Long-Term Care

Popular with journalists, this guide is useful for those interested in health policy issues. Chapters contain key facts, an overview, expert sources with telephone numbers, story ideas and helpful websites. Topics presented for current policy discussion include: the uninsured, private health coverage, children's health coverage, Medicare, Medicare prescription drugs, Medicaid, long-term care, health care costs, quality and health information technology, disparities, mental and public health.

Speaker presentations from the recently concluded 19th Annual State Health Policy Conference in Pittsburgh are now available. Topics include Helping Troubled Youth, High Performance Health Systems, Balancing Long-Term Care, Improving Quality, Assuring Better Child Health and Development, Redesigning Coverage in Medicaid, Patient Safety, and Using Data to Inform Public Policy. Review the presentations and other hot topics in state health policy.

This new web site developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides information and resources to help families plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs. This site provides a wide range of information and options to help individuals who don't yet require long-term care plan for future needs. Information about understanding, planning and paying for long-term care can be downloaded including a new resource titled Own Your Future Planning Kit.

This resource guide was developed to help CILs: 1. understand specific needs and problems that are unique to older persons as they age, 2. understand the network of aging organizations including their organizational structure and funding sources, 3. help identify ways to network with these established “aging” agencies and 4. locate and tap into some of the monies that are available for “senior” programs. The guide has 13 sections covering topics from assistive technology to collaboration ideas.

Vermont is changing their long-term care systems and in a shift from nursing homes, the state has family members care for elderly relatives. A recent Wall Street Journal cover story details the changes. Some of the new home and community based services include the development of the Choices for Care program.

WV Real Choice worked in collaboration with other agencies and organizations to create improvements in long term support systems so persons with disabilities and/or long term illnesses can make their own choices and have the necessary supports to live and work in their communities. One way the grant accomplished systems change at a grassroots level is by funding innovative community-based model projects. Review program materials including the RFP flyer and a project process questionnaire.

This self-study guide is offered as an orientation manual for new transition facilitators. Materials were developed with input from Centers for Independent Living and a variety of other organizations. A facilitator is somebody who aids or assists in the transition process. The manual helps new facilitators understand and apply the principles plus resources found useful by successful transition facilitators.

The annual 50-state survey of Medicaid officials finds an improved economy combined with the implementation of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit has contributed to the lowest rate of Medicaid spending growth in a decade and the fourth consecutive year in which Medicaid spending growth has slowed. Review the news release, read the report, or listen to conference materials and view the presentation slides.

West Virginia has chosen to modify the PES E/D to capture both the experiences of participants in the Personal Options waiver (who are able to self-direct a portion of their services), as well as those in the traditional waiver program. WV added an additional domain for Personal Options participants that addresses the adequacy of support staff, resource consultants and financial management services. The survey and training manual are attached.

Minnesota has shared two of their protocol surveys created as a follow-up to a more extensive, detailed gap analysis completed statewide in 2001. This update has been completed in 2003 and 2005, and will continue to be part of HCBS capacity assessment and HCBS capacity building. The analysis looked at the availability and demand of specific services, including long-term care supports, senior housing and long-term care beds. The 2001 Bulletin is also included for historical information.