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The Center for Health Care Strategies recently released several new resources all centering around how to better support older adults with the Multi Sector Plans for Aging (MPA). A multisector plan for aging refers to the multi-year planning and execution process that brings together partners to address the needs of the older adult population in a state. Some of the new resources include strategies for first steps and development of a MPA, advice and best practices from states with MPAs in place, and how family caregiving can help shape a states MPA.

KFF’s analysis released March 2, 2023, “Medicaid Enrollment Growth: Estimates by State and Eligibility Group Show Who may be at Risk as Continuous Enrollment Ends”, presents findings from the organization’s evaluation of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment data. KFF estimates nearly 95 million people enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP in March 2023 – an increase of 23.3 million enrollees with over half of the enrollee increase among adults under age 65 and nearly one-third among children. Also, five states – California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois – comprise over one-third of the increase in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment while the rate of growth in enrollment varies among states.

On March 1, 2023 KFF released a brief titled “FAQs on Health Spending, the Federal Budget, and Budget Enforcement Tools”. The brief reviews basic questions about health spending and the federal budget and budget enforcement tools, including the debt limit and sequestration. As discussions on the federal deficit and debt continue, the KFF resource provides an explanation of federal spending for domestic and global health programs and services.

AARP’s Public Policy Institute released a report titled “Underused Medicare Savings Programs Can Help Many More Older Adults Afford Health Care”. Medicare Savings Programs or MSPs provide financial assistance with certain Medicare costs for eligible low-income Medicare beneficiaries, and are administered by state Medicaid agencies. According to the report, about 16 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in MSPs; however, the number of individuals eligible for these programs is estimated to be much higher. The paper discusses the findings from the organization’s analysis and research, and proposes areas states can consider to increase enrollment and expand eligibility.

On Monday, February 27th, CMS released a fact sheet titled “CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency”. The fact sheet includes information on several topics including COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments, telehealth services, health care access, including continued flexibilities for health care professionals, and information on the Inpatient Hospital Care at Home initiative. CMS reports that in the coming weeks the agency will host stakeholder calls and office hours to provide additional information.

On Tuesday, February 28th, CMS released the latest enrollment figures for Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. As of November 2022, over 65.3 million people are enrolled in Medicare; more than 35.1 million are enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare and over 30.2 have a Medicare Advantage plan. Over 91.7 million enrollees have Medicaid and CHIP; more than 84.8 million individuals have Medicaid and over 6.9 million have coverage through CHIP. Over 12 million individuals are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and are counted in the enrollment figures for both programs.

The APS TARC has released a new toolkit for APS administrators managing a state of local APS program. The toolkit is intended to help orient new administrators with a brief which contains information and resources on topics ranging from the history of APS to federal resources that can support APS programs. The toolkit also includes an frequently used acronym guiode and the Updated National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems from the Administration for Community Living.

Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) recently released a brief on telehealth, and its impact on dually eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As noted by RIC, people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as people with I/DD, are diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions at higher rates than the general population and often face barriers with access to healthcare. Telehealth services have been increasing in popularity and usage and has the potential to positively impact people with I/DD. Health plans can utilize the information in the document to further their understanding of how telehealth modalities can improve access to person centered care for people with I/DD.

FEMA is seeking public feedback from partners, stakeholders, and the general public on the “Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post Disaster Guide for Local Officials (“Equity Guide”)”, developed by the Community Assistance Branch, Interagency Coordination Division, Recovery Directorate. The comment period will end on Wednesday, March 15. This guide supports local officials in their efforts to identify needs, establish critical partnerships, leverage new opportunities, conduct strategic public engagement, and make a strong case for funding in an equitable manner. Additionally, FEMA will host a series of 60-minute webinar sessions to provide an overview of the draft guide and gather feedback from whole community partners.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Brandeis University are gathering information on promising practices to support older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are interested in promising practices in future planning, outreach services and supports, and bridging the aging and disability networks. Please share your information via a brief survey by March 1, 2023.