ASCOG Advocate: June 28, 2013

The Stonewall Inn, September, 1969.

On this date, in 1969, the Stonewall Riots began in New York City, marking the beginning of this movement in U.S. History.  

What is the name of the movement?


If you suspect Medicare is being charged for a service you did not receive, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol program, part of the Medicare Assistance Program.

The Supreme Court ruling against the Defense of Marriage Act will mean changes in how Californians pay for long-term care.

Mara's Mother:  a story of how one caregiver struggled with her mother's dementia that led to financial devastation.

A  new study shows that Medicare's costliest patient care may not be as preventable as was hoped.

ASCOG Advocate: June 27, 2013

The "Sidewalk Highway" section of
Route 66 near Miami, OK.

On this date, in 1985, Route 66 was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System.  A plaque in Santa Monica, CA, dedicates the highway to this famous Oklahoman.  

What was his name?

The Supreme Court decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act gives legally-married, same-sex couples rights to Social Security, pensions and other benefits.

Oklahoma is one of the few states tapping Medicaid to pay for health care for prisoners, including nursing home care for elderly prisoners.

Some conservative lawmakers are citing moral grounds for supporting certain elements of Obamacare.

African-American Medicaid recipients are less likely to find a living-donor kidney.

California fined Kaiser Permanente Managed Health Care $4 million  for deficiencies related to access to mental health services.

The New York State Attorney General filed charges alleging two nursing home workers tied an 88-year-old man's hands above his head and repeatedly beat him.

Oklahoma City, Tulsa and surrounding areas are subject to changes in Medicare for durable medical equipment, prosthetics,  orthotics and supplies.

ASCOG Advocate: June 26, 2013

Jimmie Steward in Frank Capra's,
It's a Wonderful Life.

On this date, in 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed this act into law, the result of which played a central theme in Frank Capra's, It's a Wonderful Life.


What was the name of the act?

The Mississippi legislature is called into special session to address Medicaid.

Social Security Disability Insurance could be extinct by 2016.

A New Mexico state audit finds fifteen mental health providers overbilled federal and state governments by tens of millions.

Physical therapy is now more accessible through Medicare.

Write at least 530 prescriptions for Bystolic and charge to Medicare Part D, get a speaking gig.

Men make up 40 percent of the caregivers.

Seventy is the new 40:  The Old Man's Guide to Longer Life.

ASCOG Advocate: June 25, 2013

Hands held in chains.

On this date, in 1910, the U.S. Congress passed the Mann Act which was a predecessor laws used to prevent this type of illegal activity, primarily against women, that continues today in the U.S.


What is the illegal activity that continues today.

An aging population combined with aging medical professionals brings a perfect storm for a shortage of physicians.

Mark Karner is remembered as an advocate for persons with disabilities, credited for helping over 500 people leave nursing homes to live in their own homes.

Kaiser on long-term care costs:  Four in 10 adults are caring for a sick or elderly family member.

Duncan:  Founder's Day runners fight Multiple Sclerosis.

The common cytomegalovirus may be linked to Alzheimer's disease.  

Dr. Patrick Massey contends that nutrition plays an elemental role in Alzheimer's.

The "Miss You Can Do It Pageant" inspires young girls with disabilities.

ASCOG Advocate: June 24, 2013

William Boyd in 1950.

On this date, in 1949, the first television western was aired on NBC. The show starred William Boyd.

What was the name of the show?

An Idaho judge sides with the provider in a Medicaid fraud case.

Seniors with dementia find a musical connection through a drum circle.

Over 700 doctors were flagged as dangerous or suspicious prescription writers in a new Medicare report.

Aging gracefully with dementia, German style.

How will the "Aging Tsunami" impact the American workforce?

Caregiving: a growing public health crisis.  

Caregivers are more likely to use technology.

ASCOG Advocate: June 20, 2013

Elvis Presley performing for
the show in 1956.

On this date, in 1948, The Toast of the Town made its television debut.   Later the name of the show would be changed.

What was the new name given to the show?
 
OKDHS announces the summer cooling assistance program.

A 29-year-old woman with mental disabilities is recovering after surviving enslavement. 

A fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis spans the U.S. from Los Angeles to New York City.

Concussions and Alzheimer's have more in common than once thought.

Applications are available for the senior farmers nutrition program.

The crime, defrauding Medicare out of $3.6 million; the punishment, six years in prison.

So, you cannot walk...  Want to learn to fly?

Oklahoma is one of only three states with comprehensive and easy-to-find, online information on Medicare Savings Programs, according to a new survey.

The Leadership Council on Aging Organizations released a compilation of fact sheets on potential Medicare reforms.

ASCOG's Advisory Council chairperson, Haljean Gillispie, was recognized for her full-time life of service to the community.

ASCOG Advocate: June 19, 2013

Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964
while surrounded by witnesses, including
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

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On this date, in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was approved, surviving an event that lasted for 83 days.


What was the event?

Kaiser:  Conservative Michigan moves toward Medicaid expansion while Virginia remains undecided.

The Obama administration officially approved the Florida plan to expand managed care to all parts of the state.

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services is spending time at the tornado relief center in Norman to take applications from people whose disabilities are barriers to employment.

The death rate at the West Rest Haven nursing home has doubled since the nearby fertilizer plant explosion on April 17.

Encore careers, working after retirement, may have a positive impact on your health.

A daughter started to write a book the ravages of Alzheimer's disease incurred by her mother, but her book was interrupted when she contracted Alzheimer's herself.  So, her son took over and made a feature-length movie.

ASCOG Advocate: June 18, 2013

The voter at the age of 36.

On this date, in 1873, this woman was fined $100 for attempting to vote in the 1872 election.


What was her name?

Some Texas legislators are encouraging "life settlements," the practice of selling your life insurance policy as a means to pay for long-term care.

Expected savings from the Medicare competitive bidding program could be passed on to consumers.

Kaiser:  Viewpoints from around the country on Medicare and Medicaid.

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art opens its doors to dementia patients and their caregivers.

AARP:  Seven ways you can help in honoring Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission encourages cuts to services provided by hospitals that can be provided for less at physicians offices.

Ford's Futurist:  How an aging America can impact automobile design.

ASCOG Advocate: June 17, 2013

Nixon in 1950.

On this date, in 1971, President Richard Nixon declared war.

Which war did he declare?

Arizona lawmakers agree to expand Medicaid.

Despite having to assign improvement plans to both companies involved, Kentucky's Medicaid commissioner is pleased with the results of their first year of Managed Care.

Texas passes law that requires ID badges for hospital workers.

Teen sentenced to only six years in prison after killing an elderly couple by throwing Molotov cocktails into their home.

Caregivers: How to approach aging parents' mental decline.

England tries to overcome mental health stigma through Men's Health Week.

The Supreme Court blocked Texas' claim to Oklahoma water. 

Dances at the Wichita Mountain Area Senior Center continue to draw crowds.

A free access pass if available to National Parks for people with permanent disabilities.

ASCOG Advocate: June 14, 2013

Students swearing the Pledging on
Flag Day, 1899.

On this date, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law placing these words into the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance.

What are the words?

The unemployment rate for people with disabilities dropped from 15% to 13.4%.

A proposed law in San Fransisco would require employers to provide flexible work schedules to caregivers.

The federal Long-Term Care Commission is scheduled to meet on June 27.

Women live longer than men and may, therefore, face gender-based pricing for long-term care insurance.

ASCOG Advocate: June 13, 2013

The Beatles

On this date, in 1970, this Beatles song would be their last to hit Number 1 in the U.S. charts.

What was the name of the song?

The U.S. Officer of Inspector General has issued a fraud alert for people with diabetes.

Relief from high-costs drugs, such as those for Multiple Sclerosis, has been delayed.

A new treatment provides hope for those who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.

Video: Michigan seniors enabled to check backgrounds on caregivers.

Video:  Sandy Cisper tells FOX 25 what she thinks about the new electronic monitoring law for nursing homes.

Despite worries about cuts, Medicare Advantage enrollment continues to grow.

Mental health experts ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene on behalf of a person with a mental disability who is scheduled for execution.

Arkansas has its first Medicaid Inspector General.

The Heartland Institute's perspective on Medicaid managed care options.

ASCOG Advocate: June 12, 2013

Brandenburg Gate

On this date, in 1987, Ronald Reagan gave a challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev during a speech at the Brandenburg Gate.

What was the challenge?

Medicare urges seniors to join the fight against fraud.

The National Association for States United for Aging and Disabilities has released their infographics on the 2012 profile of older Americans as part of their "We Can Do Better" campaign.

Low blood sugar linked to dementia in new study.

Miss Iowa, missing half of her left arm, to speak on disabilities.

ASCOG Advocate: June 11, 2013

Ancient walls of the city.

On this date, in 1184 B.C., this legendary, Aegean city was sacked and burned.  The battle was described in Homer's Illiad. 

What was the name of the city?

Duncan hosts 5K benefit run for Multiple Sclerosis.

A nursing home director was charged with losing a dementia patient and then lying to authorities.

The Tulsa World reports immigrants keep Medicare and Social Security in balance.

An Alzheimer's researcher discusses the inspiration for his life's work.  Some drugs that help Alzheimer's patients can also reduce heart attack risk.

Oklahoma ranks 2nd in mental illness rates and 46th in per-capita funding.

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Free 2013 Fraud Conference scheduled for Lawton.

ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day!  The day supports the United Nations International Plan of Action, which recognizes the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.  It occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone – a family member, a neighbor, even you.  Yet it is estimated that only about one in five of those crimes are ever discovered.  These victims are people who are older, frail, vulnerable and cannot help themselves and who depend on others to meet their most basic needs.  Abusers of older adults are both women and men, and may be family members, friends, or “trusted others.”

In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention laws. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, but broadly defined, abuse may be: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, abandonment, and self-neglect. 

If you suspect elderly abuse in your community or would like more information about the signs and warnings of elder abuse, please call or e-mail :  Vonn Saltzman (800)658-1466, salt_vo@ascog.org.  Your report may be made anonymously.

Free 2013 Senior Fraud Conference in Lawton

 In mailboxes across the country, people with Medicare will soon see a redesigned statement of their claims for services and benefits that will help them better spot potential fraud, waste and abuse.  The new Medicare Summary Notice gives seniors and people with disabilities accurate information on the services they receive in a simpler, clearer way.  The redesigned notice will make it easier for people with Medicare to understand their benefits, file an appeal if a claim is denied, and spot claims for services they never received.  The notices will be sent to Medicare beneficiaries on a quarterly basis.

 Don’t be a victim!  Learn how to protect yourself from fraud by attending the 2013 Senior Fraud Conference on Friday, June 14 at the Comanche County Fairgrounds, Crystal Creek Room, 920 SW Sheridan Road.  This conference is free to the public and breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 a.m.  You must register for this event which can be done online at www.oid.ok.gov (click on the WHODUNIT link), or call 1-800-763-2828 for more information.

ASCOG Advocate: June 6, 2013

League headquarters in the
Olympic Tower, Manhattan

On this date, in 1946, this league was founded in New York City.  Today, the players in this league are the best paid sportsmen in the world. 

What is the name of the league?

Oklahoma Tax Commission extends tax relief to tornado victims.

Oklahoma ranks 49th on overall senior health.

A nursing home hospice doctor was sentenced to 25 years in prison for receiving kickbacks from Medicare and Medicaid funding.

According to researchers in Australia, using sunscreen every day can help prevent cancer and can slow the process of aging.

States declining Medicaid expansion funding are set to lose $8.4 billion.

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  Watch the video "An Age of Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America."

The Federal government introduced a new resource for people struggling with mental illness.

The Senior Fraud Conference is coming to Lawton on June 14.

ASCOG Advocate: June 4, 2013

MS St. Louis in Havana.

On this date, in 1939, the MS St. Louis, carrying 963 Jewish refugees, was denied permission to land in this country after already being denied permission to land in Cuba.  It was forced to return to Europe, where more than 200 of its passengers later died in Nazi concentration camps.

What was the name of the country that denied the St. Louis permission to land following their rejection by Cuba?

A Bel Aire nurse was convicted of Medicaid fraud for her part in a scheme that funneled $700,000 from Kansas Medicaid.

An online health promotion program has been proven to benefit patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Anecdotal evidence suggests pets benefit patients in long-term care.

And a piglet born with a disability has become an international inspiration.

ASCOG Advocate: June 3, 2013

Tim Wiles, dressed up
as a Mudville player.

On this day, in 1888, this poem by Ernest Lawrence Thayer was published by the San Francisco Examiner.  The poem began this line:  "The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville Nine that day..."

What was the name of the poem?

A U.K. citizen chose to end their own life because they had dementia.

Video:  A window into the daily struggles of long-term care.

Analysts believe the cost of Medicare will continue to decline.

With nearly 10,000 Boomers coming of retirement age every day, Social Security and Medicare still face big challenges.

What does "successful aging" mean?