ASCOG Advocate: February 28, 2014

Wallace Carothers

On this date, in 1935, DuPont scientist Wallace Carothers invented this substance which helped replace materials that were scarce during World War II.  The original name for the substance was "no-run."  What is the substance invented by Carothers?

CMS announced a payment change for Medicare Advantage plans, citing 10% overpayment to Medicare Advantage plans.

A New Jersey doctor pleaded guilty to bilking Medicare out of $13 million; he faces up to ten years in prison.

U.S. insurers say the proposed cuts to private Medicare plans are less than feared.

More arrests were made in a massive "Social Security disability scheme."

The "extreme ups and downs" of being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's.

Workforce Oklahoma and the Great Plains Technology Center are teaming up to provide training to veterans on starting their own businesses.

DHS Aging Services plans to award up to $2.4 million in transportation grants.

Free weather radios are being given away to protect residents living in flood zones.

The rate of violent crimes against persons with disabilities is four times higher than persons without disabilities.

The Food and Drug Administration proposed several changes to the mandated labeling of foods and beverages.

ASCOG Advocate: February 21, 2014

On this day, in 1842, John Greenough was granted the first U.S. patent for this.

What was his invention?

In the news:

 

Medal of Honor recipient and Iwo Jima veteran, Hershel "Woody" Williams, shared his personal stories at Fort Sill.

An ex-caregiver received a four-year sentence for fraud after her charge died due to malnutrition and neglect.

Oklahoma Senior Day at the Capitol is Monday, February 24!

Caring for the Alzheimer's caregiver.

The deadline for nutrition projects to sign-up for the 2015 RFP proposers' conference is February 27.

ASCOG's Vonn Saltzman will be a the Rush Springs Senior Center on March 10 at 11:00 a.m. for a public forum on the 2015 Area Plan on Aging.

ASCOG Advocate: February 14, 2014

Photograph of the inventor.

On this date, in 1876, applied for a patent for his new invention, the telephone.  He was granted over 70 patents for his inventions.

What is his name?

In the news:

Lawmakers are negotiating a bill that would reward Medicare doctors for quality of care rather than quantity.

A Bristow woman was sentenced to three-years probation for illegally accepting Social Security benefits in the amount of $67,710.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking comments from seniors and persons with disabilities on the problems within the debt collection market.

"Go Wear Red" Day was celebrated in Oklahoma to bring focus to heart health.

Caregivers/Dementia:

Kimberly Williams-Paisley talks about how her mother's dementia impacted her family and relationships.

Nursing Homes:

Fern Horton is ready to "lead an army" to fight for changes in Oklahoma nursing home laws.

One adviser argues the case against buying long-term care insurance.

Medicare: 

The DHHS Inspector General found that millions of dollars in drug benefits went to prisoners who were not eligible.

States meld Medicare and Medicaid as they seek to reduce costs.

Under-observation, or inpatient, a frustrating Medicare catch in hospitals.

Managed Care:

State are continuing to shift nursing home patients into Medicaid Managed Care programs.

ASCOG Advocate: February 7, 2014

Original theatrical release poster.

On this date, in 1940, Walt Disney released its second full-length animated film, Pinocchio. 

The film won two Academy Awards.  One was for "Best Music, Original Song."  What was the name of the song that won?

In the news: 

Governor Fallin proposed a five percent budget cut to state agencies.

Researchers turned adult cells back into stem cells allowing research to continue in a less controversial manner.

Americans consume too much added sugar and it's killing us.

Medicare:

The Congressional Business Office announced a "broad and persistent" slowdown in the growth of Medicare costs.

Lawmakers are still working on a permanent "patch" to prevent steep cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates to physicians.

Alzheimer's and Dementia:

An innovative community in Amsterdam earned the name, "Dementia Village."

Long-term Care:

Moving people out of nursing homes proves to be a difficult task.

A new trend in nursing homes focuses on providing a feeling like you are at home.

Mental Health:

Early treatment of depression may ward off heart attacks and strokes.