WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2012—States across the country are finding new ways for senior citizens to age at home, a health care strategy that seniors prefer and one that reduces public spending on nursing homes and other care facilities. But the policies and regulations implemented by Medicare often run counter to this trend, actually making it more difficult for beneficiaries to receive power wheelchairs and remain independent in their homes.

NASHVILLE, July 29, 2012—Tennessee’s TennCare Medicaid program is attempting to encourage more low-income senior citizens to stay in their homes instead of moving into more expensive nursing homes. The state will pay up some seniors up to $15,000 a year to help pay for services such as adult day care. The program was just approved by the federal government and is the first of its kind in the nation.