Earlier today, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act in response to spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Doing so invokes section 1135 of the Social Security Act, allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to exercise the authority to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements of the…

Hello everyone, There is rapidly growing concern around the world about the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), with the current outbreak being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. People with serious illness, who are more vulnerable to complications as a result of COVID-19, will be disproportionately affected by its spread. C-TAC is steadfast in our…

C-TAC submitted the following comments on the Medicare Advantage (MA) Advance Notice for CY 2021: Supported The proposed adjustments to frailty and functional status assessment as these are important issues for those with serious illness. Excluding those receiving palliative care from HEDIS measures that may no longer be medically appropriate for this population. Excluding those…

In order to support people living with advanced illness and family caregivers, it is crucial that we understand what matters most to them. In October, WebMD and The John A. Hartford Foundation published findings from an online survey of more than 2,700 older adults and caregivers on their attitudes and experiences related to age-friendly care.…

C-TAC will be participating in a quality measure review process led by CMS, examining the agency’s “Days At Home” measure. David Longnecker, MD, C-TAC’s Chief Clinical Innovations Officer and Secretary Treasurer of our Board of Directors, will serve on the committee that will review and evaluate this measure. Tracking the quality of serious illness care…

On Tuesday, March 3rd, the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 (H.R. 4334), a critical piece of legislation which would reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) through 2024. The bill now goes back to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass quickly. The OAA supports a…

A Sacred Passing is a 501C-3 nonprofit founded as an educational resource for those seeking to learn more about death, grief, and dying, as well as a curriculum to build skills for those who choose to practice community and professional deathcare. After moving to Seattle in January, 2019, the nonprofit has blossomed alongside many other…

This February marks the 56th American Heart Month, which promotes awareness of strategies for living heart-healthy lives and preventing heart disease. The American Heart Association is a key partner of C-TAC and we are proud to count them as a member of our Coalition. We wanted to take this opportunity to spotlight a resource developed…

Respecting Choices®(RC), a division of C-TAC Innovations, recently completed a lengthy and meticulous application process and meets all criteria qualifying RC as a ‘Highest Tier’ evidence-based program (EBP) eligible for funding under Title III-D of the Older Americans Act.   “We’re honored to be the first advance care planning program to be approved,” said Respecting…

Advance care planning conversations are the first step in ensuring that people communicate their preferences and goals of care, but how can we make sure that those wishes are understood and honored? TRIAD VIII was the first evidence-based study to evaluate how Scripted Patient To Clinician Video messaging can allow clinicians to hear what matters…