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Administration for Community Living
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First Consolidated ACL Proposed Budget
President Obama has released his FY 2014 budget - the first to feature a consolidated request for the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The total ACL request is for $2.140 billion, and preserves funding for both the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) and the Administration on Aging (AOA) core programs, reflecting the importance of the combined mission of the new agency. The budget also proposes for the first time to transfer the Paralysis Resource Center from the CDC to ACL, as well as increased funding for Alzheimer's disease Supportive Services and first-time discretionary funding for Adult Protective Services.
Review the FY 2014 budget, including ACL's submission
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May is Older Americans Month
May 1, 2013 marked the beginning of Older Americans Month (OAM). President Obama issued a proclamation to commemorate the occasion, the proclamation can be viewed on the White House website .
Older Americans Month is a proud tradition of honoring the value that elders contribute to our communities. This year's OAM theme-"Unleash the Power of Age!"-highlights the significant contributions made by thousands of older Americans across our nation. To learn more about OAM 2013, please visit the Administration for Community Living's OAM website, where you can download materials, get suggestions on how to spread the word about OAM's golden jubilee, and access resources to help you plan an event in your community.
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Conference Call for those working in the field of aging, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or chronic disease
Presented by the Administration for Community Living, this conference call is part of the Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Program (ADSSP) Technical Assistance Call Series. The presenter will be Denise Feil, MD, MPH, of the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. The purpose of these calls is to provide helpful, current, and applicable information for professionals who work with people with dementia and/or their caregivers.
The conference call will be held on May 9, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. EST.
Click here for Online Registration.
Phone Registration: (888) 869-1189 or
(706) 643-5902 (Conference ID #32038899 when registering by phone)
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Elder Justice Coordinating Council Announces 2013 Spring Meeting
On October 11, 2012 HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius held the inaugural meeting of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council. The Secretary was joined at the meeting by Attorney General Eric Holder, Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), and representatives of other member federal departments and agencies. The meeting included four panels of nationally-recognized, non-federal government experts who presented testimony on issues of paramount importance in addressing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
On May 13, 2013, Assistant Secretary for Aging and Administrator for Community Living Kathy Greenlee will be joined by Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West in convening the 2013 Spring Council meeting. The agenda for this meeting is to present to the Coordinating Council recommendations for federal action to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These recommendations are drawn from the expert testimony presented during the October 2012 meeting. The meeting will be held 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in Washington, DC, will be webcast live (URL will be available closer to the meeting date), and is open for the public to attend, although there will be no public comment period.
If you are interested in attending in person or watching the live webcast, please RSVP as soon as possible to Mr. Brandon Bayton (brandon.bayton@kauffmaninc.com), at which time Mr. Bayton will provide the logistical details for participating in person or via the web. Space for attending in person will be limited on a space-available basis.
The Elder Justice Coordinating Council is a unique opportunity to demonstrate federal leadership and commitment to addressing the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation that far too many seniors face every year.
More information about the Council and inaugural meeting.
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Two-Part Webinar Series on Expanding Oral Health Access for Older Adults
Expanding Oral Health Access for Older Adults is a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative involving the Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, HHS Health Resources Service Administration, and the HHS Office of Women's Health. Older Adults and Oral Health: Inspiring Community-Based Partnerships for Healthy Mouths is the topic of the first of two webinars to be sponsored by this initiative.
The goal of this webinar is to describe the oral health status of older adults in the U.S., provide useful resources and highlight two innovative community approaches to improving oral health access for older adults.
When: May 15, 2013, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST
Click here to register for the online event.
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2013 Webinar Series on Alzheimer's Disease and Resources
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) are collaborating to host a webinar series with the goals of 1) improving coordination of federal resources available to assist people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias and their family caregivers and 2) encouraging awareness of research participation opportunities.
NIA & ACL invite you to take advantage of these opportunities. You can register for all the webinars by clicking here or just the one or two that most interest you. Registration will open approximately two months in advance of each webinar. The next webinar is:
Webinar #1: Updates on Alzheimer's Disease Research & Resources
May 23, 1:30-3p.m. EST
Much has happened since our first overview session in May, 2012. Join this session to find out the latest detailed information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, including:
- The updated 2013 National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease
- Research updates & developments, including new clinical studies funded
- Resource updates & developments, including updates from alzheimers.gov, ADEAR, Eldercare Locator, and National Alzheimer's Contact Center
To register for the webinar, click here.
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AoA's Profile of Older Americans: 2012 Is Now Available Online
A Profile of Older Americans: 2012, is now available for download at www.aoa.gov. The annual summary, a helpful statistical and research tool, is largely based on data from the US Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Care Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The updated Profile notes that in 2011, the older population - defined as persons 65 years or older - represented 13.3 percent of the population, but are expected to grow to be 21 percent of the population by 2040. Additionally, the 85+ population is projected to triple from 5.7 million in 2011 to 14.1 million in 2040.
Download the 2012 Profile of Older Americans.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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New Proposed HHS Rule Would Expand Senior Medicare Patrol Program
On April 29, 2013, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a proposed rule that would increase rewards paid to Medicare beneficiaries and others whose tips about suspected fraud lead to the successful recovery of funds. Under the proposed changes, a person who provides specific information leading to the recovery of funds may be eligible to receive a reward of 15 percent of the amount recovered, up to nearly $10 million. HHS currently offers a reward of 10 percent up to $1,000 under the current incentive reward program. The changes are modeled on an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) program that has returned $2 billion in fraud since 2003.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a national, volunteer-based program that empowers Medicare beneficiaries to prevent and report Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse. Since 1997, more than 3.5 million beneficiaries have learned how to recognize and fight fraud and abuse, and more than 7,000 referrals have been made to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Office of the Inspector General for investigation.
Click here to view the proposed rule.
Click here to view the proposed rule fact sheet.
To expand the SMP program's capacity to reach more Medicare beneficiaries, the Administration for Community Living recently issued a new funding opportunity, Health Care Fraud Prevention Program Expansion and SMP Capacity Building Grants. Each of the current 54 SMP projects is eligible for varying funding levels, up to a total of $7.3 million across the program.
The application deadline is May 28, 2013, at 11:59 pm EST.
Click here for more information.
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Model Eligibility Application and Guidance on State Alternative Applications
On April 30, 2013, CMS released the model single, streamlined application. States may choose to use the model application, or may develop an "alternative" application that is approved by CMS. For states in which there is a Federally-facilitated Marketplace the state's Medicaid/CHIP agency will accept the model form and may, in addition, develop an alternative application approved by CMS.
Beginning on October 1, 2013, the new Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the Affordable Insurance Exchange, and State Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies will use a single, streamlined application to determine eligibility for enrollment into Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and for insurance affordability programs including advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTCs), cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), Medicaid, and CHIP.
This release has three components, which are all available for review. The model online application will be available soon to the public.
More information in the CMCS Informational Bulletin.
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FAQs to address Affordable Care Act implementation questions
On April 25, 2013, CMS issued the next in a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address Affordable Care Act implementation questions. These FAQs address three main topics: availability of the 75 percent federal match for maintenance and operations, systems issues regarding communication between the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace and Medicaid, and further policy guidance regarding the use of section 1115 demonstrations.
Click here to access the FAQs.
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CMS Statistics Tool for Chronic Conditions Revisited
CMS has developed a set of program statistics examining chronic conditions among beneficiaries in order to provide researchers and policymakers a better understanding of the burden of chronic conditions among beneficiaries and the implications for our health care system. These reports show that conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes are highly prevalent and, in addition, that most beneficiaries have multiple chronic conditions. These reports also highlight the use of health care services by beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions and Medicare spending associated with multiple chronic conditions.
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Department of Health and Human Services |
Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month & Enhanced National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services
May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As a part of the observance, the Department recently (4/24/2013) issued enhanced National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards. This updated framework helps guide health professionals and organizations in their delivery of culturally respectful and linguistically responsive care. Recognizing that health is influenced by many factors, CLAS also broadens the definition of culture , including race, ethnicity, language, spirituality, sexual orientation, and gender identify.
Click here to view News Release on Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Click here for more information on CLAS Standards. |
Million Hearts® Webinar
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), which is organizationally located within the Office of the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is hosting the Million Hearts® Webinar on May 7th, 2013 in honor of National High Blood Pressure Education and Stroke Awareness months. Leading experts will discuss how they are using the latest health IT tools to standardize and improve the delivery of care to reduce the number of people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both leading causes of heart disease and stroke.
WHAT: Million Hearts® is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. by 2017 by uniting communities, health systems, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and private- sector partners to fight against heart disease and stroke. Visit the Million Hearts®Initiative Website for more information.
WHEN: May 7, 2013 at 3:30pm - 5:00 pm (EDT)
WHERE: Click here to RSVP
WHY: Preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes will require a commitment from everyone - health care providers, pharmacies, hospitals, employers, communities, and individuals. Join this webinar to learn how leading hospital systems and communities are using health IT to engage clinicians and consumers to increase awareness about heart disease prevention and empower patients to take control of their own health.
This is the second in a series of listening sessions ONC has designed to reach out to stakeholders on important health-IT related issues.
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HHS Issues SSBG Allocations to Reflect the Sequester
The Office of Community Services within The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within HHS updated the third and fourth quarter FY13 allocations of the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds to reflect sequestration. While the automatic spending cuts reduce SSBG funding for all of FY13 from $1.7 billion to $1.613 billion, because the first two FY13 SSBG quarterly allocations were issued before sequestration took effect, the full cut must be absorbed in the second half of the fiscal year. As a result, downward adjustments of approximately 10 percent will have to be made in the third and fourth quarter allocations.
To download the revised allocations, please follow this link.
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Department of Housing and Urban Development |
New Guidance on Design and Construction Requirements under the Fair Housing Act
On April 30, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Justice released new guidance reinforcing the Fair Housing Act requirement that multifamily housing must be accessible to persons with disabilities. Review the joint statement.
For more information about HUD and the civil rights laws it enforces, go to hud.gov/fairhousing and click on "Learn more about FHEO." More information about the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at justice.gov/crt/index.php.
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HUD Updates Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Training Manual
The Office of Block Grant Assistance within the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently revised the course training manual for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The manual, "Basically CDBG," was developed to guide and assist CDBG grantees in the implementation of local Community Development Block Grant programs. From national objectives and eligible activities to the details of administration, financial management, and other federal requirements, the manual is designed to serve as valuable resource for CDBG program practitioners. Download the updated manual.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency |
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FEMA Calls for 2013 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards Submissions
The application period for the 2013 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open. These awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, Citizen Corps Councils and programs working to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for any disaster or emergency event.
To be considered for this year's Awards, all submissions must be received by June 5, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. EST, and are required to feature program activities taking place during the period of January 1, 2012 through June 5, 2013. FEMA will review all entries and select the finalists. A distinguished panel of judges from the emergency management industry will select a winner in each of the following categories:
-Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives
-Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Council Initiatives
-Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives
-Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness
-Preparing the Whole Community
-Awareness to Action
-Community Preparedness Heroes
Winners of the 2013 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards will be announced in Fall 2013.
Find information on the Awards and download instructions for submitting an application.
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Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Forum on Senior Identity Theft: A Problem in This Day and Age
The FTC will bring together experts from government, private industry and public interest groups to discuss the unique challenges facing victims of senior identity theft. The forum will include panels on different types of senior identity theft - tax and government benefits, medical and long-term care. It will also explore the best consumer education and outreach techniques for reaching seniors.
The forum will take place on May 7, 2013, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST.
To pre-register, send e-mail to seniorIDtheft@ftc.gov.
Access the Live Webcast link.
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Government Accountability Office (GAO) |
GAO Updates State and Local Fiscal Simulations
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) updated its fiscal outlook for state and local governments. The report illustrates persistent and long-term fiscal pressures for state and local governments, and notes that absent any policy changes, state and local governments face an increasing gap between receipts and expenditures in the coming years.
According to the report, in the long-term, the decline in the state and local government sector's operating balance is primarily driven by the rising health related costs of state and local expenditures on Medicaid, and the cost of health care compensation for state and local government employees and retirees. The full report is available for download.
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Senate Aging Committee Holds Hearing to Examine Efforts to Combat Alzheimer's
As public health officials, researchers, and advocates continue to scramble to find effective treatments to combat Alzheimer's, the country's aging population -and the incidence of the disease - continues to grow. According to a March 2013 report from the Alzheimer's Association, the number of people over 65 with the Alzheimer's is expected to nearly triple by 2050, from five million today to 13.8 million.
The lack of effective treatments amid an increasing need has led Congress and the Administration to step up efforts to combat the disease. Following Congress' passage of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) in 2011, the Administration last May unveiled a national strategy aimed at preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease by 2025. In addition to expanding research funding, the plan aims to improve the care and support Alzheimer's patients and their families receive.
To examine these issues, on April 24, 2013, the Senate Special Committee on Aging convened a hearing, titled "The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease: Are We On Track to 2025?" Witnesses included Ashley Campbell, who testified on behalf of her father, Country Music Hall of Famer Glenn Campbell, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011; Don Moulds, Acting Assistant Secretary of Planning and Evaluation within HHS; Ronald Petersen, Director of the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging; and Michael D. Hurd, Director of the RAND Center for the Study of Aging.
To view the hearing, please follow this link. |
Senators Champion Increased OAA Funding in FY14
On April 25, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chair of the Senate Primary Health and Aging Subcommittee, was joined by 23 of his colleagues in calling for a significant funding increase for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. As part of the annual appropriations process, the Senators submitted their request to the Chair and Ranking Members of the appropriations panel in charge of funding OAA programs. The Senators' letter acknowledges the need for a stronger investment in the OAA, and asks appropriators to increase funding levels for these programs to offset years of stagnant funding and to address the pressures of population growth and inflation.
NASUAD strongly supports the Senators' request. We thank Sen. Sanders for his leadership on this critical issue, and we greatly appreciate the support from his 23 fellow Senators who endorsed the request. In addition to Sen. Sanders, the letter was signed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John D. Rockefeller, (D-W.Va.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.) Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
The letter is available here. |
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WAMU Series on Elder Abuse
WAMU's "Morning Edition" will host a series on elder abuse next week, from 5/6 - 5/10.
Each day will explore a different aspect of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. Assistant Secretary Greenlee is included in Part 1, airing on Monday morning, May 6.
In the D.C. area, you can hear the stories live on 88.5 FM at 6:50 am and 8:50 am.
The series will be posted on the website homepage at wamu.org. Just click on "play" on the top right side of the screen.
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Discussion on How to Improve Care and Lower Costs in Medicare
Join AARP for a discussion of promising approaches to improving care and lowering Medicare costs. A panel of experts will discuss:
- New ways to organize care that is better for consumers and for the Medicare program, such as use of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and medical homes.
- Payment approaches that encourage health care practitioners to work together to provide better, more efficient care.
- Practices that help reduce hospital readmission, improve patient safety, and improve transitional care.
- Building infrastructure (such as health information - HIT) to support these structural changes.
- How we can enhance the value of prescription drugs across the health care system and Medicare.
- Practices that promote optimal medication use.
When: May 7, 2013, 9:30 AM - Noon
Where: Capitol View Conference Center, 9th Floor,
101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Registration and information on AARP's Solutions Forum.
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Academy Health Annual Research Meeting
For 30 years, Academy Health's Annual Research Meeting (ARM) has been a forum for health services research, where more than 2,400 attendees gather to discuss health policy implications, sharpen research methods, and network with colleagues from around the world. The ARM program is designed for health services researchers, providers, key decision makers, clinicians, graduate students, and research analysts.
The forum will be held June 23-25, 2013, in Baltimore.
Click here for more information.
Click here to register. Early Bird Ends April 26.
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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.
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The Associated Press - NORC Center for Public Affairs Research |
New Report: Long-term Care: Perceptions, Experiences, and Attitudes of Americans 40 or Older
On April 24, 2013, The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released of a major survey report titled "Long-term Care: Perceptions, Experiences, and Attitudes among Americans 40 or older." The survey provides a new baseline of understanding about what Americans 40 years or older believe about their need for long-term care services, what such care would cost, and how such issues fit into their concerns about growing older. The survey reveals that while there is widespread concern among this population about the need for long-term care, little is being done to plan for it. Funding for the survey report was provided by The SCAN Foundation.
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Center for Effective Government |
New Report on Sequestration's Impact on Meals on Wheels Program Recipients
On April 30, the Center for Effective Government released a new report on the potential impact of sequestration on seniors who rely on Older Americans Act (OAA) Home Delivered Nutrition Services, such as those provided through Meals on Wheels, to remain in their homes and communities.
According to the Administration for Community Living's (ACL) FY14 Congressional Budget Justification, in 2011, 92 percent of home-delivered meal recipients reported that the meals allowed them to continue living in their own homes. In its report, the Center for Effective Government estimates that under sequestration, the OAA's Home Delivered Nutrition Services program will see a $10 million cut in federal funding this year alone. The Center projects that this funding reduction will translate into four million fewer meals being delivered to vulnerable seniors nationwide. Without access to the services and supports that allow them to live at home, the report concludes that many seniors could be forced into more costly, otherwise avoidable, Medicaid-financed nursing facilities.
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Center for Health Care Strategies |
New Health Homes Information Resource Center Launched on Medicaid.gov
The new Health Home Information Resource Center on Medicaid.gov offers a variety of technical assistance services for states as well as a resource library of continuously updated materials. States may use the resource center to request one-on-one technical assistance, access peer-learning opportunities, and find resources to guide their health home design and implementation.
Created under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid Health Homes (Section 2703) have been embraced by states as models providing comprehensive care coordination for Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic conditions.
Health home technical assistance activities are provided by Mathematica Policy Research and the Center for Health Care Strategies with support from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Technical assistance resources for integrating the care of Medicare-Medicaid enrollees ("dual eligibles") will remain part of ICRC.
Click here for more information.
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Upcoming Webinar on Home Care Workers and Immigration
On May 23, from 2:30-3:30 pm ET, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) will host a free webinar on "Improving Care by Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce: Why Immigration Reform is Important to Home Care Consumers. In this webinar, participants will learn how changing our immigration system would strengthen the direct care workforce and how a stronger workforce would improve access to, and the quality of, home care services for consumers.
This webinar will cover:
- Immigration reform, long-term care, and the home care workforce
- How immigration reform benefits home care consumers
- How immigration reform can be achieved
Presenters:
- Marybeth Williams, Public Policy Associate, Consumer Voice
- Robin Shaffert, Policy Director, Caring Across Generations
- Robyn Grant, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Consumer Voice
Registration is required by May 20th.
Questions, contact Marybeth Williams at
mwilliams@theconsumervoice.org or 202-332-2275 x225.
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Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Coalition |
2013 National Lifespan Respite Conference Announces Call for Presentations
The Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Coalition, in collaboration with the ARCH National Respite Network, will host the 2013 National Lifespan Respite Conference in Boston, MA on October 15-17, 2013. The theme for the conference is The Freedom Trail to Respite, reflecting the great historical backdrop of the beautiful city of Boston and acknowledging the significant role respite can play in providing improved quality of life for the nation's family caregivers.
This conference is intended for everyone who supports family members and family caregivers of individuals across all ages throughout the Lifespan. Conference keynote speakers and breakout sessions will offer a multitude of opportunities to "connect the dots" between the Lifespan Respite Care Program and other respite programs and initiatives that support caregivers. The now open call for submissions is an opportunity for stakeholders to share innovative best practices related to respite care, and to give others the chance to benefit and learn from what others have accomplished.
The Call for Presentations is now open. The deadline for proposal submissions is Friday May 17, 2013. Learn more about the conference and download the Call for Presentations and Presenter Application form.
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National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) |
May 2013: NAELA Celebrates National Elder Law Month
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), an association of attorneys dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to older Americans and individuals with special needs, established May as National Elder Law Month as a way to educate seniors and their families about their legal options in dealing with elder abuse and neglect, nursing home issues, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, trust and estate planning, and other important issues. Many NAELA members will be out in their communities in May:
- Conducting a Living Will/Health Care Proxy Day;
- Presenting a seminar at the local senior or community center;
- Providing pro bono services; or
- Lecturing at a law school
To learn more about National Elder Law Month, visit the NAELA website. To receive a free NAELA brochure: "Questions and Answers When Looking For an Elder or Special Needs Law Attorney," contact Communications Associate Abby Matienzo at amatienzo@naela.org or phone at 703-942-5711 #230. Find an Elder and Special Needs Law attorney in your area using NAELA's Member Directory.
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National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)
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NASDDDS Mid-Year Conference
State developmental disabilities leaders know that supporting families is a vital component of a responsive and effective service system. The conference will provide opportunities to: gain practical ideas for state implementation strategies; have extensive exchanges with thought leaders from other countries and the U.S., and learn from states engaged in efforts to support families.
The conference will take place on May 9-10, 2013, in Oklahoma City, OK.
More information on the conference or register today.
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National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging |
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Webinars on Identifying the Actual Cost of a Meal
The National Resource Center on Nutrtion and Aging is offering two webinars in May on Identifying the Actual Cost of a Meal. The webinars, part of the NRC's Momentum series, will be offered in two parts.
Part 1 - What Is The Importance For Nutrition Programs?
Description: Do you know what your organization's actual costs are relative to providing a meal? Part 1 of this two part series focuses on an overview from the state, area agency on aging and local provider perspective. A provider of nutrition services is fundamentally a business whose intent is to fulfill its mission - and not to lose money in the process. The pressure to be cost-effective will only intensify. Increased demand, government funding cuts, donor requirements and competition from other service and for-profit providers will change the environment in which nutrition programs operate. Every nutrition program executive must be aware of the actual costs of services provided. Through the Affordable Care Act nutrition service providers may be able to create opportunities to collaborate with insurance, healthcare and long term care support systems. It is imperative to fully understand your actual costs and acceptable "profit margins" before entering this changing business arena.
When: May 16, 2013, 3:00 to 4:15 PM EDT
Part 2 - Understanding And Calculating Meal Costs
Description: In this era of expanding need for nutrition program services in a competitive environment, understanding the actual costs and value of your meals is essential for all programs. This webinar will focus on helping you understand all the components of your total meal cost (which is not just raw food cost), and will provide you with tools to help you identify and calculate the actual total meal costs. Through the use of these tools, you should be able to better monitor and manage your meal costs, and thus your program costs, enabling you to be competitive as a services provider in today's environment. This session is designed for anyone who plans or oversees a senior nutrition program budget. Webinar participants will be given a workbook with cost management exercises and will have the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas during the webinar.
When: May 23, 2013,
3:00 to 4:15 PM EDT
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National Council On Aging
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In three years, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) grantees helped hundreds of thousands of low-income seniors to access benefits that make Medicare affordable. Now NCOA had mapped some of their successes-including personal stories and fact sheets outlining each state's achievements. The accompanying report highlights some of the lessons learned over the past three years, as well as the achievements and challenges that remain in improving benefits access for vulnerable people with Medicare.
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Webinar: Using Social Media to Advance your Mission and Program Outreach
This month, NCOA and NCOA Center for Healthy Aging will sponsor a webinar on using social media. Join the webinar on May 29th as they look at Facebook, Twitter, and other tools that can help you communicate with consumers, share ideas with professionals in your network, and more.
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New Community Opportunities Center
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A National On-Location Training: Expanding CIL Capacity Through Community-Based Service Programs
The New Community Opportunities Center is offering a new three-day training opportunity for centers for independent living (CILs) to learn about how to expand their programs in Home and Community Based Services. It will also provide the latest information on the latest trends in federal programs and some of the most strategic prospects for CILs to be strong players in long-term services and supports.
The training will take place on June 24 - 26, 2013, in Houston, TX.
Click here to learn more about the training and register.
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Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE)
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Policy Report Released: Health Equality for LGBT Elders of Color
SAGE released a policy report Health Equity and LGBT Elders of Color that examines health disparities faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older people of color. The report offers policy solutions in ten areas where health and wellness can be improved for LGBT older people of color, a population that encompasses multiple groups diverse across race, ethnicity, culture, language of origin and more.
Click here to review the report.
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Transportation Planning for All |
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Call for Peers
Transportation Planning for All calls for peers/catalysts to support the Administration for Community Living Transportation project's inclusive planning grantees. Individuals with an inclusive approach to working with older adults and people with disabilities of all ages who want to improve transportation access within their communities or across the nation are encouraged to apply. Those selected will have an opportunity to share tips and how-to's with others.
The deadline for our first selection is May 10, 2013. The application is a short one. Learn more about this opportunity and complete a participation form. |
University of Michigan School of Law, Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse |
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Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse Updates and Expands Resources on Olmstead Enforcement
The Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse at the University of Michigan Law School has recently updated and expanded collection of Olmstead enforcement cases and documents.
The Clearinghouse provides information and documents about large-scale civil rights cases, allowing easy public access to opinions, pleadings, and settlements. In this case collection, we have gathered important litigation documents and summarized over 100 cases addressing the ADA's integration mandate. These include challenges to various state Medicaid policies and public benefits under the 1999 Supreme Court precedent, Olmstead v. L.C.
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Older Americans Month
May is Older Americans Month. This year's theme is "Unleash the Power of Age." Click here for more information.
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May is Healthy Vision Month
Spread the word about the importance of eye health to seniors in your community. Many common eye diseases like diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration have no early warning signs, making regular checkups important. Poor vision is a risk factor for elder falls.
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2013 Lifespan Respite Care Program: Building Integrated and Sustainable Lifespan Respite Care Programs
Grant Title: 2013 Lifespan Respite Care Program: Building Integrated and Sustainable Lifespan Respite Care Programs
Agency Issuing Grant: Administration for Community Living
Eligible Applicants: State governments
Close Date: May 20, 2013
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2013-ACL-AOA-LR-0048
CDFA Number: 93.072
Grant Amount: $1 million for 5 awards
Description: This opportunity will fund up to five grants to those states originally funded in FYs 2009 and 2010, with a federal funding level of up to $250,000 per award for a project period of seventeen (17) months and twenty-nine (29) days, pending the availability of Federal funds.
Click here for more information.
Applicants must apply for this grant at www.grants.gov.
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Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems - Phase I & II
1) Grant Title: Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems - Phase I
Agency Issuing Grant: Administration for Community Living
Eligible Applicants: Unrestricted
Close Date: May 28, 2013
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2013-ACL-AOA-SL-0050
CDFA Number: 93.048
Grant Amount: $700,000 for 7 awards
Description: This opportunity will enhance essential rights and benefits of older persons in states across the country, through the creation and maintenance of well integrated, cost-efficient legal service delivery systems that effectively target scarce legal resources to older adults in the greatest social or economic need and that are an integral part of the broad aging service network.
Click here for more info on this funding opportunity.
Applicants must apply for this grant at www.grants.gov.
2) Grant Title: Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems-Phase II
Agency Issuing Grant: Administration for Community Living
Eligible Applicants: State governments of 31 states previously awarded Model Approaches Phase I funding
Close Date: May 28, 2013
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2013-ACL-AOA-LE-0044
CDFA Number: 93.048
Grant Amount: $1,071,000 for 6 awards
Description: This opportunity continues & expands its support for state efforts in implementing well integrated and cost effective legal service delivery systems that maximize the impact of limited legal resources targeted to older adults in greatest need. This will move statewide legal service delivery systems towards greater accessibility to: seamless systemic integration of vital low cost legal service delivery mechanisms; precise targeting and outreach to older adults in the greatest social or economic need; improved responsiveness to legal issues that emerge from elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation; expanded knowledge and expertise of aging and legal service providers; implementation of legal service delivery standards/guidelines, and measurable legal program results that demonstrate a tangible impact on the independence, health, and financial security of older adults.
Click here for more info on this funding opportunity.
Applicants must apply for this grant at www.grants.gov.
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Health Care Fraud Prevention Program Expansion and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Capacity Building Grants
Grant Title: Health Care Fraud Prevention Program Expansion and SMP Capacity BuildingGrants
Agency Issuing Grant: Administration for Community Living
Eligible Applicants: Current SMP project grantees only
Close Date: May 28, 2013
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2013-ACL-AOA-SP-0049
CDFA Number: 93.048
Grant Amount: $7.3 million for 54 awards
Description: This opportunity seeks to expand the capacity of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program to reach more Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers, with the message of fraud prevention and identification. Grant opportunities are being made available to the 54 current SMP project grantees.
Click here for more info on this funding opportunity
Applicants must apply for this grant at www.grants.gov.
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AmeriCorps Funding Opportunities for Indian Tribes
The Corporation for National and Community Service ( CNCS) recently announced that Indian Tribes now have the opportunity to apply for funding that would position them to identify ways that AmeriCorps members could help them tackle the unique challenges facing Native American communities.
The AmeriCorps planning grants provide up to $75,000 for a one-year period to provide support to an Indian Tribe for the development of an AmeriCorps program that will engage AmeriCorps members in order to address pressing community problems. Planning grant recipients are expected to be better prepared to compete for an AmeriCorps program grant in the following grant cycle.
Applications are due on May 30, 2013.
Click here for more information and application guidelines.
Technical Assistance Conference Calls
AmeriCorps State and National is hosting conference calls (approximately 90 minutes in length) for potential grant applicants. Calls will be conducted in a standard format that includes a brief overview and a question and answer session. The best way to ensure that your question receives a response is to submit it at least 24 hours in advance of the call. Please send your questions to americorpsgrants@cns.gov.
May 7th at 2:00 p.m. EST
Register
Tfree: 866-388-5329
Passcode: 6171
May 16th at 2:00 p.m. EST
Register
Tfree: 866-505-6451
Passcode: 6134
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Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Grant Title: Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Agency Issuing Grant: Tax Counseling for the Elderly, Internal Revenue Service
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits and Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Close Date: May 31, 2013
Funding Opportunity Number: TCE-2014-001
CDFA Number: 21.006
Grant Amount: $5,600,000 for 60 awards
Description: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enters into cooperative agreements with private or public nonprofit agencies and organizations, which provide training and technical assistance to volunteers who provide FREE tax counseling and assistance to elderly individuals in the preparation of their federal income tax returns.
Click here for more info on this funding opportunity
Applicants must apply for this grant at www.grants.gov.
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Wounded Warrior Project Invites Letters of Interest for Projects That Provide Direct Services to Veterans
The Wounded Warrior Project is accepting Letters of Interest from nonprofit organizations that provide direct programming and services to the current generation of wounded veterans.
Grants of between $5,000 and $250,000 will be awarded for projects that enhance the lives of injured service members and their families by supporting programs that fall into four service areas:
- Mind programs should enhance the mental health of wounded service members and help foster their healthy readjustment to civilian life.
- Body programs should provide unique sporting, fitness, and wellness activities for warriors and their families. Preference is given to programs that engage warriors over a sustained period of time and facilitate opportunities for leadership and peer mentoring.
- Economic empowerment programs should provide programs or services to warriors in the area of employment, higher education, financial literacy, or other opportunities that enhance economic empowerment among wounded veterans and their families.
- Engagement programs should empower injured service members by connecting them with their peers and continued opportunities to serve and engage with their larger communities.
Priority will be given to projects that offer innovative programming and unique opportunities, fill service gaps by offering programming or services where demand outpaces supply or services do not currently exist, reach veterans and family members in underserved geographic areas, and foster continued leadership, mentorship, and sense of purpose among injured service members.
Letters of Interest must be received no later than June 1, 2013. Upon review, selected organizations will have until July 8, 2013, to submit complete applications.
Link to Complete RFP
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Kendal Charitable Funds Invites Letters of Intent for Elder Abuse Projects
Kendal Charitable Funds is accepting Letters of Intent for innovative projects that enhance the lives of seniors, whether through services, research, and/or developing new understandings and awareness of elder abuse.
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded for pilot projects that address at least one non-institutionalized elderly population, with a focus on the identification or prevention of financial, physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. Priority will be given to projects with the greatest potential for change and replication. Grants will be awarded for new programs only.
Letters of Intent must be received no later than May 15, 2013. Upon review, selected organizations will be invited to submit full project proposals, which must be completed by August 1, 2013.
Link to Complete RFP
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Administration for Community Living (ACL) Seeks Supervisory IT Specialists
Administration for Community Living (ACL) has two job announcements:
- Supervisory IT Specialist (Director, Office of Information Resources): This position is located in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living, Center for Management and Budget, Office of Information Resources Management, Washington, DC. More information about this position.
- Supervisory IT Specialist (Director, Office of Information Resources Management): This position is located in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living, Center for Management and Budget, Office of Information Resources Management, Washington, DC. More information about this position.
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Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Seeks Eligiblity Manager and Manager of Appeals and Grievances
Maryland Health Benefit Exchange has two job announcements:
- Eligibility Manager: The main purpose of this position is to facilitate the eligibility determination process for Exchange services. The position determines client eligibility across multiple programs and quality assures evaluation of applications and determinations of eligibility. The position also provides information and support to the eligibility appeals process. The position serves as a subject matter expert providing leadership, consultation and technical assistance in the interpretation and application of federal and state laws and regulations regarding individual eligibility determinations and interfacing/overlapping areas within the Medicaid program. More information about this position.
- Manager of Appeals and Grievances: The Manager of Appeals and Grievances is responsible for developing, implementing and administering the case management system for eligibility grievances and appeals. The position has general oversight responsibilities for the Exchange appeals and grievances process, which includes internal reviews, informal appeals/reconsiderations and contested case hearings. The position will assist in implementing regulations, policies and measures; tracking appeals; identifying appropriate modifications to processes and developing required reports. The position oversees the review of individual market eligibility appeals, navigator appeals, authorized producer appeals, qualified plan appeals, Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) employer eligibility appeals and SHOP employee eligibility appeals. More information about this position.
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Additional Job Opportunities
To see more job postings, please visit the NASUAD website.
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