ADvancing States

Review a comprehensive list of existing performance measures on long-term services and supports (LTSS) systems in the US. It can serve as a valuable pool of resources regarding LTSS performance standards available from federal and state initiatives, as well as valuable projects undergone in private sector and academia. The list also covers measurement tools targeting specific beneficiary groups and programs, including dual eligibles and adults with disabilities.

The findings from a fourth economic survey of the state units on aging conducted in May 09 revealed that despite the funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, 60% of states must reduce their agencies' budgets for FY10. While ARRA funding allowed states to maintain food and nutrition programs, over 20% of states indicated they will cut back services and programs include Older Americans Act, disability, Medicaid, and home- and community-based services and supports.

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.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided funding and technical assistance to states to develop state plans' to coordinate care for dual eligibles, persons eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. This chart shows the status of those states selected for the Dual Demonstration grants, the model chosen, and target implementation. It also includes links to each state's plan.

The Older Americans Act of 1965 created the National Aging Network with many states adopting Area Agencies on Aging at the local level. This brief is a summary of two surveys regarding states’ monitoring practices of their Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and states’ spending rules for their AAAs. All states with Area Agencies on Aging which were surveyed reported that they conduct some monitoring, and most differed in their rules concerning excess funds.

State aging & disability agencies are operating in an era of state agency reorganization, re-conceptualization of state government, & restructuring of long-term services & supports delivery systems & financing. Key elements driving continued change include the economic environment, ACA implementation, uncertainty in the federal budget particularly with the failure of the Congressional Super Committee, changes in state level leadership, & the 2012 elections.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 offers options & financial incentives for states seeking to expand systems of long-term services and supports. Many of these opportunities work together & build on existing initiatives, resulting in a strengthened infrastructure for service provision & an LTSS system that meets the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries. Key provisions of the ACA are summarized in this issue brief, followed by considerations for states seeking to take advantage of new opportunities.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 offers a number of options and financial incentives for states seeking to expand their systems of long-term services and supports. Many of these opportunities can be leveraged to work together and to build on existing initiatives. Key provisions of the ACA are summarized, followed by considerations for states seeking to take advantage of these new opportunities.

States are curtailing optional services, extending waiting lists, cutting provider reimbursement, and taking other measures to cope with the worst economic downturn in 70 years according to a comprehensive 50 state survey. Even as state revenues shrink, the demand for services is increasing. On a brighter note, many states may participate in expanded HCBS services through ACA opportunities. Review preliminary findings presented at the National HCBS Conference in September, 2010.

Discover strategies that were used to successfully engage local leaders and related agencies to host well attended and highly regarded Senior Benefits Expos across Massachusetts. Eight Expos were held across the state to inform and connect people to the programs and services they need, and provide them with the opportunity for on-the-spot screening and enrollment. The greatest success factor was believed to be the effective partnerships between federal, local and state agencies.