Welcome to The Senior Alliance's advocacy newsletter, COLLOQUY!

This monthly e-mail is a look at the issues, legislation, and policies impacting aging.

All Federal Agencies Level Funded Until Early Next Year

On November 16, 2023, President Biden signed a bipartisan stopgap bill that averted the government shut down set to begin two days later. Proposed by the newly appointed U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, this stopgap bill kept all federal departments level-funded* but was unique in that it had two distinct deadlines. The continuing resolutions (CRs) for the less controversial spending bills—Veterans Affairs-Military Construction, Agriculture, Energy-Water, and Transportation-HUD—will expire first on January 19, 2024. The agencies covered by the other eight bills, including the Department of Health & Human Services, which oversees funding for the Older Americans Act programs, will be extended to February 2, 2024.

The stopgap plan is meant to buy more time to negotiate spending bills that will fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. If Congress cannot agree to all 12 spending bills that keep the federal government running by April 29, 2024, there will be a one percent budget cut to all agencies the following day, per the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. 

*Note: Authorization and funding for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act’s (MIPPA) low-income outreach and assistance program was dropped from the CR at the last minute. MIPPA funding supports part of our Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) efforts.

Michigan Legislature Adjourns with a 54-54 Split in the House

The Michigan Legislature adjourned almost a month early this year to begin the 90-day clock for implementation of bills that did not receive immediate effect upon passage. Included in the bills that will go into effect on February 13, 2024 (90 days after the legislature’s adornment on November 14, 2023) is the bill to move Michigan’s presidential primary up to February 27, 2024.

Adding to the rationale for early adjournment was the 54-54 deadlock in the Michigan State House after two Democratic State Representatives, Lori Stone and Kevin Coleman, won mayoral races on November 7, 2023, in the cities of Warren and Westland. Under State House rules, Democrats will still control the House agenda with the tie in membership, but they no longer hold a voting advantage. Control of the State House is dependent on special elections for the two vacated seats, which will occur in April 2024.  

Upon their return in January 2024, the legislature will have one more year to pass key pieces of legislation affecting aging adults before the bills must be reintroduced. These key bills include House Bills 4909-4912 and 5047, the Attorney General's guardianship bills, which await approval from the State Senate. Also of note is House Bill 4841, known as Theresa's Law, which has not passed out of either chamber.

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act Introduced

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) recently introduced the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act, a bill that would provide much-needed support to state programs that fund home and community-based care services. The HCBS Relief Act would provide dedicated Medicaid funds to states for two years to stabilize their HCBS service delivery networks, recruit and retain HCBS direct care workers, and meet the long-term service and support needs of people eligible for Medicaid home and community-based services. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

“We know that the majority of individuals who require care would prefer to receive it in their own homes and communities. No one should have to wait years to get the care they deserve, and no care worker should have to live below the poverty line to give this care,” Dingell said.

If this bill makes it through Congress, funds could be used to increase direct care worker pay, provide benefits such as paid family leave or sick leave, and pay for transportation expenses to and from the homes of those being served. The additional funds could also be used to support family caregivers, pay for recruitment and training of additional direct care workers, and pay for technology to facilitate services. 

Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act Introduced

A bill that would make it easier for family caregivers to navigate key financial and health care programs, the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, was introduced in the U.S. Senate last month by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

The bill would reduce family caregivers’ administrative challenges by requiring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration to simplify and streamline policies and procedures that improve customer service for family caregivers and individuals covered by or filing for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security. The agencies must conduct a review and seek input from family caregivers prior to taking actions that would improve their experiences coordinating care for their loved ones.

According to AARP, who is among many supporters of this bill, one in four family caregivers report they want help navigating forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services. 

Michigan Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Vulnerable Adults

On November 9, 2023, House Bill 4197 passed the State Senate. With approval from both chambers of the Michigan State Legislature achieved, the bill was enrolled and will now be transmitted to the governor for her consideration.

HB 4197 allows brokers-dealers and financial advisors to delay disbursement of a vulnerable adult's funds if they suspect the vulnerable adult is being financially exploited. A vulnerable adult is defined as an adult who, because of mental or physical impairment or advanced age, is unable to protect themselves from manipulative, deceptive, or coercive financial exploitation.

Join Our Advisory Council

The Senior Alliance currently has openings on our Advisory Council. Created by the Older Americans Act, the Advisory Council plays an important role in the development of our Multi-Year Plan and advocacy efforts.

The Advisory Council meets six times per year on the second Monday of meeting months. Meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. at our office in the City of Wayne and last about 90 minutes. Typical agendas include updates on the agency, advocacy initiatives, programs, and input from members on our projects and programs.

If you are interested in volunteering to become a member of our Advisory Council please contact Amanda Sears at asears@thesenioralliance.org.

Advocacy Questions: Please contact Nikki Hartley, Government Relations and Outreach Specialist, with any advocacy or public policy questions via e-mail at nhartley@thesenioralliance.org.

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