Advocates

NCOA, in partnership with the Medicare Rights Center, recently expanded the resources in their toolkit that help explain integrated care coverage options for dual eligibles. New items in the toolkit include a video tutorial explaining integrated care, an infographic for counselors, and comparison charts highlighting the differences between Original Medicare, PACE, Duals Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) and integrated D-SNPs.

The SHIP TA Center has published a one-page handout called “Medicare coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine," which comes with a companion guide for aging network professionals, "Talking about Medicare Coverage of the COVID-19 Vaccine.” The guide addresses biases, engagement & building a trusting relationship, session structure & sample scripts, handling strong emotions or difficult behaviors, frequently asked questions about Medicare coverage and the vaccine, and how to find other COVID resources.

The Social Security Administration has announced that approximately 70 million Americans will see a 5.9% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2022. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). The CPI-W rises when inflation increases, leading to a higher cost-of-living.

This blog post by Keri Lipperini, ACL's Director of the Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs, discusses how social isolation during COVID-19 has affected the health and wellbeing of older adults. The post also highlights ACL programs that are targeting this issue, including PEARLS, Healthy IDEAS, and BRITE, which are three evidence-based programs that aim to reduce the risk of suicide by tackling depression and substance abuse among older adults.

NAMD has released a report on leveraging American Rescue Plan Act investments to drive lasting transformation for people with complex needs. In summer 2021, NAMD convened an Executive Working Group of state Medicaid LTSS experts and national thought leaders to identify a framework of options that states could use to respond to this opportunity to improve and strengthen these services. The framework explores how states can meet the needs of individuals to maximize their health.

ACL is announcing two new grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) including Community-Based Transitions Planning and Implementation Grants and a National Training Initiative to Support People with IDD Experiencing Co-Occurring Mental/Behavioral Health Issues.

ACL is announcing a new National Adult Protective Services Training Center (NATC) to support APS workers and administrators as they serve clients impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. NATC will be established through a nearly $1.5 million two-year cooperative agreement with the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). The project is funded through the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

Justice in Aging's fact sheet, Adding Dental to Medicare Part B: 31 Million Low-Income Enrollees Would Gain Access to Medicare Coverage, describes how millions of low-income Medicare enrollees and Medicare enrollees of color would gain access to coverage if a dental benefit is added to Medicare Part B.

Justice in Aging's new fact sheet, Investing in Medicaid HCBS is Good for Medicare, explains why investing in Medicaid HCBS is good for people with Medicare and the Medicare program. Robust funding for Medicaid HCBS would expand access to services, helping people with Medicare who are dually eligible for Medicaid avoid hospitalizations and other costly care.

The Arc has released two new videos that provide an overview of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts to help educate people with disabilities about these financial options. Each video explains why to consider using each tool, how they work, what they can pay for, and how you can get started. These videos areavailable in English and Spanish.