From DC is Justice in Aging's weekly roundup of national news and resources about issues impacting older adults. To receive From DC in your inbox as soon as its published, sign up for our mailing list.
Here’s what we’re watching in Washington:
Budget Bill Slashing Medicaid and SNAP Signed into Law
On July 4, President Trump signed the budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) into law. On July 3, the House narrowly passed H.R. 1 by a vote of 218-214, with only Republican support. It previously passed in the Senate on July 1 with the Vice President casting the tie-breaking vote. This legislation makes the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and undermines older adults' access to Medicare and the Affordable Care Act.
Read Justice in Aging’s statement and our analysis of the Medicaid and Medicare provisions impacting low-income older adults. We will be providing additional analysis and resources for advocates in the coming weeks.
Share Your Medicaid Story
July is Disability Pride Month and marks the 60th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare and the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Justice in Aging is partnering with advocates to hold a 60-hour vigil on the National Mall in honor of the 60th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare. From July 23 at 9:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. ET on the 26th, we’ll be sharing stories and taking action to hold our elected leaders accountable for their decision to cut trillions of dollars from Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP.
We want to share stories from you and your clients about how these cuts to Medicaid and other programs will harm older adults. Please share your story using this form by July 18. Learn more about the vigil and how to join us in person and virtually.
CMS Announces New Prior Authorization Activities in Traditional Medicare
Beginning January 2026, CMS will start a new prior authorization model in Traditional Medicare. The new model is called the “Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model.” The model will operate in six states (Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington) and will apply to 17 services, including knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis, various nerve stimulators, and some steroid injections for pain. The model will be operated by technology companies who are currently engaged in prior authorization activities in other health systems, and they will receive a percentage of the savings from denials.
Prior authorization is currently rare in Traditional Medicare. Prior authorization in Medicare Advantage has been tied to delays in care. Justice in Aging has called for better consumer protections for patients dealing with prior authorization.
New Justice in Aging Resources
- Statement: Justice in Aging’s Statement on Final Passage of Budget Bill (7/03)
- Statement: Statement from the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Justice in Aging and Medicare Rights Center on Passage of Devastating Cuts to Health and Nutrition Programs (7/03)
- Comment Letter: Justice in Aging Comments on Treasury E Checks RFI (6/30)
- Fact Sheet: Work Requirements Would Cut Medicaid for Older Adults (6/24)
- Comment Letter: Justice in Aging’s Comments on California Department of Aging’s Older Americans Act State Plan (6/18)
- Fact Sheet: Reconciliation Bill Attacks Health Coverage for Older Immigrants (6/18)
- Comment Letter: Justice in Aging’s Comments on Proposed Department of Energy Direct Final Rule for Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities (6/16)
- Statement: Justice in Aging Condemns Sharing Medicaid Enrollees’ Personal Data with Immigration Officials (6/16)
- Article: Clearer Choices: Why Medicare Advantage Enrollees Need Better Information On Supplemental Benefits (6/13)
- Blog: No Exceptions: Examples Showing the Failings of Medicaid Work Requirement Exemptions for People with Disabilities (6/12)
