All States/Territories

In the webinar, Dr H. Stephen Kaye and colleagues Dr. Mitch LaPlante and Dr. Charlene Harrington discuss their published paper. Learn how increased Medicaid spending on home and community-based services affects overall long-term care costs. The paper analyzes the short-term versus long-term cost savings from HCBS expansion.

Spending on HCBS has grown in recent years, but little is known about what effect alternatives have on overall costs. An analysis of state data from 1995-2005 shows that for two population groups, spending growth was greater for states offering limited noninstitutional services than for states with large, well-established noninstitutional programs. Expansion of HCBS appears to entail a short-term increase in spending, followed by a reduction in institutional spending and long-term cost savings.

This updated issue brief defines Veterans and the new Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services (VDHCBS) programs to enhance home-based supports for veterans. Also included are sucessful state collaboration examples and a list of resources. Appendix A provides an overview of the VA Priority Groups. Appendix B shows estimated VA Expenditures by state.

How can states use debit cards in their consumer-directed purchasing programs? The Sept 2009 Community Living Partnership TA Call addressed this financial management question. States have used pre-paid plans as part of their MFP and CLP grants. Review a matrix of pre-paid card companies and their methods for spending. Also included is a Proposed Procedure for Debit Card Purchases developed for the Veterans-Directed Home and Community Based Services Programs.

The U.S. Census Bureau has compiled a set of disability-related facts and figures as part of its Facts for Features series. Facts for Features consist of collections of statistics from the Census Bureau's demographic and economic subject areas intended to commemorate anniversaries or observances or to provide background information for topics in the news. This edition of Facts for Features commemorates the 19th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Looking for quick talking points on how the expansion of home and community-based long term care services can significantly help address the health care needs of many older adults? A new Fact Sheet provides examples and data on why HCBS is a critical component of Health Reform.

With the issuance of revised Ticket regulations, State VR agencies and ENs have expanded options for meeting the employment and training needs of Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities and new options for seeking financial compensation from SSA. This Toolkit provides information and tools that will help agencies successfully implement the Ticket program and take advantage of new options. It also provides examples to the new regulations and changes to VR Provider Handbook.

This updated resource provides a state-by-state look at wages and wage trends for PHCAs, the second fastest growing occupation in the country, and a key job title within the direct-care workforce. Review wages over a 9-year period. Prepared as a resource guide on wages for advocates and policymakers concerned with the direct-care workforce, the data underscore the problem of low and declining real wages for PHCAs, factors which contribute to workforce.

What is the process for eligible Veterans to be screened and enrolled in the VD-HCBS program? This flow chart illustrates the scenarios and process for all parties including the roles of the VAMC and CLP grantee agencies. Important for both Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and AAA or ADRCs.

A new evidence database to support aging research has been released. This easy-to-use online database helps scholars, policy analysts, and advocates stay on top of the latest research and innovations in aging care, including health care, social services, and workforce issues. The database is regularly updated by contributors that filters, reviews, and catalogues articles in professional journals both in the U.S. and abroad. An advisory committee of experts assists in the selection of topics.