Posted in 65+, AARP, Consumer affairs, Drug costs, Healthcare, Law, Medicare, Money, National Call to Action Day, Prescription drugs
A bill that has passed the House and now needs Senate approval, will give Medicare the right to negotiate drug prices and bargain directly with the pharmaceutical companies. Drug companies are lobbying hard against this legislation.
AARP is urging all members and all seniors to contact their Senators on April 4, AARP’s National Call to Action Day, to urge their senators to pass this bill and give Medicare the ability to negotiate lower prices for their 43 million beneficiaries.
For instructions on how to join the Call to Action, see the AARP website.
Posted in 65+, Assisted-living, Consumer affairs, Elder Law, Federal guidelines, Law, Medicare
An article in the Elder Law Journal of the Illinois College of Law suggests that the Federal government needs to address and regulate health and care issues at Assisted-living Facilities, or ALF’s.
Nursing homes are subject to federal guidelines because they receive Medicare and Medicaid funds. But ALF’s are typically viewed as residential rather than health care facilities and are paid for with private funds. Residents are those who canot live independently but do not require continual nursing care.
Assisted-living facilities offer meals for residents, social activities and housekeeping services in addition to assistance in self-care such as taking medications. But due to there being no federal guidelines regarding training of staff or inspections, the level of care can vary.
The article states that federal laws and guidelines have improved the quality of care for residents in nursing homes and the same must be done for assisted-living facilities.
By 2020, the number of elderly Americans needing long-term residential care is expected to double from 7 million to 14 million.
Federal government needs to take closer look at assisted living facilities
Posted in 65+, Fruitcake, Humor, Law, Leisure & Hobbies, News
Every year, 88-year-old Lucille Greene bakes about 30 fruitcakes and sends them as Christmas gifts. But in 2002, she claims that a postal worker insulted her and caused her emotional distress. So she sued the Post Office.
Read the story here.
Fruitcake ingredients
Did you know that at one time fruitcakes were outlawed in Europe because they were considered “sinfully rich”? It’s true. Go here for the History of Fruitcake.
And if you are in a holiday mood, check out this recipe for Fruitcake.
