Advocates

This report is meant to serve as an overview of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (SLTCOP), which was established to advocate for people living in long-term care facilities. The report is useful to State Unit on Aging (SUA) Directors by providing program history, practices, and unique role in the aging network. The report also discusses the implications for the LTC Ombudsman role as residents move away from facilities to home and community-based services.

This report provides background on MLTSS to brief the intellectual and developmental disability community, as well as the President and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, on managed care and changes in LTSS administration so that they may take action and influence outcomes. The report also contains a number of recommendations related to disability stakeholder engagement, choice and self-determination, consumer protections and rights and quality measurement.

CMS created a financial alignment demonstration to better promote coordinated care for dual-eligibles. The fee-for-service managed care model has received less attention than capitated managed care. However, this model could be useful in states or regions where traditional managed care organizations are not well established or do not function well. This brief makes some assessments of the advantages and difficulties of the model and identifies elements necessary for successful implementation.

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.

In light of the 26 states that have applied to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for permission to integrate Medicare and Medicaid for dual eligibles, the webinar explained the processes involved in the demonstrations, with a focus on how the new systems will affect both assisted living and long-term services and supports. Visit the website to download a recording and slides from the presentation.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently working with states to design and implement new models for integrating the benefits and financing of both programs. This website is designed as a resource for advocates, providing resources, background information and, most importantly, in the Advocate Tools section, concrete recommendations that advocates need to engage constructively with their states to ensure that new models improve care for dual eligibles.

There are 10 common themes in this summary from the written work of 10 authors of caregiving books. There are 4 areas highlighted at the Forum in which public policies and communities can respond to the needs of family caregivers: greater public education and awareness; more financial relief; better communication, coordination, and collaboration with health care professionals; and heightened recognition of and support for family caregivers in policy initiatives.

PHI, in partnership with Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders (SAGE) created a “train the trainer” curriculum for long term care providers and other aging organizations. These trainings are available through the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging. These trainings assist organizations in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for their elders who are LGBT and provide best practices and knowledge of LGBT elder issues, concerns, and fears.

With the first wave of 70 million baby boomers turning 65 this year, use of long-term services and supports (LTSS), which include home care, assisted living, and nursing home care, is on the rise. In this podcast, the authors and funders of a new scorecard measuring the performance of state LTSS systems, a resource that should help policymakers and providers identify gaps and develop solutions.

In order to address the alarming amount of patients harmed by medical mistakes in the health care system, the Obama Administration has launched the Partnership for Patients: Better Care, Lower Costs. This public-private partnership will help improve the quality, safety, and affordability of health care for all Americans. Use these links to learn more and to join the Partnership.