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Arnold Ventures has introduced a new project titled "Melissa & Ann: Navigating America's Tangled Health Care Safety Net," a compelling photo essay featuring the lives of two women living in Southern California who are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. Through the lens of award-winning photographer Isadora Kosofsky, this project sheds light on the daily triumphs, challenges, and complexities faced by older adults and people with disabilities navigating the health care system. By sharing these intimate stories, Arnold Ventures aims to inspire policymakers to prioritize improving care for the diverse population of low-income older adults and people with disabilities who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

The AARP has published an article analyzing the relationship between small business trends and the U.S. older workforce. It emphasizes the continued importance of small businesses as a significant source of employment for individuals aged 50 and older, despite the growing dominance of larger corporations. The article provides data on the employment landscape, highlighting the higher representation of older workers in smaller firms compared to larger ones. It also discusses how economic conditions and trends, including the impact of the pandemic, can influence employment opportunities for older workers in small businesses.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that power seat elevation equipment on Medicare-covered power wheelchairs falls within the benefit category for durable medical equipment (DME) based on the Social Security Act and relevant regulations. After considering public comments, CMS has expanded coverage beyond the proposed decision, finding that power seat elevation equipment is reasonable and necessary for individuals using complex rehabilitative power-driven wheelchairs, subject to specific conditions.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has announced the 2023 themes to promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month is "Advancing Access and Equity," highlighting the contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive policies and practices. ODEP will also use the theme "Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next" to honor the Rehabilitation Act's passage and its role in prohibiting disability-based discrimination in employment by federally funded programs. Organizations can participate in ODEP's initiatives and learn more about NDEAM and ODEP's work.

The Washington Post recently covered the Mobility Aids on Board Improve Lives and Empower All Act, which was introduced on Friday. The legislation requires the Transportation Department to provide public reports on damage to mobility aids during air travel and mandates airlines to inform passengers how to ensure their mobility aids fit safely on a plane. Additionally, the act orders the Transportation Department to study the feasibility of letting passengers board flights in their wheelchairs instead of transferring to a regular seat.

The LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston has entered the second phase of a two-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study aims to develop and test the feasibility of an intervention called "LDCare," which was designed to support long-distance caregivers of older adults with dementia who receive home care. In the second phase, researchers will examine the feasibility of conducting the LDCare intervention by sampling a group of 40 long-distance caregivers and their care recipients. At present, 17 caregivers are enrolled in the study...

The Disability and Health Journal has published a report that explores the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment among people with disabilities. The study evaluates changes in employment-to-population ratios during the COVID-19 recession and recovery, and examines differences in employment trends for disabled and non-disabled individuals across occupational categories (essential, non-essential, teleworkable, non-teleworkable, frontline, non-frontline). The research draws on nationally representative data from the Current Population Survey to highlight disparities in employment outcomes between disabled and non-disabled individuals.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new landing page at GetInternet.gov for its Affordable Connectivity Program. AffordableConnectivity.gov will still exist as a resource for consumers and digital navigators with more detailed information about the program. The FCC is continuing its efforts to promote the program by providing grants to community partners, supporting navigators who help eligible consumers enroll, and developing media strategies to increase public awareness. GetInternet.gov was chosen as the URL for consumer information and advertising due to its simplicity and memorability, and to link consumers directly to the application....

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued updated guidance for nursing home visitation ahead of the conclusion of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. The guidance emphasizes that despite the end of the PHE, nursing homes must continue to uphold infection control procedures and practices. The updated guidance advises nursing homes to follow CDC recommendations and post visual alerts to inform the public of infection control practices. Additionally, it states that indoor visitation during a COVID-19 outbreak should occur in the resident's room.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin that describes the end dates of certain COVID-19-related Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage and enhanced federal funding resulting from the May 11th PHE end date. The bulletin includes information on COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine administration, testing, and treatment; telehealth flexibilities; and implications of the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency for section 1135 waivers. Additional federal guidance on flexibilities enabled by the COVID-19 emergency declaration and how they will be impacted by the end of the COVID-19 PHE can be found here.