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 How to Have Positive Discourse During Challenging Times
Tuesday, December 16 (3 – 4 pm ET)
Sponsored by the NASW Social and Economic Justice & Peace Committee and open to all NASW members. 2025 is coming to an end, and at times, it has been a challenging year. Diversity is a negative term, hurtful speech is rampant, finger pointing is daily, and many negative "isms" are alive and well. Despite these challenging times, the NASW Code of Ethics reminds us in 105 (b) & (c) "that social workers must take action against oppression, racism, discrimination, and inequities, and acknowledge personal privilege," and "holding institutions accountable for advancing cultural humility." Given these responsibilities, how can we lead positive discourse with our agencies, leaders, peers, and clients? Please join the Social & Economic Justice & Peace committee for an hour-long live webinar discussion on how to lead positive discourse.
Register in advance LIVE meeting only:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ap7r_rQ6QqWDO6FbxArEZQ
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 as made available.
Panel Discussion on Crossroads in Social Work Practice
Thursday, January 15, 2026 (12 – 1 pm ET)
Sponsored by the Administration/Supervision Committee.
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.
For information purpose only, No CEs will be issued. Panel discussion will be recorded and made available. For Specialty Practice Section members only.
Upcoming
SPS Webinars
Thursday, December 11, 2025 (1 – 2 pm ET)
Presenter: Emerson Grey VSW, MSW
CEs: 1 Social Work contact hours
Social Workers serve a critical role with animals in the court system, especially in cases of domestic violence and animal cruelty. Their roles include acting as a Courtroom Animal Advocate (CAPS) to monitor cases, review records, and providing recommendations to the court. They also provide crucial support for families involved with animals during legal proceedings. Animals also assist victims in court by providing emotional support. The dogs help vulnerable witnesses, such as children, sexual assault victims, and people with disabilities, feel calm and secure while testifying or preparing for legal proceedings.
Objectives:
- Learn how social workers can assist their clients with animals in order to help vulnerable witnesses, and victims by providing emotional regulation in court
- Learn how animals can aid a social worker’s clients in legal proceedings, domestic violence cases, and animal cruelty cases
- Understand legal status, court guidelines, dog certification, and legal precedent
Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $25 / Non-NASW Member: $35
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 AI 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 Health
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