This morning, @warren.senate.gov, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, and Rep. Jame Moylan introduced the Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act alongside experts and advocates. If passed, it would reduce poverty among SSI recipients by 60 percent. 🧵

Congress promised to protect Medicaid, then voted to slash funding by $1 trillion. Home care services—the lifeline that keeps many older adults out of nursing homes—now hang in the balance.

New work requirements threaten to strip health care coverage from hundreds of thousands of Americans who rely on Medicaid. But each state's rules—like what paperwork they'll require and which exemptions will be honored automatically—will ultimately decide who keeps their insurance and who doesn't.

"States will not see savings in the long run, as people without health insurance will eventually seek care at hospitals and emergency rooms during medical crises, leading to increased uncompensated care costs. "

Later this year, a new law will end Medicare eligibility for hundreds of thousands of lawfully present older immigrants, including some refugees and asylees. Here's what advocates need to know:

Stories from Massachusetts residents who are returning to their communities after extended, sometimes years-long nursing home stays are affirming what advocates have long known: community living is key to aging with dignity—and benefits state budgets, too.

A law passed over the summer will restrict access to Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA tax credits to: -U.S. citizens -permanent residents -some Cuban and Haitian entrants -Compact of Free Association (COFA) residents Hundreds of thousands of other lawfully present immigrants no longer qualify.

Medicaid work requirements hurt families and state governments alike. But states can—and should—take action to prevent Medicaid terminations and cut the red tape created by this new federal mandate.

Emma, 57, is involved in everything from volunteering with domestic violence survivors to developing an adaptive clothing business. Her caregiver, Wanda, makes her busy schedule possible. But Medicaid cuts threaten the in-home care services that Emma and many others rely on to live independently.

As more Americans live with dementia, a simultaneous care worker shortage is forcing families to manage their parents’ complex needs alone.

States often consider three hard choices when facing Medicaid funding shortfalls: cutting eligibility, slashing benefits, or reducing provider rates. As @amberchrist.bsky.social explains, "none of those are acceptable."

We are living in a time of deep uncertainty. The programs older adults rely on are under attack. But, as @kevinprindiville.bsky.social reminds us, this challenging moment won't last forever—and we can wield our collective power to reimagine a better future.

In an uncertain landscape marked by #Medicaid cuts and threats to gender-affirming care, many LGBTQ+ older adults struggle to access the support they need to age with dignity. Join us for a timely webinar about federal policies impacting LGBTQ+ Americans—and how advocates can protect their rights.

When Medicaid budgets are strained, many states cut dental coverage. Without it, people resort to ERs for issues that routine dental care could have prevented altogether. The bottom line: Medicaid cuts cost actual lives—and state budgets—more in the long run.

Why are we doing less for low-income, older, and disabled Americans? @amberchrist.bsky.social @justiceinaging.org aginginamerica.news/2026/01/13/m...

States aren't required to include adult dental benefits in their #Medicaid programs, so these services are often the first to go when funding is cut. Poor oral health causes more than just pain—it can interfere with school and work and is linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Three years after it became the first in the nation to eliminate Medicaid asset tests, California is reinstating a $130,000 asset limit for most Medi-Cal enrollees. Here’s what you need to know:

2026 is set to be a pivotal year in the California State Legislature. Join us at our next webinar to learn about the legislative calendar, advocacy best practices, and rules for Legal Services Corporation-funded programs. Register: to.justiceinaging.org/F973X8R

Most homeless shelters aren't equipped to house the fastest-growing homeless population: older adults. Many are experiencing homelessness for the first time and need help with tasks like getting in and out of bed or keeping their insulin refrigerated.

New Medicaid work requirements set to take effect at the end of this year will introduce complicated rules that will cause millions of eligible Americans to lose their health care. Here's how states can take action to ease these hurdles:

In New York City, about 20% of older adults go to bed hungry. This food insecurity persists partly because federal law requires that eligible seniors receive 5 meals each week, not 7.

Until recently, older adults released from jail or prison were required to wait for the next enrollment period to apply for Medicare. Now, people leaving custody have a 12-month penalty-free enrollment period to sign up for Medicare.

As costs for home insurance, maintenance, and property taxes skyrocket, Social Security benefits remain largely stagnant. Now, older homeowners relying on Social Security, like 77-year-old retired nurse Peggy Locke, are struggling to keep the homes they've lived in for decades.

Three years after becoming the first in the nation to eliminate Medicaid asset tests, California is reinstating a $130,000 asset limit. Current Medi-Cal enrollees will be required to verify their assets when they renew coverage in 2026. Here’s what else advocates need to know:

TOMORROW: Get the latest on overpayment policies, in-kind support rules, and other important updates that will affect Americans on SSI. Register for our free webinar👇

New Medicaid work requirements, set to take effect at the end of 2026, introduce complex rules and paperwork that could cause millions of eligible Americans to lose their health care. Our new toolkit offers guidance to help states prevent wrongful Medicaid terminations:

170,000 Americans are at risk of losing their homes under a plan to cut the federal government’s largest homeless assistance program. 📢 Take action by reminding lawmakers that older adults in your community rely on these programs to keep a roof over their heads.

Are you concerned about how the latest Social Security and SSI policy changes could impact your clients? Attend our upcoming webinar to get clear guidance on new overpayment policies, in-kind support rules, and other important updates. Register 👇 to.justiceinaging.org/8jCO05x

The emotional and financial burdens of caregiving for aging Americans are increasingly falling on untrained family members. "In our fractured society, it is as close to a universal concern as you can find."

Medi-Cal enrollees will need to verify their assets at their first Medi-Cal renewal in 2026. Learn more about what to expect when the Medi-Cal asset limit returns next year:

Three years after becoming the first in the nation to eliminate Medicaid asset tests, California is reinstating a $130,000 asset limit for most Medi-Cal enrollees. Here’s what you need to know:

After decades of fighting for basic rights and surviving the HIV/AIDS epidemic, older LGBTQ+ Americans now face the double punch of ageism and a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination. @kevinprindiville.bsky.social and SAGE’s Lynn Faria explain what’s at stake—and why we can’t go back.

Alice Wong, an activist and author who championed the rights of people with disabilities, has died.

Imagine your patient shows up at her cardiologist in January only to learn her Medicare Advantage plan no longer covers that doctor. Plans change their provider networks every year, so it's essential to review your coverage during Medicare open enrollment, happening now through December 7.

Open enrollment season is here. Be sure to ask your low-income patients or clients whether they are paying a Part D premium. If they are or don’t know, urge them to review their options with a SHIP counselor.

If you work with Californians who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, understanding Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) is essential. Watch our recent webinar to learn the ins and outs of enrollment, care management, how Medi-Medi plans work, and more.

Navigating the complex maze of paperwork and information during Medicare Open Enrollment can feel overwhelming. SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased insurance counseling that can help you or your clients make informed decisions about your health coverage.

"Seniors deserve to eat, to live and to age without fear of hunger. That’s not a privilege; it’s a promise this country once made to its people — a promise that must be kept."

Patricia is 93. Despite recent health problems—a leg infection, fractured back, and broken bones in her arms—she hunts for remote jobs every day from her home in Arkansas. Over 550,000 Americans work into their 80s and beyond, sometimes by choice, but more often because retirement is not an option.

Help your clients make the most of open enrollment by checking whether their current providers remain in-network. (To do so, it’s a good idea to contact the provider directly.) For Medicare Advantage enrollees, using an out-of-network provider could lead to denials or higher out-of-pocket costs.

"We are leveling this bureaucratic red tape on people, the vast majority of whom are already doing the things that we supposedly want them to do."

Medicare open enrollment is particularly important for people enrolled in Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. These plans often adjust their out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, and covered medications each year.

Over 500,000 Californians are enrolled in Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), a type of health plan that coordinates benefits for people who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. Join us at our next webinar for a comprehensive overview of these rapidly growing plans.

Public housing authorities (PHAs) can open more doors to formerly incarcerated older adults by narrowing criminal background checks to convictions that impact the safety of other residents.

📢 We're seeking applicants for our 2026 summer fellowships! The positions are full-time, remote, and paid. Applications will be accepted through Friday, 11/14, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Open enrollment season is here. Be sure to ask your low-income patients or clients whether they are paying a Part D premium. If they are or don’t know, urge them to review their options with a SHIP counselor.

Finding an affordable apartment is hard. Finding one at age 80 is even harder. Rent-controlled units often sit in dated or poorly maintained buildings, and for older adults, leaks or steep stairs aren't just inconvenient—they're dangerous.

“It’s dual-pronged. Not only are you contributing to increased homelessness, but you’re also preventing individuals from being able to escape poverty by maintaining that critical asset,” Diamond said. “You’re also punishing people for being poor.”

Finding an affordable apartment is hard. Finding one at age 80 is even harder. Rent-controlled units often sit in dated or poorly maintained buildings, and for older adults, leaks or steep stairs aren't just inconvenient—they're dangerous.

States can target grieving families to repay thousands for Medicaid-covered long-term care. In some cases, these so-called "Medicaid estate recovery" programs even seize the family home—often the only asset left. A devastating read about a little-known practice: