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Critically important outreach and enrollment activities authorized through the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) remain unfunded in the latest federal Continuing Resolution (H.R. 2872) passed on January 19th. This funding lapse threatens the access of individuals with low income to programs that help cover health-related costs. Avisery encourages you to act now to help secure this funding in the next round of budget negotiations.
Background
Since 2008, MIPPA has authorized funding for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs), and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to help beneficiaries enroll in financial assistance programs such as the Medicare Savings Program and Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) / Extra Help. Targeted outreach is conducted towards individuals with low income, residents of rural areas, members of Native American communities, people with disabilities under 65, and speakers of English as a secondary language.
Funding for MIPPA outreach and enrollment activities officially expired on September 30, 2023, and they remained unfunded in the three Continuing Resolutions that have passed since then (H.R. 5860, H.R. 6363, H.R. 2872). Additional funding is needed to support the critically important work of identifying eligible individuals and facilitating enrollment in these critical financial assistance programs.
Recommended Action
Avisery encourages you to reach out to your elected officials as soon as possible to make them aware of the urgency in funding MIPPA outreach and enrollment activities. The National Council On Aging (NCOA) has provided a convenient way to contact your elected officials.
For more information, please read the letters sent to House and Senate leaders by NCOA and 56 other national health organizations urging action in preserving this essential program.
As always, if you have questions please email avisery@ageoptions.org or call us at 708-628-3440.
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