Center for Integrated Programs | ACL Administration for Community Living

About the Center for Integrated Programs (CIP)

The Center for Integrated Programs advises and supports the ACL Administrator and Principal Deputy Administrator in developing effective federal policies and programs to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and the aging of the nation’s population. The Center supports, plans, coordinates, and oversees the implementation of policies, programs, and special initiatives designed to overcome barriers that prevent older Americans and persons with disabilities from fully participating and contributing in an inclusive community life.

Office of Consumer Access and Self Determination

The Office of Consumer Access and Self Determination plans and directs the implementation of programs and activities designed to coordinate disability and aging issues and enhance access to integrated services and person-centered programs and systems that support community living. More specifically the Office provides leadership and a central strategic focus for ACL’s efforts to develop person-centered, comprehensive and coordinated entry into long- term services and supports for both seniors and persons with disabilities, and to implement partnerships to enhance access to integrated systems of services that support both older adults and persons of all ages with disabilities. In this role, the Office administers grants, contracts and technical assistance related to these activities directly, as well as coordinates with the Regional Support Centers to provide program guidance, policy direction, training, and technical assistance to grantees.

Office of Integrated Care Innovations

Oversees technical assistance activities, including the identification and dissemination of best practices and program models, for the Duals Demonstration Ombudsman Program, which supports grantees serving beneficiaries of state demonstration grants to integrate care for people who are enrolled in both Medicare-Medicaid and are associated with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Financial Alignment Initiative. The office works with grantees to ensure that the beneficiaries participating in these demonstrations, as well as their caregivers and authorized representatives, have access to person-centered assistance in resolving problems related to their health plans and providers. The office also leads ACL’s business acumen programs, which help community-based organizations that serve older adults and persons with disabilities build business capacity and align their service capabilities to work effectively with integrated healthcare entities.

Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling

The Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling manages programs and activities designed to empower Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to make informed healthcare decisions. Each program provides community education on Medicare and other associated benefits, as well as, one-on-one assistance to those that desire more in-depth support.

CIP Programs

Aging and Disability Resource Centers Program/No Wrong Door - These systems provide information and assistance around planning for long-term care needs.
Assistive Technology - These programs support making assistive technology devices and services more available and accessible to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Business Acumen - ACL partners with private foundations and other national partners to provide aging and disability networks with tools to successfully establish contracts to provide services with managed care organizations, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
Duals Demonstration Ombudsman Technical Assistance - ACL provides state grantees technical assistance to help organizations support dually-eligible beneficiaries to receive person-centered care and support.
Lifespan Respite Care Program - Lifespan Respite Care programs are coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children and adults of all ages with special needs.
Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers (MIPPA) - Provides grants to states and tribes to help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers apply for special assistance through Medicare.
Person Centered Planning - Allows individuals to be engaged in the decision making process about their options, preferences, values, and financial resources.
Quality of Services - ACL partners with federal agencies on finding and sharing measures of quality for home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) - Since 1997, AoA has funded Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) projects that recruit and train retired professionals and other older adults to recognize and report instances or patterns of health care fraud.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) - Provides Medicare beneficiaries with information, counseling, and enrollment assistance.
Transportation Research and Demonstration Program - Through an inclusive transportation program, ACL works with communities across the country to give travelers a voice in the planning process and to improve transportation options.
Veteran-Directed Home & Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) - Provides veterans with opportunities to self-direct their LTSS and continue living independently at home.
Volunteer Opportunities and Civic Engagement - AoA is working to support the use of volunteers in OAA programs and to provide expanded opportunities for older adults and others to get involved in their communities.