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Updated CMS Guidance for States on Eligibility and Enrollment Processes for the Medicare Savings Programs

On February 9, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued updated instructions for states to implement policies for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) in the Streamlining Medicaid; Medicare Savings Program Eligibility and Enrollment Final Rule (CMS 2421-F) in advance of upcoming compliance dates. MSPs, also known as Medicare Buy-In programs or Medicare Premium Payment Programs, help individuals qualify for assistance with payment of Medicare premiums, and in some cases, Medicare cost-sharing...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75396

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Why Did They Do It That Way? Understanding Managed Care

In a recently published issue brief, the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) provides an overview of Medicaid managed care. This brief covers the basics of what Medicaid managed care is, how it has grown over time, and how states and territories make decisions around delivery systems. It also dives into the core components of operationalizing managed care, including procurement, rate setting, and oversight. NAMD also discusses how Medicaid managed care is continuing to evolve, looking ahead at the potential impacts of market dynamics and regulatory changes on the quality, accessibility, and cost of care for Medicaid members.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75388

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Social Isolation, Loneliness,and Elder Maltreatment

On February 14, The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) announced the release of its latest research brief on Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Elder Maltreatment. This brief explores the profound impact of social isolation and loneliness on the well-being of older adults, emphasizing their significant role as both risk factors and consequences of elder maltreatment....

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75387

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Community Partnerships: An Effective Inclusion Strategy

This week, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) published an article titled, “Community Partnerships: An Effective Inclusion Strategy,” which includes resources, guidance, and successful case studies for inclusion-minded businesses looking to hire, support, and retain employees with disabilities. This resource provides information on diverse avenues for businesses to connect with and support employees with disabilities, including State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, community-based organizations, state and local workforce development systems, and educational institutions and organizations...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75315

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Final Rule to Update Regulations for Older Americans Act (OAA) Programs

On February 6, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released a final rule to update regulations for implementing its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. The first substantial update to most OAA program regulations since 1988, the rule aligns regulations to the current statute, addresses issues that have emerged since the last update and clarifies a number of requirements. It aims to better support the national aging network that delivers OAA services and improve program implementation, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the nation's growing population of older adults can continue to receive the services and supports they need to live — and thrive — in their own homes and communities...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75308

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Fostering Financial Empowerment for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities

A new brief, “Fostering Financial Empowerment for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities,” published by the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s (ODEP) Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth), provides policy considerations that help youth, young adults, and their families foster financial literacy. These strategies aim to alleviate financial pressures for young individuals as they navigate the transition to employment and adulthood. This brief provides policymakers with key considerations for initiating systemic change to improve financial literacy for youth and young adults with disabilities (Y&YADs)...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75307

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Providing an Accessible Workplace

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released an article providing an overview of the laws that federal agencies must comply with to provide people with disabilities access to accommodations to ensure they are able to participate fully in the workplace. The article focuses on accommodations that improve access to job facilities, physical spaces, and information technology. These include accommodations like automated doors, handrails and stair treads, accessible parking spaces, and adaptive computer hardware and software, providing ASL interpreters, and providing written materials in large print or Braille...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75279

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Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education (ED) recently released an updated joint policy statement on supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The policy statement reiterates expectations for inclusive early childhood settings and updates recommendations for state and local agencies that implement Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Head Start, child care, home visit, preschool, and public school programs to increase inclusive early learning opportunities for all children. It also includes evidence-based models and examples of inclusion, as well as resources to support high-quality individualized programming and inclusion of children...

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75272

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A Look at Nursing Facility Characteristics Between 2015 and 2023

On January 5, KFF released a brief examining the characteristics of nursing facilities and the people living in them between 2015 and 2023. This brief utilizes data from Nursing Home Compare, a publicly available dataset that provides a snapshot of information on quality of care in each nursing facility, and CASPER (Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports), a dataset that includes detailed metrics collected by surveyors during nursing facility inspections. This analysis is relevant to aging and disability networks as it coincides with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule that would create new requirements for staffing levels in nursing facilities.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75213

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Three New Briefs Now Available on APS Practice

Using data from the National Process Evaluation of the Adult Protective Services System report, the Adult Protective Services (APS) Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC) has released three briefs on APS practice. Supplemented with NAMRS data, the briefs provide background and context for each of the topics and explore them in more depth than in the overall evaluation report.

Short URL: http://www.advancingstates.org/node/75193

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