Author Image: Caroline Delbert

Caroline Delbert

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Stacker explores 15 ways doctors are now treating COVID-19, including drugs, equipment, and prevention, along with support for new research and doctors' brainstorming groups.
HOW COVID-19 IS IMPACTING AMERICAN SENIORS |The CARES Act that sent stimulus money to many Americans also added some robust protections that benefit seniors. That includes expanded uses for HSA funds, expanded limits and reduced penalties on 401k withdrawals, and a suspension of spending requirements on retirees. But without further action, other financial issues faced by seniors will become problematic. In just the first quarter of 2020, 401k values fell 19%. Social Security recipients turning 60 this year could lose 9% of their future benefits based strictly on the 2020 economy. That's on top of the many reported health issues that seniors face, from increased complications from COVID-19 to the basic elevated risks associated with any hospitalization. In states where cases are surging now, cases in care homes are surging way more. Seniors are less likely to have good outcomes from ventilators, and they spend more time in the hospital than others. Even seniors who have mild COVID-19 at home must be cared for with more vigilance. Experts encourage seniors to make plans and explore all their possible resources in order to really limit these risk factors.
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