Senior Issues / Public News Service

National Healthcare Decisions Day is held on April 16 each year to educate health care providers and consumers about advance care planning and empower all to make their wishes known about care preferences in case they are unable to communicate them. (Pixabay)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Florida health disparities highlight need for advance care planning

Wednesday is National Healthcare Decisions Day and advocates are calling attention to Florida's pressing need for advance care planning, particularly …

In Virginia, it is estimated 135,000 seniors must travel more than 45 miles to visit their nearest Social Security office. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Rapid Social Security changes leave Virginians vulnerable to scams

Back-and-forth decisions on Social Security policies have created confusion, which may leave some Virginians more vulnerable to scams. Last month…

California ranks 42nd in the country for utilization of hospice services. (David Pereiras/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

On 'National Healthcare Decisions Day,' patients should explore options

Wednesday is National Healthcare Decisions Day, a time to educate health care providers and consumers about advanced care planning. People are …

In 2025, an average of almost 69 million Americans per month will receive a Social Security benefit, according to the Social Security Administration. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Older Kentuckians: We've worked hard for our Social Security benefits

The Social Security Administration backtracked on a new plan, set to take effect today, that would have required more people to apply for benefits in …

When a tariff is imposed, the importing business pays the tax to the U.S. Treasury Department. Importers then pass much of the added cost to consumers. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Texas is the number one exporting state in the nation - and although tariffs with Mexico and Canada have been delayed, Texans are still uneasy about …

Social Security benefits kept one-third of Wyomingites out of poverty between 2018 and 2020, according to AARP Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

Wyomingites celebrate 'near miss' on access to Social Security

A plan from the Social Security Administration that would have ended certain telephone services as of today was canceled late last week, due largely …

Elon Musk claims Social Security can be cut by $500 billion without reducing people's benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, plans to cut 7,000 jobs from the U.S. Social Security Administration as it works to reduce the size …

With 22 million Americans lacking broadband access, according to the Federal Communications Commission, the Social Security Administration's reversal maintains a critical lifeline for seniors, particularly in states such as Mississippi, where 40% of rural households lack high-speed internet service. (Pixabay)

MS residents' outcry prompts Social Security Admin to reverse course on phone service cuts

The Social Security Administration has reversed its controversial plan to eliminate phone services for benefit claims, a move that would have forced …

Social Security is among a host of entitlement programs being considered for administrative reorganization by the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Iowa pushes back on Social Security changes

The Social Security Administration is standing down on implementing a plan which would have dramatically affected how recipients can access critical b…

Around 500 people gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pa., for a town hall to discuss concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and Social Security. (Anna Gustafson)

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

Critics of cuts to the Social Security Administration predict they will further strain an already struggling system, possibly depriving some people of being able to access benefits. (Adobe Stock)

You won't be able to apply by phone for SSA starting next week

In less than a week, many Wisconsinites will be unable to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential …

The Indiana Chronic Care Policy Alliance reports that 367,000 Hoosiers have reported an unmet need for mental-health services. (Adobe Stock)

Few treatment options for IN residents with linked chronic pain, mental illness

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress is the body's way of processing work, personal, and family pressures, or other triggers. A new …

A worker who relocates to a rural area is 13% less likely to have a workplace retirement plan. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Virginians less likely to have work-based retirement plans

Virginians who work at low-wage jobs often don't have a workplace retirement plan so they can save money through payroll deductions. A new study …

The FBI says fraud and scam losses nationwide reported by those age 60 and older topped $3.4 billion in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona legislation targets cryptocurrency scams

Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

Legislation regulating cryptocurrency kiosks is being considered in the Maryland House of Delegates. (Adobe Stock)

Crypto kiosk scams target of proposed regulations

A bill in the Maryland General Assembly would regulate cryptocurrency kiosks, the more than 700 ATM-like machines for virtual currencies around the …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget includes a new investment of $20 million through the PENNCARE appropriation, which will enable the Area Agencies on Aging to better meet the needs of older adults. (Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvania faces in-home care crisis amid severe workforce shortages

A lack of access to in-home care in Pennsylvania has reached a crisis point, according to professionals in the field, leaving thousands of residents …

At the current rate, there will be eight replacement health care job openings for every one new job added by 2033. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

OR health care professionals have cure for dwindling workforce

Oregon does not have enough health care workers and the need continues to grow. Service Employees International Union Local 49 members said …

Smoke hovers above Los Angeles as seen on January 8, 2025, as a result of wildfires. (Zack Hughes)

Report: Wildfires inch closer to California health care facilities

Wildfires are creeping closer and closer to health care facilities in California, including hospitals and nursing homes, according to a new study…

Cuts to Medicaid are one way Congress could pay for extending tax cuts passed in 2017. It is estimated two-thirds of the benefits of the extension would go to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

To pay for the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration, like mass deportations and tax cuts, Republicans in Congress are considering …

Meals on Wheels of Northern Illinois has community caf�s in Cook, Grundy, Kendall and Will counties, providing home-delivered meals to older residents of these areas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Facing funding hurdles, IL 'March for Meals' event moves forward

A local "Meals on Wheels" organization is forging ahead with an event to provide meals and personal care items to seniors in four Illinois counties…

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher now than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Older Ohioans struggle with rising credit card debt

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey but experts said …

A new poll found large majorities of Americans, across party lines, see Medicaid as

WA caregivers rally against Medicaid cuts

This week, workers who provide in-home and nursing home care rallied against cuts to Medicaid. Washington's Medicaid, known as Apple Health…

Among older borrowers, 28% regularly provide unpaid help or care for an adult relative or friend, according to New America. (Adobe Stock)

Education department layoffs could leave NV older borrowers in limbo

Policy analysts have been sounding the alarm on the Department of Education's ability to reach and engage with low-income, disadvantaged and older …

More than one in three older Americans who still owe debt from college live with a child or parent, according to New America. (Adobe Stock)

Dept. of Education cuts could spell trouble for UT's older student loan borrowers

Policy analysts have been sounding the alarm about the Department of Education's ability to reach and engage with low-income, disadvantaged and older …

Nationally, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than are nonveteran adults, with an average of almost 18 veteran suicides per day in 2021. (flysnow/Adobe Stock)

MI war veteran helps fellow vets access lifesaving resources

Michigan is home to more than 470,000 veterans, yet many have never accessed the military benefits to which they are entitled. The gap in support …

Oregon's older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, with more than 45% of older adults projected to be people of color by 2050. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

Bill would offer a blueprint for an aging Oregon

Oregon's population, along with the rest of the country, is getting older. Within 10 years there will be more Oregonians age 65 and older than …

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Older Americans lean more on credit cards for basic needs

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey, and a Minnesota …

Missoula has a younger population compared with the rest of Montana. Mayor Andrea Davis says the average age in Missoula is 35 but 40 elsewhere. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

Local economic partnership helps MT town embrace new work sectors

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Big Sky Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Collab…

Family caregivers spend on average more than $7,200 annually - 26% of their income - on out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

In a significant development for family caregivers across America, AARP is spearheading initiatives at both federal and state levels to provide tax …

Every year AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide volunteers take appointments at more than 3,600 locations in libraries, malls, banks and community centers in all 50 states. (RomanR/AdobeStock)

Free tax prep available across Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents who need assistance filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program…

According to AARP, about 112,000 Montanans were caregivers in 2023. As nursing homes continue to close, experts predict the number will grow. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing homes close as Montanans age

The Montana governor's proposed budget includes cuts to funding for senior long-term care. Those in the already-struggling industry said as more …

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

The senior population is projected to exceed 95 million by 2060, indicating a growing demand for senior housing and related services. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Cities in MI take action to become age-friendly

As Michigan's senior population steadily increases, the need for communities that prioritize their well-being becomes more critical. With nearly 2 …

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, in 2023, 12% of people in West Virginia prisons were over age 55, and the average age of state prisoners was 39. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Bill to increase penalties could overpopulate WV prisons

A bill pending in the West Virginia Legislature would increase the length of penalties for "serious" felony convictions, but critics have said it …

Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise through the use of electronic kiosks. The Nebraska Legislature just passed a measure to tighten regulations on the machines, which are similar to ATMs. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Nebraska ups focus on crypto currency scams

AARP Nebraska has increased its focus on educating people about cryptocurrency scams. A measure tightening restrictions on crypto kiosks, often used …

Notably, one poll found nearly half of people who hold anti-abortion views are supportive of medical aid-in-dying legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

Advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would approve medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. A poll last …

A 2023 study by the Pew Charitable Trusts found states with retirement savings programs for private-sector workers saw increased participation rates and higher savings balances among low- and moderate-income workers. (Adobe Stock)

MS workers face retirement gap as state considers savings plan

For many Mississippians, saving for retirement feels out of reach. Nearly 48% of private-sector workers in the state lack access to employer-…

The bill to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board received the support of all Democrats and seven Republicans in the General Assembly. (Adobe Stock)

Youngkin to decide fate of prescription drug cost watchdog

Two-thirds of Virginians over the age of 18 regularly take prescription medication, and - according to ARRP - support establishing maximum prices for …

Transportation is the most common expense Connecticut family caregivers incur, with 88% noting it has happened to them. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT supports tax credit for unpaid family caregivers

New research found most Connecticut residents support creating a family caregiver tax credit. The state has 420,000 family caregivers, providing a …

Chronic pain costs Americans billions of dollars in missed work and loss of productivity. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Marylanders suffering from chronic pain

Just a few weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved Journavix, a new non-opioid painkiller. It's seen as good news for the nearly one …

More than 20% of Washington state's population gets health coverage through Medicaid. (winnievinzence/Adobe Stock)

Nurse practitioner: Medicaid cuts could 'devastate' WA patients, providers

Proposed Medicaid cuts could seriously affect Washington hospitals and health care workers. President Donald Trump and House Republicans are …

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program currently helps feed more than 40 million low-income Americans. (New Mexico Association of FoodBanks)

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Antihunger advocates and relief organizations are gathering at New Mexico's State Capitol today as part of "Hunger Action Day." Advocates will urge l…

According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …

By 2050, the number of people in Washington state who are 75 and older will nearly double. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Affordable health insurance could ease WA caregiver shortage

Worker's rights advocates and nursing home providers say Washington has a long-term care workforce crisis, and that inadequate benefits in the …

AARP Community Challenge grants have helped launch community gardens, which help improve livability for residents in a number of ways. (Adobe Stock)

Grants available to make Colorado communities more livable

AARP Colorado is accepting applications from nonprofits and local governments across the state for this year's Community Challenge grant program…

Data from Penn Medicine finds as of January 2024, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. have received CAR T-cell therapy since it was approved for use in 2017. (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center)

NY doctors work to develop advanced blood cancer treatments

Some New York doctors are working on new ways to treat advanced cancers. Chimeric Antigen Receptor, or CAR, T-cell therapy treats certain blood …

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, between 1992 and 2021, 64% of public pension revenues came from investment earnings and 25% from employer contributions. Employee contributions accounted for about 11%. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Most Americans want pension-driven retirement plans

Whether it's pressure from inflation or health-care costs eating away at savings, a reliable "nest-egg" is still hard to reach for many Americans…

Overall, 12% of U.S. adults have either married or settled down with someone they met online.<br />(frank/Adobe Stock)

Valentine's Day in Michigan: Romance or rip-off?

It is Valentine's Day and romance is in the air, but so is deception. Cybercrime experts warn online scammers are lurking, ready to exploit hopeful …

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Senior Issues

Florida health disparities highlight need for advance care planning

Rapid Social Security changes leave Virginians vulnerable to scams

On 'National Healthcare Decisions Day,' patients should explore options

Older Kentuckians: We've worked hard for our Social Security benefits

Texans brace for financial impact of trade wars

Wyomingites celebrate 'near miss' on access to Social Security

Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

MS residents' outcry prompts Social Security Admin to reverse course on phone service cuts

AARP Iowa pushes back on Social Security changes

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

You won't be able to apply by phone for SSA starting next week

Few treatment options for IN residents with linked chronic pain, mental illness

Rural Virginians less likely to have work-based retirement plans

Arizona legislation targets cryptocurrency scams

Crypto kiosk scams target of proposed regulations

Pennsylvania faces in-home care crisis amid severe workforce shortages

OR health care professionals have cure for dwindling workforce

Report: Wildfires inch closer to California health care facilities

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

Facing funding hurdles, IL 'March for Meals' event moves forward

Older Ohioans struggle with rising credit card debt

WA caregivers rally against Medicaid cuts

Education department layoffs could leave NV older borrowers in limbo

Dept. of Education cuts could spell trouble for UT's older student loan borrowers

MI war veteran helps fellow vets access lifesaving resources

Bill would offer a blueprint for an aging Oregon

Survey: Older Americans lean more on credit cards for basic needs

Local economic partnership helps MT town embrace new work sectors

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

Free tax prep available across Pennsylvania

Nursing homes close as Montanans age

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Cities in MI take action to become age-friendly

Bill to increase penalties could overpopulate WV prisons

AARP Nebraska ups focus on crypto currency scams

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

MS workers face retirement gap as state considers savings plan

Youngkin to decide fate of prescription drug cost watchdog

Report: CT supports tax credit for unpaid family caregivers

Tips for Marylanders suffering from chronic pain

Nurse practitioner: Medicaid cuts could 'devastate' WA patients, providers

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Affordable health insurance could ease WA caregiver shortage

Grants available to make Colorado communities more livable

NY doctors work to develop advanced blood cancer treatments

Poll: Most Americans want pension-driven retirement plans

Valentine's Day in Michigan: Romance or rip-off?