senior citizens

Changes to Republican Health Bill Could Reduce but Not Eliminate Lopsided Negative Impact on Seniors

The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a series of amendments that would moderate the impacts on Medicaid, particularly for long-term care services for the elderly and disabled. But without any changes, these services would see a $150 million cut and middle-income seniors would bear the heaviest cost in the individual health market.

The Republican health bill up for a vote in Congress tomorrow could come down hardest on seniors and people with disabilities, cutting $150 million from state programs and capping the amount of money the state can spend on long-term care services.

By:

Chris Gray

DeFazio Touts Public Option and Social Security Fixes to Help Seniors Afford Medication

U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, who has represented the southwestern corner of the state, including Eugene, since 1987, said that growing problems with the stability of the insurance exchanges may compel next year’s Congress to try again for a public option, something the House passed in 2009.

U.S. Rep.

By:

Chris Gray

Silver Alert Bill Passes Legislature, Protecting Missing Seniors

The Silver Alert bill requires police agencies to develop policies to find and assist seniors with dementia who get lost. The bill also orders the Oregon Health Authority to more proactively ward against Medicaid fraud. Several other bills passed the House Friday, including a bill to codify equipment testing protocol for dentists and one that will study giving parents the option of subsidized private insurance instead of the Oregon Health Plan for their children.

The Legislature has passed the Silver Alert Bill, tasking municipal police and county sheriff’s offices with developing a policy to find and assist senior citizens who go missing.

By:

Christopher David Gray

CareOregon, CedarSinai Pilot Project Offers Affordable Housing and Health Services

CareOregon and CedarSinai Park have joined forces to create a new affordable housing project in downtown Portland – to fund a low-income housing initiative that would offer some health and social services to residents, but not at the level of an assisted living facility.

By:

Christen McCurdy

Ombudsman's Office Advocates for People in Long-Term Care

Volunteers visit hundreds of facilities every year, fielding complaints large and small

August 27, 2013 – In the 1990s, Dan Dunham and his wife learned that a close friend had experienced severe medical neglect and financial abuse at a nursing home in California. The situation became so acute they ended up moving her to their Corvallis home and cared for her until her death.

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