Triple threat: One day’s reports fuel chest-thumping, angst
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 25, 2012
Monday was a remarkable day, even by Washington spinmeister standards. In fact, we here at McKnight’s had to look two times — nay, three — to make sure we had seen correctly.
Reports forecast Medicare funding boost, dim overall outlook
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 23, 2012
The Affordable Care Act will help Medicare save over $200 billion through 2016, according to government actuaries. But questions as to Medicare’s long-term solvency remain, another report from Social...
Our elected officials: patriots or lackeys?
By
John O'Connor
Mar 26, 2012
It’s becoming increasingly obvious that our elected leaders need to quit playing political chicken. Otherwise, there are going to be some bleak days ahead for We the People.
Social Security recipients cannot opt out of Medicare, appeals court rules
Feb 09, 2012
Senior citizens who receive Social Security benefits cannot opt out of Medicare and rely solely on private insurance, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Americans’ lifespan shorter than previously thought, study finds
Feb 07, 2012
A group of researchers has developed a more accurate way of calculating mortality rates of the oldest Americans, which might lead to more realistic cost projections for Social Security and Medicare.
Bill reducing Medicaid eligibility passes in House
Oct 31, 2011
The House passed a bill (H.R. 2576) last week that would count Social Security as income in determining eligibility for Medicaid and federal subsidies for health insurance exchanges, starting in 2014.
Because We The People demand it!
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Oct 07, 2011
Patrick Henry once said, “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government — lest it come to dominate...
Medicaid eligibility limits gaining momentum as a way to cut spending
Jul 27, 2011
As federal deficit-reduction talks continue, lawmakers from both sides are proposing legislation to tighten Medicaid eligibility rules. The legislators’ collective goal is to trim program outlays...
Medicare fund will be depleted by 2024, report finds
May 16, 2011
The annual Medicare Trustees report found that under current conditions, the Medicare hospital insurance trust fund will be exhausted by 2024, largely due to the bad economy. The same report, which was...
Many Americans understand importance of long-term care planning but don’t act on it, study finds
Jan 11, 2011
Sixty-five percent of Americans know that long-term care planning is an important, cost-saving action. But only 44% of them have started taking any steps to prepare for unanticipated costs, according to...