Administration for Community Living Proposes First Update in 35 Years to Regulations Aimed at Helping People Age at Home

6/21/2023

The U.S. Administration for Community Living is seeking input on proposed updates to the regulations for its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. The proposed rule is the first substantial update to most OAA program regulations in 35 years.

“The proposed rule will help ensure that older people, particularly those in greatest need, have the support they need to live independently,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement. HHS is seeking comments on the proposal through Aug. 15.

The proposed rule aims to incorporate lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and specifies who is eligible for services. It also creates expectations for legal assistance to help curb elder abuse, according to a fact sheet on the proposal. The rule also solidifies definitions for family caregivers and expands family caregiver support services. HCAOA plans to submit comments on behalf of members.

Click here for a summary of the proposed updates.

ACL will hold an informational webinar this Thursday, June 22 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Speakers include Alison Barkoff, Acting Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, and Amy Wiatr-Rodriguez, Director, Center for Regional Operations. Click here for registration details.

terry guberman link

6/21/2023 12:50:17 pm

Ive been a home care provider for 23 years. All the governmental type programs such as aging options and waivers in pA have made it unaffordable to provide service to seniors. Short Shifts / Low reimbursements / covid and administration costs have run some businesses out of business. At one time I had 150 direct caregivers. All the while I was increasing business I was increasing loss with those programs. People need our services and need fair rates so we can pay 18-20.00 an hour to carestaff. The shortages are man made by State keeping the providers unable to pay fair living wages for really hard physically and emotionally work for our staff.

Kristin Kingery link

6/26/2023 11:19:14 am

I second Terry Guberman's comment. Our mission as a non-profit provider is to assist those who are not able to afford to pay for services. The extremely low reimbursement makes it impossible to offer services through county Options or CHC. I would be willing to break even and not expect a profit from government funding, but we cannot afford to take a minimum of $10/hour loss - We also are expected to provide transportation without reimbursement which can increase that loss after we pay the caregiver mileage. Thanks for all you do to help increase government funds and services for older adults who want to live at home. What is currently offered still pushed them toward institutional living.

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Administration for Community Living Proposes First Update in 35 Years to Regulations Aimed at Helping People Age at Home

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