Quality

A growing number of beneficiaries with disabilities are being enrolled in risk-based managed care arrangements. Further growth in managed care is expected in 2014, when the Affordable Care Act expands Medicaid eligibility to many uninsured low-income adults, including those with disabilities. This issue brief looks at issues related to the development and implementation of managed care programs with the capacity to serve Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities.

This issue brief looks at issues related to the development and implementation of managed care programs with the capacity to serve Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities. Drawing on existing research on Medicaid managed care and people with disabilities, the brief highlights policy considerations related to setting plan payment rates, developing adequate provider networks and delivery systems, and ensuring sufficient beneficiary protections and plan oversight.

There are 10 common themes in this summary from the written work of 10 authors of caregiving books. There are 4 areas highlighted at the Forum in which public policies and communities can respond to the needs of family caregivers: greater public education and awareness; more financial relief; better communication, coordination, and collaboration with health care professionals; and heightened recognition of and support for family caregivers in policy initiatives.

Families USA released their latest brief that helps advocates understand the basics of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and their potential for improving patient care. The brief includes the basics, payment and quality measurements, determining shared savings and losses, and beneficiary assignment and notification processes.

In its first year of operation, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has a long list of accomplishments, yet some observers express concern that its fast-paced approach may be overwhelming to smaller delivery systems. A status report of the Innovation Center’s activities to date is provided, including delineating the goals envisioned by Congress, detailing the new tools it was given, and emphasizing how the enhanced authority compares with CMS’ traditional demonstration programs.

The focus of this issue brief is on issues of suicide, anxiety and depression, prescription drug misuse and abuse, and alcohol abuse. The target audiences are the local and State Aging Services Network, behavioral health community, and substance abuse providers. The Issue Brief series will identify key information and opportunities for action that can improve the lives of older Americans. It emphasizes the importance of using partnerships to implement and sustain effective services.

Despite decades of increases in program participation and spending, the disability support infrastructure in the United States and the economic independence of people with disabilities have eroded. Rather than tighten eligibility or reduce program benefits, this issue brief proposes gradual programmatic reforms and evidence-based structural changes to improve the economic status of Americans with disabilities.

This site offers a wealth of information for anyone seeking clarification about the Balancing Incentive Program. It also provides numerous resources States will find useful when pursuing the benefits offered by the Program, including: The Program Application; The Implementation Manual; A user-friendly Work Plan; A user-friendly CSA/CDS crosswalk; Frequently Asked Questions; Webinars; Additional resources on the web; and beyond.

The care transitions challenge aims to stimulate the use of simple, information technology-enabled processes and tools to make transitions easier and safer for patients, caregivers and providers, particularly when a patient is discharged from a hospital. The first health IT challenge, Ensuring Safe Transitions from Hospital to Home, called upon developers to create a web-based application that could empower patients and caregivers to better navigate and manage a transition from a hospital.

The Administration on Aging (AoA) has a new page on its website that highlights program and funding opportunities within the Affordable Care Act that relate to the mission and vision of AoA and the Aging Network. Topics covered include Medicare and Medicaid, prevention, and webinars and technical assistance resources.