Minnesota

The report presents findings from a 50-state survey examining how well the needs of family caregivers are assessed when states evaluate the needs of older people & adults with disabilities who qualify for HCBS programs under Medicaid. It is the first detailed analysis of family caregiver assessment tools and processes in use by the states in Medicaid waiver programs. The report also highlights “promising practices” in family caregiver assessment in 3 states, and offers policy recommendations.

The annual Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports expenditure report includes Medicaid expenditures for all LTSS, including institutional and non-institutional settings, by service category and state. The data come primarily from CMS-64 reports.

New research from AARP and ADvancing States finds that two-thirds of states either have or will launch new initiatives to better coordinate care for people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid services over the next two years. To contain the growth of costs and improve care, many are moving to risk-based managed long-term services and supports models. This research finds that a number of states are exploring approaches to dual services integration outside of the CMS models.

In January of 2013, ADvancing States sent a survey to its members and a list of long-term care contacts in the states asking how/where they are serving individuals with these complications and what services have been most effective. The survey is at the request of a ADvancing States member that works closely with their mental health program staff to serve individuals who are eligible for both mental health and aging/disability programming.

ADvancing States conducted a survey of state agencies on aging and disability to determine if they conducted participant experience surveys to ensure quality. This asked four basic questions: if the state conducts participants experience survey; the frequency of conducting the survey; how the survey was completed; and who conducts the survey. The appendices include sample participant experience surveys from various states.

This presentation at the 2012 Aging in America Conference provides an overview of the basics of Medicaid and traces the major trends in reform, including the Olmstead decision and subsequent move toward home and community-based services; the promulgation of Medicaid Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS); and a focus on “dual eligibles”.

The Administration on Aging makes funds available to grantees through state Discretionary and Formula grants. This table lists the grant estimates for FY11 and FY12 and compares them to the actual discretionary state formula grant allotment for FY10. The different programs included in the table are Home and Community-Based Services, Nutrition Services, Preventive Health Services, Family Caregiver Support Services, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and Prevention of Elder Abuse and Neglect.

Governors’ State of the State addresses reveal policy and programmatic trends. This document tracks those comments made in such addresses that indicate wider policy initiatives that impact older adults and people with disabilities. A state-by-state analysis of 43 State addresses and budgets helps to illuminate overall trends in aging and disability policies, such as Medicaid changes and the restructuring of state departments and programs affecting long-term services and supports (LTSS).

Published monthly, this report and website tool focuses on state actions in managed care for people who receive Medicaid-funded LTSS and on state initiatives relating to services and costs. The Tracker includes updates on State Demonstrations to Integrate Care for Dual Eligible Individuals, the Balancing Incentives Payment Program (BIPP), states developing or implementing Medicaid State Plan amendments under §1915(i), and states pursuing the Communities First Choice Option under §1915(k).

Review a new survey of organizations that provide services within the I&R/A Network. The following themes emerged from the survey: aging and disability networks continue to integrate; the use of technology in I&R/A service delivery is slow to develop; the role of I&R/A organizations is expanding; and there are opportunities for improved coordination and quality service delivery. Review the recommendations that address these themes.