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News for families planning care
Updates on care costs, Medicare and Medicaid, and aging policy, gathered from sources we trust. Every headline links to the original publisher. We don't write the news, and nothing here is sponsored.
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Residents' Decision-Making Rights in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
Transcript Gelila Selassie: Hi, everyone. Thank you for coming to our webinar today on Residents' Decision-Making Rights in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living. My name is Gelila Selassie. I'm an attorney at Justice in Aging, and I'm joined here by my colleague, Eric Carlson. So just a few logist…
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Statement on Department of Justice’s Proposed Resolution of Texas v. Kennedy (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
On August 31, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with Texas, Florida and Alaska filed a proposed resolution of Texas v. Kennedy. These states challenged the HHS 2024 regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation A…
- Justice in AgingPolicy
From DC: New Public Charge Guidance, Immigration Enforcement Protections, and More (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
In this week's edition: New Public Charge Guidance, Immigration Enforcement Protections, and More. The post From DC: New Public Charge Guidance, Immigration Enforcement Protections, and More appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
5 Questions and Answers About Medicaid and Provider Taxes (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
This issue brief uses data from KFF’s 2025-2026 survey of Medicaid directors and from a proposed rule on provider taxes to describe states’ current provider taxes, explore how rules governing provider taxes are changing because of the 2025 reconciliation law and the regulations implementing that law…
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for Older Adults: A Primer (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
Introduction When asked about where they want to live as they age, almost all older adults say they want to live in their homes and get the services they need in the community as opposed to moving into a nursing facility.[1] Unfortunately, the reality is that many older adults cannot make the choice…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
New Guidance on Public Charge Determinations Does Not Specify Key Concepts, Likely Resulting in Immigrant Families Facing Ongoing Confusion and Fear (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
While the DHS guidance provides more details on public charge determinations under the new rule, it leaves key concepts unspecified and grants substantial discretion to individual immigration officers. This will likely result in ongoing confusion and fear among immigrant families that may deter them…
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Justice in Aging’s Comment on Senate Finance Committee’s RFI on Lowering Drug Prices (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
The post Justice in Aging’s Comment on Senate Finance Committee’s RFI on Lowering Drug Prices appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- Justice in AgingPolicy
From DC: Medicaid Budget Hearing, Medicaid Work Requirements, HUD Funding, and more (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
In this week's edition: Medicaid Budget Hearing, Medicaid Work Requirements, HUD Funding, and more. The post From DC: Medicaid Budget Hearing, Medicaid Work Requirements, HUD Funding, and more appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- KFF Health News · AgingPolicy
My Husband Was Kicked Out of Hospice for Dying Too Slowly (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here’s how to get appropriate care after receiving a terminal diagnosis.
- Justice in AgingPolicyCA
Roadmap to Home Care for All Californians (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
This new resource from Justice in Aging outlines specific policies and investments that can make in-home care for all Californians a reality. The post Roadmap to Home Care for All Californians appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
New Regulation Prohibits Federal Medicaid Funds From Covering Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Young People (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
If states do not provide coverage with state-only dollars and [gender-affirming] care cannot be financed in other ways, thousands of young people could be without a way to access what remains a recommended medical intervention.
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Justice in Aging Comments on New Medicaid Work Requirement Rule (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
The post Justice in Aging Comments on New Medicaid Work Requirement Rule appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- Justice in AgingPolicy
State Medical Billing Protections for Dually Eligible Individuals (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
Federal law protects most dually eligible individuals from getting billed for health care services and items. See Justice in Aging’s Health Care Bills and Dually Eligible Individuals. In addition to federal protections, states have protections against billing Medicaid enrollees. Advocates can use th…
- KFF · Medicare policyPolicy
Medicare’s Proposed Cut to 340B Drug Payments Would Hit Safety-Net Hospitals While Benefiting For-Profit Hospitals (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)
This analysis finds that CMS’s proposed cut to Medicare reimbursement for 340B drugs, and accompanying increase for other outpatient services, would reduce revenues among safety-net hospitals while increasing revenues among for-profit hospitals.
- Justice in AgingPolicy
From DC: DOJ and Olmstead, Nursing Facility Voting Rights, and More (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
In this week's edition: DOJ and Olmstead, Nursing Facility Voting Rights, and More. The post From DC: DOJ and Olmstead, Nursing Facility Voting Rights, and More appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- Justice in AgingPolicyCA
Aging in California: The Data (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
Currently, older adults age 60+ account for 22% of California’s population[1]. By 2030, one-quarter of Californian’s population will be older adults 60+, intensifying the need to invest in the critical programs that support them. Now is the time to take action. Medi-Cal & Medicare[2] Supplementa…
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Home- and Community-Based Services for American Indians and Alaska Natives: Recommendations for Increasing Access and Recognizing Resiliency (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
Acknowledgements and Process Justice in Aging and the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network conducted policy research to increase knowledge about home- and community-based services (HCBS) in Indian Country. Our methods sought to highlight culturally responsive, Tribally-driven services and recommendations…
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Justice in Aging Condemns DHS’s Final Public Charge Rule (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a sweeping final rule on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The rule is scheduled to be published on July 20, 2026 and will be effective 60 after publication. Justice in Aging condemns the final rule as yet another policy in the adm…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
A Closer Look at Deficiencies in Nursing Homes (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
Amid changes to federal oversight of nursing homes during the Trump administration -- including rescinding the nursing home staffing rule issued by the Biden administration, prioritizing inspections that are triggered by complaints over routine inspections, and suspending the deadline to report deta…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Poll: Costs Are the Top Health Care Issue for Voters in the Midterms, But Fraud Tops Republicans' List As Trump Administration Pushes Crackdown (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
Health care costs top the list of voters’ health care priorities for the midterm elections, though more than half of Republican voters say it is extremely important for candidates to discuss the issue of fraud in government health programs, according to a new KFF Health Tracking Poll. Most voters sa…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Views on Fraud in Government Health Programs (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
As the 2026 midterms approach, health care costs remain voters' top health priority, but fraud in government health programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, is resonating with Republican voters, 55% of whom say it's extremely important for candidates to address. Most voters say there is at least “…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Extension Tracker (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
This page tracks recent state actions to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage, including approved and pending 1115 waivers, legislation that will require the state to seek federal approval through a SPA or 1115 waiver, submitted and approved SPAs, and coverage financed solely with state funds.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Medicaid Waiver Tracker: Approved and Pending Section 1115 Waivers by State (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
Section 1115 Medicaid waivers can allow states to test new approaches in Medicaid that differ from what is required by federal law. This page tracks approved and pending waiver provisions (including expansions and restrictions) related to eligibility, benefits, and social determinants of health and…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
988 Enters Its Fourth Year as Demand Grows and the Mental Health and Substance Use Landscape Shifts (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
Data as of March 2026 show that demand for 988 continues to rise, with the volume of calls, texts, and chats 15% higher than a year earlier and nearly 50% higher than two years ago. States are also answering more calls in-state, where counselors are more likely to be familiar with local resources.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
A Look at 1115 Waiver Evaluations for Medicaid Payments to Institutions of Mental Disease (IMD) for Substance Use Disorder (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
As SUD IMD waiver evaluations and renewals are becoming available, states face a shifting Medicaid and policy and waiver landscape. This brief examines findings from the first available summative evaluations for SUD IMD waivers and what they show about progress toward meeting goals and milestones.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Medicaid and the Road Ahead: Spending Cuts, Work Requirements and What's Next for States, Providers and Families (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
On Thursday, July 23 at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 am PT, join KFF and States Newsroom for an event focused on the impacts of work requirements and other federal policy changes on states, health care systems, and the people who rely on Medicaid.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Who Are Direct Care Workers and How Might Federal Policy Changes Impact the Workforce? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
This analysis uses the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) to provide an overview of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the direct care workforce, including home health aides, personal care aides, and nursing assistants who work in nursing facilities, residential care facilities, home…
- KFF · Medicare policyPolicy
The Trump Administration Continues to Advance Incremental Site-Neutral Payment Reforms (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)
The Administration’s proposed changes for certain imaging services would further advance site-neutral payment reform but, like prior changes, are modest relative to more expansive options raised by MedPAC and others.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Medical Frailty and Medicaid Work Requirements: Challenges for People with HIV (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
This analysis examines Medicaid work requirements and the implementation of medical frailty exclusions for people with HIV in light of CMS's implementing regulation.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
How Has Projected Medicaid Spending and Enrollment Changed Since Passage of the 2025 Reconciliation Law? (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
CBO’s latest projections of Medicaid spending and enrollment from February 2026 show how enrollment and spending are expected to change over the next decade, accounting for the historic policy changes and their expected reductions in future federal Medicaid spending, as well as other economic and te…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Medicaid/CHIP Monthly Enrollment Tracker (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
This tracker presents the most recent Medicaid monthly enrollment data.
- KFF · Medicare policyPolicy
Decoding Medicare Advantage Coding Intensity (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)
Federal payments to Medicare Advantage plans, and adjustments for health status, have come under increased scrutiny. This brief answers key questions about coding intensity, recent steps taken by CMS, the effects on beneficiaries, and other proposals to improve payment accuracy.
- KFF · Medicare policyPolicy
Medicare Will Spend More Than $13 Billion on the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Program in 2026 (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)
The Medicare program will spend at least $13 billion on the Medicare Advantage quality bonus program in 2026, as 68% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in a plan that qualifies for higher payments under the program.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
States Sue CMS Over Medicaid Work Requirements Rule, Citing Departure from Earlier Guidance on Medical Frailty (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
Less than a month after CMS released its interim final rule on Medicaid work requirements, 24 states, including DC, sued the Trump administration over its interpretation of the 2025 reconciliation law’s requirements — including most notably the medical frailty exemption.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law Medicaid Work Requirements: Related Resources (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
KFF resources on the Medicaid work requirements in the 2025 Reconcilation law.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law Medicaid Work Requirements: 1115-waivers (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
State-by-state information on Medicaid 1115 work requirement waivers.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements Implementation Questions (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
A list of the implementation questions relating to the Medicaid work requirements in the 2025 Reconciliation law.
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
KFF's interactive tracks key data and policies that will affect how states implement Medicaid work requirements, which are required under the 2025 budget reconciliation law starting in January 2027. The tracker includes state-level data on Medicaid enrollment and renewal outcomes as well as current…
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Tracking Implementation of the 2025 Reconciliation Law: Medicaid Work Requirements Data and Policies (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
Detailed state and national data related to the 2025 Reconciliation Law Medicaid Work Requirements
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
Medicaid Program Integrity: Tracking State-Specific and Nationwide Federal Action (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
This page tracks emerging developments in the federal government’s approach to Medicaid program integrity, along with the implications of those actions for different states.
- Justice in AgingPolicy
Justice in Aging Comment for House Committee on Ways & Means Joint Subcommittee June 10, 2026 Hearing (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
The post Justice in Aging Comment for House Committee on Ways & Means Joint Subcommittee June 10, 2026 Hearing appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- Justice in AgingPolicy
New DOJ Guidance Threatens Community Integration (opens Justice in Aging in a new tab)
Long-standing disability rights protections are under threat. Learn how new DOJ guidance could impact community living, disability rights, and access to essential services and supports. The post New DOJ Guidance Threatens Community Integration appeared first on Justice in Aging .
- KFF · Medicaid policyPolicy
In 30 of the States Implementing Medicaid Work Requirements, Governors Are on the Ballot in November (opens KFF · Medicaid policy in a new tab)
A majority of states subject to new Medicaid work requirements — 30 of 44 — will hold gubernatorial elections this November, and leadership transitions, particularly those involving a change in party, could complicate state implementation of work requirements.
- KFF · Medicare policyPolicy
How Medicare Advantage Rebates Disadvantage Medicare’s Stand-Alone Drug Plan Market (opens KFF · Medicare policy in a new tab)
The private plans that offer the Medicare Part D benefit - stand-alone drug plans and Medicare Advantage drug plans - are increasingly are competing on uneven terms, in part because the payment system for Medicare Advantage plans enables them to lower Part D premiums or reduce Part D cost sharing, m…
- KFF Health News · AgingPolicy
By September, Nearly a Third of Americans Will Live in States With Legal Aid in Dying (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)
Despite widespread support in polls for legalizing aid in dying, the number of people who go through with the practice remains very small.