Public Policy Institute & Fly-In

We must find and retain a qualified workforce to care for our aging population. This is an issue for our industry, but increasingly solutions also need to be on the top of the agenda for policymakers at the federal and state levels. Policies can make a significant difference, such as supporting education for high-demand careers, easing regulations on apprenticeships and other training, and providing opportunities for new Americans. Panelists will highlight innovations under our existing policies and point to areas where our voice can bring needed change. This panel will highlight existing programs we can tap into as an industry.

SPEAKERS: Emily DeRocco, CEO, E3 (moderator); Maureen Lambe, President, National Apartment Association Education Institute; Elyse Rosenblum, Principal, Grads of Life

1 in 3 Americans have less than $5,000 saved for retirement and even less have set aside any money for long term care services and supports (LTSS). Our speakers will look at past initiatives that sought to provide middle-income Americans with alternatives to help pay for LTSS, which included the CLASS Act, as well as a look ahead to proposals, including ones utilizing Medicare, Congress and the Administration may consider to address this crisis.

SPEAKERS: Connie Garner, Vice President for Disability Policy & Education Policy, ML Strategies

Residential senior living remains popular and earns high marks from residents and their families as a lifestyle option that provides needed care and services for over 750,000 older adults. However, as more and more operators are accepting Medicaid and potentially other forms of federal reimbursement; isolated yet highly publicized instances of senior abuse and neglect; and state statutes and regulations that have not kept pace with the market have led key constituencies including consumer groups, state and federal legislators, and others to propose federal regulations and oversight of assisted living and other residential senior living settings. Our panel will take a look at what circumstances led to the regulation of the skilled nursing industry, the negative impacts federal regulation would have on senior living as well as recommend steps the industry should consider to avoid federal regulation.

SPEAKERS: Chris Winkle, CEO, Sunrise Senior Living; Genevieve Hillis, Director of Government Affairs, Direct Supply

Hear from consulting firm Tripp Umbach about an ongoing Argentum study detailing the economic impact of the senior living industry nationally and in each state. The findings will help Argentum and state advocates outline for lawmakers, regulators, and others the growing economic successes of the senior living industry and the direct relationship this has on the ultimate success of national and state economies, impacting job creation, revenue, and societal benefits nationally and statewide.

SPEAKER: Carrie Kennedy, Senior Principal

New ways of effectively communicating with and advocating issues before state and federal legislators has emerged at a very rapid clip in recent years or even months. Congress and state legislatures are decidedly younger and more diverse than at any time in history which has necessitated new ways for individuals and organizations to get their respective messages and initiatives before these audiences. Our expert will look at some of the newest and most effective ways to communicate to and advocate before state and federal lawmakers that includes a continuous process of engagement with elected officials on a year-round basis.

SPEAKER: Kai Anderson, CEO, Cassidy & Associates

Plus, it's Careers in Aging Week (Mar. 3-9), so come prepared to "get social," take a selfie, and use #careersinaging19 to raise awareness about careers in the field of aging!