2023-2024 NAELA Public Policy Priorities

In March and April 2023, NAELA distributed a survey to members soliciting input about advocacy program, especially reactions to policies and how members would prioritize them. With this information, the Federal Advocacy Committee proposed new annual priorities that, having been approved by the Board of Directors, NAELA will pursue:

I. Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Make Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) under the Medicaid program available to every beneficiary in need of long-term services and supports (LTSS) to ensure full inclusion in the community and to allow them to age with dignity in their homes. 

II. Medicaid Benefits And Inequitable Recovery Of Benefits 
Work to ensure the continuation of Medicaid benefits for individuals with disabilities of all ages, and to limit unfair and inequitable recoveries of benefits.
 
III. Guardianship Support and Education 
Support oversight of the 1.3 million people living under guardianship and educate stakeholders on current challenges facing the system.

IV. Tax and financial planning - Monitor and respond to proposals that may negatively impact older adults and individuals with disabilities  
NAELA will also include a focus on tax and financial planning, a crucial area for many elder law attorneys. Though always a concern, NAELA anticipates legislative and regulatory activity in this area this year, possibly in response to SECURE 2.0 legislation. As advocates consider a potential SECURE 3.0, NAELA will prioritize accordingly.

These priorities reflect changes to the policy landscape as the nation moves past the COVID-19 pandemic. For the past two years, addressing the Public Health Emergency (PHE) was a top priority. While NAELA will continue to monitor and engage on PHE unwinding, this falls within the broader focus of priority 2 and does not require special attention at this time. 

NAELA will proceed to take action in line with these priorities, while remaining nimble and reactive to the gamut of other issues important to NAELA members, so we can deliver advocacy victories that advance the NAELA mission. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Knaapen, Director of Public Policy and Alliance Development, at [email protected]. 

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 69 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).

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