ASCOG Advocate: August 30, 2013

The first African American justice on
the Supreme Court.

On this date, in 1967, this man was confirmed as the first African American justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.

What was his name?

There was an increase in stroke drug therapy as more patients get the hospital sooner after a stroke, but still most stroke victims do not make it in time.

Dementia is impacting younger Oklahomans.

The health care overhaul, including Medicaid expansion, is a rural issue.

A 91-year-old mother tries medical marijuana.

Florida nursing homes are phasing out pediatric wings.

Four reasons why aging is a good thing.

How will the health insurance marketplace impact those on Medicare?

ASCOG Advocate: August 29, 2013

The hurricane at peak strength.

On this day, in 2005, a hurricane slammed into the gulf coast from Florida to Louisiana, killing over 1,800 and causing over $80 billion in damages.

What was the name of the hurricane?

Confusion over the Affordable Care Act spurs new scams as the federal government races to educate consumers.

Slowdown in Medicare spending remains a mystery for the Congressional Budget Office.

Kansas Medicaid fraud nearly doubles.

Michigan mental health courts show a decrease in recidivism.  

A 68-year-old California man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for recruiting homeless people in a multi-million dollar Medicare scheme.

U.S. Airways warns consumers of a scheme designed to scam Boomers out money for "free plane tickets."

"Bubby sitting" inspires a college student to look for cure for Alzheimer's.

Boomers find caregiving harder than expected.

Lee Majors has tips for fighting flu.

ASCOG Advocate: August 28, 2013

Dr. King delivering the
"I Have a Dream" speech.

On this date, in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  

Six years earlier, to the day, U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond began his 24 hour filibuster, the longest ever conducted by a single senator.  

What was Senator Thurmond trying to prevent?

Boomers are expected to have substantially fewer caregivers than the WWII generation.

A Lawton woman gives up her home to be a caregiver for her father who is struggling with dementia.  

The Family Caregiver Conference is scheduled for September 13 in Lawton.

Joey Travolta, John's older brother, combines his love for film with his love for his students with developmental disabilities.

Love story:  after 65 years of marriage, couple dies just eleven hours apart.

ASCOG Advocate: August 27, 2013

Bridge of Tokyo Bay.

On this date, in 1993, this bridge was completed across Tokyo Bay. 

What is the name of the bridge?

Texas is considering expansion of Medicaid.

Medicaid spending has slowed dramatically in recent years and the Congressional Budget Office is not sure why.

Dietary iron from eating red meat has been linked to Alzheimer's.

Parkinson's had taken away Linda Ronstadt's voice.

We lost a dear friend and great advocate for older Oklahomans, Mich Magness.

ASCOG Advocate: August 26, 2013

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Circa 1880.

On this date, in 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution took effect.

What did it do?

The number of doctors accepting Medicare is on the rise.

A New York survey shows family caregivers, who save the country hundreds of billions in health care costs, struggle to balance work and family and need more support.

A drop in the dementia rate could prove that dementia is largely preventable.

A controversial report shows a link between copper and Alzheimer's.

ASCOG Advocate: August 23, 2013

The area covered by this short-lived republic.

On this date, in 1784, western North Carolina (now east Tennessee) declared itself an independent state.  It was never accepted into the United States and lasted only four years as an independent republic.

What was the name of this short-lived state?

"Medicare is ending" and other Obamacare myths.

A new, limited Swedish study points to life-long factors, behaviors and activities that may lead to dementia and Alzheimer's.

A former southern California surgeon was charged with involuntary manslaughter and elder abuse in separate incidents.

Despite a 20 year battle with multiple sclerosis, a N.C. teacher taught thousands of children to swim.

ASCOG Advocate: August 22, 2013

The first African-American competitor
in international tennis.

On this date, in 1950, this athlete became the first African-American competitor in international tennis.

What was her name?

The Office of Inspector General has recommended the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services take a second look at the rural hospital program.

One Chicago community is working together to promote hiring of workers with disabilities.

The Fort Worth City Council voted to move all eligible retirees into Medicare Advantage programs.

Dancing and the arts can boost memory of Alzheimer's patients.

ASCOG Advocate: August 21, 2013

The Marvelettes in 1963.

On this date, in 1961, Motown released its first #1 hit which was performed by the Marvelettes.  

What was the name of Motown's first #1 song?

Wisconsin is working more diligently to recover assets from deceased Medicaid recipients.

Privatizing mental health services in Louisiana has resulted in an increase in costs according to a legislative auditor.

In the midst of Obamacare's Medicaid expansion, some states are trimming their Medicaid rolls.

Two Louisiana residents were sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison and over $26 million in fines and forfeitures for defrauding Medicare.

Michael Winter, long-time advocate for persons with disabilities, dies at age 61.

Overuse of technology is leading to short-term memory loss in the condition referred to as "digital dementia."

A man with vision impairment, a woman who stutters, a wheelchair user and a Little Person make up the "Comedians with Disabilities Act."


Katherine Dean, receptionist for the National Council on Aging, celebrated her 90th birthday.

ASCOG Advocate: August 20, 2013

Artist's depiction of the probe.

On this date, in 1977, NASA launched this probe which is the only man-made object to visit Uranus and Neptune.  Today, it still transmits data to earth.

What is the name of the probe?

A Detroit doctor is under arrest for bilking Medicare out of millions and giving chemo to patients who did not need it.

Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services set to penalize hospitals for high rates of laparoscopic surgical complications including lacerations and punctures.

Changes in Medicare seem to have a greater impact than "black box" warnings from the FDA on dialysis treatments.

Over 90,000 Wisconsin medicaid recipients to be cut from services in new budget.

The New York state auditor found $46 million in medicaid overpayments to nursing homes.

Veteran peer-counselors help other veterans in wake of mental health concerns.

ASCOG Advocate: August 19, 2013

Francis Gary Powers

On this date, in 1960, American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was sentenced to ten years in prison for espionage against the Soviet Union.

What famous Nevada CIA installation was recently disclosed as a testing area for U-2 pilots?

The California state auditor says the state failed to monitor more than $7 million it received from tax payers for mental health services.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to take action against the state of Virginia for continued segregation that impacts the civil rights of people with disabilities.

With long-term care insurance companies hiking rates and reducing coverage, some financial advisers are recommending skipping long-term care insurance altogether.

Find out if your hospital is having too many Medicare readmissions.

A British court ruled that a 37-year-old man with learning disabilities should have a vasectomy because it is "in his best interest."

Patients with Type-2 diabetes and depression have a higher occurrence of dementia.

The variety provided by Obamacare can mean complex choices for people with disabilities.

ASCOG Advocate: August 16, 2013

The cause of the
geomagnetic storm.

On this date, in 1989, a geomagnetic storm affected microchips and caused the Toronto Stock Exchange to stop trading.

What was the cause of the geomagnetic storm?

Join us for a free family caregivers conference provided by OKDHS Aging Services Division on September 13 in Lawton.

When is it worth the cost to have a PET scan to check for Alzheimer's?

Secretary Sebelius eager to work with states in discussion on Medicaid expansion.

Montana woman sentenced to eight months in prison and $82,000 fine for fraudulently receiving Medicaid benefits.

FDA approves trial injections of stem cells into cerebrospinal fluid for patients with multiple sclerosis. 

Seventy percent of Americans who live past the age of 65 will require long-term care for an average of three years.

ASCOG Advocate: August 15, 2013

Theatrical release poster
for the Wizard of Oz

On this date, in 1939, the Wizard of Oz premiered in Los Angeles, California.  It was nominated for six Academy Awards in 1940 but lost the award for Best Picture to another blockbuster movie.

What was the name of the movie that won Best Picture in 1940?

For states like New York, moving to a Medicaid managed care approach can save the state on prescription costs.  Rural states have to be more creative.

Out of the 366 Washington D.C. Medicaid waiver patients who received a sudden loss of in-home services, one-third have died.

Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus are often confused for Alzheimer's.

A 58-year-old man is facing elder abuse charges for allowing his 73-year-old wife to remain in a recliner for days.

ASCOG Advocate: August 14, 2013

The Capitol Dome.

On this date, in 1935, this controversial act was passed.  The Labor Secretary at the time remarked, "Isn't this socialism?"  The law was funded through the Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax.

Was is the name of the this act?


President Obama is expected to advocate for passage of the U.N. Disabilities Treaty.

Joseph Whittaker sued Car-Mart, Inc. under the Americans with Disabilities Act after being terminated for obesity.

"Swanky scammers" busted:  Six wealthy Brighton Beach residents living in luxury, driving Bentleys, filing for Medicaid.

Met on Match.com in 2006; married in 2007; diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008;  a love story.  

More than 50 Oklahoma hospitals fined for Medicare readmissions.

ASCOG Advocate: August 13, 2013

A selection of sites important to this project.

On this date, in 1942, Major General Eugene Reybold authorized construction of facilities across the U.S. that would house the "Development of Substitute Materials" project, with the principal research facility being built at Los Alamos, N.M.  

What was the new code name given to this project?


The nation's largest long-term care insurance provider is seeking government approval to increase rates on older policies, considering getting out of long-term care.

There's an app for that:  iPhone application and case used to detect heart problems and prevent strokes.

Families for Better Care ranks Oklahoma nursing-home care among the worst in the nation.

PharMerica shares fall on Wall Street as DOJ files charges for providing nursing home patients Schedule II drugs without prescriptions and for Medicare fraud.

A Congressional committee is investigating alleged Medicaid fraud through political influence in New York.

Medicare Part D:  "The most cost-effective and successful entitlement program the federal government runs."

Illinois caregivers found guilty of criminal neglect in case where 47-pound daughter was found dehydrated and malnourished.

In the largest social trend of the 21st century, Boomers move to urban areas as nests become empty.

ASCOG Advocate: August 12, 2013

'lolani Palace, site where the Hawaiian flag
was lowered and the American flag raised
as sovereignty of Hawaii was transferred.

On this date, in 1898, the U.S. annexed Hawaii.  On the same day, the U.S. signed an armistice ending this war. 

What was the name of the war?

As more seniors rely on home and community-based services, the average age of nursing home patients is getting younger.

High levels of blood sugar raise the risk of dementia.

Bronx pharmacist ordered to repay $7 million in Medicaid fraud case.  N.C. mental health counselor ordered to pay over $6 million and serve six years in prison for health care fraud.

Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services continues sanctions on CVS's SilverScript drug plan for seniors.  

Settlement reached in nursing home-pharmacy kickback case.

Symptom-free heart treatment draws criticism and reopens debate on high-cost heart treatments.

Nursing home administrators see significant pay increase compared to other salaried positions in long-term care facilities.

The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs expresses willingness to work with the Dept. of Health in wake of new law.

ASCOG Advocate: August 9, 2013

U.S. Forest Service Logo

On this date, in 1944, the United States Forest Service released posters featuring a mascot, based on the Uncle Sam, World War I poster.

What was the name of the mascot?

A Sacramento woman with dementia is in jail for assaulting a fellow resident of her senior-care facility.  

Wearable technology is emerging to give persons with disabilities new independence.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services cite improper bidding processes in threat to pull funds from Washington mental health services.

The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reports a new study that suggests mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing the disease.

A new study suggests a heart procedure can greatly reduce the risk of stroke, even for high-risk patients.

Researchers say military suicides are more directly connected to mental illness than combat.

Mental health diagnosis and treatment should be integrated into post-disaster care.

ASCOG Advocate: August 8, 2013

Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev argue before
the press in what is called the "Kitchen Debate."

On this date, in 1974, Richard Nixon announced his resignation from the presidency.  Nixon had previously served as vice-president from 1953 to 1961.

Who was the president Nixon served under?


Dental care is often overlooked in nursing home residents.

When more than 54 million Americans have a disability, many siblings prepare for the role of caregiver.

"To Steal a Mockingbird;" even famous authors can fall victim to elder abuse.

A 43-year-old with multiple sclerosis seeks to end her life to give life to others.

The Obama administration is working on instructions to personnel on how to deliver Social Security benefits to same-sex couples.

The National Council on Aging provides information about reverse mortgages.

Value-based payment to become the new norm for hospice providers.

ASCOG Advocate: August 7, 2013

George Washington reviews troops
near Fort Cumberland, Maryland.

On this date, in 1794, President George Washington invoked the Militia Act of 1792 to suppress an insurrection in western Pennsylvania.  The insurrection was started by farmers who were being taxed by the federal government for their specific use of leftover grain and corn.  


What was the common name given to the insurrection?

An LA Times editorial advocates for personal-care aides who are often treated in ways that would not be tolerated in any other industry.

Twenty-nine-year-old Jenny Hatch, who lives with Down syndrome, won a court battle which allowed her to shuck the guardianship request by her parents.

Medicare costs rising, in part, due to self-referring providers.

Outpatient mental health, while far better than institutionalization, remains inadequate and under-funded.  

A New Jersey doctor encourages governors to be open to the "stunning impact" of home-based care.  New York state wants to move thousands of low-income patients from institutions to apartments.

A New Jersey HMO failed to meet minimum contract standards designed to lower Medicaid costs.

ASCOG Advocate: August 6, 2013

President Bush signs the 2006 extension

On this date, in 1965, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law.  It was extended in 2006.  In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down parts of the act which addressed requirements for some states to obtain preclearance.

Who was the President who signed the act in 1965?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released information on how the Affordable Care Act is helping Oklahomans.

Poor dental health is linked to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Over 2,000 hospitals to receive fines in Medicare Readmission Reduction Program.

"Still Mine" a perfect example of how more filmmakers are addressing aging issues.

Sequestration cuts to Medicare Part B reduce access to cancer drugs.

National Association of Home Builders offers Certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) designation for skills in remodeling homes to accommodate senior needs.

Pennsylvania's Department of Aging uses YouTube as a means of outreach.

Amid the national controversy over Obamacare, Boomers may find long-term care elusive.

A California judge pleaded no contest to stealing more than $1 million from his 97-year-old grandmother.

Plan-hopping could play a role in keeping Medicare premiums low.

A National Governor's Association report reflects need to employ more Americans with disabilities.

ASCOG Advocate: August 5, 2013

The show's host talks to Myrna Horowitz,
one of the original dancers.

On this date, in 1957, ABC debuted this television show dedicated to the popular songs and dances of the baby-boomers. 

What was the name of the show?

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals to pay $700,000 to Oklahoma for unlawful marketing of a kidney transplant drug.

Oklahoma state legislators request Veterans Affairs study.

Medicare Part D premiums to average $31 in 2014, up from $30.

A new study connects anemia to increased dementia risk.

Three-fifths of nursing home hospitalizations are avoidable.

The number of Medicaid providers in Kentucky declined by 8% after the state switched to HMO managed care.

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services launched the website healthcare.govhttps://www.healthcare.gov/
 to make it easy for consumers to learn about the new Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Senior Law Center issued a guide to long-term care in Oklahoma.

A money saving plan for court-ordered mental health treatment remains controversial.

Kaiser breaks down the nuts and bolts of KanCare, the Kansas managed care model.

Registration is now open for family caregiver conferences accross Oklahoma.

ASCOG Advocate: August 2, 2013

Images from the Gulf War

On this date, in 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War.

What was the name of the U.S. General who lead the Coalition Forces against Iraq?

City planners work to address the demographics of aging populations.

Doctors who leave Medicare are more likely working in wealthier urban and suburban neighborhoods, according to a patient advocacy group.

John Hancock released the results of their national long-term care cost study.

Three arrested in California for inheritance/donation scam.

Counting the costs of supporting your aging parents.

ASCOG Advocate: August 1, 2013

War Games theatrical poster

On this date, in 1957, the United States and Canada formed the North American Air Defense Command which was featured in the 1983 movie War Games. 

What is the acronym by which the North American Air Defense Command is more commonly known?

Health care fraud investigations decline in wake of budget cuts.

Carole Zoom takes on China, in her wheelchair.

Far fewer adults will be available to care for the Boomers.

New Mexico brings in behavioral health providers from Arizona to take over for companies accused of fraud.

Study:  Medicaid patients more likely to experience complications following spinal surgery, fingers pointed at under-insurance.

What to do about Boomers and sex in nursing homes?

"Staying connected to friends and family" carried the highest weight for seniors seeking to maintain a high quality of life.

Oklahoman:  Facts related to the 23rd anniversary of the ADA.

Medicare drug premiums remain stable for the fourth year in a row.