Reports

This report is the fourth in a series of publications from the MLTSS Institute, which was established in 2016 to drive improvements in key MLTSS policy areas, facilitate sharing and learning among states, and provide direct and intensive technical assistance to states and health plans. This issue brief focuses on delivering effective care to individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and aims to lay out the case for state Medicaid agencies to invest in integrated care programs.

The latest report in the AARP Public Policy Institute’s Valuing the Invaluable series estimates the economic value of unpaid family caregiving at $470 billion in 2017. The report also explores family caregiving trends, highlights federal and state policy changes since the release of the previous Valuing the Invaluable report in 2015, and offers further policy recommendations to enhance the well-being of caregiving families.

Over 15% of people ages 60+ are veterans. This issue brief from the National Council on Aging analyzes the unique needs of older veterans. It highlights demographic characteristics, financial data, and statistics on health outcomes for this population. Overall, the brief concludes that while older veterans generally have a higher income, they tend to have worse health than their counterparts, emphasizing the need for targeted outreach to connect veterans to benefits.

As people age, the risk of neurodegenerative disease increases. This new report from the Milken Institute looks at how we can combat both the risk and cost of dementia. It is structured around five key goals. The report provides actionable recommendations around these goals along with updated data and analysis.

This brief describes the racial disparities in access to oral health and oral health outcomes. Coverage is a key factor in reducing the existing disparities. This brief proposes adding oral health as a Medicare benefit as a potential solution. It also proposes additional policy options aimed at reducing disparities beyond expanding oral health coverage,

This brief examines information about rural older adults using data from the 2012 to 2016 American Community Survey. It compares rural older adults to their counterparts and also looks at level of rurality within the rural older adult population.

This report outlines the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) research, law enforcement, and education efforts aimed at protecting older consumers. The report finds that although consumers 60 and older report losing money to scams less often than younger adults, the amount of money they lose is higher. Older adults reported losing money most often to phone scams and online scams. This report also highlights the Pass it On campaign.

This study used mystery shoppers in six states to asses the accuracy of PACE awareness in counselors supporting LTSS beneficiaries. This 2018 study focuses on a range of information and referral/assistance entities.

This report was released by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. The report notes that one in four Americans 65 and older falls each year, leading to lasting health and economic consequences. Falls are preventable and not necessarily a part of the normal aging process. The report also includes a list of recommendations from the committee.

The Urban Institute conducted a series of interviews with Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Advantage experts, and social service providers to better understand how health plans were responding to CMS’s new flexibility with regards to supplemental benefits. This report presents the findings from these interviews. It also explores possible policy changes to further support supplemental benefits and describes what funding and resources are available for state to administer these benefits.