ADvancing States released today a new report on the current state of enabling technology in LTSS programs. During 2023, ADvancing States partnered with Health Systems Transformation, a small consulting company focused on fostering technology innovation in LTSS programs, to conduct research, surveys, interviews and state affinity groups on key issues surrounding the adoption of enabling technology in state programs. Survey responses were solicited from state aging and disability agencies, leading technology companies and Medicaid health plans. The resulting report draws a stark conclusion: Most state LTSS delivery systems are not properly supported by aligned state laws and policies, federal authorities, financing, pricing, access, stakeholder engagement, quality measures, and education and training to allow enabling technology to be delivered to consumers in an agile, equitable, and transparent fashion.
The report offers recommendations for state action as well as identifies supports that our Federal partners can offer to states as they explore ways to help older adults and people with physical disabilities live as independently as possible. Finally the report highlight some best practices across the country in both Medicaid and aging programs.
We would also draw your attention to a recently released survey report by our colleagues at the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) on the same topic.