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The KFF recently published two analyses on demographics and program enrollment and spending of Medicare and Medicaid dually eligible beneficiaries or dual eligibles. The article, “A Profile of Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees”, analyzes the demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics of dual eligibles using data from the 2020 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. The second article, “Enrollment and Spending Patterns Among Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees (Dual Eligibles)”, examines national and state-level data on enrollment and spending for Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. The authors used data from the 2019 and 2020 Medicare Beneficiary Summary Files and the 2019 Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System for this analysis.

The National Conference of State Legislatures recently released an article exploring different steps that states are taking to address the rapidly aging population and how to keep that population in their homes longer. The article looks at approaches from across the country exploring food security, financial support, transportation, housing, the direct care workforce, social isolation prevention, and more.

The Federal Communications Commission released guidance earlier this week permitting states and managed care plans to make calls, or robocalls, and send text messages under certain circumstances without violating federal law. The FCC’s ruling comes in response to a letter from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requesting an exception to the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Law as states reach out to enrollees to raise awareness of forthcoming Medicaid eligibility redeterminations. The federal guidance clarifies how states working with local government agencies and managed care companies may, under certain circumstances, make robo calls or send autodialed text messages

There are several changes that may affect SNAP household’s benefit amounts over the coming months. The temporary boost to SNAP benefits put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, known as emergency allotments, will end nationwide after the February 2023 issuance. In addition, households that receive SNAP and Social Security benefits will see a decrease in their SNAP benefits because of the significant cost of living increase to Social Security benefits that took effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a fact sheet on how to protect older adults from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV infections can be dangerous for older adults and those with chronic heart and lung disease, or those with weakened immune systems. The fact sheet reviews common symptoms, prevention methods, and more.

The KFF recent analysis, “As States Prepare to “Unwind” the Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Provision, Past Patterns Show that Most People Who are Disenrolled from Medicaid Become Uninsured for All or Part of the Next 12 Months”, indicates that many individuals currently enrolled in Medicaid may go without health insurance coverage for several months.

KFF’s “Medicaid: What to Watch in 2023” issue brief provides information on issues and considerations affecting Medicaid this year, including Medicaid Coverage and Financing; Access and Health Equity; and, Enrollment and Access Among People Eligible for Medicaid through Age or Disability.

Paxlovid is an antiviral treatment for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms at high risk of becoming seriously ill, including adults 65 and up. It is important for older adults to consider a treatment plan before becoming infected, as Paxlovid could have complications with other drugs and should be evaluated by a medical provider. This article provides more information about Paxlovid and suggests ways older adults can prepare a treatment plan in advance of catching the new COVID-19 variant.

As part of the continuing efforts under President Biden’s initiative to improve nursing home transparency, safety and quality, and accountability, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced new actions to reduce the inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications and to bring greater transparency about nursing home citations to families. Beginning this month, CMS will conduct targeted, off-site audits to determine whether nursing homes are accurately assessing and coding individuals with a schizophrenia diagnosis.

Elder financial exploitation threatens the financial security of millions of older Americans annually. CFPB has released updated resources for elder fraud prevention and response networks, including a report on the network collaboration and a streamlined virtual Network Development Guide.