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As 2009 comes to a close, N4A would like to wish its members, partners, and other industry professionals a safe and happy holiday season. As we reflect on the past year for the industry, we would like to provide the readers of the N4A Answers of Aging for Professionals, a look at the most accessed articles from the year. The news brief will resume publication January 7, 2010. Under Pressure on Health Care, White House Fights Back from The New York Times The White House started a new Web site this week to fight questionable but potentially damaging charges that President Obama's proposed overhaul of the nation's health care system would inevitably lead to "socialized medicine," "rationed care" and even forced euthanasia for the elderly. More A Primer on the Details of Health Care Reform from The New York Times With the debate over the future of health care now shifted from Capitol Hill to town halls, supporters and critics of the Democrats' legislative proposals are polishing their sound bites and sharpening their attack lines. More Top Aging Services Innovators Honored in Minneapolis from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging The National Association of Area Agencies honored the nation's top innovators in aging services programs. Award winners were recognized for their exemplary innovation and sound management practices in helping older Americans remain living independently. More AoA Announces Availability of $2.5 Million for Lifespan Respite Care Programs from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Acting Assistant Secretary for Aging Edwin L. Walker is pleased to announce the availability of $2.5 million to provide family caregivers with more opportunities to receive much-needed short-term, temporary relief from providing care for their loved ones. More 2020 Vision: Proposal Would Help the Elderly from the Times of Trenton The elderly would have greater access to the services they need to live independently in their homes under proposed federal legislation known as Project 2020. The legislation won positive reviews Tuesday at the 11th annual Conference for Professionals in the Aging Network at the Crowne Plaza in Jamesburg. "Project 2020 would really maxi mize seniors' participation and in dependence in their communities," said Grace Egan, executive director of the New Jersey Foundation for Aging, which sponsored the conference. More The Sleeper in Health Reform: Long-Term Care and the CLASS Act from the Kaiser Family Foundation The Kaiser Family Foundation briefing examines a little-noticed but major provision in two leading health reform bills that would change the way that the U.S. pays for long-term care. The provision, known as the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, would establish a national voluntary insurance program that would allow for voluntary pre-financing of long-term care through payroll deductions and then provide a cash benefit to purchase services. More Kennedy's Disability Plan Could Snag Health Bill from the Washington Times An insurance plan championed by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy that would help elderly or disabled people avoid nursing homes ironically adds yet another sticking point to the comprehensive health care reform plans for which the Massachusetts Democrat fought through much of his career. More ADVERTISEMENT Special Needs Trust Resource Center Special Needs Trusts safeguard personal assets that public benefits do not cover - all without jeopardizing the eligibility for government benefits and public assistance programs. Vista Points is focused on helping people living with disabilities, their families and caregivers, and professionals who guide them. Services offered Nationwide     More Info (615.824.7230) What Health Care Overhaul Means for You from NPR How exactly would new health care overhaul legislation affect you? Here's a tool -- choose categories that best fit your situation and see what the major proposals currently before Congress would mean for you. More Democrats Lose Big Test Vote on Health Legislation from The New York Times Democrats lost a big test vote on health care legislation on Wednesday as the Senate blocked action on a bill to increase Medicare payments to doctors at a cost of $247 billion over ten years. More AoA Awards More Than $32 Million for Home and Community-Based Services and Supports for Older Americans and Individuals with Disabilities from the Administration on Aging Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee has announced more than $32 million to expand and support community-based programs that help promote health, independence and community living for older Americans, veterans and people with disabilities. More APRIL 19-20, 2010 Join advocates from around the country at n4a's 16th annual Aging Policy Briefing, a two-day event on Capitol Hill designed to bring you up-to-speed on all the aging policy issues before you take to the Hill to advocate for older adults and caregivers in your community. Learn more

The articles in Answers on Aging for Professionals are chosen from a variety of sources to keep subscribers informed of topics and trends that impact aging service professionals and the older population they serve. Publication of any article or advertisement does not imply that n4a has endorsed or supports its content.

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