Policy Corner: March 26, 2021

Lawmakers Release Draft Proposal for HCBS Access Act

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) released a discussion draft of the Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Access Act for stakeholder feedback. The proposal seeks to mandate HCBS in Medicaid to provide critical services, creating national, minimum requirements for home- and community-based services, and make it possible to enhance those services and the long-term care workforce. Click here to read the draft and here for a memo seeking stakeholder input.

To build on the discussion draft, the members of Congress are currently seeking feedback on:

• Provider pay and rate structures of states for HCBS;
• Workforce development including wages and benefits for direct service workers and personal care attendants as well as training and recruitment;
• HCBS infrastructure in states that support family caregivers, provider agencies, and independent providers including housing, transportation, employment, and enrollment systems and processes;
• Other related policies and programs, such as Money Follows the Person and spousal impoverishment protections; and
• Many other critical items to further expansion and improve access to HCBS for those who desire the supports.

Send your written comments and feedback to HCBSComments@aging.senate.gov by April 26.

Sen. Casey Introduces the ABLE Age Adjustment Act

Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.) has introduced the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Age Adjustment Act, S. 331, which would increase the age threshold for tax-favored ABLE accounts from 26 years old to 46 years old. These accounts enable individuals with disabilities to save and pay for disability-related expenses. The higher age threshold will allow individuals who attained a disability before the age of 46 to establish an account.

Lawmakers Circulate “Dear Colleague” Letter to Support BRAIN Initiative

The co-chairs of the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, along with co-chairs of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, are circulating a sign-on letter to the House Appropriations Committee in support of the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative. The BRAIN Initiative holds tremendous promise for our understanding of the brain in order to offer better treatments, prevention, and cures of brain disease, injury, and disorders. Congress invested an unprecedented $560 million into the BRAIN Initiative in Fiscal Year 2021, but continued research requires continued investment.

Senate Aging Committee Holds Hearing on Healthcare for At-Risk Americans

The Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing, “COVID-19 One Year Later: Addressing Health Care Needs for At-Risk Americans,” yesterday. Testifiers included Anthony Jackson, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Roper Saint Francis Healthcare, who spoke on the role of telehealth and the hospital’s goal of maintaining 20% of all visits via telehealth going forward.

Congress Adjourns for Spring Recess

Both the House of Representatives and Senate will be in their home districts the next two weeks. The Senate will return April 9 and the House is to return April 13.

BIAA gratefully acknowledges the Centre for Neuro Skills and Avanir Pharmaceuticals for their support for legislative action. Click here to read past issues of Policy Corner.