Social Security changes expand access to SSI – Herb Weiss

Woman in wheelchair, vibrant skirt, hallway.

Social Security changes helps people receiving/applying for SSI – Herb Weiss By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced good news for Supplemental Security recipients.  The federal agency published a final rule on April 19, 2024, to – “Expand the Definition of a Public Assistance Household.” The regulation announces…

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Let seniors vote on Social Security fixes – Herb Weiss

Podium, US flags, microphones, vote.

Next November, Let Seniors Vote on Social Security Fixes   By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues The recently released 2024 Social Security and Medicare Trustees report shows an improved outlook for these programs. This year’s projections show that Social Security can pay its benefits and cover administrative costs now until 2035, one year longer than projected in…

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Bipartisan support needed to re-establish House Aging Committee – Herb Weiss

Stone columns and granite bases.

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues It was almost like attending a 34th high school reunion.  After over three decades, an on-line meeting on April 25th, would bring five former senior staffers of the House Select Committee on Aging (HSCoA) and House Rules Committee back together to provide firsthand accounts to Maia Leeds, legislative assistant for Josh…

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Advocates, providers on new Nursing Home mandates – Herb Weiss

Smiling nurse holding patient files at desk.

Advocates, Providers Talk Turkey About CMS’s New Nursing Home Mandate – Herb Weiss by Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues In the shadow of Rhode Island’s ongoing staffing shortage, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its 329-page final rule on Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards (CMS 3442-F) on April 22 in…

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Shortage of direct care professionals a local and national concern – Herb Weiss

Smiling female nurse with stethoscope.

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues Last week, at  the Senate Dirksen Building, Room SD-562,  Chairman Bob Casey, of the U.S. Special Committee on Aging, (D-PA), showcased S. 4120, legislation that he introduced with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). The Long-Term Care Workforce Support Act, introduced during the 118thCongress, would…

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Senior Agenda Coalition of RI unveils legislative agenda to packed house of seniors – Herb Weiss

Woman presenting at United HealthCare event.

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues Last Wednesday, the main ballroom at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick was filled, to capacity. Hundreds came to the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI’s (SACRI)  2024 Legislative Leaders Forum to learn about the advocacy group’s issue priorities. House and Senate leadership, along with members of both caucuses…

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