This Week's Updates
Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 03/27/2026 02:06 PM AKDT
Housing Development Funding Opportunity
ACoA Monthly Meeting April 8 via Zoom
You are welcome to join the commission for our monthly meeting April 8 1pm-2pm using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85634710964. Public Comment is at 1:45pm.
The meeting agenda is available on Public Notice.
ACoA Community Webinar: Social Security 101 April 7
Please join us for our second webinar with Nathan Cole, Social Security Administration Regional Public Affairs Specialist on Social Security 101. Do you have questions you need answered? Please email those to us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov
The SSA webinar is April 7th via Zoom from 12pm to 1:30pm. The last 30 minutes is for Q&A. These webinars are not recorded or publicly shared.
Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84182410973
ACoA 2025 Publications
View our 2025 Annual Report including Recommendations to the Governor here.
The 2025 Senior Snapshot will be released in April and shared here!
Save the Date: Statewide Summit on Aging this October
You're invited! Please join us this fall, either virtually or in-person at Turnagain Social Club in Anchorage for the Statewide Summit on Aging October 15-17. Continuing education credits available. Stay tuned for more information!
Interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities? Please email us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov
Note: we have combined forces with the Aging and Disability Summit traditionally held at Special Olympics to bring you this Summit on Aging.
CNA Training Bill - Alaska Legislature Public Testimony April 2
The Alaska Legislature is preparing for public testimony on HB244 in the House Health and Social Services Committee on April 2nd at 3:15pm, a bill focused on improving the training standards for Certified Nurse Aides in the state. The upcoming testimony offers an opportunity for stakeholders, caregivers, health organizations, and community members to share perspectives on how the bill may affect the quality of care provided to vulnerable Alaskans.
HB244 aims to strengthen CNA education by expanding the skills and knowledge required in training programs. The bill emphasizes communication, respect for client rights and dignity, accurate observation and reporting of changes in a client’s condition, and the use of critical thinking in care planning. It also highlights the need for specialized preparation to support individuals with cognitive impairments such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, mental illness, or intellectual disabilities. In addition, it reinforces training on assisting with essential activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, bathing, grooming, and toileting.
Overall, the bill is designed to ensure that CNAs receive well-rounded, person‑centered training so they can safely and compassionately meet the needs of Alaska’s aging and medically vulnerable populations. If adopted, the updated standards would take effect beginning in 2027, giving training programs time to incorporate the new requirements.
How to Testify Telephonically:
Call the appropriate number about 5–10 minutes before the hearing start time to join the queue. When your line is unmuted, begin by stating your full name, where you're calling from, and your affiliation. Keep your remarks within the 2‑minute time limit.
If calling from Anchorage area: 907-563-9085.
If calling from Juneau area: 907-586-9085.
Everywhere else: 844-586-9085.
Avoid using speakerphones and choose a quiet location; audio may be muted if background noise or poor sound quality interrupts the hearing. If unable to complete your spoken testimony, you may be submit written testimony to: House.Health.And.Social.Services@akleg.gov
For additional technical assistance or to testify through a Legislative Information Office, call the Juneau LIO at 907‑465‑4648.
Detailed teleconferencing steps and best practices are available here: https://akleg.gov/docs/pdf/AKLEG_Testimony_Instructions.pdf
Alaska Complex Care Residential Home Bill Update
HB 73 – Complex Care Residential Homes was favorably reported out of the Senate Finance Committee on March 20th with a “Final No Recommendation” fiscal note package (FN5–FN8), and was referred to the Senate Rules Committee that same day.
Rural Health Transformation Resolution in Alaska Legislature
HJR 32 is a House Joint Resolution expressing the Legislature’s strong support for Alaska’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). It acknowledges the state's selection for a $272.17 million first-year federal award from CMS (the second-highest total and highest per capita of any state) under RHTP, funded through H.R. 1 to improve rural and frontier health care access. The resolution outlines legislative intent to collaborate with the Governor and Alaska’s congressional delegation, urging them to secure sustained federal support and to draft complementary state legislation targeting six priority areas: maternal/child health, rural care access (including telehealth), community wellness, fiscal sustainability and value-based care, workforce development, and health technology modernization. Introduced Feb 18, amended Mar 9, passed the House unanimously on March 25th, and transmitted to the Senate Health & Social Services Committee.
SJR 27 is the Senate counterpart to HJR 32. Introduced on February 25th by the Senate Health & Social Services Committee, it similarly endorses the RHTP, highlights the significant CMS award, and emphasizes the same six implementation priorities.
The resolution was referred to the Senate Health & Social Services Committee, where it received a hearing on March 24th and currently awaits a committee vote. Both resolutions serve as legislative commitments to ensure Alaska maximizes federal funding and aligns state policy toward strengthening rural health care infrastructure and services.
SDS E-Alert: Understanding Cost of Care Amount for Long Term Services and Supports
In collaboration with the Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, and the Division of Public Assistance, the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS) is pleased to share the attached resources regarding Cost of Care Amount (COCA) for individuals receiving Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS). The resources contain practical information and aim to address frequently asked questions regarding COCA. Providers should use this as the most current guidance related to Cost of Care to support their business processes.
There are two guides:
- For Recipients and Families: Understanding your Cost of Care Amount: A Guide for People Getting Long-Term Services and Supports - COCA_Recipients_Guide_July2025.pdf
-
For Providers and Care Coordinators: Navigating Cost of Care Amount: A Practical Guide for LTSS Providers and Care Coordinators - COCA_Providers_Guide_July2025.pdf
Please feel free to share the guides with anyone interested in learning more about COCA.
Questions? doh.sds.info@alaska.gov
Housing Alaskans: A Public-Private Partnership Funding Opportunity Due April 13
A new Notice of Funding Opportunity has been released to accelerate housing development across Alaska. Housing developers and project sponsors are encouraged to apply, especially those with projects that are nearly ready to proceed but need final support to move forward.
This funding is intended for projects that are ready to break ground, scheduled for completion in 2026–2027, or capable of speeding up housing efforts in Western Alaska communities impacted by recent storms.
Full details are available at www.housingalaskans.com.
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, regional housing authorities, Tribes, and private (for‑profit) developers meeting the required affordability criteria for sales prices, rental prices, and ongoing income‑based restrictions for tenants or owners.
Applications are due April 13th at 5pm. Please share this opportunity widely.
AARP Fraud Prevention Panel Anchorage April 14
Join AARP Alaska and host Anchorage Senior Activity Center for a panel discussion on preventing fraud with the Alaska FBI, Alaska Senior Medicare Patrol, and AARP Fraud Watch Network. Tuesday, April 14th at 5:30pm at Anchorage Senior Activity Center. Light meal and refreshments included!
Hear from experts on how to spot and stop scams, get resources and learn how to protect yourself and your community. This is a free community event.
Click to register (and make a free AARP account).
Jewish Federations of North America: Person Centered, Trauma Informed Services Letter of Intent Due April 15
The Jewish Federations of North America’s Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care has released a request for proposals to support the development of innovative, person‑centered, trauma‑informed (PCTI) services for Holocaust survivors, older adults with trauma histories, and their family caregivers.
An optional informational webinar will be held on Monday, March 30th. During this session, Center staff will review the RFP and answer questions live. Organizations may also submit questions in advance to Aging@JewishFederations.org.
Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent by Wednesday, April 15th. Stage 1 applications are due Friday, May 15th.
ACL: Advisory Councils to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren & Family Caregivers Meeting April 29
Join the U.S. Administration for Community Living for a virtual meeting of the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council and Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren that will be held on Wednesday, April 29th 8am - 12:30pm (AKT) as required by the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG) Act.
The primary purpose of this meeting is to hear from thought leaders about how the family caregiving landscape is evolving. This will inform council members’ contributions to the update of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, expected by year’s end.
The meeting will be open to the public. Registration is not required to attend. The Zoom meeting link will be operational (live) five minutes prior to the meeting start time. Closed captioning will be available.
All information for this meeting, including an agenda, will be posted on the RAISE and SGRG webpages linked above in advance of the meeting. For questions, please email SGRG.mail@acl.hhs.gov or RAISE.mail@acl.hhs.gov.
Fairbanks 50+ Art & Science of Aging Summit May 8
Foundation Health Partners & Fairbanks North Star Borough are partnering to host this free opportunity to discover Fairbanks as an Age-Friendly Community. Visit with resources for independent, community-based, and facility-based services that support aging. Enjoy the many interactive presentations, demonstrations, and activities. Held at the Carlson Center May 8th from 8:30am to 4:30pm, no registration required!
NIA: Rural Health Transformation Implications for Rural Older Adults March 30
The Interdisciplinary Network on Rural Population Health and Aging, funded by the National Institute on Aging, will host a webinar on March 30th at 7am AKT examining how the Rural Health Transformation Program may affect rural working‑age and older adults.
The RHTP allocates $50 billion over the next five years to help states address rural health challenges, including limited access to care and high rates of chronic disease. This webinar will explore how states can leverage these funds to improve health care access and other key drivers of health for rural communities.
Center for Medicare Advocacy: 2026 National Voice of Medicare Summit May 20
The Center for Medicare Advocacy will host the 2026 National Voices of Medicare Summit May 20th 8am-12:30pm AKT. The event will bring together leaders from advocacy, policymaking, medicine, philanthropy, and academia to discuss best practices, challenges, and opportunities for improving access to comprehensive Medicare coverage and high‑quality health care.
Featured speakers include:
• Wendell Potter, Center for Health & Democracy
• Rebecca Vallas, National Academy of Social Insurance
• Tim Engelhardt, Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab
• Tricia Neuman, KFF
• David Lipschutz, Center for Medicare Advocacy
• Scott Perkis, Center for Medicare Advocacy
The summit will be offered via live webcast for free. Registration remains open for the webcast.
Center for Health Care Strategies: Understanding Medicare-Medicaid Integration for Dually Eligible Individuals
The Center for Health Care Strategies has published a new fact sheet examining Medicare‑Medicaid integration for the more than 13 million people who are dually eligible for both programs.
The fact sheet outlines why improved coordination between Medicare and Medicaid is essential, who is most affected by gaps in the current system, and how major integration models function. It also provides an overview of today’s integration landscape to help states, providers, and policymakers better understand available approaches and opportunities to strengthen integrated care.
Rural Policy Research Institute: Long-Term Support Services in Rural Health Systems Report
The RUPRI Health Panel has released Long-Term Services and Supports to a High-Performance Rural Health System: Demographic, Policy, and Economic Challenges. The long-term services and supports (LTSS) system is an important element of a high-performing rural health system. The purpose of this Policy Brief is to assess the potential for transforming the LTSS system while it faces considerable challenges driven by demographic, economic and policy forces. The policy forces include the potential impact of planned expenditure reductions to Medicaid over the 2026-2034 period, with intended as well as unintended effects.
NCOA: The Top 5 Scams Targeting Older Adults
Read this article from the National Council on Aging and educate yourself and your community about top financial scams affecting older adults.
Disclaimer: The information and announcements included in this email are being redistributed for informational purposes only. Our agency does not necessarily endorse or support the views, opinions, or activities of these organizations, and inclusion in this email does not imply any affiliation or recommendation.