Sequestering Meals on Wheels funds could cost taxpayers far more than it saves. While across-the-board spending cuts that began March 1, called sequestration, are expected to reduce spending on Meals on Wheels programs this year by an estimated $10 million, these savings will be dwarfed by at least $489 million per year in increased spending on Medicaid, both this year and in each subsequent...   Read more »

60-Plus: Eating Well, Staying Well We agree with Virginia Woolf's statement, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” And so we would like to draw your attention to some resources that are available to enliven your dining routines. If you're able to get out and about, and would enjoy a social experience, we recommend the senior community meals. ...   Read more »

Better Choices, Better Health - Diabetes is the online version of Stanford University's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Over six weeks, from the convenience of their computers, participants learn to: Manage their diabetes symptoms Eat well and exercise Communicate with their doctors Live healthier! All participants also receive a FREE copy of the workbook, Living a Healthy...   Read more »

60-Plus: Scooters and Smart Alternatives Did you see the news about federal law enforcement agencies raiding the Scooter Store? Apparently they’re being investigated for Medicare fraud. According to CBS news, this company is the largest supplier of power wheelchairs nationally, and it is one of the companies that has used pushy tactics to get seniors into scooters whether or not...   Read more »

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications. In the five previous...   Read more »

Introducing National Consumer Protection Week 2013, Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell is releasing a list of the top ten scams that targeted Vermont consumers in 2012. "In today's age of global communications and technology, it is no simple matter to track down and lock up international scammers targeting Vermonters. Even with modern investigative tools and collaboration between state and...   Read more »

The Alzheimer's Association 2013 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report reveals new statistics on the ever-growing weight of Alzheimer's disease on our nation. The report uncovers new information on growing death rates, the cost of the disease, and the burden placed on long-distance caregivers. "Unfortunately today there are no Alzheimer's survivors. If you have Alzheimer's disease, you...   Read more »

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is rolling out redesigned Medicare Summary Notices in April. The attached file shows how the new design will look when you get it in the mail. Redesigned Medicare Summary Notices   Read more »

60-Plus: Manage Your Meds Every year, one-third of all older adults experience a harmful reaction to a medicine, according to the American Geriatrics Society. Sometimes it's due to an interaction with a food or another drug, and sometimes it's because the medicine was not taken in the amount or timing prescribed. Also, a drug taken for one health problem may have a negative effect on...   Read more »

With Spring around the corner, Vermonters are planning their gardens and gathering the materials they’ll need. Did you know that 3SquaresVT food benefits can be used to buy seeds and plants to grow fruits and vegetables? 3SquaresVT participants can purchase vegetable and fruit seeds and plants at stores and farmers’ markets that accept EBT cards. Plus more farmers’ markets, who...   Read more »