System Transformation

CMS has released two important documents that outline essential elements of MLTSS programs that are in line with current best practices. The first document summarizes these essential elements and the second provides guidance for incorporating these essential elements into MLTSS programs operating under section 1115 or 1915(b) authorities. These standards will be used when CMS reviews states’ design, implementation and operation of MLTSS programs for approval and ongoing quality assurance.

Money Follows the Person (MFP) federal grants are provided to states in order to assist older adults and people with disabilities in transitioning from nursing facilities to home and community based settings. A history and current state of MFP are offered. This report provides an overview of how MFP has helped states to rebalance their LTSS programs and provides next steps and an outlook for the future of MFP or similar programs once the demonstration project’s funding has run out.

A survey of state aging, disability and Medicaid agencies was conducted in 2012, in order to better understand challenges and concerns for funding and providing quality LTSS. Five common themes were identified in this report, including staff turnover and reductions during a sluggish recovery of state budgets. Other findings include an overall expansion of home and community-based services, LTSS transformation and reduced funding and high demand for non-Medicaid aging and disability services.

Ethnic minorities and LGBT older adults will continue to become more represented among the older adult population. A lifetime of discrimination has often adversely affected LGBT elders of color in a myriad of ways, including greater likelihood of financial instability and heightened health disparities. This report offers policy solutions to support the wellbeing of this growing population. Policy solutions include strengthened outreach and community supports to LBGT elders of color.

The Affordable Care Act authorized the Medicaid Health Home State Plan Option, which allows states to design health homes to provide comprehensive care coordination for Medicaid beneficiaries with chronic conditions. States will receive enhanced federal funding to support the rollout of this new integrated model of care. This link directs to the Health Home Resource Center that provides technical assistance services for states as they submit their proposals for these health homes to CMS.

Using six states as examples, this report illustrates how the DD Network partners, working with each other and in collaboration with state developmental disability agencies and others, have positively affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities - assuring their rightful place as full community members through advocacy, research, training, and programs that directly support individuals and families.

Third Annual Report builds on findings from the first two Annual Reports and focuses on the progress grantees made during the 2008-2009 grant period, representing slightly different stages of implementation for the FY05 grantees (Year 4) and the FY06 grantees (Year 3). Across grantees, data on outcomes during 2008-2009 grant period remained limited and changes in system infrastructure continue to be difficult to assess at this time.

The GQMS was developed to support continuous quality improvement to services delivered to individuals with intellectual disabilities in GA. The overall vision of the project was to enhance the service delivery system in order to produce results that reflect communicated choices and preferences that matter most to the individuals. The GQMS is based on CMS’ Quality Framework for Home and Community Based Services. Find their annual report and background information on the site.

How is New York providing concise information about the details and requirements for their MIG program? Fact sheets are one way New York is providing this information efficiently. Samples of some of these are attached and cover topics such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Building Assets and Local Asset Summits. These could be useful samples to other MIG states.

How is the state of Arizona facilitating the collaboration of it’s MIG program with the benefits planning community serving individuals with disabilities? The attached fact sheet was provided as a handout during a presentation with the asset building community meeting to solicit their collaboration in MIG initiatives. The handout identifies the commonalities between MIGs and asset building programs. It’s a collaborative example that could be helpful to other states looking to do the same.