Announcement/Press release

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is leading the way in a national effort during the week of September 18-22 to increase awareness of falls prevention and empower older adults to take action in reducing their falls risk, maintaining independence, and remaining falls free. As part of this initiative, the National Council on Aging has developed a collection of informative handouts offering older adults practical tips on finding suitable exercise programs, making home modifications, initiating conversations with family and friends about falls, and accessing additional valuable resources.

The National Council on Aging is spending the week of September 18th to the 22nd spreading awareness for falls prevention, and empowering older adults to educate themselves on how to be independent and falls free. This is a national effort to raise awareness, educate people on falls risk factors, and how to prevent falls. They are looking for support to encourage the engagement of older adults by starting a conversation with friends and family about falls. The National Council on Aging is also providing educational tools to help spread a better understanding of how falls are preventable.

Every July, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States. Due to multiple factors including lack of access to quality mental health care services, the cultural stigma surrounding mental health care, discrimination, and overall lack of awareness about mental health, these types of communities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health (HHSOMH),...

On June 27th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance to states, outlining new mandatory coverage requirements for approved adult vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and their administration, without cost sharing. Starting from October 1, 2023, as mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) must provide coverage and payment for these services. The guidance also specifies the requirements for states to claim a one percentage point increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for these services.

On June 12, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new flexibilities to help keep individuals covered as states resume Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) renewals. The new flexibilities were announced in a letter Secretary Becerra sent to the nation’s governors encouraging them to adopt available flexibilities to minimize coverage losses. Building on flexibilities HHS offered to states before renewals resumed, some of the new flexibilities announced include: Allowing managed care plans to assist people with Medicaid with completing their renewal forms, including completing certain parts of the renewal forms on their behalf....

On June 8th, CMS announced a new voluntary primary care model called “Making Care Primary (MCP) Model”. The 10.5-year multi-payer model is designed to improve care and strengthen coordination between primary care clinicians, specialists, social service providers, and behavioral health clinicians as well as address individuals’ health-related social needs. CMS is testing the model in eight states— Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Washington—and will work with these states’ Medicaid agencies to align their programs with the new model in key areas. CMS plans to work with private payers in the future...

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services, through CMS, announced 43 prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part B that may have lower beneficiary coinsurances. From July 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, some people with Medicare who take these drugs may save between $1 and $449 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 July 1, 2023, Medicare beneficiaries may pay a lower coinsurance for certain Part B drugs if the drug’s price increased faster than the rate of inflation in a benchmark quarter.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined that power seat elevation equipment on Medicare-covered power wheelchairs falls within the benefit category for durable medical equipment (DME) based on the Social Security Act and relevant regulations. After considering public comments, CMS has expanded coverage beyond the proposed decision, finding that power seat elevation equipment is reasonable and necessary for individuals using complex rehabilitative power-driven wheelchairs, subject to specific conditions.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has announced the 2023 themes to promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month is "Advancing Access and Equity," highlighting the contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive policies and practices. ODEP will also use the theme "Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next" to honor the Rehabilitation Act's passage and its role in prohibiting disability-based discrimination in employment by federally funded programs. Organizations can participate in ODEP's initiatives and learn more about NDEAM and ODEP's work.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new landing page at GetInternet.gov for its Affordable Connectivity Program. AffordableConnectivity.gov will still exist as a resource for consumers and digital navigators with more detailed information about the program. The FCC is continuing its efforts to promote the program by providing grants to community partners, supporting navigators who help eligible consumers enroll, and developing media strategies to increase public awareness. GetInternet.gov was chosen as the URL for consumer information and advertising due to its simplicity and memorability, and to link consumers directly to the application....