows

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HHS Agreement Now in Effect: Medicare Will Cover Skilled Maintenance Care Even Without Patient Improvement

A U.S. Federal District Court in Vermont on January 24 approved a settlement agreement reached between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and plaintiffs in a pending litigation matter, which may help all Medicare patients with . . . → Read More: HHS Agreement Now in Effect: Medicare Will Cover Skilled Maintenance Care Even Without Patient Improvement

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Would Medicare-For-All be the Answer for our Health Care System?

In an editorial published by the Huffington Post on January 24, 2013, John Geyman, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, makes a case that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) only goes . . . → Read More: Would Medicare-For-All be the Answer for our Health Care System?

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HHS Finalizes New Rule Strengthening Patient Privacy Rights

On January 17, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced publication in the Federal Register of the final version of a new rule strengthening patient privacy rights. The new rule strengthens the privacy and security protections . . . → Read More: HHS Finalizes New Rule Strengthening Patient Privacy Rights

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35 More Medical Conditions Fast-Tracked for Disability Benefits, Social Security Announces

The Social Security Administration (SSA) on December 6 issued a press release, announcing that it has added 35 medical conditions to its list of “Compassionate Allowances” – a list of serious diseases and medical conditions for which one is . . . → Read More: 35 More Medical Conditions Fast-Tracked for Disability Benefits, Social Security Announces

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Social Security Statements Now Available Online - at My Social Security

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has added to its website a new feature called My Social Security, which allows you to set up your personal account and access your social security information online at any time. The information . . . → Read More: Social Security Statements Now Available Online – at My Social Security

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Proposed New Rules Implementing Key Provisions of Obamacare Published for Public Comment

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced proposed new rules implementing three key areas of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (which some call “Obamacare”). The proposed rules were officially published in the Federal Register . . . → Read More: Proposed New Rules Implementing Key Provisions of Obamacare Published for Public Comment

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US Govt Does More than Honor Veterans for Veterans Day

In observance of Veterans Day, Secretary of Health & Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, issued a Statement on Friday, in which she said, “This Veterans Day, we honor all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces and are . . . → Read More: US Govt Does More than Honor Veterans for Veterans Day

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Planning Ahead for Long-Term Care

November has been designated as Long-Term Care Awareness Month. As part of this observance, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued a release yesterday, containing useful information on long-term care for seniors and their family caregivers. The . . . → Read More: Planning Ahead for Long-Term Care

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HHS Agrees to End Practice of Denying Medicare Coverage for Skilled Care & Related Home Health & Therapy Due to Lack of Patient Improvement

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has entered into a proposed settlement of a lawsuit in which HHS agreed to revise portions of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual to stop the long-standing practice of denying Medicare . . . → Read More: HHS Agrees to End Practice of Denying Medicare Coverage for Skilled Care & Related Home Health & Therapy Due to Lack of Patient Improvement

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US and UK Healthcare Systems Should Learn From Each Other, Experts Conclude

In a health policy paper published on October 11, 2012 in The Lancet medical journal, US and UK experts on healthcare policy who co-authored the article conclude that, even though the US and UK healthcare systems are often thought . . . → Read More: US and UK Healthcare Systems Should Learn From Each Other, Experts Conclude

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Find Out What Medicare Covers, on Medicare.gov

On its website, Medicare.gov, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides links to comprehensive information on what Medicare covers under each of its different Parts. Here are links to Medicare coverage information, as provided on Medicare.gov: . . . → Read More: Find Out What Medicare Covers, on Medicare.gov

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Social Security Benefits Will Increase by 1.7% in 2013, SSA Announces

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today that Social Security benefits will increase by 1.7% in 2013, as a result of a cost-of-living adjustment. The 1.7% increase will benefit nearly 62 million Americans receiving Social Security or Supplemental . . . → Read More: Social Security Benefits Will Increase by 1.7% in 2013, SSA Announces

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Medicare Open Enrollment Runs From October 15 Through December 7, 2012

The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2012, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Friday. This is the period when . . . → Read More: Medicare Open Enrollment Runs From October 15 Through December 7, 2012

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In Debate, Obama and Romney Clarify Positions on Medicare, Medicaid & Healthcare

So far, much of the punditry and commentary following the first U.S. Presidential Debate, which took place Wednesday, October 3 in Denver, has focused on the style, optics, and mannerisms of the candidates — not on the substance of . . . → Read More: In Debate, Obama and Romney Clarify Positions on Medicare, Medicaid & Healthcare

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Due to Affordable Care Act, People with Medicare will Save $5,000 to $18,000 through 2022, HHS Reports

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a new report on Friday, September 21, projecting that the average person with traditional Medicare will save $5,000 from 2010 to 2022 because of the Patient Protection and Affordable . . . → Read More: Due to Affordable Care Act, People with Medicare will Save $5,000 to $18,000 through 2022, HHS Reports

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Obamacare Has Saved Americans $2.1 Billion on Health Insurance Premiums, New Report Reveals

President Obama’s health care law – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – has saved Americans an estimated $2.1 Billion on health insurance premiums, according to a new report released September 11, 2012 by the U.S. Department of . . . → Read More: Obamacare Has Saved Americans $2.1 Billion on Health Insurance Premiums, New Report Reveals

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Medicare Announces Redesigned Website to Better Serve Medicare Beneficiaries & Their Families

The U.S. centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on August 21 that it has launched a redesign of its Medicare.gov website, in order to better serve Medicare Beneficiaries and their families. The redesign, CMS said, “mak[es] content . . . → Read More: Medicare Announces Redesigned Website to Better Serve Medicare Beneficiaries & Their Families

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Labor Day News for Caregivers: Know Your Workplace Rights

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article was first published on HelpingYouCare™ on September 5, 2011. It remains relevant this Labor Day, and with some added links, we re-print it below: Recent reports have found that low-wage employees, in particular, are . . . → Read More: Labor Day News for Caregivers: Know Your Workplace Rights

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Do You or Your Senior Loved One Qualify for Veterans Health Care Benefits?

“If you served in the active military, naval, or air service and were honorably discharged or released, you may qualify for VA health care benefits, including hospital services,” according to an e-mail announcement issued August 30 from USA.gov, the . . . → Read More: Do You or Your Senior Loved One Qualify for Veterans Health Care Benefits?

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HHS Provides Tool to Find Out How the President's Health Care Law Benefits You & Your State

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced a new tool to help you find out how the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (President Obama’s signature Health Care Law – which some call “Obamacare”) is benefiting people . . . → Read More: HHS Provides Tool to Find Out How the President’s Health Care Law Benefits You & Your State

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Under Obama's Health Care Law, Those on Medicare Have Saved $4.1 Billion in Prescription Costs + Recd Free Preventive Care, Medicare Announces

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a press release yesterday announcing that because of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (President Obama’s signature health care law), nearly 5.4 million seniors and people with disabilities who . . . → Read More: Under Obama’s Health Care Law, Those on Medicare Have Saved $4.1 Billion in Prescription Costs + Recd Free Preventive Care, Medicare Announces

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Paul Ryan Takes Surprising Positions Against Women's Health & Reproductive Rights

Family caregivers — the vast majority of whom are women — may be surprised at the positions Congressman Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney’s choice for his running mate, has consistently taken on women’s health and reproductive rights issues. Recent news . . . → Read More: Paul Ryan Takes Surprising Positions Against Women’s Health & Reproductive Rights

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Ryan-Romney Budget Proposals Would End Medicare as We Know It & Cut or Eliminate Programs for Poor, Elderly & Vulnerable

By selecting Paul Ryan as his running mate, former Governor and Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney has taken action that backs up and gives teeth to his previous endorsements of the Ryan Budget Plan and his promise to sign it . . . → Read More: Ryan-Romney Budget Proposals Would End Medicare as We Know It & Cut or Eliminate Programs for Poor, Elderly & Vulnerable

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People on Medicare Can Now Get Information from Pharmacies about New Benefits Available to Them under Affordable Care Act, HHS Announces

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it has formed partnerships with several pharmacies to help inform and educate seniors and others on Medicare about the several new benefits that are made available to . . . → Read More: People on Medicare Can Now Get Information from Pharmacies about New Benefits Available to Them under Affordable Care Act, HHS Announces

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People on Medicare Report Significantly Better Coverage than Those with Private Health Insurance, Study Finds

A recent study published in the journal HealthAffairs found that people on Medicare were substantially happier with their coverage and reported significantly fewer cost and access-related problems than those with private employer-sponsored health insurance or “Medicare Advantage” plans offered . . . → Read More: People on Medicare Report Significantly Better Coverage than Those with Private Health Insurance, Study Finds

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No Increase in Medicare Prescription Drug Premium for 2013 - Third Straight Year of No Increase - HHS Announces

In a news release issued August 6, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced that the basic premiums for Medicare prescription drug plans are projected to remain constant in 2013, at an average of $30 per . . . → Read More: No Increase in Medicare Prescription Drug Premium for 2013 – Third Straight Year of No Increase – HHS Announces

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8 New Free Preventive Health Services for Women Take Effect August 1, 2012 under Health Care Law

Starting August 1, 2012, the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s signature Health Care Law, requires all insurance companies to offer free coverage for an additional eight preventive health care services for women. The new free coverage, . . . → Read More: 8 New Free Preventive Health Services for Women Take Effect August 1, 2012 under Health Care Law

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Affordable Care Act Has Saved $3.9 Billion on Prescription Drugs for Those on Medicare, CMS Announces

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a news release announcing that, because of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act”), President Obama’s signature Health Care Law, seniors and people with disabilities who . . . → Read More: Affordable Care Act Has Saved $3.9 Billion on Prescription Drugs for Those on Medicare, CMS Announces

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HHS Launches New Tool To Help You Find Out if You're Getting a Rebate From Your Health Insurer under the Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced on Friday that it has launched a new online tool to help you find out whether your health insurance company is required to pay you a rebate on August . . . → Read More: HHS Launches New Tool To Help You Find Out if You’re Getting a Rebate From Your Health Insurer under the Affordable Care Act

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July 17 Conference: After the Supreme Court - Implementing Affordable Care Act

The publication HealthAffairs has announced that it will hold a conference in Washington D.C. on July 17 on the topic: After the Supreme Court: Moving Ahead to Implement the Affordable Care Act, Improve Health Care and Lower Costs. UPDATE: . . . → Read More: July 17 Conference: After the Supreme Court – Implementing Affordable Care Act

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Over 16 Million Seniors on Medicare received Free Preventive Care under Affordable Care Act in 2012, HHS Announces

The US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced on July 10, that more than 16 Million Medicare beneficiaries have already received free preventive care services in the first six months of 2012 due to the Affordable Care . . . → Read More: Over 16 Million Seniors on Medicare received Free Preventive Care under Affordable Care Act in 2012, HHS Announces

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Justices Kagan & Breyer Saved Medicaid Expansion by Voting with Chief Justice Roberts

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Obama Administration’s signature Health Care Law, the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act”) on Thursday, June 28. A full report and analysis of the Court’s opinion . . . → Read More: Justices Kagan & Breyer Saved Medicaid Expansion by Voting with Chief Justice Roberts

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President Obama Lays Out Contents of Health Care Law

In his speech to the Nation, following the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act”) on Thursday, President Obama took the occasion to lay out in simple terms for the American people . . . → Read More: President Obama Lays Out Contents of Health Care Law

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Supreme Court Upholds Health Care Law - Individual Mandate Upheld as a Tax; Medicaid Expansion Made Voluntary to States

The U.S. Supreme Court today issued its much awaited decision on President Obama’s signature health care law (the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act or “Affordable Care Act”). In its majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the . . . → Read More: Supreme Court Upholds Health Care Law – Individual Mandate Upheld as a Tax; Medicaid Expansion Made Voluntary to States

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HHS Announces $128.6 Million of New Grants to Expand Community Health Centers Under Affordable Care Act -- Will Serve 1.2 Million More Patients & Create Over 5,000 Jobs

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced Wednesday that it has awarded $128.6 million of new grants to expand Community Health Centers in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. . . . → Read More: HHS Announces $128.6 Million of New Grants to Expand Community Health Centers Under Affordable Care Act — Will Serve 1.2 Million More Patients & Create Over 5,000 Jobs

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Consumers to Receive $1.1 Billion of Premium Rebates from Health Insurers under Affordable Care Act, HHS Announces

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced yesterday that due to the Affordable Care Act (which some call “Obamacare”), 12.8 million Americans will receive rebates from insurance companies this Summer, totaling $1.1 Billion. The insurance companies . . . → Read More: Consumers to Receive $1.1 Billion of Premium Rebates from Health Insurers under Affordable Care Act, HHS Announces

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Health Affairs Conference Focused on the Care Span for Elderly & Disabled

At a June 5 conference sponsored by the journal Health Affairs, in Washington D.C., experts in care for the elderly and disabled presented findings on how better coordination of care across the “Care Span” for the elderly and disabled . . . → Read More: Health Affairs Conference Focused on the Care Span for Elderly & Disabled

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American College of Physicians Urges Politicians to Stop Unwise Health Care Cuts, Provides Alternative Proposals

The American College of Physicians (ACP), a nationwide nonprofit organization of doctors of internal medicine, issued a comprehensive report, entitled “The State of the Nation’s Health Care 2012: How Bad Budget Choices and Broken Politics Are Undermining Progress in . . . → Read More: American College of Physicians Urges Politicians to Stop Unwise Health Care Cuts, Provides Alternative Proposals

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Harvard Health Publishes Caregiver's Handbook

Harvard Health Publications of Harvard Medical School has published Caregiver’s Handbook: A guide to caring for the ill, elderly, disabled … and yourself, a basic introductory handbook to some of the topics and concerns faced by family caregivers. In . . . → Read More: Harvard Health Publishes Caregiver’s Handbook

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More States to Implement Health Care Law, HHS Announces

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced on Wednesday, that Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee and Washington will receive more than $181 million in grants to help implement the new health care law. The grants will . . . → Read More: More States to Implement Health Care Law, HHS Announces

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Govt Provides Links to More Senior Resources for Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize and honor the guiding wisdom and contributions of our nation’s seniors. Older Americans Month is declared each year by Presidential Proclamation. See President Proclaims May as Older Americans Month for . . . → Read More: Govt Provides Links to More Senior Resources for Older Americans Month

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15.8 Million Americans to Receive $1.3 Billion in Rebates from Insurers Due to Affordable Care Act, HHS Announces

In a blog post today, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, announced that due to the Affordable Care Act (President Obama’s Health Reform Law, which some call “Obamacare”), about 15.8 Million Americans will receive an estimated . . . → Read More: 15.8 Million Americans to Receive $1.3 Billion in Rebates from Insurers Due to Affordable Care Act, HHS Announces

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HHS Announces $728 Million of Funding for Community Health Centers Under Obama's Health Care Law

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the awarding of grants totaling $728 million to Community Health Centers nationwide under President Obama’s Health Care Law, the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act”). . . . → Read More: HHS Announces $728 Million of Funding for Community Health Centers Under Obama’s Health Care Law

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New Reports Document High Costs of Obesity in America

Several new studies and reports have been published recently documenting the high costs of obesity to America and Americans. According to these new research findings, obesity adds $190 Billion per year to health care costs, which is over 20% . . . → Read More: New Reports Document High Costs of Obesity in America

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HHS Announces 3 New Home & Community-Based Care Options under Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced yesterday three new programs made possible under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (the “Affordable Care Act,” which some call “Obamacare”) to help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receive . . . → Read More: HHS Announces 3 New Home & Community-Based Care Options under Affordable Care Act

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Money Smart Week April 21-28 - Classes & Events to be Held in 30 States

Money Smart Week® classes and events for consumers in 30 different States — those indicated in green on the map at left. To find classes and other events (primarily in libraries) in your area, click HERE or click on . . . → Read More: Money Smart Week April 21-28 – Classes & Events to be Held in 30 States

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You Can Negotiate Lower Prices for Health Care, New Reports Suggest

Several new reports have indicated that, facing rising healthcare costs and high-deductible health insurance or no insurance, patients and consumers are increasingly negotiating lower medical bills directly with their doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. And, new resources . . . → Read More: You Can Negotiate Lower Prices for Health Care, New Reports Suggest

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New Reports Highlight Harm to Women if Supreme Court Strikes Down Health Care Law

In Supreme Court arguments last week and in the press, the debate over the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act”), which some call “Obamacare,” has centered around legal arguments whether the individual insurance mandate in the . . . → Read More: New Reports Highlight Harm to Women if Supreme Court Strikes Down Health Care Law

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White House Issues New Report on Benefits of Affordable Care Act & Debunks Myths About It

On March 23, 2012, the White House issued a new report summarizing in simple and clear terms what the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act), which some call “Obamacare,” actually does. In short, as its name . . . → Read More: White House Issues New Report on Benefits of Affordable Care Act & Debunks Myths About It

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HHS Notes Successes of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) on its 2-Year Anniversary

March 23, 2012 was the two-year anniversary of the date on which President Obama signed the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act”) into law. The Affordable Care Act is the Obama Administration’s signature health care reform . . . → Read More: HHS Notes Successes of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) on its 2-Year Anniversary

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Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Health Care Law March 26-28, 2012

On Monday, March 26 through Wednesday, March 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the cases challenging the validity of the Health Care Reform Law, the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (“Affordable Care Act”), . . . → Read More: Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Health Care Law March 26-28, 2012

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Health Reform Law (Obamacare) Provides 45 Million Women with Preventive Health Care

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), released an issue brief on Tuesday with new data, announcing that over 45 Million women can receive preventive health care . . . → Read More: Health Reform Law (Obamacare) Provides 45 Million Women with Preventive Health Care

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Medicare Redesigns & Clarifies Claims and Benefits Statement

MyMedicare.gov, and will replace the current version of the Statement being mailed out to beneficiaries, starting in early 2013. The Medicare Claims and Benefits Statement was redesigned and simplified as part of a new initiative by CMS and the . . . → Read More: Medicare Redesigns & Clarifies Claims and Benefits Statement

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First 7 New CO-OP Health Insurers Approved for Loans under Affordable Care Act

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on February 21 approval of the first seven CO-OPs (new Consumer Oriented and Operated Health Insurance Plans) that will receive loans under the Affordable Care Act. The loans will help . . . → Read More: First 7 New CO-OP Health Insurers Approved for Loans under Affordable Care Act

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86 Million Americans Benefited from Free Preventive Healthcare Coverage in 2011 Due to Affordable Care Act, HHS Reports

According to data in two new reports issued February 15 by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), an estimated combined total of 86 million Americans have benefited in 2011 from the free preventive healthcare coverage provided . . . → Read More: 86 Million Americans Benefited from Free Preventive Healthcare Coverage in 2011 Due to Affordable Care Act, HHS Reports

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Government Reports Record $4.1 Billion Health Care Fraud Recovery in 2011

The U.S. Justice Department and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a joint news release on February 14, 2012 in which they reported a record recovery of $4.1 Billion in taxpayer dollars in fiscal year 2011, due . . . → Read More: Government Reports Record $4.1 Billion Health Care Fraud Recovery in 2011

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High Deductible Health Insurance Plans Linked to Delayed or Foregone Care

A new study by a team of Harvard researchers published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine has found that families and individuals enrolled in high-deductible health insurance plans report delaying or foregoing health care for chronic conditions at . . . → Read More: High Deductible Health Insurance Plans Linked to Delayed or Foregone Care

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Legal and Financial Issues for People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A NIA Resource List

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), provides a useful resource list with excerpts and links to multiple sources of information on Legal . . . → Read More: Legal and Financial Issues for People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A NIA Resource List

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AARP & NFCA Sponsor Free Webinar on Helping With A Loved One's Financial Affairs

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) and AARP are co-sponsoring a free Webinar on November 30 at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the topic: “When It’s Time To Intervene – Helping With A Loved One’s Financial Affairs.” Here is . . . → Read More: AARP & NFCA Sponsor Free Webinar on Helping With A Loved One’s Financial Affairs

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What to do When Medicare Will Not Cover the Costs of a Needed Rehabilitative or Skilled Care Facility

Here is a wake-up call: Medicare may cover costs of a needed rehabilitative or skilled nursing care facility after a hospitalization of at least three nights — but only to a limited extent. As explained by the Centers for . . . → Read More: What to do When Medicare Will Not Cover the Costs of a Needed Rehabilitative or Skilled Care Facility

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Some Highlights of the Health-care Reform Law

In response to some viewer’s questions about the health-care reform law, we are posting Consumer Reports’ highlights from an interview with President Obama. He describes what the health-care reform bill offers and its overall thrust. Watch highlights . . . → Read More: Some Highlights of the Health-care Reform Law

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Medicare Announces Premiums & Deductibles for 2012

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has today released a Fact Sheet, announcing the Medicare premium rates and deductibles for 2012 for Medicare, Parts A, B and D. Here is . . . → Read More: Medicare Announces Premiums & Deductibles for 2012

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Affordable Care Act to Fund Improvement of Care for Medicare Patients in 500 Community Health Centers

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued the following press release on October 24, 2011: “Affordable Care Act to help improve care for Medicare beneficiaries 500 federally qualified health centers to receive funding, participate in a program . . . → Read More: Affordable Care Act to Fund Improvement of Care for Medicare Patients in 500 Community Health Centers

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Is Money in Politics Harmful to Health & the Real Enemy of Meaningful Health Care Reform?

Professor Lawrence Lessig of Harvard Law School has written a seminal new book entitled, Republic, Lost: How Money Corrupts Congress–and a Plan to Stop It, recently published by Hachette Book Group. In it he argues that the root of . . . → Read More: Is Money in Politics Harmful to Health & the Real Enemy of Meaningful Health Care Reform?

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Retirement and Long-Term Care Planning Tools

What can you do as a Baby Boomer and family caregiver to secure your retirement future against the threat of rising health care and long-term care costs? Here are some links to information that may be helpful to you . . . → Read More: Retirement and Long-Term Care Planning Tools

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Grants to States under Affordable Care Act Help Fight Health Insurance Premium Hikes

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced on September 20, 2011 that under the Affordable Care Act, 28 states and the District of Columbia have been awarded grants totaling $109 million, to help fight unreasonable health insurance premium increases and protect . . . → Read More: Grants to States under Affordable Care Act Help Fight Health Insurance Premium Hikes

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All of the U.S. States: Health-Care Advance Directives By State

UPDATE – MAY 22, 2013: HelpingYouCare® has received notice today that NOAH closed in January, 2013, and their website referenced below is no longer available. Updated August 3, 2011, by NOAH (New York Online Access to Health), a not . . . → Read More: All of the U.S. States: Health-Care Advance Directives By State

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Seniors on Medicare Have Saved $ Millions Due to Affordable Care Act, CMS Reports

In a briefing released on September 8, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported statistics showing that the Affordable Care Act has so far saved Millions of Dollars in prescription drug costs and preventive care for . . . → Read More: Seniors on Medicare Have Saved $ Millions Due to Affordable Care Act, CMS Reports

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Too Many Confusing Choices in Medicare Advantage Plans Lead to Poor Plan Decisions by Seniors, Study Finds

A new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School has found that “Medicare Advantage” plans marketed by private insurance companies that offer too many options confuse seniors and lead to poor choices, especially among those who are cognitively impaired. . . . → Read More: Too Many Confusing Choices in Medicare Advantage Plans Lead to Poor Plan Decisions by Seniors, Study Finds

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Medicare Recommends Coverage of Seniors for Intense Obesity Counseling

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed Decision Memorandum on August 31, 2011, recommending that seniors who have Medicare Part A or Part B should be covered for an obesity screening, dietary assessment, and, . . . → Read More: Medicare Recommends Coverage of Seniors for Intense Obesity Counseling

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National Community Health Centers Provide Primary & Preventive Care to 20 Million

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced today that this week, August 7th-13th, is National Community Health Center Week. This is “an opportunity to recognize the vital work of community health centers, which provide high . . . → Read More: National Community Health Centers Provide Primary & Preventive Care to 20 Million

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S&P Downgrade of US Credit Rating Cites Political Brinksmanship, Looming Deficit from Rising Health Care Costs

actual S&P Research Update of August 5, 2011, downgrading the U.S. credit rating, was published by S&P on their website. It is entitled, “United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered To ‘AA+’ On Political Risks And Rising Debt Burden; . . . → Read More: S&P Downgrade of US Credit Rating Cites Political Brinksmanship, Looming Deficit from Rising Health Care Costs

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HHS Proposes Rules to Allow New Consumer Run Nonprofit CO-OP Health Insurance Plans; $3.8 Billion of Loan Financing Available

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued the following Press Release today: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2011 New Private Nonprofit Health Plans Will Increase . . . → Read More: HHS Proposes Rules to Allow New Consumer Run Nonprofit CO-OP Health Insurance Plans; $3.8 Billion of Loan Financing Available

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States Slash Home Health Care & Adult Day Care Services for the Neediest; Likely to Increase Costs

Several reports recently have noted that across the nation, U.S. states are slashing Medicaid dollars for home health care services and adult day care services that help keep the elderly and disabled out of nursing homes. State lawmakers cite . . . → Read More: States Slash Home Health Care & Adult Day Care Services for the Neediest; Likely to Increase Costs

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Caring for Parents Costs Americans $3 Trillion in Lost Wages, Pension & Social Security Benefits, as Percent of Family Caregivers Triples

A significant new study has found that the percent of adult children caring for their aging parents has tripled in the last 15 years, and that providing this care costs the caregivers $3 Trillion in lost wages, pension, and . . . → Read More: Caring for Parents Costs Americans $3 Trillion in Lost Wages, Pension & Social Security Benefits, as Percent of Family Caregivers Triples

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Under Affordable Care Act, Preventive Services Now Free to Medicare Beneficiaries

Under the Affordable Care Act, since January 1, 2011, beneficiaries of Original Medicare no longer have to pay out-of-pocket costs for a “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam, and an annual preventive/ wellness visit with a participating physician is also . . . → Read More: Under Affordable Care Act, Preventive Services Now Free to Medicare Beneficiaries

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How To Save On The Cost Of Prescription Drugs

Some tips from Medicare.gov on buying generic drugs and entering a discount prescription program. Click 10 ways to reduce your drug costs» See also the ABC Diane Sawuer News Video report on how to cut the cost of . . . → Read More: How To Save On The Cost Of Prescription Drugs

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Nine Tax Questions For Family Caregivers: FAQs & Answers from the IRS

Here are nine frequently asked tax questions for family caregivers, listed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on its website. Click on the links below to find the answers provided by the IRS for each question: 1. I . . . → Read More: Nine Tax Questions For Family Caregivers: FAQs & Answers from the IRS

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Family Caregivers and Self-Employment Tax - Information from the IRS

Here is a copy of information provided on the IRS.gov website on: Family Caregivers and Self-Employment Tax: “Special rules apply to workers who perform in-home services for elderly or disabled individuals (caregivers). Caregivers are typically employees of the individuals . . . → Read More: Family Caregivers and Self-Employment Tax – Information from the IRS

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Eight Tax Tips for Caregivers

Tax tips for Caregivers from a tax attorney, including brief tips on the following eight topics: Claiming a Dependent Dependent Care Credit Deduction Qualifying Criteria Multiple Support Agreement State Deductions and Credits Home Modifications Reimbursement Accounts In Home Assistance . . . → Read More: Eight Tax Tips for Caregivers

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Tax Breaks for Family Caregivers

If you as a caregiver provide at least half of a care recipient’s financial support… If you are paying for some or all of a care recipient’s medical or dental expenses… you may be entitled to tax breaks. Read . . . → Read More: Tax Breaks for Family Caregivers

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End-of-Life Care Expense

End-of-life health-care costs are for the most part underestimated–the biggest expense being in-home care. While not a pleasant topic to address, issues such as power of attorney, spelling out any wishes beyond what’s in the will,  the fine print . . . → Read More: End-of-Life Care Expense

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New Medicare Benefits in 2011 under the Health Reform Law

Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services, has released a new Video explaining the new benefits that the Affordable Care Act (the Health Reform Law) provides in 2011 for people on . . . → Read More: New Medicare Benefits in 2011 under the Health Reform Law

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Caregiving Basics: A Document Organizer

Can you put your hands on important documents you will need as a primary caregiver? Here’s a helpful to-do list to help you locate, create, or revise important papers. From the National Caregivers Library: . . . → Read More: Caregiving Basics: A Document Organizer

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First Baby Boomers Hit 65: Looming Strains on Medicare Solvency

On New Year’s Day, the first baby boomers, those born in 1946,  will celebrate their 65th Birthday.  Beginning Jan. 1, 10,000 Baby Boomers a day will turn 65.  That will continue for the next 19 years.  “Baby Boomers” include . . . → Read More: First Baby Boomers Hit 65: Looming Strains on Medicare Solvency

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It's Important to Plan

Guide from AARP helps caregivers gather critical information in advance “After she died, I went to her house and had to go through her papers to find important things like the title to her car, burial arrangements, house title,” . . . → Read More: It’s Important to Plan

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Growing Trend: Paying a Relative to Take Care of Mom

Read more in WSJ.com about a growing trend for families to compensate adult children or relatives who serve as caregivers to elders.  This trend may be fueled by a recognition of the financial sacrifices that family caregivers often make — frequently finding it . . . → Read More: Growing Trend: Paying a Relative to Take Care of Mom

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Organize Documents

from AARP.org Does your mother have a will? Where is your father’s birth certificate? AARP.org offers a PDF download designed to help organize you and your parents now before a crisis happens. »See Organize Documents

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