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On March 15th, the Department of Health and Human Services, through CMS, announced 27 prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part B that may have lower beneficiary coinsurances. From April 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023, some people with Medicare who take these drugs may save between $2 and $390 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 information 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 increased faster than the rate of inflation in a benchmark quarter.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center released a new publication that provides a synthesis of intensive focus groups and stakeholder meetings on the transportation experiences of older adults, and younger adults with disabilities. The report is part of NADTC’s continued DEI initiative and gives greater insight into the national transportation landscape for older adults.

The Center for Health Care Strategies recently released several new resources all centering around how to better support older adults with the Multi Sector Plans for Aging (MPA). A multisector plan for aging refers to the multi-year planning and execution process that brings together partners to address the needs of the older adult population in a state. Some of the new resources include strategies for first steps and development of a MPA, advice and best practices from states with MPAs in place, and how family caregiving can help shape a states MPA.

On March 1, 2023 KFF released a brief titled “FAQs on Health Spending, the Federal Budget, and Budget Enforcement Tools”. The brief reviews basic questions about health spending and the federal budget and budget enforcement tools, including the debt limit and sequestration. As discussions on the federal deficit and debt continue, the KFF resource provides an explanation of federal spending for domestic and global health programs and services.

The APS TARC has released a new toolkit for APS administrators managing a state of local APS program. The toolkit is intended to help orient new administrators with a brief which contains information and resources on topics ranging from the history of APS to federal resources that can support APS programs. The toolkit also includes an frequently used acronym guiode and the Updated National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems from the Administration for Community Living.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute in partnership with AgeSpan released their newest case study, an exploration of evidence based programs in New England to promote health and wellbeing. The report examines the multistate network of Area Agencies on Aging brought about a collaborative approach to deliver new evidence-based programs and maintaining community connection.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released seven new resources focused on strengthening the DSW. The online training, Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-directed Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), provides guidance and information for people who self-direct, or wish to self-direct, their HCBS, as well as others interested in information on finding, hiring, and retaining direct service workers. You can access all of these resources from CMS’ Direct Care Workforce page and ADvancing States' HCBS Clearinghouse.

In light of the Biden-Harris Administration announcing their intent to end the public health emergency (PHE), CMS has created a suite of updated resources to provide guidance around the unwinding. All tools can be found on the CMS Emergencies Page of their website. Guidance includes but is not limited to, a fact sheet for information about PHE waiver flexibilities, Acute Hospital at Home information, and the CMS 1135 Waiver/ Flexibility request inquiry form. The CMS Emergencies Page will be updated continuously as the end of the PHE nears. CMS encourages regular visits to the page for the most up to date information regarding PHE unwinding.

WellSky recently released a tip sheet to help agencies better respond to the continued workforce crisis. The tip sheet examines the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the broader employment market and provides possible approaches to help alleviate the workforce crisis. The sheet suggests incorporation of new efficiencies, certifications and incentivization programs, best uses for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and more.

CHCS has two new tools designed to help support health care stakeholders in fostering trust between patients and providers: 1) Words Matter: Strategies to Reduce Bias in Electronic Health Records. This tool offers practical strategies for providers on how to write notes that promote patient-centered care and dignity. 2) Building Patient-Provider Trust to Help Patients Navigate a Biased System. This tool can help providers better understand the impact of their bias and better serve patients of color. It includes a handout that can be shared with patients and families to help them effectively engage with their providers.