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Jan. 15, 2010
In this Issue …
1. A New Twist on Medicare Extra Help
2. Discover New Approaches to Outreach and Enrollment
3. Change in Poverty Guidelines Delayed
4. HHS Releases $1.2 Billion for LIHEAP
5. Understanding Medication Transition Rights under Part D
6. Briefing: Enrolling and Retaining Everyone Who’s Eligible
7. Share a Case Study on Part D
8. AoA Launches Legal Resource Web Site
9. Latest Data on Medicaid HCBSvers
New Promising Practice: Strategies to Overcoming Resistance to Aid
Many people who are eligible for benefits are hesitant to apply, especially over the phone. They fear disclosing private information or changing their health care situation. One benefits enrollment center has found a way to overcome people’s resistance—and get them the help they need. Find out how.
1. A New Twist on Medicare Extra Help
Starting this month, changes in the law mean more older adults will be eligible for Medicare’s Extra Help to pay for prescription drugs. States will also automatically screen their applicants’ eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs that can help pay for Medicare premiums and deductibles. NCOA has updated BenefitsCheckUp® to reflect these important changes.
2. Discover New Approaches to Outreach and Enrollment
Join us on March 17 in Chicago as NCOA’s National Center for Benefits Outreach & Enrollment hosts a special full-day program during the 2010 Aging in America conference. Learn about the latest efforts in coordinating public benefits at the federal, state, and local levels—and discover how to use high-impact technology and other strategies to take your client advocacy to the next level.
3. Change in Poverty Guidelines Delayed
According to the newly enacted Department of Defense Appropriations Act, the Secretary of Health & Human Services (HHS) will not publish updated poverty guidelines for 2010 before March 1. The poverty guidelines published on Jan. 23, 2009 will remain in effect until then.
4. HHS Releases $1.2 Billion for LIHEAP
HHS released $1.2 billion to states to help low-income citizens with their heating bills. HHS is releasing the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds now to ensure that states have resources to support their energy assistance programs as the weather turns colder and the nation faces high unemployment rates.
5. Understanding Medication Transition Rights under Part D
A new issue brief from the National Senior Citizens Law Center outlines 2010 rules for Medicare beneficiaries who need access to transition medications because their Part D plan formulary has changed. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires plans to give beneficiaries this access to allow them time to move to a drug that is on the formulary, file an exception request, or enroll in a different plan.
6. Briefing: Enrolling and Retaining Everyone Who’s Eligible
How can public programs streamline recruitment and enrollment? How can enrollment in these programs affect state budgets? Listen as expert speakers discuss these issues and more in a recorded briefing sponsored by the Alliance for Health Reform.
7. Share a Case Study on Part D
The Cornell University Resource Education for Medicare Part D is looking for case studies. The organization provides educational materials and programming about Part D to older adults and to the family members, volunteers, counselors, and human service agencies who assist them.
8. AoA Launches Legal Resource Web Site
The Administration on Aging (AoA) has launched a new Web site for the National Legal Resource Center. The center offers legal and aging services advocates resources to provide high-quality legal help to seniors facing direct threats to their ability to live independently.
9. Latest Data on Medicaid HCBS
A new report from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that spending on Medicaid home and community-based service (HCBS) programs rose 8% in 2006—serving 2.9 million people. Demand for these services continues to increase, the report states, with 393,096 individuals on waiting lists for HCBS waiver programs as of 2008.
Benefits Alert is published by the National Council on Aging. Jean Van Ryzin, Editor, jean.vanryzin@ncoa.org. Copyright ©2010. All content is copyrighted and must not be reproduced or distributed to others without written permission.
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit http://www.ncoa.org/.
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