Reports

The debate surrounding the deficit reduction and the debt ceiling for FY 2012 has many implications for aging and disability policies, especially Older Americans Act (OAA) services. This brief outlines the current negotiations and proposals put forth to reach a long-term, bipartisan budget reduction agreement, including the McConnell Plan; the McConnell-Reid Plan; the Gang of Six; the Coburn Plan; and the Senate Budget Resolution. The Congressional Appropriations process is also discussed.

The National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) is pleased to share a comprehensive set of recommendations for reform of the Older Americans Act (OAA) when it is reauthorized by the 109th Congress in 2005. NASUA believes that the forthcoming reauthorization of the Act provides an opportunity to modernize its structures, programs, and services to prepare to serve the next generation of older persons and their families.

Review a new survey of organizations that provide services within the I&R/A Network. The following themes emerged from the survey: aging and disability networks continue to integrate; the use of technology in I&R/A service delivery is slow to develop; the role of I&R/A organizations is expanding; and there are opportunities for improved coordination and quality service delivery. Review the recommendations that address these themes.

State aging and disability agencies have operated within a tumultuous environment for the past several years. It has become increasingly more difficult to reconcile the needs of older adults and people with disabilities with the resources available to address those needs. Five themes are identified from the 2012 state of aging and disabilities surveys, which include the acceleration of Medicaid managed long term services and supports and continuing loss of historical knowledge around the nation.

This report is the product of a dialogue concerning the role of the Ombudsman program as representation for residents of long-term care facilities in a system that is moving towards home and community-based long-term care. The report follows three key areas in which Ombudsmen can play a role—HCBS, diversion from nursing homes, and transition from institutional care—and considered the program’s resources, federal limitations, and conflicts of interest.

Collaboration between Long-Term Care Ombudsmen and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) is beneficial in making informed long-term care choices. ADRCs are a vital bank of information for people considering home and community-based services in lieu of institutional settings. This report presents findings from a survey of states’ Ombudsman programs on what types of collaboration exist; some work with ADRCs by making referrals, conducting training, and/or exchanging information.

This report summarizes the May 2009 Senate Finance Committee’s proposed option for reforming health care financing. The three areas of proposed funding reforms are reductions in current health care spending; reevaluation of health tax subsidies; and changes in non-health tax provisions, such as imposing alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage excise taxes. The proposed option reveals what areas the Finance Committee prioritizes during health care finance reform and where cuts are recommended.

There has been effort to create standards for senior centers at a state level. Many State Units on Aging (SUAs) coordinate with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to fund, develop, and foster these standards. This report summarizes findings from a survey of 38 states concerning various areas related to senior centers, including funding sources, operational guidelines, and required services. Most states reported some common practices and 16 states provide guidance for their senior centers.

The federal government reached a compromise to the budget crisis for fiscal year 2011 (FY11) with a bill consisting of billions in cuts to discretionary spending. This analysis of the Continuing Resolution (CR) for FY11 discusses the inconsistent allocation of funding and provides descriptions of the appropriated amounts for different departments and programs, especially those impacting the aging and disability network. The report is complemented by a budget table showing the amount of funds.

The aging services network is critical for those navigating the “information maze” in order to make informed decisions about long-term services and supports (LTSS). But most of these services do not target the majority of Americans who are private paying consumers. Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) are one service that aims to increase the level of services offered to private payers. This report includes the results of a survey measuring ADRCs’ engagement with private payers.