CAREGIVERS USA NEWS

Vol. I, No. 36
July 14, 2003

A LOSE-LOSE PROPOSITION
Has Sen. Edward Kennedy brilliantly assisted the Bush Administration in reaching out to grab the third rail of American politics? As the Medicare drug benefit issue simmers through a long and hot Washington summer, it is beginning to look that way, as both conservatives and liberals threaten to walk away from attempts to hammer out a compromise between the Senate and House versions.

CONGRESS TAKES ACTION ON PROTECTING ITSELF
Prescription drug coverage for 40 million seniors is up in the air but Congress has acted decisively to protect the health of one segment of the popoulation -- itself. Lawmakers voted last week to keep their current prescription drug coverage.

STUDY FINDS SENIORS' DRUG COSTS SOARING
A Families USA study finds that the average cost of for the 50 drugs most often prescribed for the elderly rose more than three times the rate of inflation last year. Prices for the drugs in the study increased an average of 6 percent, compared with an increase of 1.8 percent in the Consumer Price Index. Over the years, drug prices have consistently outpaced inflation with harsh consequences for seniors, the study found.

----------advertisement----------
EXTENDED ONCE AGAIN -- THE NEWSLETTER SPECIAL

Because of continued interest and inquiries, our special sale of two exciting and inspirational titles from the Caregivers Resource Library has been extended once again. Many of you have told us you had trouble with our PayPal online ordering system so we have added instructions on how to pay by check.

Get "Spiritual Caregiving" and "The Aging Game" for less than the regular price of the "Aging Game" alone. The overwhelming response to this special offer -- for readers of this newsletter only -- has not extremely gratifying and we are happy to extend it so no one misses out.
--------------------------------

GAO: HHS OVERSIGHT OF MEDICAID WAIVERS LACKING
A General Accounting Office (GAO) investigation finds that the Bush Administration has not held states accountable for the quality of care they provide to impoverished elderly and disabled people. The GAO found that Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy G. Thompson has "not fully complied" with statutory requirements to monitor the quality of care under waivers that exempt states from certain federal regulations and give them broad discretion to decide who gets what services.

JEWISH GROUPS MOBILIZE TO PROTECT MEDICAID
The nation's major Jewish organizations say that protecting Medicaid will be their top priority for the next several months. Fearing that the Bush Administration will block-grant Medicaid, the groups will work to maintain Medicaid's present funding and strict federal supervision over the way states deliver Medicaid services. "is one of our most important safety nets. If there's a hole in the net, a lot of people will fall through," said Reva Price, Washington representative of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

AUTOMAKERS PURSUE THOMPSON
National Journal, a Washington insiders' publication, reports that automakers are pursuing HHS Secretary Thompson to head their trade group, at a salary of more than $1 million per year. Thompson, 61, was governor of Wisconsin for 14 years before taking the HHS post. His office had no comment on the report. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers represents 10 major automakers. It began a search for a high-profile individual to boost its image and influence earlier this year. Thompson has said that he plans to remain in the Bush Administration but reports say he "is listening" to the automakers' offer.

----------advertisement----------
IN FULL BLOOM
The Caregivers-USA.org "Family Tree of Elder Caregiving" elevates community awareness of caregiving and caregiving service providers. Our expanded Web directory makes it easier for caregivers and families to find you! Advertised on our affiliated sites and through the Google AdWords program, more than 150,000 hits per day lead to Caregivers-USA.org. Proceeds help cover the cost of building, maintaining and advertising the database.
--------------------------------

DIRECT CARE WORKERS NEED INCENTIVES
A study finds that many direct-care workers leave the profession reluctantly, not because they don’t want to do the work but because they need a job that pays higher wages or offers better benefits. The study by the Iowa Caregivers Association recommended incentives that would bring experienced CNAs back to the profession.

AARP FINDS STAFFING CRISIS IN LONG-TERM CARE
An AARP report on long-term supportive services for people 50 and over concludes that there is an unprecedented shortage of frontline workers to provide services to people over 50 with disabilities, and that the need for such services will double over the next decade.