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September 19, 2021
Our next CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting is on Monday, September 27th from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. The Zoom link for the meeting will be in the email that comes out on Sunday, September 26th.
- At the September 27th meeting we will get more updates from our CCA Advocacy Subgroups. At our last meeting we had a few changes in subgroup members.
- Here is a link to an updated Advocacy Subgroup list - CLICK HERE
At last week's meeting we had an interesting presentation from Jennifer Horn, MSW of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments. Jennifer presented on, "Older LGBT Adults - Aging in place or Aging in the closet: Barriers and Challenges when aging as a LGBT individual." In addition Rich and Jeanette talked about how to do advocacy research. There was so much good information shared at this meeting, we are sharing a link to the recording below. Keep in mind that this is an unedited recording of the meeting.
View the Sept 13th CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting - CLICK HERE
Access Passcode for Recording: &nwp2Jc5
PowerPoint of Older LGBT Adults - CLICK HERE
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Please reach out to the members in your Advocacy Subgroup and schedule time to meet. We want to hear from your group at upcoming CCA Advocacy Committee meetings.
We still need Advocacy Subgroup
Team Leads for these Topics:
- Caregiving
- Financial Security
- Food Nutrition
- Pain Treatment Substance Abuse
Consider stepping forward as a Team Lead or if you are not part of an Advocacy Subgroup, sign up today. If you have background in an advocacy topic great, or if you don't - that is okay. We will train you.
Have questions about an advocacy topic?
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Contact:
Jeanette Hensley - email - 303-249-5598
Co-Chair of CCA Advocacy Committee
Rich Mauro - email - Direct: 303-480-6778
Co-Chair of CCA Advocacy Committee and Senior Policy and Legislative Analyst Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)
Olivia Hart - email
Executive Assistant to CCA Advocacy Committee
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Advocacy Subgroup Resources | |
Below are articles and resources that are relevant to our Advocacy Subgroups' research. | |
Affordable Healthcare for Coloradans | |
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CMS renewed the 1332 waiver for Colorado's reinsurance program last month, allowing the state to continue operating the program through 2026. Reinsurance has lowered health insurance premiums in the state considerably since its implementation. In 2021, premiums decreased by around 1.4% compared to 2020, and were an average of 20.8% less than they would have been without the program.
DOI released preliminary individual plans and premium information for 2022 in July, which show a predicted 24.1% savings on premiums for 2022 (compared to what rates would be without reinsurance). These, however, only reflect the rates that health plans have requested, not what DOI has approved. DOI plans to release approved 2022 plans and premiums in mid-October 2021.
2021 Individual Avg Premium Change by Area and County.pdf - Google Drive
CMS approves extension of Colorado's reinsurance program
Source: State of Reform
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Healthcare Costs in Colorado | |
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HCPF: Colorado hospitals’ highest-in-the-nation profit margins
lead to higher prices for payers
According to a report released last week by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), Colorado hospitals have the highest profit margins in the country. The department says these high profits ultimately translate to increased prices for payers and patients. The department evaluated the Medicare Cost Report Data for Colorado’s hospitals from 2009 to 2018 — the most recent year for which this data is available - READ MORE
Source: State of Reform
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Colorado’s COVID rent-assistance program is now
paying out five times more following changes
"Local governments were faster at distributing federal dollars than the state. With the national eviction moratorium over, federal and state improvements have sped up rent payments ..." - READ MORE
Source: Colorado Sun
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The 2020 Census report highlights the costs of the pandemic and benefits of early policy safety net measures | |
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"... Census Bureau released its report on income, poverty, and health insurance for 2020. These data provide insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on earnings and incomes as well as the vital measures put in place to reduce economic insecurity during the steep economic downturn ..." - READ MORE
Source: Economic Policy Institute
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Technology for those with Disabilities | |
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Introducing the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE)
Assistive Technology Partners (ATP) began in 1989 when Colorado was chosen as one of the first nine states to receive Federal funding from the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities and the Elderly Act. From this beginning, ATP has grown from a single project to a multi-faceted program encompassing research, engineering, industry, academics, clinical services and worldwide community engagement. Over the past three decades, inclusive engineering has made significant advancements to improve the quality of people’s lives in a variety of ways including the lives of persons who have, or are aging into, disabilities.
Becoming the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) is a natural next step, reflecting our growth and continued commitment to driving innovation in the field of inclusive, assistive and health technologies. CIDE is an applied interdisciplinary and human-focused innovation center for engineers, students, clinicians, consumers and entrepreneurs, with our academic home in the Department of Bioengineering. The center creates opportunities for stakeholders to address the myriad challenges experienced by those living with disabilities through technology.
Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) Website - CLICK HERE
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Update on Colorado Congressional Maps | |
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"More big changes in latest Colorado congressional map, which avoids pitting House members against each other. A sweeping, L-shaped district would cover most of the Western Slope and southern Colorado, while ski areas would merge with Boulder and Larimer in the 2nd District ..." - READ MORE
Source: Colorado Sun
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The CCA eNewsletters that go out on Sunday afternoons are archived on the CCA website. In particular, the September 5th CCA eNewsletter had resources for a variety of our advocacy research topics.
You can find all past newsletters at this link - CLICK HERE
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Our Saturday Spotlight is a new feature where we are putting a spotlight on our CCA volunteers and projects. This week's Saturday Spotlight is on Jeanette Hensely. Jeanette is our CCA Advocacy Co-Chair and Capitol Gang Chair
Colorado Center for Aging is always looking for volunteers. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives and experiences. Training is provided by CCA members and volunteers - LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING
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Accountable Care Collaborative Program Improvement Advisory Committee
The Accountable Care Collaborative Program Improvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) is made up of stakeholders who provide guidance and make recommendations to help improve health, access, cost and satisfaction of members and providers in the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC). These meetings are open to the public.
Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/accountable-care-collaborative-program-improvement-advisory-committee
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Office of Community Living Stakeholder Engagement Events
The Office of Community Living (OCL) is working on a variety of policy and rule changes related to its Home and Community Based Services waivers and programs. The engagement of clients and stakeholders throughout these changes is a critical part of this process. Use this link to look for upcoming meetings - LEARN MORE
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Tuesday, September 21, 2021 - 10:30AM MT
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) Presenting Budget Proposal to Joint Budget Committee
HCPF will be presenting to the Joint Budget Committee on September 21st, its budget proposal, which incorporates ARPA funding. Their presentation begins at 10:30 AM. Below is a link to listen to the hearing:
https://leg.colorado.gov/content/joint-budget-committee-2
Click the speaker icon in the upper right-hand corner to listen to the testimony.
Review "Colorado Proposed Spending Plan for Implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Section 9817" June 2021 - CLICK HERE
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Wednesday, September 22, 2021 and Thursday, September 23, 2021
11:00PM - 2:00PM MT
2021 AARP Livable Communities Workshop: Engaging Older Adults
Why it’s Good for the Community
This VIRTUAL workshop will explore how engaged older residents create more livable communities for people of all ages. People age 50+ enhance communities through their skills and life lessons, influence and involvement. Throughout the two days, we will showcase effective strategies, initiatives and programs that engage older adults throughout the United States, as well as proven engagement models that solve pressing community problems.
Register Today - CLICK HERE
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Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - 12:00PM MT
Social Infrastructure and the New Map of Life
Over the last several years, researchers at the Stanford Center on Longevity have been thinking through a New Map of Life that supports a longer lived society that is healthier, more productive and more equitable. September marks the release of the first report on the New Map of Life. Join Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chair of the Senate Aging Committee, Laura Carstensen, founding Director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, and other experts on September 22nd for a discussion of social infrastructure and the investments and policies beginning in early childhood that can contribute to a better, more robust life course
LEARN MORE
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September 23 - November 18, 2021
Fall 2021 Webinar Series “Emotional and Mental Health in Older Adults”
CU Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging and the UCCS Aging Center host the Fall 2021 Webinar Series "Emotional and Mental Health in Older Adults" to begin Thursday, September 23, 2pm - 3pm MTN. The Fall Series Theme is “Healthy Me, Healthy You!” and will feature six topics related to keeping yourself healthy and physically active in turn creates healthy emotional and mental health as we age. The series is offered on Thursdays, 2-3pm MTN, September 23rd - November 18th - LEARN MORE
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Tuesday, September 28, 2021 - 11:00AM - Noon M
Medicare Fraud Prevention 101
This is a virtual presentation on how people with Medicare can prevent fraud, errors, and abuse. The webinar is on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon (Mountain Time). Older adults, families, caregivers, representatives, and anyone on Medicare will find this information beneficial. Please provide a “request to attend/RSVP” e-mail to SHIP@DRCOG.ORG to receive a link in order to join the presentation and receive a survey via email afterwards.
Learn more about SHIP - CLICK HERE
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If you are not a member of
Colorado Center for Aging - Join Today!*
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Colorado Center for Aging is a 501c3 non-profit organization,
born out of the roots of Colorado Senior Lobby (CSL) - LEARN MORE
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*If you paid for a 2021 membership in Colorado Senior Lobby,
you are automatically a member of Colorado Center for Aging for 2021.
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Save the dates for our Summer-Fall
CCA Advocacy Committee Meetings
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We will meet twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month through December. Please put these dates in your calendars. We will continue to send out our eNewsletter on Sunday afternoons. | |
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Monday, September 27th - CCA Advocacy Committee
Monday, October 11th - CCA Advocacy Committee
Monday, October 25th - CCA Advocacy Committee
Monday, November 8th - CCA Advocacy Committee
Monday, November 22nd - CCA Advocacy Committee
Monday, December 13th - CCA Advocacy Committee
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