DECEMBER

Medicare Preventive Benefits Begin January 2005 With A Goal of Healthier Seniors

12/29/2004
America's seniors will now have new benefits that will help them live healthier lives, including Medicare-provided medical screenings for heart disease and diabetes. For new Medicare beneficiaries, the "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam, coupled with an increasingly broad set of preventive benefits including prescription drug coverage, provides Medicare beneficiaries with greater access to more prevention-focused benefits than ever before. These services are key features of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), signed into law by President George W. Bush in December 2003.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently mailed an updated "Medicare and You" handbook that, for the first time, emphasizes Medicare's new prevention-oriented focus. The handbook informs beneficiaries of what they should do to take advantage of these new services dedicated to early detection and treatment of disease.

The handbook can be downloaded at:

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050_S.pdf

CMS has also published a “Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services” that is available for download. The guide provides important information on the preventive services covered, how often, and which preventive services are new.

The guidebook is available in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded at:

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10110.pdf

http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10110_S.pdf

---

Seven States Top the List of You Can! Partners

 

Seven states currently hold the record for having the most organizations enrolled in the You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging campaign.   Each of these states has more than 50 organizations enrolled with Missouri taking the lead at 82 partners.  The seven states include Missouri, California, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, and Virginia. 

 

The U.S. Administration on Aging also is pleased to announce that in just three months more than 1300 organizations have joined the You Can! campaign.   A total of 844 community organizations have joined, along with 256 Area Agencies on Aging, 131 state organizations, and 72 other organizations (national, federal, US territories, and International)..   

 

The You Can! outreach and awareness campaign aims to spread the word about the importance of healthier lifestyle choices and encourage older adults to make wise food choices and increase their physical activity.

 

Thinking about joining the You Can! campaign?  Join the campaign, and put your organization on the map.  Your organization will be in good company.  Get tools and ideas, network with partners, be listed on the You Can! Partner Map, and experience the power of collective action.  For more information or to enroll visit: www.aoa.gov/youcan.

---

NOVEMBER

Happy Thanksgiving from AoA

11/24/2004
During this Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded of the many blessings we have received throughout the year. As you gather with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, please take time to remember the older Americans and families we serve every day. Thanks to your dedication and compassion, our clients are able to count the blessings that increased independence can bring. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving!

---

Meals On Wheels - Grant Funding Announcement

The Meals On Wheels Association of America announces a grant funding opportunity for Senior Nutrition Programs (SNPs) providing home-delivered meal services. Five competitive grants of up to $75,000 are available to eligible programs. Grants will provide funding to SNPs to demonstrate innovative delivery of nutrition services and other wellness services in partnership with community-based entities/providers (“community partners’). The target population for services is individuals age 60 years or older awaiting hospital discharge, after short-term institutionalization, back to their place of pre-hospitalization residence. The goal of the projects is to demonstrate effective, short-term rehabilitation through the delivery of targeted, integrated in-home services.

Application deadline is 4:00 pm EST, December 21, 2004. Attached is information on applying and the grant application. Copies are also available at www.mowaa.org or email grantapplication@mowaa.org.

For further information contact: Meals On Wheels Association of America, 203 S. Union, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone (703)548-5558.

---

MetLife Foundation and n4a Seeking Nominations of Outstanding Older Volunteers

Call for Nominations

You are invited to respond to a Call for Nominations for the 2005 Older Volunteers Enrich America Awards program sponsored by MetLife Foundation. Now in its third year, the program, administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), honors the exemplary contributions of older volunteers and promotes volunteering among other older adults nationwide.

Twenty-five volunteers will be honored at an awards ceremony scheduled in Washington, D.C. on Friday, April 22, 2005, during National Volunteer Week. The program honors volunteers age 50 and older who have served for at least one year.

Nominations may be submitted in one of three categories: Community Champion for older volunteers who make their community a better place to live; Mentor for older volunteers who work with young people and their families; and Team Spirit for older volunteers who help other older adults. One Gold Honoree will be chosen in each of the three categories. All of the honorees will receive engraved gifts and the organizations that host the volunteers will receive monetary awards.

Nominations must be received by n4a no later than Wednesday, December 22, 2004. The Call for Nominations can be found at the following link located: Here

For additional information, contact Leslie Swift-Rosenzweig at 202/872-0888 or lsrosenzweig@n4a.org

---

HHS Provides $42.6 Million in Hurricane Relief
to Florida

11/12/2004
On behalf of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy G. Thompson, Josefina Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging held a press conference to announce funding for Florida for critical services to communities that continue to recover from the multiple hurricanes that hit the state this fall.

---

Maryland Governor’s Conference On Vital Aging

11/05/2004
Josefina Carbonell talked about the many accomplishments of the Aging Services Network and the vision for the future for older Americans. “There are many challenges ahead of us, but I believe these challenges present us with new opportunities for creating a better America for older adults and their caregivers. We have accomplished a great deal since the passage of the Older Americans Act. We have created a nationwide infrastructure—the Aging Services Network—that is grounded in the core values of individual dignity and independence.” Carbonell said.

 

---

OCTOBER

Celebrate a Healthy Life

10/28/2004
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched “Celebra La Vida Con Salud” (Celebrate a Healthy Life) as the Hispanic component of the Close the Health Gap campaign. Celebra La Vida Con Salud aims to promote prevention, encourage Latinos to take charge of their health, and celebrate health by drawing upon family and community strengths to make good health practices a part of daily living. (Off Site)

---

Assistant Secretary Carbonell Visits Chicago

10/20/2004
Assistant Secretary, Josefina Carbonell, visited Chicago in October to participate in a variety of educational and informational events. At the Chicago Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Immunization Initiative (READII) Press Conference and Luncheon, she announced the interim influenza vaccination recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and spoke to the importance of community organizations working together to increase the vaccination rates for racial and ethnic minorities.

---

Update on the Flu Vaccine 

Many of us have been receiving calls from seniors and providers who are concerned about their ability to access the flu vaccine. I want to assure you that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services are working hard to get vaccine out to communities that need it in an orderly fashion. I would like to emphasize that we are still very early in the flu season, and that seniors, their families, and their caregivers should remain calm.

Today about 61 million doses of influenza vaccine combined with an ample supply of antiviral medicines -- potentially enough for more than 40 million people during the flu season -- puts America in a strong position to keep people safe during the upcoming flu season.

More than 2 million doses of influenza vaccine were shipped the week of October 11-15 by Aventis Pasteur to health care providers throughout the country who serve the high-priority groups recommended by the CDC to receive influenza vaccine during the 2004-2005 season.

After pairing CDC information on geographic locations of high-priority risk groups and Aventis Pasteur US information on providers scheduled to receive vaccine for the high-risk populations, this round of influenza vaccine went to:

CDC is developing a comprehensive shipping schedule with Aventis Pasteur. CDC is also working with Aventis and with state and local health departments to produce maps showing where the vaccine has already been shipped and identifying pockets of need where the vaccine should go.

Doses will continue to be shipped at a rate of about 3 million each week for the next 6-7 weeks to public health and private providers for use in the priority populations . There’s still time for people in the high-priority groups to get the vaccine and be protected before peak flu season, which typically occurs in February or March.

We are asking everyone to use good common sense:

If you’re not feeling well in line, ask for help immediately.

Vaccination is not the only way to help protect yourself against the flu. CDC urges people to practice good health habits to help prevent the spread of influenza. These easy steps include:

Steps you can take to prevent giving influenza to others include:

Influenza antiviral medications are another tool that can be used to prevent influenza and, for those ill with the flu, to reduce the number of days of illness.

CDC encourages health care providers and members of the public to refer reports of alleged price gouging related to influenza vaccine to their State Attorney General and, if possible, to the State Attorney General where the company/individual in question is located.

We hope providers and clinics will follow the guidelines and we have faith that Americans will follow them as well to protect the country's most vulnerable populations. As trusted sources of information in the community, you can help us get the message to healthy people and those at risk about who needs to get the vaccine and who can step aside this season.

---

ASA Presents Part Two of Our FREE Older Driver Web Seminars: Promoting Safety and Independence through Older Driver Wellness

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, and many of them are still driving. For older adults, driving represents the ability to maintain connections and contribute to the community. What can we do to keep them driving safely for as long as possible? In some cases we can improve their functioning and teach strategies to those who have experienced functional loss. Additionally, by providing education about alternative ways to get around, communities can help older adults make smoother transitions from driving full-time to cutting back or stopping altogether.

Following the tremendous response to our first older driver web seminar series, American Society on Aging presents a second series of web seminars to address major concerns of older drivers and their providers in maintaining driving safety, mobility and connections to the community. ASA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have collaborated to bring you three live presentations by some of the nation's leading authorities on these issues.

All you have to do is register by logging on to www.asaging.org/webseminars and clicking "Promoting Safety and Independence through Older Driver Wellness." The hour-long presentations are free, and you can participate at the convenience of your desk. If you are unable to attend the live presentations, you will have the opportunity to view a recording of the seminars for a period of six months.

Seminars Include:

Dementia and Driving: Issues & Resources
Wednesday, November 10, 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Faculty: Nina M. Silverstein, PhD, Associate Professor, Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston.

Medications and the Older Adult Driver: A Prescription for Disaster
Wednesday, November 17, 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Faculty: David B. Carr, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Neurology, Clinical Director, Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Washington University at St. Louis.

Senior Transportation Options: Problems and Solutions
Thursday, December 9, 10:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Faculty: Helen K. Kerschner, PhD, President and CEO, The Beverly Foundation.

For complete session desciptions and to register for these web seminars on this highly pertinent topic, please visit www.asaging.org/webseminars. For questions about the seminars or registration, contact Valerie Jones at webseminars@asaging.org.

---

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, a federally recognized designation that calls attention to the issues people with disabilities face, particularly in employment. We also recognize the talents, skills, and contributions of disabled Americans who are a vital part of our workforce.
Each year the President issues a proclamation calling upon the people of the

United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. The theme this year is "You're Hired! Success Knows No Limitations."

The Department of Health and Human Services is jointly sponsoring a program with other Federal agencies on October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Discovery Room, 550 C Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. The featured speakers on a panel will be Ms. Bonita Arnae Musgrove, Ms. Wheelchair Washington, D.C.; Ms. Pam Clark, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia; and Mr. Robert Watson, Vice President of the Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. The mission of the Ms. Wheelchair America Program, Inc. is to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who utilize wheelchairs to successfully educate and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

I invite you to join this observance. Where there is no conflict with critical work activities, supervisors should approve requests for employees to attend.

Sign language interpretation will be provided. Should other reasonable accommodations be required, please contact Ms. Kaye Nitta at (301) 443-1977.

- Tommy G. Thompson

---

Funding Announcement - Senior Grant Program

Friday, October 1, 2004

The Chronic Disease Directors (CDD), with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Administration on Aging (AOA), and in collaboration with the and the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), today announced the SENIOR (State-Based Examples of Network Innovation, Opportunity, and Replication) grants program, which provides funding to implement health promotion and disease prevention programs for older adults at the state and/or local level.

All state health departments and state units on aging are eligible to apply for grants to foster programs to address one of four health promotion topic areas: 1) clinical preventive services; 2) regular physical activity; 3) chronic disease self-management techniques; or 4) oral health. With a focus on collaboration between state health departments and units on aging, proposed programs should be designed to take advantage of the respective strengths, expertise and outreach of the public health and aging services networks.

Last year, with support from CDC and AOA, CDD and NASUA funded 14 state-based projects at approximately $14,000 each, including programs for physical activity promotion, expanding the use of preventive health care services, and chronic disease self-management.

Approximately $130,000 is available to fund 8 to 10 SENIOR grants in the areas of clinical preventive services, physical activity, and self-management, and approximately $50,000 is available to fund 3-4 awards to address the area of oral health. The average SENIOR grant is expected to be $14,000, with a range from $12,000 to $16,000. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by December 20, 2004.

To apply, a letter of intent must be sent electronically to Jeanne
Alongi, MPH, CDD consultant, at Alongi@ChronicDisease.org by October 20, 2004. Complete applications must be submitted electronically by November 23, 2004. More information on the SENIOR grants can be found on the CDD Web site at: www.ChronicDisease.org.

The complete RFA is available under the "what's new" section of the Chronic Disease Director's website. Click on "Healthy Aging: Request for Proposals"

For More Information and to Download Application

---

78 Year Old to Ride his Bike Cross-Country

W.J. “Bill” Anderson, 78, will ride his bike coast-to-coast from San Diego, California and head for Jacksonville Beach, Florida to raise awareness and support for Crossroads Mission in his hometown, Yuma, Arizona. Bill will ride his bike 3,000 miles and expects to be at the Atlantic coast by October 17 (only 22 days!).

Bill supports a healthy lifestyle by riding his bike daily and lifting weights. His diet is important to him and includes lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

AoA promotes healthy aging through its new You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging campaign. As part of the campaign, AoA encourages older Americans to take small steps to make wise food choices and increase their physical activity. Bill is living proof that it’s not too late for older adults to be physically active and eat a sound diet.

You can follow along with Bill on his trip by linking to the Crossroads Mission Website at:

---

SEPTEMBER

Week of Acknowledgement of Native Americans

This past week marked a week of widespread acknowledgement and celebration of the native peoples of this Nation.

* September 21: We celebrated the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. On your next visit to the National Mall, I urge you to take the opportunity to tour this very special museum. It stands as a tribute to the cultures, accomplishments, and hopes of all native peoples of the Americas.

* September 22-24: The Indian Health Service held a health summit with the theme "Healthier Indian Communities through Partnership and Prevention." Over 900 participants came together to dedicate themselves to creating healthier communities.

* September 22: The Senate Indian Affairs Committee and the House Resources Committee passed the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. We have worked diligently with the Congress on this measure, and I am committed to continue working with both the House and the Senate as they move forward on this critical legislation.

* September 23: President Bush signed an Executive Memorandum reiterating the commitment of his Administration to tribal consultation and to working with tribes on a government-to-government basis. He met with tribal leaders on the same day and reaffirmed his commitment to tribal sovereignty
and self-determination. (The text of his speech can be read at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040923-2.html.)

In nearly four years as Secretary, I have been privileged to visit many American Indian and Alaska Native communities and to talk directly with the people about issues that concern them. We have accomplished a great deal in partnership with the tribes, but much remains to be done. As this historic week of recognition and tribute to native peoples draws to a close, we restate and continue our commitment to provide quality health care.

Tommy G. Thompson

National Hispanic Heritage Month

I am pleased that AoA and the Aging network is responding to the changing demographics by developing culturally appropriate programs and services responsive to the diverse needs of older Hispanic American adults and their families. According to the most recent NAPIS data, 6.1 % of the Older Americans Act recipients were Hispanic, although Hispanics currently make up 5.5% of the older population.

More and more Hispanic families are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. This year, one quarter of grants under the AoA Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grants to States program will specifically target Hispanic families.

Last year, we launched an Evidence-Based Prevention grants program. Through this program, we are demonstrating how our aging services provider organizations can effectively deliver low-cost interventions that have proven to be effective in reducing the risk of disease and disability. We are giving special attention to Hispanic elders under this program.

We can still do more. We know that the Hispanic elderly population is at high risk for chronic diseases that are preventable: heart disease, cancer, influenza, and diabetes. For example, we know that immunizations effectively prevent influenza. In 2003, 54.6 percent of Hispanic seniors did not receive a flu shot. Additionally, only 31% of Hispanic persons aged 65+ had received pneumococcal vaccination as compared to 60% of non-Hispanic Whites and 33% of non-Hispanic blacks. We need to improve these numbers. In early October AoA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be working in partnership to get the word out about the need to improve immunization rates among older Hispanics and older African-Americans.

Additionally, through grantees such as the Asociacion Nacional Pro Personas Mayores and a national network of partnerships with local Aging Network, community and faith-based organizations, we will assure that AoA’s investments focused on the Hispanic community will result in linkages that reach the intended target population of low-income and immigrant Hispanic elders.

Caring for family is an important tradition in the Hispanic community. 34% of Hispanic Americans aged 45-55 are caring for their parents. To assist these caregivers, we have strengthened our information and outreach efforts to Hispanic older persons and their caregivers by enhancing the ability of the Eldercare Locator and the Alzheimer’s Call Center to provide information and assistance in Spanish.

An important part of AoA’s commitment is to help older Americans age well and live well. I am pleased to say that the Medicare Modernization Act will provide valuable assistance to the 2.85 million Hispanics enrolled in Medicare. The new Medicare-approved prescription drug discount card is only a first step. Next year, additional preventive care benefits will be available to those who receive Medicare. One such benefit will be a free screening for those at risk for diabetes to help diagnose diabetes early and get the proper care to control diabetes and live a healthy life. Also, in 2006 new and more comprehensive help will be available to help Medicare recipients purchase their medicines. To select and sign-up for one of the Medicare-approved prescription discount cards individuals can call and speak with an information specialist either in Spanish or English at: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For more information visit: http://www.medicare.gov (Off Site)

Hispanic older persons represent a rich tapestry of culture and history. We are proud to honor that tradition, and contribute to the healthy living of our Hispanic elders.

---

AUGUST

New Fire Safety Campaign Aims To Reduce Seniors' High Risk Of Dying In A Home Fire Washington, D.C.

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today a campaign to raise awareness about the increased risk of fire death for adults 65 and older, and to advise those 50 and older of the risks as they plan ahead and care for older loved ones. The campaign's messages include safe disposal of cigarettes, cooking with care and cautious use of heaters. The campaign, sponsored by FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration, urges Americans to "Prevent Fire. Save Lives."

"People ages 65 and older face a dramatically increased risk of dying in a home fire," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "With America's older population larger than ever and still growing, it's important that we take steps to reduce this public health problem."

From 1989 to 1998, adults ages 65 and older faced three times the risk of dying in a home fire compared to the rest of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. The risk at ages 65 to 74 is nearly twice, and it increases to nearly four times for people ages 75 to 84 and to more than five times for people ages 85 and older. From 1989 to 1998, adults 65 and older made up 31 percent of the home fire deaths. During the same decade, 13 percent of home fire deaths were adults between the ages of 50 and 64, which shows how sharply the risk increases after adults reach their mid-60s.

"Smoking, heating and cooking are the causes of most of these fire deaths," said U.S. Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. "This campaign is about alerting people to the risk and letting them know how to reduce it."

A Fire Safety Campaign for People 50-Plus materials include a fire safety fact sheet for people ages 50 and older, print public service announcements in English and Spanish, bookmarks in English and Spanish, and a campaign guide for fire service officials. The fact sheet and campaign fliers are available on the campaign Web site, www.usfa.fema.gov/50Plus http://www.usfa.fema.gov/50Plus. A data report on the fire death rates of people ages 50 and older, consumer-friendly sections around campaign messages and a media section are also posted on the site. Materials can be requested via the Web site.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, administers the National Flood Insurance Program and operates the U.S. Fire Administration.

---

Elderly Floridians Receive Help from HHS After
Hurricane Charley

Of the 20 counties in the United States that have the highest percentage of elderly individuals, nine of those counties were affected by Hurricane Charley. The Administration on Aging is providing a $200,000 grant, which is in addition to the $83 million awarded to Florida in fiscal year 2004 for elderly programs. These additional funds will be used by state officials to fill any gaps in providing emergency care for seniors caused by the hurricane.

AoA is supplying meals and water to seniors who have been affected by Hurricane Charley. In addition, AoA is sending a liaison to help federal workers coordinate assistance and services to elderly individuals.

HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is working with health centers in neighboring counties to send staff in to assist health centers in hardest hit areas, especially to address surge needs of special populations including migrants and the elderly.

HHS' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is working closely with the Medicare contractors -- fiscal intermediaries and carriers -- and managed care plans to ensure that health care services continue to be provided as needed without any concerns for payment. Particular attention is being paid to ambulance providers who need to transport Medicare beneficiaries to safer facilities and to managed care plans who may need to approve requests for out of network services.

HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is making available mental health professionals specifically trained to assist individuals who have been affected by disasters. Studies indicate that lingering affects may occur in people and families long after the physical damage has been fixed.

---

AoA Announces New Funding Opportunity (08/04/04)

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce the availability of funding to support innovative approaches to the management of care in the Aging Services Network. This program will fund existing practices and new ideas that can promote the integration of health and social supports for older people, and strengthen the position of the Network in health and long term care.

As new options for older people are emerging in health and long term care, managed care is playing an increasingly important role. AoA is launching this grants program as part of a broader effort to gain a strategic understanding of how the traditional strengths of the Aging Services Network can add value to models of integrated health and long term care, including managed care. The grants are specifically designed to increase our understanding of innovations in aging services that involve the use of partnerships with managed care organizations and capitated financing arrangements to improve the quality of care for older people.

AoA expects to award up to 20 projects at up to $50,000 each under this program. Eligible applicants include non-profit community-based aging services provider organizations that currently receive funding under the Older Americans Act and Area Agencies on Aging. Three types of projects will be funded: 1. Promising Practices that identify and document existing models and approaches that can be replicated in other communities; 2. Program Enhancements that build on an existing model or approach; and 3. New Models and Approaches consistent with the purposes of the program. The due date for applications is September 10, 2004. A copy of the full program announcement, including application instructions, can be found at: www. aoa.gov.

This new program advances AoA’s Strategic Plan and builds on other initiatives we have launched to support the Network’s role in creating a more balanced and integrated array of health and social supports for older people. We believe this new program holds great promise for demonstrating how the core values and competencies of the Aging Services Network can be effectively combined with managed care models and approaches to enhance the quality of care for our growing older population.

- Josefina Carbonell

---

JULY

AoA and CMS Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Outreach Campaign Request for Proposals

On May 27, 2004, HHS Secretary Thompson announced an initiative that targets enrolling low-income seniors and persons with disabilities in the Medicare-approved drug discount card program, so that these individuals take advantage of discounts and $1,200 over the next 18 months to pay for their prescription medicine. HHS Release

As part of the Secretary’s initiative, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, on behalf of the Administration on Aging (AoA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is soliciting applications for the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Outreach campaign. This program is part of AoA and CMS efforts to raise awareness among low-income beneficiaries about the new Medicare-approved Drug Discount Card and, for those who qualify, the $600 annual transitional assistance credit.

Download Request for Proposal:

---

---

JUNE

2005-2006 PACKER POLICY FELLOWSHIPS
An Australian-American Health Policy Fellowship Program

On behalf of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, The
Commonwealth Fund is pleased to announce the Packer Policy Fellowships, an Australian-American health policy fellowship program. This program offers a unique opportunity for outstanding, mid-career U.S. health policy researchers and practitioners to spend up to 10 months in Australia conducting original research and working with leading Australian health policy experts on issues relevant to both countries.

The Australian Department of Health and Ageing hopes to enrich health policy thinking as Packer Policy Fellows study how Australia approaches health policy issues, share lessons learned from the United States, and develop an international perspective and network of contacts to facilitate policy exchange and collaboration that extends beyond the fellowship experience.

In order to apply, applicants must submit a formal application, including a project proposal that falls within an area of mutual policy interest to Australia and the United States, such as: health care quality and safety, the private/public mix of insurance and providers, the fiscal sustainability of health systems, the health care workforce, and investment in preventive care strategies.

Packer Policy Fellowships are open to accomplished, mid-career health policy researchers and practitioners, including, academics, physicians, decision-makers in managed care and other private health care organizations, federal and state health officials, and journalists. Applicants must be citizens of the United States.

The Fellowships provide up to $50,000 (AUS) for six to 10 months in Australia.

The deadline for receipt of applications for the 2005-06 fellowships is August 16, 2004.

For information on the 2005-06 Packer Policy Fellowships and to obtain a brochure and application, please see the Fund's Web site. For further information, contact Robin Osborn, The Commonwealth Fund, One East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021-2692 (telephone: (212) 606-3809 or e-mail:
ro@cmwf.org).

---

American Arts Therapy Association Donation to the Administration on Aging (05/25/04)

Donna Betts, Board of Directors, American Art Therapy Association (AATA); Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging; Megan Robb, Federal Liaison, Government Affairs Commity, AATA; Irene Rosner David, Ph.D., Chair, Governmental Affairs Commity, AATA

The American Arts Therapy Association has donated two pictures to be part of the permanent collection of the Administration on Aging. Both pictures were chosen as part of an exhibit, "Creative Aging: Beyond Words," featuring artworks by older adults in art therapy programs from across the United States. Paintings from the exhibit were on view at the Administration on Aging, the Department of Health and Human Services and at the Russell Senate Office Building.

"Contemplation" 2003 by Suzanne Villucci

Suzanne Villucci is a 90 year old woman, who was born in 1914 in Bresleu, Germany. During the 1960's, she married an American and moved to the United States. Though Suzanne is legally blind in her right eye and has low vision in her left eye, she continues to produce one watercolor a month. Suzanne feels that the art is part of the essence of whom she is. "I must paint, it is who I am and what I do," stated Villucci.

The artwork was submitted by Michele Tarsitano-Amato, MA, ATR-BC, the Director of Creative Arts Therapy with Kendal at Oberlin Continuing Care Retirement Community.

"Fall Reflections" by Helen Lenetsky

Helen Lenetsky is an 87 year old woman residing in the Bristal Assisted Living Community in New York. "Fall Reflections," depicts a row of autumnal trees reflected onto a pool of water. Tickled about becoming an artist in her 80's, the title is key to the artist's sense of self. "In the fall of my years I am getting better and better."

See: The Fruits of Art Therapy - Newsday.com

The artwork was submitted by Arlene Susan Esgar, ATR-BC, Art Therapist at the Bristal Assisted Living at North Woodmere, New York.

More Infromation:

http://www.arttherapy.org/members/gac/art_exhibit_2004.htm

---

NASUA Membership Meeting: Celebrating the Successes – Facing the Challenges – Charting the Future

Assistant Secretary Carbonell congratulates 2004 Distinguished Arthur S. Flemming Honored Lecturer, Dr. Dorothy I. Height and addresses the theme for this year’s NASUA Membership Meeting: Celebrating the Successes – Facing the Challenges – Charting the Future. For the past 40 years, the Aging Network has been at the forefront of building consumer-responsive service systems at the state and local level. In partnership with older Americans and their families, we have built the foundation of this nation’s formal system of home and community based services. 40 years ago when the Older Americans Act was passed, older Americans lived in a world very different from that of today.

---

Older Americans to Start saving on their prescriptions (06/01/04)

The Medicare discount-card program is part of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 passed late last year. The cards are an interim measure until Medicare's full-fledged drug benefit begins in 2006.

All Medicare beneficiaries, except those who have outpatient drug coverage through Medicaid, are eligible to enroll in a Medicare-approved drug discount card program. Low-income Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for a $1,200 credit over the 18-month life of the discount card program to help pay for the prescription drugs if their income in 2004 is no more than $12,569 if single or no more than $16,862 if married. There is no enrollment fee on any card for people who qualify for the credit.

To learn more about the drug discount program under the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act, go to: www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227).

---

HHS Secretary Urges Seniors To Sign Up For Discount Cards (06/01/04)

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today urged people with Medicare to take advantage of real savings on their prescription medicines by signing up for Medicare-approved drug discount cards. The cards offer savings of 10 to 25 percent or more for beneficiaries who do not have good drug coverage now, and low-income beneficiaries also qualify for discounts and a $1,200 credit over the next 18 months to help pay for prescriptions.

---

MAY

A Tribute to Members of the World War II Generation

The National World War II Memorial will be formally dedicated by President George W. Bush on May 29, 2004 on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during the Second World War, and it honors all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose that motivated the nation's call to arms.

We appreciate, more than ever, the brave Americans who came to the defense of freedom on foreign soil, and who now inspire a new generation of freedom’s defenders. On the closing of Older Americans Month, we at the Administration on Aging, salute our Nation’s veterans, and the men and women who presently serve in our Armed Forces.

Related Information:

The World War II Memorial (Off Site)
Search the WWII Registry (Off Site)
America Celebrates the Greatest Generation (Off Site)
Full Coverage - Washington Post (Off Site)
Photo Gallery - Washington Post (Off Site)

---

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May 2004)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 13.1 million is the estimated number of U.S. residents who say they are Asian or Asian in combination with one or more other races. Since Census 2000, the number of people who are part of this group has increased 9 percent, the highest growth rate of any race group. This group comprises 5 percent of the total population. Persons aged 60 or older in this ethnic group represent 2.9% of the elderly population in the U.S.

---

Hispanic Communities Across the United States to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Dear Friends,

As we join today with Hispanic communities across the United States to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it is fitting that we renew our commitment to helping families and neighbors to achieve good health. May is Older Americans Month and this year’s theme is “Aging Well: Living Well.” An important part of aging well and living well is management of chronic conditions, like diabetes. However, more than two-thirds of Hispanic older adults with chronic conditions do not have prescription coverage to help them manage diseases like diabetes. This Cinco de Mayo that is changing with new prescription benefits to help Medicare recipients.

Starting this month, those who receive Medicare and do not receive prescription coverage through Medicaid can sign-up for a Medicare-approved prescription discount card. The new cards will save you 10 to 25 percent on the cost of most of your medicines. You may also qualify for an additional $1,200 over the next eighteen months to help you purchase your medicines if your income in 2004 is no more than $12,569 if you are single or no more than $16,862 if you are married.

To receive these benefits, select and sign-up for one of the Medicare-approved prescription discount cards available to you. Help in comparing cards is a free phone call away at
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Information specialists are available who speak Spanish and English. By providing information on where you live, your annual income, and what medicines you take, the 1-800-MEDICARE information specialist can send you a personalized comparison of Medicare-approved prescription discount cards available to you. If you prefer, you can also get this information on the web at:

This is only a first step in new benefits to help Hispanic older adults age well and live well. Next year, additional preventive care benefits will be available to those who receive Medicare. One such benefit will be a free screening for those at risk for diabetes to help diagnose diabetes early and get the proper care to control diabetes and live a healthy life. Also, in 2006 new and more comprehensive help will be available to help Medicare recipients purchase their medicines.

For more information about healthy aging and safe medicine use visit the Administration on Aging at:

• We extend our best wishes for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. We look forward to working with you to support the efforts of Hispanic communities across the country to build a healthier future

Sincerely,

Josefina G. Carbonell
Assistant Secretary for Aging
Administration on Aging

Lester M. Crawford, DVM, PhD
Acting Commissioner President and CEO
Food and Drug Administration

Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS
National Alliance for Hispanic Health

---

• Aging News Archive (2004: Jan - July, 2003, 2002)

Disclaimer: References from this web page or from any of the information services sponsored by AoA to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Administration on Aging or any of its employees. AoA is not responsible for the contents of any "off-site" web pages referenced from this server. Although our page includes links to sites including or referencing good collections of information, AoA does not endorse ANY specific products or services provided by public or private organizations. By using this site, the user takes full responsibility for any use of these links.