Medicare Advantage in the Era of Health Reform: Progress in Leveling the Playing Field

The Commonwealth Fund's Issue Brief looks at the costs of Medicare Advantage plans vs. Medicare Fee for Service plans, with 2010 coming in as the first year in which MA plans actually showed a decrease in payments.

Issue Brief is available

New Rule Requires Homebound Medicare Patients to See Doctors

Changes to Medicare law are pending that would require home-bound elderly to see their physician 90 days before or 30 days after starting home health care. Though expected to take effect on 1 January 2011, the regulation is being delayed due to complaints that frail elderly would actually be pushed out of home care services as a result.

Commentary from ElderLawAnswers.com
Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 7 - Home Health Services

Behind the Veil: The AARP America Doesn’t Know

Two members of the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee examine the potential conflicts of interest within AARP, which has campaigned for health care reform, yet will profit from their endorsed-Medicare insurance products.

Full report is available

The Health of Aging Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Adults in California

UCLA Center for Health Policy Research examines the rates of chronic physical and mental health conditions among the older population of California, and the need for better health care services specifically geared to the LGBT population.

Health Policy Research Brief is available

Raising the Age of Medicare Eligibility: A Fresh Look Following Implementation of Health Reform

Kaiser Family Foundation examines the broad effects of raising the Medicare eligibility age to 67, with the understanding that the 2010 health reform law would provide other avenues of insurance eligibility for those in need.

Full report is available

QuickStats: Life Expectancy and Years Free of Activity Limitations,* by Race and Sex --- United States, 2006

Older Americans Act: More Should Be Done to Measure the Extent of Unmet Need for Services

Government Accountability Office surveyed 125 local agencies, as well as federal, state and local officials to determine the needs for home and community based services, how current funding is used to support these needs, and what needs are not being met.

Full report is available

Intergenerational Family Care for and by Older People in Thailand

Populations Studies Center examines the role of elders both as caregivers for their young grandchildren and as the receivers of care from their children. Demographic information demonstrates the changes that are taking place as the result of fewer grandchildren and of children moving farther from their parents.

Full report is available