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The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) recently released a brief providing an overview of how California and Ohio engaged multiple collaborators, partnered and collaborated with public and private entities, used data and evidence, and integrated equity and inclusivity to identify key priorities and set specific goals and outcomes to advance healthy aging for all and support for caregiving through 2030 and beyond. Based on NASHP’s review, these two states are at the forefront of incorporating equity into infrastructure, data collection, and collaboration to support policy for older adults and family caregivers within their states.

On November 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would revise the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, Medicare Part D, Medicare Cost Plan Program, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and Health Information Technology Standards and Implementation Specifications. The proposed rule aims to strengthen beneficiary protections and guardrails to promote healthy competition and ensure MA plans best meet the needs of beneficiaries. It seeks to increase the percentage of dually eligible individuals enrolled in managed care who receive both Medicare and Medicaid services through the same organization...

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced final 2024 payment rules for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Home Health, and Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Survey Center (ASC), as well as the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). 1. ESRD Prospective Payment System (PPS) 2. Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS) 3. Hospital Outpatient PPS and ASC Payment System 4. CY 2024 Medicare PFS

On November 8, KFF released the issue brief, “Medicare Advantage 2024 Spotlight: First Look”, detailing the organization’s analysis of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) available in 2024. The analysis revealed that nationwide the typical beneficiary has a choice of 43 Medicare Advantage plans as an alternative to traditional Medicare for 2024; the same number available as in 2023, but more than double the number of plans offered in 2018. Of the 43 MA plans, 36 plans offer Part D drug coverage, on average. Additionally, individuals with traditional Medicare have a choice of 21 Medicare stand-along PDPs for 2024.

Through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a team of health workforce and survey research experts from the University of Michigan, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is taking the lead on the National Dementia Workforce Study (NDWS). This project aims to develop and conduct annual national surveys to investigate the dementia care workforce, encompassing physicians, nurses, and direct care workers in various care settings. Additionally, NDWS is in the process of establishing a data infrastructure to support a wider community of researchers and policymakers. Each year from 2024 to 2028, the National Dementia Workforce study will...

On October 31, the White House announced a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) aimed at strengthening protections for Americans saving for retirement. This proposed Retirement Security rule expands the fiduciary standard to cover a broader range of financial advice, including new types of non-securities like fixed index annuities and one-time advice for transactions such as 401(k) rollovers. By closing loopholes and requiring financial advisers to act in the best interest of savers, the rule aims to reduce excessive fees in retirement products, promote competition, and protect American workers' retirements, ultimately offering greater peace of mind for those saving for retirement.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has issued a fraud alert regarding an increase in scam calls targeting older adults. The alert highlights that scammers may pose as organizations like "Eldercare," "Eldercare Locator," "Social Security," or "Medicare" and may request personal information or payment while threatening jail time or fines. The ACL advises individuals to be cautious, hang up on suspicious calls, verify an organization's contact information independently, and avoid sharing personal information or making payments to unknown callers...

Enrollment for 2024 Health Insurance on the Marketplace opened November 1 and will continue through January 15, 2024. Consumers are encouraged to visit HealthCare.gov or a state-based marketplace if applicable to enroll if they are uninsured, lost their Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, or are looking to review health coverage options to meet their needs. CMS and HHS released tools, tips, and resources to help consumers find the best coverage options available to individuals and families in the federal Marketplace. Customers who enroll by December 15 will have coverage that begins January 1, 2024.

On November 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the launch of the “Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator”, which will support states in developing or expanding innovative housing-related supports and services for Medicaid-eligible people with disabilities and older adults who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. The Partnership Accelerator will focus on helping states improve collaboration and coordination between organizations and systems that provide services and resources that help people find – and keep – stable housing in the community...

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking public comments on its information collection requirements related to the Assessment and Evaluation of ACL's American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs Older Americans Act Title VI. OAA Title VI establishes grants to Native Americans for nutrition services, supportive services, and family caregiver support services. Information gathered through the Assessment and Evaluation of the Title VI Programs will inform ACL and its partners, other Federal agencies and administrators, current grantees, policymakers, and the field about ways to improve service delivery for older adults and their caregivers...