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On March 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a statement on the cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary, Change Healthcare. Change Healthcare is a claims processing network within UnitedHealth Group’s Optum subsidiary. The February 21st cyberattack disrupted the company’s ability to process health care claims transactions, prior authorization requests, and reimbursements. CMS stated that it is actively examining its authority to help support health care providers affected by the disruption and is working with states to do the same. The agency said that it will continue to urge health plans to use their abilities to support providers and work with states.

The 26th annual Workers’ Compensation Report produced by the National Academy of Social Insurance provides the only comprehensive data on workers’ compensation benefits, coverage, and employer costs for the nation, the states, the District of Columbia, and federal programs. With a five-year study period spanning 2017-2021, this is the second annual report to cover the COVID-19 pandemic period, which permits an early understanding of the adaptation of workers’ compensation to the pandemic and general reversions to pre-pandemic trends. The report includes tables, figures, and appendices detailing outcomes related to workers’ compensation benefits, costs, and coverage.

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) recently published a survey report on the impact of understaffing on nursing home residents in 2024. The findings highlight substantial challenges faced by residents, with 88% reporting they do not have adequate staffing in their facilities to meet the care needs of all residents. This report spotlights how understaffing can lead to daily struggles for residents, including delayed care, missed activities, and medication issues. The report underscores the pressing need to address staffing deficiencies to ensure quality, person-centered care in nursing homes.

Mathematica recently released a report investigating the connection between strong city data foundations and successful ARPA investments. It spotlights cities that received What Works Cities Certification, which has recognized 57 U.S. cities for robust data practices that make resident lives better. Established as a benchmark for well-managed, data-driven local government, the What Works Cities (WWC) Certification provides insights into how such practices may influence the effectiveness of ARPA investments....

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...

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...

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...

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.

Every March, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) joins the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners to observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). This year’s theme, “A World of Opportunities,” focuses on ACL and NACDD’s shared goal of removing obstacles to community living faced by people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). ACL is committed to creating inclusive communities where everyone is valued and can do well and succeed. ACL is working alongside its partners in the disability networks to tackle these issues, with a focus on initiatives that they believe will have the biggest impact on the most pressing issues that affect people with I/DD...

During March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health ( OMH) recognizes National Kidney Month. Chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 14% of adults in the United States—about 35.5 million people—and is most common in people aged 65 years or older. Left untreated, CKD can cause toxic waste and extra fluid to build up, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death. Since people with early-stage kidney disease usually do not experience symptoms, 9 in 10 adults living with CKD are unaware they have the disease. This month, CMS OMH is highlighting the importance of early screening for CKD to prevent kidney failure and other health problems...