Medicaid

This paper examines whether there is evidence that MLTSS programs increase access to home and community-based services (HCBS). One theory states that MLTSS programs may reduce costs associated with the use of institutional services, thereby allowing states to expand HCBS services and reduce waiting lists. This brief uses this theory and examines changes in a state's HCBS waiting list as one way to measure access to HCBS.

This issue brief summarizes the current evidence surrounding the effects of Medicaid expansion on coverage, access, affordability, health outcomes, and economic indicators. The paper draws primarily from evidence examined in 202 studies reviewed in a previous KFF literature review on this subject.

This recently released follow-up report was aimed at studying changes in the second year after individuals transitioned out of institutional care into community settings. Participants in the MFP program had higher costs during the first twelve months than non-MFP participants who also transitioned to community-based care. However, this study showed that these costs became comparable after the first year of transition.

As part of Mathematica’s ongoing evaluation project of section 1115 demonstrations, they have released their interim findings on MLTSS programs. This preliminary report looked closely MLTSS programs in New York and Tennessee and found mixed results regarding the goals of reducing hospitalizations and rebalancing care. Mathematica aims to release a final report on the effectiveness of MLTSS in 2019.

As part of Mathematica’s ongoing evaluation project of section 1115 demonstrations, they have released their interim findings on the DSRIP program. This report shows quantitative evidence of DSRIP motivating positive provider actions, but the program’s impact on outcomes is still unclear. Mathematica aims to release a final report on the effectiveness of DSRIP in 2019.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released their monthly report for February 2018 on Medicaid and CHIP application, eligibility determination, and enrollment data. This report includes point-in-time data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including the number of applications submitted directly to Medicaid and CHIP agencies, the number of eligibility determinations made on these applications, and the total number of individuals enrolled in the Medicaid and CHIP programs.

This brief uses a series of interviews to explore the ways that Medicaid health plans can work to meet the nutritional needs of low-income older adults. Best practices identified include hiring staff with strong nutrition experience, using assessments to create targeted interventions, adapting effective programs from other populations, and utilizing community resources. This paper is particularly optimistic about the potential of Medicaid partnerships with community-based organizations.

This fact sheet and issue brief explore how federal programs support older Americans. The focus is on four main areas, including health programs, economic security, housing and food, and legal assistance. These publications help explain how various federal programs can ideally work together to allow older Americans to meet their basic needs and maintain a high quality of life.

MACPAC’s 2018 Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP addresses managed care, telehealth, and disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payment. The report presents recommendations and analyses backed up by analyses of administrative data and reviews of federal and state policies in each of these areas.

This brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies discusses how accountable care organizations (ACOs) have become increasingly prevalent in the United States. This brief highlights the results of Medicaid ACO programs across the country to date, as well as key themes and lessons from these early adopters. It also examines how Medicaid ACO programs have evolved over time.