Transition/Diversion from Institutions

The Arkansas MFP application will transition 305 individuals who have resided in institutions six months or longer into qualified home and community-based programs. This website offers program highlights, operational protocol, benchmarks participant recruitment and enrollment information and benefits and services. Users can also find a variety of stakeholder involvement opportunities including conference dates, the Governor's Task Force List and an Organizational Structure Chart.

Prior to this bill mandating improved access to home and community-based long-term care (LTC) services, Tennessee was paying 98% of LTC funds to nursing homes. The act rebalances funding allocation and creates a single point of entry for older adults seeking LTC. It also supports diversion from and transition out of institutions through HCBS counseling and improved needs assessment. It was signed into law 06/17/2008.

NASHP produced this report and webinar to help states provide Medicaid and SCHIP coverage to youth involved with or exiting foster care and juvenile justice systems. The report focuses on simplifying enrollment, enhancing retention through transitions, and integrating services with partners. The webinar slides present the report findings in brief and highlight programs in New Mexico and Washington that focus on the juvenile justice system and youths released from incarceration.

In 2000, Rhode Island launched an initiative called “Rhodes to Independence” (RTI) to promote systems changes that reduce barriers to employment. RTI focuses on health care, transportation, housing, youth transitions, and diversity. Below, find RTI’s 2005 annual report, a recruitment brochure for the RI Business Leadership Network, and brochures in English and Spanish advertising Sherlock, a health insurance program for employed people with disabilities.

This booklet, through Arkansas’ “Choices in Living” aging and disabilities resource center, profiles the home and community-based long-term care (LTC) options available in the state. Older adults, people with disabilities, families and support workers can determine which of the five profiled programs are best for them based on eligibility criteria and scope of coverage.

States are ranked in this report based on the outcomes of Medicaid services provided to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The key outcomes measured are the promotion of independence and meaningful employment, tracking quality and safety, keeping families together, and reaching those in need. Each state’s progress is measured by comparing data from the previous year. This report is issued annually with past editions available on the included website.

This comprehensive report provides data and macro level analyses on public and private residential services. The Executive Summary and Section 3 compare Medicaid utilization and expenditures for home and community-based services with services provided in institutional settings. Data are also presented in state-by-state profiles. Past editions of this annual report dating from 2000 are available at the website provided.

The author of this policy brief presents his perspective on the future challenges of long-term care (LTC) in the U.S., with a focus on family caregivers, public policy, and funding. Noting the strain placed on caregivers and the market dynamics that discourage the purchase of LTC insurance, he encourages a broader role for the public sector. These include more funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program and expanding Medicare to cover comprehensive LTC services.

AoA announced $13 million to support state efforts to help individuals with long-term care needs to avoid unnecessary nursing home placement. This includes $10 Million for an AoA Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grants Program and a special $3 Million funding opportunity made available by the Veterans Health Administration. Only State Units on Aging are eligible to apply, but must involve AAAs and community-based organizations in projects. The application deadline is August 14, 2008.

Watch Danielle, Alexander, Valeska, and Santara share strategies they used as students with disabilities to successfully graduate from college and get jobs. They discuss their struggles with self-reporting their physical or mental disabilities and negotiating accommodations in school and at work. DVDs are available upon request.