Research & Policy Library

Family caregivers are a primary support allowing older adults to age in their homes.  With the aging of the baby boom population, the demand for caregivers will increase.  According to the AARP report, "The Aging of the Baby Boom and the Growing Care Gap:  A Look at Future Declines in the Availability of Family Caregivers," the ratio of potential caregivers per frail older adult will decline from seven to four by 2030.  The report reminds us, yet again, of the need to develop a person-centered long-term services and supports system that can meet the needs of older adults in the future.

As more states transition Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) to a managed care model, growing attention is being placed on consumer protections.  AARP published a report, "Consumer Choices and Continuity of Care in Managed Long-Term Services and Supports:  Emerging Practices and Lessons," identifying strong consumer education strategies as paramount to increased consumer involvement and meaningful choice.  While consumers did not experience significant interruptions in services during the transition period to managed LTSS, continued monitoring will be required for long-range impact on choice and continuity of care as plans gain more flexibility in managing their networks.

The MedPAC Data Book provides information on national health care and Medicare using tables and figures with brief discussions.  Information covered includes Medicare spending, Medicare beneficiary demographics, dual-eligible beneficiaries, quality of care in the Medicare program, and examination of provider settings.

States have an opportunity to improve service delivery and share in cost savings with Medicare through the integrated care and financial alignment demonstrations for dual eligibles.  CMS has finalized memoranda of understanding (MOU) with five states, including California.  The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured issue brief, "Financial Alignment Demonstrations for Dual Eligible Beneficiaries Compared: States with Memoranda of Understanding Approved by CMS," provides an overview of provisions in the five demonstrations.  Review of the MOUs provides insight into future systems changes and issues still needing to be addressed.