Announcement/Press release

The FDA recently granted accelerated approval for the drug Leqembi, a medication intended to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi, the brand name for lecanemab, is the second Alzheimer’s therapy for individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Lequembi targets the protein amyloid and can be prescribed to patients in early to mid-stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Eisai, the manufacturer of Leqembi, reports that the drug will be available by January 23, 2023 and estimates the cost of the biweekly infusion to be $26,500 annually. Medicare coverage of Leqembi and other drugs like it, such as Aduhelm, that have accelerated FDA approval are limited to beneficiaries enrolled in certain clinical trials.

On December 15, 2022 U.S. Senate Special Committe on Aging held a hearing to recognize the impact of federal nutrition assistance programs in reducing hunger among older adults. At the hearing, the Committee released a bipartisan report, entitled “Recognizing 50 Years of the Nation’s First Nutrition Program for Older Adults.” The report celebrates the role of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program in reducing hunger, promoting health, and enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of older adults. The Committee also released state-by-state fact sheets highlighting the impact of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program in each Committee member’s state.

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to increasing health data exchange and investing in interoperability, CMS issued a proposed rule that would improve patient and provider access to health information and streamline processes related to prior authorization for medical items and services. CMS proposes to modernize the health care system by requiring certain payers to implement an electronic prior authorization process, shorten the time frames for certain payers to respond to prior authorization requests, and establish policies to make the prior authorization process more efficient and transparent.

On Friday, November 11, 2022 HHS announced that it will again extend the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). Based on commitments to provide at least 60 days’ notice prior to allowing the PHE to lapse, HHS had until Saturday, November 12, to provide states with notice that the PHE would either be extended or end in January. This means that unwinding protocol will not yet begin, and that the PHE policies such as Medicaid FMAP increases; continuous eligibility; and the 1135, Appendix K, and Emergency SPAs will remain in effect.

On Friday, October 28, 2022, CMS issued a final rule that simplifies Medicare enrollment and eligibility rules, extends coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for certain beneficiaries, and finalizes changes to improve state payment of Medicare premiums. Beginning January 1, 2023, individuals applying for Medicare premium Part A and Part B during the last three months of their Initial Enrollment Period or during the General Enrollment Period will have their coverage start the month after they enroll, reducing delays in coverage. The rule also allows certain Medicare special enrollment periods (SEPs) to permit Medicare Part B coverage without a late enrollment penalty.

This week CMS issued a final rule for the Calendar Year 2023 Physician Fee Schedule which includes updates and policy changes for Medicare payments and other Part B issues. Some of the changes include expanding access to behavioral health services by allowing certain health practitioners to provide and manage a beneficiary’s behavioral health needs; extending several telehealth services that are temporarily available for the COVID-19 public health emergency at least through calendar year 2023; and clarifying payment for dental examinations and treatments in more circumstances, such as prior to organ transplants and certain cardiac procedures beginning in calendar year 2023.

ACL has awarded a five-year grant totaling over $6 million to establish a national center to expand and strengthen the direct care workforce across the country. In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the care economy, this initiative will provide technical assistance to states and service providers and facilitate collaboration with stakeholders to improve recruitment, retention, training, and professional development of the direct care workers who provide the critical services that make it possible for people with disabilities and older adults to live in their own homes and communities.

The recently released U.S. Census report shows that poverty rose for older people this past year. To make ends meet, millions of older adults are grappling with high-risk debt. RRF Foundation for Aging has announced a Call to Action to help curb rising debt.

On October 13, 2022 the Social Security Administration announced an 8.7 percent cost-of-living increase in 2023 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits – the largest in over 40 years. Approximately 70 million people will see an increase in their Social Security benefits next year.

ACL released its first comprehensive report on the accomplishments of Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III, VI, and VII programs. Enacted in 1965, the OAA created the foundation for a comprehensive system of services and supports that enables millions of older adults in this country to continue to live independently as they age. Today, programs funded by the OAA provide essential services to older adults, targeting those with the greatest economic or social need, particularly low-income and minority persons, older individuals with limited English proficiency, and older persons living in rural areas. The programs play a vital role in helping to maintain the health and well-being of millions of older adults and their caregivers.