OPAG: Prompt Pay Initiative with Dr. Walsh Feb 13 

Dr. Mike Walsh of the Foraker Group is coordinating a grass-tops effort on behalf of nonprofit organizations that rely on Medicare reimbursement. Providers have raised concerns about ongoing delays in reimbursement that require nonprofits to absorb costs while awaiting payment. The Foraker Group recently visited Juneau to advocate for changes in state law that would establish timelines for Medicare reimbursement of provider claims.

Because most Alaskans age 65 and older rely on Medicare, the Older Persons Action Group (OPAG) is collaborating with the Foraker Group to inform and engage providers serving the senior population.

OPAG is hosting an informational session with Dr. Walsh on the Prompt Pay Initiative and a brief update from his Juneau visit on Friday, February 13th from 9–11am at Anchorage Senior Activity Center, 1300 E. 19th Ave. Coffee provided.

In-person participation is encouraged. Seating is limited to 60. A Zoom option may be available for providers outside Anchorage. Please note accommodation needs when RSVPing to C. Kelly Joy at: 907-276-1059 or admin@opagak.com.

Dementia Care in Alaska Online ECHO Series Starts Feb 24 

Dementia Care in Alaska ECHO is a statewide virtual learning network designed to strengthen the capacity of Alaska’s workforce to recognize, assess, and support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. The series focuses on practical, evidence-informed approaches to dementia care while addressing Alaska-specific realities, including geographic isolation, limited specialty access, cultural considerations, and fragmented care pathways.

Learn more and register: iecho.org/public/program/PRGM1768479756027UQXGPQMFI8

FY27 Congressionally Direct Spending Application Open Through Feb 27 

Senator Lisa Murkowski is now accepting federal funding requests for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) through her online portal for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), also known as earmarks.

Eligible applicants include Alaska nonprofit organizations and Tribal, state, or local government entities. For-profit organizations are not eligible. CDS requests may support one-time projects such as building construction or renovations, infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, workforce training and apprenticeship programs, curriculum development, and other projects with a clear public benefit.

Projects should have a defined scope, demonstrate community benefit, identify matching funds if applicable, and be shovel-ready or near shovel-ready within 12 to 24 months. Projects submitted in prior years that were not funded do not automatically carry forward and must be resubmitted for FY27.

Applicants should be aware that the congressional appropriations process is lengthy, and CDS funding is not suitable for projects that require funding within the next 6 to 12 months. Requests must be submitted through the CDS portal by 11:59 p.m. Alaska time on February 27. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Guidance materials, including a companion guide for Alaska stakeholders and Senate Appropriations Committee instructions, are available through Senator Murkowski’s office. Questions may be directed to Dana Herndon at Dana_Herndon@murkowski.senate.gov.

Programmatic funding requests for FY27 will open after the President submits the FY27 budget to Congress, typically in early February. These requests support ongoing federal programs rather than one-time projects, and the submission deadline will be announced later.

Center for Dementia Respite Innovation Grant Letter of Intent Due March 2 

The Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) is now in the third year of its Dementia Respite Innovation Grants. Through this initiative, CDRI funds innovative respite care projects nationwide to expand and improve access to person-centered dementia care.

Over five years, CDRI will award up to $20 million in competitive grants to local respite care providers. Organizations that currently provide, or are interested in developing, dementia-related respite services—particularly in communities at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias—are encouraged to apply.

Idaho and Alaska organizations are especially encouraged to participate and help ensure strong regional representation among this year’s awardees. Information on projects funded during the previous two years is available on this CDRI page.

2026 Healthy Brain Initiative Awardee Aleut Community of St. Paul Island 

Alzheimer's Association announced last week the 2026 Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Strategist and Champion cohorts. Awardees will grow local and Tribal public health capacity on brain health, dementia and caregiving — each receiving funding, education, peer support and technical assistance. They partnered with North Dakota State University's American Indian Public Health Resource Center to select the second cohort of the HBI Road Map Champion Program. These Tribally-led health programs and urban Indian organizations will implement the HBI Road Map for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples. Congratulations to Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Tribal Government, one of four tribal grantees. Learn more about the HBI Road Map Series at https://bit.ly/4sF15i8.