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AoA
eNews
July 2004
  Message
from the Assistant Secretary: Medicare Modernization Education
and Outreach
The Medicare-approved Discount Drug Card and
Transitional Assistance Credit Program was enacted into law on
December 8, 2003, as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Medicare beneficiaries,
except for those who have Medicaid drug coverage, now have the
opportunity to enroll in a Medicare-approved discount drug card
program which can help to lower their prescription drug costs.
The Aging Network is in the forefront in educating older persons,
their families and persons with disabilities about benefits and
services available to them through this program. That is why
I am pleased to announce a joint CMS/AoA nationwide outreach
and education campaign to help Medicare beneficiaries learn about
and enroll in the new Medicare-approved discount drug card and
transitional assistance credit program. As part of this effort,
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Administration
on Aging are making funds available to community-based organizations
to support outreach, education and enrollment activities targeted
specifically at low-income beneficiaries. To learn more about
this initiative, go to www.aoa.gov.
I strongly encourage all eligible organizations to apply for
funds under this program. Each of us in the network has an important
role to play in educating seniors and providing information to
them to enroll in the program. Seniors and persons with disabilities
need to take advantage of the real savings and assistance that
is available to them now.
Josefina G. Carbonell
Executive Order on
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
In honor of the upcoming fourteenth anniversary
of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is Monday,
July 26, 2004, the President signed an executive order regarding
emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. The President
realizes that individuals with disabilities may require special plans
during times of emergency and this Executive Order emphasizes the
importance of implementing emergency preparedness plans that accommodate
individuals with disabilities. The Executive Order also establishes
the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and
Individuals with Disabilities that will help agencies and private
individuals and organizations take into account the unique needs
of individuals with disabilities in their emergency preparedness
planning. In February 2001, the President announced his New Freedom
Initiative - a comprehensive program to promote the full participation
of people with disabilities in all areas of society by increasing
access to assistive and universally designed technologies, expanding
educational and employment opportunities, and promoting increased
access into daily community life. For more information on the New
Freedom Initiative and a 2004 New Freedom Initiative progress report,
go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/ (Off
Site)
HHS Announces Revised Medicare
Obesity Coverage Policy
On July 15 HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced
a new Medicare coverage policy that would remove barriers to covering
anti-obesity interventions if scientific and medical evidence demonstrate
their effectiveness in improving Medicare beneficiaries' health outcomes.
The new policy from HHS' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
removes language in the Medicare Coverage Issues Manual stating that
obesity is not an illness. This step allows members of the public
to request that Medicare review medical evidence to determine whether
specific treatments related to obesity would be covered by Medicare.
For more information go to: http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040715.html
White House Conference on Aging
to be held October 23-26, 2005
On July 14, the Policy Committee for the 2005
Conference White House Conference on Aging chose the date and location
for the first White House Conference on Aging of the 21st Century.
The White House Conference on Aging will be held October 23 – 26,
2005 in Washington, DC. The Policy Committee Chair Dorcas R. Hardy
urged the Committee to look at aging in terms of today and tomorrow.
The Policy Committee, required by the Older Americans Act Amendments
of 2000, which authorized the 2005 White House Conference on Aging,
is responsible for the planning and implementation of the 2005 Conference.
The Committee will meet regularly to make decisions on theme, delegate
selection, pre-conference events, topic areas and the general direction
of the Conference. For a list of Policy Committee members appointed
for the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, please visit: http://www.aoa.gov/press/news/2004/06_Jun/WHCOA_policy_members.pdf
AoA News
Policy and Program Updates
Of Interest
The Assistant Secretary Speaks
at LULAC Convention
The Assistant Secretary
participated in a panel discussion on Healthy Aging at the 75th
Annual The League of
United Latin American Citizens
National Convention Center & Exposition on July 8, 20004 in
San Antonio Texas. She spoke about the AoA prevention agenda including
several new national initiatives that have been launched to help
older people including Latino elders to remain active and healthy.
The LULAC National Convention & Exposition, Celebrating Our
Legacy: Defining Our Future, was held from July 6 through July
11, 2004.
As the premier Hispanic convention, the LULAC National Convention
draws over 9,000 people each year including the top leaders from
government, business, and the Hispanic community. Founded in 1929,
the League of United Latin American Citizens is the nation's oldest
and largest Hispanic organization. With thousands of members organized
into more than 700 LULAC Councils in virtually every state of the
nation and in Puerto Rico, LULAC has tremendous outreach into the
Hispanic community. With a rich history of advocacy in civil rights,
education, economic development, immigration and equal opportunity,
LULAC is uniquely positioned to lead the Hispanic community into
the next millennium. For a copy of the Assistant Secretary’s speech.
For more information go to: www.LULAC.org. (Off
Site)
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Medicare to Extend Access to Certain Drugs
for Beneficiaries with Serious and Chronic Illnesses
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced a new
Medicare demonstration program on June 24 that will save seniors
and persons with disabilities
substantial money on the life-enhancing medicines they take for serious
diseases. Drugs for treatment of such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis,
multiple sclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, and a variety of cancers
will be included in the demonstration. The demonstration program,
created as part of the Medicare Modernization Act, will extend Medicare
coverage to prescription medicines that can be self-administered
rather than administered by a health care provider. The demonstration
will help up to 50,000 beneficiaries with serious illnesses who do
not have comprehensive prescription drug coverage today. The initiative,
known as the Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration, was mandated
under Section 641 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement,
and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). As set by Congress, enrollment
in the demonstration will be open to 50,000 people and total spending
on the covered drugs will be up to $500 million. Under this initiative,
Medicare will pay for certain drugs and biologicals that can be taken
by the patient at home and that replace drugs which are currently
covered under Medicare Part B when given in a doctor’s office.
In addition, newer, more effective medications that replace some
currently covered oral anti-cancer drugs will be covered. For more
information go to: http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040624.html.
(Off Site)
Secretary Thompson Announces $4 Million in Grants for Prevention
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced continuation grants totaling
over $4 million in prevention programs for minority groups and
community organizations to support projects targeted at reducing
the risk of disease and disability among the elderly on June
2. The announcement was made at the Summit on Obesity gathering in
Williamsburg, VA. The summit, sponsored by Time and ABC News,
brings
together individuals representing diverse fields of expertise
and diverse constituencies, including policy-makers, food industry
leaders, pediatricians, nutritionists, educators, school administrators,
urban planners, geneticists, psychologists, cardiologists, developers,
insurers, the media and others who can be part of the solution.
The grant announcement enhances the HHS goals in the "Blueprint
for Action" to reduce and prevent chronic diseases. The Blueprint
outlines steps that individuals, groups, communities and other
organizations can take to help improve the overall health of Americans.
The Blueprint is available at http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/blueprint/.
For more information go to: http://www.aoa.gov/press/pr/2004/04_Jun/06_02_04_pf.asp.
N4A July Conference addressed Changing the Way We Do Business
More than 600 people attended the National Association Area Agencies
on Aging’s 29th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Atlanta,
Georgia, July 11-14, 2004 entitled, “changing the way we do
business.” Medicare prescription drugs, healthy aging, caregiving,
housing, transportation, aging in place, health disparities, business
partnerships, data collection and outcomes were among the many topics
featured at the conference. The meeting offered motivational and
insightful keynote speakers, workshops sessions that addressed cutting
edge issues and innovations, new Aging Showcase sessions, and networking
opportunities with colleagues and national champions in the aging
field. This event brought the Aging Network together to change the
way we do business and meet the challenges of the future. The Assistant
Secretary discussed this topic during a general session on Monday,
July 12, 2004. To review the Assistant Secretary’s remarks
visit: http://www.aoa.gov/press/speeches/2004/07_Jul/speeches_archive_07_12_04.asp.
Community Awards Program To Support Healthy People 2010 Vision Objectives
The National Eye Institute (NEI), through
its support contractor Social & Health Services, Ltd., (SHS),
is pleased to announce the 2005 round of the Healthy Vision Community
Awards Program.
This program provides funding for the implementation of health
education activities that support the Healthy Vision 2010 objectives
and the Healthy People 2010 goals to reduce health disparities
and improve quality of life. The focus of the 2005 awards are 28-5
Reduce visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy; 28-6 Reduce
visual impairment due to glaucoma, 28-8 Reduce occupational eye
injury, 28-9 Increase the use of appropriate personal protective
eyewear in recreational activities and hazardous situations around
the home; and 28-10 Increase the use of rehabilitation services
and adaptive devices by persons with visual impairments. Nonprofit
organizations, including but not limited to community-based organizations
and groups, minority-based organizations, schools, faith-based
organizations, civic and fraternal groups, and State and local
health departments and agencies may apply. Universities and university-affiliations,
such as medical centers, are precluded from receiving an award
directly, but are welcome as collaborators with community-based
organizations. Each award is worth up to $10,000 per year. Applications
must be postmarked by Tuesday, August 31, 2004; awards will be
announced in December, 2004. Application forms and program information
are available at www.healthyvision2010.org/funding or by contacting
SHS staff. If you have questions about the application package
(new and renewal) or eligibility requirements, you can call or
e-mail your request to: Jan Kelley, jkelley@shs.net, 240-747-4756
or Saundra A. Townsend, stownsend@shs.net, 240-4-747-4757.
New National Multicultural Diabetes Prevention Campaign Goes on
the Road
Starting this summer, the National Diabetes Education Program will
take its “Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent type 2 Diabetes.” campaign
on the road when they visit team members from each audience who are
taking real steps to prevent diabetes. Each road show venue will
highlight the team members efforts to prevent diabetes in their community.
This campaign is the first national multicultural diabetes prevention
campaign. The first session was held at the National Council of La
Raza's annual meeting in Phoenix on June 29 to talk about Prevengamos
la diabetes tipo 2. Paso a Paso (Let's prevent type 2 diabetes. Step
by Step). Over the next four months, the NDEP plans to launch each
campaign in four cities including Philadelphia, PA; Ada, OK; San
Diego, CA; and Jacksonville, FL. If you are interested in attending
any of these "road shows", please contact TaWanna Berry,
Deputy Director of NDEP at NIH, at TaWanna_Berry@nih.gov or 301-451-5988
or fax 301-496-7422. New diabetes prevention materials also are available
on the NDEP website at www.ndep.nih.gov.
USDA Calls for Comments on Food Guide Pyramid
The Food Guide Pyramid is the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s
current food guide and an educational tool that interprets the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. USDA has initiated a review and update
of the Pyramid in consultation with HHS. A Federal Register notice
of July 13, 2004 announced a proposed food guidance system for the
food guide’s graphic presentation and education materials.
Written and oral comments are being solicited including ideas for
a new food guide graphic. A public meeting will be held on August
19, 2004 for public input. Written comments on this topic also are
welcome. For a copy of the federal register notice go to: http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=44896212339+1+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve.
Older Americans 2004: Key
Indicators of Well-Being coming this Fall
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
will release an updated and expanded report on the key indicators
of well-being for older
adults this fall. It provides data on several important areas in
the lives of older people—population, economics, health status,
health risks, and behaviors, and health care. Sign up to receive
a copy of Older Americans 2004: Key Indicators of Well-Being by visiting
Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics’ Web
site, www.agingstats.gov (Off
Site). For
more information about Older Americans 2004 or the Forum, contact
Kristen Robinson by e-mail at kgr4@cdc.gov or by phone at (301) 458-4460.
Abstracts Due for National Diabetes Education Program Partnership
Meeting
The NDEP 2004 Partnership Network is now accepting abstracts for
presentation at the NDEP 2004 Partnership Network Meeting to be held
December 7-8, 2004 at the Sheraton Colony Square Midtown Hotel in
Atlanta, Georgia. The theme of the meeting is “Linking Hands
Linking Partnerships, LINKS: Learn to Implement NDEP’s Knowledge
and Successes.” Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, August
27, 2004. Please e-mail your abstract to Roberto Noriega at rnoriega@air.org.
If you need assistance in writing your abstract, please contact Roberto
at 301-592-2139.
NCOA Highlights Physical Activity Best Practices
The National Council on the Aging has published a brochure, Best
Practices in Physical Activity that highlights 10 best practices
in physical activity for older adults. This brochure is designed
for professionals and provides information about developing, implementing,
and sustaining successful community-based programs. To access this
publication go to: http://www.ncoa.org/attachments/HABrch%2Epdf.
Study Shows Providing Care for Another Adult a Second Job for Many
There are far more Americans holding “second jobs” as
family caregivers than either employers, or the federal government
are aware of – and this “second job” could pose
long-term problems for both. A survey conducted for the National
Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, funded by MetLife Foundation,
estimates there are 44.4 million caregivers who provide unpaid
care to another adult. Almost six in ten (59%) of these caregivers
either work or have worked while providing care. And 62 percent
have had to make some adjustments to their work life, from reporting
late to work to giving up work entirely. And, it’s not just
women, as some people might think. Almost four in ten (39%) caregivers
are men, and 60% of them are working full-time. Our study shows
a significant proportion of male caregivers. This is just not just
an issue for women, but for everyone. The study entitled “Caregiving
in the U.S.” was conducted to update and expand our knowledge
about the activities caregivers say they perform, the perceived
impact of caregiving on their daily lives, and the unmet needs
of this population. Caregivers are people age 18 and older who
help another person age 18 and older with at least one of thirteen
tasks that caregivers commonly do on an unpaid basis. These activities
range from helping another manage finances, shop for groceries,
or do housework to helping another get in and out of beds or chairs,
get dressed, get to and from the toilet, bathe or shower, or eat.
For more information visit: www.caregiving.org.
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