From Mike Patton; Forbes ~ Apr 27, 2016
Americans are inundated with bad news on a daily basis. The saying, “If it bleeds, it leads,” is certainly true in the ratings-dependent media universe. Sadly, a constant barrage of overtly negative news can increase stress and have a damaging effect on the human psyche. The result could be a myriad of psychoses at worst and a generally negative attitude at best. With this backdrop, what financial issues do Americans worry about the most?
By Rebecca Moore; Plansponsor ~ Apr 21, 2016
With relatively flat fertility rates, rising longevity and 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 70 every day, America is becoming a “gerontocracy,” says Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Age Wave in San Francisco.
Dychtwald believes that anyone wishing to be our next president should indicate their knowledge of and priorities regarding the medical, scientific, economic, employment, infrastructure and intergenerational dimensions of this coming demographic transformation. He believes there are five essential trans-partisan issues that must be addressed, that were not covered in any debate.
By Virgil Dickson , Harris Meyer & Lisa Schencker; Modern Healthcare ~ Apr 21, 2016
The CMS has dropped three payment rules that propose increased payments to skilled-nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities and hospice care, and implemented new quality measures.
The agency Thursday proposed nearly doubling the increase skilled-nursing facilities received last year. This would amount to a $800 million bump. Last year they only received a 1.2% Medicare rate increase, leading to $430 million in higher payments from the previous year.
From Joanna Belbey; Forbes ~ Apr 18, 2016
Social networking sites use algorithms that dictate what users see. In an attempt to provide relevant content, networks show posts based on past interactions, rather than chronologically, whether users like it or not. In other words, you see what the networks think you want to see, an often criticized approach, as it may limit your worldview.
But, how can you receive information that you may really need, but not be looking for at all?
Healthcare is a perfect example.
Newsmax ~ Apr 18, 2016
This year’s tax day is just an ordinary Monday for 77.5 million Americans who’ll shell out no federal individual income tax at all, according to Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center data.
The Washington-based research center reports an estimated 45.3 percent of U.S. households won’t owe Uncle Sam — half because they have no taxable income and the other half because they get enough tax breaks to erase their liability, Roberton Williams, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, tells Market Watch.
By Dan Taylor; MorningTicker ~ Apr 17, 2016
CMS unveiled a massive new initiative that could change the relationship between doctors and patients.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is making a big gamble with health care — and not everyone is convinced it will pay off.
The agency has unveiled a new primary care model that would give doctors more flexibility to decide just how their patients should get care, according to a CMS statement.
By Tammy Webber & Emily Swanson; The Associated Press ~ Apr 16, 2016
CHICAGO (AP) — All that talk of an angry America?
An Associated Press-GfK poll finds that most Americans are happy with their friends and family, feel good about their finances and are more or less content at work. It’s government, particularly the federal government, that’s making them see red.
By Ashlea Ebeling; Forbes ~ Apr 16, 2016
Cindy Levering, a retired consulting actuary for Aon , used to do detailed calculations for non-profit and for-profit clients, helping them manage their defined benefit pension plans. Now she’s helping folks with pensions, one at a time, as a volunteer for the American Academy of Actuaries helpline, the Pension Assistance List.
Why was PAL created? “Not everybody has an uncle that’s an actuary,” says Ted Goldman, a senior pension fellow at the American Academy of Actuaries.
From Howard Gleckman; Forbes ~ Apr 15, 2016
Public opinion surveys show that most Americans incorrectly think Medicare pays for long-term supports and services (LTSS). It does not. But should it? Should Congress add a long-term care benefit to the program’s current package of insurance for hospital care, doctor visits, and drugs?
Three highly respected health researchers, Karen Davis, Amber Willink, and Cathy Schoen, think it should. In a blog post for the journal Health Affairs, they’ve proposed Medicare Help at Home. It has three elements:
By Matthew Frankel; The Motley Fool ~ Apr 10, 2016
You can collect Social Security benefits as early as age 62, and you’re free to work after your benefits start. However, depending on your age and income, working after you file for Social Security can reduce your monthly checks. Here’s what you need to know about the Social Security earnings tests, and what it means to you in the long run.
Three categories of Social Security recipients
