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Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs): What Advocates Need to Know

On February 28, Justice in Aging released an issue brief titled “Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs): What Advocates Need to Know.” This issue brief provides advocates with basic information about D-SNPs, whom they serve, and their structure. It also identifies specific areas where advocates can engage with their states to ensure that D-SNPs work effectively to coordinate care and benefits for dually eligible individuals, including strategies in centering equity from the outset in the design of D-SNPs...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75532

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Addressing Bias in the Guardianship Process

Justice in Aging has launched the first of a four-part series of issue briefs as part of their Equitable Guardianship Reform Series. This brief, “Addressing Bias in the Guardianship Process,” explores diverse aspects of the guardianship system and proposes recommendations for reform to enhance equity in aging. This brief delves into the potential areas where implicit bias may enter the guardianship process, emphasizing systemic concerns. Additionally, the brief offers recommendations for reform, advocating for efforts to eliminate bias at both systemic and individual levels within the guardianship process...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75531

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Three Questions About Medicaid Unwinding: What We Know and What to Expect

This KFF policy watch examines three key questions to monitor as states navigate the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision initiated during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Examining changes in Medicaid enrollment, the report notes a nearly 10% decline in Medicaid enrollment nationally, with significant state-level variations. As states progress through renewals, the article emphasizes the unpredictable trajectory of Medicaid enrollment at the process's conclusion, acknowledging the potential return to pre-pandemic levels. Confronting challenges posed by procedural disenrollments and new enrollments, the report explores the implications for Medicaid participation and broader trends in healthcare coverage...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75530

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EBSA Offers Resources to Help Learn About Mental Health Benefits and Rights

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.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75522

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Rural Comunities and Building Social Conection for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

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.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75476

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Supporting Social Connection of People Living with Dementia

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.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75475

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Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers

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.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75470

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Updated - 25 Common Nursing Home Problems & How to Resolve Them

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.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75444

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An Overview of APS Self-Neglect Cases Using NAMRS Data

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.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75426

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Few Nursing Facility Residents and Staff Have Received the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine

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.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75398

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