COLLOQUY
The Senior Alliance's Monthly Advocacy Update November 26, 2024
Volume 5.11 |
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Welcome to The Senior Alliance's advocacy newsletter, COLLOQUY! This monthly e-mail is a look at the issues, legislation, and events impacting aging. |
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Guardianship Bill Package Update
The Michigan guardianship bill package (House Bills 4909-4912) was approved by the Senate's Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee on November 14, 2024. The bills now await a vote by the full Senate. Because several amendments were made after the bills originally passed the House, if the Senate approves them, they will be sent back to the House for a final vote. If both the Senate and House pass the bills before the end of the 2023-2024 legislative session in December, they will then be sent to Governor Whitmer for her approval.
As a reminder, House Bills 4909 - 4912 aim to shore up some of the malpractice within Michigan's guardianship system. Notably, they do the following: -
Requires guardians to visit the individuals under their care at least once a month.
- Requires judges to explain on the record why family members were passed over for guardianship in favor of professionals.
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Requires guardians to take reasonable steps to protect their ward's important personal belongings, such as wedding albums or family heirlooms.
- Prohibits guardians ad litem who recommend guardianship for a ward from becoming the professional guardian for that same ward.
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Requires probate courts to state on the record why the sale of a ward's home is in their best interest.
To learn more about this pill package or to advocate for its passage, click here. |
Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) Updates
Currently, each of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Michigan have a service called the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or as it's long been known in Michigan, the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP). Earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services--which distributes the federals funds that support this program and hold authority over the program's policies and procedures--announced that the SHIP funds would be included in a competitive statewide funding opportunity. Until this announcement, SHIP funds were issued to the 16 Area Agencies on Aging without a competitive funding application required. The contracts for this program will be awarded in early 2025 with the program starting in April 2025 under the new contract structure.
Additionally, a portion of SHIP's/MMAP's funding is currently at risk at the federal level. During the budget negotiations for the federal Fiscal Year 2023 budget, funding and authorization for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) was taken out, and then temporarily reinstated until December 31, 2024. MIPPA makes up a portion of SHIP's/MMAP's overall funding and ensures the program's counselors are conducting outreach specifically to low-income families and individuals. The Senior Alliance continues to advocate for MIPPA funds to be reinstated before the new year.
The Senior Alliance's MMAP team has had an incredibly busy and successful time during Medicare Annual Enrollment Season this year. The Senior Alliance team is hopeful that we will be awarded a SHIP contract in 2025 to continue serving our community members with this vital program.
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Older Americans Act Reauthorization
After their return from Thanksgiving break next week, the U.S. Senate will attempt to expedite the passage of the 2024 bipartisan Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act (S.4776) through a process called the "unanimous consent" agreement. Under this rule, senators are informed that leadership intends to quickly move a bill to the floor for a vote unless any senator objects within a short period of time. The process is generally reserved for non-controversial legislation. Once passed by the Senate, S. 4776 will be sent to the House of Representatives for their consideration.
The OAA, originally passed in 1965, is scheduled to be reauthorized every four years to keep the legislation current with best practices. Because the OAA expired in September, Congress will need to act quickly to ensure programs like Meals on Wheels or Long Term Care Ombudsman services do not become unauthorized and unfunded. There are currently 11 million older adults and family caregivers who receive Older Americans Act services in communities across the country.
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Federal Budget Update
The Fiscal Year 2025 budget is still underway, with the federal government currently being funded by a continuing resolution that expires December 21, 2024. It is anticipated that another continuing resolution will be passed before December 21 to give the new presidential administration time to provide their input on the fiscal year's budget. To advocate for increases in spending levels for aging programs, click here. |
Government Affairs and Outreach Specialist Position Open
The Senior Alliance is now hiring a Government Affairs and Outreach Specialist. If you are interested in advocating to improve the quality of life for older adults by advocating for policies, funding, and services that meet their needs, then consider contacting Lauren Wonsowski, HR Assistant, for more information at lwonsowski@thesenioralliance.org.
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Coffee Hours
Coffee hours are a great way for constituents to engage with their legislators in an informal setting. If your legislator is hosting an upcoming coffee hour, consider going to share your thoughts on issues or receive assistance with government-related matters.
Below are the November coffee hours occurring in western Wayne County and Downriver: -
Representative Puri (State House District 24): Coffee hour at Canton Township Administration Building, 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48188, in the Board Room on December 9 from 6 - 7 PM.
Please check your representative's or senator's website before attending an event to ensure it is still taking place. |
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