Policy alerts, briefs, letters & papers

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has recently released resources to guide individuals in understanding mental health benefits and their rights. One such publication, "Understanding Your Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits," provides information on accessing mental health services covered by job-based health plans. Additionally, for parents, family members, or other caregivers for someone in need of or using mental health or substance use disorder benefits, "Understanding Parity: A Guide to Resources for Families and Caregivers," provides information and tools necessary to secure behavioral health services for their loved ones.

Nearly one-fifth of older adults live in rural areas and, as a result of their geography, are at higher risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness. The Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) Commit to Connect Initiative recently released a topical guide titled “Rural Communities and Building Social Connection for Older Adults and People with Disabilities,” aimed at assisting staff and volunteer leaders from organizations serving older adults and people with disabilities in rural areas seeking to enhance or initiate social engagement efforts.

The Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) Commit to Connect (CTC) initiative recently released a resource dedicated to supporting social connections for people who have dementia. This resource highlights easily replicable programs such as memory cafes and art or music-focused activities, providing practical examples for enhancing social engagement. In addition, it provides valuable communication tips for interacting with individuals with dementia and encourages active participation in the Commit to Connect Nationwide Network of Champions, fostering a collaborative approach to combat social isolation across diverse demographics.

In recognition of the unparalleled dedication and commitment of the 53 million caregivers in America, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) recently released the “Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers.” This guide aims to help family caregivers learn about disaster preparedness and identify the needs of care recipients, including how needs might change during a disaster. It also provides tailored information and resources that cater to the unique situations caregivers may face. This resource discusses effective strategies for connecting with communities and seeks to bolster caregivers' confidence, particularly in navigating challenges during a disaster.

On February 21, Justice in Aging released an updated and expanded version of its “20 Common Nursing Home Problems–and How to Resolve Them” issue brief, which was written with financial support from the Commonwealth Fund. This revision, like the original edition, introduces each common problem by identifying a false statement commonly made by nursing home staff, along with a clear statement of the relevant law. This updated edition addresses additional problems, discusses issues in more detail, and includes recent revisions to federal regulations and guidance. This guide gives residents, family members, friends, and other advocates the tools they need to identify and solve the problems residents most frequently face.

The Adult Protective Services (APS) Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC) recently released a brief titled “An Overview of APS Self-Neglect Cases Using NAMRS Data.” This brief utilizes case-level data from the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS) for the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 to provide an overview of Adult Protective Services (APS) clients/victims and cases involving allegations of self-neglect. The analysis compares self-neglect cases to all other maltreatment types across states, territories, and the District of Columbia. This brief provides summary bullets and graphs detailing trends and patterns in self-neglect investigations, with a focus on understanding the evolving nature of APS self-neglect assessments.

A recent analysis by KFF found that despite over one-fifth of all U.S. COVID-19 deaths occurring in long-term care facilities, as of January 14, 2024, only 38% of residents and 15% of staff were “up-to-date” with their COVID-19 vaccines, which the CDC defines as having received the updated Fall 2023 vaccine. Reasons for the decline in vaccine uptake vary, including fewer federal initiatives aimed at increasing vaccinations, the end of vaccine mandates for healthcare workers, and declining concerns about COVID-19 risks.

On February 9, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued updated instructions for states to implement policies for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) in the Streamlining Medicaid; Medicare Savings Program Eligibility and Enrollment Final Rule (CMS 2421-F) in advance of upcoming compliance dates. MSPs, also known as Medicare Buy-In programs or Medicare Premium Payment Programs, help individuals qualify for assistance with payment of Medicare premiums, and in some cases, Medicare cost-sharing...

In a recently published issue brief, the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) provides an overview of Medicaid managed care. This brief covers the basics of what Medicaid managed care is, how it has grown over time, and how states and territories make decisions around delivery systems. It also dives into the core components of operationalizing managed care, including procurement, rate setting, and oversight. NAMD also discusses how Medicaid managed care is continuing to evolve, looking ahead at the potential impacts of market dynamics and regulatory changes on the quality, accessibility, and cost of care for Medicaid members.

On February 14, The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) announced the release of its latest research brief on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Elder Maltreatment. This brief explores the profound impact of social isolation and loneliness on the well-being of older adults, emphasizing their significant role as both risk factors and consequences of elder maltreatment....