Reports

This report provides the latest national and state data on enrollment and spending for individuals enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, also known as dual eligibles. There were about 8.9 million dual eligibles in 2007. Dual eligibles are among the sickest and poorest individuals covered by either program. Although they comprised 15% of Medicaid enrollment, dual eligibles accounted for 39% ($121 billion) of Medicaid spending for medical services & for more than a quarter of Medicare spending.

According to results from this comprehensive national survey, 11 million adults (4.8 percent) in the U.S. have suffered serious mental illness in 2009, and in many cases these individuals also have a substance use disorder. The survey provides many insights into the nature and scope of mental illness. Because of its statistical power, it is a primary source of information on a wide range of behavioral health matters including mental health and substance abuse issues.

Computer-based testing (CBT) has emerged as one of the recent innovative approaches to assessments most pursued by states. CBT is lauded as the answer to having cheaper and speedier test delivery for state and district-wide assessments, as well as an avenue toward greater accessibility for students with disabilities. This report explores the context of CBT, current state computer-based tests, and considerations for students with disabilities.

The ADRC program’s purpose is to help people of all ages, disabilities, and income levels more easily access LTSS through single points of entry, make more efficient use of care options, and maximize the services available. This publication provides background on the evolution of ADRCs, their functions and implementation, grants to states, and state and federal evaluation efforts. It also points to selected issues in continuing ADRC implementation.

By 2032, there will be more people 65 or older than children under 15, according to this report. The shift toward an older population has enormous economic, social and political implications. The authors provide a framework for thinking about each trend, and comparative perspectives on changes over time and across age groups, and the unexpected ways in which these changes may unfold.

Wisconsin was one of four state based projects authorized by the SSA to begin testing a proposed benefit offset feature for the SSDI program. The pilot program was able to organize and implement its activities much as had been planned, however there were serious implementation problems at the Social Security Administration, according to this report which presents findings from both a process evaluation and the analysis of participant employment related outcomes.

The percentage of individuals with disabilities in the federal government has not increased since 1994, according to this report. Read highlights of a forum where participants, by prioritizing practices offered by subject matter experts, identified eight steps that agencies could take to help the federal government become a model employer for people with disabilities.

Included are several quarterly reports from Employment Coordinators in Florida that detail which training programs they have attended and the intended benefits of the programs. These reports may be replicable by states seeking to have their employees chart their participation in training programs in a uniform way.

What are the factors that influence the kind of long-term services patients choose over time? This was examined through a study that interviewed individuals with LTC insurance policies over a two year period. Having someone available to assist when needed, and feeling safe were found to be the most important considerations. 93% responded that home care was their first choice, however 71 % indicated that there were no options for LTC other than nursing homes in their area.

People receiving long term supports and services are frequently at risk for repeated hospital admissions, and patient care after a hospital stay is often fragmented and uncoordinated. Several types of technologies that have potential to support post-acute care transitions are discussed in this position paper. Studies suggest that the use of such technologies can lead to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, high patient satisfaction and acceptance, and reductions in cost of care.