Announcement/Press release

October is Residents’ Rights Month, an annual event designated by National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home or community. This year's Residents' Rights Month theme, “The Power of My Voice”, emphasizes self-empowerment and recognizes the power of residents being vocal about their interests, personal growth, and right to live full, enriching lives. To honor this month’s theme, Consumer Voice is hosting a Resident's Voice Challenge which encourages residents to submit essays, poems, artwork, drawings, or videos related to the theme.

On September 26th, The Biden-Harris Administration released guidance on health coverage requirements for children and youth enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The guidance serves as support for states in ensuring children with Medicaid and CHIP coverage receive the full range of health care services they require. Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements provide comprehensive health coverage for children and youth. The guidance reinforces the EPSDT requirements and includes strategies and best practices for states in implementing the requirements. Included is an explanation for statutory and regulatory EPSDT requirements. Read CMS's release to learn more.

On October 3rd, UnitedHealthcare announced a $335,000 commitment in funding to Idaho organizations to support care among underserved communities, including people in rural areas, individuals with chronic conditions, and older adults. This support will enhance efforts to provide equitable care for older adults and underserved communities. The programs receiving this funding will use it for training, expanding transportation options, accessing assistive technologies, respite care, and diabetes prevention programs. Read the press release to learn which programs are receiving funding and how the funding will be used.

Seven states are under presidential disaster declaration due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Join USAging in helping the AAAs and Title VI programs in these areas support older adults as they recover. Contributions to USAging's Disaster Relief Fund helps provide assistance to as many agencies as possible purchase food, clothing, and medical supplies to help support older adults in their communities. USAging's Disaster Relief Fund exists to support AAAs and Title VI programs offer critical support while communities recover.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that 64 prescription drugs will have lower Medicare Part B coinsurance rates from July 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024. This is thanks to the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program that lowers the cost of certain prescription drugs under Part B that have increased in price faster than the rise of inflation. Drug companies are required to pay rebates to Medicare through this program. CMS will begin invoicing no later than Fall 2025.

On May 9, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a further extension of unwinding-related section 1902(e)(14)(A) waivers. In the December 18, 2023, informational bulletin on maintaining children’s coverage, CMS announced that these waivers would be extended to December 31, 2024. To continue supporting states’ efforts to establish and update income and eligibility determination systems that maximize states’ ability to ensure that eligible individuals retain coverage, CMS is further extending these unwinding-related section 1902(e)(14)(A) waivers through June 30, 2025. This CIB also provides information about how certain other temporary, COVID-19-related flexibilities can be extended through June 30, 2025.

On May 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an Informational Bulletin encouraging states to leverage available opportunities in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for eligible individuals experiencing homelessness. Topics covered include: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration ; Section 1115 Demonstrations for Improving Community Reentry Following Incarceration ; Addressing Health-Related Social Needs ; Section 1115 Demonstrations Focusing on Improving Treatment for Substance Use ; Additional Resources

President Biden designates April 2nd, 2024, as World Autism Acceptance Day. The administration recognizes the importance of disability rights in policy discussions with other nations. This brief highlights the contributions of all neurodiverse people, and the disparities Autistic people face when securing employment and healthcare. The administration recommends investing time and effort into learning about autism to build more welcoming and inclusive communities to support people with autism.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is finalizing policies that strengthen enrollee protections to ensure Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans meet the needs of people with Medicare. The final rule builds on existing CMS policies to promote competition, increase access to care, and protect individuals from inappropriate marketing and prior authorization. CMS is taking bold steps to address predatory marketing strategies to help individuals find the plan that best suits their needs.

On March 28, the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a “scam alert” regarding criminals who are impersonating SSA OIG agents and requesting that their targets meet them in person to hand off cash. SSA OIG reports that this recent method of handing cash directly to a phony agent is a dangerous twist on a known scam tactic that pressures individuals to pay in a specific way by using cash or gift cards. SSA OIG and official government agencies do not conduct business in this manner. SSA OIG reminds individuals that if they think they have been scammed to notify financial institutions to safeguard their accounts and file a police report...