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On May 11th, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated 2023 SSI and spousal impoverishment standards. Certain Medicaid income and resource standards are adjusted annually in accordance with changes in the SSI federal benefit rate and the Consumer Price Index, reflecting an effective date of January 1, 2023. Additionally, per section 1924 of the Social Security Act, the community spouse’s minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA) is adjusted based on changes to the federal poverty level and reflects a July 1, 2023 effective date. Additionally, the community spouse’s monthly housing allowance, calculated based on a percentage of the MMMNA, is adjusted each July 1st.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has published a comprehensive resource guide that offers guidance to transportation providers on how to better serve older passengers with vision loss. The guide addresses the pervasive and often unrecognized issue of age-related vision changes, the unique challenges that older adults with vision loss face when using transportation services, and effective strategies that transportation providers can use to improve their services. This resource also discusses the critical role of effective communication in addressing these challenges and provides travel training and orientation and mobility (O&M) to help older riders with vision loss navigate the transportation system.

KFF unveiled their “Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker” featuring state-level Medicaid/CHIP enrollment data for the 50 states and the District of Columbia as well as any unwinding or monthly renewals, disenrollments, and other measures that may be available for states. The tracker also provides information on state-specific Medicaid renewal policies, eligibility policies, and system capacity measures. The tool includes national data on Medicaid enrollment as reported by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS); however, these data lag by several months and do not provide a current picture of net changes in Medicaid enrollment.

The FDA recently approved the first vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus or RSV for adults ages 60 and older. The vaccine, Arexvy, prevents lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages in individuals of all age groups. RSV circulation is seasonal, typically starting during the fall and peaking in the winter. In older adults, RSV is a common cause of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), which affects the lungs and can cause life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis (swelling of the small airway passages in the lungs).

CMS created consumer fact sheets that provide information on Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage of COVID-19 tests following the end of the PHE on May 11, 2023. The fact sheets are available in both English and Spanish. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

On the 60th anniversary of Older Americans Month, the White House has issued a proclamation recognizing the invaluable contributions of our Nation's seniors. The proclamation celebrates the progress made through programs such as Medicare and Social Security in raising many seniors out of poverty and providing affordable healthcare. However, it also acknowledges the need for continued efforts to ensure seniors can age with dignity and financial security. Specifically, President Biden calls on Congress to improve accessibility to high-quality care and support for caregivers, increase funding for nutrition services, and improve the quality and safety of nursing homes to help ensure that all older adults are supported.

Join the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in celebrating May as Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the contributions of older adults and promote support for aging Americans. This year's theme, Aging Unbound, encourages communities to challenge stereotypes and promote flexible thinking about aging. Visit the ACL's website to learn more about Older Americans Month and how you can participate in promoting support for aging Americans.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has opened registration for the 3rd annual Walk for WEAAD (World Elder Abuse Awareness Day). This event aims to promote a national movement for elder justice and encourages participants to engage in various activities that can be tracked through the Walker Tracker app. The Walk for WEAAD offers a chance for individuals to show their support for WEAAD and become part of the expanding national movement promoting elder justice.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has released an article in conjunction with FEMA to provide information and resources that help people with disabilities before, during and after disasters. This article highlights the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities and older adults have accessible public transportation options during these emergencies, and provides guidance to help transportation providers better serve these communities.

KFF has released an issue brief that describes how state Medicaid programs are implementing arrangements aimed at coordinating Medicare and Medicaid for dual-eligible individuals. Dual-eligible individuals receive their primary health insurance coverage through Medicare and receive additional assistance from their state Medicaid program. The brief reports that nearly all states are leveraging strategies to coordinate care for dual-eligible individuals and many states are using multiple strategies.