Elder Law News

2006 CMS New Freedom Initiative Conference In Baltimore Maryland

On April 10, Dr. Mark McClellen, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was joined by Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging in presenting the keynote address at the Sixth Annual New Freedom Initiative Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. McClellen and Assistant Secretary Carbonell talked about their coordinated approach to implementing the new federal policy direction in long-term care that is embedded in the President’s New Freedom Initiative and designed to empower consumers and honor their desire for community living.

Dr. McClellen discussed the major changes to Medicaid long-term care that were included in the recently enacted Deficit Reduction Act. He gave special highlight to the Money Follows the Person Program, which provides almost $ 2 billion in new funding for home and community-based services. Assistant Secretary Carbonell talked about the new Choices for Independence Program that is the centerpiece of the Administration’s proposal for the Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. The Assistant Secretary noted how Choices builds on the unique mission of the Act, and is designed to strengthen the role of the Act and the Aging Services Network in the future of long- term care.

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	Did You Know?
	The number of senior citizens is growing continuously. The U.S. Census Bureau projected that, in 2030, 10 states will have more people 65 and older than under 18. As the baby boomers slowly become senior citizens by 2011, the population of 65 and older will grow faster than the total population in every state. 26 states are, in fact, said to double their 65 + populations within the next 25 years. Today, about 70 million baby boomers will soon hit their retirement years.