Welcome to August – the slow summer crawl to fall, or, for parents, get ready for school. For Immanuel and Government Relations, it’s usually concern or confusion over the federal budget or upcoming elections. It’s also preparation for the upcoming State Legislatures that begin in January.
We keep you informed of what we’re watching here.
Federal Government Update
August is usually a month when U.S. Senators and members of the House of Representatives take time of to be in their home districts, especially in a campaign year. The House has already adjourned in late July, but the Senate is still working on what the House passed for them to work on, including: several nominations to federal agencies, a budget resolution that includes Iran war funding, funds for farmers, and financial incentives for states to reform election procedures.
While we watch many federal bills of interest to Immanuel, few rarely pass in the current political climate. These bills are great to talk about with our elected oficials, and bring focus on the good work of Immanuel:
1. The PACE® Access Improvement Act (no bill number yet):
- Enables enrollment at any time rather than only on the first of the month.
- Makes PACE® a mandatory Medicaid service.
- Improve new PACE® provider application and approval process.
- Remove arbitrary caps on number of PACE® providers, only limit based on need.
2. Expanding Services Coordinators Act (H.R. 5057): increase service coordinator programs across HUD-assisted housing, including through competitive grants, and prioritize properties serving older adults, people with disabilities and communities experiencing poverty.
Nebraska Legislature
Work progresses in Immanuel’s new collaboration with the City of Lincoln’s Aging Partners and their AARP Age-Friendly community work. Immanuel leadership met with providers and interested organizations in July for a more in-depth introduction to PACE® (Programs for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly).
We discussed the barriers participants face in accessing the program in Nebraska due to the low Medicaid income eligibility limit and reimbursement rates. Next steps are already underway.
Iowa Legislature
Likewise, in Iowa, it’s been all about PACE®. A new State of Iowa Medicaid Director, Lee Grossman, is on board. Immanuel’s Vice President of PACE®, April Butterfield, and Brynn Rogers, Regional Director of Community Operations, have already given Mr. Grossman a tour of PACE® and the bright future of PACE® in Iowa.
General Election – Tuesday, November 3
Participating in elections at all levels of government is important. Your vote determines who decides how much funding is allocated and how easy or difficult it is to comply with all government regulations related to our work. Don’t forget to register if you haven’t. Don’t forget to vote. The Voting Plan found here might be helpful.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments.
Tara Muir, JD, Advocacy & Government Relations Coordinator | 402-829-2931 office | 402-871-4979 cell | tmuir@immanuel.com
Click here to read more in August's Immanuel Advocates newsletter.
Immanuel Advocacy Philosophy
We aim to highlight and advocate for seniors across Nebraska and Iowa, and when necessary, in the U.S. Congress. As a faith-based, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, we do not and cannot subscribe to the beliefs of one political party over another. When issues are critical to Immanuel, the people we serve, and our staff, we will advocate for what will benefit, not detriment.
Our goal with this monthly newsletter is to present the information objectively and unbiasedly. Some issues we focus on may fall further down one side of the traditional political spectrum than the other. In these times, many issues seem to become political that they never were before, such as access to food and housing.
Any call to action is completely voluntary and should not be viewed as an expectation relating to your role with Immanuel. All calls or efforts made should be done outside of your work hours, unless approved by your supervisor. As such, calls and efforts made outside of your working hours will not be compensated by Immanuel.
The Advocacy and Government Relations Coordinator is a member of the Legal and Compliance Team.
