Health Network Alert - CMS Requests Comment on Dual Demonstration Proposal in 18 States (PDF) 06-18-2012

The intensity and pace of action around demonstration projects to integrate Medicare and Medicaid services continue to escalate.

Health Network Alert - – New Long-Term Services and Supports in Managed Care Resources Include Toolkit and Webinar Recording (PDF) 06-15-2012

A new toolkit for advocates related to long-term services and supports (LTSS)-specific beneficiary protections has been added to NSCLC’s Dual Eligible website.

Health Network Alert - Comments Due July 2 for Proposed Medicaid Regulations Defining “Community Based” (PDF) 05-17-2012

Can an assisted living facility be considered a “non-institutional” setting for purposes of Medicaid and community-based services funding?

CA Health Network Alert - ADHC/CBAS Transition to Managed Care Postponed Until October for Most Participants (PDF) 05-17-2012

California’s Department of Health Care Services announced today that it will postpone until October 1, 2012 the transition into Medi-Cal managed care for most participants in Community Base Adult Services (CBAS), formerly known as Adult Day Health Care (ADHC).

Income Network Alert - Statement on President Obama’s Support of Same Sex Marriage (PDF) 05-10-2012

NSCLC applauds President Barack Obama for his position in support of same sex marriage. For many low-income older Americans, many of the rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples prevent the impoverishment of a spouse when death or illness strikes.

CA Health Network Alert - California Approved Poor Performing Health Plans for Care of Dual Eligibles (PDF) 05-02-2012

NSCLC released a special report today entitled “Assessing the Quality of California Dual Eligible Demonstration Health Plans” that raises concern about the eight health plans the state has selected to handle the care of low income older adults and people with disabilities in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and San Mateo Counties.

Health Network Alert - CMS Releases Community First Choice Final Regulations; But Seeks More Input on When Housing is “Community-Based” (PDF) 04-30-2012

As it continues implementation of the Affordable Care Act, CMS has released final regulations for the Community First Choice option (CFC). CFC provides an incentive for state Medicaid programs to offer more extensive home and community-based services: specifically, CFC increases the federal Medicaid match by six percent for HCBS that meet CFC standards.

Income Network Alert - Court Restores Social Security Benefits to 140,000; Victims May Recover as Much as $1 Billion (PDF) 04-19-2012

As many as 140,000 Americans nationwide will get their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits restored as a result of Clark v. Astrue. The benefits in question date back to October 2006 and may total $1 billion.

Health Network Alert - Maryland Is Second State Approved for Medicaid’s Balancing Incentive Payments Program (PDF) 04-18-2012

Maryland is the second state to receive federal approval under the Balancing Incentive Payments Program (BIPP) to shift state Medicaid spending towards community-based care.

Health Network Alert - NSCLC Launches New Website About Dual Eligible Demonstration (PDF) 03-30-2012

NSCLC has launched a new website to provide aging and disability advocates the information and tools they need to ensure that models for delivering health and long term services and supports to dual eligibles (people with both Medicare and Medicaid) include strong consumer protections.