The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging - Public Education - FHA E-Newsletter

In this issue:

New "Tip Sheet" Offers Vital Information on Flu and Other Shots Older Adults Need
FHA Provides Up-to-Date, Easy-to-Understand Information on Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
FHA Updates Aging in the Know Online Directory
Medicare Rights Center's Dear Marci e-Newsletter Answers Questions About Medicare

1. New "Tip Sheet" Offers Vital Information on Flu and Other Shots Older Adults Need

The American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) has released a new, easy-to-read "tip sheet" listing important shots that older adults should get, and offering additional advice on avoiding contagious diseases such as the flu. The printer-friendly tip sheet, "It's That Time of Year Again: Flu and Other Potentially Life-Saving Shots," is the latest in a series of health tip sheets for older adults that the FHA began publishing more than a year ago. The tip sheet series offer up-to-date information concerning the health and health care needs of older adults and are printer-friendly for distribution to patients and others at no cost.

2. FHA Provides Up-to-Date, Easy-to-Understand Information on Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

Several recent surveys have indicated that the new Medicare prescription drug benefit has been difficult for beneficiaries to understand. The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging offers an online resource - Medicare Update - to help both beneficiaries and health professionals understand and keep abreast of changes in the benefit. Medicare Update includes the latest:

Medicare announcements
Medicare updates
Resources and tips
Links to FHA/AGS resources and information
Links to useful external resources

The page is updated as new information is released. The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging is committed to providing useful and timely information about the new Medicare prescription drug plan.

3. FHA Updates Aging in the Know Online Directory

In an effort to provide a comprehensive guide to federal government agencies and national not-for-profit organizations offering information and resources concerning the special health care needs of older adults, the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging continually updates its online "Directory of Agencies and Organizations: Addressing the Special Health Care Needs of Older Adults."

If you would like to join the Aging in the Know mailing list to stay current on news, resources and new topics in aging, please visit the Aging in the Know Web site at http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/listserv.asp

4. Medicare Rights Center's Dear Marci e-Newsletter Answers Questions About Medicare

The Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of Medicare information in the United States. It provides Medicare users with the information and assistance they need to get quality, affordable health care. MRC has created a helpful resource -- a free, weekly e-newsletter, Dear Marci -- to keep beneficiaries and healthcare professionals in the know about health care benefits, rights and options. Dear Marci answers important questions about Medicare, offers Medicare coverage advice, and highlights basic health tips each week. To begin receiving Dear Marci and other Medicare policy and news updates, visit the Medicare Rights Center.