2019 NAELA Public Policy Priorities

I. Combating Proposals That Restrict Access to Medicaid
Medicaid is the principle program for long-term services and supports (LTSS). A number of states have requested that the Administration waive their requirements under federal law in order to impose harsh eligibility requirements and to cut back on mandated services. NAELA opposes these efforts. To learn more, visit our dedicated Medicaid Waiver resource page.
 
II. Expanding Home and Community-Based Services 
Virtually everyone that requires LTSS hopes to remain at home and part of their communities. Unfortunately, the United States has a long history of favoring institutions instead of less restrictive environments. NAELA supports important efforts to address this issue, including the Disability Integration Act and the Empower Care Act.
 
III. Providing Feedback on Proposals to Improve the LTSS System 
America lacks a coherent system for financing LTSS. NAELA will continue to educate Congress on the LTSS crisis, raise ideas, and provide our analysis of proposals as they arise.

NAELA Partners and Coalitions

Working Together to Support Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
NAELA advocates with its allies on a broad range of issues impacting seniors and persons with disabilities before Congress, regulators, and the courts. NAELA accomplishes this through participation in a number of coalitions:
 
I. Leadership Council of Aging Organizations. A coalition of 70 prominent national aging advocacy organizations that represent millions of older Americans. Together, we work to preserve and strengthen the well-being of America’s older population.
 
II. Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. The largest coalition of national organizations working together to advocate for federal public policy that ensures the self-determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society. Since 1973, CCD has advocated on behalf of people of all ages with physical and mental disabilities and their families.
 
III. Disability & Aging Collaborative. A coalition of national aging and disability organizations working to advance long-term services and supports for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The coalition is now focused primarily on enhancing access to home and community-based services (HCBS), rebalancing, and ensuring consumer engagement, protections, and quality in duals integration and managed long-term services and supports (LTSS).

IV. Elder Justice Coalition. A national organization dedicated to promoting Elder Justice in America. The Coalition works to fulfill its mission through education, advocacy, and support of federal initiatives to address the growing crisis of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

V. Allies for Independence. A unique national advocacy organization dedicated to the implementation of a strong, vital, and accessible long-term services and supports system. 

NAELA will advocate on these broader issues that adhere to our public policy guidelines. Read our guidelines.