The Legislative Update for January 22, 2016 This E-Mail Is Provided As a Courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

Welcome to the Legislative Update for January 22, 2016 This e-mail is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non-partisan in nature. Thank you for your interest! *********************************************** 52nd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session opened on Monday, January 11, 2016 The Governor delivered his second State of the State Address which can be viewed HERE.

A list of the members of the House of Representatives and Senate can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links: Members of the House Members of the Senate

Standing Committees (Be sure to click on the committee to view the members as well as any posted meeting agendas or minutes for the committee.) *********************************************** Schedules Arizona State Legislature ALIS Today calendar HERE House Weekly Schedule Senate 2016 Committee Schedule List HERE *********************************************** Deadlines Senate 2016 Session Timeline You can watch Live Proceedings at: http://azleg.granicus.com/Mediaplayer.php?publish_id=5

Tuesday was the last day for Senate members to submit bill requests to the Legislative Council. Monday, 1/25 is the last day for House members to submit bill requests to Legislative Council. *********************************************** Summary of Action As of day twelve, 800 bills posted, none passed, none signed, 65 memorials or resolutions posted; none passed. Note: some of these bills may be of interest to older Arizonans and will be tracked by the Council on Aging and appear on the Legislative Update web report. Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that is likely to be of interest to or have an impact on older Arizonans.

FULL List click HERE

Note: the FULL List web report provides you with the current status and upcoming hearing information about the bills being tracked by the Council and is available and updated on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This list will continue to be edited and updated as we have an opportunity to review the bills throughout the session. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times.

Tracking List Highlights (Summaries provided by Arizona Capitol Times)

HB2178: Arizona silver-haired legislature Establishes the Arizona Silver Haired Legislature, a nonpartisan panel consisting of Arizona citizens who are at least 60 years of age and who are elected by their peers, to identify and discuss policy issues and annually submit its recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. The panel terminates on July 1, 2024. Appropriates $60,000 from the general fund in FY2016-17 to the Arizona Silver Haired Legislature. 1/21 referred to the House Government & Higher Education Committee

HB2179: critical health information; emergency responders Municipalities and counties are authorized to establish by ordinance a program to provide “emergency responders” (defined) with critical health information about program participants so that emergency responders may aid program participants who are involved in motor vehicle emergencies and accidents and who are unable to communicate. Program requirements are specified and program participants may be charged a nominal fee for program costs. 1/21 referred to the House Transportation& Infrastructure; Health Committees

HB2329: appropriation; veterans’ services; veterans’ home Appropriates $10 million from the general fund in FY2016-17 to the Department of Veterans’ Services for distribution to the City of Flagstaff for construction of a veterans’ home in Flagstaff. 1/21 referred to the House Military Affairs& Public Safety Committee

SB1169: mental health power of attorney Text provided HERE 1/20 referred to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee

SCR1005: rights of caregivers; recognition Text provided HERE 1/20 referred to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee *********************************************** Executive Budget Governor Ducey released the FY 2017 Executive Budget on Friday, January 15, 2016. The press release is provided HERE and a link to the Executive Budget Summary is found HERE. The Governor’s recommendations include $3 million to improve Adult Protective Services casework efficiency and reduce investigator caseload; reinstate the ALTCS adult preventive dental benefit for the developmentally disabled; restore preventive dental benefits for elderly and physically disabled ALTCS patients. Other fiscal news

From the Joint Legislative Budget Committee/JLBC JLBC - Monthly Fiscal Highlights January (1/20/16) provided HERE reports “For FY 2017, with General Fund revenues of $10.0 billion and spending of $9.37 billon, the budget has a projected FY 2017 cash balance of $625 million.”

JLBC Baseline – Executive Comparison is found HERE

Tracking Arizona’s Recovery January 2016 HERE *********************************************** Share your thoughts! If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you can voice your opinions by contacting the:

 Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520-628- 6580 in Tucson and in-state roll free at 1-800-253-0883 outside Maricopa County only, or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators? *********************************************** Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here. *********************************************** Other resources on the www.azleg.gov website -

Need to learn more about the legislative process? See Arizona Bill or Bill to Law. Find and review bill text HERE. Learn about the budget process HERE. Research the State Constitution HERE. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions linked HERE. *********************************************** FEDERAL OVERVIEW

S.192 Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 No further action since last Legislative Update was issued.

H.R.22 Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform act of 2015 House Report 114-357 FAST Act provided HERE On 12/4/2015, became Public Law No: 114-94.

H.R.3761 Seniors Deserve A Raise Act Introduced on 10/16/2015 by Representative Alan Grayson (FL-9) The bill requires cost-of-living increases in any benefit under title II (Old-Age, Survivor, or Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act as well as military retirement and survivor benefits by any increase in the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. In addition to any such increase, each such benefit shall be further increased by 2.9% on January 1, 2016, and shall remain in effect every year thereafter. On 11/23/2015 referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.3961 Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2015 Introduced on 11/5/2015 by Representative Peter A. DeFazio (OR-4) To require the establishment of a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers to compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits under titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act. 11/6/2015 referred to Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.4090 Health Care Choices for Seniors Act Introduced on 11/19/2015 by Representative Marsh Blackburn (TN-7) To amend the Social Security Act to improve available to Medicare eligible seniors by permitting them to elect (instead of regular Medicare benefits) to receive a voucher for a health saving account, for premiums for a high deductible health insurance plan, or both and by suspending Medicare late enrollment penalties between ages 65 and 70. On 11/20/2015, referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.4121 Anti-hunger Empowerment Act of 2015 Introduced on 11/19/2015 by Representative Jose E. Serrano (NY-15) To amend the Food and Nutrition act of 2008 to provide greater access to the supplemental nutrition assistance program by reducing duplicative and burdensome administrative requirements, authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to certain community- based nonprofit feeding and anti-hunger groups for the purse of establishing and implementing a Beyond the Soup Kitchen Pilot Program for certain socially and economically disadvantaged populations, and for other purposes. On 12/18/2015, referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition.

S.1719 RAISE Family Caregivers Act Introduced on 12/1/2015 by Senator Susan M. Collins (ME) This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop, maintain, and periodically update a National Family Caregiving Strategy. HHS shall convene a Family Caregiving Advisory Council to advise it on recognizing and supporting family caregivers. Federal departments and agencies must share with HHS any data they maintain that HHS needs to prepare the initial and updated Strategies. On 12/9/2015, referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Related bill: H.R.3099

S.1893 Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2015 Introduced on 7/29/2015 by Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) To reauthorize and improve programs related to mental health and substance use disorders. On 1/5/2016, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Other legislation

H.R.4388 Behavioral Health Care Integration Act of 2016 Introduced on 1/13/2016 by Representative David Loebsack (IA-2) To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a primary and behavioral health care integration grant program. On 1/13/2016, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.4349 Coordinating Crisis Care Act Introduced on 1/7/2016 by Representative Paul Tonko (NY-20) To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an institution for mental diseases bed registry program. On 1/7/2016, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.4273 Medicare and Medicaid Improvements and Adjustments Act of 2015 Introduced on 12/16/2015 by Representative Gene Green (TX-29) To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve payments for hospital outpatient department services and complex rehabilitation technology and to improve program integrity, and for other purposes. On 12/16/2015, referred to the House Ways and Means. Related bill: S.2409

H.R.4212 Community-Based Independence for Seniors Act of 2015 Introduced on 12/10/2015 by Representative Linda T. Sanchez (CA-38) To establish a Community-Based Institutional Special Needs Plan demonstration program to target home and community-based care to eligible Medicare beneficiaries and for other purposes. Text HERE On 12/11/2015 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.4144 Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act Introduced on 12/1/2015 by Representative Tammy Duckworth (IL-8) To provide for a supplementary payment to Social Security beneficiaries, supplemental security income beneficiaries, and recipients of veterans benefits, and for other purposes. On 12/3/2015, referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

H.R.4140 SENIORS Act of 2015 – Saving the Earnings and Noting the Investment of Our Retired Seniors Introduced on 12/1/2015 by Representative Frank C. Guinta (NH-1) The bill expresses the sense of Congress on a cost-of-living increase to Social Security benefits for seniors. On 12/4/2015, referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.

H.R.3091 Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 Introduced on 7/16/2015 by Representative Maxine Waters (CA-43) Amends the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 to revise provisions concerning the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Alert Program to direct the Attorney General: (1) through the Bureau of Justice Assistance and in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services, to award competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in paying for the costs of planning, designing, establishing, and operating locally based, proactive programs to protect and locate missing patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; and (2) in awarding grants, to give preference to national nonprofit organizations that have experience working with patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their families. On 12/15/2015, referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.

S.2425 Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act Introduced on 12/18/2015 by Senator Rob Portman (OH) To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve payments for complex rehabilitation technology and certain radiation therapy services, to ensure flexibility in applying the hardship exception for meaningful use for the 2015 EHR reporting period for 2017 payment adjustments, and for other purposes. Text HERE On 12/28/2015 Became Public Law No: 114-115.

S.2389 Preserve Access to Medicare Rural Home Health Services Act of 2015 Introduced on 12/10/2015 by Senator Susan M. Collins (ME) To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the rural add-on payment in the Medicare home health benefit, and for other purposes. On 12/10/2015, read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. ********************************************** If you want to check on the status of any federal legislation, go to http://beta.congress.gov/ and enter the bill number or title. Check for active federal legislation at this link. *********************************************** Share your opinions with members of Congress! If you are interested in sharing your thoughts or concerns, find out how to contact your Congressional Representatives or Senators by visiting: http://www.house.gov/ for the House or http://www.senate.gov/ for the Senate. Links to the membership lists are provided below. House members Senate members *********************************************** You can contact the White House at this link. ALSO: A compilation of contact information is provided at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml. *********************************************** NEWS & RESOURCES

From Kaiser Health News KHN Webinar: How to Cover Caregiving found HERE Hospitals Step Up To Help Seniors Avoid Falls HERE See KHN coverage of aging and long-term care issues at Aging News posted HERE *********************************************** From National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities/NASUAD Friday Updates, January 22, 2016

Supportive Services Demonstration for Elderly Households in HUD-Assisted Multifamily Housing The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it is making approximately $15 million available to test a promising housing and services model for low-income seniors to age in their own homes and delay or avoid the need for nursing home care.

HUD's Supportive Services Demonstration for Elderly Households in HUD-Assisted Multifamily Housing will offer three-year grants to eligible owners of HUD-assisted senior housing developments to cover the cost of a full-time Enhanced Service Coordinator and a part-time Wellness Nurse. The purpose of the Demonstration is to test the effectiveness of this enhanced supportive services model for elderly households and to evaluate the value of enhanced service coordination paired with affordable housing for seniors. The demonstration will be independently evaluated to determine the impact of the enhanced supportive services model on: Aging in place in HUD-assisted senior developments; avoiding early transitions to institutional care, and; preventing unnecessary and often costly health care events-such as some emergency room visits and hospitalizations-for residents in HUD-assisted senior developments. Grant applications must be submitted electronically by Monday, April 18, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Click here to view the full posting. *********************************************** From the National Council on Aging

Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors HERE FY16 funding deal statement HERE Press release: 5 ways Congress can support seniors HERE Seniors Decide 2016: NCOA Toolkit HERE Winterize to Prevent Falls HERE *********************************************** From the National Alzheimer’s Project Act

Updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/ (Be sure to scroll up and down the page for more information.) *********************************************** From the Administration for Community Living

The theme of Older Americans 2016 in May: Blaze a Trail. For more information, including the evergreen OAM logo, click HERE. *********************************************** In case you missed it… National Center on Caregiving – resources HERE From the Family Caregiver Alliance Fact and Tip Sheets HERE *********************************************** INFORMATION & RESOURCES Arizona Alzheimer’s State Plan – A Framework for Action is provided here.

Profile of Older Arizonans is provided by the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services HERE. *********************************************** 2016 Annual Conference on Successful Aging March 1, 2016, University of Arizona More information: http://psychology.arizona.edu/acosa *********************************************** Chandler Senior Expo Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 9 a.m. to noon More information HERE *********************************************** Writing your Ethical Will Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 9 am to Noon, TMC Senior Services/El Dorado Medical Center, 1400 N. Wilmot Rd, Tucson AZ More information: https://jfcstucson.org/ethical-will/ *********************************************** Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest education conferences: http://www.alz.org/dsw/in_my_community_events.asp *********************************************** Arizona 29th Annual Transit Conference presented by AzTA & ADOT April 10 – 12, 2016, High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff, Arizona More information: http://www.azta.org/ *********************************************** Just in case you're interested Past issues of the Legislative Update are linked on the Council website at: http://govtrans.az.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp *********************************************** You can help circulate resource information. If you would like to submit an educational or public service event for consideration, be sure to send an email with the description and a link or pdf document to: [email protected]. Please note: we try to include resources and events of interest to older Arizonans and aging service advocates and refrain from including fundraising or marketing materials. *********************************************** Enjoy your weekend. Go Arizona Cardinals! ~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for January 29, 2016 This e-mail is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non-partisan in nature. Thank you for your interest!

Note: to get the most from this report, be sure to open the links for the latest news and information.

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52nd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

More than 1,000 bills and 83 memorials or resolutions have been introduced so far this session. The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging is tracking legislation that has the potential to impact older Arizonans. Those bills are featured in the following link. FULL List click HERE.

*********************************************** Schedules House Weekly Schedule Senate 2016 Committee Schedule List HERE *********************************************** Deadlines Senate 2016 Session Timeline Monday, (1/25/2016) was the last day for House members to submit bill requests to the Legislative Council. Monday, (2/1/2016) is the last day for Senate bills to be introduced without special permission.

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Members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links. Members of the House Members of the Senate Standing Committees - this link provides you with a list of the committee members and information on any posted meeting agendas or minutes for that committee.

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You can watch live proceedings at: http://azleg.granicus.com/Mediaplayer.php?publish_id=5.

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Arizona State Legislature ALIS Today calendar HERE

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Summary of Action As of day 19, 1,002 bills have been posted; none have passed or been signed; 83 memorials or resolutions have been posted; none have passed. Note: some of these bills may be of interest to older Arizonans and will be tracked by the Council on Aging and appear on the Legislative Update web report. Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that is likely to be of interest to or have an impact on older Arizonans.

FULL List click HERE

Note: the FULL List web report provides you with the current status and upcoming hearing information on all of the bills being tracked by the Council and is available and updated on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to click on the underlined bill number at Daily History for more information.

This list will continue to be edited and updated as we have an opportunity to get through the bills throughout the session. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times.

If you know of someone who would appreciate having this information, encourage them to subscribe to the Legislative Update by sending a request to [email protected].

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Tracking List Highlights

(Note: full summaries provided by Arizona Capitol Times.)

HB2099: developmental disabilities; terminology; settings 1/26 from House Children and Family Affairs Committee with do pass. Hearing scheduled in House Rules Committee on 2/1 at 1:00 p.m., House Room 4. House Summary 1/25/2016 Caucus Committee of the Whole linked HERE

HB2461: lifespan respite care; program termination The Lifespan Respite Care Program is for primary caregivers of individuals who do not currently receive other publicly funded respite services. Hearing in the House Health Committee on 2/2 at 2:00 p.m., House Room 4.

HB2178: Arizona silver-haired legislature 1/28 from House Government and Higher Education with do pass. Summary - Establishes the Arizona Silver Haired Legislature, a nonpartisan panel consisting of Arizona citizens who are at least 60 years of age and who are elected by their peers, to identify and discuss policy issues and annually submit its recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. Appropriates $60,000 from the general fund in FY2016-17 to the Arizona Silver Haired Legislature.

HB2179: critical health information; emergency responders Hearing scheduled in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on 2/2 at 2:00 p.m., House Room 1. Summary - Municipalities and counties are authorized to establish by ordinance a program to provide “emergency responders” (defined) with critical health information about program participants so that emergency responders may aid program participants who are involved in motor vehicle emergencies and accidents and who are unable to communicate. Program requirements are specified and program participants may be charged a nominal fee for program costs.

HB2238: insurance; identity theft group policies Hearing in the House Rules Committee on 2/1 at 1:00 p.m., House Room 4. Establishes parameters for Identify Theft Group Insurance Policies (ITGIP). House Summary 1/28 Caucus Committee of the Whole linked HERE

HB2329: appropriation; veterans’ services; veterans’ home 1/28 held - House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee Hearing: House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee on 2/4 at 9:00 a.m., House Room 5. Summary - Appropriates $10 million from the general fund in FY2016-17 to the Department of Veterans’ Services for distribution to the City of Flagstaff for construction of a veterans’ home in Flagstaff. 1/21 referred to the House Military Affairs & Public Safety Committee

SB1375: telephone solicitations 1/28 referred to the Senate Commerce and Workforce Development Committee Summary – For the purpose of statutes regulating telephone solicitations, the definition of “telephone solicitation” is modified to mean any voice communication that is to or from a person located in Arizona, instead of to a telephone number in Arizona. A seller or solicitor is prohibited from initiating an outbound telephone solicitation call to any telephone number on the national do-not-call registry, instead of an intrastate call to any telephone number in Arizona. ***********************************************

Fiscal News The Joint Legislative Budget Committee/JLBC 1/26/2016 presentation to the Appropriations Committees is linked HERE . Agency budget presentations are included in the Senate Appropriations Committee meeting on 2/2 at 2:00 p.m. Link to agenda: http://www.azleg.gov/agendas/02020109115.pdf

Comment on the budget proposal Additional regional public budget hearings are being held on Monday, February 1st at the Yuma City Hall Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m. and at the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room in Prescott at 2:30 p.m. See the Governor’s Office press release for more information HERE.

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Share your thoughts!

If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts by contacting the:

 Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520-628- 6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 (outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators?

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Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here.

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Other resources on the www.azleg.gov website -

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UPDATES

S.192 Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 No further action since last Legislative Update was issued.

H.R.22 Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform act of 2015 Introduced on 1/6/2015 by Representative Rodney Davis (IL-13) House Report HERE 12/4/2015 Became Public Law No: 114-94.

S.1719 RAISE Family Caregivers Act Introduced on 12/1/2015 by Senator Susan M. Collins (ME) This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop, maintain, and periodically update a National Family Caregiving Strategy. HHS shall convene a Family Caregiving Advisory Council to advise it on recognizing and supporting family caregivers. Federal departments and agencies must share with HHS any data they maintain that HHS needs to prepare the initial and updated Strategies. On 12/9/15 referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Related bills: H.R.3099 Other legislation

S.524 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 Introduced on 2/12/2015 by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force to develop: (1) best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medication, and (2) a strategy for disseminating such best practices. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Attorney General to make grants On 1/27/2016 - Committee on the Judiciary; hearings held.

S.607 Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Extension Act of 2015 Introduced on 2/27/2015 by Senator Chuck Grassley (IA) This bill amends the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to extend the period of the Medicare rural community hospital demonstration program from 5 to 10 years. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to allow rural community hospitals participating in the demonstration program as of December 30, 2014, to continue during the second five years of the 10-year extension period On 1/25/2016 referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

S.2403 Military Family Stability Act of 2015 Introduced on 12/15/2015 by Senator Roy Blunt (MO) This bill allows a member of the Armed Forces undergoing a permanent change of station and the member's spouse to elect jointly that the spouse may relocate to the new location at the time during the covered relocation period as the member and spouse jointly select. The following families shall be eligible:  the spouse is employed, or enrolled in a degree-, certificate-, or license-granting program, at the beginning of the covered relocation period;  the member and spouse have one or more children in school;  the spouse or children are covered under the Exceptional Family Member Program;  the member and spouse are caring for an immediate family member with a chronic or long-term illness; or  the member is undergoing a permanent change of station as an individual augmentee or other deployment arrangement. Families with other needs may receive exceptions granted by military commanders on a case-by-case basis.

A member undergoing a permanent change of station who has one or more specified dependents and is no longer married to the individual who is or was the parent of such dependents at the beginning of the covered period of relocation may elect that such dependents relocate to the new location as follows:  by the member alone if the former spouse is dead or has no custodial rights, or  by the member and the former spouse jointly in all other circumstances. A member may not make:  more than three elections; or  any election unless the member's period of obligated service, or the time remaining under the member's enlistment contract, at the time of election is at least 24 months. The bill prescribes related housing and housing allowance requirements. Transportation allowances authorized for personal property of a member and spouse may be allocated as the member and spouse select. The Department of Defense shall establish a single application approval process for coverage under this Act which shall apply uniformly among the Armed Forces. On 12/15/2015 read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.2427 Disability Integration Act of 2015 Introduced on 12/18/2015 by Senate Charles E. Schumer (NY) To prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities who need long-term services and supports, and for other purposes. Text HERE On 12/18/2015 read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

H.R.3700 Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015 Introduced on 10/7/2015 by Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) To provide housing opportunities in the United States through modernization of various housing programs, and for other purposes. This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to:  authorize a public housing agency (PHA) to make section 8 low-income rental assistance (voucher) payments to a dwelling unit after an inspection reveals non- life-threatening conditions, but suspend the payments after 30 days if the conditions are not corrected; and  prescribe further requirements for enforcement of housing quality standards. The bill also revises requirements to vary the frequency of otherwise annual reviews of family income for public housing and section 8 programs, depending on certain decreases or increases in annual adjusted income. Text HERE On 1/28/2016 placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 300.

H.R.4362 State Health Flexibility Act of 2016 Introduced on 1/11/2016 by Representative Todd Rokita (IN-4) To amend Social Security Act to replace the Medicaid program and the Children’s Health Insurance program with a block grant to the States, and for other purposes. Text HERE On 1/11/2016 referred to House Appropriations. ***********************************************

Share your opinions with members of Congress!

If you are interested in sharing your thoughts or concerns, find out how to contact your Representatives or Senators by visiting: http://www.house.gov/ for the House or http://www.senate.gov/ for the Senate.

Links to the membership lists are provided below.

House members

Senate members

You can contact the White House at this link.

ALSO: A compilation of contact information is provided at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

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NEWS& RESOURCES

From Kaiser Health News

Rising Obesity Puts Strain on Nursing Homes

Baby Boomers Set Another Trend: More Golden Years in Poorer Health

KHN’s Aging coverage at: http://khn.org/topics/aging/

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From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities/NASUAD

Friday Updates, January 29, 2016

CDC Releases New Elder Abuse Publication The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with a group of elder abuse experts, released a new publication, Elder Abuse Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Core Data Elements. There is no consistent definition of elder abuse or neglect, which makes comparing data from different states and regions very challenging. This paper serves to establish consistent definitions and data elements to make comparing data easier.

The recommendations were created with regard to ACL's National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS).

Click here to view the publication.

Guiding Principles for Sustainability of Age-Friendly Communities Highlights NCI- AD

Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) brought together national and international leaders in the age- friendly movement to explore a variety of issues related to the sustainability of age- friendly communities. In Guiding Principles for Sustainability of Age-Friendly Communities, a framework with five core principles describes strategies and tools useful in this endeavor. The core sustainability principles are 1) building public will; 2) engaging across sectors; 3) utilizing metrics; 4) securing resources; and 5) advancing age-friendly public policies, practice and funding. The National Core Indicators-Aging and Disabilities tool is highlighted as one way that state and local programs can measure the performance of age-friendly work in order to provide meaningful metrics to demonstrate the need for and impact of age-friendly programs.

Click here to access the full report.

(Be sure to note information on the Arizona Age-Friendly Network endorsed by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging.)

Webinar: Recognizing & Remedying Financial Abuse in Medicaid Denials

The National Consumer Law Center, in partnership with Pro Seniors and Justice in Aging, is hosting a webinar on recognizing and remedying elder financial abuse in Medicaid denials. Speakers Jennifer Goldberg, Directing Attorney, Justice in Aging; and Amy Kurlansky, Attorney at Law, Pro Seniors Inc., will cover the topics of power of attorney abuse, breach of fiduciary duties, and Medicaid hardship waiver applications. This webinar is sponsored in part by a grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and is part of the National Legal Resource Center's National Elder Rights Training Project/Elder Abuse Prevention webinar series. The webinar will take place on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET.

Click here to view details and register.

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From the National Eye Institute/NEI

Low Vision Awareness Month 2016: https://nei.nih.gov/nehep/lvam

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From the National Alzheimer’s Project Act - “Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Innovative Dementia Models of Care: Patient-Centered Alternatives to Institutional Extended Care.” http://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/docs/VHA_Innovative_Dementia _Models_of_Care_Sept_2015.pdf.

The report describes a number of innovative programs developed and implemented at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, along with some initial results and lessons learned from the projects.

National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/.

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From the ARCH (Access to Respite Care and Help) National Respite Network and Resource Center

Federal Funding and Support Opportunities for Respite: Building Blocks for Lifespan Respite System November 2015 linked HERE

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Arizona Health-e Connection (AzHeC) and Health Information Network of Arizona (HINAz) have merged. More news HERE

AzHeC website: http://www.azhec.org/

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

In case you missed it last time...

From the ARCH (Access to Respite Care and Help) National Respite Network and Resource Center Federal Funding and Support Opportunities for Respite: Building Blocks for Lifespan Respite System November 2015 linked HERE

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

Family Caregiver Day at the Capitol February 25, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Arizona Capitol Museum, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ Must register by February 23, 2016 online at http://azfamilycaregiverday.eventbrite.com or Call Jantell Cansler at 602-910-8155 or Email: [email protected]

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Arizona Association of Area Agencies on Aging/AZ4A conference May 19-20, 2016, High Country Conference Center, 201 West Butler Avenue, Flagstaff AZ For more information and register online at: www.regonline.com/az4aagingsummit

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If you're interested

Past issues of the Legislative Updates are linked on the Council website at: http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp.

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging summary of input received during the 2015 Senior Action Day cycle is posted HERE.

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Enjoy your weekend!

~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for February 19, 2016 This e-mail is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non-partisan in nature.

Note: to get the most from this report, be sure to open the links throughout this issue for the latest news and information. Thank you for your interest!

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52nd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

The session is moving along quickly; more than 984 actions were filed this week. Four bills have passed; four have been signed. Bills passed and signed this week include SB1428: PSPRS modifications, SB1429: public retirement systems; special election, and SB1525: JTED restoration & reforms. The Governor’s press release related to the signing of the pension reform plan is provided HERE and SB1525 is provided HERE.

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The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging tracks legislation that has the potential to impact older Arizonans. Those bills can be found on the web report provided in the following link. FULL List click HERE (Be sure to click on the bill number for more information including Versions, Amendments, Proposed Amendments, Votes, Fact Sheets and more.)

Tracking List Highlights

SB1196: silver alert; Alzheimer’s disease – includes Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder as a condition to issue a Silver Alert. Recent action: 2/18 passed Senate 29-0; ready for House. Fact sheet HERE

SB1166 service animals; certification; registration; identification - modifies permissions, requirements and penalties regarding service animals. Recent action: 2/16 from Senate Rules Committee with a technical amendment. Fact sheet (2/8) HERE

SB1363: insurance coverage; telemedicine - effective July 1, 2017, expands existing insurance coverage requirements for health care services provided through telemedicine to apply to services received in this state, rather than in a rural region of this state. Recent action: 2/18 passed Senate 29-0; ready for House. Senate engrossed version HERE

SB1375: telephone solicitations - expands the prohibition on telephone solicitation to include all telephone numbers. Recent action: 2/18 passed Senate 29-0; ready for House. Senate engrossed version HERE

SB1441: long-term insurance; rates; premium***Strike everything amendment to SB1441 relating to premiums; rates; long-term care insurance - makes various changes to Arizona’s long-term care insurance laws relating to premium increases by insurers. Recent action: 2/18 from Senate Financial Institutions Committee amended. Hearing: 2/22 at 1:00 pm in Senate Rules Committee, Senate Caucus Rm. 1.

SB1490: transportation funding; task force – an emergency measure that establishes the Surface Transportation Task Force (Task Force) and specifies duties and requirements of the Task Force. Recent action: 2/18 passed Senate 29-0; ready for House. Fact sheet HERE

SB1507: ALTCS; dental services - the list of services that are required to be provided by the ALTCS program contractors to ALTCS members is expanded to include dental services in an annual amount of not more than $1,000 per member. Recent action: 2/17 referred to House Health Committee. Hearing: in Senate Appropriations Committee on 2/23 at 2:00 pm, Senate Rm. 109.

HB2099: developmental disabilities; terminology; settings – makes adjustments to the statues for a person with a developmental disability. Recent action: 2/16 referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee; House engrossed summary (2/8) HERE.

HB2178: Az silver-haired legislature – recent action: 2/17 House Appropriations amended; bill’s introductory version HERE.

HB2179: critical health information; emergency responders – allows a city, town or county to establish a program which provides emergency responders with critical health information about individuals who participate in the program by ordinance. Recent action: House Committee of the Whole approved with amendment #4162 and floor amendment #4413. Passed House 54-3; ready for Senate.

HB2452: cash assistance; eligibility; children – allows an eligible dependent child to receive cash assistance during the period in which the dependent child is in the legal custody of CDS and is placed in unlicensed kinship foster care with a non-parent relative. (includes grandparent). Requires DES to allow cash assistance for an otherwise eligible child who meets one of the following: a. the court has placed the child with a non-parent relative; b. the child’s parents are deceased and the child is living with a non- parent relative; c. a non-parent relative has custody of the child because the child is abandoned. Recent action: 2/18 passed House 57-0; ready for Senate.

HB2461: lifespan respite care; program termination – extends the Lifespan Respite Care Program’s termination date to July 1, 2025. Recent action: 2/18 passed House 54-3; ready for Senate. House engrossed summary HERE

HB2667: dental care; treatment; volunteer care – allows a dental professional whose license or certification in this state is in good standing to donate dental care and treatment services for indigent and needy persons or person living in medically underserved areas of this state. Recent action: 2/17 from House Health Committee do pass; House summary (2/17) HERE

Be sure to open the FULL List link for continuous updates on all the bills being tracked.

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NOTE:

You can watch Live Proceedings at: http://azleg.granicus.com/Mediaplayer.php?publish_id=5

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Arizona State Legislature ALIS Today calendar HERE

Find House agendas HERE

Find Senate agendas HERE

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Schedules

House Weekly Schedule

Senate 2016 Committee Schedule List HERE ***********************************************

Deadlines

Senate 2016 Session Timeline

House Important Deadlines

Today, (2/19) is the last day to hear Senate bills in Senate Committees and last day to hear House bills in House Committees.

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Members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links if you wish to contact them.

Members of the House

Members of the Senate

Standing Committees - this link provides you with a list of the committee members and information on any posted meeting agendas or minutes for that committee.

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Summary of Action

As of day 40, 1,219 bills have been posted; four (4) have passed and been signed; 105 memorials or resolutions have been posted; two (2) have passed. Note: some of these bills may be of interest to older Arizonans and will be tracked by the Council on Aging and appear on the Legislative Update web report. Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that is likely to be of interest to or have an impact on older Arizonans.

FULL List click HERE

Note: the FULL List web report provides you with the current status and upcoming hearing information on all of the bills being tracked by the Council and is available and updated on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This list will continue to be edited and updated throughout the session. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times.

If you know of someone who would appreciate receiving this information, encourage them to subscribe to the Legislative Update by sending a request to [email protected]. ***********************************************

Fiscal News

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee/JLBC Appropriations Committees updated (2/16) presentations found HERE . Tracking Arizona’s Recovery February 2016 (2/18/16) provided HERE.

***********************************************

Share your thoughts!

If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts by contacting the:

 Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520- 628-6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 (outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators?

***********************************************

Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here.

***********************************************

Other resources on the www.azleg.gov website

Need to learn more about the legislative process? See Arizona Bill or Bill to Law.

Find and review bill information HERE.

Learn about the budget process HERE.

Research the State Constitution HERE.

Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions linked HERE.

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FEDERAL OVERVIEW

UPDATES H.R.677

American Heroes COLA Act of 2015

Introduced on 2/3/2015 by Representative Ralph Lee Abraham (LA-5)

Requires that, whenever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

On 2/10/2016, received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

H.R.3700

Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015

Introduced on 10/7/2015 by Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3)

To provide housing opportunities in the United States through modernization of various housing programs, and for other purposes.

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to:

 authorize a public housing agency (PHA) to make section 8 low-income rental assistance (voucher) payments to a dwelling unit after an inspection reveals non- life-threatening conditions, but suspend the payments after 30 days if the conditions are not corrected; and  prescribe further requirements for enforcement of housing quality standards.

The bill also revises requirements to vary the frequency of otherwise annual reviews of family income for public housing and section 8 programs, depending on certain decreases or increases in annual adjusted income.

Text HERE

2/3/2016 received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

H.R.3016

Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act Introduced on 7/9/2015 by Representative Brad R. Wenstrup (OH-2)

VA Provider Equity Act - the bill includes podiatrists within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) definition of physician, and increases their pay grade to match other VA physician compensation.

On 2/10/2016, received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

S.849

Advancing Research for Neurological Diseases Act of 2015

Introduced on 3/24/2015 by Senator Johnny Isakson (GA)

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to: (1) enhance and expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and (2) incorporate information obtained through those activities into a National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that the System facilitates further research on neurological diseases.

Requires HHS to provide for the collection and storage of information on neurological diseases, including the incidence, prevalence, and other information, to the extent practicable.

Requires HHS to: (1) make information and analysis in the System available to federal agencies and to the public, including researchers; and (2) ensure that privacy and security protections applicable to the System are at least as stringent as the protections under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

On 2/9/2016, Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Other legislation

H.R.4569

To amend the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA) to extend and expand the Medicaid community mental health services demonstration program.

Introduced on 2/12/2016 by Representative Doris O. Matsui (CA-6)

Text HERE On 2/12/2016, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.4567

Expand Excellence in Mental Health Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/12/2016 by Representative Leonard Lance (NJ-7)

To increase the number of States that may conduct Medicaid demonstration programs to improve access to community mental health services.

On 2/12/2016, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Related bill: S.2525

H.R.4553

CARE Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/12/2016 by Representative Gregg Harper (MS-3)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify reasonable costs for critical access hospital payments under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

On 2/12/2016 referred to the House Energy and Commerce.

H.R.4551

Keeping our Promise to Seniors Act

Introduced on 2/12/2016 by Representative David Jolly (FL-13)

To require the establishment of a Consumer Price Index for Older Americans to compute cost-of-living increases for monthly insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, and for other purposes.

On 2/12/2016 referred to House Education and the Workforce.

H.R.4546

Safeguarding Social Security Numbers Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/11/2016 by Representative Dennis A. Ross (FL-15)

To require the Commissioner of Social Security to issue uniform standards for the method for truncation of Social Security account numbers in order to protect such numbers from being used in the perpetration of fraud or identity theft and to provide for a prohibition on the display to the general public on the Internet of Social Security account numbers by State and local governments and private entities, and for other purposes.

On 2/11/2016, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.4538

Senior$afe Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/11/2016 by Representative Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-9)

To provide immunity from suit for certain individuals who disclose potential examples of financial exploitation of senior citizens, and for other purposes.

Text HERE

On 2/11/2016 referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

H.R.4499

PROP Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/9/2016 by Representative Alexander Mooney (WV-2)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove consideration of certain pain- related issues from calculations under the Medicare hospital value-based purchasing program, and for other purposes.

On 2/9/2016, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

S.2493

A bill to expand eligibility for hospital care and medical services under section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to include veterans who are age 75 or older, and for other purposes.

Introduced on 2/3/2016 by Senator Bill Cassidy (LA)

The bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to extend hospital and medical services under the Veterans Choice Program to veterans who are 75 years or older.

2/3/2015 read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

*********************************************** Share your opinions with members of Congress!

Links to the membership lists are provided below.

House members

Senate members

You can contact the White House at this link.

ALSO: A compilation of contact information is provided at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

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NEWS& RESOURCES

From Kaiser Health News

KHN’s Aging coverage at: http://khn.org/topics/aging/.

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From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities/NASUAD

Friday Updates, February 19, 2016

Strengthening Low-Income Older Adults & Caregivers

Justice in Aging, with the support of the Albert and Elaine Borchard Center on Law and Aging, released a new paper, Advocacy Starts at Home: Strengthening Low-Income Older Adults and Caregivers. The paper's structure introduces Margaret and her story of being a family caregiver, discusses the problems that result from the strain of poverty on low-income family caregivers and then offers solutions to help support older adults and their caregivers. Accompanying the new paper is a video displaying the challenges that caregivers face in helping their loved ones age at home.

Click here to access the publication. Click here to access the video.

Initial Recommendations to Improve the Financing of Long-Term Care

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), with funding from the SCAN Foundation, published a report offering recommendations to improve the financing of long-term care. The BPC published another report in April 2014 that examined the challenges in financing and delivery. This report is a follow up of those findings that offers recommendations to improve these issues. Included in the report are the challenges of financing long-term care, recommendations to address the needs of at-risk populations, improving the affordability and availability of private LTCI, expanding options at home and in the community for older Americans and people with disabilities, improving access to affordable long-term services and supports (LTSS) for working Americans with disabilities, and addressing the needs of Americans with significant LTSS needs.

Click here to access the publication.

(direct link here: http://www.nasuad.org/sites/nasuad/files/BPC-Health-Long-Term- Care.pdf)

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From the National Council on Aging/NCOA

February 22 – 27 is America Saves Week

NCOA Savvy Saving Seniors toolkits HERE

NCOA outline of Administration budget HERE and NCOA funding table HERE

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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Alzheimer’s website: http://www.alzheimers.gov/

National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/.

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From the Center on Aging & Work at Boston College

“But your mother lives 1200 miles away!” Using flexibility and breaks to support long- distance working caregivers HERE

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PHI (Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute) article regarding proposed legislation in Iowa requires competency testing for dementia care HERE. ***********************************************

INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

AZHHA Healthiest State Event Series, the Arizona Healthcare Innovation Forum, April 21, 2016, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, Black Canyon Conference Center, 9440 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85021

More information HERE

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In case you missed it last time...

Family Caregiver Day at the Capitol

February 25, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Arizona Capitol Museum, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix AZ

Must register by February 23, 2016 online at http://azfamilycaregiverday.eventbrite.com or email: [email protected]

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Arizona Association of Area Agencies on Aging/AZ4A 2016 Aging Summit

May 19-20, 2016, High Country Conference Center, 201 West Butler Avenue, Flagstaff AZ

More information and register online HERE

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If you're interested

Past issues of the Legislative Updates are linked on the Council website at: http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp.

***********************************************

Enjoy your weekend!

~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for March 4, 2016 This e-mail is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non-partisan in nature.

Note: to get the most from this report, be sure to open the links throughout this issue for the latest news and information. Thank you for your interest!

***********************************************

52nd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

More than 1,435 actions were filed since our last issue; however, no additional bills have passed. Both the House and Senate are adjourned until Monday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m.

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The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging tracks legislation that has the potential to impact older Arizonans. Those bills can be found on the FULL List web report provided HERE. (Be sure to view the recent action and scheduled hearings for these bills and click on the bill numbers for more information including bill versions, adopted amendments, proposed amendments, votes, fact sheets and more.)

Highlights from the tracking list

SB1196: silver alert; Alzheimer’s disease – allows a Silver Alert to be issued for a missing person with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. Recent action: 3/3 from House Military Affairs & Public Safety Committee do pass. Hearing on 3/7 in the House Rules Committee at 1:00 p.m., House Rm. 4. House summary HERE

SB1237: commission of Indian affairs; continuation – continues the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs for eight years. Recent action: 3/2 referred to the House Government & High Education Committee. Hearing scheduled on 3/10 at 9:00 a.m. in House Rm. 1.

SB1283: controlled substances prescription monitoring program – requires medical practitioners to obtain a patient utilization report from the controlled substances prescription monitoring program’s central database tracking system before prescribing certain controlled substances and outlines exemptions to this requirement. Recent action: passed Senate 30-0; ready for the House. Senate Fact Sheet (3/3) as passed Committee of the Whole HERE

Note: Governor Ducey established a Substance Abuse Task Force on February 23 to address and reverse the growing epidemic of drug abuse and addiction in Arizona communities.

SB1316: board of trustees; disincorporation; repeal **Strike everything amendment to SB1316 establishes flexible credit loans, regulated by the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and outlines the requirements for licensure, loan plans, interest rates and finance charges. Recent action: 3/1 from House Ways and Means Committee with amendment. Hearing on 3/7 in the House Rules Committee at 1:00 p.m. in House Rm. 4. Adopted amendment HERE

SB1375: telephone solicitations - expands the prohibition on telephone solicitation to include all telephone numbers. Recent action: 3/1 referred to the House Commerce Committee. Hearing scheduled in the House Commerce Committee on 3/9 at 9:30 a.m. in House Rm. 1. Senate engrossed version HERE

SB1441: long-term insurance; rates; premium – makes various changes to Arizona’s long-term care insurance laws relating to premium increases by insurers. Recent action: Passed Senate 23-2; ready for House. Senate adopted amendment HERE

SB1490: transportation funding; task force – an emergency measure that establishes the Surface Transportation Task Force (Task Force) and specifies duties and requirements of the Task Force. Recent action: 2/29 passed House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Hearing scheduled 3/8/16 at 2:00 p.m., House Rm. 1

SB1507: ALTCS; dental services - the list of services that are required to be provided by the ALTCS program contractors to ALTCS members is expanded to include dental services in an annual amount of not more than $1,000 per member. Recent action: 3/3 passed Senate 30-0; ready for the House. Senate engrossed version HERE

HB2099: developmental disabilities; terminology; settings – modifies statutes and terminology relating to the Department of Economic Security’s program for persons with developmental disabilities. Senate fact sheet HERE Hearing in Senate Rules on 3/7 at 1:00 p.m. in the Senate Caucus Rm. 1.

HB2178: Az silver-haired legislature – establishes the Arizona Silver-Haired Legislature. HB2178 amended to remove $60,000 appropriation. Recent action: 3/3 passed House 39-18; ready for Senate. House summary HERE

HB2461: lifespan respite care; program termination – continues the Lifespan Respite Care Program through July 1, 2025. Recent action: 3/3 from Senate Health and Human Services Committee do pass. Senate fact sheet HERE Hearing scheduled on 3/7 in Senate Rules Committee at 1:00PM., Senate Caucus Rm 1.

HB2667: dental care; treatment; volunteer care – prohibits a dental professional who provides services in a private office setting or in a patient’s place of residence to receive any payment or compensation, either direct or indirect, or have the expectation of payment or compensation for any dental care or treatment services provided.. Includes a dental professional’s private office or the patient’s place of residence as a nonprofit clinic for individuals who have been referred by a nonprofit clinic. Recent action: 3/2 Passed House 54-4; ready for Senate.

HB2583: open meetings; audiovisual recordings – requires all public bodies to provide a complete audiovisual recording of all meetings except for executive sessions. Recent action: 2/29 House voted to reconsider in Committee of the Whole (COW) to further amend the bill and third reading. House COW approved with amendment #4383 and floor amendment #4651. FAILED to pass House on reconsideration 23-31.

ALSO: HB2666: governor’s economic opportunity office; consolidation – establishes the Governor’s Economic Opportunity Office (GEOO) and modifies existing agency programs, policies and funds. Prescribes GEOO as the designated office for Arizona’s workforce, employment, education, economic development and labor market information and programs. Recent action: 3/3 House Committee of the Whole approved with amendments. Passed House 33-19; ready for Senate. House engrossed version HERE.

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DON’T FORGET!

You can watch Live Proceedings at: http://azleg.granicus.com/Mediaplayer.php?publish_id=5

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Arizona State Legislature ALIS Today calendar HERE

Find House agendas HERE

Find Senate agendas HERE

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Schedules

House Weekly Schedule

Senate 2016 Committee Schedule List HERE

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Deadlines

Friday, March 18 marks the last day to hear Senate bills in the House Committee and House bills in the Senate committees.

Senate 2016 Session Timeline

House Important Deadlines

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Members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links if you wish to contact them by phone or email.

Members of the House

Members of the Senate

Standing Committees - this link provides you with a list of the committee members and information on any posted meeting agendas or minutes for that committee.

*********************************************** Summary of Action

As of day 54, 1,219 bills have been posted; four (4) have passed and have been signed; 106 memorials or resolutions have been posted; four (4) have passed. Note: some of these bills may be of interest to older Arizonans and will be tracked by the Council on Aging and appear on the Legislative Update web report. Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that is likely to be of interest to or have an impact on older Arizonans.

FULL List click HERE

Note: the FULL List web report provides you with the current status and upcoming hearing information on all of the bills being tracked by the Council and is available and updated on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This list will continue to be edited and updated throughout the session. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times.

If you know of someone who would appreciate receiving this information, encourage them to subscribe to the Legislative Update by sending a request to [email protected].

***********************************************

Fiscal News

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee/JLBC Monthly Fiscal Highlights February 2016 is provided HERE and indicates “Year-to-date, base General Fund revenues are 2.9% above the prior year.”

***********************************************

Share your thoughts!

If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts by contacting the:

 Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520- 628-6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 (outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators?

***********************************************

Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here.

***********************************************

Other resources on the www.azleg.gov website

Need to learn more about the legislative process? See Arizona Bill or Bill to Law.

Find and review bill information HERE.

Learn about the budget process HERE.

Research the State Constitution HERE.

Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions linked HERE.

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FEDERAL OVERVIEW

H.R.4650

Preserving Patient Access to Post-Acute Hospital Care Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/29/2016 by Representative Vern Buchanan (FL-16)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for an extension of certain Medicare long-term care hospital payment rules.

On 2/29/2016, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.4642

Diabetic Eye Disease Prevention Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/26/2016 by Representative Chris Collins (NY-27)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Medicare diabetic eye disease prevention and early treatment demonstration project.

On 2/26/2016 referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.R.4641

To provide for the establishment of an inter-agency task force to review, modify, and update best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medications, and for other purposes.

Introduced on 2/26/2016 by Representative Susan W. Brooks (IN-5)

Text HERE

On 2/26/2016, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.4632

CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/26/2016 by Representative Brad Wenstrup (OH-2)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to cover screening computed tomography colonography as a colorectal cancer screening test under the Medicare program.

On 2/25/2016, referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.R.4614

Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/25/2016 by Representative Pete Olson (TX-22)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to align physician supervision requirements under the Medicare program for radiology services performed by advanced level radiographers with State requirements.

On 2/25/2016, referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.R.4591

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into agreements with certain health care providers to furnish hospital care, medical services and extended care to veterans.

Introduced on 2/23/2016 by Representative Jeff Miller (FL-1)

Text HERE

On 2/25/2016 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

H.R.4589 Excellence in Medicare Act

Introduced on 2/23/2016 by Representative Thomas MacArthur (NJ-3)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the cap on the Medicare Advantage star rating bonuses, and for other purposes.

On 2/23/2015, referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.Res.633

Recognizing the important work of Meals on Wheels American and senior nutrition programs throughout the Nation in addressing hunger and isolation and improving the health and quality of life for millions of our Nation’s seniors each year.

Introduced on 3/1/2016 by Representative David Loebsack (IA-2)

Text HERE

3/1/2016 referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

S.524

Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016

Introduced in Senate 2/12/2015 by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)

To authorize the Attorney General to award grants to address the national epidemics of prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.

Text HERE

3/3/2016 cloture motion on the measure presented in the Senate.

S.Amdt.3367 to S.Amdt.3378

Purpose: to establish a life-saving program to prevent drug and opioid abuse in Medicare. Amends S.524. Senator Pat Toomey submitted 3/1/2016; proposed 3/2/2016. Amendment SA 3367 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

S.2605

Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion Act

Introduced on 2/29/2016 by Senator Richard Durbin (IL) To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide States with an option to provide medical assistance to individuals between the ages of 22 and 64 for inpatient services to treat substance use disorders at certain facilities, and for other purposes.

On 2/29/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1087)

S.2618

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States to publish a Medicaid fee-for-service provider directory.

Introduced on 3/2/2016 by Senator Chuck Grassley (IA)

3/2/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2614

Kevin and Avonte’s Law of 2016

Introduced on 3/1/2016 by Senator Charles Schumer (NY)

To amend the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, and to promote initiatives that will reduce the risk of injury and death relating to the wandering characteristics of some children with autism.

On 3/1/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2597

Medicare Mental Health Access Act

Introduced on 2/25/2016 by Senator Sherrod Brown (OH)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide treatment of clinical psychologists as physicians for purposes of furnishing clinical psychologist services under the Medicare program.

On 2/25/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

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Share your opinions with members of Congress!

Links to the membership lists are provided below.

House members

Senate members

You can contact the White House at this link.

ALSO: A compilation of contact information is provided at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

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NEWS& RESOURCES

From Kaiser Health News

UCLA Freshmen Learn About Growing Old - HERE

Dueling Star Ratings May Confuse Some Home Health Patients HERE

The Agonizing Limbo of Abandoned Nursing Home Residents - HERE

R2D2’s Next Assignment: Hospital Orderly HERE

KHN’s Aging coverage at: http://khn.org/topics/aging/.

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From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities/NASUAD

Friday Updates, March 4, 2016

Elder Justice Change AGEnts Issue Brief The John A. Hartford Foundation recently released a new publication, Elder Justice: A John A. Hartford Foundation Change AGEnts Issue Brief. A startling statistic shows, "that at least 2 million older adults (one in 10 people over the age of 60) are abused or mistreated each year." Additionally, this number of abused elders may be far greater as abuse often goes unreported. Included in the brief are the significant challenges that exist around this issue and the opportunities to create solutions. This brief was generated from two gatherings of elder justice thought leaders aimed to help The John A. Hartford Foundation plan a course of action that builds on the strengths of existing efforts and funded programs. Click here to access the publication. (Direct link HERE)

Friday Updates, February 26, 2016

On Pins and Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness

The National Alliance for Caregiving, in collaboration with Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, released a report surrounding the topic of caregivers of adults with mental illness. "At least 8.4 million Americans are providing care to an adult with an emotional or mental health issue, and nearly three quarters report that caregiving causes high emotional stress." This report examines the inadequacies the families of individuals with mental illness face in the U.S. health care system, common challenges facing these caregivers, and issues regarding treatment.

Click here to access the publication. (Direct link HERE)

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From the National Council on Aging/NCOA

Find Updated Benefits Eligibility Charts for 2016 HERE

New Video: How Not to Shop for Medicare HERE

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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Alzheimer’s website: http://www.alzheimers.gov/

National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/.

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From Governing Magazine

Alzheimer’s Care Struggles to Meet Demands

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From The Center on Aging & Work at Boston College

AGEnda Aging & Work Blog

Positive Deviance: Supporting Working Caregivers ***********************************************

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/CDC

Long-Term Care Providers and Services Users in the United States: Data From the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers 2013-2014 HERE

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From St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, Arizona Health Futures February 2016

Fired Up: Community Paramedicine Models Blaze a Trail for Healthcare Delivery Reform

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Training available from the Center for Transportation Excellence –

Six Stops to Success Putting Your Transportation Message in Service

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From the Arizona Department of Economic Security - Arizona Selected to Participate in First-of-its-kind Employment and Training Project news release HERE

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

In case you missed it last time...

NCOA Savvy Saving Seniors toolkits HERE

NCOA outline of Administration budget HERE and NCOA funding table HERE

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From the Center on Aging & Work at Boston College

“But your mother lives 1200 miles away!” Using flexibility and breaks to support long- distance working caregivers HERE

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Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Webinar: Service Animals – March 7, 2016; 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

To register now, please visit the following link: https://ihd-azucd.adobeconnect.com/e20pubjrtz2/event/registration .html?campaign-id=030716_ADDPC

To know more about the event, please visit the ADDPC website: https://ihd-azucd.adobeconnect.com/e20pubjrtz2/event/event _info.html?campaign-id=030716_ADDPC

***********************************************

In case you missed it last time...

From Kaiser Health News

UCLA Freshmen Learn About Growing Old - HERE

Dueling Star Ratings May Confuse Some Home Health Patients HERE

The Agonizing Limbo of Abandoned Nursing Home Residents - HERE

R2D2’s Next Assignment: Hospital Orderly HERE

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From Governing Magazine

Alzheimer’s Care Struggles to Meet Demands

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Governor Ducey signed a proclamation honoring Arizona women during Women’s History Month. Proclamation shown HERE.

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

Arizona Geriatrics Society 9th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health and Aging Conference

Friday, April 15, 2016, Plaza Arboleda Conference Center, 2502 North Dodge Boulevard, Tucson AZ More information is provided HERE.

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Webinar: What Foundations Can Do During An Election Season provided by Philanthropy Southwest and Alliance for Justice

Thursday, April 7, 2016 – 1:00 p.m.

In case you missed it last time...

Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Policy Forum

Report on milestones for care and support under the U.S. National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease HERE.

From The Center on Aging & Work at Boston College AGEnda Aging & Work Blog

Building Usability: 3 ways for employers to create a supportive environment for working caregivers provided HERE. ***********************************************

INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

Arizona’s 29th Annual Transit Conference presented by AzTA & ADOT

April 10-12, 2016, High Country Conference Center at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ

Information & registration HERE.

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Arizona Geriatrics Society 9th Annual Spring Geriatric Mental Health and Aging Conference

Friday, April 15, 2016, Plaza Arboleda Conference Center, 2502 North Dodge Boulevard, Tucson AZ

More information at: www.arizonageriatrics.org/2016-annual-spring-conference- homepage

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REMINDER: Arizona Association of Area Agencies on Aging/AZ4A 2016 Aging Summit

May 19-20, 2016, High Country Conference Center, 201 West Butler Avenue, Flagstaff AZ

More information and register online HERE

***********************************************

If you’re interested

Past issues of the Legislative Updates are linked on the Council website at: http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp.

***********************************************

Enjoy your weekend!

~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

***********************************************

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for April 15, 2016 This e-mail is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non- partisan in nature.

Note: to get the most from this report, be sure to open the links throughout this issue for the latest news and information. Thank you for your interest!

***********************************************

Federal Update

S.192: Older American Act (OAA) Reauthorization Bill

Latest action: 4/13/2016 Presented to the President.

See Summary HERE

Enrolled Text HERE

About the OAA:

Information from the National Council on Aging HERE

American Society on Aging blog HERE

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52nd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Today marks the last day for consideration of bills in conference committees, and Tuesday is the 100th day of the legislative session. Budget bills are anticipated soon. April 23 is the Saturday after the 100th day of the session and this is the date required by rule for sine die adjournment unless leaders extend the deadline.

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Recent action on tracked bills

SB1441: long-term care insurance; rules – is an emergency measure that requires the Department of Insurance (DOI) to adopt rules relating long-term care insurance. Recent action: 4/13 passed House 56-3; ready for Senate action on House amendments.

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House agendas HERE

Senate agendas HERE

Deadlines

Senate 2016 Session Timeline

House Important Deadlines

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Members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links if you wish to contact them by phone or email.

Members of the House

Members of the Senate

***********************************************

Summary of Action

As of day 96, 1,219 bills posted; 106 passed, 1 vetoed and 105 signed; 111 memorials or resolutions have been posted; 28 have passed. Note: some of this session’s bills may be of interest to older Arizonans and have been tracked by the Council on Aging and appear on the Legislative Update web report. Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that is likely to be of interest to or have an impact on older Arizonans.

FULL List web report provided HERE.

Note: the web report provides you with the current status information on bills and is available and updated on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times. If you know of someone who would appreciate receiving this information, encourage them to subscribe to the Legislative Update by sending a request to [email protected].

***********************************************

Share your thoughts!

If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts by contacting the:

 Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520-628- 6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 ( outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators?

***********************************************

Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here.

***********************************************

Other resources on the www.azleg.gov website

Need to learn more about the legislative process? See Arizona Bill or Bill to Law.

Find and review bill information HERE.

Learn about the budget process HERE.

Research the State Constitution HERE.

Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions linked HERE. ***********************************************

FEDERAL OVERVIEW

Additional Updates

S.849

Advancing Research for Neurological Diseases Act of 2015

Introduced on 3/24/2015 by Senator Johnny Isakson (GA)

Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to: (1) enhance and expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease; and (2) incorporate information obtained through those activities into a National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that the System facilities further research on neurological diseases. Requires the HHS to provide for the collection and storage of information on neurological diseases, including the incidence, prevalence, and other information, to the extent practicable.

Latest action: 4/4/2016 placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 408.

S.1597

Patient-Focused Impact Assessment Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the package of information published by the FDA upon approval of a new drug to include documentation of efforts to assess patient engagement. This documentation must include identification of patient- focused drug development tools and an explanation of whether certain information was reviewed or examined, including patient preferences and patient-reported or caregiver-reported outcomes. The FDA must annually summarize the data collected in this documentation. The FDA must publish guidance on collaboration between patients, advocacy organizations, and industry for the purposes of developing patient-focused drug development tools and patient perspectives on medical products under development.

Latest action: 4/5/2016 placed on Senate Leg Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 413.

H.R.3860

Ensuring Access to Affordable and Quality Home Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act

Introduced on 10/29/2015 by Representative Tim Walberg (MI-7)

Exempted also from the Act's maximum hour requirements are third-party employment in domestic service of an employee who resides in the household in which the services are provided.

Latest action: 3/23/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

H.R.4878

Better Care, Lower Cost Act

Introduced on 3/23/2016 by Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-3)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Medicare Better Care Program to provide integrated care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions, and for other purposes.

Text HERE

Latest action: 3/29/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Other legislation S.2759

Credit for Caring Act of 2016

Introduced on 4/7/2016 by Senator Joni Ernst (IA)

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an eligible caregiver a new tax credit of 30% of the cost of long-term care expenses that exceed $2,000, up to $3,000 in the taxable year.

The bill defines “eligible caregiver” as an individual who pays or incurs expenses for providing care to a spouse or other dependent relative with long-term care needs and who has earned income for the taxable year in excess of $7,500.

On 4/7/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2748

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act

Introduced on 4/5/2016 by Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI)

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants or contracts for Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers. These Centers must improve the training of health professionals in palliative care and establish traineeships for individuals preparing for advanced education nursing degrees, social work degrees, or advanced degrees in physician assistant studies in palliative care.

HHS may make grants to, and enter into contracts with, schools of medicine, schools of osteopathic medicine, teaching hospitals, and graduate medical education programs to support the training of physicians who plan to teach palliative medicine.

HHS must: (1) provide Palliative Medicine and Hospice Academic Career Awards to individuals to promote their career development; (2) award grants or contracts to entities that operate a Palliative Care and Hospice Education Center; (3) award incentive grants or contracts to advanced practice nurses, social workers, physician assistants, pharmacists, chaplains, or students of psychology pursuing an advanced degree in palliative care or related fields; and (4) award grants to schools of nursing, health care facilities, or programs leading to certification as a nurse assistant to train individuals in providing palliative care.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must provide for a national education and awareness campaign to inform patients, families, and health professionals about the benefits of palliative care.

The National Institutes of Health must expand national research programs in palliative care.

On 4/5/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.2747

Elder Protection and Abuse Prevention Act

Introduced on 4/5/2016 by Senator Richard Blumenthal

To amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize Federal assistance to State adult protective services programs, and for other purposes.

Text HERE

On 4/5/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

H.R.4919

To amend the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1995, to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, and to promote initiatives that will reduce the risk of injury and death relating to the wandering characteristics of some children with autism.

Introduced on 4/12/2016 by Representative Christopher Smith (NJ-4)

Text pending

On 4/12/2016, referred to the House Education and Workforce.

H.R.4849

Food and Nutrition Reform, Responsibility, and Accountability Act of 2016

Introduced on 3/23/2016 by Representative Steve Chabot (OH-1)

The bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to change the work requirements for the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program).

The bill reduces, from three months to one month, the time period for which able-bodied adults without dependents may receive SNAP benefits over a three-year period without meeting work requirements.

The bill modifies the exemption from work requirements for individuals who are under 18 or over 50 years of age to apply the exemption to those who are:  under 18,  over 50 in a household that includes an individual that is under 18, or  over 63.

The bill eliminates USDA's authority to waive work requirements for individuals in areas with an unemployment rate above 10% or an insufficient number of jobs.

States may provide exemptions from the work requirements for up to 5% (currently 15%) of the covered individuals who either receive SNAP benefits or were denied benefits due to work requirements.

States must expunge benefits from a SNAP electronic benefit transfer account if: (1) the benefits are not used within 90 days of being posted to the account, or (2) the account has not been accessed for a 3-month period.

State workfare programs for SNAP participants must require at least six hours of work per week.

On 3/31/2016, referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition.

H.R.4876

Medicare Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2016

Introduced on 3/23/2016 by Representative Patrick Meehan (PA-7)

To authorize the establishment of programs to prevent prescription drug abuse under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

On 3/29/2016, referred to the Subcommittee on Health

H.R.4790

Recreation Not Red-Tape Act

Introduced on 3/17/2016 by Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-3)

This bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service to adopt a consistent and uniform special recreation permitting process with respect to outfitters and guides.

The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall sell National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes entrance and recreation fees through federal websites. Interior and USDA should:

 work with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that veterans have access to outdoor programs, and  increase programs focused on improving education about and access to outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands for individuals age 55 or older.

Interior and USDA shall make available, free of charge, a certain quantity of America the Beautiful passes for use by specified schools or their students and their families.

Interior and USDA shall study the overall impact that recreation on federal recreational land and water has on the U.S. economy and labor market.

The Forest Service, BLM, and National Park Service may develop respective management plans for extending the recreation season or increasing recreation use during the offseason.

The Forest Service and BLM shall include metrics on recreation use in specified evaluations of lands under their jurisdictions.

The Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall consider how land and water management decisions can enhance recreation opportunities and the recreation economy.

The bill amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to prescribe requirements for deposit, administration, and distribution of revenues collected from rental charges for certain ski area permits issued on National Forest System lands.

The bill establishes: (1) a National Recreation Area System, (2) a private sector volunteer enhancement program, and (3) a priority trail maintenance program.

Interior and USDA shall establish an interagency trail management plan under which federal land management agencies shall coordinate so that trails that cross jurisdictional boundaries between those agencies are uniformly managed and maintained. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 is amended to conform to this Act.

On 3/31/2016, referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry

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Share your opinions with members of Congress!

House members

Senate members

You can contact the White House at this link.

ALSO: USA.gov provides contact information at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

***********************************************

NEWS& RESOURCES

From the Administration for Community Living/ACL

May is Older American’s Month and Blaze a Trail is the 2016 theme.

Information and resources: http://oam.acl.gov/

Tip sheets: http://oam.acl.gov/2016/tipsheets.html

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April 16 is Healthcare Decision Day

Governor Ducey has proclaimed April 16 as Health Care Decision Day in Arizona

A link to the proclamation is provided HERE.

Life-care planning resources can be found on the Arizona Attorney General’s website at: https://www.azag.gov/seniors/life-care-planning.

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Kaiser Health News

Most Doctors Unsure How to Discuss End-of-Life Care Survey Says HERE

KHN’s Aging coverage at: http://khn.org/topics/aging/

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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Alzheimer’s website: http://www.alzheimers.gov/

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National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/.

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From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities/NASUAD

Friday Updates, April 15, 2016

ACL Releases Materials on Medications and the Aging Brain

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) in partnership with scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes for Health (NIH), have developed a three-part set of materials on medications and the aging brain. The materials are written in layman's terms and were designed specifically for use by staff and volunteers at senior centers, area agencies on aging (AAAs), health departments, local clinics, and other community organizations. Some of the materials are also available in Spanish. The Medicine, Age, and Your Brain set includes a power point presentation, a brochure for educators, and a one page handout for consumers.

Click here to view the materials.

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Mass Transit News

Valley Metro announcement regarding improvements to regional Dial-A-Ride services HERE

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In case you missed it last time...

2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures is provided HERE. It includes a Special Report on the Personal Financial Impact of Alzheimer's.

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Big Financial Costs Are Part of Alzheimer’s Toll on Families is linked HERE.

*********************************************** From the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Perspectives – Traditional Medicare...Disadvantaged? HERE

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From National Institutes of Health

News release – World’s older population grows dramatically

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

Tomorrow (4/16) is HOPE FEST PHX at Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street in Phoenix from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information HERE

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Citizen Safety Forum - presented by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Chandler Police Department on May 4, 2016, Chandler Community Center, 125 East Commonwealth Avenue in Chandler. More information HERE

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Behavioral Health & Older Adults Conference Integrating Behavioral Health & Primary Care, Friday, June 17, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Tucson Convention Center. More information HERE

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Plan Ahead!

Walk 4 Hearing, Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Riverview Park, 2100 West 8th Street, Mesa AZ. More information HERE

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REMINDER: Arizona Association of Area Agencies on Aging/AZ4A 2016 Aging Summit May 19-20, 2016, High Country Conference Center, 201 West Butler Avenue, Flagstaff AZ

More information and register online HERE

***********************************************

If you’re interested

Past issues of the Legislative Updates are linked on the Council website at: http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp.

***********************************************

Enjoy your weekend!

~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

***********************************************

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for April 29, 2016 This e-mail is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non- partisan in nature.

Note: to get the most from this report, be sure to open the links throughout this issue for the latest news and information. Thank you for your interest!

***********************************************

52nd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Budget bills were introduced in the Senate and the House this week. Both have convened today. Advocates are watching to see if provisions positively impacting older Arizonans remain such as ALTCS dental services, funding for caseload growth of Adult Protective Service, and allowing ADHS to use monies in the Health Research Account in an amount specified in the general appropriations act for Alzheimer’s disease research. (See HB2695: general appropriations act; 2016-2017 and HB2704: budget reconciliation; health; 2016-2017)

The FULL List of legislation tracked now includes all of those bills for your review. The budget bills appear at the top of the report. (Be sure to click on the bill numbers for more information including fact sheets, bill versions, amendments, votes, and see action on these bills.) FULL List web report provided HERE.

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Joint Legislative Budget Committee/JLBC

FY 2017 House and Senate Plan – As Introduced (4/28/2016) found HERE.

JLBC Monthly Fiscal Highlights – April 2016 provided HERE and states “Year-to-date, base General Fund revenues are 3.0% above the prior year, and are $27.0 million above the Baseline forecast.” Tracking Arizona’s Recovery April 2016 HERE.

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Members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links if you wish to contact them by phone or email.

Members of the House

Members of the Senate

***********************************************

Summary of Action

As of day 110, 1,247 bills posted; 106 passed, 1 vetoed and 105 signed; 114 memorials or resolutions have been posted; 29 have passed. Note: some of this session’s bills may be of interest to older Arizonans and have been tracked by the Council on Aging and appear on the Legislative Update web report. Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that is likely to be of interest to or have an impact on older Arizonans.

FULL List web report provided HERE. Note: the web report provides you with the current status information on bills and is available and updated on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times. If you know of someone who would appreciate receiving this information, encourage them to subscribe to the Legislative Update by sending a request to [email protected].

***********************************************

Share your thoughts!

If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts by contacting the:

 Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520-628- 6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 ( outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators?

***********************************************

Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here.

***********************************************

Other resources on the www.azleg.gov website

Need to learn more about the legislative process? See Arizona Bill or Bill to Law.

Find and review bill information HERE.

Learn about the budget process HERE.

Research the State Constitution HERE.

Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions linked HERE.

***********************************************

FEDERAL OVERVIEW

Updates

S.192

Older American Act (OAA) Reauthorization Bill

4/19/2016 became Public Law No. 114-144.

Summary provided HERE

Enrolled Text HERE

From the Administration for Community Living/ACL - Older Americans Reauthorization Act Signed into Law: http://www.acl.gov/NewsRoom/NewsInfo/2016/2016_04_19.aspx

H.R.4919

Kevin and Avonte’s Law of 2016

Introduced on 4/12/2016 by Representative Christopher Smith (NJ-4)

Text HERE

Latest action: 4/28/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations. H.R.3989

Support Our Military Caregivers Act

Introduced on 11/5/2015 by Representative Elise M. Stefanik (NY-21)

This bill permits an individual to elect to have an independent contractor perform an external clinical review of any of the following:

 a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denial of an individual’s application to be a caregiver or family caregiver eligible for VA benefits;  with respect to an approved application, a VA determination of the level or amount of personal care services that a veteran requires;  a request by a caregiver or family caregiver for a reconsideration of the level or amount of personal care services that a veteran requires based on post-application changes; and  a revocation of benefits by the VA.

Latest action: On 4/20/2016 Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Other legislation

H.R.5088

To prevent abusive billing of ancillary services to the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

Introduced on 4/28/2016 by Representative Jackie Speier (CA-14)

On 4/28/2016, referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.R.5073

To establish EUREKA Prize Competitions to accelerate discovery and development of disease-modifying, preventive, or curative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, to encourage efforts to enhance detection and diagnosis of such diseases, or to enhance the quality and efficiency of care of individuals with such disease.

Introduced on 4/27/2016 by Representative Steve Cohen (TN-9)

On 4/27/2016 referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.5036

To clarify the application of spousal impoverishment protections for recipients of home and community-based services under Medicaid Introduced on 4/21/2016 by Representative Betty McCollum (MN-4)

On 4/21/2016 referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.5009

To amend title XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure prompt coverage of breakthrough devices under the Medicare and Medicaid Program, and for other purposes.

Introduced on 4/20/2016 by Representative Charles W. Boustany (LA-3)

On 4/20/2016, referred to the House Energy and Commerce.

H.R.4988

Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act

Introduced on 4/18/2016 by Representative Patrick Murphy (FL-18)

This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the application of, and repeal authority for, administrative offsets to Social Security, railroad retirement, and black lung benefits.

On 4/18/2016, referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.R.4942

DELIVER Act of 2016

Introduced on 4/14/2016 by Representative Joe Barton (TX-6)

Delivering Elderly Lunches and Increasing Volunteer Engagement and Reimbursement Act of 2016 amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the standard mileage rate for the tax deduction for the charitable use of a passenger automobile to deliver meals to homebound individuals who are elderly, disabled, frail or at risk. The bill increases the rate from the standard charitable rate of 14 cents per mile to the standard business mileage rate which is 54 cents per mile for 2016.

H.R.4938

Free File Act of 2016

Introduced on 4/14/2016 by Representative Peter J. Roskam (IL-6)

The bill is intended to make permanent the Internal Revenue Service Free File program. H.R.4932

ROBOCOP Act

Introduced on 4/13/2016 by Representative Jackie Speier (CA-14)

To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to expand and clarify the prohibition on inaccurate identification information and to require providers of telephone service to offer technology to subscribers to reduce the incidence of unwanted telephone calls, and for other purposes.

On 4/13/2016, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

S.2864

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prevent catastrophic out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Introduced on 4/27/2016 by Senator Ron Wyden (OR)

On 4/27/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

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Share your opinions with members of Congress!

Links to the membership lists are provided below.

House members

Senate members

You can contact the White House at this link.

ALSO: USA.gov provides contact information at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

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NEWS& RESOURCES

From Kaiser Health News

KHN’s Aging coverage at: http://khn.org/topics/aging/. ***********************************************

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Alzheimer’s website: http://www.alzheimers.gov/

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National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/.

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From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities/NASUAD

Statement regarding signing of S.192, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization HERE

Friday Updates, April 29, 2016 New Quality Measures Added to Nursing Home Compare Website On Wednesday, April 27, the Centers for Medicare& Medicaid Services (CMS) issued six new quality measures to the Nursing Home Compare website. Some of the measures were informed by the Medicare-claims data submitted by hospitals. This marks the first time that CMS has issued quality measures that expand beyond data that is self-reported by nursing homes. "Beginning in July 2016, CMS will incorporate all of these measures, except for the antianxiety/hypnotic medication measure, into the calculation of the Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Ratings. CMS is not incorporating the antianxiety/hypnotic medication measure because it has been difficult to determine appropriate nursing home benchmarks for the acceptable use of these medications."

Click here to view the updated website.

Click here to view the announcement.

Elder Justice Innovation Grant Opportunity The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking applications for Elder Justice Innovation grants. The purpose of the Elder Justice Innovation Grants program is to support the development and advancement of new and emerging issues related to elder justice. Funded projects will contribute to the improvement of the field of elder abuse prevention and intervention at large, such as by developing materials, programs, etc., that can be widely disseminated and/or replicated, or by establishing and/or contributing to the evidence-base of knowledge. For FY 2016, the following have been identified as priority areas: self-neglect, abuse in guardianship, elder abuse forensic centers, and elder abuse in Indian Country. All applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, June 20, 2016.

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ENCORE.ORG second acts for the greater good website HERE

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In case you missed it last time...

From the Administration for Community Living/ACL

May is Older American’s Month and Blaze a Trail is the 2016 theme.

Information and resources: http://oam.acl.gov/

Tip sheets: http://oam.acl.gov/2016/tipsheets.html

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April 16 - Healthcare Decision Day

Governor Ducey proclaimed April 16 as Health Care Decision Day in Arizona

A link to the proclamation is provided HERE.

Life-care planning resources can be found on the Arizona Attorney General’s website at: https://www.azag.gov/seniors/life-care-planning.

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES: Community forums on disability: Presenting the Partners in Progress: Together We Make a Difference Tour News release HERE More information on the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council at: https://addpc.az.gov/.

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Behavioral Health & Older Adults Conference Integrating Behavioral Health & Primary Care, Friday, June 17, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Tucson Convention Center. More information HERE.

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Plan Ahead!

Walk 4 Hearing, Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Riverview Park, 2100 West 8th Street, Mesa AZ. More information HERE.

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If you’re interested

Past issues of the Legislative Updates are linked on the Council website at: http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp.

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*********************************************** Enjoy your weekend! ~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging ***********************************************

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for June 2016 This email newsletter is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. Between legislative sessions of the Arizona State Legislature, the Legislative Updates focuses on news and information. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non-partisan in nature. Thank you for your interest!

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52nd Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Wrap Up

Summary of Action (posted at Arizona Capitol Times Legislation On Line Arizona – LOLA)

117 days of the session, a total of 1,247 bills posted; 388 passed, 14 vetoed and 374 signed; 114 memorials or resolutions posted; 36 passed.

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Highlighted bills tracked by the Council and signed by the Governor

S.1169: mental health power of attorney – House summary

S1196: silver alert; Alzheimer’s disease – House summary

S1283: controlled substances prescription monitoring program – House summary

S1293: mediation; confidential communications; exception – House summary

S1296: guardianship, proceedings; ward’s relationships – House summary

S1375: telephone solicitations – House summary

S1382: service animals; handler control – House summary S1441: long-term care insurance; rules – House summary

H2104: ASRS; retention of credited service – House summary

H2106: HOAS; enforcement grace period – House summary

H2153: VLT exemption; military members; spouses – House summary

H2238: insurance; identity theft group policies – House summary

H2255: service animals; licensing; fee waiver – House summary

H2388: qualified disability expenses; eligible individuals – House summary

H2452: cash assistance; eligibility; children – House summary

H2461: lifespan respite care; program termination – House summary

H2467: fiduciary access to digital assets – House summary

SCR1006: first responders; honoring - TEXT

SCR1008: grandfamily/kinship care month - TEXT

SCR1009: fallen veterans; remembrance; 21 seconds - TEXT

NOTE: Be sure to open the links (above) and throughout this issue in order to see the latest information.

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The FULL List web report provided HERE includes all of the bills tracked by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging during the last session. You can see the final outcome of legislation at the top of the report. (Be sure to click on the bill number for more information including fact sheets, bill versions, amendments, votes, and action taken on the bill.) Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that could be of interest or have an impact on older Arizonans. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times.

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Share your thoughts at any time!

If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts at any time by contacting the:  Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520-628- 6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 ( outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators?

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Members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links if you wish to contact them by phone or email.

Members of the House

Members of the Senate

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Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here.

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FEDERAL OVERVIEW

Bill Updates

H.R.4963

Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2016

Introduced on 4/15/2016 by Representative Peter T. King (NY-2)

To better protect, serve, and advance the rights of victims of elder abuse and exploitation by establishing a program to encourage States and other qualified entities to create jobs designed to hold offenders accountable, enhance the capacity of the justice system to investigate, pursue, and prosecute elder abuse cases, identify existing resources to leverage to the extent possible, and assure data collection, research, and evaluation to promote the efficacy and efficiency of the activities described in this Act.

Latest Action: On 5/17/2016, referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.

H.R.4641

To provide for the establishment of an inter-agency task force to review, modify, and update best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medication, and for other purposes.

Introduced on 2/26/2016 by Representative Susan W. Brooks (IN-5)

Text HERE

Latest Action: On 5/12/2016 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

H.R.4538

Senior$afe Act of 2016

Introduced on 2/11/2016 by Representative Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-9)

This bill provides that: (1) a supervisor, compliance officer, or legal advisor for a covered financial institution who has received training regarding the identification and reporting of the suspected exploitation of a senior citizen (at least 65 years old) shall not be liable for disclosing such exploitation to a covered agency if such individual made the disclosure in good faith and with reasonable care; and (2) a covered financial institution shall not be liable for such a disclosure by such an individual if such individual was employed by the institution at the time of the disclosure and the institution had provided such training.

A "covered financial institution" means a bank, a credit union, an investment adviser, or a broker-dealer. A "covered agency" means each of the federal financial institutions regulatory agencies or a state financial regulatory agency, law enforcement agency, or adult protective services agency.

A covered financial institution may provide such training to each of its supervisors, compliance officers, or legal advisors who: (1) may come into contact with a senior citizen as a regular part of such employee's duties; or (2) may review or approve the financial documents, records, or transactions of a senior citizen in connection with providing him or her financial services

Latest Action: on 6/16/2016 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 59 - 0.

H.R.3989

Support Our Military Caregivers Act

Introduced on 11/5/2015 by Representative Elise M. Stefanik (NY-21)

This bill permits an individual to elect to have an independent contractor perform an external clinical review of any of the following:

The VA shall ensure that each external clinical review is completed and the individual is notified in writing of the results within 120 days of the election.

Latest Action: 5/24/2016 Received in the Senate and Read Twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

H.R.3936

VET Act

Introduced on 11/5/2015 by Representative Ryan A. Costello (PA-6)

The bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out a three-year pilot program under which the VA shall carry out Veteran Engagement Team events in which veterans will be assisted in completing VA disability and pension claims.

Latest Action: on 6/21/2016 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H.R.3590

Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act

Introduced on 9/22/2015 by Representative Martha McSally (AZ-2)

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to roll back the increased threshold for determining the amount of the tax deduction for medical expenses. Currently, individual taxpayers under age 65 may only deduct those medical expenses that exceed 10% of their adjusted gross income. This bill reduces that percentage to 7.5% for all taxpayers.

Latest Action: on 6/15/2016, Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24 – 11.

H.R.2646

Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015

Introduced on 6/4/2015 by Representative Tim Murphy (PA-18)

The protected health information of an individual with a serious mental illness may be disclosed to a caregiver under certain conditions. This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to conditionally expand coverage of mental health services. Part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the SSAct is amended to require coverage of antidepressants and antipsychotics. If it will not increase Medicare spending, Medicare's 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospital services is eliminated. Health information technology activities and incentives are expanded to include certain mental health and substance abuse professionals and facilities.

This bill restricts the lobbying and counseling activities of protection and advocacy systems for individuals with mental illness. These systems must focus on safeguarding the rights of individuals with mental illness to be free from abuse and neglect.

Latest Action: On 6/15/2016, forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 53-0.

H.R.2460

To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the provision of adult day health care services for veterans.

Introduced on 5/19/2015 by Representative Lee M. Zeldin (NY-1)

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement or a contract with each state home to pay for adult day health care for a veteran eligible for, but not receiving, nursing home care. The veteran must need such care either specifically for a service-connected disability, or, if not specifically for one; the veteran must have a service- connected disability rated 70% or more. Payment under each agreement or contract between the Secretary and a state home must equal 65% of the payment that the Secretary would otherwise pay to the state home if the veteran were receiving nursing home care.

Latest Action: On 5/24/2016, Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

S.2577

Justice for All Reauthorization Act

Introduced on 2/24/2016 by Senator John Cornyn (TX)

To protect crime victims' rights, to eliminate the substantial backlog of DNA and other forensic evidence samples to improve and expand the forensic science testing capacity of Federal, State, and local crime laboratories, to increase research and development of new testing technologies, to develop new training programs regarding the collection and use of forensic evidence, to provide post-conviction testing of DNA evidence to exonerate the innocent, to support accreditation efforts of forensic science laboratories and medical examiner offices, to address training and equipment needs, to improve the performance of counsel in State capital cases, and for other purposes.

Latest Action: On 5/12/2016 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 463.

S.1490

Seniors Fraud Prevention Act of 2015

Introduced on 6/3/2015 by Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN)

Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish an office within the Bureau of Consumer Protection to advise the FTC on the prevention of fraud targeting seniors and to assist the FTC in monitoring the market for mail, television, Internet, telemarketing, and recorded message telephone call (robocall) fraud targeting seniors.

Latest Action: On 6/15/2016, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Other Legislation

S.Res.498

A resolution designating June 15, 2016 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Introduced on 6/16/2016 by Senator Richard Blumenthal

Text HERE

Submitted in the Senates; considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4263; text as passed Senate: CR S4305)

H.R.5409

Social Security Disability Insurance Return to Work Act

Introduced on 6/8/2016 by Representative French J. Hill (AR-2)

To help individuals receiving disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act obtain rehabilitative services and return to the workforce, and for other purposes.

On 6/8/2016, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

(Also see S.3037)

H.R.5396 Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2016

Introduced on 6/7/2016 by Representative Jim McDermott (WA-7)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care under the Medicare program.

On 6/7/2016, referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.R.5367

Seniors’ Security Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/26/2016 by Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-1)

This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require the computation of cost-of-living adjustments to use the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish the CPI- E for each calendar month.

The CPI-E shall also be used for cost-of-living adjustments for federal civilian employee annuities and for the retired and retainer pay of members of the armed forces.

SSAct title XVIII (Medicare) is amended to prohibit any increases in Medicare part B premiums for calendar years beginning with 2017 to the extent they would exceed 30% of the difference between the amount of benefits payable to an individual for that December and the amount of benefits payable for that November (both amounts determined before the deduction of a premium). This change shall allow premium increases of up to 30% of that difference.

On 6/7/2016, referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

H.R.5366

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Sunshine Act

Introduced on 5/26/2016 by Representative Patrick Murphy (FL-18)

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income for seven years amounts received from the sale of certain drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

The exclusion applies to the sale of a drug approved or licensed as a disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease and that has been designated as a breakthrough therapy under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The drug must be sold through an arm's length transaction by a holder of the approved application for the drug.

On 5/26/2016, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.5354

Improving Supports for Kinship Caregivers Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/26/2016 by Representative Danny K. Davis (IL-7)

To amend title IV of the Social Security Act to improve supports for kinship caregivers in child welfare programs and the programs of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families.

On 5/26/2016 referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.5347

Social Security Disability Fairness Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/26/2016 by Representative Rodney Davis (IL-13)

This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prescribe formulae for payment of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits over a period of 24 consecutive calendar months for individuals determined to be under a disability upon submission of a diagnosis of a terminal illness.

On 5/26/2016, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.5342

Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/26/2016 by Representative Richard M. Nolan (MN-8)

This bill directs the Social Security Administration to make a one-time cost-of-living increase of 3.9%, effective with the month of June 2016, to benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act.

Such increase shall not be considered a general annual benefit cost-of-living increase in calendar years 2016-2017.

"Consumer Price Index" shall mean Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish the CPI- E authorized by the Older Americans Amendments Act of 1987 for each calendar month beginning with July of the calendar year following the calendar year in which this bill is enacted.

On 5/26/2016 referred to the House Education and Workforce.

H.R.5295

Safeguarding Economic Needs Important to Our Retirees through Creating an Ongoing Living Adjustment Guarantee (SENIOR COLA Guarantee) Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/19/2016 by Representative Joseph J. Heck (NV-3)

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide minimum and maximum cost-of-living increases for Social Security beneficiaries and for other purposes.

On 5/19/2016 referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.5273

Helping Hospitals Improve Patient Care Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/18/2016 by Representative Patrick J. Tiberi (OH-12)

TITLE I--PROVISIONS RELATING TO MEDICARE PART A

(Sec. 101) The bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop, with respect to claims for hospital services, codes under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) for similar inpatient and outpatient hospital services.

(Sec. 102) The bill establishes processes for adjusting a hospital's Medicare payments based on the hospital's overall proportion of inpatients who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

(Sec. 103) The bill extends for five years the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program, through which Medicare pays certain rural hospitals on the basis of reasonable incurred costs rather than under the standard prospective payment system.

(Sec. 104) With respect to long-term care hospitals, the bill lifts a moratorium on bed increases. The bill reduces rates for high-cost outlier payments, which are additional Medicare payments made in extraordinarily high-cost cases.

(Sec. 105) The bill reduces the amount by which hospital payment rates for inpatient services increase in FY2018.

TITLE II--PROVISIONS RELATING TO MEDICARE PART B

(Sec. 201) The bill excludes certain off-campus outpatient departments (OPDs) from specified rules that mandate lower Medicare payments. Specifically, the exclusion applies to: (1) cancer hospitals in off-campus OPDs, and (2) mid-build OPDs. A "mid-build" OPD is one for which the provider had, before a certain date, a binding written agreement with an outside party for construction.

(Sec. 203) With respect to payment reductions for failing to meet requirements for the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs), the bill exempts eligible professionals who are based in ambulatory surgical centers.

TITLE III--OTHER MEDICARE PROVISIONS

(Sec. 301) Until plan year 2019, CMS may not terminate an MA plan solely because the plan failed to achieve a specified minimum quality rating.

(Sec. 302) CMS must annually report on Medicare enrollment data, as specified by the bill.

(Sec. 303) CMS shall: (1) request information and recommendations from stakeholders on information included in the Welcome to Medicare package, and (2) update the information included in the package accordingly.

On 6/8/2016 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

H.R.5254

Senior Accessible Housing Act

Introduced on 5/16/2016 by Representative Patrick Murphy (FL-18)

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit to seniors who install modifications on their residences that would enable them to age in place, and for other purposes.

On 5/16/2016 referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.5241

Protecting Seniors from Health Care Fraud Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/13/2016 by Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-36)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to distribute additional information to Medicare beneficiaries to prevent health care fraud, and for other purposes.

On 5/20/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health. H.R.5196

Americans Giving Care to Elders (AGE) Act of 2016

Introduced on 5/11/2016 by Representative Steve Israel (NY-3)

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow caregivers a tax credit for up to $6,000 of the eldercare expenses incurred for their parents (or ancestors of such parents). It also amends the Older American Act of 1965 to: (1) increase and extend through FY2020 the authorization of appropriations for the National Family Caregiver Support Program, and (2) require the Department of Health and Human Services to award a grant to or enter into a cooperative agreement with a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource on Family Caregiving to provide information on and support for family caregiver support programs.

On 5/11/2016 referred to the House Ways and Means.

S.2961

Compassionate Care Act

Introduced on 5/19/2016 by Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) The bill is intended to improve end-of-life care.

On 5/19/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.2736

Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act of 2016

Introduced on 6/21/2016 by Senator John Thune (SD)

To improve access to durable medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

On 6/21/2016, referred to the House Ways and Means.

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From the National Council on Aging/NCOA Public Policy News SHIPs eliminated; SCSEP cut in FY17 funding bill

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Links to the membership lists are provided below.

House members

Senate members

You can contact the White House at this link.

ALSO: USA.gov provides contact information at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

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NEWS& RESOURCES

From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/HHS

HHS awards $156 million to health centers to expand oral health services HERE

FY2016 Oral Health Awards map

Arizona FY16 Oral Health Awards HERE

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Alzheimer’s website: http://www.alzheimers.gov/

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new Healthy Aging Data Portal. More information HERE

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From Kaiser Health News

June 13, 2016 KHN Morning Briefing

The New York Times: Prescription Drug Abuse Among Older Adults Is Harder To Detect Drug addiction is not restricted to the young. Donna Weber, now 53, turned to painkillers after undergoing simple surgery. Then a long, tortured path to divorce made her anxious and depressed. Soon, she found herself on a candy-colored pill roller coaster. Unlike street drugs, the pharmaceutical pills were easy to obtain legally. She got them from emergency rooms, dentists, psychiatrists, even plastic surgeons. “I went to doctors with exaggerated truths,” explained Ms. Weber, who once had four doctors. “I said I hurt more and more.” (Gustke, 6/10)

June 3, 2016 KHN Morning Briefing

Gov’t Panel Urges Medicare To Find Ways To Make Hearing Loss Treatment More Affordable found HERE

May 23, 2016 KHN Morning Briefing

Doctors’ House Calls Saving Money for Medicare HERE

KHN’s Aging coverage at: http://khn.org/topics/aging/.

Death Talk Is Cool At This Festival HERE

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National Alzheimer's Project Act updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/.

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From the Center on Aging & Work at Boston College

AGEnda Aging& Work Blog, Friday, May 20th, 2016

Retirement Security: It’s Not Just About the Money

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From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disability/NASUAD

Friday Updates, June 17, 2016

Home and Community Based Services Quality Comments

The National Quality Forum (NQF) is convening a stakeholder committee to develop recommendations for the improvement of quality measurements in home and community based services (HCBS). NQF released the third interim report, "Addressing Performance Measure Gaps in Home and Community Based Services to Support Community Living: Priorities for Measure Development," to guide the changes of future quality measures. NQF encourages individuals to view the report and make comments by Friday, July 15, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Click here to view the report and submit comments.

Friday Updates, June 10, 2016

How Can States Support an Aging Population? Actions Policymakers Can Take

On Wednesday, June 8, 2016, the Milbank Memorial Fund published a new report that focuses on challenges and policy recommendations for states as they work to support an aging population. The report reviews topics discussed at the Milbank Memorial Fund's Reforming States Group and the New York Academy of Medicine's fall 2015 meetings. The sessions were attended by state policymakers and covered an overview of issues in aging, including the socio-demographic composition of the population, the World Health Organization's framework for active-aging and age-friendly communities, and the financial security of older Americans. Suggestions for policy initiatives that emerged from discussions at the meetings are included in the report and are intended to provide a framework for state policymakers to identify potential areas for action.

Click here to view the full report.

NASUAD and Human Services Research Institute released the results from a six-state deployment of the National Core Indicators – Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD™) adult consumer survey.

Full Report HERE

Press release HERE

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From the Administration for Community Living/ACL

Commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2016 HERE

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The Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging was pleased to partner with Western Arizona Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging Region IV and offer the Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT) at the Beatitudes Campus June 8- 9, 2016 in Phoenix. The 20- minute individual tours, facilitated by trained and licensed WACOG staff provided the chance to experience firsthand the challenges and insights of living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder. In support of the Arizona Alzheimer’s State Plan recommendations, first responders were invited to participate as part of efforts to increase knowledge and sensitivity to people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Executive leadership from Police Departments in Apache Junction, El Mirage, Glendale, Mesa, Oro Valley, Prescott Valley and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community as well as Fire Department leadership and staff from Buckeye, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe and Tucson participated along with leadership staff from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. Additional participants included Registrar of Contractor investigators, staff from Adult Protective Services, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services. DES Director Jeffries and Senator Shooter also participated. The Advisory Council on Aging is grateful to the 95+ people who took time to participate, to the WACOG staff for coordinating and providing the VDT, and to the Beatitudes Campus for hosting the event. Discussions are underway to determine how best to assist those departments interested in further training for all of their staff.

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In case you missed it last time...

From the Administration for Community Living

$2.2 Million in ACL Grants to Enhance State Adult Protective Services Systems

August 18, 2016 news release: HERE.

(This includes an award to Arizona as one of 13 states selected; see the release for more information.) ***********************************************

From the Center on Aging & Work at Boston College

AGEnda Aging & Work Blog: Elder Care Is Everyone’s Issue

By Judi Casey, WorkLife Consultant

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National Council on Aging/NCOA

Aging Program Funding Table (updated July 12) https://www.ncoa.org/wp-content/uploads/FY17-July.pdf

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From Governing Daily Newsletter

July 27, 2016 By Stateline

The Silent Drug Epidemic of Older Adults

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The SHORT List web report provided HERE includes the abbreviated list of bills tracked by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging during the last session. You can see the final outcome of legislation at the top of the report. (Be sure to click on the bill number for more information including fact sheets, bill versions, amendments, votes, and action taken on the bill.) Please be advised that the presence of a bill on a tracking list does not represent support or opposition by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. It does mean that the topic is something that could be of interest or have an impact on older Arizonans. Information about bill status, hearings, etc. is a purchased service provided by Arizona Capitol Times.

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Plan ahead for the next legislative session!

Resources on the www.azleg.gov website

Need to learn more about the legislative process? See Arizona Bill or Bill to Law.

Find and review bill information HERE. Learn about the budget process HERE.

Research the State Constitution HERE.

Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions linked HERE.

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Share your thoughts at any time!

If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts at any time by contacting the:

 Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520-628- 6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 ( outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: How Do I Find or Contact my Legislators?

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Current members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links if you wish to contact them by phone or email.

Members of the House

Members of the Senate

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Not sure about your congressional or legislative district? Maps can be found on the Arizona State Legislature website linked here.

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If you’re interested

Past issues of the Legislative Updates are linked on the Council website at: http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp.

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Between legislative sessions, it is our intent to offer the Legislative Update on a monthly basis.

Enjoy the fall weather!

~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for October 2016 This email newsletter is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. Between legislative sessions of the Arizona State Legislature, the Legislative Updates focuses on news and information. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non-partisan in nature. Thank you for your interest!

(Be sure to open the links throughout this issue for the latest information and resources.)

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ELECTION RESOURCES

General Election is November 8, 2016. Arizona Secretary of State Elections: http://www.azsos.gov/elections & Arizona Votes 2016: http://www.arizona.vote/ Citizens Clean Elections Commission General Election information: http://www.azcleanelections.gov/en/general Ballot Measure Analyses by the Arizona Legislative Council at http://www.azleg.gov/ballot- measure-analyses/

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FEDERAL OVERVIEW

Updates

H.R.5985 Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016 Introduced on 9/9/2016 by Representative Jeff Miller (FL-1) Section 103 of the bill includes extension of authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers. 9/29/2016 Became Public Law No: 114-228.

H.R.5844 ACTION for National Service Act Introduced on 7/14/2016 by Representative John B. Larson (CT-1) To establish a National and Community Service Administration to carry out the national and volunteer service programs, to expand participation in such programs, and for other purposes. 9/19/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.

H.R.5701 Grandparent-Grandchild Medical Leave Act Introduced on 7/8/2016 by Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-36) This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and the federal civil service law to entitle to leave an eligible employee, including a federal employee, to care for an adult child, grandparent, or grandchild (as well as for a spouse, child, or parent), if that person has a serious health condition. 9/19/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

H.R.5613 Continuing Access to Hospitals Act of 2016 or the CAH Act of 2016 Introduced on 7/1/2016 by Representative Lynn Jenkins (KS-2) The bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to continue to instruct Medicare contractors not to enforce requirements for direct physician supervision of outpatient therapeutic services in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2016. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission must report on the effect of extending this instruction on: (1) Medicare beneficiaries, and (2) hospital staffing needs. 9/22/2016 received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

H.R.5496 Family Medical Leave Act Protections for Part-Time Workers act of 2016 Introduced on 6/16/2016 by Representative Janice Schakowsky (IL-9) This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to make an employee eligible for coverage if that employee has been employed for at least 12 months by a covered employer from whom the leave is requested. The bill repeals the current requirement that the employee have served at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period before the leave request. 9/19/2016, referred to the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.

H.R.5367 Seniors’ Security Act of 2016 Introduced on 5/26/2016 by Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-1) his bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to require the computation of cost-of-living adjustments to use the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E). The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish the CPI- E for each calendar month. The CPI-E shall also be used for cost-of-living adjustments for federal civilian employee annuities and for the retired and retainer pay of members of the armed forces. SSAct title XVIII (Medicare) is amended to prohibit any increases in Medicare part B premiums for calendar years beginning with 2017 to the extent they would exceed 30% of the difference between the amount of benefits payable to an individual for that December and the amount of benefits payable for that November (both amounts determined before the deduction of a premium). This change shall allow premium increases of up to 30% of that difference. 9/19/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions.

H.R.5342 FAIR COLA for Seniors Act of 2016 Introduced on 5/26/2016 by Representative Richard M. Nolan (MN-8) The bill directs the Social Security Administration to make a one-time cost-of-living increase of 3.9%, effective with the month of June 2016, to benefits under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act. Increase shall not be considered a general annual benefit cost-of-living increase in calendar years 2016-2017. 9/19/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

H.R.5320 Social Security Must Avert Identity Loss (MAIL) Act of 2016 Introduced on 5/25/2016 by Representative Sam Johnson (TX-3) (Sec. 2) This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to direct the Social Security Administration to ensure that no document it sends by mail includes a complete Social Security account number unless necessary. 9/26/2016 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

H.R.5196 Americans Giving Care to Elders (AGE) Act of 2016 Introduced on 5/11/2016 by Representative Steve Israel (NY-3) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow caregivers a tax credit for up to $6,000 of the eldercare expenses incurred for their parents (or ancestors of such parents). It also amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to: (1) increase and extend through FY2020 the authorization of appropriations for the National Family Caregiver Support Program, and (2) require the Department of Health and Human Services to award a grant to or enter into a cooperative agreement with a public or private nonprofit entity to establish a National Resource Center on Family Caregiving to provide information on and support for family caregiver support programs. 9/19/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.

H.R.5018 Elder Protection and Abuse Prevention Act Introduced on 4/21/2016 by Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-17) This bill amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to direct the Administration on Aging of the Department of Health and Human Services to: (1) ensure that all programs funded under such Act include appropriate training in elder abuse prevention and services addressing elder justice and exploitation; and (2) update periodically the need for such training related to prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation (including financial exploitation) of older adults. The Administration has a duty and function to: (1) establish priority information and assistance services for older individuals; and (2) develop a National Eldercare Locator Service, with a nationwide toll free number. The Administration shall establish a National Adult Protective Services Resources Center. Each area plan shall provide that the area agency on aging: (1) increases public awareness of elder abuse and financial exploitation, and removes barriers to elder abuse education, prevention, investigation, and treatment; and (2) reports instances of elder abuse. The Administration shall make grants to states with approved plans for elder abuse and neglect screening. A state operating a nutrition project shall encourage distributors of nutrition services to distribute information on diabetes, elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and the annual Medicare wellness exam. A state, an area agency on aging, a nonprofit organization, or a tribal organization shall use a grant for an older individuals' protection from violence project to replicate successful prevention and training models. The Administration shall award grants to and contract with eligible organizations for projects to engage volunteers over age 50 in supporting older adults (and their families or caretakers) who have experienced or are at risk of elder abuse. A state may use funds under the National Family Caregiver Support Program to support the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. 9/19/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training.

H.R.4919 Kevin and Avonte’s Law of 2016 To amend the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program and to promote initiatives that will reduce the risk of injury and death relating to the wandering characteristics of some children with autism. 9/19/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education.

Other Legislation H.R.6084 Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2016 Introduced on 9/20/2016 by Representative Steve Israel (NY-3) To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide comprehensive cancer patient treatment education under the Medicare program and to provide for research to improve cancer symptom management. Includes caregivers in education. On 9/20/2016 referred to the House Ways and Means.

H.R.4816 Small Public Housing Agency Opportunity Act of 2016 Introduced on 3/21/2016 by Representative Steve M. Palazzo (MS-4) This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to subject a small public housing agency (PHA) to the same requirements as a PHA. A small PHA is a PHA for which the sum of the number of public housing dwelling units and the number of vouchers under Section 8 (tenant-based assistance) it administers is 550 or fewer. Text HERE 9/21/2016 Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Prior to Referral.

S3401 Improving Veterans Care in the Community Act of 2016 Introduced on 9/27/2016 by Senator Mike Crapo (ID) To amend title 38, United States Code, to consolidate and expand the provision of health care to veterans through non-Department of Veteran Affairs health care providers, and for other purposes. 9/27/2016 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

S.3343 Child and Elderly Missing Alert Program Act of 2016 Introduced on 9/15/2016 by Senator Robert Menendez (NJ) To authorize the Attorney General to provide a grant to assist Federal, State, tribal and local law enforcement agencies in the rapid recovery of missing individuals. Elder is individual who is 60 years of age or older. On 9/15/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.3339 Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act Introduced on 9/15/2016 by Senator John McCain (AZ) Related Bill: H.R.3590 On 9/15/2016, read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.Res.597 A resolution designating September 2016 as National Kinship Care Month Introduced on 9/29/2016 by Senator Ron Wyden (OR) 9/29/2016 Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

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Share your opinions with members of Congress! If you are interested in sharing your thoughts or concerns, find out how to contact your Representative or Senators by visiting: http://www.house.gov/ for the House or http://www.senate.gov/ for the Senate. Links to the membership lists are provided below. House members Senate members You can contact the White House at this link. ALSO: USA.gov provides contact information at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

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NEWS & RESOURCES The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Snapshot of Where Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump Stand on Seven Health Care Issues

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From Kaiser Health News By Anna Gorman October 4, 2016 When Pretend Play is Real For Alzheimer’s Patients

By Judith Graham October 13, 2016 Exercise, Even In Small Doses, Offers Tremendous Benefits For Senior Citizens

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National Alzheimer's Project Act updated information can be found at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/napa/. The National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease: 2016 Update is available at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/report/national-plan-address- alzheimers-disease-2016-update

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The Arizona Alzheimer's Task Force will be launching Calls to Action next month outlining ways each of us can help make a difference, offer hope for those directly impacted or find assistance. Look for more information coming soon!

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Alzheimer’s website: http://www.alzheimers.gov/

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From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disability/NASUAD Friday Updates, October 7, 2016 Report on Oral Health Services for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities During calendar year 2015, NASUAD engaged in collaboration with the DentaQuest Foundation to identify and promote effective oral health interventions for older adults and people with physical disabilities. This initiative involved collaborating with partners from the dental, aging, and disability fields in order to increase knowledge regarding issues and challenges related to dental services for older adults and people with disabilities. The project also included a survey of state agencies and a review of state coverage policies to determine current programs providing oral health services; understand access and utilization; recognize existing collaborations for outreach to beneficiaries; and identify challenges with oral health policy across state agencies. Additionally, NASUAD engaged in a review of state Medicaid oral health coverage policies that specifically target older adults and people with disabilities to understand the current dental policy and financing framework regarding these populations. Click here to view the report.

Friday Updates, September 30, 2016 Long-Term Care Facility Final Rule September 28, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Final Rule that updates Federal requirements for long-term care (LTC) facilities. The Rule will affect approximately 15,000 LTC facilities and close to 1.5 million Americans, and is the first major update to LTC regulations since 1991. There are a number of significant provisions in the Rule, including: prohibiting the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements; improving LTC staff ratios as well as their training on caring for residents with dementia; greater flexibility for dietitians and therapy providers, and; improving person-centered care and care planning. The Rule becomes effective on November 28, 2016.

Click here for more information regarding the new LTC facility Final Rule.

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Center on Aging & Work at Boston College AGEnda Financial Resources: A Critical Workplace Support for Caregivers of Older Adults Judi Casey WorkLife Consultant, Monday, October 3, 2016

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Generation to Generation – a campaign mobilizing adults 50+ to help young people thrive. More information: http://generationtogeneration.org/ Powered by ENCORE.org

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From the U.S. Food & Drug Administration 4 Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults HERE

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Better Hearing Institute Link to Memory, Cognitive Function Elevates Urgency of Treating Hearing Loss

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine September 2016 Report Families Caring for an Aging America

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES: From the Governor’s Office Newsroom: http://azgovernor.gov/newsroom #AZAWESOME Shareables: http://azgovernor.gov/governor/shareables

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Fiscal News Joint Legislative Budget Committee JLBC – Monthly Fiscal Highlights September 2016 JLBC Staff – October 2016 Revenue and Budget Update HERE

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Compass: Directions for Caregivers after the Dementia Diagnosis Wednesday, October 19, 2016; 10 am – 11:30 am Banner Health Research Institute, Morin Auditorium, 10515 W Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ 85351 Call 602-839-6850

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Weaving The Old With The New: Care for the Caregiver, 12th Annual Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in Native Americans Friday, October 21, 2016 from 7:30 am to 3:45 pm, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, 2281 Resort Blvd., Flagstaff AZ 86004 More information HERE

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Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, Monday, October 24, 2016, 11 AM 2nd Annual National Red Ribbon Kickoff Event, Addiction: The Elephant in the Room Arizona State Capitol, Senate Lawn, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix Arizona More information at: http://substanceabuse.az.gov/goyff/meeting/now-you-see-me- addiction-elephant-room/2016/10/24

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Arizona Summit on Volunteerism & Civic Engagement November 3-4, 2016, ASU West Campus, Glendale Registration HERE

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AZ Caregiver Summit November 5, 2016, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 Recker Rd., Mesa AZ 85205 Register at: www.eventbrite.com/e/az-caregiver-summit-tickets-27691751775 or call 602- 882-5197

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Arizona Geriatrics Society 28th Annual Fall Symposium Optimizing Care and Preventing the Preventable November 11 & 12, 2016, Desert Willow Conference Center, Phoenix View the full program and register online ***********************************************

ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy State of Our State Conference November, 16, 2016, 8 AM – 1:30 PM Phoenix Airport Marriott Registration online HERE

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21st Annual Caregiver Education Conference, Caregiver Consortium Friday, November 18, 2016 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, DoubleTree Hotel, 445 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson More information HERE

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AHCCCS is hosting three public forums to solicit input from ALTCS members and families on the person-centered service planning process. Forum notice: http://listserv.azahcccs.gov/ListImages/AHCCCS-HCBS- L/PCP_Public_Forum_Flyer.pdf

AHCCS News& Updates: https://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.html

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Arizona Department of Economic Security Feature Stories HERE

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Arizona Attorney General’s Senior Resources HERE

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Arizona Department of Health Services Public Health Licensing HERE Arizona Healthy Aging (A- HA) HERE

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Arizona Association of Area Agencies on Aging/AZ4A Map of Regions HERE

*********************************************** In case you missed it last time... Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures 2016 http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2016-facts-and-figures.pdf

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State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – free health benefit counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their families or caregivers. More information HERE

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Plan ahead for the next legislative session! See the NEW Website & features at: www.azleg.gov website Need to learn more about the legislative process? See Arizona Bill or Bill to Law. Find and review bill information HERE. Learn about the budget process HERE. Research the State Constitution HERE. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions linked HERE.

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Share your thoughts at any time! If you have a particular perspective to share with the Governor or your Legislators, you may voice your thoughts at any time by contacting the:  Governor’s Office of Constituent Services at 602-542-4331 in Phoenix; 520-628- 6580 in Tucson and in-state toll-free at 1-800-253-0883 ( outside Maricopa County only) or  Legislators from your area. You can locate your legislator by going to the Arizona State Legislature website and looking for: Legislative Maps

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Current members of the House of Representatives and Senate are listed on the Arizona State Legislature website at the following links if you wish to contact them by phone or email. Members of the House Members of the Senate

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If you’re interested Past issues of the Legislative Updates are linked on the Council website at: http://www.azgovernor.gov/gaca/LegUpdates.asp.

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Between sessions, we offer the Legislative Update on a monthly basis.

~Governor's Advisory Council on Aging

If you wish to be REMOVED from or know someone who would like to be ADDED to the Update, please send an email to: [email protected] and ask to be unsubscribed or subscribed to the Legislative Update.

Welcome to the Legislative Update for November 2016 This email newsletter is provided as a courtesy of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging. The purpose of this service is to keep older Arizonans and advocates of aging services informed about bills and actions taking place at the Arizona State Legislature and to highlight federal legislation or activities affecting older Americans. Between legislative sessions of the Arizona State Legislature, the abbreviated Legislative Updates focuses on news and information. The information is intended to help you shape your own opinion about an issue and give you the necessary resources and contacts so that you can ensure your perspective and voice are heard. The Legislative Update is non-partisan in nature. Thank you for your interest!

(Be sure to open the links throughout this issue for the latest information and resources.)

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Election Results

Arizona Secretary of State: http://results.arizona.vote/2016/General/n1591/Results- State.html#featured

Legislative results: http://results.arizona.vote/2016/General/n1591/Results- State.html#legislative

New Leadership at the Arizona State Legislature

House of Representatives: Speaker of the House J.D. Mesnard, House Majority Leader John Allen, House Majority Whip Kelly Townsend; House Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, House Assistant Minority Leader Randy Friese, and House Minority Whip Charlene Fernandez

Senate: Senate President Steve Yarbrough, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Yee, Senate Majority Whip Gail Griffin, President pro tempore Debbie Lesko; Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs, Senate Assistant Minority Leader Steve Farley, and Senate Minority Co- Whips Martin Quezada and Lupe Contreras

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Updates

H.R.6084

Improving Cancer Treatment Education Act of 2016

Introduced on 9/20/2016 by Representative Steve Israel (NY-3)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide comprehensive cancer patient treatment education under the Medicare program and to provide for research to improve cancer symptom management. Includes caregivers in education.

On 9/27/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

S.1490

Senior Fraud Prevention Act of 2015

Introduced on 6/3/2015 by Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN)

Requires the FTC, through such office, to: (1) disseminate to seniors and their families and caregivers information on the most common fraud schemes, including methods of reporting complaints either to the FTC's national toll-free telephone number or to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network, where complaints become immediately available to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, state attorneys general, and other appropriate law enforcement agencies; (2) provide, in response to a specific request about a particular entity or individual, publicly available information regarding the FTC's enforcement action; and (3) maintain a website as a resource for information on fraud targeting seniors.

Directs the FTC to establish procedures through such office to: (1) log and acknowledge the receipt of complaints by individuals who believe they have been a victim of such fraud in the Consumer Sentinel Network and to make such complaints immediately available to federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities; and (2) provide individuals with information on such fraud as well as the most common schemes.

On 11/15/2016 placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No.663. S.1916

Rural Health Care Connectivity Act of 2015

Introduced on 8/3/2015 by Senator John Thune (SD)

Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to include skilled nursing facilities among the types of health care providers who may request from a telecommunications carrier under the Universal Service Fund the necessary telecommunications and information services to serve persons who reside in rural areas at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in urban areas.

On 10/27/2016 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar Under General Orders. Calendar No. 659

Other Legislation

H.R.6274

Hospital Outcomes Act of 2016

Introduced on 9/28/2016 by Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-3)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create incentives for healthcare providers to promote quality healthcare outcomes and for other purposes.

On 10/7/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.6265

Medigap Consumer Protection Act of 2016

Introduced on 9/28/2016 by Representative Jim McDermott (WA-7)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain reforms with respect to Medicare supplemental health insurance policies.

On 10/7/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.6226

PUSH Act of 2016

Introduced on 9/28/2016 by Representative Tom Price (GA-6) To delay the Medicare demonstration for pre-claim review of home health services and for other purposes.

On 10/6/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.6184

Medicare Enrollment Protection Act

Introduced on 9/27/2016 by Representative Robert J. Dold (IL-10)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a special enrollment period under Medicare for individuals enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage and for other purposes.

On 10/4/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.6109

Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act of 2016

Introduced on 9/21/2016 by Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6)

To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve the affordability and enrollment procedures of the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

On9/28/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.6088

Hospital Quality Rating Transparency Act of 2016

To delay for one year the release of the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, and for other purposes.

On 9/28/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.6070

Safe Recovery and Community Empowerment Act

Introduced on 9/20/2016 by Representative Darrell E. Issa

To amend the Fair Housing Act to better protect persons with disabilities and communities.

On 9/30/2016 referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. H.Res.899

Expressing support for a stable and sustainable funding source for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program

Introduced on 9/28/2016 by Representative David G. Reichert (WA-8)

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the THCGME Program should be protected and sustained. The program awards grants to health centers for primary care residency programs.

On 9/28/2016 referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

S.3477

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide information regarding vaccines for seniors as part of the Medicare & You handbook and to ensure that the treatment of cost sharing for vaccines under Medicare part D is consistent with the treatment of vaccines under Medicare part B and for other purposes.

Introduced on 11/17/2016 by Senator Mazie K Hirono (HI)

On 11/17/2016 read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.3471

Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2016

Introduced on 11/16/2016 by Senator Orrin G. Hatch (UT)

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage retirement savings, and for other purposes.

On 11/16/2016 placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 670.

S.3454

A bill to improve medication adherence

Introduced on 9/28/2016 by Senator Thomas R. Carper (DE)

Text HERE

On 9/28/2016 read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. S.3410

Veteran Overmedication Prevention Act of 2016

Introduced on 9/28/2016 by Senator John McCain (AZ)

To direct the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to conduct an independent review of the deaths of certain veterans by suicide, and for other purposes.

On 9/28/2016 read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

S.3401

Improving Veterans Care in the Community Act of 2016

Introduced on 9/27/2016 by Senator Mike Crapo (ID)

To maned title 38, United States Code, to consolidate and expand the provision of health care to veterans through non-Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers and for other purposes.

On 9/27/2016 read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

S.Res.593

A resolution designating September 22, 2016 as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.

Introduced on 9/29/2016 by Senator Susan M. Collins (ME); Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and a preamble by Unanimous Consent. CR S6274-7275 HERE

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Share your opinions with members of Congress!

Links to the membership lists are provided below.

House members

Senate members You can contact the White House at this link.

ALSO: USA.gov provides contact information at: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

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NEWS& RESOURCES

From Kaiser Health News

October 24, 2016

Kaiser Health News: For Seniors, Teeth Need Care — But Insurance Coverage Is Rare

November 7, 2016

Kaiser Health News: Seniors Suffer Amid Widespread Fraud By Medicaid Caretakers

November 10, 2016

Kaiser Health News: After Colorado, ‘Right To Die’ Movement Eyes New Battlegrounds

November 14, 2016

Kaiser Health News: Community Paramedics Work To Link Patients With Mental Health Care and

Kaiser Health News: Study: Many Caregivers Spend $7K Annually Out Of Pocket

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Alzheimer’s website: http://www.alzheimers.gov/

*********************************************** From the National Association of States United for Aging and Disability/NASUAD

Friday Updates, November 18, 2016

State Contracting with Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans: Issues and Options

The Integrated Care Resource Center published an issue brief about the issues and options that states have when contracting with Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans.

The brief "analyzes D-SNP contracts in 13 states, including states that have made the most extensive use of D-SNP contracting by linking D-SNPs to Medicaid managed long-term services and supports programs. The tool summarizes how these states have developed those linkages and describes the specific care coordination and information-sharing requirements that the states have included in their D-SNP contracts. The D-SNP contracting approaches used by this diverse group of 13 states can provide guidance for states that have varying opportunities and resources for D-SNP contracting."

Click here to view the publication.

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

Brief: Coordinated Transportation Planning Information

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) published an issue brief with information about requirements, strategies, and tools for meaningful engagement for older adults and people with disabilities. "This information brief examines federal Section 310 requirements related to meaningful engagement of older adults and people with disabilities in the transportation planning process. The second part of the brief reviews strategies used in public meetings, stakeholder groups, and engagement exercises, and identifies pros and cons of different types of engagement methods depending on their accessibility to participants who are older or who have disabilities."

Click here to view the brief.

Friday Updates, November 11, 2016

Medicare to Provide Coverage for Supports for Alzheimer's Patients

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced its final decision that starting in 2017 Medicare will pay for individual care plans to support Alzheimer's patients and their families. The move largely implements provisions of the Health Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) for Alzheimer's Act authored by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, coauthored by Senator Susan Collins, Senator Ed Markey, and Senator Shelley Moore Capito, as well as being cosponsored by 54 additional Senators.

Click here to view the announcement.

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The Center on Aging & Work at Boston College

FACT OF THE WEEK Monday, November 7, 2016

4 in 10 households age 55+ have housing debt

"For households ages 55 and older, the share with housing debt increased by 8 percentage points between 2001 and 2013" from 32% in 2001 to almost 40% in 2013." And the debt burden - defined as the median ratio of housing debt to household income - increased by more than 50 percentage points for this age group," according to a 2016 analysis of data from the U.S. Survey of Consumer Finances. (p. 3, and Figs. 4, 6, 8)

Munnell, A. H., Hou, W., & Sanzenbacher, G. T. (2016). How much does housing affect retirement security? an NRRI update.

Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Retrieved from this source.

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From Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers

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From PHI

New CMS Rules Mandates Including Nursing Assistants in Care Planning HERE

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From ASU

The Biodesign Institute

Power outage in the brain may be source of Alzheimer’s HERE ***********************************************

Governor Ducey has proclaimed November as the kick off to Arizona’s Call to Action in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The proclamation and resources, and the Arizona Alzheimer’s State Plan are posted on our homepage under Office on Aging News.

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INFORMATION& RESOURCES:

Northern Arizona Council of Governments/NACOG Area Agency on Aging

Remaining 4-year plan community forums

November 21, in Flagstaff, Coconino County Community Services, King Street, from 3 – 5 pm

November 29 in Springerville, White Mountain Regional Medical Center, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm

November 30 in Lakeside, Solterra, 9 – 11 am

For more information visit www.nacog.org/aging or call toll-free 1-877-521-3500.

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Fiscal News

Joint Legislative Budget Committee

JLBC – Monthly Fiscal Highlights October 2016 HERE

November 2016 (Arizona Economic Trends) HERE

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