shAARP Talk: Observations from AARP

Today, the LA Times reported that the price of health insurance for people who get coverage through work jumped 30 percent between 2001 and 2005. Thirty percent. And wages were up just 3 percent. While we might want to beat up on insurance companies, there’s a much bigger problem. The cost of health care is out of control. I’ve blogged about how the increases in the cost of health care pales in comparison to the increase in the cost of living. And who pays for it? You and me.

An update from Virginia AARP's Bill Ballas:

Last week, I attended the annual Virginia21 award soiree at George Mason University's Johnson Center. The event was to fete Virginia21's outstanding chapter for the past year which, not coincidentally, belonged to George Mason University. A highlight of the evening was a conversation between best friends and MOC colleagues, Tom Davis (R) and Jim Moran (D) -- both of whom signed the Divided We Fail (DWF) pledge.

Festivities began with a cocktail party where Kelly Porrell and Stephen Jones, Virginia21's Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director, respectively, introduced us to representatives from their chapters across the commonwealth. (A special shout-out goes to Carl and Chelsea from Old Dominion University who were exceptionally bright and eager to get started with DWF. Kelly mentioned that their members want to conduct a YouTube contest where they will create videos explaining why they should be selected to wear the Champ costume at an upcoming event. )

After dinner, Representatives Davis (who is retiring) and Moran took the stage and answered questions by the moderator, a very distinguished political science professor whose name now escapes me! The very first question he asked was why they endorsed Divided We Fail. Their answers were not surprising so much as revealing; both officials shared their insights on how the topics of social security and healthcare reform are essential -- not just from a cost perspective, but as a moral imperative. Mr. Davis and Mr. Moran clearly and painstakingly cited case after case where petty partisan bickering had brought the country to a standstill and with partisanship guiding redistricting, that voters don't choose their elected officials so much as politicians choose their voters. They recalled the dozens of times that they had worked together across the aisle to help one another and their colleagues get things done. At the close of their conversation, I thought to myself, "These guys are a great team. They reminded everyone that elected officials represent everyone in their districts -- those who voted for them and those who didn't."

UPI:
Survey Finds Boomers Want Specialized Health Care

Eighty-eight percent of baby boomers say it's important to have physicians with specialized training geared toward older patients," according to a Zogby survey. But the survey also found that "most boomers say they can't find such a doctor and 26 percent of women say they believe their health may have suffered because their physician did not have such expertise." The study also found that "50 percent of consumers age 55 and older feel they are the ones most able to improve the quality of their care beyond its current level."

USA Today: Real Estate Market Troubles Trend Towards Increasing Troubles

"The most severe real estate recession in decades appears far from over, with the pace of foreclosures rising, the fall in home prices accelerating and the pain spreading to nearly every major U.S. city." According to RealtyTrac, "the number of homes entering foreclosure jumped more than 100% in the first three months of the year compared with the same quarter in 2007, with one in every 194 homes receiving a foreclosure filing." These "foreclosed homes for sale will likely put further pressure on prices. That's because banks that own those homes must slash prices, forcing home sellers to compete and squeezing sellers who already owe more than their homes are worth."

AP: New Wellness Index Links Income To Wellness

"Staying healthy and happy is a struggle for about half of Americans, according to a massive survey that attempts to measure the nation's general welfare, much like the Dow Jones Industrial Average portrays the health of the stock mark." The "well-being index" which is run by Gallup-Healthways and based on interviews of over 100,000 individuals, "shows that 47 percent of Americans are struggling and 4 percent are suffering." Reacting to the data, Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "noted that the United States invests more on health care than any country, but that its health care system ranks 37th," saying that by that measure it "doesn't sound like we're getting the best value from the investment we're making...That fundamentally is something we as a nation are waking up to."

Health care is the theme of the week. Probably one reason is that it is Cover the Uninsured Week. Now why are people uninsured? Lots of reasons – don’t think they need it, don’t think they have access to it, but most important is they can’t afford it.

On the campaign trail, there has been some discussion of the key issue here – the skyrocketing cost of health care. Senator John McCain spoke about it both yesterday and today, emphasizing the role of personal responsibility in health care. No one can dispute the importance of this. In fact, every candidate has a nod to better behaviors (eating less junk, exercising more) in their plans. It’s all good.

But where is this in the national media? Almost nowhere! Instead of the substance focused on the things that impact people’s everyday lives, we are left to tune into the bickering and melodrama that has seemed to envelop the spin cycle. Elizabeth Edwards wrote about it for the New York Times on Sunday, but today we’re still seeing the same old thing play out. Who isn’t sick of it?

From the Huffington Post: Can you believe this? “Harry Lee Hawk” McGinnis is 80 years old and in the process of walking across the world. He walked through the US in the 1980s and then in the early 90s, he began his quest around the world. Currently in Panama City, you can track the Hawk on his website. If this isn’t a testament to the importance of staying active, I am not sure what is.

Bloomberg News: Proportion Of Vacant Homes Reaches Record Levels

A "record" 18.6 million U.S. homes "stood empty in the first quarter as lenders took possession of a growing number of properties in foreclosure." And the Census Bureau says the new number "is 5.7 percent higher than a year ago, when 17.6 million properties were vacant."

AP: Security Breaches At Credit Card Companies Suggest More Security Is Needed

"While some of the biggest and most spectacular privacy breaches in recent years have happened at large corporations, state governments have also mishandled or failed to protect some of the sensitive information entrusted to them - data that identity thieves would love to get their hands on." But "most states don't have statewide privacy officers in charge of safeguarding data, statewide policies on protecting sensitive material, or standing procedures for responding to breaches."

MarketWatch: Despite Bad Press Annuity Sales Continue To Increase

Paul Farrell writes, "The press loves trashing annuities, year after year after year. But what's really striking is how the critics are still hammering away at the same old problems, suggesting that all the bad press, criticisms, lawsuits and piñata whackings have had little effect on changing the annuity industry's bad behavior." While "there really are honest annuity companies and brokers out there. And annuities do work for many investors." But 'annuities have countless, hidden flaws that all too often remain undisclosed until it's too late: excessive commissions, lower returns, payout delays, surrender fees and long lock-ins." With commissions "as high as 14%," the annuities industry "attracts aggressive hustlers with questionable ethics preying on vulnerable customers, especially the elderly, a pattern that gives the rest of the industry a bad name."

Here's an update from Florida AARP's Carmel Perez Snyder:

The Champmobile, a boat, big fish and a high-flying dog, all helped Divided We Fail Florida take Charlotte County by land, sea and air this weekend. The CM was a hot bed of activity at the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Tournament in Punta Gorda, FL as energetic volunteers played games with kids and helped them color Champ in the newly created Champ Activity Book for kids. While the kids were busy, volunteers talked to parents about Divided We Fail. Others were inside the Champmobile sending emails to candidates or surfing the DWF Web site.

Across the way by the water, DWF volunteers Sam Reams and Chris Folsom battled with some sea-savvy 11-year-olds in the cardboard boat races. The heated battle was captured by the local paper photographer and landed Chris and Sam and the AARP Divided We Fail boat on the front page, above the fold.

DWF also had an entry in the international splash-dog contest. "Alex," a beautiful yellow lab turned out to be a contender for the title in the high-flying competition, leading with a jump of 21 feet five inches. In between his competitions, Alex cooled down by wearing a DWF T-shirt.

Next stop? The Champmobile is on the road this week with two more stops in Port Charlotte today and Tuesday. Then up Interstate 275 to Lakeland for a downtown community event. On May 3, the Champmobile will be in Mascotte, Florida for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

US News And World Report: AARP Report Finds Working Women Will Fare Better In Retirement

"Employment, health, and marital status are the critical factors that influence whether older women will become or stay poor during their retirement years, according to AARP. Divorce, widowhood, or never having married typically reduce women's retirement nest egg." However, a new report "by AARP found that baby boomers and younger generations of women who rely on their own earnings and retirement plans rather than a spouse's will fare better in retirement than the current crop of elderly women." Brandon notes that "younger people are also less likely than their elders to have defined-benefit pension plans that guarantee income for life."

USA Today: New Public Health Analysis Shows Startling Life Expectancy Data

"Throughout the 20th century, it was an American birthright that each generation would live longer than the last," new research "shows that those reassuring nationwide gains mask a darker and more complex reality," namely, that "there are widening gaps in life expectancy based on the interwoven variables of income, race, sex, education and geography." Most "startling," the essay argues, is the report that "life expectancy actually declined in a substantial number of counties from 1983 to 1999, particularly for women." One of the report's authors, Majid Ezzati of the Harvard School of Public Health, noted that "few industrialized countries have had declines of comparable duration," which begs the question: "Is the fact that the bottom 20 percent is not getting better, and may be worse off, going to drive the health of the whole country?"

Bloomberg News: U.S. Consumer Confidence Hits 26 Year Low

Consumers "are growing increasingly anxious because the economy has lost almost a quarter million jobs so far this year, gasoline is up 17 percent and property values have fallen. Sales of houses and cars have declined as a result, contributing to a slowdown that may bring an end to the six-year expansion."

Interesting read from the San Francisco Chronicle today about the age gaps in the electorate. While the piece talks about the different perspective on age, it digs a little deeper and brings up the issue of socioeconomic status. According to The Numbers from ABC News, it appears that how much you make is a bigger factor than how many years you’ve got. This is a valid point, especially when you consider that key issues like health care and financial security are both connected to your finances. Regardless of age, everyone is concerned about skyrocketing health care cost, but especially those who are struggling the most financially. As for financial security, it’s no different – those who are the most concerned are those who feel least secure today.

The Planning to Retire blog over at US News and World Report peeks at a new report that throws caution to the wind for women when it comes to planning for retirement. According to the report, women are twice as likely to end up in poverty when they are older. Check it out ladies...

MarketWatch: Advice On Finding Health Insurance After Job Loss

"When your health insurance is sponsored by your employer, as it is for 158 million Americans, losing your job or having your hours reduced can amount to a double whammy: Gone not only is your income but the health coverage you counted on." Many workers come to depend upon their spouses plan, but if that's not "available to you as a back-up, there's always Cobra" which "allows you to continue on your employer's plan generally up to 18 months after a job loss." And "buying a policy on the individual market" is a possibility, but pre-existing conditions can get workers "outright denied or stuck with a huge premium for coverage." Gerencher writes, "Between high prices and obstacles to getting coverage outside of the employer-based system, it's no wonder 47 million people are uninsured."

Chicago Tribune: Boomers Drive Demand For New Muscle Cars

According to one garage owner, "The new cars feel like a nostalgia market to me,' he says. ... And he's not talking Generation X-or Y, for that matter. 'They're all into "Fast and Furious"; this is a last hurrah for the Boomers.' New York-based generational analyst Ann Fishman agrees," saying, "Boomers are a nostalgic generation. They dwell on their youth, particularly the cult of the '60s." And Colin Comer, author of the "Million-Dollar Muscle Cars: The Rarest and Most Collectible Cars of the Performance Era" says, "With the incredible technology available there are lots of ways to keep the traditional V-8 alive. A huge indication that fuel prices and m.p.g. aren't an issue is all the aftermarket support for "retro-muscle"-superchargers, turbos, headers, exhausts. It's still 1969."

MarketWatch: Worker Shortage Will Replace Unemployment

"Though we wisely worry about rising unemployment during this recession of 2008, there is another, quite different problem that soon will confront the nation: a shortage of workers." The problem "is coming largely because the fabled baby boom generation was so huge -- 75 million Americans born in the 18 years from 1946 to 1964 -- that no other generation can be expected to match it any time soon." According to W. Stanton Smith, an analyst at Deloitte LLP, "an estimated 24 million baby boomers will have left the active workforce, primarily from executive, administrative, and managerial jobs."

America’s suburbs have become a source of learning for foreigner planners, according to a story earlier in the month from USA Today. There are some good things happening in this country, like mixed use development, those nice town centers and easy access to public transportation spots. Unfortunately, they are not everywhere. In too many American suburbs if you don’t drive, you are stuck at home. If our brethren from the rest of the world want a lesson to take home, it should be that suburbs need more travel choices and services close by - especially with men and women outliving their driving years by six and 10 years respectively. This isn’t just for those who are not able to drive, a little exercise never hurt. And if you throw in the price of gas these days, a walk doesn’t sound like a bad idea for just about anyone.

Bloomberg News: Veto-Proof Majority Blocks Medicaid Regulations In The House

"A veto-proof majority of the U.S. House voted to block seven Medicaid regulations issued by the Bush administration that would cut federal payments to states by $33 billion during the next decade." Over "120 Republicans today joined the chamber's Democratic majority to approve legislation" by a vote of "349 to 62." Legislators are "reluctant to cut politically sensitive programs such as Medicaid in an election year," and "said the administration's rules would reduce funding for a host of critical services for low-income Americans." At the end of the article, Bloomberg News writes, "Elaine Ryan, vice president of the Washington-based advocacy group AARP, praised the legislation. 'This bill will protect people from losing coverage for health-care services they need but cannot afford,' Ryan said in a statement. 'While we recognize that fraud, waste and abuse in Medicaid must be reduced to bring down the cost of health care, the cuts proposed by the administration go too far and only shift the bill to the people in Medicaid, rather than addressing the root of the problem.'"

US News and World Report: Despite Improvement, Drug Prices Still High With Medicare

"Having Medicare makes someone less likely to go without food to pay for medicine, but the sickest patients are still skipping medications because of costs, a new report says. The three-year-old Medicare Part D benefit...has led to some improvements but nothing revolutionary, according to the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. 'This study reveals that the federal government has more work to do to assure that the Medicare Part D program meets the needs of the most vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries,' Gail Shearer, director of health policy analysis at Consumers Union, told HealthDay. 'It is unacceptable that the sickest beneficiaries may not be filling prescriptions or taking the full doses or courses of their medicines because they simply can't afford to.'"

CNN: Republicans Block Fair Pay Bill In House

The bill that stalled Wednesday would have reset the clock with every paycheck, with supporters arguing that each paycheck was a discriminatory act. But Sen. Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican, said the bill would allow retirees drawing pensions to sue their old companies over allegations of discrimination that happened decades ago."

Hi everyone, I’m Jennie Chin Hansen, AARP’s new soon to be new President. While my tenure is filled with firsts – I am a boomer, a gerontologist and an Asian American – I also will be the first AARP President to blog. I will be posting twice monthly here at shAARPsession, so check back to hear the latest on what we’re doing.

As you might imagine, AARP has a full agenda. Between our work on Divided We Fail, our new and engaging website (with social networking), as well as our growing membership, as well as our recognition of our 50th anniversary I am honored to be a part of what will be occurring in these next two years. I also know, however, that many Americans are concerned about their future and the future of their children and grandchildren. People are anxious about their finances and about their health care.

Our founder, the first female principal in the California, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, left us an important saying: what we do, we do for all. I hope you all know that is still at the core of what we believe and do.

Along these lines, each year on the second Thursday in May, we launch AARP’s Day of Service to lend a hand to our local communities. Last year, more than 33,000 people gave back and this year we expect even more. We'd like to invite you to join us!

Visit AARP's Make a Difference site where you can choose a Day of Service activity, connect with others, suggest ideas or let us know what you think about giving back to your community.

We’re here to support you. Whether you need resources on how to care for an aging parent or loved one, need to figure out how much you will need to retire, or even if you just want to kick back and make a new acquaintance online, AARP has all of this for you.

I look forward to hearing and connecting with you. You can leave comments here or send me an email.

For those of you who are doing your part to stay young, it looks like drinking up just might aid in your efforts. Drugmaker Glaxo Smith Klein is acquiring a company that has been researching the link between a component in red wine and longevity.

Sounds like a good justification for happy hour, but whatever it takes!

Business Week: Study Finds "No Real Revolution" In Prescriptions For Medicare Part D

"A new report from the Harvard Medical School has found that "the Medicare Part D benefit has resulted in some improvements for seniors but no real revolution in prescription drug adherence," noting that while "Medicare beneficiaries are less likely to forego basic needs such as food to pay for medicine...the sickest patients are still skipping meds due to burdensome costs."

Baltimore Sun: President Expected To Sign Fall Prevention Act

"President Bush is expected to sign a measure this week sponsored by Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski and passed by Congress that aims to raise awareness - through education and research - of how falls affect seniors and what can be done to protect them."

Marketwatch: Pundit Sees Americans Saving More, Spending Less

"Spending wisely usually means not spending as much. And that is exactly what's occurring throughout the country: People are spending smart." A survey "conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) finds that 25% of U.S. adults are spending wisely or not spending as much as a means of saving money"

As we have seen across the nation, voters 50 plus are a key part of tonight's Democratic race in Pennsylvania. According to exit polls from CNN, 59 percent of those who showed up at the polls were 50 or older. At nearly every state that has held primaries, approximately half of the voters were 50 plus.

The economy continues to dominate, with 55 percent of voters saying it is the issue they are most concerned about. This is consistent with what we have seen with our own members, who are concerned not only about their financial futures, but the financial future of their children and grandchildren.

Clay’s got some competition from Nancy Liatsis of Brooklyn, NY who won AARP Brooklyn’s Senior Idol Contest. Contestants ranged in age from early 50’s to 85, but Liatsis belted out “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Grobin to make her tops in the borough.

n honor of Earth Day, social networking site Boomj has put together a list of Top 10 Green Baby Boomers. The list includes lots of familiar names (Blythe Danner, George Clooney, Bono), but my personal favorite is the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bob Nutting, who has team scouts using “fuel flex” cars. Happy Earth Day!

AP: House To Begin Debating Medicaid Changes

"Congress is poised to take up a measure Tuesday that would put a temporary halt to Medicaid changes that critics say would cut services and cost the states $50 billion over five years." Michigan representative John Dingell "is leading the fight to pass the bill, which was scheduled for House debate Tuesday." A one year delay "would cost about $1.6 billion, but moratorium supporters say they'd cover the cost by cutting Medicaid recipient abuse and borrowing from a reserve fund."

UPI: Study Shows Employers Shifting Health Care Costs To Employees

"U.S. employers are transferring more healthcare costs to employees, currently at about one month's salary," according to Aon Consulting's 2008 Benefits and Talent Survey. The report found that the "median annual contribution for family healthcare coverage is $3,120, which is a 15 percent increase from 2007 and 22 percent increase from 2006." A survey of American organizations "found that 64 percent of employers now have a benefits strategy that promotes the importance of health and productivity to their employees," a "three-fold" increase last year.

USA Today: Housing Crisis Draw In Renters

"The most brutal real estate slump in decades is reverberating through the rental market. Renters in properties that are being foreclosed on are being evicted." Homeowners "forced into foreclosure are becoming tenants again and driving up rents. And renters not yet ready to buy a home -- shut out by stricter lending rules or hoping to buy after prices fall still further -- are creating a dynamic shift: Even as real estate is sputtering, the rental market is surging." Indeed, rents "are accelerating in many markets across the USA. Vacancy rates are down from last year, and average rent is projected to rise 5.3% in 2008, up from a 3.1% increase in 2007, according to the National Association of Realtors. In some cities, rents are climbing at a double-digit clip."

Actor Andie MacDowell turns 50 today. She hit it big with starring roles in the films Ground Hog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral. She currently lives in Biltmore Forest, North Carolina and is has maintained an active lifestyle as an avid outdoors-woman. She has also shown fans that aging can be beautiful and glamorous. Happy 50th Andie!

Fox News: AARP Responds To Murtha Calling McCain Too Old For Presidency

Heather Nauert writes, "Congressman Murtha should know better than to pick on someone for their age. This week the 75 year Pennsylvania Democrat and Clinton supporter said being president 'is no old man's job,' refering to John McCain's White House run," and the accompanying job stress. Nauert continues, "Tell that to AARP. When I heard Murtha's criticism, I wondered what the folks at AARP would say so I gave them a call. Ouch, take a look..." Nauert carries an extended quote from AARP spokesman Drew Nannis, who says, "We judge people on their ability, not their age, race or gender. We don't agree with Chairman Murtha's assessment any more than we would agree if someone accused the Chairman of being too old to control the federal funding of our armed forces at a time when our nation is at war -- certainly no slouch job, either." Nannis adds, "This election has thrown out all the traditional stereotypes. Voters don't seem to care about race, age or gender, but about voting for the candidate that will address health care and financial security issues."

AP: GOA Says Administration's SCHIP Policy Violated Rule

The GAO "advised Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., that the administration's policy changes amounted to a rule that should have been submitted to Congress and the comptroller general before going into effect. Instead, the administration sent a letter to state health officials informing them of the changes they were making to the program, which it described as a clarification of existing law." In a joint statement with Sen. Olympia Snowe Rockefeller said, "CMS now has a critical choice to make: rescind the rule or continue to spend taxpayer money defending a growing list of lawsuits it is unlikely to win."

US News and World Report: Health Care Divide Between Parties Looks To Play Major Role In General Election

"While the Democratic candidates want to use government as a lever to aid the 47 million people in the U.S. without health insurance, Sen. John McCain would rely much more heavily on the free market. The likely Republican nominee has begun charging that his Democratic rivals 'want government to take over the health-care system.'" Democratic candidates' "priority is to cover all, or nearly all, the uninsured, except for several million illegal immigrants," by creating "a marketplace where people could buy coverage from private companies or the government, with subsidies for lower-income earners." McCain's plan has been criticized for a leaving out those ill with pre-existing conditions. McCain has said that those with "particularly expensive health-care needs" would be given "special subsidies administered through Medicaid, the state-run health program for the poor. But how that would work or who would qualify is unclear."

Inside E Street, AARP's own TV show, had a chance to talk to all the Presidential campaigns about health care. You can watch the full show online, but what's most interesting is the fundamental difference between the candidates when it comes to how to approach health care.
Here's a highlight:

UPDATE:
Had some YouTube issues, check out videos of each campaign below:

CNNMoney: Tips On Avoiding 401(k) Fees

Gerri Willis writes that the bill will "ensure that you have access to complete and clear information about fees associated with your 401(k). But there are still a lot of legislative hurdles to overcome, and many of us don't want to wait for the government to make a decision." But "not many people know what they're paying. A recent AARP survey found that 83% of those surveyed didn't know how much they paid in 401(k) fees and expenses."

USA Today: Ten Myths About Investing And Finances

"Most of us cling for years to financial misconceptions, fantasies and half-truths, merrily unaware that they're, well, myths. To help shine the light of truth on some financial fictions, staffers at USA TODAY selected 10 of the most common myths about personal finance." Among the myths are that the "fund's performance is the main factor in the growth of a retirement account," which is not true because it "is the one factor over which you have the least control. The best way to increase your retirement kitty is more elementary: Save more." Another myth is that retirees won't "need to save that much for retirement, since...living costs will fall a lot." Rather, one financial planner "tells clients to expect to spend more, particularly during the early years of their retirement."

Newsweek: Scoring System Further Strains Doctor-Insurer Relations

"Scoring systems...have touched off a contentious battle between doctors and insurance companies, two groups whose relationship was already strained. Insurers say the ratings are intended to help patients get the right care at the best price," but "being graded by insurers makes doctors uneasy. A growing number of physicians have accused giants like Cigna and United Healthcare of using dubious and secretive ranking systems to steer patients to the cheapest doctors, by claiming those are the best doctors." AMA President Nancy Nielson said, "There is a huge conflict of interest for the insurer." Insurers "point out that the impetus for cost-based ratings and networks comes not from insurers, but from their customers."

Do you know who Kellie Pickler is? After this week, you probably do. She won the most awards at this week’s Country Music Television awards – three and is a former American Idol star. The reason I mention her is because CMT One Country donates to a charity of the winner’s choice and Kellie has designated the AARP Foundation’s Grandparents program as the beneficiary. Why? Kellie was raised by her grandparents and it’s something she has spoken about frequently as she has claimed the spotlight.

New survey out today from AARP Financial finds that over half of Americans don’t read financial literature because it’s too hard to understand. No kidding. Have you tried to figure this stuff out? I’m with the 73 percent surveyed who said that financial professionals use more jargon than car mechanics.

The unfortunate thing about this is that people may be missing out on opportunities, making investment mistakes, even not sign up for retirement plans at work because of confusion. I can’t solve all your problems, but there are good, easy to understand resources out there, particularly when it comes to planning retirement.

AP: FBI Notes Increase In Mortgage Fraud

"FBI Director Robert Mueller on Wednesday described a 'tremendous surge' in mortgage fraud investigations that he said has diverted agents from other cases and is expected to keep growing. ... 'We've had a tremendous surge in cases related to the sub-prime mortgage debacle,' Mueller told a Senate Appropriations panel during a hearing on the FBI's $7.1 billion budget request for the 2009 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. ... 'I'm not sure at this point we can see the extent of the surge,' he added. Mueller did not identify any of the companies under scrutiny." The AP notes that "the FBI has seen an uptick in reverse mortgages cases, Mueller said. 'That is something that we are seeing and may well need additional resources to address,' he said."

Bloomberg: Martha Stewart Testifies Before Congress On Long-Term Care

Martha Stewart, the television host and author known for her advice on dining and décor, told Congress today that caring for her mother taught her about the needs of the elderly and of those who attend to them. Her experiences taught her "the importance of coordinating the care that older people get from different doctors, Stewart told the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Family caregivers also need recognition for the stresses they face and the savings they expend," Stewart added.

USA Today: Former Senators Plan To Resolve Health Care Crisis

USA Today reports the senators will "each oversee forums on four pillars for health care changes: improving quality and value, improving access, ensuring a strong role for consumers and finding a way to finance the overhaul." They will "get technical advice from Mark McClellan, former administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Chris Jennings, former health adviser to President Bill Clinton."

While tonight's debate began as most of the debates so far this election cycle - full of sniping and attacks - the debate finally settled down and we heard some substance. The candidates did talk about financial issues, which are weighing heavily on all Americans. But there was virtually no mention of health care tonight, which is unfortunate

The most interesting portion came when the candidates traded lobs on Social Security. While Senators Clinton and Obama are both concerned about the future of the program, they traded barbs about how to ensure the program is strong for future generations. It was a healthy discussion and it's a good thing to see the candidates willing to discuss a range of options. Getting to solvency is going to take a commitment from everyone.

The most disappointing thing about tonight's debate was that too much time was spent on the accusations and attacks that turn people off from politics. With just seven months left of the election season, it would be nice to see more substance and less fluff. Hopefully that's what we'll get.

Not endorsing this type of behavior, but check out a new video on health care from Senator Ron Wyden. It will give you a laugh AND give you pause when you think about health care…

Washington Times: Study "Blows The Lid Off" Boomer Misconceptions

"Baby boomers are not a bunch of annoying, self-absorbed, aging hippies with too much money and a penchant to call attention to themselves," according to a "report released yesterday by AARP meant to dispel persistent 'boomer myths' about the 77 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964." AARP spokesman Anthony DeLuise said, "The label of being self-centered is grossly exaggerated. It's very convenient to lump boomers together as a monolith, and this really misses the mark. This generation is really very diverse.'"

Associated Press: Clinton Plans SCHIP Expansion In First 100 Days

"Clinton's 100-day agenda included the start of a troop withdrawal from Iraq and submitting a budget to Congress that rolls back some of Bush's tax cuts. She also promised to sign bills he has vetoed to expand federal embryonic stem-cell research and broaden government-supported health care to millions of lower-income children who now go without."

USA Today: Foreclosures Projected To Increase Throughout Rest Of Year

"The "nation's already alarming pace of home foreclosures is poised to accelerate through the rest of the year, according to RealtyTrac, which reported Tuesday that foreclosure filings jumped 57% in March from March 2007." The report "painted a grim picture of growing numbers of people unable to make their mortgage payments."

Check it out from the Today Show:

New report out today that takes on some of the myths about the baby boomers, the 77 million people between the ages of 50 and 65. Full report available from Focalyst, but a quick rundown of my favorite myths:

- Boomers are retiring early. No hanging in the hat for boomers, just 11 percent say they will stop working when they reach retirement.

- Technology is not something boomers fear; 82 percent are using the Internet.

- Boomers are done with the kids. In fact, 37 percent have kids under 18 at home and a third are single.

Interesting and a reminder that the boomers are big, diverse and may not exactly what you thought.

Bloomberg: Study Shows U.S. Health Care System Not Prepared For Boomers

"Changes in payment policies by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for the elderly and disabled, would also affect what services the elderly use and how often they do so, the authors said." Currently, Medicare "is experimenting with payment changes to encourage better treatment while holding down spending. The agency's fee-for-service model generally pays for each procedure rather than for overall treatment, which some health analysts say encourages waste." The fee-for-service "policies don't 'encourage the delivery of the best care for older patients or the development of an adequate workforce,' according to the report.

USA Today: New Book On Identity Theft Claims Bankers Are Real Culprits

Steve Weinberg reviews "Zero Day Threat," a non-fiction book on identity theft by USA Today reporters Byron Acohido and Jon Swartz. Weinberg writes, "Surprisingly, the real villains in Zero Day Threat are not the identity thieves themselves." Instead, "the villains are supposed pillars of communities: bankers, credit-bureau managers and computer makers who enable the burglars, and who could ameliorate the identify-theft crisis but, instead, look away in the name of larger corporate profit." The authors "have ferreted out scandal within the identity-theft realm that is bound to lead to reader outrage. Whether the revelations will lead to meaningful reform by Congress and federal regulatory agencies remains to be seen."

MarketWatch: Democrats Contemplate Second Economic Stimulus Package

"Consumers may be more interested in saving than spending, muting some of the immediate positive impact from tax rebates in the first economic stimulus package, lawmakers worry. So Democrats are considering a second economic stimulus plan that could extend unemployment insurance benefits." That package "could include elements such as extending jobless benefits and investing in construction and other public works projects," but "some observers don't expect major progress within coming weeks as lawmakers focus first on passing housing legislation to support that market." The White House "opposes current efforts on a second economic stimulus plan."

New report out today from the Institute of Medicine that says that today’s workforce will not be prepared to handle the aging population. As an explosion of baby boomers start to age, as well people living longer, there’s going to be a larger and larger need for cargivers. The report recommends increasing pay, but also reaching out and helping to educate those who may not formally work in the caregiving field. For many families, the responsibility may fall on them.

There are some good resources out there right now if you are struggling to care for a family member or loved one, start with AARP's caregiving site.

Update: 5:12 PM: Link to the IOM report.

More Jamie Lee for your enjoyment...

CBS News: More Older Americans Are Exercising

"Whether they use weights or exercise machines or not, a lot of older Americans are bushing themselves to better performance every day." CBS (Senay) adds, "We've heard all this before. Plus the old saw about how you're never too old to get started. The truth is, though, most Americans tend to avoid heavy workouts but there is a growing number of seniors who seem to live for that." Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrics professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine says, "Nobody exercises enough, okay. Seniors are no difference in that way. But the other thing that happens as we get older is that our body compositions change. We become unfortunately more fat and less lean body mass."

MarketWatch: Advice On Taking Care Of Insurance Needs During The Recession

"Byron Udell, founder and CEO of AccuQuote, a term-life insurer, recommends these four strategies to help you maintain your health, life and disability coverage when the economy is looking grim." Among the recommendations is "if you lose your job and you can exercise Cobra rights to retain your current employer's health insurance policy, do so. Even if you think you might be able to buy coverage at lower expense under an individual policy, Cobra can offer you good protection while you are choosing." Also, "[i]f you need significant medical care, do it now, while you're still employed and insured."

US News and World Report: David Walker Says Current Presidential Campaign Is Not Paying Enough Attention To Social Security

Walker says that "it is absolutely imperative that" fiscal responsibility "be an issue in the general election campaign," because the government has "about a five- to 10-year -- at most -- closing window of opportunity to start addressing our fiscal challenges or else our foreign lenders are going to send us a signal that we will feel." Walker adds, "We will be talking about proposed solutions...and you will be seeing some ideas pretty quickly about what we should be doing about Social Security, the framework of what we should be doing about healthcare."

US News And World Report: Divided We Fail Polls Gen X And Y On Their Lives Compared To Their Parents'

"A recent online survey of 1,752 members of generations X and Y, those between the ages of 19 and 39, asked, 'To the best of your knowledge, do you think it is easier or harder for people in your generation to do each of the following than it was for your parents 'generation'?'" Brandon notes that the poll come from the American Savings Education Council and the Divided We Fail [dividedwefail.org] coalition (AARP, Business Roundtable, National Federation of Independent Business, Service Employees International Union)." Brandon concludes, "Interestingly, young people think it's easier to get an education today than it was for previous generations. It's just more difficult to pay for it."

Bloomberg News: Senate Passes Housing Bill By Wide Margin

"The chamber voted 84-12 to approve legislation providing tax cuts worth about $18 billion during the next 18 months for home builders, banks and other businesses affected by the subprime mortgage debacle." The bill "must be reconciled with a House plan that omits the business tax breaks in favor of more generous assistance to individuals." According to Senator Chris Dodd, the bill "could still be rewritten in negotiations with House Democrats."

UPI: Increased Funding Fails To Improve Nursing Home Care In California

"A California law falls short of its goal of improving nursing home care and administration costs have gone up," according to a University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing study. The "law...raised nursing home reimbursement rates from $124 per day in 2004 to $152 per day in 2006," but "was followed by a 19 percent increase in administrative costs, but staffing levels remained significantly lower than recommended and staff turnover actually increased." And the "number of complaints about poor quality of care increased, as did documented deficiencies -- including those that caused harm and jeopardy."

Yes, America is stressed about the single largest source of retirement savings – our homes. This is especially true when too many people are faced with losing them, as we are seeing in today’s fragile economy. The Senate passed housing legislation today that just doesn’t do enough. While there are some good things to help with reverse mortgages in the bill, bankruptcy protections that already apply to some should be available to help all homeowners. This thing still is not over, now the House has its turn to provide relief to homeowners.

Troubling poll numbers on how middle class Americans feel about their lives, according to a new poll out from the Pew Research Center. One-third of those who responded to the poll believe they are worse off than five years ago – the highest number over the last 50 years.

If this isn’t a battle cry for change, I am not sure what is. Let’s just hope people actually hear it.

USA Today: Medical Tourism Expenses Can Be Tax Deductible

Jordan Amin, CPA, responds to a readers question on the tax deductibility of medical-travel expenses. Amin writes, "If your trip to India was primarily for medical expenses, your actual transportation and lodging costs are deductible. Lodging costs however are limited to $50 per night and the costs of meals are not deductible. Qualified medical expenses are deductible for federal income tax purposes as an itemized deduction to the extent that they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income."

Forbes: The Best Cars For Retirees

"On top: the Honda Odyssey. It earned stellar safety ratings. What's more, it has a tilt and telescoping steering column and eight-way power-adjustable seats to improve visibility without a lot of twisting and turning. The sliding doors are power-operated for easier opening." And those "amenities...are becoming increasingly common as automakers cater to men and women age 65 and older--the country's fastest-growing population segment." Forbes adds, "Some things that mature drivers should take into consideration when buying a vehicle are crash-test safety ratings; safety features such as airbags; driver's seat position in proportion to the vehicle's controls; ease of egress and entrance; and ample cargo space."

CNN: Report Shows Americans Are Increasingly Pessimistic About Retirement Savings

Rooney reports that "nearly half of the retirees polled said their health care costs were higher than they expected and more than half say they are more worried about their financial future now than they were right after entering retirement." But the "rising awareness about the diminishing availability of employer-paid health care coverage in retirement may actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise, according to Salisbury."