ASCOG Advocate: July 10, 2013

The man who flew around the world.

On this date, in 1938, this man set a world record by taking a 91-hour airplane flight around the world.

Who was he?


An editorial from the London-based Guardian suggests mental health should be part of the educational curriculum for children, in line with physical fitness.

Women may have to pay rates 40% higher than men for long-term care insurance.

Common houses to age in place growing in popularity among Boomers.

Latest Medicare scams are a new twist on an old con.

Alzheimer's caregivers need vacations, too.
Medicare volunteers are needed to prepare for open enrollment season.

Local sales tax provides a boost to Stephens County senior nutrition sites.

ASCOG Advocate: July 9, 2013

Mario

On this date, in 1981, Nintendo released this video game featuring Mario, the company's future mascot.

What was the name of the game?

Despite threats of lawsuit, the Kentucky Spirit managed care program pulled out of Kentucky.

The Leavitt report, which recommended expansion of Medicaid but without all the structures of Obamacare, was dismissed by an Oklahoman editorial as too costly.

Patient advocates in Florida are raising alarm at the state's plan to privatize Medicaid expansion.

Respect and sincerity the key for those nervous about interacting with people with disabilities.

If you have a complaint regarding the quality of care you receive from a Medicare provider, you can contact your local Medicare Assistance Program.

The Congressional Budget Office released a report in June showing the rising demand for long-term services and supports for the elderly.

ASCOG Advocate: July 8, 2013

A shuttle launch on its way to dock
with the International Space Station.

On this date, in 2011, the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program was launched.

What was the name of the shuttle that flew the final mission?

NBA hopes are still alive for Chris Wright, despite Multiple Sclerosis.

The U.S. Justice Department settled a case where 55 hospitals had to pay back $34 million for charging Medicare inpatient rates when procedures could have been completed on outpatient basis.

Reading books and writing letters "keeps dementia at bay."

AARP:  Five signs of elder financial fraud.

Due to home and community-based Medicaid programs, and nursing homes seeking more lucrative patients, Long-term care stays by Medicaid senior is plummeting.

Kaiser: Viewpoints on Medicare.

Employers actively seek out persons with disabilities to broaden diversity.

ASCOG Advocate: July 5, 2013

The building in which George A. Hormel
started his business.

On this date, in 1937, Hormel introduced a new luncheon meat to American markets. 

What was the name of the meat?

Abuses ranging from improper restraints to "inhumane and undignified conditions" could land 21 employees of a Georgia nursing home in jail.

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General expects to lose 400 staffers charged with investigating health care fraud.

A significant number of American combat troops say they would seem weak if they sought out mental health services.

The long-term care insurance industry is shrinking as a result of low, long-term interest rates.

New Hampshire is gearing up for Medicaid managed care.

Two HIV patients who received stem cell treatments for cancer have since been free of HIV.

The National Council on Aging provides this graphic on navigating Medicare.

ASCOG Advocate: July 3, 2013

The Dunkerque

On this date, in 1940, the Atlantic fleet based at Mers el Kebir is bombarded by the British and three battleships were lost, the Dunkerque, Provence and Bretagne, along with 1,200 sailors.

To which country did the fleet belong?

Stem cell research leads to a dental breakthrough, regrowth of tooth material.

Heart patient, Virginia Anderer (84) returned to see her beloved Chicago after receiving a new procedure to close a leaky valve.

A Cubrian woman with Multiple Sclerosis has the help she needs from her black Labrador companion.

Video:  Fiddler's Annex provides a unique living space for grandparents raising their grandchildren.

WSJ:  What you need to know about long-term care insurance.

The complicated path of life settlements remains an options some states are considering.

In an attempt to rein in drug costs, Medicare is considering rate cuts for kidney dialysis centers.

China:  With an ancient religion that includes ancestral worship, China is requiring young people, who are distracted by modern life, to visit their parents.

ASCOG Advocate: July 2, 2013

A covered bridge with fall foliage.

On this date, in 1777, this American territory was the first to abolish slavery.

What was the name of the territory?

A young Briton battles Multiple Sclerosis in his own way, living life to the fullest.

Despite millions of dollars in lobbying efforts against the new Medicare bidding process for durable medical equipment, the Obama administration moves forward.

China passed a law requiring children to visit their elderly parents.

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged more than 1,500 for defrauding the government out of over $5 billion.

Drinking green tea may protect the brain from the amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer's Disease.

Check out the site makeover at longtermcare.gov.

The task force on Alzheimer's has released a report on improving care for highly affected populations.

ASCOG Advocate: July 1, 2013

Masaru ibuka, co-founder of Sony.

On this date, in 1979, Sony introduced this line of portable audio players.

What was the name of this successful line of products?

A proposed rule could reduce Medicare payments to home health agencies by $290 million in 2014.

America's Health Ranking's Senior Report ranks Oklahoma 46th in Senior Health.

The Better Business Bureau released a fraud alert related to Medical Alert Devices.

The Commission on Long-Term Care holds first meeting, faces daunting task.


A CVS-sponsored study shows Medicare patients are more likely to take their prescriptions timely.

Caregivers should enjoy summer travel, too.

Beneficiaries' out of pocket expenses will drop by $133 per month for Medicare diabetic supplies.

Relishing their long-term memories spanning six decades, one couple battles Alzheimer's together.