Briefs
Healthcare Coverage and Costs
Policy Briefs:
Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services: The Medicaid Access Rule
The federal government鈥檚 own regulations have hampered access to services for older adults on Medicaid. The new Medicaid Access Rule went into effect this spring, with a goal of removing barriers and improving home- and community-based services (HCBS). For instance, it seeks to ensure fair compensation for direct-care workers and to improve state reporting on the number of people on waiting lists for services.
Don鈥檛 Forget: Including Brief Cognitive Assessments at the Annual Wellness Visit
Medicare beneficiaries receive an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), which is an underutilized opportunity for them to have a cognitive assessment.
Expanded Coverage to Increase Physical Activity Among Older Adults
Older adults need exercise programs that are covered by Medicare to support their physical and mental health.
Expanding Medicare Coverage for Depression Screening
Medicare coverage of depression screening during primary care visits could help older adults at increased risk of depression access important resources and support.
Reducing Medicare Expenses with Hearing Coverage
Hearing health services can be expensive and these costs can discourage older adults from seeking care. This is a review of the need for Medicare to cover hearing services.
Research Briefs:
Florida Scoreboard Results: AARP US State Scoreboard on Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS)
Every three years, AARP evaluates and ranks state long-term services and supports (LTSS) based on categories, such as affordability, access, safety, quality, and more. This is an overview of Florida鈥檚 2023 results.