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MCOA News
MCOA 116 Pleasant Street, Room 306, Easthampton MA 01027 tel: 413.527.6425 email: [email protected]
Notes from the Executive Director: Late August 2012
Please Circulate to Your Staff & Board
Point them to www.mcoaonline.com
News You Should Know Right Now: Fall Conference Deadlines
Hotel to Get Guaranteed Discount Rate: September 3rd
Conference Registration: September 14th
Go online for more information: www.mcoaonline.com
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Conference Highlights: At Wednesday’s Plenary, Margaret Morgenroth Gullette, author of Agewise: Fighting the
New Ageism in America, will be our keynote speaker, with EOEA Secretary Ann Hartstein bringing greetings from the
Administration.
At Thursday’s Plenary, Consumer Affairs Undersecretary Barbara Anthony has been invited to greet attendees,
followed by Thursday’s Keynote Speaker, James Firman EdD, President and CEO of the National Council on
Aging (NCOA).
The Workshop Committee reviewed over 125 proposals and generated ideas to recommend this years selection of
workshops including presentations on Alzheimer’s Disease; Employment Practices; Computer technology; Medicare
and Veterans benefits; on aging and mental health issues; Volunteerism and Civic Engagement; Fall Prevention and
Wellness; Senior Center Construction; Nutrition; Transportation; Reaching out to Underserved Populations and those
older adults with challenges. We will have tracks for new directors and board members, for Outreach, Activities, and
Wellness Coordinators, and on professional development. We also have over 70 vendors ready to display their products.
MCOA 2012 Annual Conference at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel — It’s All About the Beach !
Join us on Wednesday, October 3rd at 6pm for an ‘Elegant Evening by the Sea’ – Dinner, entertainment and cash
bar. Sundresses and Hawaiian shirts please! And also on... Thursday, October 4th at 6pm please help us welcome
new Directors and say farewell to retiring Directors at a Casual Beach Party! Heavy hors d’oeuvres,
entertainment and cash bar. Flip flops and beach attire recommended. Come and network and have some fun!!!
And Finally: Imagine a late (late) Summer day, opening your curtains and looking at the Atlantic Ocean. Then going for
a stroll along the beach between workshop sessions – that is what the Sea Crest Beach Hotel is known for. You will have
plenty of time to relax, connect with colleagues, and learn from a variety of talented speakers. REGISTER TODAY!
The MCOA Fall Conference is co-sponsored by Elder Affairs and is an allowable cost under the Formula Grant.
Watch our website for updates on these sessions, as well as additions or changes to the conference schedule.
Go to www.mcoaonline.com for the latest…
Enclosed in This Mailing:
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With the upcoming election and ballot initiatives, MCOA reminds municipal employees of their
rights and limitations regarding campaigning for candidates and referendums
Update on the New Health Care Access Law
Medicare Update: Halloween comes early as scare tactics once again become campaign tools
Thank You Campaign: Have You ever Done Something Nice and Got a Thank You Note?
—How did that make you feel?— Now it is your turn to thank the legislature for restoring the
$7/elder/YEAR Formula Grant.
News You Should Use, Job Opportunities, Member Requests, Transitions, and UpComing Events
Hotel Reservation form for the Sea Crest Resort October 3-5, 2012
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QUESTION 2: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition
Prescribing Medication to End Life
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of
Representatives on or before May 1, 2012?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would allow a physician licensed in Massachusetts to prescribe medication, at a terminally ill
patient's request, to end that patient's life. To qualify, a patient would have to be an adult resident who (1) is
medically determined to be mentally capable of making and communicating health care decisions; (2) has been
diagnosed by attending and consulting physicians as having an incurable, irreversible disease that will, within
reasonable medical judgment, cause death within six months; and (3) voluntarily expresses a wish to die and has
made an informed decision. The proposed law states that the patient would ingest the medicine in order to
cause death in a humane and dignified manner.
The proposed law would require the patient, directly or through a person familiar with the patient's manner of
communicating, to orally communicate to a physician on two occasions, 15 days apart, the patient's request for
the medication. At the time of the second request, the physician would have to offer the patient an opportunity
to rescind the request. The patient would also have to sign a standard form, in the presence of two witnesses,
one of whom is not a relative, a beneficiary of the patient's estate, or an owner, operator, or employee of a
health care facility where the patient receives treatment or lives.
The proposed law would require the attending physician to: (1) determine if the patient is qualified; (2) inform
the patient of his or her medical diagnosis and prognosis, the potential risks and probable result of ingesting the
medication, and the feasible alternatives, including comfort care, hospice care and pain control; (3) refer the
patient to a consulting physician for a diagnosis and prognosis regarding the patient's disease, and confirmation
in writing that the patient is capable, acting voluntarily, and making an informed decision; (4) refer the patient
for psychiatric or psychological consultation if the physician believes the patient may have a disorder causing
impaired judgment; (5) recommend that the patient notify next of kin of the patient's intention; (6) recommend
that the patient have another person present when the patient ingests the medicine and to not take it in a public
place; (7) inform the patient that he or she may rescind the request at any time; (8) write the prescription when
the requirements of the law are met, including verifying that the patient is making an informed decision; and (9)
arrange for the medicine to be dispensed directly to the patient, or the patient's agent, but not by mail or courier.
The proposed law would make it punishable by imprisonment and/or fines, for anyone to (1) coerce a patient to
request medication, (2) forge a request, or (3) conceal a rescission of a request. The proposed law would not
authorize ending a patient's life by lethal injection, active euthanasia, or mercy killing. The death certificate
would list the underlying terminal disease as the cause of death.
Participation under the proposed law would be voluntary. An unwilling health care provider could prohibit or
sanction another health care provider for participating while on the premises of, or while acting as an employee
of or contractor for, the unwilling provider.
The proposed law states that no person would be civilly or criminally liable or subject to professional discipline
for actions that comply with the law, including actions taken in good faith that substantially comply. It also
states that it should not be interpreted to lower the applicable standard of care for any health care provider.
A person's decision to make or rescind a request could not be restricted by will or contract made on or after
January 1, 2013, and could not be considered in issuing, or setting the rates for, insurance policies or annuities.
Also, the proposed law would require the attending physician to report each case in which life-ending
medication is dispensed to the state Department of Public Health. The Department would provide public access
to statistical data compiled from the reports.
The proposed law states that if any of its parts was held invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law allowing a physician licensed in Massachusetts to prescribe
medication, at the request of a terminally-ill patient meeting certain conditions, to end that person's life.
A NO VOTE would make no change in existing laws.
William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Additional Information about What is Allowable in Public Buildings and for Public
Employees to do can be found at the Office of Campaign and Political Finance
http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/ click Publications scroll down
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Public Employees and Public Resources:
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Public Employees, Public Resources and Political Activity
This guide is intended to answer questions concerning political and fundraising activity by government
workers.
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A brief fact sheet summarizing this guide is also available.
Local Officials and Ballot Questions:
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Public Resources and Ballot Questions
This is an overview of the limitations on the use of publicly-funded resources to influence voters in
Proposition 2½ override and debt exclusion elections.
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Local Election Officials
This guide is designed to introduce city and town clerks and local election officials to the provisions of
the campaign finance law.
One Point of view: Note MCOA will circulate contact information of any
responsible party on the other side of this debate
Against Question 2: We invite you to our campaign website to learn more. The website address is:
www.StopAssistedSuicide.org We want to ensure that all residents across the state are aware it will be on the
ballot and understand why they should vote no. Anyone interested in scheduling a speaker to come to their
location and present an education forum on physician-assisted suicide can contact Melanie Hebert at
[email protected] or 617-391-9633.
MCOA Legislative Update: MA Prescription Reform Project
A new Announcement has been posted on the Massachusetts Prescription Reform Project.
To view the Announcement, use the link below:
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New Announcement Details
Name: End of Legislative Session Updates & Gift Ban Regulations
Date: Aug 01, 2012 12:30 pm EDT
Description:
Dear MPRC,
Happy end of the formal legislative session! The House and Senate finished their formal 2011-2012
legislative session late last night. I’m happy to report that H. 1507, the bill to further weaken the gift
ban, which had some unexpected movement over the past few weeks, did not go to the House floor for a
vote. While the academic detailing bill, H. 3367, also did not pass, at least the program was funded
through the FY13 budget.
The next immediate steps are weighing as the Department of Public Health promulgates regulations to
implement the changes to the gift ban law. We have requested a meeting with DPH, as well as
information on the timeline and process for developing the regulations, including a request for a public
hearing. I will be reaching out to coalition members individually over the coming week to determine if
MPRC would like to weigh in as a coalition, or via individual organizations or a subgroup of the
coalition. I am also in the process of drafting a memo to DPH with initial recommendations, which I will
send around for feedback.
I would like to schedule an in-person meeting for early September for the coalition to determine priority
issues for the upcoming year. Stay tuned for details on the date and time of the meeting.
Finally, I wanted to share a recent article from Forbes on the roll-back of the MA gift ban, written by the
former president of Pfizer R&D/senior partner at PureTech Ventures.
Pharma Should Entice Massachusetts Doctors With Science Not Food
http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnlamattina/2012/07/25/pharma-should-entice-massachusetts-doctorswith-science-not-food/
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
Alyssa
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Project: Massachusetts Prescription Reform Project
Posted By: Alyssa Vangeli
MCOA Legislative Update: New Health Care Access Law
SIX YEARS AFTER HEALTH CARE ACCESS LAW,
PATRICK INKS BILL TACKLING RISING COSTS
By Matt Murphy, Michael Norton, and Colleen Quinn STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, AUG. 6, 2012….Gov. Deval Patrick signed a sweeping health care reform law on Monday that seeks to build on
the state’s near universal access to insurance by reining in costs and improving the quality and transparency of care.
As it did for former Gov. Mitt Romney, the bill holds the potential, for better or worse, to become a defining accomplishment for both Patrick
and the House and Senate leaders who crafted the legislation. However, like the 2006 universal access law, it could be years before its
changes are fully implemented and its impacts known.
While the law’s critics say it represents a thicket of government regulation and mandates, its supporters say its focus on the health of patients,
new care delivery and payment models, and cost control will yield major financial savings.
“Today we become the first to crack the code on cost,” Patrick told a jubilant crowd who gathered in Nurses Hall to see the governor sign the
bill on a lit podium in Nurses Hall.
Patrick was joined by House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Health Care Financing Committee Chairman Rep.
Steven Walsh and Rep. Ronald Mariano, Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby and Administration and Finance
Secretary Jay Gonzalez. The bill overwhelmingly cleared the Legislature last week with bipartisan Senate support, but many House
Republicans voting against it.
The audience, mostly industry stakeholders and government aides, gave the governor and legislative leaders a standing ovation as they
walked down the stairs from Patrick’s office, hollering and whistling as advocates and staff lined the staircases and balcony overlooking the
ceremony.
Among those attending the sign ceremony were Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer, Massachusetts Association
of Health Plans President Lora Pellegrini, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce President Paul Guzzi, Retailers Association of
Massachusetts President Jon Hurst and Massachusetts Biotechnology Council President Robert Coughlin.
No senators joined the governor at the bill-signing ceremony. Sen. Richard Moore, who led the Senate negotiating team that worked with
Walsh to develop the final bill, was unable to attend because he is attending the National Conference of State Legislatures summit this week
in Chicago. An aide to Senate President Therese Murray said she didn't want to attend the ceremony without Moore, and also planned to
leave later Monday for the conference.
“The bill I’m about to sign makes the link many have long recognized between better health and lower cost. We need a real health system in
place of the sick care system that we have today,” Patrick said.
More than six years after Romney signed the health care access law at Faneuil Hall, the cost-control legislation signed by Patrick has been
billed as the long-awaited follow-up that supporters say will save $200 billion over 15 years by bringing cost escalation in health care more in
line with economic growth.
The bill also prioritizes transparency of pricing and quality of services for patients, and encourages state health agencies and the private
marketplace to move toward new care delivery and payment systems that financially reward illness prevention and coordinated care.
“We are ushering in the end of the fee-for-service care system in Massachusetts in favor of better care at lower cost,” Patrick said.
DeLeo credited Patrick’s leadership for pushing the Legislature to tackle health care costs, noting that the governor made it a priority in his
annual state address in January 2011 and “never let us lose sight of this important priority.”
DeLeo also praised Walsh for having the “energy” and “intellectual curiosity” to tackle the issue, and Mariano for being the “Michael
Phelps” of health care, helping to negotiate the 2006, 2010 and 2012 reform laws.
Joking at how the House and Senate pushed negotiations to the limit of formal sessions which ended last Tuesday, Patrick said he had done
“a little nail biting” at the end, but also credited DeLeo, Murray and stakeholders throughout the health care system for never backing away
from the negotiating table. The late-arriving accord landed in a receptive Legislature, where lawmakers okayed the expansive bill only hours
after it was filed.
Coakley said she thought the bill included important review mechanisms to identify pricing disparities between providers for similar services,
which her office has frequently pointed to as a driver of high health care costs.
“I think this bill strikes the right balance of giving the market room to grow and function. The market knows where it needs to grow, and we,
I think, have enough oversight to make sure it’s going where it should,” Coakley said.
WHAT IT DOES
Though Monday’s ceremony was largely about paying tribute to those who worked on the bill and shaped its final outcome, the 349- page
bill contains the blueprint for a dramatic overhaul of the state’s health care industry, which continues to be a both a dominant
drain on wallets and source of employment in the Massachusetts.
MCOA Legislative Update: New Health Care Access Law, continued
“I won’t get into any of the specifics because we’ve talked about that for a long time and it really doesn’t much matter five minutes from now
because it’s going to be signed into law, and then you go figure it out for yourself,” joked Walsh, prompting laughter from the audience.
The bill, however, makes Massachusetts the first state in the nation to try to curb rising health care costs by setting a limit for growth,
proposing to hold growth to the rate of the economy through 2017 – set at 3.6 percent in 2013 – and dipping to half a percentage point below
the growth of the economy for the next five years.
A bureaucracy that includes two new state agencies – the Health Policy Commission and the Center for Health Information Analysis – will
replace existing entities to oversee the transition and enforce cost benchmarks.
According to the Patrick administration, this effort is expected to help trim $200 billion in health care costs from the system over the next 15
years, and result in the average worker taking home an additional $10,000 over that span in their paychecks. The average family will see
$40,000 in savings over 15 years, according to officials.
State agencies like MassHealth, the Group Insurance Commission and the Health Connector will be required to use global and other
alternative payments systems to achieve savings, while the private sector would be encouraged to form coordinated care organizations
focused on illness prevention and primary care.
State agencies will also be directed to partner for the bulk purchase of prescription drugs, and a planning council will be tasked with
reviewing ways to increase the use of health savings accounts.
The bill would assess a one-time $225 million fee on hospitals and insurers, with $165 million coming from health plans, and the remaining
$60 million assessed through a formula to Partners HealthCare, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children's Hospital.
The bulk of the money, or $135 million, would go toward a fund to help distressed community hospitals, while $60 million would be
deposited in a wellness and prevention trust fund for program grants at the community level, and the remaining $30 million would go toward
the eHealth Institute to aid the transition to electronic medical records.
In addition to the measures intended to limit the impact on pricing of market power and medical malpractice, Walsh said patients will be
empowered with better choices about their care through the use of required toll-free hotlines and websites that will disclose price information.
“There are some of the strongest consumer education and patient protection pieces in this bill that have ever been written into law,” Walsh
said. “Patients will now be able to know the cost, quality and risk of anything that’s being done to them in one of our great hospitals, one of
our great clinics, one of our great health centers, or one of our great doctor’s offices.”
The bill builds on a 2010 law establishing limited and tiered networks as a way of controlling cost growth and addressing market power and
price disparities among providers by increasing the minimum premium savings from 12 percent to 14 percent cheaper than those with a full
network. It also introduces “smart tiering" that will allow health plans to tier based on service rather than facility.
Finally, the bill bans mandatory overtime for nurses in hospitals unless patient safety or an emergency requires it, and updates the 2006
access law that penalized businesses with 11 or more employees for not offering health care.
“Forcing nurses to work when they are exhausted endangers patients and leads to costly, preventable medical errors and complications. The
practice of mandatory overtime is indefensible by any patient safety standard, and yet hospitals continue to increase their use of this practice.
This legislation will put an end to that,” said Donna Kelly-Williams, president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association.
Under the new bill, the threshold for so-called “fair share assessments” would be increased to 21 full-time equivalent employees, and
employees who have qualifying health insurance coverage from a spouse, parent, veteran’s plan, Medicare, or a disability or retirement plan
will not be counted against an employer’s total.
NOT EVERYONE HAPPY
While the state's new health care law easily won approval in the House and Senate last week with overwhelming and bipartisan support, it did
encounter some opposition from lawmakers who told the News Service they have problems with the substance of the bill and the speed with
which it was approved.
The Senate unanimously passed the bill, while the House voted 132-20 in favor, with only one Democrat – Rep. James Miceli – opposed.
Rep. Bradford Hill, an Ipswich Republican, said he was uncomfortable voting for a 349-page bill he did not have time to read, without
completely understanding all the details and ramifications.
“With everything going on that very last day, with what we were dealing with, you know obviously, I didn’t think it was right just to vote for
a bill for the sake of voting for a bill,” Hill said, referring to the spasm of legislative activity last Tuesday, the last day of formal sessions this
year.
Rep. Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk) said he felt it was “irresponsible” to vote on the bill, unveiled Monday night and voted upon on Tuesday,
without studying it first. “Remember when Nancy Pelosi said you have to vote on it to see what’s in it?” he said. “Legislators were being
told to vote on something on faith that was so important.”
Josh Archambault, the director of health care policy at the Pioneer Institute, described the bill on Monday as “little understood and brimming
with unintended consequences.”
MCOA Legislative Update: New Health Care Access Law, continued
He noted in a graphic distributed Monday that in 2006 it took the Legislature 362 days from the time the universal access law was introduced
to the 86-page bill’s signing by Gov. Romney. Though Patrick first proposed a similar concept in January 2011, from the first look at the
Senate’s cost containment bill in April until last Tuesday, it took 88 days to enact a 349-page bill. “The law being signed today reimagines and repackages so many failed top-down approaches from the past. The acronyms may have changed, but this bill looks a lot
like past approaches that trusted government, not patients, to drive big, systematic changes in how we purchase healthcare,” Archambault
wrote.
Another critic of the bill, Rep. Steven Levy, tweeted after the House vote: “Only thing concrete in it is more bureaucracy & fees.” Levy told
the News Service Thursday he voted against the bill because he does not believe it will actually control costs by dictating to providers and
insurers to cap their growth rate at gross state product.
While health care costs have been growing on average in recent years at 6.8 percent, gross state product has averaged closer to 3.6 percent.
The cost of health care for Massachusetts residents is roughly 15 percent higher per person then elsewhere in the country, accounting for
more than 40 percent of annual state spending.
Levy called it “random” to use the gross state product as the target number. “We are mandating this lower cost and we are going to call that
savings, without giving any specifics on how to achieve that. It is wishful thinking,” Levy said.
Archambault also warned of the impact the $225 million assessment on plans and providers would have on patients. “Make no mistake about
it, these costs will be passed onto consumers,” he said.
Winslow voted in favor of the House version of the health care bill but against the final bill. He said he objects to creating a “massive” state
bureaucracy to oversee a major sector of the state’s private sector economy.
One-sixth of the state’s economy is tied to the health care industry, he said. “We are going to create a massive state bureaucracy to oversee a
private industry. If you like the post office, you are going to love this new health care bureaucracy,” Winslow said.
Winslow said he also opposed the bill because it did not include a provision he pushed for to license telemedicine, which allows doctors to
appear by video conferencing. Not including telemedicine in the final bill was a “big negative for me,” he said.
Other House members who voted against the bill did not return phone calls seeking comment. The bill attracted the votes of House and
Senate Minority Leaders Brad Jones and Bruce Tarr, who served as one of six conferees.
-END- 08/06/2012 Serving the working press since 1910 http://www.statehousenews.com
MCOA Legislative Update: Federal Partnership
STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS – AFTERNOON EDITION – AUG. 23, 2012
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
MASSACHUSETTS PARTNERS WITH CMS ON COORDINATED CARE PILOT
Massachusetts has partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to become the first state to help test a new
model for delivery of more coordinated care to patients dual eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. U.S. Health and
Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Gov. Deval Patrick's administration announced the state’s participation
in the Financial Alignment Demonstration on Thursday that calls for Massachusetts and CMS to contract with integrated
care organizations (ICOs)to oversee the delivery of Medicare, Medicaid and expanded services for participating enrollees
aged 21-64. The program is scheduled to launch on April 1, 2013, and Massachusetts through the program will offer
expanded services such as additional dental care, vision, and durable medical equipment benefits to patients participating
in the demonstration. “The care needs and high costs for people who rely on Medicare and Medicaid have been
discussed for many years,” Sebelius said in a statement. “Today’s announcement is an important step in advancing
federal-state partnerships that will provide better care at lower costs for people who rely on both Medicare and Medicaid.”
Under the pilot program, Medicare and Medicaid enrollees will also have access to new community based treatment
options and behavioral health services for those with mental health and substance abuse disorders. About 110,000
Medicare-Medicaid enrollees in Massachusetts will have an opportunity to participate in the program, according the
federal government and the Patrick administration. In June, the state began soliciting requests from eligible ICOs to
partner with Massachusetts for the demonstration program, and patients are expected to be able to begin enrolling by
January after the plans are selected. "It is a credit to this Administration for once again being a leader in ensuring that our
citizens with specialized needs have access to the best possible care,” Rep. Steven Walsh, co-chairman of the Joint
Committee on Health Care Financing and one of the architects the state's new health care cost containment law. “This
initiative will not only improve services for those enrolled in both MassHealth and Medicare, but will lower their health care
costs through the coordination of these plans." – M. Murphy/SHNS
MCOA Legislative Update: The Medicare Debate
[email protected]
CMA Alert
PRINT OR SHARE THIS ALERT
Info by Topic Articles & Alerts Litigation Take Action Donate Newsroom About
The Truth About Medicare and the Affordable Care Act
As pundits and politicians continue to discuss the deficit, misinformation and
confusion about Medicare abound. Fiction seems to flourish more than fact.
Particularly since the passage of the Affordable care Act, we are hearing a lot
of misinformation about the law and its impact on Medicare. As these new
Myths make news—and old Myths make news again, the Center will respond
with facts and information
The Myth
The Truth
Here's Why
The Affordable
The Affordable The Affordable Care Act[1] achieves
Care Act cuts Care Act does NOT savings in the Medicare program through
$500 Billion from cut Medicare for a series of payment reforms, service
Medicare.
delivery innovations, and increased
beneficiaries.
efforts to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse.
The actual projected reduction in
Medicare spending is largely a result of
reducing overpayments to private
Medicare plans that have been paid more
than traditional Medicare.
[1] The health care reform law: Pub.L.111-148,
the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act
of 2010 (PPACA), on March 23, 2010, and Pub.
L. 111-152, the Health Care and Education
Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HCERA), on March
30, 2010.
The Affordable
The Affordable
Care Act does not Care Act actually
address
extends the life of
Medicare's future the Medicare trust
problems
fund by about a
decade.
The Affordable
The Affordable
Care Act is a
Care Act is not a
“government
government
takeover” of
takeover. In fact,
health care.
ACA will help
people buy private
insurance.
Saving on wasteful overpayments now
means there will more future funds for
legitimate coverage.
See: CBO March 20, 2010; Joint Committee on
Taxation Revenue Estimates, JCX-17-10 (March
20, 2010).
ACA allows individual states to set up
“exchanges,” or marketplaces, where
private insurance companies will compete
to offer affordable health coverage for
those who do not have and cannot afford
it currently. People who have insurance
can keep their plans, but will have more
consumer protections as a result of ACA
– including a ban on being dropped due to
pre-existing conditions.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-ometer/article/2010/dec/16/lie-year-governmenttakeover-health-care/
The Affordable
The Affordable The Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
Care Act will bust Care Act lowers has estimated that ACA will actually
the budget and our nation’s deficit. reduce the deficit by over $130 billion in
add to our
the next decade through a series of
nation’s deficit.
payment and quality reforms. CBO also
reported that repealing ACA would
increase the deficit.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012
/04/09/official-sources-agree-affordable-care-actreduces-deficit
Medicare benefits The Affordable
will be cut along Care Act improves
with payments to
benefits in
Medicare doctors.
Medicare.
ACA outlines new benefits and
improvements to the Medicare program,
including eliminating the Donut Hole
coverage gap for prescription drugs,
adding an annual Wellness visit, and
increasing free preventive services for
beneficiaries.
http://www.healthcare.gov
/news/factsheets/2011/08/seniors.html
The Affordable
The Independent Payment Advisory
There are no
Care Act will
“death panels” in Board (IPAB) is prohibited under the law
create “death
the Affordable from restricting Medicare benefits,
panels” to make
Care Act. The modifying eligibility, or increasing
life-and-death payment board set Medicare beneficiary premiums and costdecisions,
up by ACA cannot sharing, including deductibles,
encourage
cut benefits or coinsurance, and co-payments.
euthanasia, and make health care http://housedocs.house.gov
/energycommerce/ppacacon.pdf
ration care.
decisions for
beneficiaries.
The Affordable Americans will not The law protects the ability of families
Care Act will be required to drop and employers to keep their current health
force millions to
plans. In fact, most of the 133 million
their current
be dropped from
Americans with health coverage through
insurance.
their health
large employers will maintain their
insurance
coverage. However, they, and all people
with health insurance, WILL be included
in ACA's consumer protections.
http://www.healthreform.gov/
newsroom/keeping_the_health_
plan_you_have.html
Monthly
The Affordable
Medicare Part B Care Act did NOT
premiums are set
change the
to jump to $247 calculation of the
in 2014 under the Part B premium at
Affordable Care
all.
Act.
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997
permanently set standard Part B
premiums to cover 25% of projected per
capita Part B program costs for
beneficiaries aged 65 and older. If
projected Part B costs increase or
decrease, the premium rises or falls.
ACA didn’t change this.
There is no way to predict the premium
for future years, as they are based around
total costs and are tied to the cost-ofliving. The Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS) announces the
Part B premiums for the next year at the
end of the prior year.
Monthly Medicare Part B premiums may
increase, may stay the same, or may even
decrease, depending on formulas IN
PLACE BEFORE ACA.
http://www.factcheck.org/2011/04
/premium-nonsense-on-medicare/
The Affordable
The Affordable ACA requires the Secretary of Health and
Care Act will Care Act expressly Human Services (HHS) to establish a
force Americans
program that will determine whether
bars
to pay for free
undocumented individuals are lawfully present in the
healthcare to
immigrants from United States if they apply for coverage in
undocumented
accessing health the exchanges, or for subsidies to help pay
immigrants
for insurance.
coverage or
http://www.ciab.com/WorkArea/
assistance.
DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2189
Stay in touch, be informed!
Subscribe to our blog, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Medicare as we know it is under attack and in jeopardy.
Support the Center for Medicare Advocacy and our work to preserve a full and
fair Medicare program for today - and tomorrow.
Matthew E. Shepard
Communications Coordinator
Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc.
PO Box 350
Willimantic, CT 06226
[email protected]
(860) 456-7790 (860) 456-2614 (fax)
www.medicareadvocacy.org
.
Copyright © The Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. www.medicareadvocacy.org
MCOA Legislative Update: The Medicare Debate, Continued
From: Paulson, Diane [mailto:[email protected]] MA Medicare Project
August 18, 2012
NY Times Editorial
Truth and Lies About Medicare
Republican attacks on President Obama’s plans for Medicare are growing more heated and inaccurate by the
day. Both Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan made statements last week implying that the Affordable Care Act would
eviscerate Medicare when in fact the law should shore up the program’s finances.
Both men have also twisted themselves into knots to distance themselves from previous positions, so that voters
can no longer believe anything they say. Last week, both insisted that they would save Medicare by pumping a
huge amount of money into the program, a bizarre turnaround for supposed fiscal conservatives out to rein in
federal spending.
The likelihood that they would stand by that irresponsible pledge after the election is close to zero. And the
likelihood that they would be better able than Democrats to preserve Medicare for the future (through a risky
voucher system that may not work well for many beneficiaries) is not much better. THE ALLEGED “RAID
ON MEDICARE” A Republican attack ad says that the reform law has “cut” $716 billion from Medicare, with
the money used to expand coverage to lowincome people who are currently uninsured. “So now the money you paid for your guaranteed health care is
going to a massive new government program that’s not for you,” the ad warns.
What the Republicans fail to say is that the budget resolutions crafted by Paul Ryan and approved by the
Republican-controlled House retained virtually the same cut in Medicare.
In reality, the $716 billion is not a “cut” in benefits but rather the savings in costs that the Congressional Budget
Office projects over the next decade from wholly reasonable provisions in the reform law.
One big chunk of money will be saved by reducing unjustifiably high subsidies to private Medicare Advantage
plans that enroll many beneficiaries at a higher average cost than traditional Medicare. Another will come from
reducing the annual increases in federal reimbursements to health care providers — like hospitals, nursing
homes and home health agencies — to force the notoriously inefficient system to find ways to improve
productivity.
And a further chunk will come from fees or taxes imposed on drug makers, device makers and insurers — fees
that they can surely afford since expanded coverage for the uninsured will increase their markets and their
revenues.
NO HARM TO SENIORS The Republicans imply that the $716 billion in cuts will harm older Americans, but
almost none of the savings come from reducing the benefits available for people already on Medicare. But if
Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan were able to repeal the reform law, as they have pledged to do, that would drive up
costs for many seniors — namely those with high prescription drug costs, who are already receiving subsidies
under the reform law, and those who are receiving preventive services, like colonoscopies, mammograms and
immunizations, with no cost sharing.
Mr. Romney argued on Friday that the $716 billion in cuts will harm beneficiaries because those who get
discounts or extra benefits in the heavily subsidized Medicare Advantage plans will lose them and because
reduced payments to hospitals and other providers could cause some providers to stop accepting Medicare
patients.
MCOA Legislative Update: The Medicare Debate, Continued
If he thinks that will be a major problem, Mr. Romney should leave the reform law in place: it has many
provisions designed to make the delivery of health care more efficient and cheaper, so that hospitals and others
will be better able to survive on smaller payments.
NO BANKRUPTCY LOOMING The Republicans also argue that the reform law will weaken Medicare and
that by preventing the cuts and ultimately turning to vouchers they will enhance the program’s solvency. But
Medicare is not in danger of going “bankrupt”; the issue is whether the trust fund that pays hospital bills will
run out of money in 2024, as now projected, and require the program to live on the annual payroll tax revenues
it receives.
The Affordable Care Act helped push back the insolvency date by eight years, so repealing the act would
actually bring the trust fund closer to insolvency, perhaps in 2016.
DEFICIT REDUCTION Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan said last week that they would restore the entire $716
billion in cuts by repealing the law. The Congressional Budget Office concluded that repealing the law would
raise the deficit by $109 billion over 10 years.
The Republicans gave no clue about how they would pay for restoring the Medicare cuts without increasing the
deficit. It is hard to believe that, if faced with the necessity of fashioning a realistic budget, keeping Medicare
spending high would be a top priority with a Romney-Ryan administration that also wants to spend very large
sums on the military and on tax cuts for wealthy Americans.
Regardless of who wins the election, Medicare spending has to be reined in lest it squeeze out other priorities,
like education. It is utterly irresponsible for the Republicans to promise not to trim Medicare spending in their
desperate bid for votes.
THE DANGER IN MEDICARE VOUCHERS The reform law would help working-age people on modest
incomes buy private policies with government subsidies on new insurance exchanges, starting in 2014. Federal
oversight will ensure a reasonably comprehensive benefit package, and competition among the insurers could
help keep costs down.
But it is one thing to provide these “premium support” subsidies for uninsured people who cannot get affordable
coverage in the costly, dysfunctional markets that serve individuals and their families. It is quite another thing
to use a similar strategy for older Americans who have generous coverage through Medicare and who might
well end up worse off if their vouchers failed to keep pace with the cost of decent coverage.
Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan would allow beneficiaries to use vouchers to buy a version of traditional Medicare
instead of a private plan, but it seems likely that the Medicare plan would attract the sickest patients, driving up
Medicare premiums so that they would be unaffordable for many who wanted traditional coverage. Before
disrupting the current Medicare program, it would be wise to see how well premium support worked in the new
exchanges.
THE CHOICE This will be an election about big problems, and it will provide a clear choice between
contrasting approaches to solve them. In the Medicare arena, the choice is between a Democratic approach that
wants to retain Medicare as a guaranteed set of benefits with the government paying its share of the costs even
if costs rise, and a Republican approach that wants to limit the government’s spending to a defined level, relying
on untested market forces to drive down insurance costs.
The reform law is starting pilot programs to test ways to reduce Medicare costs without cutting benefits. Many
health care experts have identified additional ways to shave hundreds of billions of dollars from projected
spending over the next decade without harming beneficiaries.
It is much less likely that the Republicans, who have long wanted to privatize Medicare, can achieve these
goals.
MCOA Legislative Alert: The Thank You CampaignWhy Haven’t Some / Many of You Done This?
House and Senate Leadership: Conference Committee Results
Allot went on behind the scenes this year and I want to personally thank House Speaker Robert
DeLeo, Senate President Therese Murray, HWN Chair Brian Dempsey, SWM Chair Stephen
Brewer, House Minority Leader Brad Jones and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of the
Conference Committee Members; Steve Kulik, Vin deMacedo, Jennifer Flanagan and
Michael Knapik. These ten were each instrumental in COAs receiving an increase in Line
Item #9110-9002 and should also be singled out with a letter of gratitude.
House Members
Title
Name
Room
Email
Speaker of the Massachusetts
House of Representatives
DeLeo, Robert
(Robert A. DeLeo)
356
[email protected]
Representative
deMacedo, Viriato
(Viriato Manuel deMacedo)
124
[email protected]
Chairman of the House
Ways and Means Committee
Dempsey, Brian
(Brian S. Dempsey)
243
[email protected]
Minority Leader
Jones, Bradley
(Bradley H. Jones Jr)
124
[email protected]
Vice Chairman of the House
Ways and Means Committee
Kulik, Stephen
(Stephen Kulik)
238
[email protected]
Senate Members
Title
Name
Room Email
Chairman of the Senate
Ways and Means
Brewer, Stephen
(Stephen M. Brewer)
212
[email protected]
Vice Chairwoman of the
Senate Ways and Means
Flanagan, Jennifer
(Jennifer L. Flanagan)
410
[email protected]
Senator
Knapik, Michael
(Michael R. Knapik)
419
[email protected]
President of the
Massachusetts Senate
Murray, Therese
(Therese Murray)
332
[email protected]
Minority Leader
Tarr, Bruce
(Bruce E. Tarr)
308
[email protected]
MCOA Legislative Alert: Honor Roll & the Thank You Campaign
All Representatives and Senators should be thanked because the COA Floor
Amendments passed unanimously in both chambers.
•
In addition, the members of the legislature listed below have been singled out for our Honor Roll
because they were willing to publicly support our floor amendments as Co-Sponsors prior to a
formal vote. Public Support indicates we are a priority and these legislators helped build
momentum for our floor amendments. They deserve extra praise.
House Honor Roll FY13: 91 Representatives:
Contact Info at http://www.malegislature.gov/People/House
Thank ALL House
Members, often, over
the next few monthsespecially these 91
MCOA Legislative Alert: Senate Honor Roll FY13: 22 Senators
23 Senators supported #477 or #516 -identical Amendments to the SWM FY13 Proposal:
Contact Info at http://www.malegislature.gov/People/Senate
James Welch
Pat Jehlen
Bruce Tarr
Brian Joyce
Stan Rosenberg
Mike Knapik
Richard Ross
Susan Fargo
Katherine Clark
John Keenan
Michael Rodrigues
Sal DiDomenico
Karen Spilka
Michael Moore
Richard Moore
Kenneth Donnelly
James Eldridge
Thomas Kennedy
Eileen Donoghue
Sonia Chang-Diaz
Thomas McGee
Cynthia Creem
William Brownsberger
All Senators should be thanked but especially these 23 for their public support!
Ideas for a Thank you Campaign
At various times throughout the year, it is critically important to
publicly thank your legislators and the Governor for their support of
Line Item #9110-9002: Local Aide to Councils on Aging. Suggestions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Conduct a thank you letter writing campaign party at your senior center;
Invite your legislators to your summer picnic or ice cream socials and publicly thank
them;
Add a feature article in your summer/fall newsletter thanking all involved and stating
how the formula grant is spent in your town;
Send a letter to the editor of your local paper thanking and detailing how the grant will be
spent;
During the public comment period of your Selectboard meeting, stand up and speak outpublicly thanking all involved;
If you operate a cable show, ask your legislators to be a guest and talk about the difficult
budget year and then publicly thank them for their efforts;
Produce a ‘big check’ with your Formula Grant amount on it and stage a photo op for the
local newspaper with your legislators. Put the picture in your monthly newsletter
FACEBOOK and other forms of social media are the newest and easiest way to say
thanks- Post a thank you on your website and one on theirs!
If you have a town chat room, make sure you mention your gratitude on it;
Have your board send a thank you note sign by all; and/or Collect signatures on a
petition saying thank-you
Operation Overboard: This was an extraordinary success! We began with the
Governor’s proposal to go from $6.25/elder/Year to $6.42. Along the way the line item
was actually cut to $6.05/elder before it slowly climbed to the $7/elder level; because of
the support we had in both chambers by both parties. Everyone needs to be thanked –
over and over again – PUBLICLY !
Very few line items saw a 14% increase.
MCOA: Things You Should Know
STATE CAPITOL BRIEFS – LUNCH EDITION – TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICEBOSTON RANKS FOURTH BEST FOR
"SUCCESSFUL AGING”
AARP officials on Tuesday saluted a new report ranking Boston as the fourth best
city in the United States for “successful aging.” The Milken Institute report ranked Boston as the best city for residents 80
and older. Institute officials looked at 78 factors that affect the quality of life for senior citizens, including health care,
crime rates, weather, economic conditions, transportation and social engagement. AARP was an advisor for the report.
In a statement, Linda Fitzgerald, state president of AARP Massachusetts, said, “As cities and towns work to create more
age-friendly communities, it’s important to remember, what’s good for seniors – like walkable neighborhoods, access to
transportation, and affordable, appropriate housing choices – is good for all of us.” Provo, Utah topped the institute’s
rankings of large metropolitan markets, followed by Madison, Wisconsin and Omaha, Nebraska. – M. Norton/SHNS
From a Colleague
Considering my advancing age and all the heart related problems many of us have had or are having, I think it
wise for everyone to watch this short interactive video.
It's a "What To Do" should someone in your presence suffers a heart attack:
http://www.heartrescuenow.com/
You may want to share this educational tutorial with those you know too. You could save a life...
New England Pension Assistance Project
I recently joined the New England Pension Assistance Project (NEPAP) as the Development and Community
Education Coordinator and would like to share with you how the MCOA can help its clients with our free
pension counseling service.
The New England Pension Assistance Project handles a variety of issues related to retirement income benefits
from private and public employers, including eligibility and vesting, payment of benefits, overpayments, union
pensions, 401(k) plans, and survivor benefits. NEPAP helps find retirement plans that have been “lost” due to
corporate mergers and bankruptcy, and its pension counselors can help determine if benefits have been
calculated correctly.
Over its 18-year history NEPAP has helped over 6,000 clients and recovered $41 million in retirement income
benefits for the people of New England. Current and former residents who earned their pensions while living in
New England, and anyone whose company has corporate headquarters in New England can utilize our services.
Please post the NEPAP flyer in your office, or if you prefer we can mail brochures for your clients to take.
Please feel free to call or email me for brochures or if you have any questions.
I look forward to assisting you and your clients.
Sincerely,
Betty Pasley Development and Community Education Coordinator
New England Pension Assistance Project
Gerontology Institute University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd Boston, MA 02125
617.287.7319
[email protected]
MCOA: Things You Should Know — FY13 Formula Grant,
Please know that the amount of funding available under the Elder Affairs FY2013 state Formula
Grant/Allocation has been posted and is available on-line at: http://coaadmin.800ageinfo.com/ If you want this
information on letterhead, click on the link (Download 2013 COA Formula Grant Awards & Process Letterhead) you will find when you have opened the “800ageinfo” link. Since funding is based on $7.00/elder
(with a minimum available of $3500), you need complete only “column B” of the Attachment B budget. This,
of course, must be submitted with the “Statement of Authorization” that is due August 10th. If you need an
extension, kindly forward an email to that effect. ELD appreciates your also providing municipal personnel
outlays on page 1 of Attachment B, but you are not legally obliged to do so. Know that this information is
helpful in determining staffing patterns and rates of pay -- information of frequent/considerable interest to the
municipal elder network. Feel free to give Sherri Sore ([email protected]; 617-223-9928) or myself a call
if I/we can be of further assistance.
Emmett H. Schmarsow, Program Manager Councils on Aging and Senior Centers
Executive Office of Elder Affairs 1 Ashburton Place, 5th Fl. Boston, MA 02108
617-222-7471 1-800-698-9723
MCOA: Things You Should Know
Join us on Monday, December 10, 2012, for the third forum on healthy aging, “Healthy Aging in Massachusetts:
Where Do We Go from Here?” at the Newton Marriott Hotel. This forum will look back at what was accomplished
since our first forum and look ahead at what is necessary for continued progress. We will reexamine the vision of
healthy aging, highlight promising initiatives, and discuss next steps in our ongoing healthy aging collaborative. The
forum will feature keynote speaker Dan Buettner, acclaimed author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer
From the People Who've Lived the Longest, and a range of distinguished speakers and senior public officials. There
will also be a poster session to highlight healthy aging activities in the state. Please join us in the ongoing effort to
make Massachusetts a model for healthy aging.
Date:
Time:
Monday, December 10, 2012
8:30 - 9 a.m. - Registration and Poster Session
9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Program
12:15 - 1 p.m. - Poster Session
Location:
Marriott Newton Hotel
2345 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02466
This forum is cosponsored and made possible by Tufts Health Plan Foundation.
The Tufts Health Plan Foundation and Massachusetts Health Policy Forum are planning a third forum on healthy aging, “Healthy
Aging in Massachusetts: Where Do We Go From Here?” on December 10, 2012 at the Marriott Newton Hotel. The forum will
include a poster session to highlight the range of healthy aging activities in the Commonwealth. The session will provide an
opportunity for poster presenters to interact informally with policymakers and individuals interested in healthy aging program, policy,
or research. The purpose of your poster is to: (1) visually stimulate interest in your work; (2) present enough information for viewers
to understand the approach, results and significance of your work; and (3) facilitate conversation and networking among forum
participants.
The poster boards are in a horizontal 3’h x 4’w feet format. Please plan your poster size accordingly. Poster presenters must print
their own poster, mount their poster, and bring the poster to the conference. The forum will provide an easel and/or table space for the
poster.
There will be one poster session scheduled from 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Poster presenters are expected to be present during this time.
Conference attendees will be invited to view posters again following the forum which ends at 12:30 p.m.
Key dates:
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Poster Submission Deadline
Monday, November 5, 2012
Poster Acceptance Notification
Monday, December 10, 2012
Forum
Instructions for submission:
To submit an application to present a poster at this conference, please provide the following contact information and a short
description of your healthy aging initiative, program, policy or innovation. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, October
17, 2012. They should be submitted to Kayla Romanelli via email to [email protected].
Your email should include the following information:
•
•
•
•
•
Presenter’s First and Last Name
Contact phone number
Poster’s Title (program/policy/initiative)
Organization
Description of project and impact or results: (200 words or fewer)
Please describe your program, policy, innovation or research project and how it contributes to the field of healthy
aging. As warranted, please include information on the target population, participation rates, community
engagement, communications, funding, staff/volunteers, implementation success and challenges, and any interaction
with other programs.
Please only include the information above. Additional attachments or information will not be considered. If you have any questions,
please contact Kayla Romanelli at the Tufts Health Plan Foundation at 617-972-9493.
Click here to download the Call For Posters document
MCOA: Things You Should Know: AARP - Debbie Banda
This is one of the things I’ve been working on recently during my interim assignment in DC. I thought you
might be interested. Thanks to some help from Joan Cirillo, we’ve got quite a few Massachusetts employers on
the site. Feel free to distribute to whomever you think might be appropriate.
Hope you’re all having a great summer!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2012
CONTACT: AARP Media Relations
202-434-2560
New Digital Platform from AARP Helps Experienced Workers Find Jobs
Experienced Workers Offered Tailored Online Job Listings, Guidance, and Community
With AARP’s New “Work Reimagined”
Washington, DC - Memo to Experienced Workers:
AARP is offering a unique new way to advance yourself in today’s tight job market with Work Reimagined, a social network based
program that connects employers seeking experienced workers with qualified professionals searching for new or more satisfying
careers. The site (www.workreimagined.org) will leverage the platform of professional networking site, LinkedIn.
AARP President Rob Romasco announced the multi-pronged Work Reimagined online initiative today, outlining some of the key
elements, which include:
• original and curated content with advice and insights relevant to experienced workers in today’s job market, and
• access to current job openings with the nearly 120 employers who have taken the Work Reimagined pledge, publicly
committing to treat all employees equally regardless of age.
“Work Reimagined enables experienced workers to come together in a vibrant online community to share your views and help move
through ‘what’s next’ career moments,” said Romasco. “It opens the way for access to workforce resources, as well as the opportunity
to connect with other experienced workers in a peer-to-peer environment.”
The dynamic nature of Work Reimagined is demonstrated by the decision by dozens of forward-looking employers with at least some
immediate hiring needs to sign a pledge to recruit across a level playing field when considering experienced workers. These firms are
looking for the strong work ethic, maturity, and customer orientation that experienced workers bring to their jobs.
Employers who sign the pledge agree that they have:
• Openness to the value of experienced workers;
• Nondiscriminatory HR policies;
• At least some immediate hiring needs at the time of pledge signing.
With the integration of LinkedIn information, qualified workers are put together in the same space with employers who value those
workers.
“Over the past decade, the digital world has transformed how most people look for a job,” said Romasco. “Today, Work Reimagined
harnesses the power of social media to offer great opportunities for experienced professionals to connect, to access information and
resources, and to leverage their professional network in their pursuit of more fulfilling work and career.”
Work Reimagined also offers job listings independent of LinkedIn, as well as articles, columns, tips and tools to help people navigate
today’s workplace.
“This service is especially valuable in the face of a difficult economy that has found many professionals unemployed for, in many
cases, a year or more,” Romasco added.
Among the employers who have taken the Work Reimagined pledge are Scripps Health, the top finisher last year in AARP’s Best
Employers for Workers Over 50 program; Toys R Us, Inc.; Dollar General; United Health Group; Lowe’s and AT&T.
Work Reimagined is featured in the August-September issue of AARP The Magazine.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that
are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.
We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the
50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio
programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older
persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
MCOA: Things You Should Know:
Aug. 21, 2012
Use our free materials to
spread the word on flu prevention
With the flu season fast approaching, our Flu + You campaign is educating
older adults about the threat of influenza and what they can do to protect
themselves. Use our free toolkit to spread the word—new materials are now
available! Download posters, fact sheets, PSAs, an infographic, and more.
Read more | Download materials |
Order free printed copies for a limited time
8 reasons the presidential candidates
should be talking about long-term care
While health reform has been a central issue in the 2012 presidential election, see if you can
find the candidates’ positions on long-term care. Read our reasons why the candidates
should be talking about this critical issue facing American families.
See the reasons
Protecting the rights of older people
NCOA has endorsed Older People’s Rights – 10 Reasons Why We Need to Act from
HelpAgeUSA. The document encourages the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on
Aging to strengthen legally binding standards for older people and develop a new protection
system.
Read more | Learn what you can do
Coming in October: National Depression Screening Day®
More than 2 million Americans aged 65+ suffer from depression, but 68% know little or nothing about the condition.
Help them find support on National Depression Screening Day® on Oct. 11.
Take an online screening and find an event near you
MCOA: Things You Should Know:
Request for Proposals
2013-2014
AmeriCorps State Grants
The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is pleased to release the 2013-2014 AmeriCorps State Request for Proposals (RFP). The
application is now available on MSA's website: www.mass-service.org. To go directly to the funding page, click here.
Intent to Apply Due: September 6, 2012
Application Due: September 19, 2012
For questions regarding the RFP or AmeriCorps, please contact
Beth McGuinness, MSA's Director of Programs, at 617-542-2544, x217 or [email protected]
Technical Assistance Sessions:
MSA will host optional Technical Assistance (TA) sessions to support interested organizations with the application process.
If you plan to attend one of the below sessions, please click here to register, or contact Shana Lothrop at 617-542-2544 x 214 at least
3 days prior to the desired session.
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
August 29
10:30am - 12:00pm
or 2:00pm - 3:30 pm
Massachusetts Service Alliance
100 N. Washington Street, Boston MA
August 30
10:00am - 11:30am
Worcester Public Library
3 Salem Street, Worcester MA
September 5
11:00am - 12:30pm
Webinar
This is a virtual training event which you can access from your own desk. To connect to the webinar, you will need a computer
with Internet browser and a phone.
All TA Sessions are wheelchair accessible.
Please help us spread the word about this funding opportunity and upcoming technical assistance sessions by forwarding this email and
sharing on your Facebook and Twitter pages.
Thank you, Lindsay Snyder Director of External Relations & Development Massachusetts Service Alliance
MCOA: Things You Should Know: Medicare Open Enrollment
Please place this notice (modify if you need to fit in a column format) in your upcoming newsletter and/or web-site. Thank you
for your consideration! The enrollment period runs from October 15th to December 7th.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact your regional SHINE counselor.
Sincerely, Cindy Phillips SHINE Director Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
One Ashburton Place, 5th floor Boston , MA 02108 617-222-7416 [email protected]
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7
Medicare plans change every year!
This is the time to decide on your coverage for 2013.
SHINE Can Help!
SHINE counselors provide free Medicare counseling.
Call your senior center for a SHINE appointment now!
~ Or ~
You can call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then press or say 3.
Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name and number.
A volunteer will call you back as soon as possible.
~ Or ~
For assistance from a Medicare customer service representative 24 hours/day, 7 days/week,
call 1-800-MEDICARE.
MCOANews You Should Use: from the Medicare Advocacy Project
The Medicare Advocacy Project (MAP) operates from legal aid offices across the Commonwealth, assisting elders and person
with disabilities in obtaining the Medicare and Medicare-related health insurance coverage to which they are entitled. MAP
advocates represent Medicare beneficiaries with individual issues and in groups to address policy issues. (In FY11, MAP
represented 774 Massachusetts elders and people with disabilities).
The Medicare Advocacy Projects wants to hear from you. If you, or someone you know, found out that a hospital
admission was for
• observation, and not inpatient care;
• was charged for services received while in the hospital;
• and/or was denied Medicare coverage for a post-hospital skilled nursing facility stay because there was no
three-day prior inpatient hospital stay,
MAP would like to try to help. MAP would also like to change the law that allows this to happen.
To reach MAP, please call Greater Boston Legal Services at 617-603-1578 ; or
Community Legal Aid at 800-649-3718 in Worcester, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Thanks
for your anticipated assistance in helping us get the word out about this problem and our interest in working on this.
Diane F Paulson, Senior Attorney, Medicare Advocacy Project, Greater Boston Legal Services, 197 Friend Street, Boston MA 02114 /
617-603-1578 / [email protected]
Also the Medicare Advocacy Project is willing to come to your senior center to present on Medicare Part D and answer
questions. Contact Diane Paulson to arrange a visit
MCOA: Things You Should Know:
Medicare Rights Releases New Fact Sheet
Last week, the Medicare Rights Center released a new fact sheet about Medicare’s future and the key role the
program plays in keeping American families financially secure. “Medicare: Strong and Built to Last” intends to
inform the current deficit-reduction and budget debate that has serious implications for the Medicare program.
http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/medicare/index.php
SHINE’s Beacon for August 6th
SHINE Page: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/wellness/SHINE.php
MCOANews You Can Use: ‘Senior Center Highlights’
Send Hard Copies of Your News directly to Milford COA
Ruth Anne Bleakney has volunteered to resume her column that highlights new and unique programs and activities
that are described in your monthly newsletters. Please put Ruth Anne on your mailing lists to receive a hard copy
of your newsletter. If there is something specific that you wish her to highlight – contact her directly.
Milford
COA
Ruth Anne
Bleakney
[email protected]
60 North Bow
Street
Milford MA
01757-3405
Tel:
(508)473-8334
SAVE OUR Senior Centers Task Force:
Fax:
(508)634-2339
Is actively tracking the impact the FY12 and FY13
budgets on senior centers and staffing. Please send updates and your concerns to Ruthann Dobek/Brookline —
[email protected] and Jayne Colino/ Newton — [email protected] We also need a
copy sent to [email protected]
ALWAYS ONLINE @ www.mcoaonline.com
The latest MCOA Monthly Newsletter — May 2012
Discover the MCOA Bulletin Board
http://www.mcoaonline.com/members_only/mcoabb/
(Right-Click on the open Bulletin Board to save as an icon on your Desktop.)
MCOA Briefs: Job Opportunity
EOEA – Registered Nurse III
Executive Office of Health and Human Services — Official Title: Registered Nurse III
Functional Title: Clinical Assessment and Eligibility Nurse Reviewer
Civil Service FT — Salary Range: $54,071.42 to $90,228.06 Annually
Day Shift — Facility Location: One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108
Application Deadline: 5 September 2012 — Posting ID: J32114
https://jobs.hrd.state.ma.us/recruit/public/31100001/job/job_view.do?postingId=J32114&code=search.public&f
ederalStimulus=no&companyId=10
Program Manager, Program for All Inclusive Care to the Elderly Program Manager IV Agency Name:
Executive Office of Health and Human Services Official Title: Program Manager IV Functional Title: Program
Manager, Program for All Inclusive Care to the Elderly Occupational Group: Not Used Position Type: NonCivil Service Full-Time or Part-Time: Full-Time Salary Range: $35,247.68 to $82,779.09 Annually Bargaining
Unit: M99 Shift: Day Confidential: No Number Of Vacancies: 1 City/Town: Boston
Region: BOSTON
Facility Location: One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 Application Deadline: 08-23-2012 Apply Online:
No Posting ID: J31964
Town of Millis – Department Assistant
The Millis Council on Aging is seeking qualified candidates for a Department Assistant for a 12 hour per week
position. Experience with database and statistical recordings necessary. General office work involved. Salary
range $15.59- $19.08 depending on experience. Open until filled. Please send resume to Town
Administrator’s Office, 900 Main Street Millis MA 02054
Concord COA – Activity Coordinator
Concord COA — Activity Coordinator: 19 hours per week
The Concord COA seeks an energetic and detail oriented individual to plan, organize and staff COA trips,
activities and events. Requires experience with elders; minimum of one years' experience developing and
implementing programs; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Salary $13/hour — Deadline: 9/13/12. — For required application form and information, contact Human
Resources at: 978-318-3026 or www.concordma.gov/hr
SIMS Business Analyst Position at ELD
Full Job Description: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/jobs/index.php
7/27
So. Hadley – Activity/Volunteer Coordinator
South Hadley COA is seeking an Activity/Volunteer Coordinator. The details is on the Town's website —
www.southhadleyma.gov – click on human resources.
Mattapoisett – Outreach Worker
The Town of Mattapoisett is seeking an Outreach Worker for the Council on Aging to perform professional,
social service and administrative work in maintaining contact with the Town’s senior residents.
This part-time position reports directly to the Council on Aging Director. A full job description should be
requested at [email protected].
Full Job Description: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/jobs/index.php
MCOA Transitions: In Sadness
"It is with great great sadness that I share with the membership the recently passing of Karen Neiman
Michelman, the COA Director from the town of Longmeadow. Karen has been a Director for over 20 years.
She was a courageous, beautiful and very special person. We will miss her immensely."
Below are details of the funeral this Sunday.
Carolyn Brennan
http://obits.masslive.com/obituaries/masslive/obituary.aspx?n=karen-f-michelmanneiman&pid=159379946&fhid=15522#fbLoggedOut
Get Well Cards would be welcomed !
Ann Guenette Andras, the Granby COA Director is home recovering from surgery and would welcome some
cheerful notes to help in her recovery. Joanne Trybus (So. Hadley) checked with her first to be sure she gave
permission to do this. Her home address is 15 Smith Avenue, Granby MA 01033.
MCOA Transitions: Job Changes
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Felice Monteiro has left her position as Director of the New Bedford COA. The position hasn’t been
posted yet so it will be a while until there is a replacement. In the interim, I’d appreciate it if you’d send
any EOEA/MCOA info to me. Cynthia Wallquist — [email protected]
•
David P. Klein has transitioned from the Abington COA to Director of the Carlisle Council on Aging
and can be reached at 66 Westford Street Carlisle, MA 01741 978-371-6693
UpComing Events:
CDSM Leader Re-Certification Training
We are very excited to announce of three upcoming No Cost Chronic Disease Self-Management Leader
Trainings: Please refer to the attached flyers for all trainings listed.
CDSM Re-Certification Training ( Update training for the New 2012 CDSM Program)
October 12th (9am to 4pm for those CDSM certified), Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc.
October 16th and 17th – Yarmouth Police Station, Yarmouth MA
October 24th and 25th – Elder Services of the Cape and Islands, South Dennis, MA
CDSM Re-Certification Training (Update Training for the New CDSM Program)
October 19th (9am to 4pm for those CDSM certified), Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc.
Flyer: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/conferences/index.php
Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Program
Are you a family caregiver for a loved one with special needs, a chronic illness, or a disability?
First Annual CARE Conference — Connecting and Advocating Respite for Everyone
Friday 2 November 2012 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
MA Special Olympics, Yawkey Sports Training Center, Marlborough MA
MCOA Outreach Summit Working Group
The next Outreach Summit Working Group's meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 7th at the
Worcester Senior Center
MCOA Property Tax Relief Task Force : Next Meeting
Sept. 18, 10:30AM Westwood COA 60 Nahatan St., Westwood, MA Phone (781) 329-8799
UpComing Events: continued
CIRCA Meeting — South Shore Areas, Cape & Islands
Daniel Webster Inn Sandwich MA Friday 14 September 2012 TOPIC: Question 2
contact: Jan Timmons, Sandwich COA, 508-888-4737
Woburn – Wednesday Breakfast Series
Judy Tanner will be conducting a breakfast/lecture series on Wednesday mornings with the following topics
scheduled that may be of interest to those concerned about falls. All programs on Wednesdays begin at 9:45am
with a breakfast buffet followed by a presentation at 10:30am. All age groups are welcome and many family
members attend. There is a $2 charge for the buffet and no cost for the presentation. All events take place at
the Woburn Senior Center. There is no prior registration required.
8/29 at 10:30am – “Information on Joint Replacement” – presented by Lexington Health Care Center (will
address rehab issues following joint replacement)
9/26 at 10:30am – “How to Eliminate Clutter and Downsize” – presented by Judy Tanner (this will specifically
address fall risk in the home)
10/10 at 10:30am – “Vision” – presented by Commission for the Blind (presenting low vision safety tips)
Amesbury – Safe Driving Series
6 Sept
10:00am – Road Scholar: Rules of the road, defensive driving & safe driving tips
2 Oct
10:00am – AARP Driver Safety Course — RSVP by 9/21 to Ashley Stuart 978-388-8138
5 Oct
10:00am – Disability Placards & Plates: Information on how to obtain a placard or plate and the
laws governing them
12 Oct
10:00am – The Driving Decision: Advice for caregivers and professionals who deal with unsafe
drivers
Flyer: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/conferences/index.php
UMass Gerontology Fall Courses
The University of Massachusetts Boston is accepting applications for its Manning Certificate in Gerontology.
The program is designed to give students the skills and resources they need to plan for an aging society, work or
volunteer in the aging network, and advocate for elders. We offer daytime and online classes. Daytime classes
begin the week of September 2nd and online classes begin the week of September 9th. Credits from the
Program can be applied towards the BA degree program in Gerontology. The program is approved for financial
Aid for eligible students. For more information call or e-mail Jessica Heath at 617-287-7381,
[email protected]
In addition, Drs. Nina Silverstein and Helen Kerschner (Beverly Foundation) will be co-teaching an online
course, Introduction to Senior Transportation Options that is open to non-matriculating students. The course is
offered through the Masters in Aging Service Management Program. For more information call or e-mail
Michele Campbell at 617-287-7302, [email protected]
Schedule of Fall Courses: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/conferences/index.php
8/10
CDSM Training/ Brockton — My Life…
CDSMP Training/ Brockton — My Life My Health
September 12, 13, 19 and 20th — 8:30am to 4:30pm
Old Colony Elder Services, 144 Main Street, Brockton MA 02301
Contact Dottie Slack for registration or questions: Dorothy A. Slack, RN, Aging Initiatives Advisor — 508584-1561 x217 fax 508-583-1819 [email protected]
UpComing Events: continued
Livable Communities, 6th Annual Conf.
Livable Communities: Navigating Life’s Transitions
Thursday 13 September 2012, Hawthorne Hotel, Salem MA 01970
For more information, contact: Patty Cox , [email protected] — 978-624-2206
Woburn – Matter of Balance Classes
Judy Tanner, Lahey Clinic Certified Coach, will be managing a class at the Woburn Senior Center on
continuing Thursdays, beginning September 20th at 12:30pm along with Margie Doyle of Lahey Clinic.
This class is free of charge for participants. The name of the program is: “A Matter of Balance – Managing
Concerns about Falls”. Judy Tanner – [email protected]
MA Falls Prevention Coalition Day
Preparations are underway for our sixth Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD), scheduled for
Monday 24 September from 10:00 am-1:00 pm at the Massachusetts State House (Great Hall) in Boston (note:
this is a different date from the one tentatively announced at our last meeting). Our theme for the event is
“Standing Together to Prevent Falls”. This is the theme the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has
proclaimed for their national day of awareness and is encouraging all state FP coalitions to adopt.
Flyer: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/conferences/index.php
Dedham – Sharpening Your Skills Conf.
Chronic Disease Statewide Coalition — 3rd Annual Sharpening Your Skills Conference Thursday 27
September 2012 — 9am to 3pm — Dedham MA
Flyer: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/conferences/index.php
Fire & Life Safety Education Conference
September 27-28, 2012 – 18th annual MA Public Fire & Life Safety Education Conference
The 18th annual MA Public Fire & Life Safety Education Conference will be held September 27-28, 2012 at
the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center. September 28 will have a special focus on senior fire and
life safety issues because older adults are most at risk of dying in a fire in Massachusetts. People over 65
account for 40% of the fire deaths in the state. Judith Dicine, CT State's Attorney's Office and Sharon Gamache,
NFPA, will present a general session Hoarding: What the Fire Service Needs to Know. Jonathan Fielding from
EOEA Protective Services and Alison Theberge, LICSW, of Elder Services of Merrimack Valley will present a
workshop, Elder Protective Services: Key Information for the Fire Service and Arthur Burtman, a senior
volunteer with the American Red Cross of Mass. Bay will teach firefighter-educators how to effectively
approach an older adult audience in a workshop Reaching Older Adults. Older adults, senior center directors,
and elder service workers are welcome to attend and can get a $5 discount when registering in conjunction with
a fire department partner.
CMS Medicare training webinar schedule
These training sessions provide current, accurate, consistent Medicare information and materials for people who
are new to Medicare and those people wanting a refresher. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) is authorized by The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to offer
0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for this program.
Fourth training session: 2-3 October 2012
Flyer: http://www.mcoaonline.com/content/conferences/index.php
NCOA, National Council on Aging National Institute of Senior Centers
National Senior Center Month
September is National Senior Center Month! This is your opportunity
to showcase your senior center and promote a positive image of aging.
Celebrate with our 2012 theme:
It Happens at My Senior Center.
My Life. My Time. My Way.
Use our tools to make the most of this event! Program Guide
Find great ideas to create a memorable celebration and educate the
community about the services you offer. Feel free to share this guide
with your colleagues.
Publicity Guide NISC members only; login required
Use this a step-by-step media plan with timelines to capture awareness and promote
community involvement and support for your celebration.
Not a NISC member?
Join NISC to receive all of the Senior Center Month materials as part of your membership.
Join the nation, celebrate, and have fun with National Senior Center Month!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].
NCOA 1901 L Street, NW, 4th Floor · Washington, D.C. 20036 · 202.479.1200
The Massachusetts Association of Older Americans, Inc., and the Mass Department of Mental Health in
partnership with Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc. and Hebrew SeniorLife announce:
An Aging and Mental Health Conference
Enhancing the Mental Health of Older Adults in the Community
When: Thursday, September 20, 2012
8:45 AM to 3:30 PM (Registration begins at 8:00 AM)
Where: Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, Inc., Lawrence, MA
Keynote Presentation:
Advancing Emotional Well-Being in a Multicultural Aging Society
Nancy L. Wilson, M.A., LMSW
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine-Geriatrics
Assistant Director, Huffington Center on Aging
Healthy IDEAS Program Director
Baylor College of Medicine
Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center
*Please see attached for registration information
.
MCOA Member Inquiries
Meals-on-Wheels for Work-off Credit ?
Does anyone allow meals-on-wheels delivery people (seniors) to get Senior Work-off credit for delivering the
meals? Contact [email protected]
Transportation Coordinator in Staff?
Do you have a Transportation Coordinator on your staff? If so, do you have a job description for this position?
I am interested in reading job descriptions and may want to talk a bit with Directors (or whomever supervises
this position) to ask a few questions. Please email information to Gayle Thieme, Director – Wellesley Council
on Aging at [email protected] or fax to 781-239-0394
Falls Prevention Survey
The falls coalition is putting together a master calendar for FALL AWARENESS DAY
Can you tell us when your COA has scheduled upcoming evidenced based programs for the coming year.
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Please indicate
Name of Program
Dates and times of training
Location of training
Cost of training
Who to contact for information and sign up
Please send information to Joanne Moore at [email protected] THANKS!
Joanne Moore, Director Duxbury Council on Aging
10 Mayflower Street Duxbury, MA 02332
781-934-5774, x102 [email protected]
Note: Joanne is MCOA’s designated Representative to the Statewide Commission
— 0 WORTH REPEATING 0 —
We are collecting info on any cuts…
SAVE OUR Senior Centers Task Force:
Is actively tracking the impact the FY12 budget on
senior centers and staffing. Please send updates and your concerns to Ruthann Dobek/Brookline —
[email protected] and Jayne Colino/ Newton — [email protected] We also
need a copy sent to [email protected]
DEADLINE September 3rd
HOTEL RESERVATION FORM
MASSACHUSETTS COUNCILS ON AGING
MCOA 2012 Fall Conference
OCTOBER 1—6, 2012
GROUP RATE: Overnight accommodations are available at the following nightly rates:
_____ $170.04 per single or double occupancy room ($155 per night plus 9.7% tax)
_____ $191.98 per triple occupancy room ($175 per night plus 9.7% tax)
_____ $213.92 per quadruple occupancy room ($195 per night plus 9.7% tax)
RESERVATION OPTIONS:
ONLINE: Visit www.seacrestbeachhotel.com and enter the group code MCOA2010
CALL IN: Make your reservation by phone by calling either 508-444-2971 or 800-225-3110
and ask to reserve a room under the Mass Council on Aging.
RESERVATION FORM: Fill out this form and return it to the Sea Crest Beach Hotel via fax
508-548-0556 or mail to Sea Crest Beach Hotel 350 Quaker Road, Falmouth MA 02556.
Please make checks payable to Sea Crest Beach Hotel and indicate on the check to which guests the deposit applies.
DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION: A deposit of 1 night’s room rate and tax is required at the time of booking with the balance due upon check
out. For individual cancellations received at least 21 days prior to the scheduled arrival date will be refunded less a $15 cancellation fee. If
reservations are cancelled 20 days or less prior to arrival date, the deposit will be forfeited.
CUT-OFF DATE: In order to receive the group rate, reservations must be received prior to September 3, 2012. Reservations received after this
date are subject to availability and the group rate may not be available.
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Company: ________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: _______________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: ________________________ Evening Phone: ______________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Arrival Date:___________________________ Departure Date: ______________________________
# of Adults: _________________________ __________
# of Children: _______________________________
Names of Additional Adults: ________________________________________________________________
Special Requests: _______________________________________________________________________
Special Requests are not guaranteed but will do our best to accommodate
Credit Card Type (please circle):
MC
Visa
Amex
Discover
Credit Card Number: ______________________________ Exp Date: ________________________
Signature: _____________________________________ Today’s Date: ______________________