Public Health

When the federal declaration of a public health emergency (PHE) expires, many of the flexibilities initiated during COVID-19 will need to be rolled back, including changes in Medicaid enrollment and eligibility. ACL has developed a fact sheet to help grantees prepare for these changes ahead and continue to support older adults and people with disabilities who currently rely on Medicaid Coverage.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that more than 59 million Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, authorized, or cleared over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost. People with Medicare can get up to eight tests per month from participating pharmacies and health care providers for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This March 2022 News in Health issue explores various components of rural health in America. The issue explains how geography, access to care, and telehealth impact health outcomes for individuals in living in rural areas, and provides tips for how to build healthier communities.

The White House has released a fact sheet outlining how the Administration has collaborated with the disability community and taken action to address the needs of individuals with disabilities while considering the impacts of the pandemic. The Administration has communicated eight key steps they will take to further ensure that individuals with disabilities, regardless of where they live or the level of community transmission of the virus, have equitable access to COVID-19 testing, masks, and other critical mitigation strategies.

This blog post explores how the aging network can leverage home and community based services to address needs and improve the quality of life for older adults with HIV/AIDS. The post explains what evidence-based programs are and provides examples of a few that can support this population, including Falls Prevention and Positive Self-Management programs. It also provides a list of trainings and resources to help better serve older adults with HIV/AIDS.

FEMA is seeking qualified individuals with expertise on the needs of people with disabilities and older adults for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery to serve on the agency’s National Advisory Council. Selected council members will guide future recommendations on topics including equity, climate, readiness and workforce. Applications are due on Thursday, March 31, 2022.

Today, February 4, 2022, The Department of Health & Human Services has issued new guidance to health care providers on civil rights protections for people with disabilities during COVID-19. The guidance, issued by HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, makes it clear that during the public health emergency it is vital that individuals with disabilities are not prevented from receiving needed health care benefits and services, as this violates federal civil rights laws.

The Administration's new COVID-19 testing initative will now allow people in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage to get up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month at no cost starting this spring. Tests will be available through eligible pharmacies and other participating entities. This is the first time that Medicare has covered an over-the-counter test at no cost to beneficiaries. Through the new initiative, payment from Medicare will be provided directly to participating pharmacies to allow Medicare beneficiaries to pick up tests at no cost.

On Friday, January 14, 2022 the White House announced that free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests are now available for order online. Those who do not have internet access or who need additional assistance with ordering can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to place their orders. The Eldercare Locator and the Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) also can assist older adults and people with disabilities with placing orders, and connect people to accessible instructions.

Do you want updated, consumer-friendly handouts about the COVID-19 vaccine or booster recommendations, COVID-19 testing availability, or Medicare coverage during a public health emergency? The SHIP National Technical Assistance Center maintains fact sheets about these issues. The fact sheets have been updated to explain the following: 1) COVID-19 boosters are now recommended for people aged 12 and older, 2) How Original Medicare covers COVID-19 tests, but it does not cover at-home test, 3) Ways people with Original Medicare can access free at-home COVID-19 tests.