Policy Corner: April 23, 2021

Senators Introduce Legislation to Permanently Extend Spousal Impoverishment Protections for HCBS Participants

Democratic Senators introduced a bill to permanently authorize spousal impoverishment protections for people eligible for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), S. 1099. Senators sponsoring the measure include Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) A related bill has previously been introduced in the House, H.R. 1717. The purpose is to allow the spouse of the person receiving Medicaid to retain a modest amount of income and assets, which are currently only temporarily authorized for HCBS recipients through 2023.

Monday is the Deadline for Input for HCBS Access Bill

Lawmakers have introduced legislation to mandate home and community-based services (HCBS) for individuals with disabilities and people who are aging as a Medicaid benefit. A discussion draft of the HCBS Access Act was released and feedback from stakeholders has been requested by Monday, April 26. To build on the discussion draft, the offices are currently seeking feedback on:

• Provider pay and rate structures of states for HCBS;
• Workforce development, including but not limited to 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 but not limited to 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 expand and improve access to HCBS for those who desire the supports.

Lawmakers requesting input include Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). You can learn more by reading the discussion draft text and the memo.  Comments should be sent to HCBSComments@aging.senate.gov.

Lawmakers Urge Biden to Support SSI Program Reforms in Infrastructure Plan

Dozens of U.S. Representatives and Senators sent a letter late last week urging the Biden administration to support the inclusion of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program reforms in forthcoming infrastructure proposal known as the American Jobs Plan. SSI is an income support program for older adults and for adults and children with disabilities who have few resources. Approximately 8 million Americans receive SSI benefits, most of whom are non-elderly people with disabilities who possess no other source of income. Among the recommendations, the lawmakers urge that the president support:

• Raising benefit levels above the federal poverty line;
• Increasing the SSI asset limit and index it to inflation going forward;
• Updating income exclusions and index them to inflation going forward; and
• Eliminating the marriage penalty and in-kind maintenance and support rules that reduce benefits for those who receive shelter, meals, and groceries from family or friends.

Neuroscience Caucus to Hold Briefing on COVID-19: PTSD Among Healthcare Workers

The Neuroscience Caucus will hold a virtual briefing April 28 on “COVID-19: PTSD Among Healthcare Workers” to examine the critical need to address the psychological impact of COVID-19 on our essential healthcare workers. It has been consistently shown that a high proportion of healthcare workers are at greater risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The American Brain Coalition is assisting with the Briefing which will be held at 12 p.m. ET.  Click here to register for the virtual briefing.

ACL TBI Tuesday Webinar Recordings Are Available

If you missed the “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Tuesday” webinars sponsored by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the recordings and materials are now available for viewing on the ACL website. The webinar recordings include:

• Outreach to All: Brain Injury within Underserved Populations
• Sustainable Partnerships: Forging Relationships That Last
• Return to Learn: Equal Access to Education for Students with Brain Injury
• Justice for All: Serving Individuals with Brain Injury Across the Justice System
• Maximizing the Effectiveness of Advisory Boards Through Full Participation

ACL hosted these webinars to promote March as Brain Injury Awareness Month and features the work of state grantees that participated in the ACL State Partnership Program. Click here to view the TBI Tuesdays Webinar Series.

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.