Long Term Services and Supports

ATI Advisory released extensive data analysis of Medicare claims data to highlight the disparate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles).The analysis also offers policy pathways for states to improve integrated care for this vulnerable population.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) recently released a report with the results of a survey of caregivers nationwide. RCI surveyed caregivers through its partner network and 422 provided responses in the summer of 2020. The study sought to explore the direct experience of caregiver stress since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey includes data on financial stressors, medical stressors, isolation, and other factors affecting caregiver stress in the pandemic.

The GAO released a report on the impacts of the 2013 regulation that revised the domestic service employment and companionship services under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule, which became effective in 2015, had the effect of extending minimum wage and overtime protections to a broader range of home care workers, many of whom provide Medicaid-funded home and community based services (HCBS).

CHCS and Speire Healthcare Strategies released a report about COVID-19 response efforts from states and health plans that offer integrated care programs for duals. People who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid are among the nation’s most vulnerable to the coronavirus. The report outlines opportunities to support integration and identifies opportunities to strengthen programs and policies to best support the dual eligible population during the pandemic and in the future.

CMS released a new supplement to its State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit that provides new examples and insights into lessons learned from states that have implemented telehealth changes. The toolkit includes approaches and tools states can use to communicate with providers on utilizing telehealth. The toolkit includes updates and consolidates the FAQs and resources for states to consider as they begin planning beyond the temporary flexibilities provided in response to the pandemic.

This issue brief from the MLTSS Institute focuses on aspects of delivering effective care to individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dually eligible individuals).The brief provides a primer on the ways that Medicare data can help states better deliver care to dually eligible individuals; it also details information about data sources and other resources available to help obtain and analyze Medicare data.

NGA recently published a policy memo including a detailed table that provides an overview of state actions to address COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. The table includes notable actions from states with helpful links to relevant guidance and resources for each state. Updates on additional state actions and examples will be added to the table regularly and states are encouraged to contact NGA with changes.

Altarum recently published a special report highlighting the impact COVID-19 restrictions has had on nursing home residents. The report is the result of a survey that directly polled residents about their pandemic experience in 365 nursing homes in 36 states.

Justice in Aging published a new brief centered on the dual eligible population and programmatic recommendations to support equity. The recommendations are measures advocates and health plans can use to ensure equity is at the center of the response to COVID-19. Examples of recommendations in the brief include: Expanding/targeting outreach for COVID-19 and routine care based on information plans have about their members; Prioritizing HCBS and support for caregivers; Enhancing data collection

The Center for Health Care Strategies published a brief highlighting six states – Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Virginia – who have participated in innovative work to boost the support network for family caregivers. The brief includes lesson learned from each of the states’ programs and policies that support family caregivers. Additionally, the brief describes four elements that are essential to making effective changes to family caregiver support programs.