From DC is Justice in Growing older’s weekly roundup of nationwide information and assets about points impacting older adults. To obtain From DC in your inbox as quickly as its revealed, join our mailing record.
Right here’s what we’re watching in Washington:
Lawsuits Problem HUD’s Cuts to Homelessness Funding for Everlasting Housing
Two federal lawsuits have been lately filed to problem the Division of Housing and City Growth (HUD)’s plan to radically undermine the nation’s largest homeless help program.
HUD is pushing to slash funding for everlasting supportive housing (PSH) in its Continuum of Care (CoC) program to shift funds to non permanent and fewer efficient types of help. These cuts may take away housing for greater than 170,000 previously homeless individuals in PSH, most of whom are older adults and other people with disabilities.
One lawsuit was filed by a coalition of 20 states, whereas the second was filed by a coalition of advocacy teams and native governments. The lawsuits search to dam HUD’s lately launched CoC Discover of Funding Alternative (NOFO), which incorporates the deep cuts to PSH and different dangerous modifications.
Though litigation is pending, Congress can act now to guard PSH and CoC funding for subsequent 12 months. Learn extra in our weblog, and urge Congress in the present day to avoid wasting PSH for older adults.
This week, the Senate Particular Committee on Growing older held a listening to on the very important function of neighborhood dwelling for older adults and other people with disabilities.
Witnesses highlighted how Medicaid Residence-and Neighborhood-Primarily based Companies (HCBS), Facilities for Unbiased Dwelling (CILs), inexpensive and accessible housing, and household caregivers allow people to stay of their houses, pursue schooling or employment, and keep related to household and pals.
The witnesses additionally mentioned the limitations and gaps to accessing these packages and the way cuts to Medicaid and different packages will make it more durable for older adults and other people with disabilities to stay at house.
Older adults and others who depend on HCBS and different packages are invited to share their tales with the Growing older Committee by emailing hcbs@growing old.senate.gov with a Phrase or PDF attachment by shut of enterprise Monday, December 8. Please observe that submissions will probably be added to the congressional document as a part of the listening to.
CMS Points 2027 Medicare Benefit and Half D Proposed Rule
On November 25, CMS revealed the 2027 Medicare Benefit and Half D (MAPD) proposed rule, which addresses twin eligible particular wants plans (D-SNPs) amongst different matters and consists of a number of requests for info (RFI).
Feedback and responses are due January 26, 2026. Justice in Growing older will probably be offering evaluation and assets for advocates to remark within the coming weeks.
CMS Seeks to Reverse Nursing Facility Staffing Minimums
The Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Companies (CMS) revealed formal discover of its intent to amend its laws to eradicate nursing facility staffing minimums efficient February 2, 2026.
These laws, which included numerical requirements for nurse aides and general nursing staffing and a 24/7 requirement for registered nurses, had been scheduled to take impact in Could 2026.
In July, Congress enacted a 10-year moratorium on enforcement of the minimal staffing requirements as a part of the Finances Reconciliation Act (H.R. 1), and now CMS is repealing them fully. Feedback on the repeal of the requirements are due by February 2, 2026.
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