News
The Medicare annual enrollment period ends on December 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can review, compare, and change their coverage options for the upcoming year. As a social worker, you can help clients understand Medicare coverage and navigate annual enrollment. Read this four-part NASW Tips & Tools for Social Workers series for information on the following topics: (1) Medicare annual enrollment basics and the social work role in helping beneficiaries prepare for 2026; (2) strategies and tools to navigate Medicare enrollment for 2026; (3) out-of-pocket health costs and financial assistance for Medicare beneficiaries in 2026; and (4) other changes to Medicare coverage in 2026. The series includes information about the impact of the recent federal government shutdown on Medicare annual enrollment. The series also addresses the impact of recent changes within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the enactment of the July 2025 budget reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21, also known as H.R. 1) on Medicare coverage for 2026.
The budget reconciliation act passed
by Congressional Republicans on July 3 and signed into law by President Trump
on July 4 (infamously known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) will harm all
of us as we age. This edition of NASW’s
Tips & Tools for Social Workers provides
a brief overview of the federal budgeting process and outlines how the law
decreases older adults’ access to Medicaid, the Health Insurance Marketplace,
Medicare, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—disproportionately affecting older
immigrants and refugees—while weakening Social Security and other public
programs.
Panel Discussions
Panel Discussion on Crossroads in Social Work Practice
Thursday, January 15, 2026 (12 – 1 pm ET)
Sponsored by the Administration/Supervision Committee. For Specialty Practice Section Members only.
Social work is at a crossroads, where technological advances, shifting workforce dynamics, and evolving roles in non-traditional settings require the profession to adapt to keep pace. New challenges are emerging ranging from ethical practices using artificial intelligence to new approaches in leadership, supervision and administrative functions. How does this new frontier align with social work values of empowerment, equity, and systemic impact?
Register in advance for the LIVE meeting only: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1CnVR_ETRw6_zhVbZHfljw
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The recording will be at https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Specialty-Practice-Sections/SPS-Discussion-Groups
For information purpose only, No CEs will be issued. Panel discussion will be recorded and made available.
Panel Discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Private Practice
Friday, February 20, 2026 (2 – 3 pm ET)
Sponsored by the Private Practice Committee.
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how professionals deliver care, social workers in private practice stand at the intersection of technology and human connection. This panel brings together social workers in private practice to explore how AI can enhance or hinder care. This panel will discuss the pros and cons, benefits, and challenges of using AI as a tool. We hope that attendees will leave with practical insights and best practices for using AI effectively.
Open to all Specialty Practice Section Members. For Information Purposes Only. No CEs will be issued.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-W8XpjswTZ-g82K71px9Bg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For information purpose only, No CEs will be issued. Panel discussion will be recorded and made available.
Panel Discussion Replays
Replay of Panel Discussion on How to Have Positive Discourse During Challenging Times
Original date: Tuesday, December 16 (60 minutes)
Sponsored by the NASW Social and Economic Justice & Peace Committee and open to all NASW members.
View the full recording>>
Replay: Panel Discussion on Artificial Intelligence and Child Welfare: Possible Use and Misuse
Original date: November 7, 2025 (60 minutes)
Sponsored by the NASW Child Welfare Section Committee
Open to all Specialty Practice Section Members
View the Full Recording>>
Resources:
- One of my favorite organizations for AI policy updates is the Center for Humane Technology: https://www.humanetech.com/
- Frederic Reamer, USC CAIS Seminar, October 16, 2024-artificial intelligence in the behavioral health professions: emerging ethical and risk management challenges
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhEAHNn5X0I
- All tech is human - https://alltechishuman.org/
- Listen.Up.People: AI & Wisdom Work. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
- We have been the most intelligent species by far for tens of thousands of years. Now we created something that could compete with us in the very near future. John Oberg, DSW ’22 and CEO of Precina Health, and Josiah Bryan, Chief Technology Officer for Precina Health, use aAI to improve health and well-being, yet are deeply concerned about the role of AI in the workplace and how it may impact our daily lives.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HawNEizlJmQ&t=7s
Replay: Panel Discussion on the Ethics of Involuntarily Commitment
Original Date: July 23, 2025 (60 Minutes)
Sponsored by the NASW Social Work and Courts Section Committee.
Open to all Specialty Practice Section members
View the full recording>>
Friday, January 23, 2026 (1 – 2 pm et)
Presenters: Marina Badillo-Diaz, DSW, LCSW; Brittannee C Jones, LMSW; Kashera Guy Robinson, DSW, LICSW
CEs: 1 Ethics Contact Hour
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming human services and social work practice, creating new challenges and opportunities across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. This webinar brings together three professionals to discuss the ethical considerations, diverse perspectives, and emerging practices related to AI in Social Work.
Presenters will share real-world examples of how AI is being used in clinical, community, and organizational settings, and consider its impact on client well-being, confidentiality, and equity. Participants will explore strategies for integrating aAI tools responsibly into practice while maintaining professional standards and values. The session will also provide a space to critically reflect on how AI intersects with advocacy, policy, collaboration, and systemic change.
Attendees will leave with resources, practical insights, and critical questions to guide their own engagement with AI in Social Work.
Objectives:
- Examine different perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence in social work, including opportunities, risks, and diverse practitioner viewpoints.
- Identify ethical considerations and challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence into social work practice.
- Apply strategies for responsibly incorporating AI tools into social work while maintaining professional values, confidentiality, and equity.
Cost: SPS members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $25 / Non-NASW Member: $35
Meet Social Workers like you with MyNASW
If you are an SPS member, you are already a member of at least one of these MyNASW online communities and can participate now:
Children, Youth and Schools
For members of the Child Welfare; Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults; and School Social Work Specialty Practice Sections
Clinical Social Work, Aging, and Gealth
For members of the Aging; Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs; Health; Mental Health; and Private Practice Specialty Practice Sections
Social Justice, Administration, and Courts
For members of the Administration/Supervision; Social and Economic Justice & Peace; and Social Work and the Courts Specialty Practice Sections