Quality

This paper provides recommendations on changes to improve delivery of the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program so that it can more fully serve the purposes for which the program was established. It is the last in a series of four papers that highlight pressing issues facing dual eligibles and provide recommendations to the federal Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office (MMCO), state Medicaid agencies and other interested policymakers and stakeholders on how to address them.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, along with Mission Analytics Group & Human Services Research Institute, created an implementation manual for the Balancing Incentive Program. The Program encourages states to increase the percentage of long-term care dollars going to home & community-based services through making additional Federal Medical Assistance Percentages available to States that are currently lower performing. This manual aims to help States make the most of this Program.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Quality Monitoring Program for home and community-based services providers serves as a resource for these service providers. DADS Quality Assurance and Improvement (QAI) unit has implemented a Quality Monitoring Program in Home and Community Based Services Provider facilities. The purpose of TexasQualityMatters.org is to increase positive outcomes and to improve the quality of services.

This Primer has been updated to include all relevant statutory, regulatory and other policy changes that have occurred in the last 10 years in Medicaid home and community services. Given the significance of recent changes, this Primer will be an even more useful tool for all those working to ensure that people with disabilities can live in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs.

Certain states significantly outperform others in the delivery of long-term services and supports (LTSS) to older adults and people with disabilities. The report examines four key dimensions of state LTSS system performance: affordability and access; choice of setting and provider; quality of life and quality of care; support for family caregivers. It assesses each state's performance overall as well as on 25 indicators, some of which measured for the first time. Compare data on the website.

The GQMS was developed to support continuous quality improvement to services delivered to individuals with intellectual disabilities in GA. The overall vision of the project was to enhance the service delivery system in order to produce results that reflect communicated choices and preferences that matter most to the individuals. The GQMS is based on CMS’ Quality Framework for Home and Community Based Services. Find their annual report and background information on the site.

Findings in this report focus on what has been learned about the status of grant implementation and factors that facilitate progress early and throughout the implementation period, and progress on grantees’ goals and achievement of Systems Transformation (ST). It presents results for both FY05 and FY06 ST Grantees, builds on findings from the first annual report and focuses on two different stages of implementation for the FY05 grantees (Year 3) and the FY06 grantees(initial 15-months).

Are you looking for ways to improve the quality of person-centered plans? This manual was developed to help improve the facilitation process around PCP. Most of the information uses the foundation of Personal Futures Planning, and the training provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and principles underlying this approach to planning. The manual is intended to be used as a resource in training programs.

This letter was issued to provide information on new tools for community integration and to remind States of existing tools that remain strong resources in their efforts to support community living. Various technical assistance resources are listed, including a new guide for enhancing the availability of HCBS within managed care delivery systems. Progress around the HUD partnership, HCBS waiver and state plan options, grant programs, ADRCs and discharge planning are discussed as well.

What are the key provisions in the 2010 comprehensive health reform? Read a summary of the new law, including the CLASS Act, and changes make to the law by subsequent legislation. The document focuses on changes in coverage, control of health care costs, and improvement of the health care delivery system. Also included is a timeline providing implementation dates.