Director's Message
Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010As I write, the news is filled with speculation about the coming mid-term elections and it seems that the news in general has been pretty grim for too many months. We at PSRC know that one of the key elements of healthy living is managing stress, and we highly recommend lots of laughter. In fact, studies have shown that laughter relaxes the whole body, boosts the immune system, triggers release of endorphins, and improves the function of blood vessels for heart health (helpguide.org). We hope that you will join us for an evening of lots of laughs with the Capitol Steps on November 18. This group of former US Capitol staff creates new lyrics to classic hit tunes to poke fun at politics on both sides of the aisle. The event supports PSRC’s Human Capital Campaign, supporting the staff that provide all the programs and services described in this issue.November 15-December 31 is Medicare Open Enrollment period, when you can change your coverage. We recommend that every year you read the description of your plan benefit, as significant details may change. The formulary may not include the medications you take, copays may change, and covered benefits may change. You can review options at Medicare.gov or by making an appointment with a SHIP counselor-call 609-924-2098x14.
In addition to these annual issues, there will be changes from the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act over the next few years. The Act will not cut basic Medicare and will not cut current doctor payments. However, it will reduce the subsidy that has been paid to the Medicare Advantage plans. To encourage people to subscribe to these managed care plans, companies that offered them were subsidized at a higher rate than traditional Medicare. This is what enabled them to offer additional benefits such as vision, dental and hearing aids. It is predicted that as the subsidy is reduced, many companies will increase premiums, drop their plans, or reduce the extra benefits offered. The law will slow payment increases to providers but will increase payment to Primary Care doctors in an effort to reduce the shortage of these practitioners and improve medical training in geriatrics.
Other features include:
The The changes are expected to extend the solvency of Medicare for 10-12 years. One of the key features of current thinking is to direct funds to community-based care. Not only do people prefer to remain at home, it is more cost effective than long term institutional care. PSRC sees a growing demand for our Support & Guidance Services to coordinate community services, provide smooth transitions after a hospitalization, and support family caregivers.
Sources: AARP Bulletin: Users Guide to Health Care Reform; National Council on Aging, Innovations Summer 2010; NCOA Straight Talk for Seniors, www.ncoa.org; Medicare.gov.
Susan W. Hoskins LCSW |
Previous MessagesJune 2013 - Age Friendly Communities June 2013 - Age Friendly Communities May 2013 - Navigating a Changing HealthCare Landscape March 2013 - Navigating Life’s Transitions February 2013 - Partners in Caring Princeton January 2013 - Men as Caregivers December 2012 - The Safety Net October 2012 - Documenting Your History September 2012 - A Journey of Transformation July - August 2012 - Gratitude & Moving March 2012 - Patient-centered Care February 2012 - Can you Spare an Hour? January 2012 - Challenges & Opportunities December - Are you Prepared for Emergencies? October - Chocolate for Memory September- Looking Back and Looking Forward Lessons and Legacies, March 2011 Independent Living February 2011 Witness to my Life December 2010 Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010 Strategic Planning September 2010 Hiring Home Care December 2009 Annual Giving by Sharon Naeole November 2009 Flu Pandemic 2009 October 2009 Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009 A Personal Perspective on Caregiving July/August 2009 Wei Ji: Crisis, Danger and Opportunity April 2009 Write your own obituary March 2009 Hope and Vision in Challenging Times Medicare Changes 2008: Take A Look! December 2008 Scams, Frauds and Rip-offs November 2008 Engaged Retirement: Beyond Financial Planning October 2008 September 2008 Caregiver Dilemmas Finding Rhythm and Purpose July/August 2008 V + OA = ER (Volunteering + Older Americans=Engaged Retirement)May 2008 Have You Had the Talk Yet? March 2008 Get Moving with FitRhythms™! February 2008 What Are Social Services? November 2007 Plan for the Future September 2007 The Up-side of Aging Summer 2007 National Conference on Aging: Let's ReThink Aging April 2007 Season of Giving December 2006 April Hill McElroy October 2006 Civic Engagement September 2006 White House Conference on Aging May 2006 Are You Prepared? October 2005 Watch Your Language September 2005 The End of the Journey May 2005 New Dietary Guidelines February 2005 Civic Engagement with GrandPals October 2004 The Challenge of Giving Care May 2004 Seniors On The Move April 2004 Random Acts of Kindness December 2003 Civic Engagement November 2003 |