Announcement/Press release

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...

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 21, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) introduced a new resource aimed at boosting the participation of people with disabilities in competitive integrated employment. The Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Transformation Hub brings together resources from across the federal government to provide practical guidance, policy information, and evidence-based best practices for people with disabilities, their families, employers, employment service providers, and state agencies. Competitive integrated employment ensures that people with disabilities are paid competitive wages and work in environments where the majority of employees do not have disabilities.

The Senate Special Committee on Aging recently released a request for information (RFI) seeking input from stakeholders relating to the impact of hoarding disorder (HD) on older adults. Hoarding disorder (HD) is a chronic and progressive condition that leads people to accumulate more objects than their homes can accommodate. HD impacts people of all ages. However, the prevalence of hoarding appears to be significantly greater for older adults (roughly 6.2%) compared to younger adults (roughly 2%). The Senate Special Committee on Aging is charged with studying “any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people,” including problems related to health, housing, care, and assistance...

On March 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a statement on the cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary, Change Healthcare. Change Healthcare is a claims processing network within UnitedHealth Group’s Optum subsidiary. The February 21st cyberattack disrupted the company’s ability to process health care claims transactions, prior authorization requests, and reimbursements. CMS stated that it is actively examining its authority to help support health care providers affected by the disruption and is working with states to do the same. The agency said that it will continue to urge health plans to use their abilities to support providers and work with states.

Every March, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) joins the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners to observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). This year’s theme, “A World of Opportunities,” focuses on ACL and NACDD’s shared goal of removing obstacles to community living faced by people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). ACL is committed to creating inclusive communities where everyone is valued and can do well and succeed. ACL is working alongside its partners in the disability networks to tackle these issues, with a focus on initiatives that they believe will have the biggest impact on the most pressing issues that affect people with I/DD...

During March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health ( OMH) recognizes National Kidney Month. Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 14% of adults in the United States—about 35.5 million people—and is most common in people aged 65 years or older. Left untreated, CKD can cause toxic waste and extra fluid to build up, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death. Since people with early-stage kidney disease usually do not experience symptoms, 9 in 10 adults living with CKD are unaware they have the disease. This month, CMS OMH is highlighting the importance of early screening for CKD to prevent kidney failure and other health problems...

On February 28, Senators Gillibrand and Casey introduced the Strategic Plan for Aging Act, which would create a new, nationwide grant program to support states in the development and implementation of multisector plans on aging. The act would award grants to states, territories, and tribes to create or continue development of their multisector plans. Awardees would be provided with resources to coordinate, implement, and evaluate cross-agency and private sector plans to improve the lives of older adults. ADvancing States and several other organizations have endorsed the Strategic Plan for Aging Act.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule revising previous guidance on how to determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The rule will take effect March 11. Determinations about who is an employee or independent contractor can have a big impact on direct care workers, and this revision will help to protect employees’ rights and ensure they benefit from protections under federal labor laws. The new final rule rescinds the 2021 Independent Contractor Rule and returns to longstanding DOL interpretation that is consistent with caselaw of how to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor...

On February 9, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that eight states and the District of Columbia (DC) have been selected to participate in a new federal initiative, known as the “Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator” (Accelerator), to help strengthen partnerships across housing, disability, aging, and health sectors; access available federal programs and resources, and maximize federal flexibilities to help keep people healthy. The Accelerator will help these states and DC unlock critical resources to reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs, such as housing-related services...