Policy alerts, briefs, letters & papers

Looking to develop guidance materials for veterans participating in a VD-HCBS program? Here are samples from Washington’s program, including a handbook with information on meeting program staff, developing a spending plan and working with FMS. Also find a Policy & Procedure Handbook including an overview of the program, desired outcomes, eligibility, referral procedures, forms and protocols for assessment, enrollment and reimbursement.

Find an article produced for the general public discussing the progress of Money Follows the Person. The author cites study findings suggesting reasons for states’ slow movement in nursing home transition: problems finding affordable housing, resistance from nursing homes, stringent federal rules limiting eligibility and types of community settings individuals can move into. Included are links to a related video and interactive map showing each state’s goals and transitions made to date.

As states assess the challenges and opportunities presented by federal health reform legislation, there is a natural tendency to focus on the most immediate issues, but it is equally important that states begin planning for the many aspects of implementation that occur in later years. This State Health Policy Briefing identifies and describes ten aspects of federal health reform that states must get right if they are to be successful in implementation.

What are the major components of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program? The program establishes a national, voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living services and supports that is designed to expand options for people who become functionally disabled and require long-term help. Find a description of the program, including its financing, eligibility criteria, benefit design and interaction with Medicaid.

Statistics for how many people on the Social Security disability rolls return to work published by the SSA each year are based on the behavior of beneficiaries over a short period. Longer-term statistics offer “good news” in that, compared to the short-term statistics, they show more beneficiaries leaving the rolls after finding work. They also show that some beneficiaries who return to work but don’t leave the rolls could become more self sufficient if better work incentives were in place.

Many obstacles impede states from rebalancing their long-term supports and services (LTSS) programs toward greater emphasis on HCBS alternatives. This brief outlines policy recommendations for reforming the Medicaid-funded LTSS system to support more cost-effective and consumer-oriented long-term care options. The authors discuss the current LTC environment, barriers and promising solutions to rebalancing LTSS, and policy recommendations for improving the Medicaid LTSS system.

How are states getting the word out about the latest changes to their MIG programs as they continue to grow and evolve? Nevada posts new information in their “What's New” column on the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services website. Listing the most up to date information in this manner provides a useful way of keeping visitors as up-to-date as possible about their program and provides good incentive for return visits. It is an approach that could be beneficial to other states.

Find a chart that summarizes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Community First Choice Option. This legislation amends 1915 of the Social Security Act to allow States to provide “Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports”. Information regarding financing, eligibility, scope of services, system design, quality management, evaluation and stakeholder involvement are included.

Through the use of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), agreements between agencies can be formalized. This paper discusses the process an agency should follow to develop interagency MOUs and presents examples of MOUs which can be used as models. It was originally prepared for the agencies participating in the National Long Term Care Channeling Demonstration Program, but has since been widely adapted and disseminated.

How are states getting support for the establishment of proposed funds? North Dakota created a proposal, fact sheet, alliance members list, a planning meeting invitation and a guide for the development of a letter of support for the establishment of a state-wide affordable housing fund to assist communities with their unmet housing needs. Samples of these documents are attached and could be helpful for other states looking for ideas to do the same.