Featured Stories
TMA Board Engages in Strategic Planning for TMA's Future, Plans 2027 Initiatives
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Oct. 8 -- The Tennessee Medical Association issued the following news:
* * *
TMA Board Engages in Strategic Planning for TMA's Future, Plans 2027 Initiatives
By Jonathan Kirkland - DB
10/7/2026
TMA's Board of Trustees (BOT) reviewed information from the All-Physicians Survey during the 4th Quarter Board meeting Oct. 3-4. Leaders discussed strategic objectives in addition to legislative policy, the future of the Judicial Council and programming for the 2027 Annual Meeting.
Board members received a presentation on Futures III from Avenue M, the associations marketing firm
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Oct. 8 -- The Tennessee Medical Association issued the following news:
* * *
TMA Board Engages in Strategic Planning for TMA's Future, Plans 2027 Initiatives
By Jonathan Kirkland - DB
10/7/2026
TMA's Board of Trustees (BOT) reviewed information from the All-Physicians Survey during the 4th Quarter Board meeting Oct. 3-4. Leaders discussed strategic objectives in addition to legislative policy, the future of the Judicial Council and programming for the 2027 Annual Meeting.
Board members received a presentation on Futures III from Avenue M, the associations marketing firmhired to assist in long term strategic planning. In addition to reviewing survey information, leaders participated in subsequent interviews conducted to help TMA design new strategic objectives and structural considerations to prepare the association for challenges representing the physicians of Tennessee in the future.
Over the weekend, the Board of Trustees:
* Continued work with the Tennessee Academy of Pediatrics to create the Vaccine Advisory Council called for by the House of Delegates.
* Voted to discontinue efforts to grow TMA's Senior Physician Section. There was a participation and interest goal set of 100 members that failed to be reached in two years. More information will be sent to interested members.
* Determined that the 2027 TMA Annual meeting will include CME education sessions on Friday afternoon preceding the Annual meeting of the membership. The House of Delegates will remain on Saturday along with resolution review sessions and the Awards Luncheon.
* Approved the 2027 legislative agenda, which includes support for legislative remedies for increasing TennCare reimbursements and eliminating automatic downcoding by health insurance payers.
* Approved a newly drafted legal guide on pregnancy care to help education district attorneys evaluate criminal abortion cases.
* Planned to develop a resolution for 2027 for the elimination of the TMA Judicial Council, reassigning duties to other governance units.
* Considered an initial draft budget for 2027.
* * *
The next Board of Trustees meeting is slated for Jan. 16, 2027, at the TMA headquarters in Nashville. For more information, reach out to TMA's Director of Executive Services and Governance, Amy Campoli, at amy.campoli@tnmed.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://members.tnmed.org/news/Details/tma-board-engages-in-strategic-planning-for-tma-s-future-plans-2027-initiatives-360218
[Category: Medical]
National Small Business Association: Congress Faces Packed Year-End Agenda After Midterm Elections
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The National Small Business Association issued the following news:
* * *
Congress Faces Packed Year-End Agenda After Midterm Elections
Congress is on the campaign trail, but a packed year-end agenda awaits, with small-business costs, contracts, and certainty on the line.
-
OCT. 7, 2026 | Legislative activity in Washington has largely paused, as lawmakers return to their districts and states to campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. When Congress reconvenes, members will face a crowded year-end agenda, with government funding, major policy legislation, and expiring
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The National Small Business Association issued the following news:
* * *
Congress Faces Packed Year-End Agenda After Midterm Elections
Congress is on the campaign trail, but a packed year-end agenda awaits, with small-business costs, contracts, and certainty on the line.
-
OCT. 7, 2026 | Legislative activity in Washington has largely paused, as lawmakers return to their districts and states to campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. When Congress reconvenes, members will face a crowded year-end agenda, with government funding, major policy legislation, and expiringfederal programs competing for limited floor time.
The most immediate priority will be funding the federal government beyond Dec. 11, when the current continuing resolution expires. Lawmakers will need to negotiate full-year appropriations, approve another temporary extension, or risk a funding lapse. For small businesses, particularly federal contractors, continued reliance on short-term funding complicates planning and can create uncertainty around contract awards, agency operations and payments.
Surface transportation programs also face a Dec. 11 deadline. Without agreement on a longer-term reauthorization, Congress could turn to another short-term extension to maintain highway and transit programs. For NSBA's small construction firm members, certainty is crucial for transportation and other services depending onreliable infrastructure to move goods and serve customers.
Also awaiting action is the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House, but remains stalled in the Senate. The annual defense policy bill helps shape procurement rules and contracting opportunities, making its final provisions consequential for small businesses operating within the defense supply chain.
Agriculture Committee leaders, meanwhile, hope to complete a new Farm Bill before the end of the year. The legislation reaches beyond farms, affecting agricultural businesses, rural development, and communities whose local economies depend on agriculture. Whether lawmakers can resolve outstanding disagreements within the remaining legislative window remains uncertain.
Health care will be another significant component of year-end negotiations. Several federal health care authorities and funding provisions expire on or before Dec. 31, creating pressure for an extension package. This prospective legislation could also become a vehicle for physician payment changes, health care price transparency, and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. For small employers facing the cost of providing health coverage, the scope of any agreement will be especially important.
The election results will help determine how much Congress ultimately completes during the "lame-duck" session, historically the period after the election and before the next Congress takes office in January. If control of either chamber changes, incoming majority leaders may prefer to postpone major decisions until they can set the agenda. Other measures could advance through bipartisan agreements tied to approaching deadlines.
For small-business owners, the stakes extend well beyond Washington's legislative calendar. Decisions on funding, infrastructure, defense procurement, agriculture, and health care will influence operating costs, contracting opportunities, and the certainty businesses need to plan for the year ahead.
Follow NSBA for updates from Capitol Hill.
* * *
Original text here: https://nsbaadvocate.org/post/congress-faces-packed-year-end-agenda-after-midterm-elections
[Category: Business]
Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals: Hospitality Upgrade Publisher Geneva Rinehart To Step Down at Year's End
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 8 -- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals issued the following news:
* * *
Hospitality Upgrade Publisher Geneva Rinehart To Step Down at Year's End
Industry celebrates a leader whose vision, passion, and professionalism shaped hospitality media
-
October 7, 2026 (Austin, Texas) - Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP(R)) announced that Hospitality Upgrade Publisher Geneva Rinehart will leave her position at the end of 2026. Her departure closes a remarkable chapter for the hospitality technology publication and for the many hospitality professionals
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 8 -- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals issued the following news:
* * *
Hospitality Upgrade Publisher Geneva Rinehart To Step Down at Year's End
Industry celebrates a leader whose vision, passion, and professionalism shaped hospitality media
-
October 7, 2026 (Austin, Texas) - Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP(R)) announced that Hospitality Upgrade Publisher Geneva Rinehart will leave her position at the end of 2026. Her departure closes a remarkable chapter for the hospitality technology publication and for the many hospitality professionalswho have relied on its insight, guidance and voice.
In its more than 30 years, Rinehart's leadership has helped Hospitality Upgrade become the dominant technology publication for an industry that has rapidly evolved. From print to digital, from newsletters to flagship events, it has grown alongside the technology that powers modern hospitality.
"Geneva's influence on hospitality technology, Hospitality Upgrade, and on hospitality media as a whole, is hard to overstate," said HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe. "She brought vision, energy and an unwavering commitment to our readers. She made everyone around her better, and she made the magazine better. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given us."
Rinehart's publishing career began in 1995 with the launch of The Hospitality & Automation Update, the precursor to Hospitality Upgrade magazine. She has been a driving force behind key industry conferences, including the Executive Vendor Summit and the CIO Summit. Geneva's pioneering spirit led to the introduction of the magazine's first digital edition in 2003, which incorporated cutting-edge technologies such as QR codes, augmented reality, video and multimedia. In 2017, she curated a special publication on the history of technology for the hotel industry and compiled Hospitality Upgrade's Marriott Americas' IT edition. She also played an integral role in developing and revamping the Hospitality Upgrade website and newsletter.
In 2023, Rinehart was selected as the HFTP Paragon Award recipient for her significant contribution to the production of a key hospitality technology information resource. She was also recognized for inhabiting the role as a central connector amongst industry players -- vendors, hotel companies, consultants -- ensuring that all are apprised of current trends and recognized for their contributions to the evolution of hospitality technology.
HFTP and Hospitality Upgrade had been long-time allied partners working together to develop hospitality technology information and resources. This partnership included working together to produce the CIO Summit and Executive Vendor Summit. When the opportunity presented itself in 2024, HFTP acquired Siegel Communications, including Hospitality Upgrade and Hotel Online.
As publisher, Rinehart brought clear vision and steady direction to every part of the magazine. Her accomplishments include:
* Elevating editorial excellence: She championed thoughtful, in-depth content that helps hoteliers, technologists and operators make smarter decisions.
* Building lasting relationships: She earned deep respect from readers, contributors, advertisers and partners through her warmth, integrity and genuine care for the people behind the industry.
* Amplifying industry voices: She opened the magazine's pages to fresh perspectives and gave innovators and leaders a platform to share what works.
* Strengthening the publication's reach: She guided Hospitality Upgrade's growth and kept it relevant as the industry evolved.
Geneva will remain in her role through December 31, 2026, to support a smooth transition. Details about leadership going forward will be shared in the coming weeks.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.hftp.org/news/hospitality-upgrade-publisher-geneva-rinehart-to-step-down-at-years-end
[Category: Travel]
Current Age-based Genetic Testing in Patients With Cancer May Miss Majority of Inherited Gene Variants
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Oct. 8 [Category: Medical] -- The American Association for Cancer Research posted the following news release:
* * *
Current Age-based Genetic Testing in Patients With Cancer May Miss Majority of Inherited Gene Variants
*
The detection of certain inherited gene variants can guide treatment and help uncover hereditary cancer risks in patients' families
PHILADELPHIA - Universal germline genetic testing of nearly 40,000 patients with solid tumors detected a substantial proportion of inherited gene variants that would have been missed by the standard germline testing
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Oct. 8 [Category: Medical] -- The American Association for Cancer Research posted the following news release:
* * *
Current Age-based Genetic Testing in Patients With Cancer May Miss Majority of Inherited Gene Variants
*
The detection of certain inherited gene variants can guide treatment and help uncover hereditary cancer risks in patients' families
PHILADELPHIA - Universal germline genetic testing of nearly 40,000 patients with solid tumors detected a substantial proportion of inherited gene variants that would have been missed by the standard germline testingapproach that excludes those over age 50, according to a study published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
Germline genetic screening can identify whether a patient with cancer has inherited genetic alterations in a gene or genes that are implicated in cancer. These inherited genetic alterations, known as germline pathogenic variants, can cause predispositions to cancer in people who carry them. Germline pathogenic variants can be used to flag cancer risk in patients' family members, and the presence of certain germline pathogenic variants can also potentially guide patients' treatments.
However, germline screening is typically performed on patients with cancer who are younger than 50 years old, explained Zsofia K. Stadler, MD--the study's co-corresponding author alongside Luis A. Diaz, Jr., MD, FAACR, head of Solid Tumor Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Stadler, who serves as clinical director of the Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said that the logic for the age cutoff in germline screening is the assumption that patients with average- or late-onset cancers are less likely to have cancers caused by inherited pathologic variants than patients with early-onset cancers.
"The current standard practice is, in many ways, a gatekeeper for genetic testing. Our study aimed to assess how much inherited cancer risk we miss when we rely too heavily on age at diagnosis," said Stadler. "As opposed to using an arbitrary cutoff such as age 50, we hypothesized that universal germline genetic testing would give us valuable insight into all patients regardless of age and potentially facilitate more testing for patients' family members who may also carry hereditary cancer risk."
The research team performed germline genetic testing in all 39,184 patients with solid tumors, regardless of age, at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center by using the MSK-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Targets (MSK-IMPACT) assay, which tested for 94 germline pathogenic variants using DNA isolated from patients' blood or saliva.
Overall, 16.3% of all patients harbored at least one of these germline pathogenic variants. The researchers found that, if they had limited the number of patients who had pathogenic variants to those under age 50--the typical age cutoff for germline genetic sequencing--they would have excluded 4,601 patients with pathogenic variants (72% of all patients with pathogenic variants).
Stadler and colleagues also examined the prevalence of pathogenic variants across early-, average-, and late-onset cancers. Rather than using the standard definition of early-onset cancer as cancer that develops before age 50 regardless of cancer type, they classified patients' cancer cases as either early-, average-, or late-onset based on the distribution of age at onset for each cancer type. They defined early-onset as occurring earlier than one standard deviation less than the cancer type's mean age at onset; correspondingly, they defined late-onset as occurring greater than one standard deviation above the cancer type's mean age at onset. Average-onset cancers were defined as occurring within one standard deviation of the mean age of onset for the cancer type.
Using this classification, they found that the prevalence of pathogenic variants was 18.4% among the early-onset population, 15.6% among the average-onset population, and 12.3% among the late-onset population.
High-penetrance pathogenic variants--variants that are more likely to produce the pathogenic effect with which they are associated--occurred in 9.1% of patients with early-onset cancers, 5.5% of those with average-onset cancers, and 2.6% of those with late-onset cancers. The prevalence of moderate-penetrance variants in patients with early-, average-, and late-onset cancers was 3.3%, 3.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Taken together, high- and moderate-penetrance pathologic variants, which carry potential implications for cancer treatment strategies, occurred in about 9.7% of all patients, according to Stadler.
The prevalence of pathogenic germline variants among older patients, especially high- and moderate-penetrance variants, suggested that a uniform cutoff for genetic screening at age 50 was insufficient, said Stadler. The study, she added, demonstrated the value of universal germline genetic testing, regardless of age.
"Hereditary cancer can occur at any age, and we should move toward a new standard in which genetic testing is considered for every patient diagnosed with cancer, regardless of age," said Diaz. "Our manuscript shows that relying on age at diagnosis misses a substantial proportion of patients with germline pathogenic variants and provides strong support for moving toward universal germline genetic testing in patients with cancer."
Doing so, Stadler added, would give clinicians insights into the patient's cancer that could guide treatment, and it would also allow for a greater use of cascade testing: the process of testing the patient's relatives to identify whether they might also harbor the same pathogenic variants.
"Unfortunately," Stadler said, "cascade testing remains one of the most underused opportunities in cancer prevention. Once a hereditary cancer predisposition variant is identified in one patient, testing relatives becomes highly targeted and informative, yet only a minority of eligible relatives currently undergo testing."
A limitation of the study was that it was conducted at a single major tertiary cancer center. Additionally, certain cancers were over- or underrepresented, and the cohort was predominantly of European and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Stadler discloses intellectual property rights in SOPHiA Genetics and serves as editor-in-chief for JCO Precision Oncology and as a section editor for UpToDate. Stadler also has an immediate family member who serves as cofounder, chief medical officer, and president for Blue Gen Therapeutics Foundation; the immediate family member also serves as a consultant in ophthalmology for Beacon Therapeutics and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. outside the submitted work.
Diaz is a co-corresponding author of this study and serves as an editor-in-chief of Cancer Discovery; in keeping with AACR editorial policy, a member of the Cancer Discovery editorial board managed the consideration process for this submission and independently rendered the final decision concerning acceptability. Diaz discloses membership on the board of directors of Quest Diagnostics and Epitope, and he acts as a consultant to Function Health, Grove Biopharma, Inc., Innovatus Capital Partners, Inc., Seer, Absci, DELFI Diagnostics, Inc., and NeoPhore. Diaz is listed as an inventor on several licensed patents regarding circulating tumor DNA analysis and mismatch repair deficiency technologies for diagnosis and therapy. Some of these roles may involve equity or royalty payments to inventors. Diaz's spouse holds equity in Amgen.
Download a photo of Stadler
***
Original text here: https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/news-releases/current-age-based-genetic-testing-in-patients-with-cancer-may-miss-majority-of-inherited-gene-variants/
American Academy of Neurology: Greater Physical Activity Associated With Slower Progression in Parkinson's
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Oct. 8 (TNSjou) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
* * *
Greater physical activity associated with slower progression in Parkinson's
OCTOBER 7, 2026
Highlights:
* People with Parkinson's disease who reported more physical activity had slower declines in thinking and memory.
* Higher activity levels were also linked to slower worsening of movement symptoms.
* The study followed nearly 300 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease for up to seven years.
* Researchers found the strongest associations among people who reported
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Oct. 8 (TNSjou) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
* * *
Greater physical activity associated with slower progression in Parkinson's
OCTOBER 7, 2026
Highlights:
* People with Parkinson's disease who reported more physical activity had slower declines in thinking and memory.
* Higher activity levels were also linked to slower worsening of movement symptoms.
* The study followed nearly 300 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease for up to seven years.
* Researchers found the strongest associations among people who reportedmore than eight hours of physical activity per week.
* The study only shows an association, not proof that physical activity slows Parkinson's disease progression.
-
MINNEAPOLIS -- For people with Parkinson's disease, higher levels of physical activity were associated with slower declines in thinking and memory as well as slower worsening of movement symptoms, according to a new study published October 7, 2026, in Neurology(R), the official medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that more physical activity causes slower progression of the disease, it only shows an association between the two.
"Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes movement and cognitive problems that gradually worsen leading to disability and a loss of independence," said study author Dong-Woo Ryu, MD, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. "Previous research has shown associations between physical activity and movement symptoms. Our study found physical activity may have dual benefits, with associations with slower declines in movement and cognition."
The study included 294 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease with an average age of 66. They were followed up to seven years.
Participants completed questionnaires about their physical activity, reporting weekly estimated hours of physical activity at work, at home and during hobbies or recreational activities. Moderate activity included brisk walking, doubles tennis, light swimming and household activities such as washing windows, vacuuming or mowing the lawn. Vigorous activity included jogging, fast bicycling, team sports and singles tennis as well as shoveling and carrying heavy loads.
Researchers measured the following: total physical activity time, which included both moderate and vigorous exercise; total physical activity volume, a calculation of activity time and intensity, with greater weight given to vigorous activities; and vigorous physical activity time.
For total physical activity time, participants were divided into three groups. The low group had up to four hours per week of activity, the medium activity group had four to eight hours, and the high group had more than eight hours.
Participants were also given annual tests to measure their cognitive abilities and assess their Parkinson's symptoms.
The cognitive test had a score range of zero to 30 with lower scores indicating worse thinking and memory. Researchers found the low group had an average estimated annual decrease in cognitive scores of 0.478, the medium group had a decrease of 0.090 and the high group had a decrease of just 0.007.
The Parkinson's symptom assessment had a score range of zero to 132, with an average score of 23 at the start of the study. Higher scores indicated worse symptoms. For total physical activity, researchers found the low group had an average estimated annual score increase of 0.143 while the medium group had a decrease of 0.225 and the high group had a decrease of 0.783.
After adjusting for age, sex and disease duration, when compared with the low group, the high group showed slower cognitive decline and worsening of movement symptoms.
Researchers found that higher numbers for all three activity measures were each associated with slower cognitive decline and worsening of movement symptoms.
"The possible benefits of physical activity for people with Parkinson's disease may depend on how long they stay active and whether they continue exercising over time," said Ryu. "While our study found small differences between activity levels, these differences may become more meaningful over time. Since participants generally had good thinking and memory skills at the start of the study, our results should be interpreted with caution and further studies are needed."
A limitation of the study was that physical activity was reported by participants, and some people may not have reported their activity accurately.
The study (https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000218682) was supported by a grant from the Gardner Family Foundation and the Precision Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases Fund.
* * *
Discover more about Parkinson's disease at BrainHealth.com, a free public resource from the American Academy of Neurology. It offers a website, podcast, and books, connecting you with trusted information from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow BrainHealth.com on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
* * *
The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5370
[Category: Medical]
ALPA Files Unfair Labour Practice Complaint Against Air Creebec
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release:
* * *
ALPA Files Unfair Labour Practice Complaint Against Air Creebec
October 7, 2026
Complaint Seeks to Protect Pilots' Rights and the Integrity of the Collective Bargaining Process
-
MONTREAL, P.Q.--The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), representing pilots at Air Creebec, filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) over recent unilateral changes to pilots' duties and working conditions.
The complaint follows Air Creebec management's
... Show Full Article
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 8 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release:
* * *
ALPA Files Unfair Labour Practice Complaint Against Air Creebec
October 7, 2026
Complaint Seeks to Protect Pilots' Rights and the Integrity of the Collective Bargaining Process
-
MONTREAL, P.Q.--The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), representing pilots at Air Creebec, filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) over recent unilateral changes to pilots' duties and working conditions.
The complaint follows Air Creebec management'sdecision to require pilots to load and unload cargo and to move the start of pilots' on-call period from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Under the Canada Labour Code, significant changes to pilots' terms of employment cannot be imposed during the collective bargaining process.
"Earlier this year, ALPA was certified as the bargaining representative for Air Creebec pilots, and negotiations for our first collective agreement are now underway. Management cannot unilaterally change our working conditions; they should have raised their concerns with us and worked collaboratively toward a fair resolution," said Capt. Lee Mainville-Bertrand, chair of the Air Creebec Master Executive Council (MEC).
While ALPA pursues the complaint, Air Creebec pilots remain committed to performing their duties safely and professionally, and to participating fully in the bargaining process.
"This filing is not about creating conflict or delaying negotiations. It's about protecting the integrity of the bargaining process. Our priority remains on reaching a fair first collective agreement built on good-faith bargaining," said Mainville-Bertrand.
* * *
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on X @ALPAPilots.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/10/alpa-files-unfair-labour-practice-complaint-against-air-creebec
[Category: Transportation]
AARP: Social Security and Medicare - A Foundation for Every Generation
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- AARP issued the following news release:
* * *
Social Security and Medicare: A Foundation for Every Generation
October 07, 2026
AARP's mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age, which takes financial security, health, and peace of mind. We advocate with these goals in mind at state capitols, Congress, and federal agencies.
Snapshot: What we've accomplished
* Social Security: Protecting the program that keeps roughly 23.5 million older Americans out of poverty.
* Retirement savings: Championing auto-IRA programs in 22 states, which reach lower-wage
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- AARP issued the following news release:
* * *
Social Security and Medicare: A Foundation for Every Generation
October 07, 2026
AARP's mission is to empower people to choose how they live as they age, which takes financial security, health, and peace of mind. We advocate with these goals in mind at state capitols, Congress, and federal agencies.
Snapshot: What we've accomplished
* Social Security: Protecting the program that keeps roughly 23.5 million older Americans out of poverty.
* Retirement savings: Championing auto-IRA programs in 22 states, which reach lower-wageworkers whose employers offer no plan.
* Prescription drugs: Winning Medicare's first-ever authority to negotiate drug prices, plus a cap on out-of-pocket drug costs.
* Direct help: Through AARP Foundation, helping low-income older adults find work and providing free tax preparation to millions each year.
The financial reality for many older adults
* One in three older adults struggle to meet basic needs today.
* About 40% of Americans 65 and older rely on Social Security for most of their income.
* One in five adults over 50 has no retirement savings.
* One in eight people ages 50 to 64 lives in poverty.
* The poverty rate for those 65 and older is 15.4%, and nearly 17% for women.
Support that reaches every generation
* Family caregiver tax credits in states like Oklahoma and Nebraska help caregivers of any age.
* Expanded caregiving resources through United Way's 211 hotline help families find support.
* Older adults provide an estimated $1.2 trillion in unpaid care each year, give $111 billion to charity, and contribute $13 billion to help students pay for college.
Broad public agreement
* 96% of adults say protecting Social Security is important, including 94% of those under 50.
* 90% say cutting payments for people in or near retirement would be unfair, including 85% of those under 50.
* * *
About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.aarp.org/press/releases/2026-10-07-social-security-and-medicare-a-foundation-for-every-generation/
[Category: Sociological]
