ADvancing States

In recognition of a lack of reliable and robust information on the value of state managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) nationally, this report aims to partially fill the gap with data and evidence from a survey of state agencies and a review of relevant outside research, and to also serve as a jumping off point for future study.

The report highlights the commitment of participating states toward measuring and improving the quality of their long-term services and supports (LTSS) systems that serve seniors and adults with physical disabilities.

ADvancing States released a document summarizing the major components of the ACA that impact the provision of long-term services and supports (LTSS) to older adults and people with disabilities. These provisions may not be impacted by a repeal of the ACA, but some proposals include restriction or elimination of programs that provide these services and supports.

Certification for Information & Referral (I&R) specialists recognizes the knowledge, skills and professionalism of I&R practitioners. In response to frequently asked questions regarding certification for I&R specialists who work in aging and disabilities, ADvancing States, the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) partnered to develop a fact sheet on the Certified Information and Referral Specialist-Aging/Disabilities (CIRS-A/D).

During calendar year 2015, ADvancing States engaged in a collaboration with the DentaQuest Foundation to identify and promote effective oral health interventions for older adults and people with physical disabilities. This initiative involved collaborating with partners from the dental, aging, and disability fields in order to increase knowledge regarding issues and challenges related to dental services for older adults and people with disabilities.

The D.C., Georgia, Minnesota, and Vermont state innovation profiles capture projects, demonstrations, and partnerships that were shared by states at ADvancing States’s 2016 spring membership meeting. Each profile was developed in collaboration with the state agency.

During calendar year 2015, ADvancing States engaged in a collaboration with the DentaQuest Foundation to identify and promote effective oral health interventions for older adults and people with physical disabilities. This initiative involved collaborating with partners from the dental, aging, and disability fields in order to increase knowledge regarding issues and challenges related to dental services for older adults and people with disabilities.

ADvancing States published a new report that offers data from the Long-Term Care Ombusdman Program organizational structure survey that was conducted in early 2015.

This report captures the current state of I&R/A service provision, including trends and developments, challenges and opportunities, and promising practices, through survey responses provided by representatives from state agencies on aging and disability, Area Agencies on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Centers for Independent Living, non-profit human service organizations and national organizations.

ADvancing States, in consultation with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) published a fact sheet regarding coordination of benefits between Older Americans Act programs and Medicaid LTSS services.