In the News

Medicare Benefit Covers Fewer Drugs than Medi-Cal

A new study from the California HealthCare Foundation—among the first assessments of Medicare drug coverage that is based on government data rather than anecdotal evidence—examines California’s Medicare drug plan offerings and highlights concerns for the state’s 4.2 million Medicare beneficiaries. According to the study, Medicare consumers in California have 50 to 71 Medicare Part D plans to choose from, with significant differences in coverage among the plans.

In addition, Medicare drug coverage for dual-eligibles—beneficiaries eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid—is reported to be inferior to drug coverage provided under Medi-Cal. Many low-income Californians enrolled in the new Medicare drug benefit have coverage for fewer medications than they did under Medi-Cal. The most restrictive drug plan that accepts dual eligibles in California covers 626 medications; the most inclusive plan covers 3,360 medications. By comparison, Medi-Cal covered virtually all 8,000 medications approved by FDA. Read More

U.S. Residents Living Longer, Healthier Lives

Older U.S. residents are living longer, healthier lives with fewer disabilities, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau. Commissioned by the National Institute on Aging, the study compiled population data from Census surveys and other federal sources, including CDC, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Medicare claims. The survey reveals that today's older Americans are very different from their predecessors—living longer, having lower rates of disability, achieving higher levels of education, and less often living in poverty.

At the same time, older Americans face challenges, experts on aging say. They need to save more for a longer retirement, ensure they will have adequate health care, and may not be able to rely on children or relatives for care in light of high divorce rates and American families' increasing mobility. As people live longer, more middle-aged people will be faced with the responsibilities of caregiving. According to the report, the "parent-support ratio" is projected to triple between 1970 and 2030. Read More

Stigma and Denial Delay Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Denial and concern over stigma can delay diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease for years, according to a new survey released by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. The survey shows that most diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease are delayed until more than two years after the first symptoms appeared.

Ignorance, denial, and stigma are noted as the causes of delay in the diagnosis, which can have a serious medical impact, since medications to slow the illness' progress are most effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that the first symptoms, including memory loss, confusion and repetitive speech, are noted—but ignored or denied—by either the patients themselves or family members. Read More

Report Highlights Important Role of Family Caregivers

A new report from the Urban Institute shows that many frail older people living at home receive assistance from family and friends, and few receive paid home care services. According to the report, in 2002, 61 percent of frail older adults who did not live in nursing homes received help with basic personal activities or with household chores from paid and unpaid caregivers. Paid help is rare, accounting for only 18 percent of the assistance provided to frail older adults living at home.

The report also highlights the challenges for caregivers. According to the report, most older people receiving help obtain assistance from only one unpaid caregiver, generally a spouse or daughter. The report describes how caregiving responsibilities often create substantial burdens for family helpers, many of whom work outside the home or struggle with their own health problems. Unpaid caregivers who assume primary responsibility for the personal care of frail older adults average 201 hours of help per month, more than the typical full-time job. Read More

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