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The
Aging Network
Program Instructions
September
30, 1998
AOA-PI-98-06
TO : STATE AGENCIES ON
AGING ADMINISTERING PLANS UNDER TITLE III OF THE OLDER AMERICANS
ACT, AS AMENDED
SUBJECT : Grants to State Agencies
on Aging to Enhance the Capacity of Information and Referral Services
to Address Medicare+Choice
The closing date for
submission of applications has
been extended to: November 9, 1998.
LEGAL AND RELATED REFERENCES
: Older Americans Act, as Amended (Public Law 102-375)
The Administration on Aging (AoA) invites State
Agencies on Aging to apply for two(2) funding opportunities to
enhance the capacity of the aging network's information and referral
systems to provide accurate information and make appropriate referrals
for Medicare+Choice inquiries. The Balanced Budget Act
of 1997 established the Medicare+Choice Program, which authorizes
new Medicare health plan options for beneficiaries to choose.
The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has provided AoA
with funds for two important initiatives related to the National
Medicare Education Program.
The
Information and Referral for Medicare Beneficiaries Projects
are intended to strengthen the capability of the aging network's
information and referral programs to respond to inquiries regarding
Medicare+Choice (M+C) State Agencies will be able to use funds
to aid in training efforts and pursue other activities in support
of M+C implementation. Each State may apply for an award based
on a funding formula derived from Medicare beneficiary and managed
care concentration data provided by HCFA. A description of the
formula and a chart showing funding allocations for each state
are included in the guidelines attached.
In the second funding opportunity, Model State Projects to Develop
Medicare Information and Referral Protocols and Reports,
AoA is seeking proposals from State Agencies on Aging to collect
data on the number and type of M+C inquiries made to I&R providers
and to develop revised protocols for handling such inquiries
in subsequent years. State Agencies awarded grants under this
program competition shall each receive up to $75,000 for a one
(1) year project grant. AoA expects to fund up to five projects.
I strongly encourage
all state agencies on aging to apply for this funding.
DUE DATE :
Due by October 30, 1998
ATTACHMENTS
: Guidelines for Preparing and Submitting Grant Applications:
INQUIRIES :
Inquiries should be addressed to Regional Administrators on Aging,
DHHS Regional Offices
Jeanette C.
Takamura
Assistant Secretary for Aging
INQUIRIES: Inquiries should be addressed to
Regional Administrators on Aging, HHS regional offices.
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