LeverAGE Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:47:58 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1274144 en-us © 2026 LeverAGE yes a94eee3b-a7a0-598a-907c-083fcf5376eb American Society on Aging episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) American Society on Aging https://storage.buzzsprout.com/o0qhyx4ryb3c1fet60iyt1ej75jh?.jpg LeverAGE https://www.buzzsprout.com/1274144 Designing for Dementia: Integrating Care into MPAs Designing for Dementia: Integrating Care into MPAs In this episode, we delve into how states are weaving dementia care into their MPAs. With a focus on early diagnosis, caregiver support, and cross-sector collaboration, this episode highlights innovative strategies that are helping states better support individuals living with dementia and their families. 

]]> In this episode, we delve into how states are weaving dementia care into their MPAs. With a focus on early diagnosis, caregiver support, and cross-sector collaboration, this episode highlights innovative strategies that are helping states better support individuals living with dementia and their families. 

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-18165975 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0800 2726 full false State of Mind: How Aging Plans are Tackling Mental Health State of Mind: How Aging Plans are Tackling Mental Health In this episode, we explore how states are integrating mental and behavioral health into their strategies for aging—addressing access, stigma, and the unique needs of older adults. From community-based supports to cross-sector collaborations, learn how mental health is being prioritized in planning for an age-friendly future.

]]> In this episode, we explore how states are integrating mental and behavioral health into their strategies for aging—addressing access, stigma, and the unique needs of older adults. From community-based supports to cross-sector collaborations, learn how mental health is being prioritized in planning for an age-friendly future.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-18132538 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0800 2347 full false Informed Aging: How Data Drives Better State Planning Informed Aging: How Data Drives Better State Planning The second episode explores the importance of data for developing, implementing, and refreshing MPAs. Listeners will learn about the challenges of finding good data and how a new tool developed by West Health, the National Aging Readiness Dashboard, is helping to address this challenge.

]]> The second episode explores the importance of data for developing, implementing, and refreshing MPAs. Listeners will learn about the challenges of finding good data and how a new tool developed by West Health, the National Aging Readiness Dashboard, is helping to address this challenge.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-17970997 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0700 1704 full false Top 5 Things to Know About Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) Top 5 Things to Know About Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) By 2030, older adults will outnumber children in the United States for the first time in history. That demographic shift will reshape our communities, systems, and priorities. The question is: how do we prepare? In this episode, we break down the Top 5 Things to Know About Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs)—statewide, cross-sector blueprints that align government, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropy, and advocates to make sure every American can age with dignity.

]]> By 2030, older adults will outnumber children in the United States for the first time in history. That demographic shift will reshape our communities, systems, and priorities. The question is: how do we prepare? In this episode, we break down the Top 5 Things to Know About Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs)—statewide, cross-sector blueprints that align government, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropy, and advocates to make sure every American can age with dignity.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-17815160 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700 1463 full false Hill Day 2024: Supporting Indigenous Elders Access to Obesity Care Options Hill Day 2024: Supporting Indigenous Elders Access to Obesity Care Options In the latest episode of the Leverage Podcast, we review the impactful events of Hill Day 2024. Joined by advocates from the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA), the focus was to raise awareness about the unique needs of Indigenous Elders. This episode covers the discussions about the importance of improving access to obesity care for this community and the steps taken during Hill Day to influence policy and drive change. Tune in for an insightful conversation on advocacy, healthcare, and the future of elder care in Indigenous communities.

]]> In the latest episode of the Leverage Podcast, we review the impactful events of Hill Day 2024. Joined by advocates from the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA), the focus was to raise awareness about the unique needs of Indigenous Elders. This episode covers the discussions about the importance of improving access to obesity care for this community and the steps taken during Hill Day to influence policy and drive change. Tune in for an insightful conversation on advocacy, healthcare, and the future of elder care in Indigenous communities.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-15707352 Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700 2693 Hill Day full false Engaging Older Adults as Climate Advocates: Barriers, Benefits and Solutions Engaging Older Adults as Climate Advocates: Barriers, Benefits and Solutions Alan Gutterman recently launched the Older Person’s Rights Project to advance awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent in our increased longevity. In this podcast, he speaks with Karl Pillemer, professor in the Department of Psychology and professor of Gerontology in Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, about what motivates people to get involved in advocating for climate issues, overcoming ageism, being open to intergenerational activities, and rethinking approaches to bringing older adults into the fold.

]]> Alan Gutterman recently launched the Older Person’s Rights Project to advance awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent in our increased longevity. In this podcast, he speaks with Karl Pillemer, professor in the Department of Psychology and professor of Gerontology in Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, about what motivates people to get involved in advocating for climate issues, overcoming ageism, being open to intergenerational activities, and rethinking approaches to bringing older adults into the fold.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-12765034 Tue, 02 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700 2070 full false Climate and Older Adults as Advocates—Linking Hope to Action Climate and Older Adults as Advocates—Linking Hope to Action Alan Gutterman, a long-term partner and senior counsel in law firms, recently launched the Older Person’s Rights Project to advance awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent in our increased longevity. In this podcast he speaks with Mick Smyer, who runs Growing Greener, Climate Action for a Warming World, and was Guest Editor of a recent Generations Journal issue on Climate Change, about how older adults can become more involved in solutions around climate change issues, rather than, as we so often see in the news, being solely passive victims of its impacts.

]]> Alan Gutterman, a long-term partner and senior counsel in law firms, recently launched the Older Person’s Rights Project to advance awareness of the challenges and opportunities inherent in our increased longevity. In this podcast he speaks with Mick Smyer, who runs Growing Greener, Climate Action for a Warming World, and was Guest Editor of a recent Generations Journal issue on Climate Change, about how older adults can become more involved in solutions around climate change issues, rather than, as we so often see in the news, being solely passive victims of its impacts.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-12719986 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0700 1922 full false The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers & Call to Action The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers & Call to Action The Administration for Community Living (ACL) released the comprehensive 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers in September, with hundreds of actionable recommendations and tactics for federal and state agencies, communities, employers and families. Spend a few minutes with The John A. Hartford Foundation’s Vice President Rani Snyder, ASA Board Member and Health and Well-being Advisory Council co-chair, as she talks with ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley about the strategy, how it came to life and why it’s important for you to weigh in.

2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers & Call to Action  https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy  

Submit comments to the national strategy here: https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy/Comments  

]]> The Administration for Community Living (ACL) released the comprehensive 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers in September, with hundreds of actionable recommendations and tactics for federal and state agencies, communities, employers and families. Spend a few minutes with The John A. Hartford Foundation’s Vice President Rani Snyder, ASA Board Member and Health and Well-being Advisory Council co-chair, as she talks with ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley about the strategy, how it came to life and why it’s important for you to weigh in.

2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers & Call to Action  https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy  

Submit comments to the national strategy here: https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy/Comments  

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-11672520 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0800 867 full false Loneliness as a Public Policy Issue Loneliness as a Public Policy Issue Loneliness affects more than one-third of adults, and as we age, experiencing loneliness can increase our risk of adverse emotional and physical health outcomes. Programmatic interventions to decrease loneliness and isolation are growing, but what policy solutions are there to tackle this problem? Daneen Sekoni from the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness joins ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley to frame loneliness as a policy issue and talk about about the importance of building a comprehensive, coordinated public/private strategy that supports social connectedness for older Americans.

To learn more:




]]> Loneliness affects more than one-third of adults, and as we age, experiencing loneliness can increase our risk of adverse emotional and physical health outcomes. Programmatic interventions to decrease loneliness and isolation are growing, but what policy solutions are there to tackle this problem? Daneen Sekoni from the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness joins ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley to frame loneliness as a policy issue and talk about about the importance of building a comprehensive, coordinated public/private strategy that supports social connectedness for older Americans.

To learn more:




]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-10771077 Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:00:00 -0700 721 full false Integrating Behavioral Health in Medicaid Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Integrating Behavioral Health in Medicaid Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) CMS guidance includes behavioral health services as a key component of fully integrated models of MLTSS. How do MLTSS programs structure integrated models and how should they? Hear from Alice Dembner, Community Catalyst, and Jennifer Raymond, AgeSpan as they talk about the importance of behavioral health and highlight successes in Massachusetts.

]]> CMS guidance includes behavioral health services as a key component of fully integrated models of MLTSS. How do MLTSS programs structure integrated models and how should they? Hear from Alice Dembner, Community Catalyst, and Jennifer Raymond, AgeSpan as they talk about the importance of behavioral health and highlight successes in Massachusetts.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-10571829 Fri, 06 May 2022 11:00:00 -0700 1250 full false The Older Americans Act from the Inside: A Conversation with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging Edwin Walker The Older Americans Act from the Inside: A Conversation with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging Edwin Walker The Older Americans Act is the foundation of our aging network. In this episode of Leverage, we take a closer look at its history and promises for the future. Richard Browdie, Guest Editor of Winter 2021-22 Generations Journal: The Older Americans Act, interviews Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging. Listen as Mr. Walker reflects on the achievements of OAA, interactions with Congress, and how prepared we really are for our aging society.

]]> The Older Americans Act is the foundation of our aging network. In this episode of Leverage, we take a closer look at its history and promises for the future. Richard Browdie, Guest Editor of Winter 2021-22 Generations Journal: The Older Americans Act, interviews Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging. Listen as Mr. Walker reflects on the achievements of OAA, interactions with Congress, and how prepared we really are for our aging society.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-10179758 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 22:00:00 -0800 906 full false Spotlight on ASA’s Policy Agenda Spotlight on ASA’s Policy Agenda Peter Kaldes and Leanne Clark-Shirley talk with Sara Kessel and Justin Hong, two ASA interns from Tufts University who have been researching climate change policy. Then, Peter gives a quick update on ASA’s new legislative tracker, which members can access here.

]]> Peter Kaldes and Leanne Clark-Shirley talk with Sara Kessel and Justin Hong, two ASA interns from Tufts University who have been researching climate change policy. Then, Peter gives a quick update on ASA’s new legislative tracker, which members can access here.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-9883623 Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:00:00 -0800 1385 full false How Biden’s Infrastructure Win Bridges the Digital Divide for Older Adults How Biden’s Infrastructure Win Bridges the Digital Divide for Older Adults President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal into law. It has historic investments in roads, bridges, and other physical infrastructure improvements. But this new signed legislation also focuses on one of ASA’s policy priorities, bridging the digital divide, as it invests $65B into affordable broadband, ensuring every American can participate in the modern economy. Our guests discuss what’s in the new law, how it is being implemented, and how older adults stand to benefit.

Read more at:
https://www.benton.org/blog/when-do-we-get-our-broadband
https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/infrastructure-for-older-americans.html

]]> President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal into law. It has historic investments in roads, bridges, and other physical infrastructure improvements. But this new signed legislation also focuses on one of ASA’s policy priorities, bridging the digital divide, as it invests $65B into affordable broadband, ensuring every American can participate in the modern economy. Our guests discuss what’s in the new law, how it is being implemented, and how older adults stand to benefit.

Read more at:
https://www.benton.org/blog/when-do-we-get-our-broadband
https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/infrastructure-for-older-americans.html

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-9572734 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0800 1296 full false How American Rescue Plan Act Dollars Can Support Older Adults How American Rescue Plan Act Dollars Can Support Older Adults When it comes to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or ARPA, most people are familiar with the COVID-19 vaccination program, stimulus checks, and unemployment insurance provisions. But there are also significant resources to support older people who want to live in the community. Dr. Maddy Shea and Aaron Tripp from Health Management Associates talk with ASA's Leanne Clark-Shirley about these resources and how states and localities can take advantage of them.

]]> When it comes to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or ARPA, most people are familiar with the COVID-19 vaccination program, stimulus checks, and unemployment insurance provisions. But there are also significant resources to support older people who want to live in the community. Dr. Maddy Shea and Aaron Tripp from Health Management Associates talk with ASA's Leanne Clark-Shirley about these resources and how states and localities can take advantage of them.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-9397125 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0700 1574 full false The WISH Act, an Equity Perspective The WISH Act, an Equity Perspective The Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home (WISH) Act was introduced in early July by Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) to create a new federal Long-Term Care Insurance Trust Fund that would pay for the “catastrophic” period of long-term care for those who need many years of it. In this episode of Leverage, Josephine (Josie) Kalipeni, Deputy Director of Family Values @ Work talks with ASA’s Peter Kaldes about the opportunities and limitations of the WISH Act, and how we should advocate for equitable approaches in long-term care planning and payment.

Hosted by:
Peter Kaldes, President & CEO, American Society on Aging
Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD, Vice President of Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guest:
Josie Kalipeni, Deputy Director Family Values @ Work in partnership with Labor Project 

]]> The Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home (WISH) Act was introduced in early July by Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) to create a new federal Long-Term Care Insurance Trust Fund that would pay for the “catastrophic” period of long-term care for those who need many years of it. In this episode of Leverage, Josephine (Josie) Kalipeni, Deputy Director of Family Values @ Work talks with ASA’s Peter Kaldes about the opportunities and limitations of the WISH Act, and how we should advocate for equitable approaches in long-term care planning and payment.

Hosted by:
Peter Kaldes, President & CEO, American Society on Aging
Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD, Vice President of Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guest:
Josie Kalipeni, Deputy Director Family Values @ Work in partnership with Labor Project 

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-9194712 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0700 1658 full false An Infrastructure for Elder Justice An Infrastructure for Elder Justice The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2021 was introduced in the House and Senate on August 9. This bill would channel funding to existing and new elder justice initiatives including long-term care workforce, Adult Protective Services and programs to address social isolation. On this episode of LeverAGE, ASA's Leanne Clark-Shirley talks with Bob Blancato and Meredith Ponder Whitmire, both of Matz Blancato & Associates, about this bill, likely next steps and how ASA members can get involved. 

]]> The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2021 was introduced in the House and Senate on August 9. This bill would channel funding to existing and new elder justice initiatives including long-term care workforce, Adult Protective Services and programs to address social isolation. On this episode of LeverAGE, ASA's Leanne Clark-Shirley talks with Bob Blancato and Meredith Ponder Whitmire, both of Matz Blancato & Associates, about this bill, likely next steps and how ASA members can get involved. 

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-9012911 Wed, 18 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700 1619 full false State of Movement with End-of-Life Care: Medical Aid in Dying State of Movement with End-of-Life Care: Medical Aid in Dying 10 states in the US have authorized Medical Aid in Dying legislation, and several more are have introduced it. On this episode of Leverage, Kim Callinan of Compassion + Choices and Dr. Chandana Banerjee of City of Hope talk with ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley about what Medical Aid in Dying means, how they see it as part of the continuum of care for people at end of life, and what providers and patients alike should know.

Hosted by: Leanne Clark Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership at ASA

Guests:
Kim Callinan, President and CEO, Compassion & Choices
Dr. Chandana Banerjee, Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope 

Resources:

]]> 10 states in the US have authorized Medical Aid in Dying legislation, and several more are have introduced it. On this episode of Leverage, Kim Callinan of Compassion + Choices and Dr. Chandana Banerjee of City of Hope talk with ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley about what Medical Aid in Dying means, how they see it as part of the continuum of care for people at end of life, and what providers and patients alike should know.

Hosted by: Leanne Clark Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership at ASA

Guests:
Kim Callinan, President and CEO, Compassion & Choices
Dr. Chandana Banerjee, Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope 

Resources:

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-8747918 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2680 full false A Call for a National Dementia Prevention Goal A Call for a National Dementia Prevention Goal Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias impact more than 6 million families, with 15 million projected to be affected by 2050. Although we’re learning that it is possible to reduce the risk of dementia and slow the rate of cognitive decline, we do not yet have a national effort focused on prevention. Kelly O’Brien from UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and Dr. David Hoffman of Maria College and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors talk about why we need a national dementia prevention goal, and how public-private partnerships can advance the fight against Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Hosted by: Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership at the American Society on Aging with Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of the American Society on Aging

Guests:

  • Kelly O’Brien, Executive Director, Brain Health Partnership, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s
  • David Hoffman, DPS, CCE, Associate Dean for Academic Initiatives and Government Affairs, Maria College, additional faculty appointments with Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College and University at Albany School of Public Health and Associate at Large Director, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors

Resources:

]]> Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias impact more than 6 million families, with 15 million projected to be affected by 2050. Although we’re learning that it is possible to reduce the risk of dementia and slow the rate of cognitive decline, we do not yet have a national effort focused on prevention. Kelly O’Brien from UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and Dr. David Hoffman of Maria College and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors talk about why we need a national dementia prevention goal, and how public-private partnerships can advance the fight against Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Hosted by: Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership at the American Society on Aging with Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of the American Society on Aging

Guests:

  • Kelly O’Brien, Executive Director, Brain Health Partnership, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s
  • David Hoffman, DPS, CCE, Associate Dean for Academic Initiatives and Government Affairs, Maria College, additional faculty appointments with Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College and University at Albany School of Public Health and Associate at Large Director, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors

Resources:

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-8522405 Wed, 19 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2828 full false Improving Care for Older Patients Improving Care for Older Patients A large share of healthcare costs results from unplanned hospitalizations, many of which happen as a result of chronic diseases among older patients. But acute care doesn’t necessarily need to happen in the hospital. Innovative models are successfully responding to unplanned acute health episodes among older people, and interrupting care trajectories that typically lead to hospitalizations.

This LeverAGE episode covers initiatives like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new Acute Hospital Care at Home program, and West Health’s collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to develop innovative responses to older adults’ unplanned acute health events. These innovative models not only address costs, but also can improve health outcomes.

Host: Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guests:

  • Bruce Leff, MD, is professor of Medicine and director of The Center for Transformative Geriatric Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, bleff@jhmi.edu
  • Amy Stuck, PhD, RN, is senior director of Value-Based Acute Care at the West Health Institute in San Diego. Contact, arstuck@westhealth.org

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources:

]]> A large share of healthcare costs results from unplanned hospitalizations, many of which happen as a result of chronic diseases among older patients. But acute care doesn’t necessarily need to happen in the hospital. Innovative models are successfully responding to unplanned acute health episodes among older people, and interrupting care trajectories that typically lead to hospitalizations.

This LeverAGE episode covers initiatives like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new Acute Hospital Care at Home program, and West Health’s collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to develop innovative responses to older adults’ unplanned acute health events. These innovative models not only address costs, but also can improve health outcomes.

Host: Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guests:

  • Bruce Leff, MD, is professor of Medicine and director of The Center for Transformative Geriatric Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, bleff@jhmi.edu
  • Amy Stuck, PhD, RN, is senior director of Value-Based Acute Care at the West Health Institute in San Diego. Contact, arstuck@westhealth.org

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources:

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-8174207 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2270 2 4 full false Value-Based Care and Telehealth Value-Based Care and Telehealth Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth and virtual care was growing, slowly. But since last March, telehealth use has skyrocketed as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quickly expanded access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, and many private insurers followed suit. Healthcare organizations that had already adopted value-based care models were able to pivot to telehealth more quickly. In this episode of LeverAGE, ASA talks with a panel of experts about why that’s the case, how the use of virtual care has grown among older patients, what barriers still exist and what healthcare leaders and policymakers should do to remove those barriers and encourage growth in a sustainable way.

Host: Leanne Clark Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guests:

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources:

  • West Health is a family of nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations dedicated to lowering healthcare costs to enable successful aging. Solely funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, West Health includes the Gary and Mary West Foundation and the Gary and Mary West Health Institute in San Diego, and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center in Washington, DC. 
  • United States of Care is a nonpartisan organization committed to ensuring that everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare. The organization aims to drive a unique cross-sector, people-centered approach to prioritizing, creating and advancing state and federal policies that meet the needs of people and result in a more equitable healthcare system.
  • Playbook—Older Adults’ Experience of Virtual Care: Action Steps to Increase Access and Equity 
  • Gary and Mary West PACE
  • Avera eCARE Senior Care
  • Landmark Health
]]> Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth and virtual care was growing, slowly. But since last March, telehealth use has skyrocketed as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quickly expanded access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, and many private insurers followed suit. Healthcare organizations that had already adopted value-based care models were able to pivot to telehealth more quickly. In this episode of LeverAGE, ASA talks with a panel of experts about why that’s the case, how the use of virtual care has grown among older patients, what barriers still exist and what healthcare leaders and policymakers should do to remove those barriers and encourage growth in a sustainable way.

Host: Leanne Clark Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guests:

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources:

  • West Health is a family of nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations dedicated to lowering healthcare costs to enable successful aging. Solely funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, West Health includes the Gary and Mary West Foundation and the Gary and Mary West Health Institute in San Diego, and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center in Washington, DC. 
  • United States of Care is a nonpartisan organization committed to ensuring that everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare. The organization aims to drive a unique cross-sector, people-centered approach to prioritizing, creating and advancing state and federal policies that meet the needs of people and result in a more equitable healthcare system.
  • Playbook—Older Adults’ Experience of Virtual Care: Action Steps to Increase Access and Equity 
  • Gary and Mary West PACE
  • Avera eCARE Senior Care
  • Landmark Health
]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-8129885 Wed, 17 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700 2332 2 3 full false Prescription Drug Pricing Prescription Drug Pricing Prescription drug prices are at unprecedented levels. There is a huge human impact to not being able to afford medications: according to a new study by West Health, over 1.1 million people insured by Medicare could die over the next decade because they cannot afford their prescription medications. For some time, drug spending in Medicare Parts D and B has grown faster than overall Medicare spending. Rather than negotiate drug prices itself, Medicare allows private insurers to negotiate prices on its behalf for pharmacy drugs under the Medicare Part D program. For drugs administered by physicians under the Medicare Part B program, Medicare currently pays whatever manufacturers charge, with no negotiation at all. This episode covers how negotiation rules could better serve patients and taxpayers, and what policy strategies might help drive costs down.

Host: Leanne Clark Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guest: Ameet Sarpatwari, PhD, JD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Assistant Director of the Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL) within the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. ASARPATWARI@BWH.HARVARD.EDU

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources

]]> Prescription drug prices are at unprecedented levels. There is a huge human impact to not being able to afford medications: according to a new study by West Health, over 1.1 million people insured by Medicare could die over the next decade because they cannot afford their prescription medications. For some time, drug spending in Medicare Parts D and B has grown faster than overall Medicare spending. Rather than negotiate drug prices itself, Medicare allows private insurers to negotiate prices on its behalf for pharmacy drugs under the Medicare Part D program. For drugs administered by physicians under the Medicare Part B program, Medicare currently pays whatever manufacturers charge, with no negotiation at all. This episode covers how negotiation rules could better serve patients and taxpayers, and what policy strategies might help drive costs down.

Host: Leanne Clark Shirley, PhD, Vice President, Programs & Thought Leadership, American Society on Aging

Guest: Ameet Sarpatwari, PhD, JD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Assistant Director of the Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL) within the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. ASARPATWARI@BWH.HARVARD.EDU

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-8083588 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0800 1929 2 2 full false The Healthcare Cost Crisis and California’s Master Plan for Aging The Healthcare Cost Crisis and California’s Master Plan for Aging High healthcare costs, social isolation, loneliness, food insecurity, malnutrition and issues related to housing have impacted older people for decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made these issues even worse. In this episode of LeverAGE, we explore America’s healthcare cost crisis, and common-sense ways to lower costs and enhance care for all Americans as we age. We also cover the latest developments in California’s statewide effort to build a Master Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint that will help guide state government, local communities, private organizations and philanthropies to build environments that promote healthy aging. California is among the first in a handful of states to build a plan in response to our society’s aging, following a process that can serve as a model for other states and the federal government to follow.

Host: Peter Kaldes, CEO of the American Society on Aging

Guests:

  • Shelley Lyford is President and Chief Executive Officer of West Health, Gary and Mary West Foundation, and West Health Institute; and Board Director of Gary and Mary West Foundation.
  • Timothy A. Lash, MBA, is Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of West Health; President of West Health Policy Center; CEO and President of Gary and Mary West PACE; and Board Director of Gary and Mary West Foundation. 

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources

]]> High healthcare costs, social isolation, loneliness, food insecurity, malnutrition and issues related to housing have impacted older people for decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made these issues even worse. In this episode of LeverAGE, we explore America’s healthcare cost crisis, and common-sense ways to lower costs and enhance care for all Americans as we age. We also cover the latest developments in California’s statewide effort to build a Master Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint that will help guide state government, local communities, private organizations and philanthropies to build environments that promote healthy aging. California is among the first in a handful of states to build a plan in response to our society’s aging, following a process that can serve as a model for other states and the federal government to follow.

Host: Peter Kaldes, CEO of the American Society on Aging

Guests:

  • Shelley Lyford is President and Chief Executive Officer of West Health, Gary and Mary West Foundation, and West Health Institute; and Board Director of Gary and Mary West Foundation.
  • Timothy A. Lash, MBA, is Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of West Health; President of West Health Policy Center; CEO and President of Gary and Mary West PACE; and Board Director of Gary and Mary West Foundation. 

This episode was sponsored by West Health Policy Center

Resources

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-8031639 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0800 1684 2 1 full false On Ageism in Politics and Around the Vaccine Rollout On Ageism in Politics and Around the Vaccine Rollout ASA Public Policy Committee co-chairs Paul Downey and Amy Herr host this episode of LeverAGE, talking with guests Michael Adams, Rebecca Morgan and Joyce L. Walker about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and ageism in the political world.

Hosts:
Paul Downey, President and CEO, Serving Seniors and ASA board member
Amy Herr, Director, Health Policy, West Health and ASA board member

Guests: 
Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE and Chair of ASA's Board of Directors; Rebecca Morgan, Boston Asset Management Chair in Elder Law, Stetson University School of Law and ASA board members; and Joyce L Walker Vice President of Community Development at PK Management LLC and ASA board member.

Please note: This episode was recorded in December 2020

]]> ASA Public Policy Committee co-chairs Paul Downey and Amy Herr host this episode of LeverAGE, talking with guests Michael Adams, Rebecca Morgan and Joyce L. Walker about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and ageism in the political world.

Hosts:
Paul Downey, President and CEO, Serving Seniors and ASA board member
Amy Herr, Director, Health Policy, West Health and ASA board member

Guests: 
Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE and Chair of ASA's Board of Directors; Rebecca Morgan, Boston Asset Management Chair in Elder Law, Stetson University School of Law and ASA board members; and Joyce L Walker Vice President of Community Development at PK Management LLC and ASA board member.

Please note: This episode was recorded in December 2020

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-7264150 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0800 1651 full false COVID-19 and Racial Injustice in Portland: Responding to Two Pandemics COVID-19 and Racial Injustice in Portland: Responding to Two Pandemics Host and ASA CEO, Peter Kaldes, is joined on LeverAGE by Nkenge Harmon Johnson, the President and CEO of the Urban League of Portland, Oregon. The mission of  Urban League of Portland is to empower African-Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life.

The Urban League of Portland's adult and senior services program is the only one in the state focused on providing services for older African Americans and is the only Urban League chapter in the nation to host a senior activity center where elders can visit Monday-Friday (pre-COVID). ULPDX continues to provide services and supports remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter and Nkenge discuss her work at the Portland chapter of the Urban League and how they continued to support their community during both COVID-19 and the recent Black Lives Matter protests in Portland, as well as the federal response.

Mentioned in this episode:
Planning an Inclusive Car March

]]> Host and ASA CEO, Peter Kaldes, is joined on LeverAGE by Nkenge Harmon Johnson, the President and CEO of the Urban League of Portland, Oregon. The mission of  Urban League of Portland is to empower African-Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security and quality of life.

The Urban League of Portland's adult and senior services program is the only one in the state focused on providing services for older African Americans and is the only Urban League chapter in the nation to host a senior activity center where elders can visit Monday-Friday (pre-COVID). ULPDX continues to provide services and supports remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peter and Nkenge discuss her work at the Portland chapter of the Urban League and how they continued to support their community during both COVID-19 and the recent Black Lives Matter protests in Portland, as well as the federal response.

Mentioned in this episode:
Planning an Inclusive Car March

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-6129961 Thu, 29 Oct 2020 13:00:00 -0700 2122 full false The Supreme Court: What's at Stake for Older Adults The Supreme Court: What's at Stake for Older Adults In this episode of LeverAGE, host Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of ASA, is joined by Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley, Vice President of Thought Leadership at ASA, and Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE and Chair of ASA's Board of Directors, to discuss the Senate Confirmation Hearing for Supreme Court Nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. They address potential issues and cases the Supreme Court will hear in the coming weeks and months, and the impact of their decisions on older Americans.

Peter then interviews Bill Rivera, Senior Vice President for Litigation at AARP Foundation, about what's at stake in the Supreme Court for older adults and what Barrett's nomination might mean for older adults.  Rivera and his team at AARP Foundation recently published The Supreme Court 2020: What’s at Stake for Older Adults in America; A Preview of the 2020 Term. Peter and Bill explore a few of the cases that will be on the Supreme Court docket.

ASA recently shared Five questions to ask the Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Generations Now.

]]> In this episode of LeverAGE, host Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of ASA, is joined by Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley, Vice President of Thought Leadership at ASA, and Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE and Chair of ASA's Board of Directors, to discuss the Senate Confirmation Hearing for Supreme Court Nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. They address potential issues and cases the Supreme Court will hear in the coming weeks and months, and the impact of their decisions on older Americans.

Peter then interviews Bill Rivera, Senior Vice President for Litigation at AARP Foundation, about what's at stake in the Supreme Court for older adults and what Barrett's nomination might mean for older adults.  Rivera and his team at AARP Foundation recently published The Supreme Court 2020: What’s at Stake for Older Adults in America; A Preview of the 2020 Term. Peter and Bill explore a few of the cases that will be on the Supreme Court docket.

ASA recently shared Five questions to ask the Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Generations Now.

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-5927302 Fri, 16 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0700 1609 full false Debate Prep: Panel of Pundits 2020 Debate Prep: Panel of Pundits 2020 Host Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of ASA, welcomes Paula Basta, Director of the Illinois Department on Aging, to Leverage to revisit the 2020 Panel of Pundits.

Presented on September 8, Panel of Pundits 2020: The Decision Year, was moderated by Bob Blancato and featured Rich Browdie, Former President and CEO, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging; Jay Newton-Small, Co-founder and CEO, MemoryWell, Washington correspondent for TIME Magazine, and Journalist for Bloomberg News; Joel White, Founder and President, Horizon Government Affairs, LLC; John Zogby, Founder and Senior Partner, John Zogby Strategies; as well as Peter Kaldes.

In this episode, Peter and Paula listen to the Panel of Pundits, explore some of its topics and Paula weighs in with her views.

Mentioned in this episode:
Five questions to ask the Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett

]]> Host Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of ASA, welcomes Paula Basta, Director of the Illinois Department on Aging, to Leverage to revisit the 2020 Panel of Pundits.

Presented on September 8, Panel of Pundits 2020: The Decision Year, was moderated by Bob Blancato and featured Rich Browdie, Former President and CEO, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging; Jay Newton-Small, Co-founder and CEO, MemoryWell, Washington correspondent for TIME Magazine, and Journalist for Bloomberg News; Joel White, Founder and President, Horizon Government Affairs, LLC; John Zogby, Founder and Senior Partner, John Zogby Strategies; as well as Peter Kaldes.

In this episode, Peter and Paula listen to the Panel of Pundits, explore some of its topics and Paula weighs in with her views.

Mentioned in this episode:
Five questions to ask the Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-5662153 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 12:00:00 -0700 2804 4 full false Plan Your Vote: Aging is on the Ballot Plan Your Vote: Aging is on the Ballot LeverAGE, the newest podcast from the American Society on Aging (ASA), covers the politics of aging. On Episode 3, ASA’s president and CEO Peter Kaldes chats with Public Policy Committee Co-Chairs Amy Herr and Paul Downey and ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley about the DNC and RNC conventions, candidate platforms, and making a plan to vote. Then, Peter talks voting strategy and politics with Jamie Patton of Every Single Vote, a grassroots organization working tirelessly to make voting easier. Learn more about their work at https://www.everysinglevote.com/

ASA's Policy and Advocacy Resources and Events: www.asaging.org/advocacy 

]]> LeverAGE, the newest podcast from the American Society on Aging (ASA), covers the politics of aging. On Episode 3, ASA’s president and CEO Peter Kaldes chats with Public Policy Committee Co-Chairs Amy Herr and Paul Downey and ASA’s Leanne Clark-Shirley about the DNC and RNC conventions, candidate platforms, and making a plan to vote. Then, Peter talks voting strategy and politics with Jamie Patton of Every Single Vote, a grassroots organization working tirelessly to make voting easier. Learn more about their work at https://www.everysinglevote.com/

ASA's Policy and Advocacy Resources and Events: www.asaging.org/advocacy 

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-5297869 Fri, 04 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0700 2028 3 full false Voting by Mail: A Tale of Two States Voting by Mail: A Tale of Two States LeverAGE, the newest podcast from the American Society on Aging (ASA), covers the politics of aging. Episode 2 spotlights the experience of voting by mail in two states – Florida and Oklahoma. ASA’s President and CEO Peter Kaldes catches up with Leanne Clark-Shirley, VP of Programs and Thought Leadership, and then talks with Rep. Joseph Gellar (FL) and ASA’s own Claire Dowers-Nicols about what voting by mail is like where they live. Listen as we untangle what’s happening with the USPS, mail fraud, and some of the hurdles standing in the way of voting by mail this November. 

]]> LeverAGE, the newest podcast from the American Society on Aging (ASA), covers the politics of aging. Episode 2 spotlights the experience of voting by mail in two states – Florida and Oklahoma. ASA’s President and CEO Peter Kaldes catches up with Leanne Clark-Shirley, VP of Programs and Thought Leadership, and then talks with Rep. Joseph Gellar (FL) and ASA’s own Claire Dowers-Nicols about what voting by mail is like where they live. Listen as we untangle what’s happening with the USPS, mail fraud, and some of the hurdles standing in the way of voting by mail this November. 

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-5174860 Thu, 27 Aug 2020 13:00:00 -0700 4251 2 full false Voting in America 55 Years After the Voting Rights Act – Featuring NAACP’s Hilary O. Shelton Voting in America 55 Years After the Voting Rights Act – Featuring NAACP’s Hilary O. Shelton LeverAGE, the newest podcast from the American Society on Aging (ASA), is about the politics of aging. This show will focus on politics, policy, and advocacy in aging. This inaugural episode is about voting and voter suppression and features Peter Kaldes, President and CEO of ASA, Leanne Clark-Shirley, ASA's Vice President of Programs and Thought Leadership, and an interview with Hilary O. Shelton, Director to the NAACP's Washington Bureau / Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy. 

Older adults are critical to our democracy—they vote more than anyone else, volunteer for campaigns and staff our polling stations. But some in power seem to want to suppress their impact. Peter interviewed Hilary O. Shelton on August 6, which was the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. This is the law that enforces the 14th and 15th Amendments and protects citizens’ rights to vote. It prohibits any law that discriminates against racial minorities and ended literacy tests as a qualifier for casting a vote. But how are such protections holding up out in 2020? And how can we all work to fight voter suppression? 

]]> LeverAGE, the newest podcast from the American Society on Aging (ASA), is about the politics of aging. This show will focus on politics, policy, and advocacy in aging. This inaugural episode is about voting and voter suppression and features Peter Kaldes, President and CEO of ASA, Leanne Clark-Shirley, ASA's Vice President of Programs and Thought Leadership, and an interview with Hilary O. Shelton, Director to the NAACP's Washington Bureau / Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy. 

Older adults are critical to our democracy—they vote more than anyone else, volunteer for campaigns and staff our polling stations. But some in power seem to want to suppress their impact. Peter interviewed Hilary O. Shelton on August 6, which was the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. This is the law that enforces the 14th and 15th Amendments and protects citizens’ rights to vote. It prohibits any law that discriminates against racial minorities and ended literacy tests as a qualifier for casting a vote. But how are such protections holding up out in 2020? And how can we all work to fight voter suppression? 

]]> American Society on Aging Buzzsprout-4943285 Mon, 10 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0700 2109 1 1 full false