For more information about the author, click to view their website: National Council on Aging
Key Takeaways:
An increasing number of older Americans can’t afford the prescriptions they need to stay healthy. In a recent study, roughly 1 in 5 people age 65+ took shortcuts—such as skipping doses or delaying refills—due to financial worries.1 Said President Biden in a statement: “For many Americans, the cost of one drug is the difference between life and death, dignity and dependence, hope and fear.”
That could soon change as a result of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. If you have Medicare, keep reading to find out how (and when) this program may affect you or an older adult you care for.
What is the Medicare
Drug Price Negotiation Program?
The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
Program is part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, which includes several
provisions to help lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare. This
provision will allow Medicare—for the first time ever—to negotiate drug prices
directly with pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to improve the affordability
of some of the most expensive drugs covered under Medicare Part B and Part D.
Part B covers drugs administered by a physician.
Reduced prices from drug negotiations for the first 10 drugs will take effect
starting in January 2026.
Going forward, the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will then select:
·
Up to 15 additional drugs to negotiate for 2027
·
Up to 15 additional drugs (including those under Part B) for 2028
·
Up to 20 additional drugs for 2029 and subsequent years
“Today’s announcement is a game
changer for the millions of older adults who rely on these medications every
day," said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO, in a statement on the start of drug price negotiations. "Our
research shows that the cost of chronic conditions falls heaviest on women and
people of color, who have the fewest resources. Lower prices are a matter of
equity."
A recent KFF survey showed strong bipartisan support (83%)
for allowing the federal government to negotiate drug prices.
Which prescription
drugs will be negotiated?
The drugs that qualify for Medicare
price negotiation are from a list of high-cost, brand-name, single-source drugs
that have no generic competition on the market. In 2022, Medicare
enrollees paid a total of $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs for
these medications.
The 10 drugs selected for the first
round of Medicare negotiation:
·
Eliquis: For preventing strokes and blood
clots
·
Jardiance: For type 2 diabetes and heart failure
·
Xarelto: For preventing strokes and blood clots
·
Januvia: For type 2 diabetes
·
Farxiga: For chronic kidney disease
·
Entresto: For heart failure
·
Enbrel: For arthritis and other
autoimmune conditions
·
Imbruvica: For blood cancers
·
Stelara: For Crohn’s disease
·
Fiasp; Fiasp FlexTouch; Fiasp PenFill; NovoLog; NovoLog
FlexPen; NovoLog PenFill: Insulin products for diabetes
How will these
changes affect me?
Once fully implemented, the Medicare
Drug Price Negotiation Program is expected to drop prices on negotiated drugs
for up to 9 million older adults, who now pay as much as $6,497 out of pocket each year for these
medications. People with Medicare will have better access to prescription drugs
that help them manage chronic and life-threatening conditions. More older
adults will be able to start medications, take them appropriately, and stay on
them without making potentially dangerous trade-offs.
Experts
predict the program will also save taxpayers $160 billion by lowering Medicare
costs.
Other Medicare
prescription drug provisions
In addition to drug price negotiation,
there are several other important provisions in
the Inflation Reduction Act designed to lower healthcare costs for people with
Medicare.
Several provisions have already taken
effect:
·
Medicare will cover a greater portion of the cost for high-quality
biosimilars (drugs made from a natural source) for a period of
five years, which began October 1, 2022.
·
Monthly out-of-pocket cost sharing for insulin is capped at $35.
·
Vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) are 100% free.
·
Drug manufacturers that raise their prices at a faster rate than
inflation will face a financial penalty.
Starting in 2024:
·
The 5% coinsurance for catastrophic drug costs will be eliminated.
·
Eligibility for the full Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS, also called “Extra Help”) will
be expanded to beneficiaries with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty
level. LIS lowers premiums and out-of-pocket costs for prescription drug
coverage.
·
From 2024-2029, annual Part D premium increases will be capped at 6%.
Starting in 2025:
·
There will be a $2,000 annual cap on drug out-of-pocket costs. This
could save beneficiaries $400 each year on prescription drug
costs. Enrollees with the highest out-of-pocket drug costs could save $2,500
per year. In addition, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan provision will allow
enrollees to pay their out-of-pocket prescription costs in the form of fixed
monthly payments over the course of the plan year (instead of all at once).
“These key provisions will help
promote equitable aging by making vital medications affordable
for more older Americans,” says Josh Hodges,
NCOA’s Chief Customer Officer. “Reducing drug costs will serve to improve the
Medicare program now and ensure it remains strong and solvent for future
enrollees.”
The Inflation Reduction Act also
extends premium subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace into
2025. As a result, an estimated 10 million people will save about $700 annually
on their healthcare premiums.
Source
1. Stacie B. Dusetzina, PhD et al. JAMA Network. Cost-Related Medication Nonadherence and Desire for Medication Cost Information Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older in the US in 2022. May 18, 2023. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2805012
This article was written by the National Council on Aging, September 14, 2023.
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!