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☆ Here's how those looking to 'age in place' can fund home health-care services
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Deborah Nason | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty ImagesSome 70% of people want to age at home, yet only 10% have long-term care insurance, a recent HCG Secure/Arctos Foundation study found. Furthermore, about half of respondents had no idea how much in-home care would cost. "Basically, I try to segment the risk into a short-term need and a long-term need, and to fund them separately," he said. "And most of them can't afford long-term care insurance." Digging into any corporate retiree benefits beyond just a pension, as there's often additional services for in-home care, he said.

There are no proven treatments for long Covid. No one knows exactly what causes the range of lingering issues associated with long Covid. Stanford's study aims to enroll 200 adults who have had long Covid symptoms for at least three months, without a recent diagnosis of the disease. "We really feel that with long Covid, you shouldn't wait until you already have all of these problems to address them. He's been struggling with the effects of long Covid for a year and a half.

K9s for Warriors, an organization that has rescued over 1,500 dogs from shelters and trained them as service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, matched Romero with Puppy — an Australian shepherd — in June. His wife, Brenda, who is a nurse practitioner in psychiatry, encouraged him to apply for a service dog. So far, O’Haire said, research based on participants from K9s for Warriors is showing that veterans with service dogs are struggling significantly less. And for those who are employed, there’s five times less absenteeism from work due to health.”But getting a service dog for veterans with PTSD is still a challenge. “The waitlist for service dogs on average tends to be two years.

Forum, founded in 1948 to ensure that Mexican American World War II veterans could access their government benefits. “Latinos have a long and honorable tradition of military service,” he said, “only somehow it is not as well-known as that of other groups. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are nearly 1.3 million Latino veterans, or about 8 percent of the veteran population. Issues for Latino veterans, Vazquez-Contes noted, range from accessing medical care through the Veterans Administration system to homelessness to suicide. “The promotion rates for the top enlisted ranks, and the top officer ranks, are just basically void of Hispanic names.”Ricardo Aponte of the Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance.

☆ Repeat COVID is riskier than first infection, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Nancy Lapid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"Reinfection with COVID-19 increases the risk of both acute outcomes and long COVID," said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "Even if one had prior infection and was vaccinated - meaning they had double immunity from prior infection plus vaccines - they are still susceptible to adverse outcomes upon reinfection," Al-Aly, the study leader, said. The higher risks were most pronounced in the first month after reinfection but were still evident six months later. The cumulative risks and burdens of repeat infection increased with the number of infections, even after accounting for differences in COVID-19 variants such as Delta, Omicron and BA.5, the researchers said. "We had started seeing a lot of patients coming to the clinic with an air of invincibility," Al-Aly told Reuters.

☆ Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth faces off against Republican Kathy Salvi in Illinois' US Senate election
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Hanna Kang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth is running against Republican Kathy Salvi to represent Illinois in the US Senate. Duckworth holds a giant fundraising lead over Salvi and is highly favored to win the election. IL-17IL-06IL-13 HouseDemocratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Duckworth faces off against Republican Kathy Salvi in Illinois to represent the state in the US Senate. Illinois' Senate race candidatesDuckworth, an Iraq War veteran born in Bangkok, currently chairs the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland. Duckworth served four years as a helicopter pilot in the US Army Reserve before joining the Illinois National Guard in 1996.

☆ Long Covid: Paxlovid reduces risk of long Covid, Veterans Affairs study finds
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Jamie Gumbrecht | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Paxlovid, the antiviral pill that reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from Covid-19, also reduces the risk of long Covid, according to a new study by researchers at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. That corresponded to 2.3 fewer cases of long Covid conditions per 100 people three months after their diagnosis. In the analysis, there wasn’t a statistically significant link between taking Paxlovid and risk of two long Covid conditions: cough and new diabetes diagnosis. The analysis captured Paxlovid use only through the VA system and considered only 12 long Covid conditions, although many people with long Covid describe a wide variety of symptoms. The National Institutes of Health said last month it would launch a study of Paxlovid as a treatment for patients already experiencing long Covid.

☆ Startup Parrots is using 5G to develop a bird-shaped, AI-powered machine that helps people with disabilities communicate
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Karen Fischer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Polly, a hardware and software service, helps people with disabilities live more independently. Parrots' founder is in talks with the VA to give Polly to veterans with neurological disorders. This article is part of "How 5G Is Changing Everything," a series about transformational 5G tech across industries. Hojah acknowledged that Parrots could have taken flight without 5G but said the timeline would have been much slower: "5G is expanding our growth rapidly." In 2019, Parrots won Verizon's Built on 5G Challenge, and Hojah got mentorship and technological assistance from the wireless-telecommunications giant.

It's possible to buy a home when all or most of your income comes from disability benefits or insurance. In the eyes of a mortgage lender, disability income is basically viewed like any other income, with one exception that can work in your favor (more on that in a minute). How to qualify for a mortgage with disability incomeWhen using disability income to qualify for a mortgage, you'll go through the same process as any other borrower. The challenges of buying a house using disability benefitsIf you're only receiving short-term disability benefits, you'll likely have a harder time using that income to qualify for a mortgage. Beware of mortgage discriminationLenders can't refuse to consider disability benefits income, and they can't treat you differently because of your disability or your disability income.

☆ Lower prostate cancer screening rates linked with more advanced cancers
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Nancy Lapid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterThe benefits of screening for prostate cancer have been controversial. At individual facilities, higher rates of screening were linked with lower rates of subsequent diagnoses of advanced cancers. But for every 10% decrease in screening, there was a corresponding 10% increase in metastatic prostate cancer incidence five years later, the researchers said. Rose noted that while the USPSTF advice to limit prostate cancer screening has resulted in lower rates of prostate cancer diagnoses, rates of metastatic prostate cancer have increased "more dramatically." A spokesperson for the USPSTF said an update to its prostate cancer screening recommendation is not currently underway.

☆ Rep. Mary Peltola — the 'pro-fish, pro-family, and pro-choice' Alaska congresswoman — credits her father for the encouragement she needed to defeat Sarah Palin
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( Isabella Zavarise | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

On September 13, Mary Peltola made history as the first Alaska Native sworn into Congress. Peltola told Insider she was on the fence about running until an encouraging call from her father. She's really been on my mind a lot lately," she said. Peltola is the first Alaska Native to serve in CongressOn September 13, Peltola was sworn into Congress, making history as the first Alaska Native. 'We built the table'When Dr. Michele Yatchmeneff, the Executive Director for Alaska Native Education and Outreach at The University of Alaska Anchorage found out about Peltola's win, she teared up.

The minimum credit score that you'll need to buy a house varies by lender and loan type. You may be surprised to learn that minimum credit score requirements will vary by lender and loan type. Minimum credit score: No minimum, but with a credit score of at least 640 you could qualify for streamlined credit analysisIt's important to point out lenders are free to set higher minimum credit score requirements than what the loan-backing organizations require. When it comes to your credit score, your bank or credit card issuer may provide your score for free. If not, you can also use a free credit score monitoring tool like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame.

☆ Salesforce has quietly become a giant government contractor, racking up over 1,400 deals with federal agencies in the last five years
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-29 | by ( Caroline Haskins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Salesforce has become a big software seller to the government, with over 1,400 contracts since 2017. Salesforce has become a prolific contractor with US government agencies, nearly quadrupling the number of government contracts it has engaged with in the past five years. The cloud-software giant has landed at least 1,443 contracts with government agencies since 2017. In comparison, Salesforce had engaged in only 363 government contracts between December 1, 2005, and September 1, 2017. All but two of these contracts were executed using third parties that sold its technology to government agencies.

☆ VA performs its first abortion weeks after saying it would in certain cases
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Courtney-Kube-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Courtney Kube | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the department's under secretary for health, said the VA came to its decision after listening to health care providers and veterans. "Offering this care will save veterans’ health and lives, and there is nothing more important than that," Elnahal said in a statement. In addition to abortions, the VA will also provide abortion counseling. The VA said its health care providers will be able to provide authorized services regardless of state restrictions. Decisions about if a pregnant person’s "life or health" are endangered will be made on a case-by-case basis by VA health care providers in consultation with patients.

When it comes to managing your money and planning to reach long-term financial goals, understanding the language is key. This glossary of terms focused on money management, saving, investing, retirement planning, loans, and other areas of personal finance can help you decipher the jargon you're likely to encounter along the way. Conforming mortgage: A mortgage that meets the requirements to be purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. JJumbo loan: A mortgage that exceeds the borrowing limit for regular mortgages set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. USDA mortgage: A mortgage offered by a private bank or lender that's guaranteed by the Department of Agriculture.

Here are some of the best lenders that offer VA loans and USDA loans with zero down. Best VA loan lendersBest USDA loan lendersFAQsSubscribe to the Select Newsletter! Types of loans offered: The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. Fees: Common fees associated with mortgage applications include origination fees, application fees, underwriting fees, processing fees and administrative fees.

☆ Biden signs bill to expand benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-10 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Rebecca-Shabad-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Rebecca Shabad | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden signed legislation on Wednesday expanding health care benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. The bipartisan bill, known as the PACT Act, is the most significant expansion of veterans' health care and benefits in more than 30 years, a White House official said. Danielle Robinson was a guest of first lady Jill Biden during the president's first State of the Union address when he called on Congress to pass burn pits legislation. Biden has said he believes Beau’s cancer was linked to exposure to burn pits during his deployment. The legislation increases veterans' access to medical care and disability payments for exposure to burn pits.

WASHINGTON — The Senate passed legislation Tuesday to expand lifesaving health care benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. Many of the veterans who had camped on the Senate steps, braving heat, humidity and thunderstorms, watched the vote from the gallery in the Senate chamber. First Class Heath Robinson, before the Senate vote Tuesday on the PACT Act outside the Capitol. “For the millions of veterans who may have been exposed to harmful toxins, this bill means quicker access to health care services and other benefits. Democrats and veterans argued, however, that many Republicans were voting against the bill in retaliation for the massive deal on climate change, health care and taxes that Democrats had just crafted.

If you're looking for a jumbo loan, here are four mortgage lenders you should consider. Types of loans offered: The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. Fees: Common fees associated with mortgage applications include origination fees, application fees, underwriting fees, processing fees and administrative fees. Common fees associated with mortgage applications include origination fees, application fees, underwriting fees, processing fees and administrative fees.

☆ Senate OKs enhanced benefits for vets exposed to burn pits
▼ + stars: | 2022-06-16 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday approved a sweeping expansion of health care and disability benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in response to concerns about their exposure to toxic burn pits. The House in March approved similar legislation that would have cost more than $320 billion over 10 years. And, it would extend Agent Orange presumptions to veterans who served in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam and American Samoa. But lawmakers said that stories from constituents tell a different and more definitive tale, and they are reluctant to wait for an irrefutable link between veterans’ maladies and their exposure to toxic burn pits. The Senate version trimmed some of the costs early on by phasing in certain benefit enhancements.

Market forces may influence the general range of mortgage rates but your specific mortgage rate will depend on your location, credit report and credit score. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be qualified for a lower mortgage interest rate. Types of loans offered: The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. In addition to these loans, lenders may also offer USDA loans and jumbo loans. Fees: Common fees associated with mortgage applications include origination fees, application fees, underwriting fees, processing fees and administrative fees.

Rocket Mortgage is one of the biggest mortgage lenders in the U.S. and has recently become a household name. While most mortgage lenders tend to look for a minimum credit score of 620, Rocket Mortgage accepts applicants with credit scores as low as 580. Types of loans offered: The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. Fees: Common fees associated with mortgage applications include origination fees, application fees, underwriting fees, processing fees and administrative fees.

The House of Representatives on Friday voted for the second time on a bill to decriminalize cannabis. US lawmakers just voted for the second time to federally decriminalize cannabis. Among the Republicans who voted for the bill were Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, California Rep. Tom McClintock, and Florida Rep. Brian Mast. Two Democrats voted against the bill: Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, and Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas. It was updated on April 1, 2022 when the House of Representatives voted to pass the MORE Act a second time.

Veterans can opt for group life insurance through Veterans Affairs' VGLI or get individual life insurance. Active duty military have SGLI group life insuranceSchaffer said active duty servicemembers are offered group life insurance of up to $400,000, known as Servicemember's Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Group life insurance is generally the cheapest life insurance you can get. Insider's Featured Life Insurance Companies Lemonade Life InsuranceNationwide Life InsuranceGuardian Life Insurance Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Term life insurance Permanent life insurance Ends after a specified time frameIncludes death benefitMore affordable Lasts your lifetimeIncludes a death benefitCash value that can be used during your lifetimeMore expensive than term life in the early years of the policy

Persons: —, Rob Schaffer, Schaffer, SGLI Organizations: Veterans Affairs, Service, Life Insurance, Department of Veterans Affairs, Life, Veterans Group Life Insurance, of Veterans Affairs Locations: USAA, SGLI, VGLI

☆ Military families find money matters complex
▼ + stars: | 2019-05-23 | by ( Dick Powers | Power Plans | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

Almost half of service members are under the age of 25, and a high percentage are married with children. So, what do they need to do to stay financially ready, for both the military life and after they leave? SGLI is a group life insurance policy purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs from a commercial life insurance company. Perhaps the most important thing service members and their families, or any young couple, can do is to have a budget. Of course, service members need to be willing to ask for some assistance with their money matters.

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