The Two Schools of Healthcare

By Shmully Schwartz
Published on March 13, 2013

A note to a stiff-necked people

By David Mamet
Published on November 1, 2012

To those Jews planning to vote for Obama: Are you prepared to explain to your children not the principles upon which your vote is cast, but its probable effects upon them?

A note to Jewish grandparents

Published on November 1, 2012

I believe there is a unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren. We look out for each other. We have each other’s backs.

How to lose the next debate

By Marty Kaplan
Published on October 4, 2012

A couple of weeks ago, when I wrote a “Romney Wins First Debate” column, I didn’t think I was going out on a limb. Obama’s re-election was looking increasingly likely, but audiences don’t show up to watch paint dry.

Editorial Cartoon: Mitt Romney’s electrifying choice

By Steve Greenberg
Published on August 15, 2012

Romney, Ryan and Florida Jews

By Raphael Sonenshein
Published on August 15, 2012

In 1992, Paul Tsongas of Massachusetts mounted a strong campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. The pundits considered him a brainy guy who was willing to take on the sacred cows of Social Security and Medicare. Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas, by contrast, seemed like a flawed candidate. Tsongas stung Clinton by calling him “pander bear.”

HEALTH CARE DECISION — Jews react: Los Angeles Jewish Home CEO & President

By Julie Gruenbaum Fax
Published on June 28, 2012

Molly Forrest, CEO and president of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, had surgery to alleviate arthritis in her neck in December 2010.

Medicaid reforms need not undermine services

Published on February 13, 2012

During February, Jewish communities across North America observe Jewish Disability Awareness Month. It is an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the needs, strengths, opportunities and challenges of individuals with disabilities in our communities, and to ensure we are building more inclusive communities that celebrate all of our neighbors.

Jewish Dems defend Wasserman Schultz after West’s attack

Published on July 21, 2011

Jewish Democrats slammed Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) for his vituperative attack on Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).

The Monsters Are Due on Maple Streets

By Marty Kaplan
Published on February 21, 2011

The power has gone out in a typical American town. Wait -- it’s not just the electricity. The phones don’t work, either. Portable radios are dead. Cars won’t start.

Proposed State Cuts in Funding Pose In-Home Care Threat

Published on March 23, 2010

Suzanne Heredia, 39, spends most of her days caring for her daughter. Born with cerebral palsy and congenital hydrocephalus, a condition that causes pressure within the brain due to excess fluids in the brain, Priscilla, 13, needs round-the-clock care. Heredia does everything from changing IVs to repositioning Priscilla’s body.

Is the time right for universal health care?

By Raphael J. Sonenshein
Published on November 22, 2008

Over 65 group could decide who wins this year’s presidential election

Published on October 15, 2008

Neither candidate on the campaign trail has spoken often on issues that matter to seniors, and when they have, it's been underreported by much of the media. So at the end of the day, how different are the candidates -- and their respective political parties -- from each other when it comes to issues of great importance to seniors, such as long-term care, Social Security, medical insurance and taxes?

With the Republican base on the ropes, all eyes are on Florida —again

By Raphael J. Sonenshein
Published on October 8, 2008

It is already ugly out on the campaign trail, and reporters in the field are feeling the heat of the rising anger of a Republican base on the ropes.

Drug Plan Proving Bitter Pill for Seniors

By David J. Silverman
Published on May 11, 2006

After sorting through piles of brochures, Millie Topper thought she had finally found the right Medicare

Health - Take the Bite Out of Dental Health Pains

By Abigail Green
Published on August 4, 2005

Since most Americans lose their dental insurance benefits when they retire, the majority of people over 65 pay out of pocket every time they visit a dentist. Medicare does not cover routine dental care (nor does Medicaid in most states) and more than 80 percent of older Americans have no private dental insurance, according to a recent report by nonprofit advocacy group Oral Health America.

Yet, older adults may need dental care more than any other age group.

"Patients age 65 and over will have potentially an increase in cavities or decay on the root surfaces of the teeth," said Dr. Matthew Messina, an American Dental Association consumer adviser and practicing dentist in Cleveland. "And that comes secondary to the medical condition of dry mouth -- a decrease in the amount of production of saliva because of age and certain medications.... We also see periodontal disease in patients of that population."

Messina advises his older patients to see a dentist at least once every six months for an oral cancer screening and recommends an annual visit for denture wearers.

God, Gays and Guns: The U.S. Fault Line

By Robert B. Reich
Published on November 11, 2004

About the same portion of Americans describe themselves as being liberal (19 percent) as believe that the world will come to an end in their lifetimes (17 percent).

Look Beyond Israel

By Bill Boyarsky
Published on September 30, 2004

As election day gets closer, I'm beginning to wonder how many of us will vote on a single issue-our perception of how President Bush and Sen. John Kerry will stand up for Israel.

Jewish Elderly May Pay More for Drugs

By Matthew E. Berger
Published on December 11, 2003

A law that was supposed to ease the burden of prescription drug costs for the elderly may force some Jewish seniors to pay more than they do now.

The Editor’s Corner

Published on March 26, 1998

My mother is 87. Or is it 90? As long as I can remember, I thought that she had been born in 1910, was named Miriam Euffa, and brought here from Kievas a 5-year-old by parents who were educated, and who had been part of what must have been a turn-of-the-century minority: the Russian-Ukrainian Jewish professional class. Now Medicare tells methat her Social Security card lists her year of birth as 1907.