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June 21,2016

Take Action: Tell Your Congressperson to Save State Health Insurance Assistance Programs

The Senate Appropriations Committee recently passed a Senate Labor-HHS measure which would eliminate State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP).  SHIPs provide millions of people with support comparing coverage options, appealing denials, applying for financial assistance and navigating complex Medicare benefits.  The House Labor-HHS Appropriations Committee hasn't finalized their spending plan, but may do so after July 4th.  Take action now to ensure that the House does not follow the Senate's lead and remove SHIPs.  Tell your member of Congres to oppose the Senate Appropriations Committee's SHIP funding recommendation!  Fill out this easy-to-use form from n4a and Medicare Rights Center to help save this vital program.  For more background on SHIPs, click here.

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Reminder: Nominations for Leadership Awards Due July 8th

Are you looking for a way to recognize a long-term care consumer, long-term care ombudsman, family caregiver, citizen advocate, or another individual for their advocacy on behalf of long-term care consumers? We encourage you to nominate individuals that are dedicated to quality long-term care, raising the voice of consumers, and have made significant contributions to improving the lives of long-term care consumers.

Based on your nominations, Consumer Voice will recognize people who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of long-term care consumers.


Scott Bartlett, Ombudsman, Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, Colorado receiving the Howard Hinds Memorial Award at the 2015 Consumer Voice Annual Conference


Visit our website for additional information about the awards and nomination process.

There are 3 easy steps to submit a nomination!

  1. Review the award categories and criteria.
  2. Complete the nomination form via SurveyMonkey.
  3. Submit a letter of recommendation.

Individuals and organizations may nominate people for an award.

Awards will be presented at our 40th Annual Conference, November 2-5, 2016, in Arlington, Virginia.  Email info@theconsumervoice.org if you have any questions.
Nominations are due by Friday, July 8.

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NCALL Releases Report and Videos on a Framework for Advocates Working with Older Survivors of Abuse

The National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) has released a report entitled "Working with Older Survivors of Abuse: A Framework for Advocates". This summary report describes seven guiding principles with minimum guidelines and practical strategies for advocates to consider when working with older survivors. Hyperlinks to 34 video segments of experts discussing key content are interspersed throughout the document.  This report is the first product that NCALL is releasing as part of a larger toolkit.  Throughout the next year, NCALL will release a workbook and training modules on various topics to support the work of local domestic violence and sexual assault advocates.  Read the report and watch the videos at www.ncall.us.

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Justice in Aging Webinar on Medicaid Managed Care Changes

Justice in Aging is holding a webinar on Thursday, June 30th at 2:00pm ET, "What You Need to Know About Medicaid Managed Care Changes."  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized the regulations for Medicaid Managed Care.  These new rules become effective in stages with the first round of changes taking effect on July 5. Over 70 regulations will become effective on that date, including the regulations governing important issues such as enrollment, disenrollment, requirements for long-term services and supports, enrollee rights, and grievance and appeal systems.  The webinar will discuss the key provisions that go live on July 5, and the discussion will include a brief overview of the rule, along with a more detailed focus on the practical implications of the newly-effective regulations.  Read the Justice in Aging blog for more information about the final regulation. Register for the webinar here.

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ACL-CMS Follow-up on Tennessee Statewide Transition Plan

CMS and the Administration on Community Living are providing a follow-up webinar to the discussion on the Tennessee Statewide Transition Plan approval.  The webinar will provide a follow-up national Q&A session on HCBS implementation and Tennessee's statewide transition plan.   Attend the webinar Monday, June 27th at 2:00pm ET. 

Use this link; meeting number: 995 473 050; Password HCBS

Audio Connection 2027742300 Access code: 995 473 050

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Spotlight on Educational Resources

The Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) have a multitude of resources available online covering a wide range of long-term care topics.  Visit the Consumer Voice website and the NORC website to explore all the available resources.  Take a look at this week's highlighted resource:

Registering to Vote for Consumers of Long-Term Care - The right to vote is a cornerstone in our society.  However, the process of voting can sometimes be complicated and confusing.  This fact sheet is intended to provide information for all long-term care consumers on how to register to vote.

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In this Issue

Take Action: Tell Your Congressperson to Save State Health Insurance Assistance Programs

Reminder: Nominations for Leadership Awards Due July 8th

NCALL Releases Report and Videos on Framework for Advocates Working with Older Survivors of Abuse

Justice in Aging Webinar on Medicaid Managed Care Changes

ACL-CMS Follow-up on Tennessee Statewide Transition Plan


Spotlight on Educational Resources


Combined Federal Campaign

#10552

Thank you for your support!


Residents' Rights Month 2016

Find more information on our website.

Join the Resident's Voice Challenge!


Calendar of Events

Wednesday, June 22: Medicaid Managed Care Rule: Implications for Managed Long-Term Services and Supports, 2:00pm ET, Webinar from the Disability and Aging Collaborative

Monday, June 27: ACL-CMS Follow-up National Q&A Session on HCBS Implementation & Tennessee's Statewide Transition Plan, 2:00pm ET; Meeting number:995 473 050; Password HCBS; Audio Connection 2027742300 Access code: 995 473 050

Thursday, June 30: After the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease: Preparing the Patient and Caregivers, 12:00pm ET, Provider webinar series from CMS Resources for Integrated Care

Thursday, June 30: What You Need to Know About Medicaid Managed Care Changes, 2:00pm ET, Webinar from Justice in Aging

Sunday, July 31: Last day to register for Consumer Voice Annual Conference at early discounted rate

October: My Vote Matters, Residents' Rights Month 2016

November 2-5, 2016: Consumer Voice 40th Annual Conference, Arlington, VA


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Thursday, June 16:
Center for Medicare Advocacy Health Policy Consultants posted an article about how the overuse of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes is a form of elder abuse.

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Thursday, June 16
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Overuse of antipsychotics in skilled nursing facilities is a form of elder abuse


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About The Voice

The Voice is a weekly e-newsletter, published by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. If you do not wish to continue receiving this publication, please unsubscribe below. Your contributions and comments are welcome and should be sent to info@theconsumervoice.org. Copyright © 2016.

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Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual. Consumer Voice's mission is to represent consumers at the national level for quality long-term care, services and supports.


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