2018 NAELA Public Policy Priorities

I. Expanding Home and Community Based Services 
Virtually everyone that requires long-term services and supports 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.

II. Combatting Harmful Restrictions by Medicaid Waiver
Medicaid is the principle program for long-term services and supports. Recently, some states have requested that the Federal government waive their requirements under federal law 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.

III. Ensuring Access to Long-Term Services and Supports in Congress
NAELA provides its expertise to members of Congress on proposals that impact access to long-term services and supports (LTSS).

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.

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