November 1, 2007

CARIE Policy Update and Meeting Cancellation

Quote of the Month
“If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” – John F. Kennedy

2008 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder to provide data on the plans available for 2008. The 2008 Plan Finder allows beneficiaries to compare premiums and estimated out-of-pocket costs for Part D plans as well as compare Medicare health plans. Beneficiaries are being encouraged to use the tool to review and compare their options for the upcoming open enrollment period which begins Nov. 15. CMS also has developed a “Limited Income & Resources" website to help identify and counsel those who may qualify for subsidized Medicare drug coverage.

OIG finds CMS Should Provide More Oversight of Medicare Part D
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on October 11, “CMS's Implementation of Safeguards During Fiscal Year 2006 to Prevent and Detect Fraud and Abuse in Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.” The report stated that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should develop a comprehensive safeguard strategy for Medicare prescription drug plans and better respond to complaints of fraud in the Part D program. The recommendations were the result of the OIG's review of CMS implementation of oversight efforts since the Medicare prescription drug benefit began in January 2006.

Family Caregiver Support Program 
HB 1830 introduced by Representative Phyllis Mundy (D) amends the act of December 19, 1990 (P.L.1234, No.204), entitled "An act establishing a program to assist persons who bear primary responsibility for the at-home care of functionally dependent older adults and victims of chronic dementia."

This bill was passed by the House of Representatives on October 23, 2007 by unanimous vote. If passed by the Senate and signed by the Governor, the maximum amount available to a qualified caregiver whose care recipients' household income is under 200% of poverty level will increase from $200 to $500 per month, for out-of-pocket expenses incurred for supportive services and the maximum amount will increase from $2,000 to $6,000 for the entire duration of the case, for expenses incurred for home modifications or assistive devices. A sliding benefits scale will be established for those between 200% and 380% of poverty level. Currently there is no appropriation attached to the bill since existing funds will be used to cover the increase in expense for the program. This is the first time since the program was established in 1990 that the program will be increased.  

Just the Links.....
The following are links to potential resources or documents of interest:

• The Eldercare Locator Resource Center is allowing individuals to order up to 30 free copies of “Housing Options for Older Adults: A Guide For Making Housing Decisions.” Additional copies are $0.20.
• Partners for Livable Communities posted its new “Aging in Place: Technical Assistance Guide” to help local communities assess their “agelessness” and prepare for the aging of the baby boomers. 
• The Congressional Research Service recently posted the report, “Family Caregiving to the Older Population: Background, Federal Programs, and Issues for Congress.”
• The Falls Free Coalition Home Safety Workgroup has released a report, “The Creative Practices in Home Safety Assessment and Modification Study,” spotlighting programs and practices in home assessment and modification that can reduce home hazards.   
• The Administration on Aging (AoA) recently posted an Excel Workbook with the 2006 population estimates for the older population of each county in the US from the latest Census Bureau population estimates. There is also a second workbook (in both zipped and unzipped formats) with more detailed data including race and ethnicity.
• The Medicare Rights Center is providing a FREE educational web seminar, for both beginners and experts about Medicare Part D in preparation for the Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP).  They also have a PowerPoint presentation. 
• The Center for Health Care Strategies has released a report, “The Faces of Medicaid II: Recognizing the Care Needs of People with Multiple Chronic Conditions.”
• Fifteen consumer and senior advocacy groups announced the formation of the Assisted Living Consumer Alliance to advocate for stronger consumer protections and rights for assisted living residents.  State specific information is also available.  

Just For Fun
Watch out Billy Joel, there’s another “piano man” from New York. Paul Gordon is a 92 year old man who plays jazz on his home made piano and tells how he made it on YouTube. Mr. Gordon is now a resident of a nursing home, but at the time of the recording he was housebound and asked someone who delivered meals to his home to make the recording. He said, “…I would like to leave something around after I’m gone.” 

CARIE News 
CARIE wants to wish Mayra Palencia all the best as she leaves CARIE to become director of the National Association for Hispanic Elders’ Proyecto Ayuda in Philadelphia. Thanks Mayra for your years of service at CARIE and for your dedication to the older Latino population of Philadelphia. CARIE now has an opening for a part time bilingual advocate. Click here for the job description, educational requirements and how to apply.

The United Way has begun its workplace campaign. CARIE appreciates all donations and requests that you please consider designating some or all of your United Way donation to CARIE. CARIE’s Donor ID # is 1885.

November Meeting Cancellation
Please be advised the November meeting of the Dorothy S. Washburn Legislative Committee meeting is cancelled! LaSalle’s Nonprofit Center will be conducting a workshop at CARIE on November 1, 2007. There is an $85 fee for the workshop, “The Art and Science of Effective Hiring,” and registration must go through LaSalle. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions..
Thank you, 
Diane A. Menio, Executive Director