Justice in Aging

Join us at our upcoming webinar, Understanding Barriers to Accessing Personal Care Services in California, on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. In this 1-hour webinar, Hagar Dickman will provide an overview of Medi-Cal personal care services and programs, highlight barriers to accessing these services, and recommend policies to improve access for those who need them the most. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gSmyixya

State Medicaid programs are required by federal law to recover costs for certain Medicaid enrollees after they die. Though the implementation of “estate recovery programs” varies by state, one thing is consistent: these programs only recoup a fraction of the costs while wreaking havoc on low-income families and spurring intergenerational poverty. In a recent article highlighting this issue, Natalie Kean explained, "New York State has one of the more aggressive estate recovery processes of all the states in the country...The state is not benefitting from this policy either. They're recouping very little in terms of the percentage of the costs paid out for services." https://lnkd.in/g8h4y32C

Oral health is not covered in Medicare - in fact, it's explicitly excluded except in narrow circumstances. It's far past the time to add a dental benefit to Medicare Part B and ensure that all 67.5 people enrolled in Medicare have access to comprehensive dental. #MouthsInMedicare Read more about how adding a dental benefit to Medicare would address disparities based on race in our Justice in Aging paper: https://lnkd.in/g36Uk_uB

"We increasingly encounter families that want to qualify for Medicaid today that aren't considered the lowest income, but for whom providing and paying for long-term care is making them low income," said Kevin Prindiville, executive director of the group Justice in Aging

Today, on #AgeismAwarenessDay, and every day, we must recognize that ageism does not operate in isolation. Ageism intersects with other forms of prejudice, like classism, racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism. The law is a powerful tool for addressing these disparities and promoting equity. As Denny Chan and Gelila Selassie explain, "Older adults and people with disabilities must have unobstructed, timely, and meaningful access to legal remedies that combat discrimination in real time." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gyZpRu6R

A new proposal announced today aims to improve #Medicare by addressing the gap in home care services that older adults and people with disabilities need to maintain their independence. Kevin Prindiville explains that "adding more robust home care benefits to Medicare is an essential step toward ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities can live independently and without the fear of excessive out-of-pocket costs." Read our full statement: https://lnkd.in/gFe3p7xn

We’re excited to share that Medicare is now covering crucial preventive medication for HIV without high out-of-pocket costs! The new policies ensures that older adults can access life-saving treatments, enhancing their health and quality of life. Let’s continue advocating for policies that support the well-being of our aging population. More information, https://lnkd.in/eEGAgXTk

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to send in their materials by October 4, 2024. 

⏰ Some individuals who receive financial assistance with Medicare Part D medication costs through the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) or what is known as "extra help" will receive notices this month telling them that they will lose eligibility if they do not affirmatively reapply for LIS before January. This could lead to huge costs and disruptions at the pharmacy, so it's really important these individuals reapply for LIS as soon as possible. Read more in our Justice in Aging alert and factsheet. https://lnkd.in/gVtuhAcX

Justice in Aging is hiring! We're looking for a Senior Staff Attorney or Senior Policy Advocate to advance solutions to the housing challenges facing low-income older Californians. This position can be based remotely from anywhere in California. Candidates are encouraged to send in their materials by October 4, 2024.