Information Technology

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently introduced the Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies (TCET) pathway, a voluntary expedited Medicare coverage process for certain FDA-designated Breakthrough Devices. This new pathway aims to support innovation while ensuring faster and more consistent access to emerging medical technologies for Medicare beneficiaries. The TCET pathway offers manufacturers increased pre-market engagement with CMS and a high level of flexibility to address evidence gaps for coverage. This initiative seeks to develop reliable evidence for informed healthcare decision-making and to ensure high-quality care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) recently released a brief on telehealth, and its impact on dually eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As noted by RIC, people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as people with I/DD, are diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions at higher rates than the general population and often face barriers with access to healthcare. Telehealth services have been increasing in popularity and usage and has the potential to positively impact people with I/DD. Health plans can utilize the information in the document to further their understanding of how telehealth modalities can improve access to person centered care for people with I/DD.

AIRS is accepting proposals across the length and breadth of I&R. The conference will feature three main areas of content: Service Delivery (For those in CRS, CRS-A/D and related roles and their supervisors), Database Curation (For those in CRS-DC roles and their supervisors), Self-Care and Professional Development (For everyone who needs it). The e-conference will be held on October 12-14, 2021. The deadline for submissions is July 26, 2021.

AIRS is accepting proposals across the length and breadth of I&R. The conference will feature three main areas of content: Service Delivery (For those in CRS, CRS-A/D and related roles and their supervisors), Database Curation (For those in CRS-DC roles and their supervisors), Self-Care and Professional Development (For everyone who needs it). The e-conference will be held on October 12-14, 2021. The deadline for submissions is July 26, 2021.

This issue brief is the second publication from the ADvancing States Aging and Disabilities Technology Workgroup, which was established in 2019 in order to drive improvements in aging and disabilities state agencies’ information technology (IT), facilitate sharing and learning among states, and assist states as they seek to implement and integrate technology that supports holistic person-centered services.

Providing telephone reassurance and check-in calls is one key strategy that is being widely used across the country. Programs are engaging volunteers and pulling in staff to meet the need for an increase in such check-in calls. Recognizing that certain conversation skills can help to build trust and deepen engagement, ADvancing States partnered with Emergency Design Collective to create a Conversation Tips Toolkit designed to support reassurance and check-in programs.

This issue brief explores software systems that state aging and disability agencies use for resource databases and for client tracking, case management, and reporting. Data and findings are drawn from ADvancing States’ 2018 National Survey of Aging and Disability Information & Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) Agencies. This issue brief highlights responses from state agencies on aging and disability, though in some instances, data from all survey respondents is shared for comparison purposes.

The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference is hosted annually by ADvancing States (formerly known as NASUAD). This event highlights best practices from across the country in home and community-based services. The conference includes federal, state, and local policymakers as well as those who administer, manage, and deliver waiver and other HCBS programs. This link contains all of the slide presentations from the 2019 HCBS Conference.

While faced with new challenges, reduced budgets, and growing populations requiring more services, states are stronger than ever, and the work they do is more effective than ever in reaching individuals and addressing their needs. The National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference 2018 highlights these achievements, allowing states to share best practices, present unique partnerships, and recognize the work of their peers.

The AAHD Health Promotion Resource Center for People with Disabilities is intended to provide visitors with current and valuable information about multiple aspects of health promotion and wellness for people with disabilities.