College application fees being waived for Alabama high school students
Applying to college can get expensive, fast. Between mandatory standardized tests, to campus visits, and pricey application fees — families can find themselves spending hundreds of dollars on college before a student has even enrolled for classes. But this week, Alabama seniors are getting a break on the whopping price-tag of higher education. Application fees are being waived as part of the state’s fifth annual Alabama College Application Week (ALCAC). From October 30 through November 3, seniors can apply to select state colleges and universities at no charge. The following colleges and universities have officially waived their application fees to allow Alabama students participating in ALCAC Week, to submit their applications to their institutions at no cost: Alabama A&M University Alabama State University (ASU) Alcorn State University – Mississippi Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) Benedict College – South Carolina Berea College – Kentucky Bethune-Cookman College – Florida Claflin University – South Carolina Concordia College Dillard University – Louisiana Edward Waters College – Florida Fisk University – Tennessee Fortis College Georgia College – Georgia Hampton University – Virginia Jackson State University – Mississippi Jacksonville State University Judson College Marion Military Institute Miles College Mississippi Valley State – Mississippi Murray State University – Kentucky Norfolk State University – Virginia Selma University Springhill College Stillman College Talladega College The University of Montevallo The University of North Alabama (UNA) The University of Tennessee – Knoxville Troy University Tuskegee University University of Dayton – Ohio Western Kentucky University – Kentucky Xavier University of Louisiana ALCAC was started five years ago to increase the overall number of students in our state applying to, and ultimately enrolling in, postsecondary education. This year’s event will focus on increasing the number of young people, especially first-generation and low-income students, pursuing college degrees. “Students need every opportunity to reach their full potential – earning a college degree after high school graduation is a very rewarding way to accomplish this goal,” said Alabama College Application Campaign (ALCAC) Coordinator, Dr. Willietta Conner. During this celebration, many schools statewide will be hosting local college application fairs. Students will attend these events during the school day, and work-on and submit their final applications to colleges across the country. During last year’s event, more than 26,000 Alabama high school seniors applied to college. Almost 52,000 applications were submitted to colleges throughout the country. This year, more than 350 schools have already registered to participate. Last year 70 Alabama high schools had 100 percent of their senior class to apply to college. More schools this year are working hard to achieve this same goal during Alabama College Application Week.
Alabama nursing homes stand ready to aid Hurricane Irma evacuees
As residents across the Sunshine State board up their homes and businesses ahead of Hurricane Irma, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is busy working the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA) to coordinate accommodations for residents to ensure patients are safe during the powerful Category 4 storm. The ANHA confirms to Alabama Today that they are providing bed availability and contact information for Florida nursing homes. “The number of Florida nursing home residents evacuated to Alabama will depend on how many facilities choose to evacuate and where they choose to relocate,” said NHA spokesperson John Matson. “Florida nursing homes may choose to relocate to other states. Due to Hurricane Irma’s predicted path and the number of people living in Florida nursing homes, we expect Florida nursing home residents will be relocated across Alabama.” Regardless of FHCA’s evacuation plan, with 229 nursing homes and a licensed bed capacity of 26,700, the ANHA, which represents 94% of Alabama nursing homes, stands ready to help. Thus far mandatory evacuation orders cover parts of Miami-Dade County, Broward County east of US 1, Palm Beach County, low-lying parts of Brevard County, and Monroe County, home to the Florida Keys. Many expect that the mass exodus from South Florida could become one of the largest evacuations in US history.
Social Security projects biggest payment increase in years
Good news for seniors: Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security are projected to receive their biggest payment increase in years this January. Bad news for seniors: It’s just a 2.2 percent increase, or about $28 a month for the average recipient. The trustees who oversee Social Security and Medicare released their 2018 projections Thursday, along with their annual warning about the long-term financial problems of the federal government’s two bedrock retirement programs. Social Security recipients have gone years with tiny increases in benefits because inflation has been low or non-existent. This year they received an increase of 0.3 percent, after getting nothing last year. The last time they got a bigger increase was in 2012, when the hike was 3.6 percent. In recent years, many Social Security recipients have seen their cost-of-living adjustments erased by higher premiums for Medicare Part B. The trustees say that shouldn’t be a problem next year. They project that Medicare Part B premiums will remain unchanged – $134 a month for most, though retirees with higher incomes pay more. Both Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment and the Medicare Part B premium are to be announced in the fall. More than 61 million retirees, disabled workers, spouses and surviving children receive Social Security benefits. The average monthly payment is $1,253. Medicare provides health insurance to about 58 million people, most of whom are at least 65 years old. Unless Congress acts, the trust funds that support Social Security are estimated to run dry in 2034, the same year as last year’s projection. Medicare’s trust fund for inpatient care is projected to be depleted in 2029, a year later than last year’s forecast. If Congress allows either fund to be depleted, millions of Americans living on fixed incomes would face steep cuts in benefits. Neither Social Security nor Medicare faces an immediate crisis – they both currently have surpluses. But the trustees warn that the longer Congress waits to address the programs’ problems, the harder it will be to sustain Social Security and Medicare without steep cuts in benefits, big tax increases or both. For example, in 2034, Social Security is projected to have a $546 billion shortfall, which would grow to more than $3 trillion in the first five years. “Congress must act to ensure the long-term fiscal viability and sustainability and survival of Medicare and Social Security,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. “There are a great many ways that the situation can be addressed. The bottom line is that it must be addressed.” A big reason why Congress doesn’t shore up Social Security and Medicare is that Democrats and Republicans don’t agree on the urgency of the problem. Many Democrats and liberals focus on the fact that both programs are funded for years to come. “Today’s reports reveal the claim Medicare is bankrupt as simply a political excuse to cut seniors’ benefits, and Social Security’s near term outlook is stable,” said Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee. Republicans, meanwhile, note that both programs face steep shortfalls as soon as their trust funds run out of money. “With an aging population, our nation’s most critical retirement programs – Medicare and Social Security – are feeling an increased financial squeeze that puts their future viability at serious risk,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, chairman of the Finance Committee. The programs’ long-term financial problems are in part because the U.S. is growing older. In 1960, there were 5.1 workers for each person getting Social Security benefits. Today, there are about 2.8 workers for each beneficiary. In addition to Price, the trustees who oversee Social Security and Medicare are Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta and acting Social Security Commissioner Nancy Berryhill. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Luther Strange highlights role of pharmacists in access to care
Joining his Senate colleagues in a push to expand access to critical health care services across rural America, Alabama Senator Luther Strange on Thursday announced his co-sponsorship of S. 109: the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act. The bill, which was introduced in January by Iowa-Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley encourages pharmacists to serve older Americans in communities lacking easy access to doctors or where pharmacists are more convenient to visit for certain services than doctors. This includes the administration of immunizations, management of chronic conditions, and conducting preventive testing and screening. In medically underserved communities, pharmacists are often the most accessible medical professionals, but remain unrecognized as health care providers by federal law. This bill would change that. “Seniors across rural Alabama deserve coverage that actually means care,” said Strange. “This bill is a commonsense way to ensure that medical professionals are empowered to practice the full scope of their licenses by delivering critical treatments and testing to the underserved populations of our state. Pharmacists are often the most trusted, accessible care providers in small communities.” Strange continued, “As a customer of a community pharmacy, myself, I know that these professionals deserve to be reimbursed under Medicare for the vital services they deliver. It is important to recognize the value of pharmacists, along with the spectrum of nursing practitioners, in integrating comprehensive, value-based healthcare.”
Growing number of Americans are retiring outside the US
Newly widowed, Kay McCowen quit her job, sold her house, applied for Social Security and retired to Mexico. It was a move she and her husband, Mel, had discussed before he passed away in 2012. “I wanted to find a place where I could afford to live off my Social Security,” she said. “The weather here is so perfect, and it’s a beautiful place.” She is among a growing number of Americans who are retiring outside the United States. The number grew 17 percent between 2010 and 2015 and is expected to increase over the next 10 years as more baby boomers retire. Just under 400,000 American retirees are now living abroad, according to the Social Security Administration. The countries they have chosen most often: Canada, Japan, Mexico, Germany and the United Kingdom. Retirees most often cite the cost of living as the reason for moving elsewhere said Olivia S. Mitchell, director of the Pension Research Council at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. “I think that many people retire when they are in good health and they are interested in stretching their dollars and seeing the world,” Mitchell said. McCowen’s rent in Ajijic, a community outside Guadalajara near Mexico’s Lake Chapala, is half of what she was paying in Texas. And since the weather is moderate, utility bills are inexpensive. In some countries, Mitchell said, retirees also may find it less expensive to hire someone to do their laundry, clean, cook and even provide long-term care than in the United States. McCowen has a community of other American retirees nearby and has adjusted well. But for others there are hurdles to overcome to adjust to life in a different country. Viviana Rojas, an associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, says the biggest obstacle is not speaking the language or knowing the culture. “Many of the people we interviewed said they spoke Spanish, but they actually spoke very little Spanish,” said Rojas, who is writing a book about retirees in Mexico. “They didn’t have the capacity of speaking enough Spanish to meet their basic needs like going to the doctor or to the store.” Access to health care also can be a challenge. While retirees still can receive Social Security benefits, Medicare is not available to those living abroad, Mitchell said. Joseph Roginski, 71, says that while the cost of living is higher in Japan, access to health care is not. “Things are very expensive here. It is impossible to live off Social Security alone,” said Roginski, who was stationed in Japan in 1968. “But health insurance is a major factor in staying here.” The former military language and intelligence specialist said he pays $350 annually to be part of Japan’s national health insurance. His policy covers 70 percent of his costs. The rest is covered by a secondary insurance program for retired military personnel. Japan experienced biggest growth, 42 percent, of American retirees than any other country between 2010 and 2014, according to data from the Social Security Administration. The large U.S. military presence in the country may be a factor. There are more than 50,000 U.S. military servicemen and -women stationed in Japan. The presence is so large that in the island of Okinawa, the U.S. military occupies about 19 percent of the area, according to Ellis S. Krauss, professor emeritus of Japanese politics and policy-making at the University of California, San Diego. Roginski, who volunteers for the Misawa Air Base Retiree Activities Office, said he helps connect more than 450 retirees and their families living in Northern Japan with resources. He said he would never move back to the United States. “We have a real strong sense of security here,” he said. “I can leave my door unlocked and no one will take anything. When I go to another country I feel nervous, but when I come back I feel like I’m home.” Mexico has become home for retired firefighter, Dan Williams, 72, and his wife, Donna, 68. The couple has been living near the same retirement community in Lake Chapala for 14 years. “The climate and the medical services are very good,” Williams said. Williams teaches painting to adults and children and puts together a monthly magazine for the local American Legion. He is also a member of the Lake Chapala Society, which offers daily activities for American retirees. It was those same services that attracted McCowen to the region. “Before moving, I found out how many widowed and divorced women lived here,” she said. “There is comfort in numbers.” She says she loves being in a lively community. “I see older people walking year round. I see them all over the place even in their wheelchairs. If they were in the U.S., they would probably be in a nursing home,” she said. “I don’t think I could move back.” Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama ranks 2016’s 10th worst state in elder-abuse protections
America has become an increasingly aging nation. The U.S. Census Bureau expects the population aged 65 and older to nearly double from 43.1 million in 2012 to 83.7 million in 2050, much to the credit of aging Baby Boomers who began turning 65 in 2011. That’s bad news for those aging in Alabama — the state is ranked one of the worst in elder-abuse protections in the country, according to a new online report. A new Wallethub study shows out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Alabama ranked 10th worst in protections against elder abuse. Alabama ranked poorly when it comes to eldercare organizations and services per resident aged 65+, total long-term care ombudsman-program funding per resident aged 65+, number of certified volunteer ombudsmen per resident aged 65+, among other measures used to gauge the state’s level elder-abuse protection. Here’s how Alabama stands on some key metrics studied by WalletHub: Elder-ebuse protections in Alabama (1=best; 25=avg.) 20th: Elder-abuse, gross-neglect and exploitation complaints per resident aged 65+ 27th: Total expenditures on elder-abuse prevention per resident aged 65+ 35th: Total long-term care ombudsman-program funding per resident aged 65+ 35th: Number of eldercare organizations and services per resident aged 65+ 49th: Number of certified volunteer ombudsmen per resident aged 65+ 20th: Nursing-homes quality Here’s how Alabama compares to the rest of the country: Source: WalletHub
Bradley Byrne votes to protect access to retirement advice for American families
The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted along party lines, 234-183, Thursday to repeal a new Department of Labor rule the Obama administration introduced in April that would redefine the definition of “retirement advice” for pension and retirement plans. Democrats said the fiduciary rule would protect families from paying higher fee, meanwhile Republicans warn the rule will impose new standards and regulations on financial advisors while also expanding the definition of who is required to comply. Studies have found the increased compliance costs could be over $2 billion. The added costs will be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher costs and fees. Republican Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, joined his Party and voted for H.J. Res. 88 to block the rule warning the it would be especially hard on low- and middle-income families who will no longer be able to afford retirement advice, and that it may also restrict small businesses’ ability to offer retirement options to their employees. “I am pleased the House acted today to stop the Obama Administration’s ill-conceived ‘fiduciary’ rule,” said Byrne in a statement after his vote. “Republicans and Democrats agree that financial advisors should act in the best interest of the consumer, but there is a far better way to ensure the bad actors are punished than hurting everyone else in the process.” Byrne continued, “No one would be hurt more by this rule than low- and middle-income families who arguably need this financial advice the most. I hope the Senate will act soon on our legislation to ensure each and every American has access to retirement advice.” Byrne was joined by his Alabama Republican colleagues, Reps. Martha Roby (AL-02), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Mo Brooks (AL-06) and Gary Palmer (AL-06) in voting to block the rule. Rep. Terri Sewell, the delegation’s lone Democrat, voted against the resolution that blocks the new. Following the vote, President Barack Obama has threatened to veto the measure.
How seniors can prevent rising online scams, identity theft during 2016 tax season
As April 15 quickly approaches and Americans start to file tax returns, a large number of people will be in for a shock. And it’s not a bigger-than-expected refund. Many will learn their taxes have already been filed – by someone else using their identity. Identity theft and tax fraud are on the rise in 2016, with an increasing number of fraudulent tax filings to the Internal Revenue Service through such popular online programs as TurboTax, H&R Block, and eFile. Con artists use information such as Social Security numbers to file taxes and get a job falsely – resulting in the IRS having inaccurate taxpayer income data. One such case was a 29-year-old Okeechobee woman who filed a report in January with the local Sheriff’s office after discovering a tax return was previously submitted in her name, giving the thieves a refund of $1,500. According to the IRS, there were nearly 736,000 reports of fraudulent contacts since 2013, a majority of those by scammers posing as IRS agents. Phone rip-offs have cost taxpayers more than $23 million, the agency says. With more taxpayers turning to the Internet to file taxes quickly and easily, the problem of identity theft is far from a minor nuisance. The IRS estimates it prevented $24.2 billion in identity theft in 2013; a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows the IRS still paid $5.8 billion in fraudulent refunds, up from $3.6 billion the year before. Seniors and immigrants are particularly vulnerable to identity theft, IRS officials say. Usually, the scam begins with a call to victims asking for Social Security numbers. “Callers claim to be employees of the IRS, but are not,” the IRS website advises. “These con artists can sound convincing when they call. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling.” In a recent Context Florida op-ed, Apryl Marie Fogel of the 60 Plus Association, a nonpartisan senior advocacy group, warns that the use of technology and a lack of online security will only increase the problem. “There are literally millions of online accounts that criminals can use to prey on legitimate taxpayers, stealing their identity and pocketing their hard-earned money,” she writes. “Everyone is at risk, especially seniors.” As an example, Fogel points to the 2015 instance of two former TurboTax employees who acknowledged the existence of accounts that “were 100 percent used only for fraud.” The pair accused TurboTax management of “forbidding” either flagging or turning off the fake accounts while refusing to implement security measures to stop widespread fraud. In Florida, Attorney Gen. Pam Bondi’s office released a checklist to help safeguard taxpayers from fraud and identity theft: File tax returns early; Research tax preparers thoroughly before providing personal information; When filing electronically, Use a secure Internet connection. Do not use unsecured, publicly available Wi-Fi hot spots; Mail tax returns directly from the post office, not from home; Many taxpayers are eligible for an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. Should someone enrolled in the IRS IP PIN program and file a return with an incorrect PIN, the IRS will reject or delay the return until submitted with the correct PIN and the taxpayer’s identity is confirmed. To obtain an IRS IP PIN IRS.gov; The IRS will never initiate contact by email, phone, text or social media. If the IRS needs information, it will first contact by mail; and If a Social Security number has been compromised, contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490. Also, the 60 Plus Association issued a news alert/fact sheet with tips, precautions and things to keep in mind to avoid being scammed, which includes information about the IRS services available for seniors and others with low incomes. 60 Plus also provides an online resource with more information geared toward older adults: www.60Plus.org/StopIRSScams.
Bradley Byrne to host Senior Citizens Resource Fair, Town Hall meeting
Senior citizens in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District are invited to attend an upcoming Senior Citizens Resource Fair and Town Hall Meeting in Mobile County hosted by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01). The Alabama Republican’s event takes place Nov. 12 at the Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Community Center (3201 Hillcrest Rd.) in Mobile from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There, Byrne will bring together representatives from key federal and state agencies and organizations — including representatives from the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Area Agency on Aging among others – in a resource fair to highlight services and benefits of special interest to senior citizens. According to Byrne’s Facebook post, there will be free legal counseling for living wills and durable power of attorney available. “My office is committed to serving our local senior citizens, and the resource fair offers a one-stop-shop for a variety of agencies and services important to seniors,” Byrne said. “I also look forward to holding a town hall meeting and answering questions about important issues under debate in Washington. The Senior Citizens Resource Fair and Town Hall Meeting is just another way my office is staying open and accessible to my constituents.”
Donna Marietta: The Forgotten Generation
Seniors are often the forgotten generation. As we go about our daily lives, we forget there are many seniors who live alone and are lonely and isolated. Many of them are also hungry. As we drive through our neighborhoods on our way to work, school, church or to go shopping, we drive past homes where seniors live behind closed doors and closed blinds. Senior hunger is a hidden national crisis that will only become more serious. In 2030, more than 20 percent of Americans are expected to be older than 65. There is an army of baby boomers who have not saved enough given how long they are going to live, marching towards retirement. It’s going to be a hungry retirement! Many have not recovered from the recession poorly timed for people nearing or already in their retirement years. The number of seniors facing the threat of hunger is alarmingly high. More than 1 in 6 seniors in America – a total of 8.8 million — may not know when they will have their next meal or where it will come from. In 2050 that number – 8.8 million – is predicted to double. There are many reasons for the rapid increase in life expectancy, including improved medical care and healthier life styles. Since people are living longer, we also are seeing more frail elderly. The frail elderly segment of our population is growing faster than any other category. Frail is defined as a state of decreased physical functioning and/or bad complications of aging such as poor balance that increased the risk of falls, fractures or disability. No one grows up dreaming of becoming isolated, hungry, and alone. Sometimes it is beyond their control, such as outliving a more mobile spouse and are now vulnerable or outlasting a pension or their retirement funds. Women make up 60 percent of the seniors facing the threat of hunger. Many seniors who can afford the cost of food, lack the mobility to get the food and prepare their own meals nor have anyone to help them. They may have no family nearby or their friends aren’t able to help because they may be in the same situation. Some seniors are too proud to let others know they are hungry. They are humiliated and don’t want to be a bother. They want so much to stay in their home that they’ll go hungry without a fuss. They are afraid they’ll be forced into assisted living or a nursing facility. They are getting by on cold cereal, or the wrong kind of food but that is not adequate. It is vital that they receive the proper nutrients to stay healthy. Half of all health concerns affecting older Americans are directly connected to poor diet. A recent study showed that food insecure seniors are at higher risk of experiencing negative nutrition and health consequences. Specifically, seniors at risk of hunger are: 50 percent more likely to be diabetic; Twice as likely to report fair or poor general health; Three times more likely to suffer depression; Nearly 60 percent more likely to have congestive heart failure or experience a heart attack; and Twice as likely to report having gum disease or asthma. These are some of the reasons for the Montgomery Area Council On Aging and the Meals On Wheels program. Through donations and volunteers, we are able to deliver hot, nutritious meals Monday through Friday to home-bound seniors. At this time we have the funds and volunteers to be able to deliver 350 meals daily. There is a waiting list that averages about 400. Enabling seniors to stay in their own homes means they remain happier, extend their independence, and can stay connected to the community and surroundings that provide them comfort. Meals On Wheels is more than a meal. It is a friendly smile and conversation, and it provides peace of mind. The smile and daily check is a critical part of our mission because many times our volunteer may be the only person that the senior sees each day. The compassion delivered with the meal allows Meals On Wheels to show our home-bound seniors they are not forgotten and that we care. Donna Marietta is executive director of the Montgomery Area Council on Aging, a nonprofit that provides senior services to five counties in central Alabama.
