The Buzz

Governor Newsom’s 2023-24 proposed budget focuses on housing, workforce issues, economic security, and other initiatives that impact older adults and people with disabilities. Learn how the proposed budget maintains key investments in the state’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA).

Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions and daily living challenges struggle to navigate a complex care system. Our page on Innovating for Medicare Beneficiaries outlines how states can improve equitable access to high-quality care and services for their Medicare populations. In California, learn how one woman supports the Medicare-eligible.

By the end of the decade, all baby boomers will be age 65 and older. Recognizing this shift and the variety of factors that affect the aging experience, state policymakers have engaged numerous programs to help older adults thrive.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) highlights progress across the country, including those states already implementing Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) or participating in the Multisector Plan for Aging Learning Collaborative.

Watch a recent California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports (CCLTSS) webinar, which shares how regional coalitions are elevating local Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) in rural areas. Another helpful CCLTSS recording dives into the benefits of assessing regional strengths.

Supported by TSF, a group of expert stakeholders with diverse perspectives met over several months to assess COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) flexibilities. Resources on the webpage PHE Flexibilities Roadmap for Policymakers provide concrete and consensus-driven recommendations to federal and state policymakers on which temporary Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities should be made permanent to increase access to equitable, person-centered care for older adults. View the Roadmap and media advisory.

Among the flexibilities that experts found should be made permanent are those that:

• Expand telehealth benefits to ensure equitable access to remote care;
• Maximize clinician scope of practice to expand the workforce available to care for older adults; and
• Ease Medicare and Medicaid program requirements to enable more individuals to qualify to get the care they need.

Join Alliance for Health Policy on Friday, March 3, at 9 am PT for a webinar: Moving Beyond COVID-19: Considerations for Using PHE Flexibilities to Improve Person-Centered Care. The event will feature TSF leadership and a diverse panel of experts to discuss considerations for using the PHE flexibilities to improve person-centered, equitable care for older adults.

Throughout the pandemic, research showed the potential for PHE flexibilities to minimize administrative, clinical, and financial barriers while significantly advancing person-centered, equitable care.

The Roadmap was developed following formative efforts. This included a 2022 issue brief and policymaker playbook that examined the benefits and risks of PHE flexibilities, described a person-centered assessment framework, and offered recommendations for flexibilities that could be considered for permanence.

Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions and daily living challenges struggle to navigate a complex system of care. Innovating for Medicare Beneficiaries outlines ways states can improve equitable access to high-quality care and services for this population. In California, a survey conducted by The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago highlights the health care needs and experiences of adults age 55 and older. Also, view an ATI Advisory profile of California’s Medicare population.

A recent study in the Better Care Playbook found that Medicare beneficiaries with complex needs who were enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans had lower rates of acute care utilization than those in traditional Medicare.

In our latest Regional Coalition feature story, San Diego Senior Alliance (SDSA) recounts a year of hard work and progress. SDSA is part of the California Advocacy Network, a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore the Regional Coalition profiles.

Join the California Collaborative for Long-Term Services and Supports on Tuesday, December 13, at 12 pm PT to learn about the steps Regional Coalitions are taking to develop local Master Plans for Aging (MPAs) in rural communities. The webinar will focus on how to form an advisory committee, build on existing data, gather community input, and plan for implementation and sustainability.

A new brief from ATI Advisory offers data insights on 2023 Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offering the five expanded primarily health-related benefits (EPHRB). The brief includes information on where plans are offering EPHRB and an overview across both MA special needs plans (SNPs) and non-SNP MA organizations. This is part of ATI’s broader effort to track nonmedical supplemental benefits and builds on their recent chartbook.

Learn about the advocacy efforts at Marin County Aging Action Initiative (AAI) in our inaugural Regional Coalition feature story. AAI is part of the California Advocacy Network, a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore the Regional Coalition profiles.

A new brief from AARP Public Policy Institute presents the vision and framework for the 2023 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard. The brief discusses AARP’s approach to the 2023 edition of the Scorecard, reflects on changes since the Scorecard was first published in 2011, and considers how future editions may best meet today’s needs.

Watch a recent Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP) discussion on services and supports offered to California’s older adult population and dual eligible beneficiaries and how these services align with the Master Plan for Aging.

A brief from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) highlights current federal initiatives for integrating payment and delivery of services for dually eligible beneficiaries and opportunities for future integration efforts.

The Better Care Playbook elevates promising approaches to improve care for adults with complex health and social needs. Help the Playbook grow and evolve by sharing your feedback by November 30.

A new Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP) resource shares facts about California’s older adult population and steps the state is taking to advance health and transform aging.

Join the related ITUP webinar tomorrow, October 27, at 1 pm PT for a discussion on new services and supports offered to California’s older adult population and dual eligible beneficiaries, and how these services align with the Master Plan for Aging.

CA for ALL Ages & Abilities Day of Action brought together nearly 900 participants (in-person and virtual) representing advocates, providers, policymakers, and more. This event – supported in partnership with Archstone Foundation, Gary and Mary West Foundation, May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, Metta Fund, San Diego Foundation, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, and The SCAN Foundation – provided opportunities for stakeholders to hear and recommend key priorities of focus for the next two years.

The themes of equity and partnership were woven throughout the day and centered on continuing momentum for advancing the Master Plan for Aging(MPA). Access event recordings and materials and read Dr. Sarita Mohanty’s reflections on the day.

In a competitive bid, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) selected Medicaid agencies in eight states — Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington State, and Wisconsin — to participate in Medicare Academy: Capacity-Building for Advancing Medicare-Medicaid Integration. The Academy will help the states develop and oversee integration programs and engage in longer-term policy and program refinement.

Join Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP) on Thursday, October 27, at 1 pm PT for a discussion on new services and supports offered to California’s older adult population and dual eligible beneficiaries, and how these services align with the Master Plan for Aging.

An Investigative Reporting Program article, originally published in The San Francisco Chronicle last month, takes a deeper look at many older adults’ inadequate access to home- and community-based services and affordable housing.

A recent Health Affairs blog highlights cutting-edge efforts by the California Department of Health Care Services’ Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration (OMII). OMII sits within the state’s Medicaid agency and is tasked with expanding the health and human service focus beyond Medicaid to improve health outcomes, quality, affordability, and equity for all Medicare beneficiaries in California, including those that are dually eligible.

ADvancing States and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) home- and community-based (HCBS) Technical Assistance Collective announced a third phase of technical assistance (TA) to state Medicaid programs to facilitate and expedite state implementation of the ARPA HCBS Funding Initiative. This is the largest investment in HCBS systems capacity in 40 years. Interested states must complete the online application by October 25.

Recent analyses by NORC at the University of Chicago explored the financial challenges likely faced by middle-income older adults in California and nationally by 2033. Watch the related California-focused discussion that builds on NORC’s findings. Also, read our fact sheet, highlighting key investments within the California state budget.

The Better Care Playbook elevates promising approaches to improve care for adults with complex health and social needs. Help the Playbook grow and evolve by sharing your feedback by November 30.

More than one-third of older adults worry about paying for health care and long-term care. Middle-income older adults, coined the “forgotten middle,” are in the particularly precarious position of being ineligible for Medicaid assistance, yet still have difficulty affording out-of-pocket costs.

A new analysis from NORC at the University of Chicago looks at California’s middle-income, older adult population and forecasts that the state will have 1.6 million middle-income older adults (age 75 and older) in 2033, nearly half of which will be people of color. Findings show that half will struggle to pay for housing and care, even if those who own sell their homes.

Earlier this week, TSF, West Health, Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP), and expert guests discussed the challenges facing older Californians, the relationship of these findings to longstanding inequities, and potential policy opportunities. View the recording.

We partner with UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program to elevate issues affecting the lives of older adults. A recent CapRadio piece examined California’s affordable housing shortage through the lens of LGBTQ older adults.

This year we celebrate the City of West Hollywood for its Aging in Place, Aging in Community initiative, designed to help the city embrace aging and be a place that people can enjoy across the lifespan. Dr. Mohanty enjoyed presenting the Innovation Award to the City Council and Mayor earlier this week.

Watch a video about the winner and see the honorable mentions.

Join TSF, along with West Health and Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP), to explore the demographic characteristics of California’s middle-income older adults and future challenges regarding health care and long-term care affordability. Register here.

The webinar will offer a local perspective that builds on the recent national findings from NORC at the University of Chicago. That research projected more than 11 million middle-income older adults may have insufficient resources to pay for long-term care and housing by 2033.

In a recent request for information, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sought feedback to strengthen Medicare Advantage and advance health equity. Drawing on years of research, ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) shared how CMS can strengthen supplemental benefits to advance health equity and better support Medicare beneficiaries.

We recently hired three vice presidents from diverse sectors of health care to build out our executive team:

• Anika S. Heavener, Vice President of Innovation and Investments;
• Narda Ipakchi, Vice President of Policy; and
• Rigo A. Saborio, Vice President of Programs, Equity, and Community Impact.

The appointments conclude a broad executive search for proven, dynamic, and diverse leaders to advance TSF’s strategic priorities. Read more.

Our latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll indicates that most U.S. adults think private health insurers (60%) and Medicare (57%) should have a large responsibility for paying for the costs of long-term care, and about half think the same about Medicaid (53%).

Also, majorities of Black and Hispanic adults are very or extremely concerned about having access to high-quality health care when they need it. Read the press release and article.

California’s 2022-23 enacted budget addresses longstanding system challenges for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Read our fact sheet to learn about key investments, including the continued investment for implementing the Master Plan for Aging.

Older adults thrive in settings best suited to their individual needs. A new report from the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution highlights steps toward a system of care and supports that reflect the preferences and life goals of older adults. These include creating a constellation of care settings with adaptable and viable business models so that preferred options are available as people age, and ensuring there are enough direct and family caregivers.

New findings from NORC at the University of Chicago indicate that more than 11 million middle-income older adults – coined the “forgotten middle” – may have insufficient resources to pay for long-term care and housing by 2033. According to the research, the numbers of middle-income older adults will almost double over the next decade, and the population will be more racially and ethnically diverse. Read the press release.

UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program shares the challenges experienced by older adults living in community and encourages dialogue around potential solutions. In a video published by The San Francisco Standard, the reporter examines the affordable housing crisis in the Bay Area.

Purchaser Business Group on Health, in partnership with the Integrated Health Care Association, evaluated provider performance across several risk types using a variety of clinical person-centered measures. They discovered “full risk” provider groups, those with more flexibility in population management, slightly outperform those provider groups with “partial risk” in achieving person-centered care.

The Center for Health Care Strategies is seeking states to participate in the Medicare Academy: Capacity-Building for Advancing Medicare-Medicaid Integration. The 10-month training program is designed to help Medicaid staff build the Medicare knowledge needed to successfully advance integration efforts. Applications are due September 9.

It’s a summer of growth for The SCAN Foundation. We are privileged to announce two recent Foundation hires.

Senior Policy Analyst Michelle Matter, EdD, MBA, MAG, brings more than 20 years of experience in state government, higher education, and the nonprofit aging sector. She looks forward to digging into TSF priorities and was most recently chosen as an ASA RISE Fellow, which seeks to create a diverse leadership pool that improves policies and programs at the local, state, and national levels.

In her 19 years providing high-quality C-suite level support, Senior Executive Assistant Kenya Metoyer has achieved project goals through superior planning and problem-solving. Kenya has worked in various industries, including advertising, health care, gaming, and financial services. She looks forward to assisting TSF’s Executive Leadership Team.

The California Advocacy Network is a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. We’ve updated the profiles for each Regional Coalition to reflect their efforts to advance health care and supportive services, as well as support the Master Plan for Aging at the community level.

We partner with UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program to build awareness on aging and elevate how a variety of issues affect the lives of older adults. A recent Inside Climate News feature shares how a pilot program in California is helping communities with older adults prepare for wildfires and other climate disasters by training in-home caregivers.

Join us in Sacramento on September 20 for a day of activities, including conversations with national and state leaders in aging and disability, presentations by the Master Plan for Aging (MPA) stakeholder committees, and interactive discussions about MPA priorities for future years.

Our 2022 award will recognize an organization that has demonstrated innovation in implementing a local Master Plan for Aging (MPA).

Calling all California local leaders: How are you using the MPA Local Playbook and building upon existing efforts with age-friendly models and initiatives? Apply by Tuesday, July 12!

Together Medicare and Medicaid have the potential to enhance the care experience, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. The Center for Health Care Strategies’ resource center can help states grow their knowledge base for advancing Medicare-Medicaid integration.

Better Care Playbook offerings provide information on community-based care. Learn how to optimize the Medicare home health benefit, and impact health care utilization and costs through community-based care management.

Our TSF 2022 Innovation Award will recognize an organization that has demonstrated innovation in implementing a local Master Plan for Aging (MPA).

The award will highlight how a California city or county is using the MPA Local Playbook and how local leaders are building upon existing efforts with age-friendly models and initiatives. Learn more and apply by July 12!

Read the latest brief from ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) outlining their top three recommendations to Congress for advancing Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage.

Access the full report, watch the related briefing, and review the data brief detailing the growth in nonmedical benefits.

Our 2022 Innovation Award will recognize an organization that has demonstrated innovation in implementing a local Master Plan for Aging (MPA).

The award will highlight how a California city or county is using the MPA Local Playbook and how local leaders are building upon existing efforts with age-friendly models and initiatives. Learn more and apply by July 12!

Approximately 403,000 California Medicare beneficiaries were served by accountable care organizations (ACOs) in 2020, with nearly 16 percent dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal. A new fact sheet from CHCS published in partnership with the Department of Health Care Services Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration provides a foundational understanding of the state’s Medicare ACO structure and who it serves. Learn more about California’s Medicare population.

Our 2022 Innovation Award will recognize an organization that has demonstrated innovative models of local Master Plan for Aging (MPA) implementation.

We aim to highlight and celebrate how California cities and/or counties are using the MPA Local Playbook, and how local leaders are engaged in and building upon existing efforts with age-friendly models and initiatives unique to the applicant’s local area.

Learn more and apply by July 12!

As nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA) become more widely available, now is an important time to reflect on whether we are meeting the promise of the CHRONIC Care Act. Watch the recording of a recent briefing and remarks from Senator Warren.

Read a related report outlining policy recommendations for Congress to advance the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill in MA plans.

The quality of person-centered care that an older adult receives is heavily dependent upon race, insurance, and income level. A recent report explores ways to increase the availability of person-centered care.

A new report from Long-Term Quality Alliance and ATI Advisory outlines policy recommendations for Congress to advance the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage (MA). Based on early research tracking the initial implementation and progress of these benefits, recommendations include modifying SSBCI eligibility criteria, incentivizing plans to report SSBCI utilization, and carefully evaluating efforts.

Aging successfully, safely, and happily requires a range of support services. A recent brief from the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution highlights policy opportunities that bridge efforts between housing and community-based service organizations. A second brief reimagines how the nursing home quality rating system could better define and capture the lived experiences of institutionalized residents.

Related, the Better Care Playbook offers evidence and implementation resources at the intersection of housing, health, and social needs.

High costs and an aging population are driving the U.S. health care system to innovate. Watch a recent webinar where our President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty joined a panel of experts to discuss value-based care and reshaping how the nation delivers health care.

A related Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging report identifies ways technology can support health- and home-care solutions.

A Better Care Playbook article highlights research from the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) exploring the experiences of Black patients during serious illness. The work identifies disparities in symptoms management and communications, preferences for hospital and life sustaining treatment, and recommendations for reducing suffering and enhancing equity in America.

Join Long-Term Quality Alliance and ATI Advisory on May 17 for a virtual briefing on the future of nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Featuring new policy recommendations for Congress, this briefing will serve as an important public gathering of influential stakeholders from within long-term care. Register for the event!

A new report from the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging identifies technological opportunities to advance health and home care solutions.

In a recent blog, we teamed with Milbank Memorial Fund to discuss how states can overcome challenges and make the most of American Rescue Plan Act funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS).

The latest Center for Health Care Strategies brief highlights how a Master Plan for Aging (MPA) can help states plan for the future, be responsive in a crisis, and embrace new funding and policy opportunities. Learn how to get started.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute developed an Evidence Bank to help community-based organizations (CBOs) highlight their value as contracting partners to health care entities.

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) updated roadmap and accompanying brief have recommendations for federal policy solutions to improve care for individuals with complex medical and nonmedical needs. Watch last week’s event recording.

Also, watch TSF President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty’s related remarks in discussion with the Alliance for Health Policy on strengthening Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities.

More Medicare Advantage (MA) health plans are offering nonmedical supports to older adults with complex care needs. See ATI Advisory’s data brief detailing how many plans are offering these supplemental benefits this year.

Join Long-Term Quality Alliance with ATI Advisory on May 17 for a virtual briefing on the future of nonmedical supplemental benefits in MA plans. Featuring new policy recommendations, this briefing will serve as an important gathering of influential stakeholders from across the long-term care spectrum.

The American Society on Aging (ASA) 2022 meeting theme is advancing economic security. Program content is organized within five areas: justice and aging, innovation and social impact, health and well-being, economic security, and ageism and culture. We are taking part in several sessions on April 12:

• Preparing for an Aging State: Getting Started with a Master Plan for Aging (see related resources)
• Can Medicare Help Promote Economic Security for Older Adults? An Overview of New, Nonmedical Benefits in Medicare Advantage (see related report)

Finally on April 13, President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty will contribute to the Advancing Tech-Enabled Health and Home Care discussion.

Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities enacted during the pandemic created opportunities to advance person-centered care. Join our President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty TODAY, March 30, for a discussion hosted by Alliance for Health Policy on how to strengthen these flexibilities for future generations.

Providing quality care to people with complex needs remains one of the most pressing issues facing our health care system. Join the Bipartisan Policy Center tomorrow, March 31, for a webinar on potential federal policy solutions.

A new issue brief and policymaker playbook from Health Management Associates and Manatt Health provide a framework to help policymakers assess which COVID-19 Medicare and Medicaid regulatory flexibilities advance person-centered care and should be made permanent.

Join our President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty on March 30 for a discussion hosted by Alliance for Health Policy on how to maintain and strengthen these flexibilities for future generations.

The quality of person-centered care an older adult receives is dependent upon race, insurance, and income level, according to the Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation and Leading Age LTSS Center @UMass Boston. The new report also explores practice and policy solutions to increase the availability of person-centered care.

Providing quality care to people with complex needs remains one of the most pressing issues facing our health care system. Join the Bipartisan Policy Center on March 31 for a webinar on potential federal policy solutions. 

There is a clear need to assess the impact of Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities enacted during the pandemic. Join an Alliance for Health Policy event on March 30 for a discussion on how to maintain and strengthen these flexibilities for future generations. In the meantime, watch a related session from TSF’s 2021 Forum. 

COVID-19 disproportionately affected older adults, those with complex health conditions, and family caregivers. Manatt Health’s updated resource guide assesses which COVID-19-related policies should be made a permanent part of broader long-term services and supports (LTSS) system reform.

Our Sustaining Flexibilities in Medicare and Medicaid initiative engages partners to expand the knowledge base through reporting on the implementation and outcomes of the Medicare-Medicaid flexibilities. Watch a Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy video that discusses leveraging reforms to expand home-based care. 

We partner with UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program to build awareness on aging and elevate how multiple sectors affect the lives of older adults. A recent CalMatters piece shared challenges nursing home residents often experience when considering transitioning back into the community. 

Health care providers and payers are increasingly using Social Health Access Referral Platforms (SHARP) to refer patients to community-based organizations (CBOs). The Aging and Disability Business Institute identified key issues for CBO’s to consider when deciding whether to work with a SHARP.

Dr. Mohanty recently reflected on 2021 and looked ahead to efforts TSF is advancing. Read her Perspectives and watch the related clip.

California’s Department of Health Care Services recently released a chartbook developed with ATI Advisory. Profile of the California Medicare Population details key characteristics of the state’s Medicare beneficiaries to help inform the future development of policies and programs.

Long-Term Quality Alliance and ATI Advisory released new insights on the Contract Year 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D (MAPD) Proposed Rule and its impact on nonmedical supplemental benefits. See additional resources, including an analysis of the benefits offered in 2022. In a recent Playbook blog, learn how plans have used these benefits to support family caregivers.

See also, ATI Advisory’s earlier insights on the impact of the MAPD Proposed Rule on dually eligible beneficiaries in this tool and blog.

Governor Newsom’s recently released 2022-23 proposed budget includes several changes that impact services for older adults and people with disabilities. See how the proposed budget addresses Master Plan for Aging priorities like health care access and the care economy workforce.

A new analysis by ATI Advisory shows that more Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offering Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in 2022. Learn more about which plans are offering which benefits.

More states are interested in developing Master Plans for Aging (MPAs). Read New York’s announcement, and a recent blog highlighting a podcast on lessons learned in Colorado and Texas.

To advance MPA activities, the Center for Health Care Strategies seeks Letters of Intent for states to participate in a learning collaborative. The deadline for submission is Monday, January 31.

California’s MPA has inspired unprecedented levels of coordinated action across the state’s network of aging and disability providers, policymakers, researchers, and advocates. See what’s planned for 2022 and hear from Dr. Mohanty at Friday’s anniversary event.

1. We are building momentum for Master Plans for Aging across the nation! Our policy brief highlighted states with Master Plans for Aging, shared key elements of those plans, and discussed how states can get started. Just last week, New York’s Governor Hochul committed to develop a Master Plan.
2. Website visitors continued getting to know TSF staff.
3. Our 2021 annual forum was last fall. Access the recordings and materials, and learn about other recent events.
4. Since COVID-19 emerged, Americans have had a lot of time to think about what they want their life to be like, including what it means to age well and equitably. Our popular webpage showcased videos of three older adults who are thriving at home in community.
5. Visitors kept up to date with our annual Innovation Award. In 2021, we celebrated Covia, a Front Porch Partner, for their Well Connected Program. Empowered Aging and the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living were honorably mentioned. In December, we hosted a webinar to share more about each organization’s achievements.

For the past decade, AARP Policy Institute’s Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard has offered a way for policymakers to assess state performance as we strive to improve the lives of older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers. With COVID-19 exposing LTSS system challenges, how can we redesign the system and improve our measurement methods? Read the latest AARP blog.

Through our partnerships with the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC), reporters are sharing the experiences of older adults living in community. The following coverage rounded out 2021:

• An article in The Washington Post explained how family caregivers are using monitoring technology to keep older loved ones with cognitive decline safe. The piece looked at related issues of affordability, access, and quality of care as well as ethical questions about privacy.
• How are older adults dealing with ongoing COVID-19 isolation? A Travel + Leisure article recounted one retiree’s experiences and train travels. A Next Avenue piece shared how an intergenerational program in San Francisco expanded its purpose to support older and younger people during the pandemic.
• Polling explored people’s opinions of telehealth and The Associated Press unpacked how preferences vary based on age, race and ethnicity, education, and income.

1. You welcomed Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty as our new President and CEO one year ago.
2. You learned about of our successes, projects, and ongoing work in our 2020 Annual Report.
3. You explored our 2021 virtual Forum agenda and checked out our annual Innovation Award. You can still catch up on the recordings, get all the materials, and learn more about our 2021 awardee.
4. You tracked the historic progress of California’s Master Plan for Aging and learned how other states are charting their own course.
5. Finally, you trusted us to unpack how California’s 2021-22 Budget and Home- and Community-Based Spending Plan are impacting older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.

California’s Master Plan for Aging has inspired unprecedented levels of coordinated action across the state’s network of aging and disability providers, policymakers, researchers, and advocates. See what’s planned for 2022 and hear from Dr. Mohanty at the January 21 anniversary event.

Older adults can age well in their community of choice with proper supports and services. This can take the form of family, friends, neighbors, and even community centers where older adults can connect with people their own age. Watch as three older adults share their stories.

California’s Master Plan for Aging calls for the modernization of the state’s Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP). Recommendations focus on ways to reach more Medicare beneficiaries and prioritize equity in their service offerings. Learn more.

A Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy brief highlights policy opportunities to advance home-based care for Medicare beneficiaries, and research explores leveraging payment reforms to support people with complex needs at home.

Finally, a report from the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution shares insights on transforming our long-term care system.

Learn the who, what, where, and how of home and community-based services (HCBS) in a new fact sheet from AARP as part of a series on transforming long-term services and supports (LTSS) as part of the LTSS State Scorecard.

Since COVID-19 emerged, Americans have had a lot of time to think about what they want their life to be like, including what it means to age well and equitably. Watch three older adults who are thriving at home in community with the support of loved ones.

This work is one example of how our communication partners give voice to issues of aging and support enhanced storytelling. Learn more.

Building on lessons during COVID-19, a new National Academy of Medicine paper outlines priority actions and policy considerations for centering patients, families, and communities in health care delivery. Read a related report examining the care system’s pandemic response. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many inefficiencies in the nation’s long-term care (LTC) system. A recent Health Affairs blog looks at the impact of payment policies on nursing facilities. Another discusses state approaches for stabilizing the direct care work force through American Rescue Plan Act funds.

New research from Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ATI Advisory offers insights and policy recommendations on Medicare Advantage (MA) nonmedical supplemental benefits. Learn about who is providing what services, and how the landscape has evolved.

• Progress report – Delivering on the Promise of the CHRONIC Care Act: Progress in Implementing Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits
• Policy brief – Delivering on the Promise of the CHRONIC Care Act: Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration to Advance Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits
• Webinar recording – Delivering on the Promise of the CHRONIC Care Act: The Future of Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits

As we get older, the majority of us will need some nonmedical help to remain independent. Learn how our grantees are championing solutions to finance nonmedical needs and advance key Medicare-Medicaid flexibilities from the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Our monthlong series explored aging and engaging with our health care and long-term care systems. We highlighted personal experiences of older Californians, consulted with experts, and captured visual summaries.

The Forum culminated with a poem written in real time bringing us back to the heart of the matter: What do we mean by “aging well” and “aging equitably”? View all the Forum recordings and resources.

Join us November 18 for Aging as a Women’s Equity Issue: Forging a Path Forward with California’s Master Plan for Aging, hosted in partnership with the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care. Register to hear policymakers and experts discuss women and aging, and opportunities in the 2021-22 legislative session.

The Support and Services at Home (SASH) model meets people where they are, integrating housing with community-based services and health care to coordinate services. An article in Generations Today explores how SASH is being used in different states.

A recent Aging and Disability Business Institute profile explores Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore and My Care Family Accountable Care Organization (ACO) partnership. The alliance resulted in better health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries and the expansion of contracts to address social needs, including housing and nutrition.

The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) launched the Getting Started with a Master Plan for Aging toolkit outlining the eight key “building blocks” that state leaders, advocates, industry leaders, and other interested stakeholders can use to gain governor and legislature support for an MPA in their states.

Read a blog from the National Conference of State Legislatures on how states should consider home- and community-based services in light of the American Rescue Plan Act.

Journalists from the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley are sharing the experiences of older adults living in community through an equity lens. Recent coverage includes:

• ‘It Makes a Humongous Difference’: Lack of Wi-Fi in City Single-Room Occupancy Hotels Deepens Residents’ Isolation (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Hope and Disappointment for the Homeless in Oakland (The New York Times)
• ‘How Am I Going to Keep This Up?’ COVID Intensifies Plight of Family Caregivers (CalMatters)

Also, summer polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) showed Americans generally think their communities offer the services needed to age at home. Yet, people of color and people with lower incomes are less likely to report their area does a good job providing health care, transportation, and in-home supports, among other services.

Join ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance on November 16 to hear the latest research insights and policy recommendations for nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA).

We hope you’re enjoying Amplifying All Voices in Aging each Wednesday in October. It’s not too late to watch previous weeks’ recordings and register for our third session!

Tomorrow, we will examine the temporary Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities enacted in response to COVID-19. Come consider what flexibilities should become permanent to achieve person-centered care for the future.

Medicare and Medicaid policy changes enabled during the pandemic can create a roadmap to better care for adults with complex needs. Learn more.

• Health Management Associates describes initial and ongoing Medicare and Medicaid adaptations enacted during the pandemic.
• Manatt Health examines how states are using policy flexibilities to improve long-term services and supports.
• Our June 2020 brief unpacks how the changes supported California applications of person-centered care.
• Convergence Center for Policy Resolution is working with national experts to reimagine the long-term care system and make it more affordable.

My Care, My Choice (MCMC), a tool we developed to help Californians with Medicare and Medicaid better understand their health care options, has moved to a new home. Through a grant from the Administration for Community Living, the National Council on Aging has adopted the resource with plans to adapt it for more states, starting first with Ohio. Read the press release.

We hope you’re enjoying our 2021 Forum: Amplifying All Voices in Aging. Our virtual series, Wednesdays in October, continues with a focus on supporting older adults and people with disabilities who have complex needs.

Tomorrow, join us to learn about applications of the core competencies created by the National Center for Complex Health & Social Needs (National Center). These competencies are helping the health care and social service sectors deliver team-based and person-centered care.

Register for this week’s panel!

Amplifying All Voices in Aging is a four-week virtual series, every Wednesday in October, to share people’s experiences engaging with health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS).

On Wednesday, October 6, learn about the pressing issues facing California’s LTSS system, engage with leaders to better understand the state’s policy landscape through an equity lens, and consider where you can play a role.

It’s not too late to register!

Our updated policy brief shares the latest on states that have developed Master Plans, examples of their key elements, and how states without a Master Plan can get started.

Also, read our recent fact sheet on California’s 2021-22 budget to learn about key investments to support implementation of the Master Plan and the state’s Home- and Community-Based Spending Plan.

Amplifying All Voices in Aging is a four-week series to share people’s experiences engaging with health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS). Every Wednesday in October, we’ll hearfrom experts and stakeholders and discuss how to advance person-focused, policy-driven solutions to support older adults and families. Register today!

October 6 – Amplifying All Voices in LTSS Systems Transformation: California State of the State 

For California’s older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers, the past year brought significant challenges, including equity issues magnified by COVID-19. The Master Plan for Aging demonstrates a commitment to addressing system issues and related inequities with transformation on the horizon through opportunities such as the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) initiative. In this session…

October 13 – From Theory to Practice: Delivering Care for People with Complex Needs

Supporting older adults and people with disabilities who have complex needs can be challenging, but services have become more integrated and focused on a person’s goals. This makes it essential to enlist providers who can deliver person-centered care. The National Center for Complex Health & Social Needs created a set of core competencies for the health care and social service sectors. This session will provide…

October 20 – Transforming Medicare and Medicaid Beyond COVID-19 for a Person-Centered Future 

While COVID-19 exposed problems in meeting the medical and nonmedical needs of older adults, the federal government allowed states and local providers substantial flexibilities in how care could be organized, delivered, and paid for through Medicare and Medicaid. This emergency response unveiled new ways to deliver care to those living with complex needs beyond what was previously imagined. In this session…

October 27 – A Future Vision for Aging Well and Equitably Beyond COVID: Reflections from Public Health, Media, and Technology Leaders

By 2034, the United States will have more older adults than children and increasing racial and ethnic diversity across the population. How do we reimagine and build an equitable society where all populations can age well, particularly in light of reshaped perspectives from the COVID-19 crisis? This discussion will include…

Read a new blog from ATI Advisory exploring how Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) and the Value-Based Insurance Design Model provide opportunities for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to offer housing/rental support to their beneficiaries.

This year’s virtual Forum, Amplifying All Voices in Aging, is a four-week series sharing people’s experiences engaging with health care and long-term services and supports. Each week we will hear from experts and stakeholders on a range of topics. View information on each session and register today!
Week 1
Amplifying All Voices in LTSS Systems Transformation: California State of the State (October 6)

Week 2
From Theory to Practice: Delivering Care for People with Complex Needs (October 13)

Week 3
Transforming Medicare and Medicaid Beyond COVID-19 for a Person-Centered Future (October 20)

Week 4
A Future Vision for Aging Well and Equitably Beyond COVID: Reflections from Public Health, Media, and Technology Leaders (October 27)

A wide range of Americans rely on long-term care (LTC) for help with daily living. Nearly half of all adults aged 65 today will need LTC at some point in their lives. Learn about current proposals for LTC that expand access to home- and community-based services (HCBS).

• Watch this week’s webinar addressing LTC affordability and current proposals to expand Medicaid HCBS.
• Read a new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center on how LTC can be made more affordable for people who do not qualify for Medicaid.

Read a new report from the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution that highlights LTC experts’ thoughts on rethinking care for older adults in light of COVID-19, and identifies key issues to address for LTC system transformation.

This year’s virtual Forum, Amplifying All Voices in Aging, is a four-week series sharing people’s experiences engaging with health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS). Each week, we will hear from experts and stakeholders on a range of topics from the state of LTSS systems in California to transforming Medicare and Medicaid beyond COVID-19 for a person-centered future. View the agenda, and register today!

Enacted on July 12, California’s 2021-22 budget addresses longstanding system challenges impacting older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Read our fact sheet to learn about key investments to support implementation of the Master Plan for Aging and California’s Home- and Community-Based Spending Plan.

Read a new blog from the National Conference of State Legislatures highlighting opportunities for states to improve access to HCBS through several options, including the Medicaid HCBS funding in the American Rescue Plan Act.

How can community-based organizations (CBOs) improve their business acumen?

Read a recent Generations Today article sharing insights from the Aging and Disability Business Institute (ADBI) learning collaborative.

See also ADBI’s new Health Care Outreach Toolkit for CBOs.

The nation’s long-term care system must become more accessible and affordable if it’s to meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

To accelerate progress, AARP Public Policy Institute has launched LTSS Choices: A Series on Advancing Transformation in Long-Term Services and Supports.

Related: Watch a video on supporting family caregivers, and read a Health Affairs blog about current policy options.

This year’s virtual event, Amplifying All Voices in Aging, is a four-week series to explore the stories of real people aging and engaging with our health care and long-term services and supports systems. We will also hear from experts and stakeholders along the way.

Add Event to Calendar

We partner with UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program to build awareness on aging in America and elevate how myriad sectors affect the lives of older adults. See the latest coverage below.

• An article in The Sacramento Bee (subscription required) examines how climate change is impacting older adults and inspiring a wave of activism. Read about climate-friendly aging in California’s Master Plan for Aging.
• A piece in The New York Times illustrates needs at the intersection of aging, public health, and housing.

Hollywood, Health & Society (HH&S) at USC informs the entertainment industry’s depictions of aging and family caregiving. This new resource page compiles data on aging and health-related storylines along with viewer perceptions and actions.

AARP Public Policy Institute shares how some states are addressing the needs of older adults and people with disabilities by linking affordable housing to long-term services and supports (LTSS).

A Generations Today article explains how Medicare Advantage plans are using special supplemental benefits to offer home- and community-based services, address social determinants of health, and improve the lives of their members.

TSF President & CEO Sarita Mohanty was appointed to the Implementing the MPA in California Together (IMPACT) Stakeholder Committee. This group will advise the state on Master Plan for Aging accountability, outcomes, and continuous improvement. Attend the first public meeting July 14.

The TSF 2021 Innovation Award recognizes organizations that embrace the principles of human-centered design to improve the lives of older adults in California. Learn more and apply today!

(If you received a link directly from ADBI, please use that link to complete the survey.)

New research from the Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation shares Medicare-Medicaid beneficiary perspectives on integrated care and offers recommendations to improve enrollment.

• Read Listening to Dually Eligible Individuals: Person-Centered Enrollment Strategies for Integrated Care.
• Check out the Person-Centered Enrollment Strategies for Integrated Care Toolkit.
• Watch an expert panel discuss the findings and recommendations.

In 2020, TSF acknowledged the depth of disruptive change, focused on resiliency through creativity, and remained committed to its mission. Read our annual report.

Read a new Bipartisan Policy Center brief identifying key challenges and opportunities to expanding Medicare and Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS), as well as policy options for congressional consideration.

Governor Gavin Newsom released the May Revision of the 2021-22 proposed budget on May 14.

Read our fact sheet to learn about the budget surplus and Master Plan for Aging investment.

The California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports (CCLTSS) and Regional Coalitions advocate to transform care for older adults and people with disabilities, including support for the Master Plan for Aging.

• Read a blog highlighting recent Senior Advocacy Day activities.
• Attend local forums across the state to learn more about the Master Plan for Aging.
• Visit the CCLTSS Master Plan for Aging legislation tracker.

Watch a recent National Conference of State Legislatures webinar where states share strategies for reducing long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs while providing quality care. A related report highlights the LTSS State Scorecard and long-term LTSS solutions.

Read a new brief by Health Management Associates, co-funded with The Commonwealth Fund, which tracks Medicare regulatory flexibilities created during COVID-19. It provides a useful framework for policymakers to consider which temporary flexibilities should become permanent.

Join us on June 9 at the National Health Equity Summit where a distinguished panel will address eradicating ageism as a critical component of advancing health equity.

Panelists:

• Sarita Mohanty, The SCAN Foundation (Moderator)
• Ken Dychtwald, Age Wave
• Nathaniel Kendall-Taylor, FrameWorks Institute
• Phyllis Meadows, Kresge Foundation
• Terry Fulmer, The John A. Hartford Foundation

California leads the way with a Master Plan for Aging, and other states are considering the opportunity.

A key element of a successful Master Plan is committed leadership from elected officials. Learn more about Master Plan activities in California and other states:

• Read a new report from National Conference of State Legislatures highlighting policy approaches for meeting the needs of an aging population, including a Master Plan.
• Watch a briefing on a recent California poll where voters called for state leaders to invest in equity and the Master Plan.

This spring, J. Wallin Opinion Research surveyed 1,000 likely voters across California to gauge support of the Master Plan for Aging. Findings showed that voters want elected officials and state leaders to invest in the Master Plan for Aging, with a focus on equity and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more about the survey and share key findings:

• Presentation: Understanding Voters’ Perspectives on California’s Master Plan for Aging
• Press release
• Infographic & social media toolkit

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows strong public support for government policies to help people age in their own homes and communities. Given the choice, most Americans want to receive care and support at home as they grow older.

• Read the AP Story: Government should help Americans age at home
• Review the report

Likely voters across California were surveyed on their support of the Master Plan for Aging and state leadership investment in key goals. On May 3, join us for this special briefing to hear poll findings and a discussion among key state leaders and stakeholders.

Register Here

Join the National Conference of State Legislatures’ webinar to hear states share strategies for reducing long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs while providing quality care.

Read a recent report on this work that highlights the LTSS State Scorecard.

Register Here

The Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ATI Advisory released a “Frequently Asked Questions” brief on new supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage. For more information, watch their latest webinars, Advancing Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage: Part 1 and Part 2.

As part of the State Scorecard, AARP Public Policy Institute describes assistive technology, how it helps older adults and people with disabilities lead more independent lives, and collaborative approaches to expand its availability.

The 2021 ASA Managed Care Summit at On Aging 2021 this Friday will unpack health inequities illuminated during COVID-19, and share ways community-based organization (CBO)/health system partnerships can help heal our communities.

Medicare Advantage plans have historic flexibility to provide nonmedical benefits — such as food, prescription delivery, and housing assistance — to meet the needs of their members with complex health conditions. Read more about these Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) from the Better Care Playbook:

• ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance explore the promising potential of SSBCI.
• ATI Advisory outlines actionable strategies for plans and providers to implement SSBCI.

Results from an Aging and Disability Business Institute (ADBI) survey offer insights to help CBOs present a business case to health care entities.

• Read a blog post from the Better Care Playbook about Area Agencies on Aging meeting health-related social needs; and
• Complete CBO readiness assessments from ADBI.

Eight foundation leaders herald the California’s Master Plan for Aging, calling forth the importance of partnership and priorities to ensure equity in aging with dignity and independence for all.

Read a new article from the National Conference of State Legislatures highlighting the LTSS State Scorecard as an assessment tool for state performance, and learn best practices from leading states awarded the 2020 Pacesetter Prize.

Read Manatt Health’s updated resource guide, spotlighting how states are transforming long-term services and supports during COVID-19 and planning for the future.

UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program launched an exploration into issues older adults are facing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the following articles picked-up by a variety of news outlets:

• KQED: With COVID-19 Concerns, Anxious Families Eye In-Home Senior Care
• The Mercury News: Rapid Vaccine Rollout at California Nursing Homes Raises Concern
• CalMatters: ‘How Am I Going to Keep This Up?’ COVID Intensifies Plight of Family Caregivers
• Los Angeles Times: Vaccine roll-out at board-and-care homes

Read a new Playbook blog where Marc Cohen and Ann Hwang, MD discuss new research showing racial disparities in accounting for the preferences of older people, and how health systems can become more person-centered.

A new analysis from ATI Advisory and the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) shows that more Medicare Advantage plans are offering Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) and with wider availability. Learn more about ways to advance new nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare:

• Explore a new data brief and chartbook on Medicare Advantage plan offerings in 2021.
• Hear new insights on opportunities for policymakers.
• Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of a webinar series and review the slides.
• Read the Roadmap for plan considerations and policy opportunities.

Aging and Disability Business Institute (ADBI) provides resources and training to community-based organizations seeking to build contracting relationships with health care partners.

Visit the redesigned ADBI website for:

• A new Resource Library
• Updated suite of assessment tools
• Best practices in contracting through Partnerships in Action

The Pacesetter Prize shines a light on states that are actively creating a high-performing system of care, and shares best practices.

Watch our recent webinar with Pacesetter Prize state leaders who shared insights about challenges and successes.

Read an article that highlights these leading states and opportunities to plan for an aging population.

• Affordability and Access: Connecticut won for its robust program offerings – featuring extensive benefit options – for people with and without Medicaid.
• Choice of Setting and Provider: New Jersey won for being a national leader in using managed care to give more choices, and increasing access to home- and community-based care for Medicare-eligible adults with complex needs.
• Support for Family Caregivers: New York won for its comprehensive approach to empowering family caregivers, strengthening paid family leave laws, and expanding transportation options.
• Effective Transitions: Ohio won for its successful efforts to move people who need LTSS out of institutions and back into community-based settings.

Learn more about the Pacesetter Prize and continue the conversation on social with #PacesetterPrize.

Nearly 250 federal regulatory changes have occurred in response to COVID-19, and will likely continue in the near future. Read Health Management Associates’ new analysis and blog on updates to Medicare regulatory flexibilities since July 2020 (co-funded with The Commonwealth Fund).

Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2021-22 proposed budget on January 8.

Read our fact sheet to learn how the budget connects to California’s Master Plan for Aging.

According to new research from the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, one-third of older adults report that their care preferences were rarely or only sometimes taken into account, with large variations by race, income, and other factors. Learn more!

Join the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ATI Advisory for a new webinar on ways to advance nonmedical supplemental benefits in 2022 and beyond, featuring experts from health plans, providers, and advocacy groups.

• Hear insights from ATI experts
• Review the roadmap and two-page summary
• Watch December 4th webinar recording and slides

People who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are among the nation’s highest-need, highest-cost populations.

The Better Care Playbook has grouped resources on care models that integrate services and financing for these beneficiaries. Read the related blog.

Today, the state released the Master Plan for Aging, a visionary, 10-year blueprint that seeks to build an equitable California where everyone has the opportunity to age with dignity and independence in the place that they call home. Hear from the foundation CEOs.

Watch the video conference to learn about the Master Plan’s five bold goals and 23 strategies for building a California for All Ages by 2030.

Join us for a January 22 conversation about how states can improve long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. This event will honor the winning states of the 2020 Pacesetter Prize: Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. The Prize, which uses data from the AARP LTSS State Scorecard, shines light on states that are actively building a high-quality infrastructure for aging Americans.

What is complex care? Visit the redesigned Better Care Playbook to learn about adults with complex health and social needs and the myriad resources available. Watch a related video to learn more about what’s new.

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) re-released its 2019 report on ways to expand supplemental benefits in Medicare for those with complex care needs. Starting in 2020, Medicare Advantage plans were permitted to offer special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill (SSBCI).

BPC’s latest resources include an infographic on Medicare’s legislative and regulatory pathways, an infographic on SSBCI, and a helpful one-pager.

ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) shared resources on the nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage. The related November 19 webinar recording and presentation slides are now available on the Better Care Playbook.

Read additional information from the Aging and Disability Business Institute: Changes to Medicare Advantage Reinforce the Role of CBOs in Supplemental Benefits.

Last month, the 2020 Pacesetter Prize for leadership in improving long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers was awarded to Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.

Read related coverage of this year’s LTSS State Scorecard in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) magazine.

The ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) released new resources on the expanded, nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage, including a roadmap outlining actionable steps as well as a brief explaining short- and long-term policy opportunities.

Join today’s 9:30 am (Pacific time) webinar from the Better Care Playbook to hear more.

Our recent AARP Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard blog identifies opportunities for reshaping how services are delivered to older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers.

We are pleased to announce Sarita A. Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA, as the new President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation starting January 2021. Dr. Mohanty comes from Kaiser Permanente, where she served as Vice President of Care Coordination for Medicaid and Vulnerable Populations. Learn more!

Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio received the latest Pacesetter Prize for leadership in improving long-term services and supports (LTSS) for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Each winning state had improvements or innovations in key areas of LTSS, based on data from the AARP LTSS State Scorecard.

Read the American Society on Aging (ASA) Generations Blog: Work Left to Be Done After LTSS Scorecard Shows States’ Performance

On Monday, November 16, at 10:30 AM PT, California’s Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee will host a briefing to present their recommendations on planning for the state’s diverse population of older adults and people with disabilities, and key equity considerations. Attend using the Zoom link.

An upcoming webinar from the Better Care Playbook will explore considerations for health plan adoption and implementation of expanded supplemental benefits to address social needs. Register today.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives, which reflects on our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older. You can also now access all the Forum materials and recordings.

The Better Care Playbook is a resource that helps the complex care field find promising approaches to better care for people with complex health and social needs. To ensure the Playbook is highlighting the right information for you, take the survey.

Register now for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older on October 19-20! It will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more. Materials for our sessions are now available in the Forum Lobby.

• Wondering if you have time to join us?

  Check out our detailed agenda and read our attendee frequently asked questions.

• Use the Forum App to network and receive helpful notifications throughout the two-day event.

  Search for “The SCAN Foundation Forum” in the App store (Apple or Android) and select “Download.” The Forum App is totally free! You will need to log in using the email address you used to register for the Forum and sign up for notifications.

This week, ATI Advisory released analysis on Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan Year 2021 data. Some 738 plans are offering nonmedical supplemental benefits in 2021, an increase of 48 percent from 2020.

Recently, AARP released the fourth edition of the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard. It provides comparable data in order for state leaders, stakeholders, and others to benchmark performance, measure progress, and identify key areas of improvement.

See how California ranked, and Crossfit bodybuilding mma combat sport trenbolone australia horizon torus 3 multi gym buy with 52 customer ratings – sport-tiedje. read our policy brief. Read related coverage from McKnight’s Senior Living.

Just in time for open enrollment, My Care, My Choice can help Californians with Medicare and Medi-Cal better understand their care choices! New information about plan choices for 2021 is now available, and resources are available in Traditional and Simplified Chinese, along with English and Spanish.

Our virtual lobby is now open for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older! The two-day event, October 19-20, will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more.

The Better Care Playbook is continually being updated to better meet users’ needs, and several exciting changes are coming this fall. As they continue to refine their approach, they want to hear from you.

Take the survey.

Today, AARP unveiled the findings of the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard. This fourth edition measures state performance for creating a high-quality system across five dimensions: Affordability and Access, Choice of Setting and Provider, Quality of Life and Quality of Care, Support for Family Caregivers, and Effective Transitions.

The LTSS State Scorecard provides comparable data in order for state leaders, stakeholders, and others to benchmark performance, measure progress, and identify key areas of improvement.

California ranked ninth overall on the 2020 LTSS State Scorecard, maintaining the same rank from 2017.

Our latest policy brief provides an overview of the state’s Scorecard performance and key recommendations for transforming its LTSS system to better serve older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.
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Please join us for the virtual release of Advancing Action: A State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults, People with Physical Disabilities, and Family Caregivers from 10-11:30 am PT on Thursday, September 24. Register here.

This fourth edition of the LTSS State Scorecard measures state level data, policies, practices, and costs to compare system performance and set benchmarks for future reform. Check out the 2017 edition of the Scorecard.

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20!

Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more. Watch the video!

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20! Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more.

Watch the video!

The California Advocacy Network is a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore our map, and learn more about the Network’s goals through 2021.

In the midst of crisis, the Master Plan for Aging remains a top priority.

Watch the recording from our Aug. 10 briefing and review related materials.

• Presentation: California Voters Weigh in on the Master Plan for Aging in Light of COVID-19
• Press release
• Infographic

To help us navigate the challenges of a pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging states to allow for a family member to serve in a paid caregiver role. This blog is part of a series of posts in advance of the 2020 release of the next Long-Term Services and Supports State Scorecard.

A Master Plan for Aging provides a blueprint for states and local communities to address what matters most to people as they age.

A new TSF brief highlights states that have developed a Master Plan, examples of key elements, and how states without one can get started.

California voters have spoken: In the midst of crisis, the Master Plan remains a top priority.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives and review materials from yesterday’s briefing:

• Presentation: California Voters Weigh in on the Master Plan for Aging in Light of COVID-19
• Press release
• Infographic

On Monday, August 10, join us to hear findings from our latest poll on what California voters think about the Master Plan activities in light of COVID-19. See the full agenda.

• Zoom webinar link: https://zoom.us/j/96766953576
• Or iPhone one-tap: US: +14086380968,,96766953576#  or +16699006833,,96766953576#
• Or Telephone: US: +1 408 638 0968  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 876 9923

What is the tipping point when implementing a person-centered care program for Medicare beneficiaries with complex care needs becomes financially advantageous for medical/provider groups?

A report by Victor Tabbush answers this question and provides insights, and Dr. Chernof shares his perspective.

On June 29, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California’s 2020-21 budget.

The budget addresses the $54.3 billion deficit while maintaining funding for critical programs serving older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.

The risk of budget deficits in future years could still pose a threat to these critical programs.

Read our fact sheet.

On July 10, State Health & Value Strategies at Princeton University hosted a webinar on Manatt Health’s COVID-19 state resource guide. Watch the recording and access the slides.

For years, there has been a push toward rebalancing, or moving long-term services and supports (LTSS) service delivery away from institutions and toward home- and community-based settings. AARP recently discussed states’ progress.

Last year, we celebrated the power of communications to broaden awareness and impact change for older adults and families. Check out our 2019 Annual Report.

The California Advocacy Network is a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population. Explore our new map, and learn more about the Network members’ goals for 2020-21.

A new guide and worksheet from the Aging and Disability Business Institute and the National Council on Aging help community-based organizations (CBOs) develop value propositions to promote their services to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.

The Aging and Disability Business Institute (ADBI) has released two parts of a new community-based organization (CBO)/health care resource that shares best practices for contracting.

Our latest policy brief takes a closer look at how California has implemented federal flexibilities to ensure the state’s long-term services and supports (LTSS) system is responsive to the needs of older adults and people with disabilities during the pandemic. Earlier this month, Manatt Health reviewed how other states have responded to meet LTSS needs.

In his latest Perspectives, Dr. Chernof discusses opportunities to drive change and meet person-centered needs during the coronavirus and beyond.

What is the tipping point when implementing a person-centered care program for Medicare beneficiaries with complex care needs becomes financially advantageous for medical/provider groups?

A new report by Victor Tabbush answers this question and provides insights. Also, read Dr. Chernof’s perspective.
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The Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee for California’s Master Plan for Aging delivered its final report to Governor Newsom, outlining a vision and goals for aging with dignity and independence. TSF is honored to have participated in the process.