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Nebraska homeowners lost about $17 million in home equity between 2014 and 2021, when more than 300 homes were taken for property tax debts. (blvdone/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Court's 'home equity theft' ruling helps homeowners in NE, nationwide

A year-old U.S. Supreme Court case means relief for two Nebraskans who faced losing their homes and all the equity they had built, when investment …

According to Redfin, in 2019 Minneapolis became the first city to eliminate exclusively single-family zoning citywide. (Delores Harvey/Adobe Stock)

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Drawing attention to a housing option that could make it easier for older Nebraskans to "age in place" is one of the goals of an AARP Community Challe…

An AARP survey found 89% of people age 50+, and 90% of those ages 18-49, own a smartphone.(Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

AARP grant funds Lincoln 'Digital Literacy' project for seniors

Many seniors report using technology on a regular basis but those who do not risk missing out due to its role in so much of daily life. "Digital …

Report: Nebraska ranks 14th in nation for seniors' well-being

A new report on the status of U.S. seniors ranks Nebraska 14th among the states, moving down one spot from 2023. Nationally, the "America's Health …

On the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's 2022 Rural Poll, nearly 40% of rural Nebraskans reported they had volunteered at least a few times a month over the previous year. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

AARP Nebraska seeks nominees for highest state volunteer award

AARP Nebraska is looking for nominations for the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service. The award honors an individual or couple over age 50 …

Family caregivers provide an estimated $600 billion of unpaid care every year. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

NE family caregivers, advocates hope for passage of Caregiver Tax Credit Act

As Nebraska's 2024 legislative session draws to a close, family caregivers and their supporters are closely watching the progress of Legislative Bill …

The 12 nursing homes that closed in Nebraska in the past three years amount to 556 fewer beds for Nebraskans needing nursing-home level care. (luckybusiness/Adobe Stock)

NE Legislature to hear bills that bolster struggling long-term care industry

Nebraska saw nine long-term care facility closures in 2022, second only to 13 in Texas. In the past three years, Nebraska has lost a combined 29 …

There are about 48 million unpaid family caregivers in the U.S., providing care with a dollar value of nearly $600 billion. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

NE lawmakers consider tax credits for family caregivers

About 180,000 Nebraskans are caregivers for a family member. Nationally, family caregivers spend an average of more than $7000 a year on related …

One goal of President Joe Biden's April 2023

Medicaid waiver programs cover in-home care costs for eligible Nebraskans

Many Nebraskans age 65 and older with health limitations, as well as younger people living with a disability, want to remain in their own homes…

In 2023, Nebraska ranked 37th for the percentage of adults experiencing any form of mental illness, at 23.4%, compared with the national average of 20.78%. (Nuttapong punna/Adobe Stock)

2024 means more mental-health care options for NE Medicare recipients

Nebraska was ranked forty-fourth overall in the 2023 Mental Health in America report, and twenty-ninth for access to care. But a change as of January …

An AARP survey found 43% of respondents aged 20-29 reported having lost money to fraud, compared to 23% of those aged 70-79.

AARP to Nebraska families: Let's talk about fraud

With holiday shopping and year-end giving in full swing, some scammers are ramping up their efforts as well. In a recent survey from AARP, nearly 40%…

In 2021, 37% of people in the U.S. ages 18 and older used telehealth services at least once. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

'Champion' NE state senators helped lower insulin costs, strengthen telehealth

As of Jan. 1, insulin will become a lot more affordable for many Nebraskans, and those who have come to rely on telehealth visits are more likely to …

Among registered voters surveyed, nearly 90% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans believe support for unpaid family caregivers is important. (Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels)

NE Area Agencies on Aging support caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and many of the 200,000 Nebraskans who help care for loved ones with a health issue or disability could …

An aerial view of Lincoln, Neb., which received an Overall Livability Score of 63 on the 2023 AARP Livability Index, compared with the average city score of 48. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Lincoln, other NE communities rate high for 'livability'

The city of Lincoln scores high for "livability," both in Nebraska and the nation as a whole. In the new AARP Livability Index, Lincoln ranks number …

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2020, 4.2 million people used Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) delivered in home and community settings, and 1.6 million used LTSS delivered in institutional settings. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

NE long-term care, caregiver support services rank 18th nationwide

The latest State Scorecard Report from AARP shows Nebraska's long-term care facilities have made some improvements in the last three years. For …

According to AARP, Community Challenge Grants can be used

Six NE Communities Receive AARP Grants to Boost 'Livability'

Projects in six Nebraska communities, large and small, are among this year's AARP Community Challenge Grant winners. A total of $3.6 million was …

Three positive trends for seniors nationwide in UnitedHealthcare's 2023 Senior Report were a 6% decrease in the number experiencing food insecurity, a 7% increase in those with access to high-speed internet, and a 16% increase in the number of geriatric providers. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

NE Receives Mixed Reviews on Well Being of State's Seniors

Nebraska received mixed reviews regarding the well-being of the state's seniors in United Healthcare's 2023 Health Rankings Senior Report. The state …

In 2021, nearly 61 million Americans volunteered for an organization, reflecting a value of almost $123 billion. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

AARP of Nebraska Seeks Nominations for Top State-Level Honor

If you know of a Nebraskan age 50 or older who actively supports his or her community through volunteering, you might want to nominate them for the 20…

The National Alliance for Caregiving forecasts that

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NE Family Caregivers Provide Invaluable Service, Provide Billions in Unpaid Care

Many Nebraskans know how crucial a family caregiver is to one of their family members. Now AARP research has put a dollar value on that unpaid care - …

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, a couple can request a Spousal Impoverishment

'Spousal Impoverishment' Preserves Assets from Medicaid Recovery

Seventy percent of those who reach age 65 will need long-term care services or expensive in-home nursing care, and 42% of it nationwide is paid for …

According to the American Council on Aging, the average

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More NE Long-Term Care Facilities Risk Closure Without Funding

Nebraska's long-term care facilities face staffing shortages and other factors that could lead to more closures if state funding isn't increased…

Experts advise Nebraskans to review their credit card, banking and other accounts at least once a month. If you notice charges that could be fraudulent, file a dispute before protections expire, generally 60 days after your statement drops. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Season Scams

Three out of four U.S. consumers have experienced or been targeted by at least one form of fraud that can be tied to the holidays, according to new …

Western Nebraska is home to food deserts, where there is no easy way to get good, healthy food regularly, which disproportionately impact seniors in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Reimagining Ways to Get Struggling Nebraska Families Back on Track

With a new legislative session on the horizon and new legislators after the November elections, the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska is bringing …

Medicare provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act are projected to reduce the federal deficit by $237 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Biden’s Medicare Move Projected to Lower Drug Prices, Federal Deficit

Over the next 10 years, some 64 million people on Medicare, and American taxpayers, will save $100 billion, thanks to provisions in President Joe …

Financial fraud totaled nearly $6 billion in 2021, although experts believe the real cost is much higher because many victims are too ashamed to come forward. (Adobe Stock)

Report Urges Shifting Blame from Fraud Victim to Perpetrator

Changing how we talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Nebraska and the nation respond to this growing sector of criminal …

Nationally, the residential long-term care industry has lost 235,000 workers since the onset of the global pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing Home Staffing Shortage Creating Backlogs for Hospitals

A new Economic Policy Institute report links staffing shortages in residential long-term care facilities in Nebraska and across the nation to low pay …

According to The Corporation for National & Community Service, Nebraska consistently is among the top 10 states in the nation for the highest rate of volunteerism among adults. (Adobe Stock)">

Award Opportunity to Celebrate Community Volunteers

AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2022 Nebraska Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Nebraskans age 50 and older who are sharing …

Nebraska is one of just 12 states that taxes Social Security income, but the practice will be phased out by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

State Taxes on Social Security Benefits to Phase Out Faster

Older Nebraskans will be keeping more of their hard-earned Social Security benefits even sooner, after Gov. Pete Ricketts signed Legislative Bill 873 …

Eight in 10 Nebraska voters support increasing funding for the respite care program which provides short-term help from a home health aide or adult day-care program so family caregivers can take a break. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Nebraska Lawmakers Urged to Support Family Caregivers

The strain of unpaid family care-giving is pressing down hard on many Nebraska residents, according to new AARP research. Nearly half of people …

Nebraskans age 50 and older account for 56 cents of every dollar in consumer spending in the state, and generate $50 billion in economic activity. (Adobe Stock)

NE Lawmakers Consider Dropping Tax on Social Security Income

A bill designed to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits by 2025 is making headway in the Nebraska Legislature. Sen. Brett Lindstrom…

Recent AARP Community Challenge grant projects included improvements to a community garden in Lincoln and walking trails in Hebron. (Adobe Stock)

Age-Friendly Community Grant Applications Now Open

AARP is now accepting applications for its Community Challenge Grant program. This year's focus is to increase investments in projects boosting …

Of the 142,176 veterans living in Nebraska, only 33% have utilized their earned benefits at VA health care, according to U.S. Census data. (Adobe Stock)

New Online Navigator Aims to Streamline Access to Veteran Health Benefits

LINCOLN, Neb. - November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, and AARP has launched a free, one-stop online resource to help more …

The U.S. Postal Service is responsible for delivering Social Security and veterans benefit checks, prescription medicines and more to all Americans regardless of where they live. (Adobe Stock)

Postal Service Cost-Cutting Measures Worry Nebraska Business Owners

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- Small-business owners in Nebraska are concerned about losing customers during the upcoming holiday season as the U.S. Postal …

Starting this year, Medicare coverage plans participating in the program's Senior Savings Model must now offer insulin for no more than $35 per month. (Adobe Stock)

How to Keep Medicare Coverage, Avoid Scammers During Open Enrollment

LINCOLN, Neb. -- With open enrollment for Medicare set to kick off next week, Nebraskans age 65 and older can expect to see a deluge of ads for so-…

More than half of Nebraska's home internet users in non-rural parts of the state have a cable internet connection, compared with just one in 10 rural homes, who rely on DSL, satellite or wireless. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: 79% of Voters Want Lawmakers to Expand High-Speed Internet Access

LINCOLN, Neb. -- More than half of Nebraska voters age 50 and older in rural parts of the state are having a hard time accessing high-speed internet…

In early July, the Biden administration canceled nearly $56 million in student-loan debt, mostly connected to institutions engaging in misconduct, including promising jobs or falsely claiming credits would transfer to universities.(Adobe Stock)

Scammers Targeting Nebraska Student-Loan Holders

LINCOLN, Neb. - Student-loan forgiveness has become an increasingly popular scam targeting young adults, and as an October deadline looms, consumer …

Nebraskans age 50 and older contribute more than $2 billion each year in unpaid family caregiving.<br />(Sabinevanerp/Pixabay)

NE Lawmakers Begin Phasing Out State Taxes on Social Security Benefits

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska lawmakers are leaning on older residents to help boost the state's economic recovery. Last week Gov. Pete Ricketts signed …

Protections from Financial Scams Beefed Up for Older Nebraskans

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new state law aims to stop scams that target the financial assets of older Nebraskans. Jina Ragland, associate state director of …

A recent Government Accountability Office report found more than 80% of nursing homes were cited for infection prevention failures, including washing hands in between patients, before the pandemic. (Pixabay)

Nebraska Lawmakers to Consider Broad Legal Immunity for Nursing Homes

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Advocates for nursing-home residents are pushing back against a proposal to give broad immunity for businesses that may face …

Research has shown a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety and depression. (Pixabay)

Survey Snapshot: Women Managing Loneliness After Age 50

LINCOLN, Neb. -- A new survey of women aged fifty and older found lockdowns and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic have amplified …

Nursing home deaths comprised 54% of all COVID-19 deaths in Nebraska between October and November, the latest data set analysed by AARP (Thedigitalartist/Pixabay).

Nebraska Nursing-Home COVID-19 Cases, Deaths Rise

LINCOLN, Neb. -- New AARP analysis shows nursing home residents and staff in Nebraska still are at significant risk from the coronavirus. Data from …

In 2018, Nebraskans age 50 and older contributed 250 hours, on average, per year caring for loved ones, at a value of $2.2 billion. (Pxfuel)

Older Nebraskans 'Punching Above Their Weight' in Economic Contributions

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraskans age 50 and older create a big economic impact that should help the state's economy recover from the pandemic and drive …

Nearly 65% of payday loan storefronts in Nebraska are owned by out-of-state corporations. (Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons)

Ballot Measure Aims to Protect Against Predatory Lending Practices

RALSTON, Neb. -- If voters approve Ballot Initiative 428 in November, payday lenders say most operators would be forced to shut down, leaving …

The U.S. Census Bureau provides translated web pages and guides in 59 non-English languages, including American Sign Language, as well as guides in Braille and large print. (U.S. Census Bureau)

Window Tightens for Getting Accurate Census Count in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. -- As the Trump administration works to end the U.S. Census Bureau's once-a-decade tally required by the U.S. Constitution one month …

Nearly three-quarters of Americans - 74% - say they're worried Social Security will not provide enough to live on during their retirement. (Adam Jones/Wikimedia Commons)

Survey: Social Security a Critical Lifeline During Pandemic

LINCOLN, Neb. -- As Social Security celebrates its 85th anniversary this month, a new AARP survey finds an overwhelming majority of Americans support …

Bus Rapid Transit lines have helped transform communities across the globe, boosting local economies. (Adam Coppola Photography/Flickr)

ORBT Could Bring Age-Friendly Housing Options for Omaha Residents

OMAHA, Neb. -- The city of Omaha is expanding its public transit service, and if it adopts a proposed Transit Oriented Development policy, …

Nebraska is one of 13 states with at least 50% of deaths from COVID-19 connected to nursing homes. (U.S. Army Reserves)

Senior Advocates Ask Ricketts to Report Nursing Homes with COVID-19

LINCOLN, Neb. -- AARP Nebraska is urging Gov. Pete Ricketts to release the names of nursing homes and assisted-living communities with confirmed …

Nebraskans are encouraged to research groups doing COVID-19 relief work at CharityNavigator.org or Give.org before making donations. (Pxfuel)

Tips for Avoiding Coronavirus Scams

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Medicare officials are warning people that the COVID-19 pandemic has created the perfect petri dish for a wide array of scams…

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NE: Senior Issues