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On November 16, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CMCS Informational Bulletin (CIB), "Coverage of Services and Supports to Address Health-Related Social Needs in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)." This guidance outlines a framework of services and supports to address health-related social needs (HRSN) that CMS considers allowable under specific Medicaid and CHIP authorities. These flexibilities, and accompanying safeguards to protect program and fiscal integrity, provide opportunities for states to improve consistent access to needed care, health outcomes, and health equity among Medicaid and CHIP enrollees by addressing HRSN in a manner that complements...

On November 9, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a No Surprises Act (NSA) toolkit to help assisters and advocates who work with consumers faced with surprise medical bills. The toolkit is divided into the following sections:Introductory language about the NSA and how to use the toolkit; Documents that describe the key protections, how the protections apply to various consumers, and the status of implementation; Decision trees to help assess consumers’ situations regarding the various provisions; Documents to help consumers interact with the No Surprises Help Desk and file a complaint;...

On November 15, The Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed information collection requirements relating to the Administration on Disabilities' Independent Living Services Program Performance Report. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice....

On November 15, The Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed information collection requirements relating to the ACL Generic Clearance for the Collection of Routine Customer Feedback, a generic mechanism for Collecting Service Delivery Feedback under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice...

On November 15, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule that will implement portions of section 6101 of the Affordable Care Act, requiring the disclosure of certain ownership, managerial, and other information regarding Medicare skilled nursing facilities and Medicaid nursing facilities, commonly known as nursing homes. It also defines the terms private equity company and real estate investment trust, about which information must be disclosed on the Medicare enrollment application. Section 6101(a) of the Affordable Care Act added section 1124(c) to the Social Security Act, establishing requirements for the disclosure of information about nursing home ownership and oversight...

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently accepting applications for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, which aims to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. The GUIDE Model will test whether providing an alternative payment methodology for participating dementia care programs to deliver a package of care management and coordination, caregiver education and support, and GUIDE Respite Services to Medicare beneficiaries with dementia and their caregivers reduces expenditures while preserving or enhancing quality of care. Eligible participants include Medicare Part B-enrolled providers or suppliers, excluding durable medical equipment (DME) and laboratory suppliers....

On November 14, KFF released a report highlighting certain policies in place in state Medicaid programs in FY 2023 and policy changes implemented or planned for FY 2024, which began on July 1, 2023, for most states. The findings are drawn from the 23rd annual budget survey of Medicaid officials in all 50 states and the District of Columbia conducted by KFF and Health Management Associates (HMA), in collaboration with the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). Overall, 48 states responded to this year’s survey, although response rates for specific questions varied...

KFF recently released a brief analyzing Medicaid enrollment and spending trends for FY 2023 and FY 2024, based on data provided by state Medicaid directors as part of the 23rd annual survey of Medicaid directors. Forty-eight states (including the District of Columbia) responded to the 2023 survey, although response rates for specific questions varied. Most officials indicated that their enrollment and spending projections reflect what is assumed in their states’ adopted budgets, though estimates are uncertain and the effects of unwinding are evolving, with significant variation across states. The analysis found that Medicaid enrollment growth slowed to 6.5% in FY 2023 from 8.4% in FY 2022...

Commit to Connect recently released two new publications to help staff and volunteer leaders committed to addressing social isolation and loneliness develop and enhance social connection programs and interventions. Commit to Connect’s “Supporting Social Connection of People Living with Dementia” topical guide shares different programs and initiatives from organizations across the country that encourage social connection for people living with dementia. Readers can also learn recommendations for implementing effective programs, suggestions for communicating with people living with dementia, and resources to learn more about this topic...

Each fall, the Eldercare Locator's Home for the Holidays campaign shines a light on an important topic affecting the health and wellness of older adults. This year, the focus is on encouraging older adults to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated before gathering with loved ones for the holidays. The Eldercare Locator’s 2023 Home for the Holidays campaign addresses connecting older adults, caregivers and families with information on vaccines and local resources that can help make getting vaccinated easy. Campaign materials include a brochure, vaccine fact sheet, aging network toolkit, and social media graphics...