Liz Seegert

1 week ago | healthjournalism.org | Liz Seegert

Many older adults have benefitted from senior nutrition programs like Meals On Wheels. But the wholesale reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services and looming Medicaid budget cuts are putting more seniors at risk of going hungry than ever before. Meals on Wheels, the more than 50 year-old program that is part of the Older Americans Act, ensures low-income older adults have access to nutritious food.

3 weeks ago | healthjournalism.org | Liz Seegert

Cuts to Medicaid could be devastating for a huge portion of low-income people over 65. This joint federal-state program is under a microscope as Congress debates the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and how to offset tax cuts. If the budget passes, it needs to be offset by $880 billion in cuts, making Medicaid a prime target.

3 weeks ago | healthjournalism.org | Liz Seegert

Despite what many people think, palliative care is distinct from hospice care — it’s not just for end-of-life. Misinformation and lack of education persist among those needing these services, and even among some health care providers. Also known as comfort care, palliative care can be an effective approach when provided in conjunction with curative care and treatments for people facing serious illnesses such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease.

1 month ago | healthjournalism.org | Liz Seegert

If Congress slashes $880 billion from the proposed federal budget, it will mean significant changes for Medicaid. According to some policy analysts, seniors will likely bear the brunt of the cuts. Journalists should closely watch the budget bill and how it impacts different states if it becomes law. Medicaid accounts for one-fifth of health care spending, and more than half of the expenditure for long-term care, according to KFF.

1 month ago | healthjournalism.org | Liz Seegert

A recent report from the Center for an Urban Future is a reality check on a looming crisis for many states: providing adequate services and support for older adults. The report found that the proportion of older people living in poverty in New York State increased by 50% over the past decade. Just as concerning, hundreds of thousands of older New Yorkers appear to have no stable source of retirement income.That will affect everything in their lives including, housing, nutrition and health care.