Dear Psychology and Aging Colleagues:
As you know, the President signed the health reform bill into law today. This new law reflects over a year of tireless advocacy by the APA Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO), in collaboration with the Executive Office; the Education, Science, and Practice Government Relations Offices; and several key coalitions. Some of these advocacy efforts have included drafting and reviewing legislative language; meetings and correspondence with members of Congress and their staff, the White House, and the Executive Branch agencies; coalition leadership and collective advocacy; and grassroots advocacy by APA and coalition members (e.g., advocacy trainings, constituent visits on Capitol Hill, action alerts).
Below I have provided an overview of some of the key aging-related provisions that PI-GRO successfully secured in this new law. In addition to these provisions, PI-GRO also spearheaded health reform efforts focused on issues including children’s health and welfare, health disparities, women’s health, diversity issues, and issues impacting individuals living in poverty. We will continue to be in contact in the coming weeks and months with more detailed information regarding these health reform provisions and opportunities for involvement in the implementation of this important new law.
Many thanks for all of your assistance and support over the last year and please let me know if you have any questions!
Warm regards,
Diane
Aging-related health reform provisions spearheaded by PI-GRO include:
Integrated Interdisciplinary Health Care
· Several programs to promote integrated interdisciplinary/interprofessional health care in primary care and other settings, which include behavioral and mental health professionals (includes language from the APA-Supported Community Mental Health Services Improvement Act - S. 1188/H.R. 1011 and the Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act - S. 3708/H.R. 7302)
Prevention and Wellness
· Comprehensive prevention, detection, and treatment of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation (Language from the APA-Supported Elder Justice Act - S. 795/H.R. 2006)
· Grants for the implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of evidence-based community preventive health activities
· Grants for public health community interventions (including mental health and substance abuse), screenings (including mental health and substance abuse), and follow-up clinical referrals for individuals who are between 55 and 64 years of age
· Grants to establish national centers of excellence for depression, which shall engage in activities related to the treatment of depressive disorders
· Coverage of an annual wellness visit under Medicare
· Elimination of coinsurance and deductible for personalized prevention plans, initial preventive physical examinations, and screening and preventive services covered by Medicare and recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Geriatric Education and Training
· Expansion of eligibility for Geriatric Academic Career Awards to a variety of new disciplines, including faculty in psychology (Language from the APA-Supported Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act of 2009 - S. 245/H.R. 468)
· Expansion of authority for Geriatric Education Centers to offer short-term intensive courses (fellowships) in geriatrics for faculty members in medical schools and other health professions schools with programs in psychology or other health disciplines (Language from S. 245/H.R. 468)
· Authorization of a new Geriatric Career Incentive Awards Program to provide financial support to foster greater interest among a variety of health professionals in entering the field of geriatrics, including students of psychology (Language from S. 245/H.R. 468)
Psychology Workforce Development
· In collaboration with Education GRO, successfully secured language to authorize a psychology workforce development program (Language inspired by the APA-Supported Graduate Psychology Education Act of 2009 – S. 811/H.R. 2066; the Health Access and Health Professions Supply Act of 2009 – H.R. 3109; and S. 3708/H.R. 7302)
Long Term Services and Supports
· Establishment of a new national insurance program to help adults with functional limitations to maintain personal and financial independence and live in the community (Language from the APA-Supported CLASS Act - S. 696/H.R. 1721)
· Funding to expand State Aging and
· Provisions that require Geriatric Education Centers receiving certain grants to develop and offer training courses to family caregivers and direct care providers at no charge or minimal cost or incorporate mental health and dementia “best practices” training into their courses (Language from S. 245/H.R. 468)
· Several initiatives to assist States in providing home and community-based services and supports
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| Diane Elmore, PhD, MPH Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer Director, Congressional Fellowship Program Government Relations Office |
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