Out-of-pocket expenses can create barriers to care, leading low-income Medicare beneficiaries to delay or skip necessary health treatments and medications. This webinar provided information about the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), the federal legislation that authorizes federal grants to states and tribes to provide outreach and assistance to eligible Medicare beneficiaries for benefit programs that help to lower their Medicare costs. Gain insight into the benefit programs that provide financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries: the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and the Low-Income Subsidy. Presenters from the National Council on Aging and ADvancing States also shared resources and tools that aging and disability professionals can use to enhance their understanding of MIPPA and these programs, as well as provide outreach to their communities.

IQ Category: Medicaid, Medicare and Health Coverage

This webinar provided a look at the latest findings from the 2023–2024 National Core Indicators–Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD) survey. This data captures the experiences of more than 21,000 individuals who received home and community-based services (HCBS) across 20 states. Presenters examined key trends and takeaways that highlight how HCBS supports are affecting the quality of life, independence, and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities. This webinar offered valuable insights to inform system improvements and person-centered practices.

IQ Category: Advancing Quality

Veterans and their families form a large and important subset of Americans — an estimated 80% of the 16 million veterans nationwide will need long-term care services at some point in their lives. A growing array of services exist to support them that states, AAAs, and community-based organizations may not yet be fully aware of. By learning how to better identify and serve veterans, states can reduce duplication of service, more wisely allocate funding, and improve access for veterans and non-veterans alike.

IQ Category: Consumer Access to Services

View this webinar on Medicare to build or refresh your understanding of key components of the Medicare program! This webinar covers Medicare basics including eligibility, services, coverage options, cost assistance programs, and cost-sharing/coordination with Medicaid. 

IQ Category: Medicaid, Medicare and Health Care Coverage

The National I&R Support Center invited aging and disability network professionals to a webinar-based training for Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) specialists in aging and disabilities. This training provided an overview of key competencies needed for aging and disability I&R/A professionals and provided preparation for the Inform USA Certification exam for Community Resource Specialists in Aging/Disabilities (CRS-A/D).

IQ Category: Consumer Access to Services