Medicare Trustees Say Program Will Remain Solvent Until 2030
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Medicare trustees released their annual report and found that the hospital trust fund will be solvent until 2030, and that its long-term outlook has improved. However, the report warned that several million Medicare beneficiaries could see their Medicare Part B monthly premiums skyrocket by 52 percent in January-from $104.90 to $159.45. Medicare Part B, which is paid for by a combination of federal funds and beneficiary premiums, generally covers physician and outpatient costs.
The trustees report noted that the financial health of the program is being helped by factors such as an improved economy, while other factors--such as more seniors in private Medicare Advantage plans--are increasing costs. The government pays higher costs for people in Medicare Advantage, which is managed care.
While 2030 remained the year that the program's solvency would be exhausted, the report said its long-term outlook was improved, due to assumptions that health costs will grow at a slower rate after 2050. A copy of the report can be found here.
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Deadline Approaching: AFA Fall Bi-Annual Grant
The deadline for AFA member organizations to submit applications for the Fall Bi-Annual Grant is August 1. Applications must be postmarked, e-mailed or faxed by this date. For more information on the bi-annual grant and other AFA grant opportunities, click here.
NIH Releases Professional Judgment Budget
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a "professional judgement" budget that sets forth how much additional federal research funding is needed to find effective interventions for treating Alzheimer's disease. According to NIH, an additional $323 million above current federal spending (estimated to be approximately $638 million in FY 2016) for Alzheimer's disease research will be needed in FY 2017 if our nation is to be on track toward finding a cure or meaningful by 2025 as set out in the national Alzheimer's plan.
Memory Screening Mondays at AFA Memory Screening Mondays continue at AFA's New York headquarters. On August 3, and every other Monday thereafter, AFA will offer free, confidential memory screenings between the hours of 11 a.m. and noon. These screenings are a simple, non-invasive way to gauge memory and cognitive abilities. Screenings last just 10 minutes and consist of a series of questions and tasks. While results are not a diagnosis, they can signal whether someone should follow up with a physician for a thorough evaluation. Early detection of memory problems can help improve quality of life and put people on the proper path to treatment. For more information call our national toll-free helpline at 866-232-8484 or click here.
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September 28, 2015
AFA Golf Classic
Fresh Meadow Country Club
Lake Success, N.Y.
For information on participation or sponsorship, please contact Josie DiChiara at 866-232-8484 x112 or by e-mail.
October 1, 2015
Concepts in Care Conference
Frederick Douglass Museum
Washington, D.C.
For more information, or to secure sponsorship, please contact Josie DiChiara at 866-232-8484 x112 or by e-mail.
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Happy 50th Medicare/Medicaid!
This week marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid.
Originally signed into law on July 30, 1965 by President Lyndon Johnson, these programs have been protecting the health and well-being of millions of Americans. For more information, click here.
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Member Spotlight
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Town of Huntington Adult Day Care Program
Huntington, N.Y.
The Town of Huntington Adult Day Care has been serving clients in Suffolk County, N.Y. since 1984. Offering a full day of activities, hot lunch and snacks, the center is open Monday-Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Participants enjoy coffee, tea and continental breakfast items upon arrival and then begin the day's activities, including current events, chair exercise, sing-alongs, painting, computer time, and cognitive activities, such as word games and trivia.
In the summer, the group takes several trips to the Centerport Senior Beach House and enjoys activities on a covered porch overlooking the water.
Transportation is provided free of charge to Huntington residents, via the Huntington Area Rapid Transit (HART) buses. For more information, click here.
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Fundraiser Spotlight
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Shop for a Cause at Macy's
Just in time for back-to-school shopping, AFA is proud to announce its participation in Macy's "Shop for a Cause" campaign. Just purchase a $5 shopping pass and on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, enjoy 25 percent off all day at any Macy's store nationwide. The $5 purchase price will be donated back to AFA.
To purchase a shopping pass, call Andy Koleba, special events program coordinator, at 866-232-8484 x126.
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