Research & Policy Library

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.

If recent trends continue, there will be significant growth in the number of seniors over the age of 85 with functional and cognitive limitations requiring the use of long-term services and supports.  The Congressional Budget Office report, "Rising Demand for Long-Term Services and Supports for Elderly People," provides data and examines the financing of long-term services and supports, the functional and cognitive limitations of seniors in the community, where services are being provided, and possible scenarios for the future of long-term services and supports.