Celebrating 60 Years of Medicare and Medicaid

July 29, 2025

On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Act Amendments, establishing Medicare and Medicaid. Tomorrow, these vital programs will mark their 60th anniversary, a testament to their enduring role as the cornerstone of affordable healthcare for Americans over 65 and for low-income families.

Understanding and completing the necessary documentation to qualify for these crucial benefits is essential. The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) online bookstore offers the Health Insurance Claim Forms (CMS-1500) to assist with this. This is the standard health insurance claim form from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The CMS-1500 form is the standard claim form developed by the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC). Non-institutional medical providers or suppliers use it to bill Medicare carriers and durable medical equipment regional carriers (DMERCs) when a provider qualifies for a waiver from the Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) requirement for electronic claim submission. It’s also used to bill some Medicaid state agencies. For more information, visit the CMS website at cms.gov.

Taking a few moments to manage these important federal benefits can provide peace of mind and ensure that your medical and financial needs are in order.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

 

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Ready to jumpstart your summer fitness routine?

June 27, 2025

The GPO Bookstore offers two excellent eBooks that can guide you:

First up, Exercise & Physical Activity from the National Institute on Aging. This comprehensive PDF eBook is designed to help individuals of all ages. It’s packed with helpful information, tips on how to get started, sample exercises, and even real-life success stories. You’ll learn about the four types of exercise that improve health, how to set goals and create a plan, and most importantly, how to exercise safely while having fun. It even includes detailed instructions with photos and worksheets to track your progress!

For those who need a quick and portable guide, Workout to Go is your perfect companion. This concise ePUB features 13 easy-to-follow strength, balance, and flexibility exercises you can do anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re just starting, getting back into a routine, or want to stay active while away from home, Workout to Go provides handy exercises. It’s a great complement to the more comprehensive Exercise & Physical Activity guide.

However, exercising in summer heat requires a mindful approach. Remember to:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after workouts.
  • Time it Right: Opt for early mornings or late evenings to avoid the midday sun’s peak intensity.
  • Dress Smart: Wear lightweight, breathable, and light-colored clothing.
  • Listen to Your Body: Don’t push too hard; take breaks in the shade if you feel overheated.
  • Sun Protection: Always apply sunscreen and consider wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Don’t let the summer heat deter you from staying active. You can enjoy a healthy, energized, and fun-filled summer with thoughtful planning and valuable resources from the GPO Government Bookstore!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November 28, 2023

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a special event celebrated each year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to show support for people affected by these diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and other mental functions. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

This year’s theme focuses on the following:

  • Early detection and diagnosis: Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is important so that people can start treatment and support services as soon as possible.
  • Reducing dementia risk: There are things that people can do to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying socially active.
  • Preventing avoidable hospitalizations: People with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to be hospitalized than people without the disease. Some things can be done to prevent avoidable hospitalizations, such as supporting caregivers and managing chronic health conditions.
  • Supporting caregivers: Caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients play a vital role. Resources and support, such as respite care and support groups, are available to help caregivers.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Aging offers helpful eBooks on Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease is an easy-to-read ePub about Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms, and treatments, when it is wise to see a doctor, research studies, where caregivers can get help, and more.

Understanding Memory Loss outlines the difference between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the causes of memory problems, how they can be treated, and how to get help for serious memory loss. Includes vignettes and resource lists.

Here are some ways to get involved and support Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month:

  • Donate to Alzheimer’s research or support organizations.
  • Volunteer your time by volunteering at a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or volunteer to help a caregiver in your community.
  • Educate yourself and others about Alzheimer’s disease to support people living with the disease and their caregivers.

By getting involved, you can help make a difference in fighting Alzheimer’s Disease.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Older Americans Month

May 10, 2023

“Older Americans should be able to live, work, and participate in their communities with dignity,” President Biden said in his Proclamation on Older Americans Month 2023. Celebrated annually in May, Older Americans Month is a great time to ensure our seniors have affordable and quality healthcare to live life to the fullest possible, which means now is also an excellent time for providers with private patients to check their inventory of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forms to be sure their patients receive affordable healthcare.

The Health Insurance Claims Forms (CMS-1500) is the standard claim form used by all non-institutional medical providers or suppliers to bill Medicare carriers and durable medical equipment regional carriers (DMERCs) when a provider qualifies for a waiver from the Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) requirement for electronic submission of claims. It is also used for billing of some Medicaid State Agencies.

The Administration for Community Living theme for Older Americans Month 2023 is Aging Unbound. Let’s join them in honoring our seniors in promoting “flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included” in our communities.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

“Maximize Your Dollars During Money Smart Week” Part 2: Long-Term Care Financial Planning

April 24, 2018

Money Smart Week helps consumers manage their personal finances better. We have put together a four-part series called “Maximize Your Dollars During Money Smart Week” showcasing different Federal publications to offer financial planning for American citizens.

  • Part 1 will focus on financial aid
  • Part 2 will focus on long-term healthcare planning
  • Part 3 will focus on retirement planning
  • Part 4 will focus on the U.S. Federal Government Finances

Part 2: Long-Term Care Financial Planning

“Maximize Your Dollars During Money Smart Week” presents #eldercare resources for seniors and their families to plan for long-term care needs.

Need help planning for long-term healthcare and figuring out what services are covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Home Health Care is the official Federal Government resource providing you with the “Go-To” information you need to determine your Medicare rights.  It helps answer these questions:

  • Who’s eligible?
  • What services are covered?
  • How do I find and compare home health agencies?

Medicare-eligible individuals and their families, home health care personnel and agencies, skilled-nursing care facilities, physical and occupational therapists, physicians and medical teams that treat Medicare patients, may be most interested in this guide. Many may find the Home Health Agency and Home Health Care checklists helpful in finding home health care for their needs. A glossary is also included for a better understanding of health care terms..

Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home or Other Long-Term Services & Supports provides a detailed outline of different types of insurance., Here you’ll find an explanation of the role  Medicare and Medicaid play in the process of acquiring nursing home care or alternative types of care. The guide also provides a “Definitions” section and a Nursing Home checklist. People considering entering nursing homes or receiving elder care, as well as family members helping to make this choice with their elderly loved ones, will find this informative publication extremely helpful.

Don’t forget … just like younger people, seniors need exercise too – Check out our resources collection on aging and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Part 1 in this blog series – Financial Planning for Post-High School Education

Coming soon – Part 3 Retirement Planning and Federal Finance Management

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: This week’s blog contributor is Maureen Whelan, Senior Marketing Team Leader for GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office in Washington, DC. Maureen oversees print and digital content dissemination strategy and manages third party free and paid content distribution through platforms and vendors, such as Apple iBookstore, Barnesandnoble.com, Google Play eBookstore, Ebscohost databases, Overdrive, and ProQuest.

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins