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A Special Thank you to the Aging Services Network for their Outstanding Assistance in the Implementation of the Prescription Drug Program of the Medicare Modernization Act I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to the National Aging Services Network (Aging Services Network) for your grassroots, one-on-one assistance to millions of older adults and their families. The Aging Services Network’s partnership with CMS to help in the enrollment process made a significant difference in ensuring access and information for millions of Medicare eligible persons. As a result of these partnerships and action, more than 38 million people with Medicare now have some form of prescription drug coverage, representing more than 90 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries. Since November 15, 2005, the Department of Health and Human Services and our national partners sponsored over 50,000 Medicare Part D events across the country. Members of the Aging Services Network participated in over 46,000 of these events with more than 40,000 volunteers working Medicare Beneficiaries to choose the right prescription drug program for their needs. This was a truly outstanding effort on everyone’s part, and we cannot express enough our appreciation for your incredible work. As I traveled around the country to be by your side at many of these events, I was touched by your enrollees’ stories. Truly, the winners here are older Americans. With this new benefit, people are already seeing savings and now have greater access to preventive services. The ultimate result of this Medicare modernization initiative will be the improved health and the quality of life of Older Americans and persons with disability. I also want us to remember that this partnership is the beginning of many more collaborations. The time is now to continue this important refocus of our national long-term care and health systems. We have many more opportunities for long-term care change and modernization, and I know I can count on each of you to work within your local communities to further the expansion of choices for better health and wellness of our older Americans. So, again, thank you and God bless you all for your vision, support, compassion and dedication! Josefina G. Carbonell |
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Posted: May22, 2006
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 Story: 1 of 3
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National Hurricane Preparedness Week This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. During this week, private and government organizations are highlighting preparations for the 2006 hurricane season and other hazards. History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. For more information about National Hurricane Preparedness Week, go to http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml. Older people are especially vulnerable during and after an emergency situation. The Administration on Aging is pleased to announce the 2006 Emergency Assistance Guide. Members of the National Aging Service Network, and others who provide services to older Americans, should study AoA’s Emergency Assistance Guide, share the Guide with others who work with the older Americans, and keep it available as a resource when needed. The Guide is located at http://www.aoa.gov/press/preparedness/preparedness.asp |
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Posted: May 25, 2006
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Story: 2 of 3
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Assistant Secretary Josefina Carbonell Testifies on Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act at the U.S. House Subcommittee on Select Education Hearing The U.S. House Subcommittee on Select Education held a hearing on May 2 to discuss potential legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA). In her testimony Assistant Secretary Carbonell indicated that over the last forty years the OAA and the aging services network had produced a wide array of innovative programs to help older Americans retain their independence in the community. But she stated, “We must look forward to the changing realities facing our nation.” Some of these realities include increasing numbers of people living longer and the expanded demand for long-term care. The components of the Administration’s Choices for Independence (Choices) reauthorization proposal were outlined: empowering consumers, targeting high-risk individuals and building prevention into long-term care. Choices aims to help non-Medicaid eligible elderly take greater control of their long-term care and to empower middle-aged individuals plan ahead for their long-term care. Assistant Secretary Carbonell stated, “The aging services network created by the OAA and led by AoA is well positioned to help ensure the modernization of long-term care in our country.”
Click here for Assistant Secretary's Testimony at the U.S. House Subcommittee on Select Education testimony.
To view the Choices for Independence Proposal, please visit the AoA website at Choices for Independence. The technical clarifying proposals can be found at Technical Clarifying Amendments. Addition information:
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Posted: March 13, 2006
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Story: 3 of 3
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Spotlight On:
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Did You Know?
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Reconnect to Your Health! 
The Administration on Aging (AOA), the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), have joined together to promote “Reconnect to Your Health!, a Women’s Health Outreach Campaign. 
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 Older Americans Month--May 2006
Older Americans Month originated with a presidential proclamation in May 1963 and has been proclaimed by presidents each year since. Last year, President Bush stated, “Older Americans teach us the timeless lessons of courage, sacrifice and love. By sharing their wisdom and experience, they serve as role models for future generations. During Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to our senior citizens and their contributions to our nation.”
36.3 million
The number of people 65 and older in the United States on July 1, 2004. This age group accounted for 12 percent of the total population. Between 2003 and 2004, the size of this age group increased by 351,000 people.
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Medicare Partnership Campaign
Organizations within the Aging Services Network are central partners with the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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The Aging and Disability Resource Center Grant Program is part of the President’s New Freedom Initiative, which aims at overcoming barriers to community living for people with disabilities of all ages.
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 Own Your Future is a comprehensive roadmap for planning your future. The planning advice from Own Your Future will help you prepare for the long-term care needs you may have in the coming years.
Planning for long-term care is easy and smart, so START PLANNING NOW!
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You Can! Steps to Healthier Aging is part of the HHS Steps to a HealthierUS initiative, which encourages Americans to make healthier choices. • Be a Partner
• Partner List
• Partners Progress
• Celebration Overview
• Ordering Materials
• Partners to Date: 2838
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This HHS service provides health promotion and disease prevention tips 5 days a week in audio and text formats. |
Search Eldercare Locator
Toll Free: 1-800-677-1116 |
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This e-newsletter is dedicated to sharing information for the professional aging community.
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Dept. of Health & Human Services
