Image of nurses' hands at computer keyboard

The White House Conference on Aging is collecting comments from long-term care stakeholders through a series of regional forums across the U.S. about their concerns regarding the future of Medicaid funding. 

The forums, which started in Tampa, FL, in late February, were scheduled to continue in major U.S. cities in March, April and May. Organizers are seeking input and ideas from leaders in the field, along with families and caregivers. Comments provided at these sessions are being collected for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging, which will be held in Washington later this year.

Although the forums are invitation-only, all the events will be webcast for others, organizers said.

“These forums allow us the opportunity to listen and learn from older adults and stakeholders as we continue to sharpen the vision of this year’s conference and to directly engage with individuals across the country about these important issues,” said Nora Super, executive director of the WHCOA. “The regional forums will help ensure that as many voices as possible are part of the conversation.”

To date, the consensus among industry leaders has been that Congress and various long-term care stakeholders need to work better together to ensure the viability of services in the coming years. 

The regional forums are being co-sponsored with AARP and co-planned with the Leaderships Council on Aging Organizations, a coalition of more than 70 organizations serving older Americans. Sessions were held March 31 in Phoenix, AZ and April 2 in Seattle. Upcoming sessions will be April 27 in Cleveland, OH and May 28 in Boston.