Announcement/Press release

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Announcement of Intent to Establish Federal Advisory Committee on Long COVID

On November 17, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced its intent to create a Federal Advisory Committee on Long COVID. Nominations for committee membership are open until January 16, 2024, with HHS inviting individuals directly impacted by Long COVID, healthcare practitioners, researchers, and representatives from related sectors to apply. The Committee will bring perspectives from outside the Government to help inform action of the Executive Branch on Long COVID and associated conditions, with a focus on health equity. The Committee will consist of up to 20 members, including any Chair, Vice Chair, or Co-Chairs...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75112

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Breaking Language Barriers: HHS Announces New Strengthened Plan for Language

On November 16, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a new Language Access Plan, which includes critical actions to improve access to HHS programs and services for people with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency. With provisions that specifically address the effective communication and accessibility requirements found in sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the HHS Language Access Plan is the latest in a series of important actions taken by ACL and our partners across federal government over the last several years to uphold the rights of people with disabilities.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75108

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ICYMI: Second Round of Ordering for Free COVID-19 Tests Now Open

Starting on September 25, every U.S. household had an opportunity to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through a partnership between the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service. On November 20, a second round of ordering opened, allowing each household to place a second order to receive four more free tests. Households that have not yet placed an order can place two orders now, to receive a total of eight tests. People who are blind or have low vision can place a second order for free Ellume COVID Home Tests, which are more accessible than other options.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75105

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Release of 2024 Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Spousal Impoverishment, and Medicare Savings Program Resource Standards

Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Spousal Impoverishment Standards, and the 2024 Medicare Savings Program resource standards. Certain Medicaid income and resource standards are adjusted beginning each January in accordance with changes in the SSI federal benefit rate (FBR) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The MSP groups are mandatory Medicaid eligibility groups that provide coverage of some or all Medicare Part A and B premiums and cost-sharing for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. The resource standards for the MSP groups are based on the SSI resource standard, which is set forth in statute...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75104

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Nationwide Settlement Grants Millions of Dollars to Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries Harmed During Pandemic

On November 20, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York approved a settlement (Campos v. Kijakazi, No. 21 Civ. 5143 (E. D. N. Y.)), that will provide automatic remedies to nearly a quarter million Supplement Security Income (SSI) recipients who will have back benefits credited to their accounts. The settlement comes after a class action lawsuit filed by the New York Legal Assistance Group, Justice in Aging, and Arnold & Porter alleged that pandemic-related administrative errors and shutdowns led the Social Security Administration to charge low-income recipients with overpayments. The certified class includes all individuals with an SSI overpayment incurred between March 2020 and April 2023.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75102

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CMS Announces Final Medicare Payment Rules for Several Provider Types & Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced final 2024 payment rules for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Home Health, and Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Survey Center (ASC), as well as the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). 1. ESRD Prospective Payment System (PPS) 2. Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS) 3. Hospital Outpatient PPS and ASC Payment System 4. CY 2024 Medicare PFS

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75064

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The Retirement Security Rule – Strengthening Protections for Americans Saving for Retirement

On October 31, the White House announced a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) aimed at strengthening protections for Americans saving for retirement. This proposed Retirement Security rule expands the fiduciary standard to cover a broader range of financial advice, including new types of non-securities like fixed index annuities and one-time advice for transactions such as 401(k) rollovers. By closing loopholes and requiring financial advisers to act in the best interest of savers, the rule aims to reduce excessive fees in retirement products, promote competition, and protect American workers' retirements, ultimately offering greater peace of mind for those saving for retirement.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75057

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Fraud Alert: Scam Calls Targeting Older Adults

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has issued a fraud alert regarding an increase in scam calls targeting older adults. The alert highlights that scammers may pose as organizations like "Eldercare," "Eldercare Locator," "Social Security," or "Medicare" and may request personal information or payment while threatening jail time or fines. The ACL advises individuals to be cautious, hang up on suspicious calls, verify an organization's contact information independently, and avoid sharing personal information or making payments to unknown callers...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75051

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Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Begins

Enrollment for 2024 Health Insurance on the Marketplace opened November 1 and will continue through January 15, 2024. Consumers are encouraged to visit HealthCare.gov or a state-based marketplace if applicable to enroll if they are uninsured, lost their Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, or are looking to review health coverage options to meet their needs. CMS and HHS released tools, tips, and resources to help consumers find the best coverage options available to individuals and families in the federal Marketplace. Customers who enroll by December 15 will have coverage that begins January 1, 2024.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75048

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New Program “Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator”

On November 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the launch of the “Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator”, which will support states in developing or expanding innovative housing-related supports and services for Medicaid-eligible people with disabilities and older adults who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. The Partnership Accelerator will focus on helping states improve collaboration and coordination between organizations and systems that provide services and resources that help people find – and keep – stable housing in the community...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75043

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