ADvancing States Comments on Proposed Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities (Section 504) NPRM  

On November 13, ADvancing States submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) on the Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities notice of proposed rulemaking. The proposed rule strengthens protections for all people with disabilities, including older adults who may not think of themselves as people with disabilities, and also clarifies obligations in areas not explicitly addressed in the current rule, including the obligation to provide services in the most integrated setting appropriate. 

ADvancing States supports the intent of the proposed regulation and agrees that equal and non-discriminatory access to HHS-funded services is critical to quality of life, health, and welfare. However, in the comments, we note that this broad-sweeping regulation could result in unintended impacts, particularly when applied to the complex array of OAA-funded service delivery systems. Further guidance is needed where there are conflicts of laws or regulations, such as an entity being in compliance with CMS regulations while out of compliance with 504 non-discrimination requirements. To realize the intent of non-discrimination, we strongly support more coordination between HHS, CMS, and ACL in the implementation of the final rule 

Click here to read the full comment letter. 

ADvancing States Comments on the Adult Protective Services (APS) Functions and Grant Programs Notice of Proposed Rulemaking  

On November 13, ADvancing States submitted comments to the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) on the Adult Protective Services Functions and Grant Programs notice of proposed rulemaking. The proposed rule would establish the first-ever federal regulations for APS systems. The NPRM would require states to develop and submit to ACL a state plan that describes the state’s policies and procedures related to reporting, investigations, data collection, coordination, and more. 

ADvancing States and our members strongly support the intent of the proposed rule to take a comprehensive approach to improve the quality and consistency of APS systems nationwide in a person-centered manner. However, we have concerns regarding the scope, anticipated workload, and cost of the proposed rule on state APS systems. The comment letter includes specific recommendations to ACL on individual requirements included in the proposed rule. 

Click here to read the full comment letter. 

ADvancing States, NAMD and NASDDDS Submit Joint Comments on Proposed Revisions to the 1915(c) Application and Technical Guide 

On November 13, ADvancing States, the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD), and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) submitted joint comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on proposed revisions to the Medicaid 1915(c) waiver application and technical guide. 

Our Associations support the intent of the proposed changes to bring the waiver application and technical guide into alignment with the final home and community-based services (HCBS) settings regulations, to ensure that every person receiving Medicaid-funded HCBS has full access to the benefits of community living. We raised concerns regarding the lack of engagement with our associations and state agencies to develop the proposed changes and emphasized the importance of soliciting input from states to determine where clarification is needed, as well as to understand the impact proposed changes will have on states’ HCBS waiver programs. 

Click here to read the full comment letter. 

Become a Sponsor for the 2024 Home and Community-Based Services Conference Today!

Join policy-makers, experts, and thought leaders from around the country and across the HCBS field for our landmark 40th annual HCBS conference. The HCBS conference brings together attendees and sponsors to learn, share experiences, and foster new relationships. As a sponsor, you'll have the chance to meet and network with over 1,500 attendees, making it a perfect opportunity to promote your brand with a targeted audience!

To learn more, visit hcbsconference.org or contact our Director of Executive Relations, Gabe Passos at gpassos@advancingstates.org. 

Click here to view an infographic showing the kinds of attendees you can expect at the 2024 HCBS Conference!

Click here for additional information on sponsoring the 2024 HCBS conference.

Information on National Vaccine Initiatives and Resources Available on Our Website 

ADvancing States’ website features information on the National Vaccine Initiatives--USAging and NCOA funding opportunities to increase the number of older adults and people with disabilities who received the updated COVID-19 vaccine or annual flu vaccine. Grantees include state Agencies on Aging and Disabilities, Area Agencies on Aging, No Wrong Door Systems/Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Centers for Independent Living, community organizations, and others. Information and resources featured on the website include outreach and community engagement strategies for vaccination programs, planning vaccination clinics, potential partners, and ADvancing States’ recent resource, “State COVID-19 & Influenza Vaccination Initiatives—Promising Practices”. ADvancing States also has a COVID-19 section on our website with federal guidance and state information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This section highlights a publication or resource that has been added to the HCBS Clearinghouse within the past week. Visit HCBS.org for more information.

Administration for Community Living (ACL) - Commit to Connect Initiative

Commit to Connect Webinar on No Wrong Door Virginia’s Social Health Connector Platform

Join Commit to Connect for an upcoming webinar on the No Wrong Door Virginia’s Social Health Connector platform. The Social Health Connector uses a person-centered virtual assessment to generate a customized social health connection plan for people with disabilities, older adults, and family caregivers. This personalized plan leverages AI and machine learning to offer insights into individualized risks and strengths, highlighting local recommended resources for users in Virginia. After individuals complete the survey, they receive a customized social connection plan. During the webinar, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia 2-1-1, and United Way Worldwide will provide an overview of the tool and how other aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) and No Wrong Door (NWD) systems can replicate this approach. Following the 60-minute webinar, Commit to Connect will host a 30-minute conversation to allow for open discussion with the speakers and participants.

This webinar will take place on Wednesday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m. ET. 

Click here to register. 

Administration for Community Living (ACL) 

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Public Comment Request; ACL Generic Clearance for the Collection of Routine Customer Feedback

On November 15, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed information collection requirements relating to the ACL Generic Clearance for the Collection of Routine Customer Feedback, a generic mechanism for Collecting Service Delivery Feedback under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

With respect to the following collection of information, ACL invites comments on their burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

• Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

• The accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;

• Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

• Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including using automated collection techniques when appropriate, and other forms of information technology.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET or postmarked by January 16, 2024.

Click here to submit a comment.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Public Comment Request; Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Performance Report (PPR)

On November 15, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) announced an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed information collection requirements relating to the Administration on Disabilities' Independent Living Services Program Performance Report. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. 

ACL invites comments on our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

• Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

• The accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;

• Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

• Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including using automated collection techniques when appropriate, and other forms of information technology.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET or postmarked by January 16, 2024.

Click here to submit a comment. 

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Public Comment Request; Assessment and Evaluation of ACL's American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs Older Americans Act Title VI

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking public comments on its information collection requirements related to the Assessment and Evaluation of ACL's American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs Older Americans Act Title VI. OAA Title VI establishes grants to Native Americans for nutrition services, supportive services, and family caregiver support services. Information gathered through the Assessment and Evaluation of the Title VI Programs will inform ACL and its partners, other federal agencies and administrators, current grantees, policymakers, and the field about ways to improve service delivery for older adults and their caregivers, ultimately helping them to remain in their homes for as long as possible. ACL also recently announced that the proposed collection of information listed above has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

ACL invites public comments until Sunday, December 3. 

Click here to read the notice in the Federal Register. 

Public Comment Period Open for Proposed ACL Information Collection Requirements

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has announced opportunities for the public to comment on the proposed collection of information requirements relating to the (1) ACL Generic for Administration on Aging Formula Grant Programs, (2) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Client Contact Forms, and (3) Alzheimer's and Dementia Program Data Reporting Tool (ADP-DRT).

ACL is accepting comments on the Generic for Administration on Aging Formula Grant Programs until Monday, December 18 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

ACL is accepting comments on State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Client Contact Forms until Tuesday, December 26 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

ACL is accepting comments on the Alzheimer's and Dementia Program Data Reporting Tool (ADP-DRT) until Tuesday, December 26 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here to view the respective notices in the Federal Register. 

Administration for Community Living (ACL), Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care, USAging - Aging and Disability Business Institute

Community Care Hub 101 Learning Series

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), in collaboration with the Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care (administered by USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute), invites community-based organizations serving as community care hubs (CCHs) to participate in a four-part Community Care Hub 101 Learning Series. This series, taking place on four Thursdays from mid-November through December, aims to educate and support organizations interested in the community care hub model. These hubs centralize administrative functions and infrastructure to address health-related social needs (HRSNs) and enhance service delivery, with each webinar focusing on foundational elements and featuring examples from leading community care hubs. Registrants will gain access to both remaining webinars and valuable resources to facilitate their engagement in this initiative.

Upcoming Webinars:

• “Contracting Opportunities to Address Health-Related Social Needs”: Thursday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
• “Building the Community Care Hub Business Case”: Thursday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET. 

Click here to register.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

​National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4-8, is an annual observance in December to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, and thousands will be hospitalized as a result.

Click here for additional information.

The USAging-led Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC) has also partnered with local organizations to help older adults and people with disabilities get yearly vaccinations. Visit yougotthis.usaging.org to learn more.  

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7th

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period ends Thursday, December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can compare coverage options, like Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and choose health and drug plans for 2024. Medicare Advantage and Part D plan costs and covered benefits can change from year to year, so people with Medicare should look at their coverage choices and decide on the options that best meet their health needs. Coverage changes made during the open enrollment period take effect January 1, 2024. 

Relevant Resources:

• To compare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans, go to Medicare.gov for a comparison of costs and coverage.

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends.

• Access personalized health insurance counseling at no cost, available from State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP). Visit shiphelp.org to locate your local SHIP. 

• Check eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy Program. Individuals with limited income and resources may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs run by state Medicaid programs, or for the Part D Low-Income Subsidy Program. These programs can help beneficiaries save money on health and prescription drug costs. For more information, contact your local SHIP, area agency on aging (AAA), or state Medicaid program. 

Click here for additional information.

Request for Applications (RFA) for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model Now Available

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently accepting applications for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, which aims to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. The GUIDE Model will test whether providing an alternative payment methodology for participating dementia care programs reduces expenditures while preserving or enhancing quality of care. The model will assess whether the payment methodology delivered a package of care management and coordination, caregiver education and support, and GUIDE Respite Services to Medicare beneficiaries with dementia and their caregivers.

Eligible participants include Medicare Part B-enrolled providers or suppliers, excluding durable medical equipment (DME) and laboratory suppliers. A GUIDE participant must meet the GUIDE Model’s care delivery requirements but may choose to partner with other organizations, including both Medicare-enrolled providers and suppliers and non-Medicare enrolled entities, including community-based organizations (CBOs), to meet these requirements. CMS plans to announce applicants selected to participate in Spring 2024. The model will launch on July 1, 2024, and will run for eight years. 

The application period will close on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

Click here to view the Request for Applications (RFA), along with the latest model announcements.

Click here to apply. 

2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Data - Biweekly National Snapshot

On November 21, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the first Biweekly National Snapshot for 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Data. CMS reports that nearly 4.6 million Americans have signed up for 2024 individual market health insurance coverage through the Marketplaces since the start of the 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) on November 1. This includes 4.1 million plan selections in the 32 states using the HealthCare.gov platform for the 2024 plan year, through November 18, 2023 (Week 3), and 502,000 plan selections in the 17 states and the District of Columbia with State-based Marketplaces (SBMs) that are using their own eligibility and enrollment platforms, through November 11, 2023 (Week 2). Total nationwide plan selections include 920,000 consumers (20% of total) who are new to the Marketplaces for 2024, and 3.7 million consumers (80% of total) who have active 2023 coverage and returned to their respective Marketplaces to renew or select a new plan for 2024. 

Click here to view the fact sheet and press release. 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS)

Release of 2024 Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Spousal Impoverishment, and Medicare Savings Program Resource Standards

Recently, the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a bulletin providing an update on the 2024 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Spousal Impoverishment Standards, as well as the 2024 Medicare Savings Program resource standards. Certain Medicaid income and resource standards are adjusted beginning each January in accordance with changes in the SSI federal benefit rate (FBR) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The MSP groups are mandatory Medicaid eligibility groups that provide coverage of some or all Medicare Part A and B premiums and cost-sharing for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. The resource standards for the MSP groups are based on the SSI resource standard, which is set forth in statute. Three of the four MSP groups—the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLMB), and Qualified Individual (QI) groups—have the same resource standard. Effective January 1, 2024, the resource standards for single and married QMBs, SLMBs, and QIs will be, respectively, $9,430 and $14,130. The other MSP group, the Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) group, has a resource standard of twice the SSI resource standard for a single or married individual (as applicable), without annual adjustment, and remains $4,000 for a single individual and $6,000 for a married individual. 

Click here to view the informational bulletin.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests

Starting November 20, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests.

Click here for more information and to order the at-home tests. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

Announcement of Intent to Establish Federal Advisory Committee on Long COVID

On November 17, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced its intent to create a Federal Advisory Committee on Long COVID. Nominations for committee membership are open until January 16, 2024, with HHS inviting individuals directly impacted by Long COVID, health care practitioners, researchers, and representatives from related sectors to apply. The Committee will bring perspectives from outside the Government to help inform action of the Executive Branch on Long COVID and associated conditions, with a focus on health equity. The Committee will consist of up to 20 members, including any Chair, Vice Chair, or Co-Chairs. To the extent possible, the composition of the Committee will reflect the experience of an inclusive and diverse cross-section of persons with Long COVID and multidisciplinary expertise of those supporting and caring for those affected.

Nominations may be submitted by e-mail to LongCOVID@hhs.gov and addressed to Allison O’Donnell.

Click here to view the announcement. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)

Addressing Homelessness Among Older Adults

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) recently released a report addressing the escalating issue of homelessness among older adults, a demographic experiencing a rapid increase in homelessness over recent years. This report gives an overview of the population of older adults at risk of experiencing homelessness and describes what services and supports are available to serve them. The report also examines these topics with attention to what is known about racial and ethnic groups disproportionately impacted by homelessness. In addition, the report highlights the challenges older adults encounter in accessing available assistance and discusses innovative practices to reduce these barriers. ASPE also presents potential policy options aimed at better serving this population.

Click here to view the full report. 

Applied Self-Direction

Bridging the Gap: Insights into Strengthening the Self-Directed Workforce

Applied Self-Direction recently published a paper that aims to provide insights on the self-direction workforce from key stakeholders. With the support of Elevance Health, Applied Self-Direction held an Executive Roundtable Series with experts to discuss pertinent themes and issues. They then conducted a national survey of people who self-direct, representatives, and direct care workers to understand their experiences and ideas for addressing workforce challenges. This paper synthesizes the roundtable discussions and survey results to inform further research and dialogue on supporting the unique needs of the self-direction workforce. The white paper also includes stakeholders’ recommendations for policies and practices that can alleviate the workforce shortage and facilitate quality hiring.

Click here to view the white paper. 

Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS)

Improving Data Sharing Across SNAP and Medicaid Agencies: Key Factors for Success During Unwinding and Beyond

The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) will host an upcoming webinar on data sharing among the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and state Medicaid programs. This webinar will explore successful practices for data coordination between SNAP and Medicaid agencies gleaned from a 50-state survey and three state case studies. Presenters from South Carolina’s Medicaid agency will share their experience streamlining enrollment and re-enrollment processes during the unwinding of continuous eligibility for Medicaid. This webinar is a product of Improving Data Coordination Between SNAP and Medicaid, a national initiative led by the CHCS in partnership with Benefits Data Trust (BDT) with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Presenters:



• Vicki Quintana, Senior Program Officer, CHCS
• Amanda Bank, Program Associate, CHCS
• Jillian Humphries, Policy Manager, BDT
• Lucas Caldwell-McMillan, Senior Policy Manager, BDT
• Lori Risk, Chief of Eligibility Policy - Training, and Contracts, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• Chris Cranford, Operations Manager - Medicaid Systems, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

This webinar will take place on Tuesday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to register and for additional information. 

LGBTQ+ Caregivers: Challenges, Policy Needs, and Opportunities

The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) has released a fact sheet detailing the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ caregivers when navigating health and human services systems. The fact sheet offers policy recommendations centered on inclusive language, intersectional approaches, comprehensive data collection regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, and strategies to address ageism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia in caregiving settings. The fact sheet also emphasizes the need for stakeholders to collaborate with community leaders in order to better understand the needs, barriers, and existing strengths of LGBTQ+ caregivers.

Click here to view the fact sheet. 

Inform USA

Inform USA Conference Request for Sessions Extended

Inform USA is the professional membership association for Information and Referral (I&R). Inform USA drives quality and connection in the sector as the sole source for standards, program accreditation, and practitioner certification. The Inform USA Conference brings together I&R professionals from across the breadth of the sector. The request for session submissions for the 2024 Grand Gathering Inform USA Conference has been extended to December 15, 2023. The conference will be held May 20th - May 23rd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Inform USA is especially interested in session submissions that address serving older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Visit Inform USA for more information on the Conference. 

Click here for the session submission form. 

Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)

Aging with a History of Trauma: Strategies to Provide Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care to Older Adults and Family Caregivers

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) recently released an updated guidance memorandum, supported by a 2021 supplemental grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This updated publication offers insights for the Aging Network on delivering Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed (PCTI) care to Holocaust survivors, older adults with trauma histories, and their family caregivers. This publication is an updated and expanded version of the guidance memorandum published by the ACL in 2017.

This guidance memorandum is divided into four sections:

• Section 1: Introduces the topics of trauma and PTSD, how trauma influences the aging process, and how the PCTI approach can help.
• Section 2: Provides recommendations as to how aging service professionals and volunteers can better care for older adults with a history of trauma, and their family caregivers, through the PCTI approach. 
• Section 3: Reviews trauma history and service considerations for several older adult populations with higher rates of trauma than the general United States population. This includes Holocaust survivors; racial and ethnic minoritized groups; LGBTQ+ individuals; immigrants, refugees, and asylees; survivors of crime; survivors of disasters; individuals in high-risk professions; veterans; and individuals with disabilities.
• Section 4: Discusses the impact of trauma on family caregivers of older adults with a history of trauma. 

Click here to view the updated guidance memorandum. 

Justice in Aging

Nationwide Settlement Grants Millions of Dollars to Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries Harmed During Pandemic

On November 20, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York approved a settlement (Campos v. Kijakazi, No. 21 Civ. 5143 (E. D. N. Y.)), that will provide automatic remedies to nearly a quarter million Supplement Security Income (SSI) recipients who will have back benefits credited to their accounts. The settlement comes after a class action lawsuit filed by the New York Legal Assistance Group, Justice in Aging, and Arnold & Porter alleged that pandemic-related administrative errors and shutdowns led the Social Security Administration (SSA) to charge low-income recipients with overpayments. The certified class includes all individuals with an SSI overpayment incurred between March 2020 and April 2023.

Click here to view the press release and fact sheet. 

KFF Health News

The Long-Term Care Crisis—Why Few Can Afford to Grow Old in America

KFF Health News will host an upcoming webinar titled “The Long-Term Care Crisis—Why Few Can Afford to Grow Old in America.” This virtual conversation will discuss “Dying Broke,” KFF Health News’ joint investigation with The New York Times into America’s long-term care crisis and what can be done to mitigate its growing financial and emotional toll. Hear from caregivers about the costs and complexity of long-term care.

Speakers:

• Moderator: Jordan Rau, Senior correspondent, KFF Health News; Co-author of the “Dying Broke” series
• Reed Abelson, Health care reporter, The New York Times; Co-author of the “Dying Broke” series
• Robert Ingenito, Caregiver of his 93-year-old father in the New York City suburbs
• Anne Tumlinson, Founder and CEO, ATI Advisory; Founder, Daughterhood 
• Angela Jemmott, Caregiver for her mother in Sacramento, California; Volunteer, Hand in Hand

This webinar will take place on Tuesday, December 5, at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to register and for additional information.  

National Council on Aging (NCOA)

Upcoming Webinars

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is hosting several webinars in December. For additional information, visit https://connect.ncoa.org/

“Senior Center Summit: Reframing Aging” is a three-part webinar series designed to provide participants with evidence-based communication strategies for reframing aging, strategies from the National Center to Reframe Aging (NCRA) that have successfully been applied in multiple sectors to advance age-inclusive policies, and tools from the NCRA that can be applied to current advocacy work to change attitudes towards aging.

Presenters: 

• Hannah Albers, Program Director, National Center to Reframe Aging
• Claire M. Côté, Field Representative, Connecticut State Unit on Aging  
• Diane Stone (Moderator), Associate Director of Network Development and Engagement, Modernizing Senior Centers Resource Center and NISC, NCOA

This webinar will take place on Monday, December 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to register. 

“Sharing Best Practices for Limited English Proficiency” will feature up to three MIPPA grantees who will share best practices for outreach during the Medicare open enrollment period.

Presenters: 

• Darren Hotton, Associate Director of Community Health and Benefits, NCOA
• Gabriel Smith (Moderator), Program Associate, Center for Benefits Access, NCOA

This webinar will take place on Tuesday, December 12, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to register. 

“Medicaid Opportunities for Evidence-Based Program Sustainability,” an NCOA webinar series, will explore common denominators to approaching state Medicaid agencies and Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). In addition to addressing fundamental information about Medicaid benefit structure and policies, this four-part webinar series will offer both fundamental education about Medicaid programming and real-time experience from community-based organizations on their journeys to Medicaid reimbursement. The December 14 webinar, “Leveraging Medicaid Transformation to Support Expansion and Funding of Evidence-Based Programs,” will provide an overview of mechanisms available to state Medicaid agencies to make changes to operations and covered services, including submitting a State Plan Amendment (SPA) to CMS or completing a waiver process. Presenters will highlight the process of submitting a request to add the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program as a covered benefit in Oregon.

Presenters:



• Sharon Williams, Williams Jackson Consulting, LLC
• Katrina Seipp-Lewington, Manager of Community Health, Comagine Health

This webinar will take place on Thursday, December 14 at 2:30 p.m. ET. 

Click here to register. 

National Council on Independent Living (NCIL)

2024 Annual Conference Call for Workshop Proposals

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) has released a call for workshop proposals for its 2024 Annual Conference on Independent Living, themed "Back to the Future 2024." This year’s conference will take place onsite in Washington, D.C., and will feature 25 in-person workshops.

NCIL seeks workshops in the following tracks:

• Youth, Young Adults, and the Movement: Workshops addressing youth with disabilities, youth leadership, employment, and transitions.
• Intergenerational Leadership: Workshops looking into how we can work together as leaders of different generations and experiences to lead the IL Movement into the future.
• Back to Our Future: Workshops addressing the history of systems advocacy and the “it factor” of our past and present leaders. This track will offer insight into the roots of Independent Living and discuss how we can use history to move forward together.
• Technology & Innovation: Workshops that explore recent technological innovations and ideas and how they have promoted independent living philosophy.
• Independent Living Across the Globe: Workshops that look into how disability and independent living work abroad and what we can learn from each other. 

Priority will be given to workshops that address these topics through the lenses of anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI); and disability justice.

Interested presenters should submit their proposals by Monday, January 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here for additional information. 

National Dementia Workforce Study (NDWS)

Invitation to Contribute Survey Content 

Through a cooperative agreement with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the University of Michigan, the University of California - San Francisco (UCSF), the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), and several partner organizations are taking the lead on the National Dementia Workforce Study (NDWS). This project aims to develop and conduct annual national surveys to investigate the dementia care workforce, encompassing physicians, nurses, and direct care workers in various care settings. Additionally, NDWS is in the process of establishing a data infrastructure to support a wider community of researchers and policymakers. 

Each year from 2024 to 2028, the NDWS will field a set of four surveys of the professional dementia care workforce in the United States:  

• Community Clinicians, focusing on physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in the specialties of primary care (including geriatrics), neurology, and psychiatry
• Nursing Home Staff, focusing on licensed nurses and direct care staff (e.g., nursing assistants, personal care aides)
• Assisted Living Staff, focusing on licensed nurses, social workers, activity staff, and direct care staff
• Home Care Staff, focusing on licensed nurses and direct care staff (e.g., home health assistants, personal care aides)

The NDWS survey development team is actively soliciting ideas for questionnaire content and seeks ideas for both general survey domains and specific questionnaire items related to the above surveys. Respondents are encouraged to provide complete question phrasing and response choices, accompanied by a brief explanation justifying their inclusion, for both overall survey categories and specific inquiries.

NDWS requests that ideas be shared no later than Friday, December 15.

Click here to contribute survey content.

USAging - Eldercare Locator

2023 Home For The Holidays Campaign

Each fall, the Eldercare Locator's Home for the Holidays campaign shines a light on an important topic affecting the health and wellness of older adults. This year, the focus is on encouraging older adults to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated before gathering with loved ones for the holidays. The Eldercare Locator’s 2023 Home for the Holidays campaign addresses connecting older adults, caregivers, and families with information on vaccines and local resources that can help make getting vaccinated easy. Campaign materials include a brochure, vaccine fact sheet, aging network toolkit, and social media graphics. The Eldercare Locator, a national resource and call center on aging issues, can also connect people to local organizations that can help with accessing vaccinations, even if consumers face barriers such as lack of transportation or inability to leave their homes.

Click here to view the 2023 Home for the Holidays Campaign.

WellSky

Best Practices When Implementing State IT Projects 

WellSky is hosting a webinar highlighting best practices and common challenges faced by state agencies during the implementation of IT projects. Led by Ananias Williams III, Chief Information Officer for the Georgia Department of Revenue, the session will feature a panel of veteran implementation executives discussing examples of good and bad approaches to the task of implementing a statewide case management system.

This webinar will explore the following challenges that state leaders face when implementing new technology:

• Engaging stakeholders effectively
• Aligning procurement and implementation teams
• Effectively managing disruptive change
• Achieving consensus among competing stakeholders
• Ensuring long-term stewardship of technology investments

This webinar will take place on Monday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to register. 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Area Agency on Aging, Region X

The Area Agency on Aging, Region X, is currently in search of a dynamic and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their team. The CFO will play a pivotal role, overseeing all financial-related activities and providing essential financial analysis, statistical information, and accounting expertise to their CEO, Board of Directors, staff, contractors, and auditors. The Area Agency on Aging, Region X, has been serving the senior population of Missouri in Barton, Jasper, Newton, and McDonald counties since 1979. Region X was the result of a designation in the 1965 Older Americans Act. The Agency is a non-profit, charitable organization with a 501(c)(3) designation. Qualified candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field; a master’s degree in business administration (preferred); and 5+ years of related experience.

Click here to view the job posting.

Director, Patient Care Models Group - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI)

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) seeks a Director for their Patient Care Models Group responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and administration of complex payment models aiming to reduce care costs while maintaining or enhancing health care quality for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. This leadership role involves directing portfolio activities, guiding strategy implementation, managing HR and staffing, advising CMMI leadership on prioritization and coordination, and fostering external relationships to ensure alignment with CMS goals. The ideal candidate must demonstrate executive leadership skills aligning with fundamental competencies and Executive Core Qualifications expected for Senior Executive Service (SES) positions within the federal government.

Applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, December 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here to view the job posting. 

Administration for Community Living (ACL)

Advancing Aging Network Capacity to Support Family, Kinship and Tribal Family Caregivers: Financial and Workplace Security

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) recently announced $3 million in new funding over four years to further support the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (the Strategy). ACL will award one cooperative agreement for a project of national scope intended to foster advancements in two programs authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) — the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program. The goal of this initiative is to ensure family, kinship, and tribal caregivers are better recognized, supported, and included in programs funded by the OAA.  

The awardee will undertake technical assistance and capacity-building activities targeted to the aging, tribal, and kinship support networks in support of the implementation of Goal 4 of the Strategy: strengthening financial and workplace security for family caregivers. Other activities may include: Gathering, analyzing, developing, and disseminating employee/employer-focused tools and resources for supporting employed family caregivers; Identifying and disseminating planning resources for family caregivers and care recipients; Curating and disseminating information on affordable long-term services and supports; and Developing, testing, and broadly disseminating employer awareness and training programs. The grantee will join four organizations that recently received awards to support the implementation of the other goals of the Strategy. 

Interested applicants should submit their application by Monday, December 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here to apply. 

Administration for Community Living (ACL) - National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

Funding Opportunities for Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training & Field-Initiated Projects Programs

The Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) recently announced several new funding opportunities for Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) and Field-Initiated Projects (FIP) programs. 

ARRT Funding Opportunities:

• ARRT grants are intended to increase the number of high-quality disability and rehabilitation researchers. Grants are made to institutions of higher education to provide research training to individuals with doctorates or similar advanced degrees. The researcher trained by these grants will improve the community living and participation, employment, and health and function outcomes for people with disabilities.

Available AART Grants:

• ARRT on Community Living and Participation
• ARRT on Employment
• ARRT on Health and Function

Applications due Monday, December 4, 2023

Click here to view the AART grants.

FIP Funding Opportunities:

• The purpose of the FIP program is to generate new knowledge through research or to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technologies to maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family/caregiver support, and economic and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities, especially people with the greatest support needs.

Available FIP Grants:

• FIP Research
• FIP Development

Applications due Monday, December 11, 2023

Click here to view the FIP grants.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I 

The Administration for Community Living's (ACL) National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is providing funding for a grant opportunity that centers on improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This initiative seeks to accomplish this by fostering technological innovation within the private sector, strengthening the role of small businesses in addressing the needs of federal research and development, and maximizing the returns from federally-funded research. Grantees will also work to increase the practical application of research findings and development products supported by NIDILRR. NIDILRR will award 11 grants under this opportunity, each with a 6-month project period and a corresponding six-month budget period,

The application deadline for this opportunity is on Monday, December 18 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here to apply.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) -Office of Multifamily Housing

HUD Announces $212 Million Funding Opportunity to Expand Affordable Housing Options for Persons with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Multifamily Housing has announced the availability of $212 million in funding to expand affordable housing and supportive services for very-low and extremely-low-income individuals with disabilities through the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program. This program aims to create, subsidize, and provide supportive services for rental housing to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. Through the Section 811 Capital Advance/Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) program, $106 million in capital advances can be used for the development of new or rehabilitation of existing supportive housing, along with project rental subsidies to keep homes affordable. The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) will also provide $106 million to state housing and other agencies for project rental assistance to cover the difference between the tenants’ contributions toward rental payments and the HUD-approved rent for the property for eligible tenants with disabilities.

Applications must be submitted by February 8, 2024.

Click here to read the funding notices for the Section 811 Capital Advance Program and Section 811 Project Rental Assistance.