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The CMS National Training Program provides save the dates for their Medicare Program basics webinars. These webinars help those who assist people with Medicare make informed decisions about their 2024 health care coverage. The webinars will include different topics each day. Participants can attend one or both days, and space is limited. The webinars will be held on Tuesday, April 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. E.T and Wednesday, April 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. E.T.

The White House released a proclamation highlighting the commitment and value of care workers, and recognized this month, April 2024, as Care Workers Recognition Month. It summarizes the efforts taken by the Biden Administration to support care workers in the United States. President Biden mentions the current actions being taken by agencies to achieve proper pay for home care workers by ensuring they receive larger Medicaid payments and promoting programs that support careers in the field. This proclamation expresses the administration’s appreciation of care workers and their dedication.

USAging invites Aging Network providers and partners who are responsible for the administration of caregiver services and supports to register to join the National Caregiver Champion Collaborative (CCC). With a purpose of facilitating and supporting peer networking and engagement for those leading caregiving services and supports, participants will gather regularly in an affinity group model to share successful strategies and best practices, discuss lessons learned, explore new partnerships, and get insight into the latest research and emerging evidence-based programs. Champions will be encouraged to develop on-going state, regional, or local caregiver efforts focused on enhancing and innovating caregiver services and supports...

This practice brief explores how Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrate Employment (SWTCIE) projects engage people with disabilities and lived experience through communities of practice, stakeholder groups, and mentoring programs. The brief summarizes interviews with three SWTCIE projects and shares promising practices including (1) leveraging relationships, (2) providing accommodations, (3) recognizing participation, and (4) including diverse perspectives. The lessons learned could help vocational rehabilitation agencies and other organizations interested in engaging people with disabilities and lived experience to do so meaningfully through creating partnerships for design, implementation, and evaluation of organizational activities.

Mathematica recently released a practice brief that explores the staffing model designs of select Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) projects. This brief summarizes results from interviews with staff from four projects and shares promising practices including (1) aligning staffing with project goals, (2) remaining flexible, (3) tailoring training, and (4) considering sustainable staffing solutions. The lessons learned could assist vocational rehabilitation agencies and other organizations in designing staffing models to promote competitive integrated employment.

On March 26, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced 41 prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part B that may have lower beneficiary coinsurances. From April 1, 2024, through June 30, 2024, some people with Medicare who take these drugs may save between $1 and $3,575 per average dose, depending on the beneficiary’s coverage. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, drug companies that raise their drug prices faster than the rate of inflation are required to pay a rebate to Medicare. Starting April 1, 2023, Medicare beneficiaries may pay a lower coinsurance for certain Part B drugs if the drug’s price increases...

On March 27, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the “Streamlining Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment, and Renewal Processes” (CMS-2421-F2) final rule. The rule is designed to make it easier for millions of eligible people to enroll in and retain their Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Basic Health Program (BHP) coverage.

On March 26, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced the release of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Toolkit. The purpose of the toolkit is to tell NIDILRR's story, including NIDILRR’s history, role, framework, work, publications, and resources. Although the information is available through the NIDILRR webpage, grantee websites, and several publications, this toolkit provides the information in one place. The toolkit is intended to be used as an educational resource for stakeholders who may benefit from learning about NIDILRR and its resources and as a communication tool for stakeholders who want to inform others about NIDILRR’s work and resources.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a comprehensive guide titled "Planning After a Dementia Diagnosis," which provides essential information for individuals and families navigating life after a dementia diagnosis. Covering health care planning, financial considerations, long-term care planning, and end-of-life planning, this resource underscores the importance of early preparation. It also offers detailed guidance on advance directives, financial planning tools, strategies for long-term care, and tips and checklists that can help individuals get started on what to do after an Alzheimer’s or related dementia diagnosis.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a statement to raise awareness of consumer tax implications related to Marketplace coverage now that tax filing season is underway for 2023 tax returns...