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July 2009 Policy Update
Peter Notarstefano
Medicare Adult Day Services Bill Introduced. The Medicare Adult Day Services Act of 2009 would add adult day services as a provider of post- acute care under Medicare. Just introduced by Representative Linda Sánchez (CA-39), it now needs more co-sponsors to move it forward in the House. This legislation allows Medicare beneficiaries to use adult day service programs that are certified, licensed, or accredited under an approved accreditation agency to provide post-acute services under Medicare. NADSA and the members of the Medicare Adult Day Services task force are meeting with members of Congress to obtain support for this important legislation. The legislation has been referred to the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees. CBO Shows Long-Term Services and Supports Reform is Affordable.The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scoring of the CLASS Act provisions of the Health Care reform bill found that a national insurance trust for supportive services is affordable for average Americans, and it does not drain government resources. This provision would enable older adults and persons with disabilities who had paid into the national insurance trust to receive $50 to $100 per day toward the payment of long-term services and supports, such as adult day services. Project 2020 Act Introduced. Project 2020: Building on the Promise of Home and Community-Based Services Act has been introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Representatives Bruce L. Braley (D-IA) and John Sarbanes (D-MD). This legislation embraces three proven strategies as requirements for infrastructure development and participation in this program. The key elements of the approach include: - Person-Centered Access to Information: Services would be made available to help older adults obtain counseling and assistance regarding long-term care services and supports, such as adult day services.
- Evidence-Based Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Scientifically-proven wellness programs for seniors would be provided through Area Agencies on Aging.
- Enhanced Nursing Home Diversion Services: Specific care plans targeted at allowing lower-income individuals to stay in the community and stay off Medicaid.
For more information, contact Peter Notarstefano at pnotarstefano@aahsa.org.
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