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Now Available: Updated State Medicaid Expansion Tracker and State Medicaid Integration Tracker The State Medicaid Expansion Tracker is a monthly publication from the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD), which focuses on actions and activities around the implementation of the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) optional Medicaid expansion.
The State Medicaid Integration Tracker is a report which summarizes state actions in managed care for people who receive Medicaid-funded Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), as well state initiatives relating to services for people who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. The State Medicaid Integration Tracker focuses primarily on state actions in managed care for people who receive Medicaid-funded LTSS and on state initiatives relating to services and costs of services for people who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare.
These reports are both updated each month.
To learn more about the State Medicaid Expansion Tracker, and to see this month's updates, click here.
To see this month's updated State Medicaid Integration Tracker, click here.
You can also sign up for email notifications when each report is updated.
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National HCBS Conference: Call for Sessions
The National Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference is the premier event showcasing promising practices in long-term services and supports. It has earned a stellar reputation for bringing together our nation's leaders in the field while offering exceptional learning and networking opportunities for professionals who administer home and community based services throughout the country.
NASUAD, together with the District of Columbia Office on Aging, Maryland Department of Aging, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and an outstanding national committee, has opened the CALL FOR SESSIONS for this year's National HCBS Conference, September 9-12, 2013, in Arlington, VA. Those working on home and community-based programming for people of any age or ability are invited to submit their session's description now through March 29th.
Click here to submit your presentation for consideration.
Click here to learn more about the conference.
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Volunteers Matter: Excellence in Volunteer Services Award
NASUAD, with funding from the Volunteer Collaborative, is proud to announce the 2013 Volunteers Matter: Excellence in Volunteer Services Awards. This initiative is designed to highlight successful state-run programs that are leading the way in the creative use of volunteers in the long-term services and supports network. The award is open to programs that help older adults and persons with disabilities in the long-term services and supports system. Programs must be statewide in scope and operation. Winning programs will demonstrate innovations in one or more of the following:
- Promoting intergenerational interaction
- Incorporating Baby Boomers as volunteers
- Including Veterans as volunteers or recipients
- Creative strategies for recruitment and retention of volunteers of varying backgrounds, ages and abilities
Three awards will be given at the 2013 HCBS Conference. Winners will receive:
- A cash prize of $1,000 to be used to strengthen the winning volunteer program
- An all-expenses paid trip to the 2013 HCBS conference, September 9-12 in Washington, D.C. where each winner will be recognized and highlight their program's success with the other winners in a joint workshop
- A NASUAD press release highlighting the program along with recognition on the NASUAD website
Submissions will be accepted from January 31st through May 30th, 2013. Winners will be notified in June, 2013 to prepare for formal announcement at the 2013 HCBS conference.
Click here for descriptions from the 2012 winning programs.
Click here for a copy of the invitation to submit.
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Administration for Community Living
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Request for Submissions: Business Acumen Targeted Technical Assistance
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for up to ten (10) coalitions or networks of community-based aging and disability organizations to participate in a learning collaborative and receive targeted technical assistance related to business acumen. Applicants must be seeking to build their business capacity and align their service capabilities in order to contract with health care entities to provide community-based long-term services and supports. No direct funding will be provided through this initiative; rather, this collaborative will deliver targeted technical assistance through a variety of different means, as noted within the announcement.
Applications are due on Friday, March 29.
Click here to access the request for submissions.
ACL will hold a webinar for interested applicants on Friday March 8 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST. Click here to register.
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Last Chance to Show Your Support for the ACL/NIA Collaboration to Fight Alzheimer's
The ACL/NIA project "Connecting to Combat Alzheimer's" is competing to win the People's Choice Award of HHSinnovates, which recognizes creative thinking at HHS toward improving the health and well-being of the Nation. This unique partnership of the Administration for Community Living and the National Institute on Aging is one of six finalists selected by HHS staff to vie for the public's vote for this coveted Award.
Please take a moment to review the finalists, with special attention to Connecting to Combat Alzheimer's, and vote now. Public voting closes TODAY - March 8, 2013.
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AoA Releases Estimates of Sequester Impact for State Formula Grant Programs
On Thursday, AoA released estimates of how the sequester will impact state formula grant programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA), as well as an explanation as to how the projections were calculated. As anticipated, sequestration will result in an approximate five percent cut over all of FY13 for non-defense discretionary (NDD) programs, and AoA has no discretion in applying the percentage reductions.
Notably, this document contains estimates - not official guidance - and the projections are therefore subject to change, in part because they are based on the funds available under the Continuing Resolution (CR) that is currently funding the federal government. With this CR set to expire on March 27, Congress is expected to address federal funding levels for the remainder of FY13 in the coming weeks. After these funding decisions are made, more specific information regarding the looming cuts will be discernible. For more information, please see the AoA Estimates of Sequester Impact.
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Year of Elder Abuse Prevention
AoA is sponsoring the Year of Elder Abuse Prevention to encourage national, state and local organizations to protect seniors and raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Click here for more information on how you may get involved.
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Department of Health and Human Services
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March is:
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
"Look Beyond" is the theme for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2013.
Find Resources to help guide your events from
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Community Living Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
and The Arc
National Nutrition Month The 2013 theme, "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day," encourages personalized healthy eating styles* and recognizes that food preferences, lifestyle, cultural and ethnic traditions and health concerns all impact individual food choices. . This year is the 40th anniversary of National Nutrition Month® find resources at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Women's History Month This year's theme is "Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Click here to read a statement from Secretary Sebelius Click here to learn more about Women's History Month |
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Health Insurance Marketplace
Because of the Affordable Care Act, consumers and small businesses will, beginning in January 2014, have access to a new health insurance marketplace, where they will have access to quality, affordable private health plans. Every health insurance plan in the new Marketplace will offer comprehensive coverage including doctors, medications and hospital visits, and do not allow consumers to be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Consumers in every state will be able to buy insurance from qualified health plans directly through the state marketplaces where they compare all users' insurance options based on price, benefits, quality, and other important features. Consumers also may be eligible for tax credits and cost-sharing assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace to help pay for their health insurance and out-of-pocket costs.
Click here for more information on health insurance marketplace.
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Department of Housing & Urban Development
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First Mobile App for Housing Discrimination Developed
On February 28, 2013, HUD unveiled the first housing discrimination mobile application (app) for iPhone and iPad. Developed by HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) and Hewlett Packard (HP), the app uses the latest technology to provide the public with a quick and easy way to learn about their housing rights and to file housing discrimination complaints, and inform the housing industry about its responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. The app will also be an important tool to assist fair housing groups and other civil rights advocacy organizations in their efforts to help individuals pursue their housing rights and industry to educate their members on their responsibilities. Read More
about the mobile app.
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Sequestration Now in Effect
As anticipated, President Obama sent out an official notice to begin the sequester on March 1. This triggered the release of OMB's report detailing the reductions that each federal agency must make. In its analysis, OMB calculated that all non-defense discretionary (NDD) programs, like those authorized by the OAA, must be reduced by approximately five percent over the course of the current fiscal year to meet the sequester's reduction targets. Because these cuts must be achieved over seven months instead of 12, the effective percentage reductions for NDD programs will be approximately nine percent.
Since this percentage must applied uniformly at the program, project, and activity (PPA) level within each federal budget account, federal agencies have no discretion to decide what programs to reduce, or by how much. For some background information on the sequester, please see NASUAD's FAQ on Sequestration and the States.
The documents released by OMB on March 1 are available here:
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Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Passed by Congress
On Thursday, February 28, the Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized, passing in the House of Representatives. This bill, which the Senate has already passed, supports the reduction of domestic violence and the improved treatment of rape victims, extending these protections to members of the Native American and LGBT communities. In a statement on the act, President Obama noted, "Over more than two decades, this law has saved countless lives and transformed the way we treat victims of abuse. Today's vote will go even further by continuing to reduce domestic violence, improving how we treat victims of rape, and extending protections to Native American women and members of the LGBT community. The bill also reauthorizes the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, providing critical support for both international and domestic victims of trafficking and helping ensure traffickers are brought to justice."
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Alliance for Information and Referral (AIRS)
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AIRS Conference Registration Open
The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) Conference will be held June 2-5, in Portland, Oregon. In partnership with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), NASUAD's I&R/A Support Center is coordinating the Aging and Disability Track for the AIRS Conference. Join us for the Aging and Disability Symposium including a pre-conference I&R/A Summit for Aging and Disability Professionals, and a full complement of workshops, panel discussions and lively conversation throughout the week.
The Aging and Disability Pre-Conference Summit on Sunday June 2, 9a-3p, will be different from pre-conference gatherings in past years and will include:
- A networking breakfast
- A discussion focused on state-to-state interaction and technical assistance where participants will share their experiences and ask questions about current trends, new initiatives and upcoming national events in I&R/A service delivery.
- The kick-off of the National I&R/A Support Center's Train-the-Trainer Initiative for the National coordination of CIRS-A (Certification for I&R Specialists in Aging) and Aging/Disability-related CRS (Certification for Resource Specialists) training.
There is no charge to attend this pre-conference event, though pre-registration is requested. Please contact Support Center coordinator, Sara Tribe at 202-898-2578 x305 or stribe@nasuad.org, to register, and to suggest topics that you would like to discuss at the Aging and Disability I&R/A Pre-Conference Summit.
Register for the AIRS Conference
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National Council on Independent Living
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Effective Service Coordination: Engaging Consumers with a Holistic Approach to Independent Living Services
CIL-NET is developing a training to aid in incorporating all of the services and programs CILs offer to create a seamless environment where consumers work with CIL staff to realize their independence. This training will discuss best practices and innovative approaches to the four core services and other common CIL programs, as well as proven methods for joining services and programs to create a holistic and supportive environment for consumers. The targeted audience for this event includes: CIL administrators, staff, board members and advocates involved in service coordination and the provision of the four core services for persons with disabilities. This is an introductory training best suited for new staff or those moving into new positions.
Location: The Tempe Mission Palms Hotel
60 East Fifth Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281
Dates: March 26-28, 2013
Click here to learn more about the training.
Click here to register online or here for the printable form.
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National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care
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Consumer Voice Announces New Family Member Focus Group
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care is launching a brand new focus group to get family members' input and thoughts on issues related to their loved one's long-term care and services. By joining the Consumer Voice's Family Member Focus Group, participants will have the opportunity to respond and react to ideas and suggestions for changes in long-term care. Participants will also provide Consumer Voice staff with feedback about their experiences with their loved one's care. The feedback received will then be used to guide the Consumer Voice in their policy work.
This focus group is ONLY open to family members. Family members' names will not be shared outside the group, and nothing said will affect the services their loved one is receiving.
The first meeting of the Family Member Focus Group will take place by telephone on a toll-free conference line on Wednesday, March 13th, 2013 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET. Participants will be joined by other family members and Consumer Voice staff. Staff will ask questions, which participants will receive ahead of time, and then give participants an opportunity to respond.
If you know someone who has a loved one receiving long-term services and supports, please pass this info along. They can click here to register for the call. If they have any questions, they can contact Sara Cirba at 202-332-2275 extension 221.
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National Legal Resource Center
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Webinar: What's in Store for Older Adults (50-64) Under Health Care Reform
2014 marks a new era for health insurance in the United States. The establishment of health insurance exchanges, or marketplaces, and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility in many states will enable millions of people to access affordable insurance. Prior to health reform, older adults, between 50 and 64, faced significant challenges accessing insurance, including limited coverage in Medicaid, unaffordable premiums on the private insurance market, and policies on pre-existing conditions that render many effectively "uninsurable."
This webinar will focus on how key provisions of the Affordable Care Act can help older adults access the insurance and benefits they need, such as:
- Expanded Medicaid eligibility to 138% Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) for adults under 65
- Access to federal subsidies to help pay for insurance premiums for individuals and families up to 400% FPL
- Required Essential Health Benefits, including no cost sharing preventive screening and annual wellness visits
- Limitations on how much extra a plan can charge for premiums based on the beneficiary's age
- Guaranteed issue insurance that forbids health plans from denying coverage or charging extra for pre-existing conditions
- Delivery system innovations, including initiatives to coordinate care like the health homes
Presenters: David Machledt, Ph.D., Policy Analyst, NHeLP and Leonardo Cuello, J.D., Director of Health Reform, NHeLP
Date: March 13, 2013
Time: 2-3:30 p.m. EST
Click here to register.
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National Academy for State Health Care Policy
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Webinar: Strategies for Payment Reform in the States, Selecting Innovative Models
Join NASHP on March 19th at 3pm EDT in continuing a webinar series that focuses on steps states can take and policy levers that are available to foster more integrated delivery systems. The second webinar, "Strategies for Payment Reform in the States: Selecting Innovative Models" will feature Michael Bailit, President, Bailit Health Purchasing, who will discuss a range of payment models, with attention paid to differing political landscapes across states. Presenters from two states will describe how they selected payment reform models and kick off the discussion. Access the first webinar in the series here or register for the upcoming session |
MetLife Mature Market Institute
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New Report on Aging in Place
This week, the MetLife Mature Market Institute in partnership with the Stanford University Center on Longevity released a report, Livable Community Indicators for Sustainable Aging in Place. The goal of this study was to identify an initial list of indicators for sustainable aging in place that could be measured using information that is readily available to local governments, in order to provide a low-cost way for cities and towns to begin to examine the needs of their aging population.
Accordingly, the final report presents an indicator system for following a list of livable community characteristics that could promote sustainable aging in place. Thee livable community characteristics include:
- Offers a variety of accessible, affordable, and visitable housing options so that older adults have a place to live.
- Has features that promote access to the community, including safe and walkable neighborhoods, transportation and safe driving options, and emergency preparedness.
- Provides a wide range of supports and services, including health care, supportive services, general retail, healthy food, and opportunities to participate in community life.
The report is available for download.
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Affordable Care Act- Health Center Controlled Networks
This funding opportunity through the Department of health and Humans Services Health Resources & Services Administration provides grants to Health Center Controlled Networks(HCCNs) to advance the adoption and implementation of Health Information Technology (HIT) and to support quality improvement in health centers throughout the United States and its territories. HCCN grants will support the adoption and meaningful use of certified electronic health records (EHRs) and technology-enabled quality-improvement (QI) strategies in health centers.
The application deadline is April 3, 2013.
Click here for more information.
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Lawrence Foundation Accepting Proposals for Environmental, Education, Human Services Projects
The Lawrence Foundation awards grants in support of the environment, education, human services, disaster relief, and other causes.
The foundation awards both program and operating grants with no geographic restrictions to nonprofit organizations that qualify for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as public schools and libraries.
The next grant cycle deadline is April 30, 2013.
Link to Complete RFP
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Commonwealth Fund Accepting Letters of Inquiry for Patient-Centered Coordinated Care Program
The Patient-Centered Coordinated Care Program, an initiative of the Commonwealth Fund, is accepting Letters of Inquiry for projects designed to improve the quality of primary health care in the United States, including efforts to center care on the needs and preferences of patients and their families.
The program supports efforts to:
- Strengthen primary care by promoting the collection and dissemination of information on patients' healthcare experiences and on physician office systems and practices that are associated with high-quality patient-centered care.
- Assist primary care practices with the adoption of practices, models, and tools that can help them both become more patient-centered and coordinate more closely with hospitals, specialists, and other public and private healthcare providers in their communities
- Inform the development of policies to encourage patient- and family-centered care in medical homes.
Online Letters of Inquiry submission
Link to Complete RFP
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Land O'Lakes Foundation Accepting Applications for Projects that Benefit Rural Communities Network
The Land O'Lakes Foundation was established to benefit nonprofit organizations working to improve communities where the Land O'Lakes company has a significant concentration of employees. The foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2013 Community Grants program for projects that address hunger, youth and education, civic improvements, and arts and culture in rural communities.
Typically, the foundation funds national programs and programs in the following twenty states: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Grants are limited to one per organization per calendar year. This year's application deadlines are April 1, 2013, for education proposals; July 1, 2013, for hunger/food-related proposals; and October 1, 2013 for all other proposals.
Link to Complete RFP
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Senior Health Care Analyst, Managed LTSS
The primary responsibilities of this position are to support various projects with a focus on managed long term supports and services and integrated care (MLTSS). Responsibilities will involve project management, policy development and technical assistance for state and federal oversight of managed LTSS performance. This position requires the candidate to collaborate with members of the MLTSS project team both at NCQA and at other organizations, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Click here to fill out the application
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Additional Job Opportunities
To see more job postings, please visit the NASUAD website.
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