On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, the Biden administration rolled out a plan to increase awareness and response to the long-term effects of COVID-19, directing HHS Secretary Becerra to lead an interagency effort to coordinate research and support for long-term patients. An estimated 7.7 million to 23 million individuals suffer from Long COVID-19, with symptoms that include extreme fatigue, heart and breathing problems, diabetes, brain fog, and more.

The White House Fact Sheet listed these priorities: delivering high-quality care for individuals experiencing Long COVID; and making services and supports available for individuals experiencing Long COVID. A series of initiatives are listed under each priority. They involve many different federal agencies and reflect a health equity lens. Several of interest are highlighted here.

HHS will issue a report in 120 days detailing available services and support for people with Long COVID, accelerate efforts to enroll participants in a clinical research study, and pursue federal protections for people with the condition.

They will expand a nationwide network of Long COVID clinics being run through the Department of Veterans Affairs. They will also launch a new initiative, the “Health+ project,” to solicit feedback from people living with long covid and use it to shape practices at clinics nationwide.

The memo also focuses on rural and minority populations – including incorporating more multilingual translators into helplines run by the CDC and CMS and increasing cultural competency educational resources.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will study the mental effects that long-term symptoms can cause and will promote mental health resources. The Labor Department is expanding an early intervention pilot program to aid workers experiencing injuries or illnesses like long COVID-19.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality plans to use $20 million included in the president’s fiscal 2023 budget request to help launch centers of excellence on Long COVID-19 and update clinical guidance for better treatments.

The Administration will also provide education about insurance coverage, billing codes, reimbursement, intersections with the Americans with Disabilities Act and related contextual modifications, and will connect older adults and people with disabilities to transportation for Long COVID care through the Administration for Community Living DIAL program.

For the next several years, LeadingAge members will be responding to the needs of clients, residents, staff, family and community members wrestling with issues of long COVID-19, including related disability issues and referrals to, or the provision of care. As best practices are developed and resources are deployed, providers of supports and services to older adults should be well-positioned to respond and LeadingAge will continue to provide information to assist.