January 29, 2016
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Submit A Proposal for the National HCBS Conference! 
The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) is pleased to announce the Call for Sessions for the 2016 National Home and Community Based Services Conference, August 29-September 1, 2016 in Washington D.C. This conference offers a unique blend of policy, program, and practice issues for professionals interested in home and community-based services for individuals of all abilities and in all settings.  Proposals are currently being accepted for one hour and fifteen minute workshops.
 
The HCBS Conference has become the "go-to" conference for learning in the expanding field of home and community-based services.  Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this important conference. Presenting provides an unparalleled opportunity to share new ideas or highlight noteworthy projects, research, and practices with your peers and other professionals. The Call for Sessions for the 2016 HCBS Conference will be open from January 19th - February 29th.  

Click here to learn more and submit your session today.  
Register for the Iowa Governor's Conference on Aging & Disabilities! 
The Iowa Governor's Conference on Aging & Disabilities, May 23-26th, 2016, will offer a wide array of Iowa, regional and national strategies to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities that accompany the ever-changing aging and disability communities. 

The conference is being hosted by the Iowa Department on Aging and the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, in partnership with the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities, and directed by a steering committee made up of Iowa business and community leaders and chaired by Lt. Governor Reynolds.  Our theme - "Disruptive Innovations" - focuses on the myriad ways Iowa's aging and disability communities are and need to continue evolving: culturally, economically, socially, and technologically.
 
We are excited to announce our Plenary Speaker, Terry Rich, CEO of the Iowa Lottery. Mr. Rich is an expert at helping organizations realize that saying "it's always been done that way" is the biggest obstacle to allowing for substantive and meaningful change. Mr. Rich will inspire you to go back to your office and consider how you can improve the work you do. 

Click here to learn more and register.  
AIRS Annual Information & Referral Conference Call for Proposals 
The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) has released the call for proposals for the 2016 Annual Information and Referral (I&R) Training and Education Conference. AIRS is seeking workshops addressing the breadth of I&R service delivery. The Aging and Disability track provides a valuable opportunity to share developments and effective practices in serving older adults and persons with disabilities with I&R colleagues across the country. This track is coordinated by NASUAD's I&R Support Center, which strongly encourages aging and disability I&R agencies to review the call for proposals and consider a submission. Topics such as family caregiving, elder justice, mental health, aging with a disability, developments in home and community-based services, cross-sector partnerships and collaboration (including ADRC and 2-1-1 partnerships), No Wrong Door system building, ADRC funding and sustainability, use of technology in I&R, transportation, health coverage (Medicare and Medicaid coverage), and data collection and quality assurance are all topics of interest in aging and disability I&R.
 
The conference is being held in St. Louis, Missouri, with pre-conference intensives on May 22, 2016 and the regular conference May 23-25, 2016. Please contact  Nanette Relave with any questions. 

The deadline for proposal submissions is Wednesday, February 10, 2016. Send submissions for the Aging and Disability track to Nanette Relave

Click here to submit a proposal. 
HCBS Clearinghouse E-Clips
This section of  Friday Update highlights reports that have been added to the HCBS Clearinghouse within the past week. Visit www.nasuad.org/hcbs for more information.
Medicaid & CHIP: November 2015 Monthly Report 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released their monthly report for November 2015 on Medicaid and CHIP application, eligibility, and enrollment data. States provides data to CMS on factors related to key application, eligibility, and enrollment processes using the Medicaid and CHIP Performance Indicator Project. The data is then used to inform CMS on the operations of the programs in each state and to share state performance data publicly. The publication specifically brings attention to funding sources that states can use to help adult high-cost/high-need residents live. 

Click here to access the publication. 
Data Book: Beneficiaries Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) released a data book that presents information of dual-eligible beneficiaries. The information includes demographics, other personal characteristics, expenditure, and health care utilization of the dual-eligibles. This data book is the third in a series that serves to create a better understanding of this population and how they tend to use available services.

Click here to access the publication. 
From the Administration
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
CMS Issues Home Health Final Rule
On Wednesday, January 27, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule on Medicaid home health services. The final rule updated the definition of Medicaid home health services to include requirements that include medical supplies, equipment, and appliances.
The new definition is consistent with section 6407 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the Affordable Care Act) and section 504 of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). The rule will become effective on July 1, 2016.

Click here to view the final rule.
Office of Minority Health Releases New Guide to Preventing Readmission
On January 26, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) released a new guide titled Guide to Preventing Readmissions Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Medicare Beneficiaries. The guide offers steps for minority beneficiaries to seek solutions that offer health equity and reduce readmission. Included in the guide are action-oriented steps, a set of seven key recommendations for hospital leaders, and concrete examples of initiatives and strategies. 

Click here to view the guide.
Informational Bulletin on Alternative Benefit Plan Conforming Changes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin about the alternative benefit plan conforming changes. The bulletin provides information to states about the regulatory changes in Essential Health Benefit (EHB) standards affecting Medicaid Alternative Benefit Plans (ABPs). Additionally, the state-required actions are included with information about state plan amendment (SPA) submissions and ABP public notice requirements.
 
Click here to view the bulletin.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Releases New Elder Abuse Publication
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with a group of elder abuse experts, released a new publication, Elder Abuse Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Core Data Elements. There is no consistent definition of elder abuse or neglect, which makes comparing data from different states and regions very challenging. This paper serves to establish consistent definitions and data elements to make comparing data easier.
The recommendations were created with regard to ACL's National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS).
 
Click here to view the publication.
The National Council on Disability
NCD Releases Report on Affordable Care Act for People with Disabilities  
The National Council on Disability (NCD) released a new report on implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and disabilities. This is the first of three reports on the subject. While the Affordable Care Act is a significant piece of legislation, people with disabilities were largely left outside of the policy conversation. This report is meant to serve as a "roadmap" for people with disabilities to show how it will affect them depending on how it is implemented. Structurally, the roadmap is organized chronologically and includes an analytic supplement that discusses policy options.  
 
Click here to view the publication.
From Other Organizations
Easter Seals 
Webinar: Caregiving and Intimacy: A Practical Approach for Caregivers and Their Veterans
Easter Seals Dixon Center is hosting a webinar on caregiving and intimacy. This webinar is the second in a series of webinars on military relationships and intimacy. Presenter Amy E. Taklif, MSW, LSW, will expand on the first webinar by providing straightforward information and practical advice for those who struggle with intimacy and sexuality issues within their caregiving (or "care partner") relationship. Additionally, she will discuss ways in which to change your sexual/intimacy dynamic, reframe your perceptions, and make it all a little easier for everyone involved. Please note: there may be discussion and language of a frank and explicit nature during this presentation. The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 11, 2016, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET.

Click here to view details and register.
Grantmakers in Aging
Guiding Principles for Sustainability of Age-Friendly Communities Highlights NCI-AD  
Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) brought together national and international leaders in the age-friendly movement to explore a variety of issues related to the sustainability of age-friendly communities. In Guiding Principles for Sustainability of Age-Friendly Communities, a framework with five core principles describes strategies and tools useful in this endeavor.  The core sustainability principles are 1) building public will; 2) engaging across sectors; 3) utilizing metrics; 4) securing resources; and 5) advancing age-friendly public policies, practice and funding. The National Core Indicators-Aging and Disabilities tool is highlighted as one way that state and local programs can measure the performance of age-friendly work in order to provide meaningful metrics to demonstrate the need for and impact of age-friendly programs.
 
Click here to access the full report.
National Academy of Social Insurance
NASI Releases Report on the Aging Network
The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), in partnership with the Altarum Institute, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), and the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD), published a white paper that examines the progress that is being made in the Aging Network. This paper covers key developments that are re-shaping the network as well as efforts to better measure the quality and value of its programs and services. The paper also includes: Case studies highlighting the work of the aging network in Florida, Massachusetts and California; discussion of quality initiatives and congressional actions; and concluding observations. 

Click here to view the white paper.
National Consumer Law Center 
Webinar: Recognizing & Remedying Financial Abuse in Medicaid Denials  
The National Consumer Law Center, in partnership with Pro Seniors and Justice in Aging, is hosting a webinar on recognizing and remedying elder financial abuse in Medicaid denials. Speakers Jennifer Goldberg, Directing Attorney, Justice in Aging; and Amy Kurlansky, Attorney at Law, Pro Seniors Inc, will cover the topics of power of attorney abuse, breach of fiduciary duties, and Medicaid hardship waiver applications. This webinar is sponsored in part by a grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and is part of the National Legal Resource Center's National Elder Rights Training Project/Elder Abuse Prevention webinar series. The webinar will take place on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET

Click here to view details and register. 
Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Policy Collaborative
Webinar: How to Help Workers Keep Their Jobs After Injury/Illness
The Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Policy Collaborative is hosting a policy webinar to provide information about how workers can keep their jobs after they develop a career-threatening medical condition. Speakers Yonatan Ben-Shalom, project director, SAW/RTW Policy Collaborative; Jennifer Christian, president, chief medical office of Webility Corporation; and David Stapleton, director, Mathematica Policy Research's Center for Studying Disability Policy will discuss the reasons behind avoidable work disability and job loss; the benefits of stay-at-work/return-to-work policies for state and local governments and their constituents; and state and local policies that could help workers keep their jobs after an injury or illness. Pre-registration is required for this free webinar. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET.

Click here to view details and register. 
The Viscardi Center
Webinar: Employer Assistance & Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
The Viscardi Center is hosting an Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) webinar. In 2014, updates to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act added further impetus to these shifts by strengthening federal contractors' responsibilities to take affirmative action to recruit and retain qualified people with disabilities. One major component of these updates is the requirement that federal contractors invite applicants and employees to voluntarily self-identify as people with disabilities. The speakers will address strategies for achieving disability inclusion goals by encouraging employees to understand the value of self-identifying. The webinar is recommended for federal contractors and other companies interested in fostering a disability-inclusive work culture.The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 18, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.

Click here to view details and register. 
Jobs & Internships 
Nebraska State Unit on Aging Seeks AmeriCorps VISTA Members
The Nebraska State Unit on Aging is seeking qualified applicants for the position of AmeriCorps VISTA. The VISTA is responsible for collecting data, creating volunteer databases/spreadsheets with aging-related data, developing training manuals and materials, creating a standardized Senior Center Operational manual template, and developing means to increase services, funding, and volunteer opportunities across Nebraska. This is an opportunity to make an IMPACT in the lives of aging populations in Nebraska! As a VISTA, connect with services that allow seniors to stay in their own homes and change the lives of minority and impoverished individuals. Qualified applicants should be outgoing, self-motivated individuals interested in laying the ground work for improving nutrition, volunteer, and support services across the state of Nebraska.
 
Click here to view the full posting. 
The League Seeks an Information & Referral Coordinator
The League is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Information & Referral Coordinator. The I&R Coordinator is responsible for providing information and referral to consumers, center staff, other organizations, and the community at large; managing the League's social networking activities; serving as webmaster for the League's website and web based information; and serving as administrator for the League's consumer management information system. Qualified applicants will have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; two years of post secondary education and four years of related experience; and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A qualified person with a disability is preferred. The deadline for applications will end when the position is filled.

Click here to view the full posting. 
Funding Opportunities 
Supportive Services Demonstration for Elderly Households in HUD-Assisted Multifamily Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it is making approximately $15 million available to test a promising housing and services model for low-income seniors to age in their own homes and delay or avoid the need for nursing home care.  

HUD's Supportive Services Demonstration for Elderly Households in HUD-Assisted Multifamily Housing will offer three-year grants to eligible owners of HUD-assisted senior housing developments to cover the cost of a full-time Enhanced Service Coordinator and a part-time Wellness Nurse.  The purpose of the Demonstration is to test the effectiveness of this enhanced supportive services model for elderly households and to evaluate the value of enhanced service coordination paired with affordable housing for seniors. The demonstration will be independently evaluated to determine the impact of the enhanced supportive services model on: Aging in place in HUD-assisted senior developments; avoiding early transitions to institutional care, and; preventing unnecessary and often costly health care events-such as some emergency room visits and hospitalizations-for residents in HUD-assisted senior developments. Grant applications must be submitted electronically by Monday, April 18, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET

Click here to view the full posting.
Inclusive Planning Impact Grant
The Transit Planning for All project has announced the availability of funding for community-cased demonstration programs. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to encourage development of an inclusive coordinated transportation system in which people with disabilities and older adults actively participate in both advisory and decision-making capacities. While the intention is first and foremost the development of inclusionary processes and plans, the secondary expectation is that inclusion will result in identifiable and measurable changes in the transportation system that respond to the needs and preferences of older adults and people with disabilities.

To take advantage of this funding opportunity, communities should download both the request for proposals and the grant application form. All requirements stated in the application form must be met in order for an application to be considered. There will be a conference call to answer questions on the demonstration grants on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. ET. Call toll-free: 866-906-9888; Passcode 2724141. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, March 18, 2016. 

Click here to view the full posting.
CMS Accountable Health Communities Grant 
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation released a request for proposal (RFP) for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) funding opportunity for Accountable Health Communities (AHC), funding opportunity number CMS-1P1-17-001. The AHC model will test three community-focused interventions of varying intensity and their ability to impact total health care costs and inpatient and outpatient health care utilization. There are different tracks-Increase Awareness, Provide Assistance, and Align Partners-with varying funding amounts available. Each track will run for a five year period. A letter of intent to apply is required and due by Monday, February 8, 2016. An electronic cooperative agreement application is due by 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 31, 2016. 

Click here to view the full posting.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Base Grant 
The Administration for Community Living released the application for the the 2016 State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Base Grant Funding Opportunity. Congress created the SHIP in 1990 with the goal of assisting Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and their caregivers to make informed health insurance choices. There are currently 54 active SHIP grants; one in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The funds awarded through this application are for the FY 2016 budget period, April 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017. Eligible applicants are states and United States territories that demonstrate their ability to provide the program through the state office of insurance, the state Medicaid office, or the department on aging.All applications must be submitted by Monday, February 15, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here to view the full posting.
Enhanced Training & Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program Grant 
The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has released the Fiscal Year 2016 Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program solicitation. The program provides three year awards for up to a total of $400,000 to local communities to address abuse in later life, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, exploitation, and neglect against victims who are 50 years of age or older.  Award funds must be used to organize training and cross-training for criminal justice and other professionals, develop services for older victims, and create or enhance a coordinated community response. All applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 11, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Click here to view the full posting.

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