Federal LTC Policy Initiatives

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2012 ADRC Joint Program Funding Announcement Press Release

Source: ACL
This is a funding opportunity from the Administation for Community Living (ACL), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA), number HHS-2012-ACL-RO-1210. This opportunity is for states to significantly strengthen and expand their long term services and supports Options Counseling (LTSS OC) programs. Application deadline is July 25, 2012.
(Word)
(PDF)
Associated Date: May 2012

TAE Issue Brief - Leadership Transition and Succession Planning

Source: Technical Assistance Exchange
This issue brief describes how organizations can plan
for and manage both internal and external leadership
transitions to minimize disruptions and position themselves
to take advantage of opportunities to strengthen
collaboration and improve services.
(PDF)
Added November 5, 2010

2010 Program and Funding Announcement - Implementing the Affordable Care Act: Making it Easier for Individuals to Navigate their Health and Long-Term Care through Person-Centered Systems of Information, Counseling and Access

Source: Administration on Aging
The Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will jointly award up to $60 million in formula and competitive grants through this Program Announcement. There are four distinct funding opportunities being made available under this Announcement. The first opportunity makes formula funds available to States, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to provide outreach and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on their Medicare benefits including prevention. The Announcement also includes two competitive funding opportunities that are available to all existing ADRC grantees - one to strengthen ADRC Options Counseling and Assistance Programs, the other to strengthen the role of ADRCs in Evidence-Based Care Transition Models that integrate the medical and social service systems to help older individuals and those with disabilities remain in their own homes and communities after a hospital, rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility visit. Finally, for existing Money Follows the Person state grantees, there is an opportunity to compete for supplemental administrative funds that can be used to strengthen the capacity existing ADRCs to participate in Nursing Home Transitions and Diversions Programs.
(Word)
(Word) Caption: DHHS Press Release
(PDF)
(PDF) Caption: DHHS Press Release
Added June 3, 2010

Informational Overview of Local Contact Agencies in MDS 3.0 Section Q

Source: Technical Assistance Exchange
In October 2010, nursing facilities across the country will begin using a new iteration of the Minimum Data Set, called MDS 3.0. The new version includes a revised Section Q designed to identify residents who may be interested in talking to someone about moving back into the community. For these individuals, nursing facility staff will send referrals to Local Contact Agencies, or LCAs. This document discusses the role of LCAs in the context of the ADRC program.
(Word)
(PDF)
Added April 26, 2010

Presentation from Overview of ADRC Training

Source: Technical Assistance Exchange
These slides provide an overview of the purpose, goals and activities of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) which began in 2003 in 12 states with joint funding from the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
(Powerpoint)
(PDF)
Associated Date: October 28, 2009

2009 ADRC Program Announcement

Source: Administration on Aging
This program announcement from the Administration on Aging is titled "Aging and Disability Resource Centers: Empowering Individuals to Navigate Their Health and Long Term Support Options" and provides a funding opportunity for Aging and Disability Resource Centers nationwide.
(Word)
(PDF)
Added June 23, 2009

Community Living Program - Program Announcement and Grant Application Instructions

Source: Administration on Aging
2009 funding opportunity from the Administration on Aging, number HHS-2009-AoA-CD-0919. The Community Living Program (formerly known as the Nursing Home Diversion Program) helped states and communities to assist individuals at risk of nursing home placement but who are not Medicaid eligible to remain at home. AoA's collaboration with the VA continues, and states were also invited to pursue the VDHCBS option through this announcement process. Applications were due August 3, 2009.
(External Link)
(Word)
(PDF)
Associated Date: June 2009

TAE Issue Brief - The Medicare Modernization Act

Source: ADRC-TAE
This issue brief describes the implications of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 for consumers, state Medicaid agencies, health care providers, and the public and private entities that provide benefits counseling and supports to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Flow charts detailing the Medicare Part D process have been added to the brief.
(Word) Caption: Brief
(PDF) Caption: Brief and flow charts
(Powerpoint) Caption: Charts
Updated February 5, 2008

Real Choice Systems Change Grants: Compendium Fifth Edition

Source: RTI, Abt Associates
The Compendium contains basic information about each of the Real Choice Systems Change Grantees. The Compendium will help you learn more about how these grants will be used to allow more people of all ages with a disability or long term illness to live and participate in their communities. Real Choice Systems Change Grantees will also find the Compendium useful to identify other Grantees with similar goals and activities. The fifth edition of the Compendium replaces all previous editions.
(External Link)
(External Link)
Updated November 20, 2007

Review of Key Activities of the Federal Interagency Elder Justice Working Group

Source: Elder Justice Coordinating Council
These slides present nine proposals on federal action to address elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. They were created by the Elder Justice Interagency Working Group and presented at the Elder Justice Coordinating Council May 2013 Spring meeting.
(External Link) • File type: pdf
(PDF)
Associated Date: May 13, 2013

Facilitating Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment and Renewal in 2014

Source: CMS
This letter from CMS State to Health Officials offers optional strategies that can help make significant progress toward reducing the number of uninsured individuals and optional tools to help states manage the transition to their new eligibility and enrollment systems and coverage of new Medicaid enrollees.
(External Link) • File type: pdf
(PDF)
Associated Date: May 17, 2013

ADRC MFP CIL 7-12-2012 Webinar Slides

Source: TAE
The Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have a partnership to lead transformation of long term services and supports systems through initiatives such as the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) and Money Follows the Person (MFP) Rebalancing Demonstrations. This webinar explores the role of Centers for Independent Living and highlights state innovations in ADRC/MFP/CIL Partnerships.
(Powerpoint)
(PDF)
Associated Date: July 12, 2012

HCBS 9-10-12 Learning Symposium At-A-Glance Agenda - June 28 DRAFT

Source: TAE
This is the overview agenda for the 9/10/2012 ACL grantees Learning Symposium preceding the NASUAD HCBS Conference. The Learning Symposium is designed for state and program staff involved in ADRC, Options Counseling Standards, Evidence-Based Care Transitions, Systems Integration, Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Programs, and Lifespan Respite programs and grantees may use funds they budgeted for National Meetings to attend.
(Word)
(PDF)
Associated Date: June 28, 2012

State Medicaid Director's Letter: Financial Models Supporting Integrated Care
Source: CMS
The Department of Health and Human Services' preliminary guidance to States on opportunities to align financing between Medicare and Medicaid to support improvements in the quality and cost of care for individuals eligible for both programs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has outlined two models to support State efforts to integrate care for Medicare-Medicaid enrollees. States will have an option to pursue either or both of these models.
(PDF)
Associated Date: July 2011

Strong Foundation for System Transformation
Source: CMS: Barbara Edwards
A presentation given by Barbara Edwards during the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services Community Living Vision and Current Priorities lunch plenary at the 2011 National Grantee Meeting
(Powerpoint)
(PDF)
Associated Date: February 2011

Integrating Care for Dual Eligibles
Source: CMS: Tim Engelhardt
2011 National Meeting Lunch Plenary: Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services Community Living Vision and Current Priorities
(PDF) • File type: doc
(Powerpoint) • File type: doc
Associated Date: February 15, 2011

Stregthening Services for Older Adults through Changes to the Older Americans Act
Source: New York Academy of Medicine & National Coalition on Care Coordination
The Social Work Leadership Institute of the New York Academy of Medicine and the National Coalition on Care Coordination developed recommendations that consider how to strengthen care coordination in the 2011 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The recommendations enhance provisions for care coordination that link health/medical and long-term care and social support services.
(PDF) Caption: Report
(PDF) Caption: Appendix A
(PDF) Caption: Appendix B
(PDF) Caption: Appendix C
(PDF) Caption: Appendix D
(PDF) Caption: Appendix E
Added June 17, 2010

Medicaid Categories for People with Disabilities—Before and After Health Care Reform
Source: Health & Disability Advocates
This document is from the National Consortium for Health Systems Development, a project of the Health & Disability Advocates. The table summarizes the impact of health care reform under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on Medicaid eligibility, including the Medicaid Buy-In.
(External Link) • File type: pdf
Added May 12, 2010

What Medicaid Infrastructure Grants Need to Know about Health Care Reform
Source: Health & Disability Advocates
This brief is from the National Consortium for Health Systems Development, a project of Health & Disability Advocates. This policy and practice brief is the first in a series of briefs helping to explain the expected impact of health care reform on Medicaid eligibility for people with disabilities. The brief explores the potential new Medicaid enrollment dynamics MIGs need to consider as health care reform is implemented under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the interaction between the Medicaid Buy-In and new coverage options.
(External Link) • File type: pdf
Added May 12, 2010

Health Care Coverage Case Study for a Person with a Disability In 2014 And Beyond
Source: Health & Disability Advocates
The brief is from the National Consortium for Health Systems Development, a project of Health & Disability Advocates. This hypothetical "case study" illustrates the health insurance options for people with disabilities that will be available when health care reform is implemented under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
(External Link) • File type: pdf
Added May 12, 2010

KFF Briefs - Key Issues in Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services and Support
Source: Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured
These briefs from the Kaiser Family Foundation highlight key strategies to address financing, program administration and community workforce challenges that key experts, federal and state officials and advocates believe must be overcome to expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS). They summarize lessons in offering more home and community-based services from states at the forefront of the effort.
(External Link) Caption: Efforts in States to Promote Medicaid Community-Based Services and Supports • File type: pdf
(External Link) Caption: Advancing Access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services • File type: pdf
Associated Date: September 2009

AoA Press Release Announcing 2009 ADRC and CLP Grantees

Source: Administration on Aging
This press release from the Administration on Aging describes 2009 grant awards totaling more than $32 million to strengthen the ability of states and organizations to provide home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities. Aging and Disability Resource Center, Community Living Program, and other grants are described.
(External Link) • File type: web
Associated Date: September 2009

"Advancing Access to Medicaid HCBS" Brief
Source: Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured
The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured wrote this brief to examine issues and challenges facing Medicaid home and community-based services with the goal of helping stakeholders increase access.
(PDF) Caption: A synthesis of state efforts to promote Medicaid HCBS
(PDF) Caption: An introduction to Medicaid HCBS, based on a Working Group Discussion with Experts
Updated October 5, 2009

Single Entry Points as Cornerstone to Long Term Care Transformation - Presentation from 2009 HCBS

Source: Technical Assistance Exchange
The 2009 Home and Community Based Services conference featured a presentation by Joseph Lugo from AoA and Heather Johnson from the Massachusetts and Vermont ADRCs on using ADRCs to drive change in states' long term care systems during fiscal crisis. The session discussed how states can strategically develop their programs through innovative uses of existing funding.
(Powerpoint) Caption: Johnson Slides
(Powerpoint) Caption: Lugo Slides
Associated Date: September 2009

March 4, 2009 Senate Aging Committee Testimony - Health Care Reform in an Aging America
Source: United States Senate Special Committee on Aging
Many health and long-term care experts testified on issues relating to aging and disability at this Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing. Transcripts of these comments are available.
(External Link) • File type: web
Added March 5, 2009

Improving Health Coverage for Americans with Disabilities: Policy Options for the President-elect and the 111th Congress
Source: Georgetown University O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law
Jeffrey S. Crowley, the author, focuses on Medicaid and Medicare in offering healthcare reform suggestions. Both legislative and administrative actions are proposed regarding eligibility and enrollment, access to services, program management and delivery systems issues, and financing. Several options relate to HCBS, such as protecting spouses of the medically needy, expanding eligibility for SSI-related groups, and issuing further guidance on waiver waiting lists.
(External Link)
(PDF)
Added December 16, 2008

FY2008 Real Choice Systems Change Grant Press Release from CMS
Source: CMS
This press release from CMS describes the FY2008 funding for Real Choice Systems Change Grant programs. The funds will enhance state efforts to increase awareness of home-based alternatives to institutional care, including expansion of ADRC programs in several states.
(Word)
(PDF)
Added September 9, 2008

GAO Report - "Federal Disability Programs: Coordination Could Facilitate Better Data Collection to Assess the Status of People with Disabilities, GAO-08-872T"
Source: Government Accountability Office
Multiple federal programs provide services and support to the approximately 50 million individuals with disabilities in America. While some health and economic data on people with disabilities are currently available, these data have limited use in providing a comprehensive assessment of how these individuals are faring. Additionally, the lack of more useful data limits the federal government's ability to determine how well federal programs are serving individuals with disabilities.
(External Link) • File type: pdf
Added July 7, 2008

Presentation from July 2008 Monthly Call on LTC Costs

Source: ADRC-TAE, The Lewin Group
This presentation is from the July 3, 2008 Monthly Technical Assistance call on Assessing the Impact of ADRCs on Long-Term Care Costs.
(Powerpoint)
(PDF)
Associated Date: July 03, 2008

CMS Presentation on Money Follows the Person
Source: CMS
This is Mary Beth Ribar's presentation on the Money Follows the Person Initiative, given on June 4, 2008 call for ADRC grantees.
(PDF)
Associated Date: June 04, 2008

Improving Transitions - Overview of CMS Efforts
Source: CMS
This document describes CMS's current activities and plans (as of June 2008) for improving policies and processes related to transitioning individuals with disabilities out of institutions and into home and community-based settings.
(PDF)
(Word)
Associated Date: June 08, 2008

Older Americans Act: The Basics
Source: National Health Policy Forum
This short document from the National Health Policy forum gives an overview of the Older Americans Act, which established the Administration on Aging (AoA) and state agencies on aging to address the social services needs of older people.
(Word)
(PDF)
Added May 16, 2008

Article on AoA Nursing Home Diversion Program

Source: National Senior Citizens Law Center
This article from the National Senior Citizens Law Center provides a brief overview of the Nursing Home Diversion program, including a history of the role of the AoA in delivering HCBS, the 2006 OAA amendments, and descriptions of specific state diversion programs.
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated April 9, 2009

CMS FY 2008 Aging and Disability Resource Center Grant Solicitation
Source: CMS
CMS was awarded $5 million for Aging and Disability Resource Center/Area Agencies on Aging grants for FY08. The FY 2008 Grant Category is "Development and Implementation of a Person-centered Hospital Discharge Planning Model." The new grant solicitation will build upon the successes and direction of earlier Real Choice Systems Change and Aging and Disability Resource Center grant opportunities by providing targeted assistance to States’ in their efforts to improve hospital discharge planning through collaboration with, Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Area Agencies on Aging, and Centers for Independent Living.
(External Link) Caption: Link to Solicitation
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated May 7, 2009

Money Follows the Person Demonstration: Targeted Case Management Services – Impact of the DRA Interim Regulations

Source: Robert Mollica - National Academy for State Health Policy
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) revised the scope and activities that can be covered under case management. Interim Final Regulations (IFR) implementing the new provisions were published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, December 6, 2007 (pages 68077-68093). The comment period ends February 4, 2008. The IFR contains several key changes that describe specific components and requirements for case management. The regulations may have a significant impact on states with single entry point systems or in 1915 (c) waiver programs in which case managers complete an assessment, determine functional eligibility for waiver services, prepare a care plan, authorize waiver services, monitor the care plan and complete reassessments.
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated January 21, 2008

CMS List of Poorly Performing Nursing Facilities
Source: CMS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the first ranking of the nation's poor-performing nursing homes. Release of the national list of facilities, identified as special focus facilities (SFFs), is expected to offer individuals, seeking long-term health care services, and their families powerful new information when choosing nursing homes. CMS also provided a Background document and a Q&A document to accompany the list.
(Excel) Caption: SFF Nursing Facilities
(Word) Caption: SFF Background
(Word) Caption: SFF Questions & Answers
(Word) Caption: SFF Press Release from CMS
Added November 29, 2007

AFI Family Support 360 IDA Initiative
Source: ACF
Office of Community Services (OCS) is collaborating with the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) to sponsor the Assets for Independence Family Support 360 IDAs Initiative. Through the initiative, the AFI Resource Center provides AFI grantees and their partner organizations with training and technical assistance for providing IDA services to this important population.
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated February 10, 2009

AoA Medicare Partnership Campaign
Source: Administration on Aging
In preparation for the Medicare drug benefit that went into effect January 1, 2006, the Administration on Aging developed a special Web site that will provide readers with up to date information and resources.
(External Link)
Added April 1, 2007

Medicaid Checklist for State Policymakers
Source: CMS
This document provides a review of Medicaid issues aimed at state policymakers. It covers eligibility groups, state plan services, federal poverty guidelines, and other areas.
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated November 20, 2007

Modernizing The Older Americans Act Presentation
Source: Josephina Carbonnell
This presentation was given by Josephina Carbonnell at the March 2007 ASA-NCOA Conference.
(Powerpoint)
(PDF)
Updated February 10, 2009

Bulletin about OAA and Consumer Choice
Source: S. Gold
Congress' amendments to the Older American Act go a very long way in the struggle to permit persons to receive community-based services in their own homes, instead of in nursing facilities. Allocating $28 million for a "Choices for Independence" demonstration program and also a substantial beefing up the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Congress threw down the challenge to advocates of Older Americans and disability advocates.
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated December 12, 2007

Cash & Counseling without Federal Waiver Press Release
Source: Cash and Counseling
This press release from the Cash and Counseling Program is titled "Federal Government Encourages States To Make Self-Directed Personal Care an Option for Disabled Medicaid Consumers Who Need Help At Home" and was published on January 29, 2007.
(Word)
Updated December 14, 2007

CMS Profile of Pennsylvania for Assessing Long Term Care Systems
Source: CMS
CMS has commissioned this profile of a state long term care system in order to assist other states in their rebalancing efforts.
(PDF)
Updated February 10, 2009

CMS TA Tool for Assessing Long Term Care Systems
Source: CMS
This is a guide to assessing state long term care systems that was commissioned by CMS.
(PDF)
Updated November 20, 2007

CMS Memo On TA Tool for Rebalancing LTC
Source: CMS
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the availability of a new technical assistance tool for use by States who wish to assess the current state of their long-term care systems, including their progress towards rebalancing. A Model State Profile for Assessing a State Long-Term Care System, along with a Technical Assistance Guide to Assessing a State Long-Term Care System are now available on the CMS website.
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated February 10, 2009

ADRCs and the Deficit Reduction Act - TA Monthly Call - September 7, 2007

Source: ADRC-TAE
These notes summarize the monthly grantee call that covered ADRCs and the Deficit Reduction Act
(Word)
(PDF)
Associated Date: September 07, 2006

Deficit Reduction Act - Monthly Call Summary - September 1, 2006

Source: ADRC-TAE
These are the summarizing call notes from the September 2006 monthly grantee call on ADRCs and the Deficit Reduction Act.
(Word)
(PDF)
Associated Date: September 01, 2006

Medicaid News: Transformation Grants
Source: CMS
CMS will fund state plans for transforming Medicaid to increase quality and lower costs. States will receive $150 million over 2007 and 2008 to fund research and design of ways to transform their Medicaid systems, to the increase quality and efficiency of care. The funds will be targeted toward increasing the quality and efficiency of care in state Medicaid programs serving the low-income elderly, children and people with disabilities. CMS is encouraging states to look at particular areas of program operations for improved efficiency, including methods for reducing patient error rates, improving access to care for the uninsured, and
increasing the utilization of generic prescription drugs, among others. No matching funds are required for these special grants. States must submit applications by August 15, 2006.
(Word)
Updated November 20, 2007

Medicaid News: Money Follows The Person
Source: CMS
HHS will provide funding to states for alternatives to nursing home care in Medicaid. The "Money Follows the Person" policy will help states rebalance their long-term care systems.
States will receive additional help from the federal government to support elderly and disabled Medicaid recipients who wish to live in the community rather than institutions.
(Word)
Updated December 12, 2007

Deficit Reduction Act - HCBS State Plan Option (DRAFT)
Source: National Academy for State Health Policy, Community Living Exchange Collaborative
This summary of the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) State Plan Amendment (SPA) option is based on a review of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) and discussion during a conference call with CMS staff and Real Choice grantees on April 3, 2006. The content reflects our understanding of the legislation and questions raised by grantees. The intent of this summary is to highlight what is currently known about the DRA and some questions about how it will affect States that elect this option. Continuing discussions with CMS and States are likely to raise new perspectives and interpretations.
(Word)
(PDF)
Updated February 10, 2009

Modernizing the OAA for the 21st Century
Source: AoA
This presentation on the 2006 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act was given at the Joint Conference of The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) and the American Society on Aging (ASA) held March 16-19, 2006.
(Internal Link)
(PDF)
Updated November 20, 2007

Own Your Future - Phase I of the Pilot Long-Term Care Awareness Campaign Final Report
Source: Long Term Care Group
This final report summarizes the results of the Phase I Long Term Care Awareness Campaign - Own Your Future. This campaign was designed and implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services to promote increased awareness among recent retirees and near retirees about the importance of planning ahead for future long-term care needs.
(External Link)
Updated December 12, 2007

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Presentation
Source: CMS
This CMS Presentation provides information on the Medicare prescription drug benefit, how different populations are affected by the benefit, and an overview of relevant terminology.
(Internal Link)
Updated November 20, 2007