News on transforming care for older adults
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.
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.
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.
Manatt Health highlights how states are using flexibilities available during the coronavirus pandemic, with an emphasis on continued access to long-term services and supports in the community.
Last week, the California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports wrapped up its webinar series on COVID-19. Access all the recordings and related resources.
On May 14, 2020, California Governor Newsom released the May Revision of the 2020-21 proposed budget. The revision includes cuts to and elimination of critical home- and community-based services that impact the state’s most vulnerable older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Read the TSF fact sheet.
New analysis from ATI Advisory and the Long-Term Quality Alliance shows how new non-medical supplemental benefits can play an important role in meeting the evolving and dynamic needs of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A poll from NORC shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19. It also reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Access the chart pack for the full findings and visualizations.
Every day, older adults contribute to the vitality of California as parents, grandparents, friends, employees, employers, mentors, volunteers, artists, advocates, and more.
Since 1963, our nation has recognized May as Older Americans Month. This year, the state is celebrating Older Californians Month through the Make Your Mark campaign. Join in to celebrate what older Californians are doing in your community to stay safe and healthy!
COVID-19 is shining a light on the lack of coordination between Medicare and Medicaid, and is uncovering new opportunities to better serve dually eligible populations. Read TSF Board Member Melanie Bella’s blog post in the Better Care Playbook.
Alongside the long-term care flexibilities created due to COVID-19, mobility managers connect older adults and people with disabilities to transportation services in their communities. A recent AARP blog unpacks the latest trends.
A new poll from NORC, sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation and TSF, shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19, including one in six who have delayed essential medical treatments.
The nationally representative survey reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Read the full poll findings.
The Aging and Disability Business Institute annual survey unpacks how community-based organizations (CBOs) are adapting and expanding services to meet the health-related, social needs of older adults and people with disabilities. The deadline to contribute is May 1.
A recent Health Affairs blog highlighted how the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) network is meeting the health and social care needs for aging populations. Also, learn about the Aging and Disability Institute’s support of partnerships between health care and community-based organizations.
Health care stakeholders are changing how they operate to confront coronavirus (COVID-19). As new policies emerge, the Better Care Playbook has created a resource center to curate federal guidance aimed at addressing COVID-19 for people with complex care needs.
In his latest Perspectives, Dr. Chernof discusses how person-centered care is fundamental when confronting the challenges of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Also, read Dr. Chernof’s additional contributions to the Better Care Playbook and Next Avenue.
Health care stakeholders are changing how they operate to confront coronavirus (COVID-19). As new policies emerge, the Better Care Playbook has created a resource center to curate federal guidance aimed at addressing COVID-19 for people with complex care needs.
Also, ATI Advisory created a helpful slide deck to describe recent federal and state policy action.
In California’s COVID-19 Response Toolkit, find videos and social media content about state and local resources to support the health, safety, and well-being of all Californians during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has compiled a variety of information and resources for those working in the health care sector. Also, read the World Health Organization publication on the rights and responsibilities of health workers, including considerations for occupational safety and health.
California is preparing for an increase in the number of people who need health care in our communities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The state is opening additional sites to treat people affected by COVID-19 and to relieve pressure on our health care system by providing care for non-COVID-19 cases. Learn about the California Health Corps.
Earlier this week was National Doctors’ Day. To commemorate their heroic efforts, Forbes shared first-person stories from the front lines.
The Aging and Disability Business Institute annual survey unpacks how community-based organizations (CBOs) are adapting and expanding services to meet the health-related, social needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
A spring report from the California Department of Aging highlights progress and learnings from Together We ENGAGE.
Every three years, based on results of the AARP Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard, we honor states making significant progress in improving LTSS for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.
In 2017, Wisconsin was awarded the Pacesetter Prize for Choice of Setting and Provider. The state exhibited more progress in this domain than any other state, moving up from No. 8 in the 2011 Scorecard to No. 6. The next Pacesetter Prize recipients will be announced in summer 2020.
Do you advise people who would like to learn more about their Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits? In a recent mini-documentary created by Univision and shared on My Care, My Choice, Ernesto Vazquez describes his experience with navigating Medicare and Medicaid.
Learn about a Northern California model’s three-pronged approach to help long-term care residents return to the community.
New federal opportunities are prompting states to develop or enhance integrated care programs for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. In this new brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), early adopters of these care models share insights on the factors that drove their investment and led to successful implementation.
Dr. Chernof and the Administration for Community Living’s Lance Robertson published a Health Affairs blog on addressing social determinants of health through partnerships between health care and community-based organizations (CBOs).
The Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA), in collaboration with ATI Advisory (formerly Anne Tumlinson Innovations), recently held a public briefing on implementing Medicare Advantage, non-medical flexibilities made possible through the CHRONIC Care Act. A recording of the event and related materials are now available.
Every three years, based on results of the AARP Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard, we honor states making significant progress in improving LTSS for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.
In 2017, Vermont was awarded the Pacesetter Prize for Affordability and Access. The state moved up from No. 19 in the 2011 Scorecard to No. 3, exhibiting more improvement than any other state. The next Pacesetter Prize recipients will be announced in summer 2020.
The state’s website encourages Californians to share their vision for the Master Plan for Aging, as well as keep up to date on its progress. Learn more about TSF’s Master Plan initiative.
Our initiative page on partnerships between community-based organizations (CBOs) and the health care sector links to myriad resources including the Aging and Disability Business Institute, training modules for CBOs to build their business acumen, and last year’s Blueprint for Health Plans.
The Care Excellence training program helps prepare care management teams in health plans and hospitals to best serve diverse older adults with complex needs. Check out the latest course offerings.
The AgingToday article discusses how health systems are learning to integrate the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) into their workflows to improve care for older adults.
A new website encourages Californians to share their vision for a #MasterPlanforAging, and keep up to date on its progress. Also, find additional Master Plan resources on the TSF initiative page.
A TSF-authored AARP blog post discusses how the California Master Plan should engage public and private sectors in systems-based solutions that touch all aspects of life experience (e.g., health, human services, housing, and transportation, among others).
In his first Perspectives of the new year, Dr. Chernof reflects on the substantial progress to transform care for older Californians that occurred last year, and highlights some of the key opportunities looking forward.
Here are TSF’s top three most accessed publications last year:
On Tuesday, January 7, the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) – in collaboration with Anne Tumlinson Innovations (ATI) and with support from TSF – will hold a public briefing on Medicare Advantage and the CHRONIC Care Act. We invite anyone interested in Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits to hear from Senator Mark Warner and a policy panel of expert stakeholders. Register today!
We honor caregivers of all generations, particularly younger adults who have unique needs and experiences. Check out this Vox video and story on how millennial caregivers can be recognized, get informed, and feel supported.
Representing the GenX generation on our Rose Parade® float, Claudia Farfan has cared for her mother for 33 years and is appreciative of the family medical leave benefits her employer offers.
A new video provides a window into September’s Master Plan for Aging Forum. The event followed We Stand With Seniors polling, showing the vast majority of Californians support Governor Newsom’s Master Plan commitment. See all the latest information at Together We ENGAGE.
The Aging and Disability Business Institute is accepting December applications for two new learning collaboratives supporting community-health care partnerships. Access the Medicare Advantage Learning Collaborative and the Network Operations Learning Collaborative applications.
Medicare Advantage plans now have the flexibility to offer special non-medical benefits for members with complex care needs. Read guiding principles on how these benefits can best support consumers and be sustainable. Also, hear from the National MLTSS (Managed Long-Term Services and Supports) Health Plan Association, one group who helped to develop these principles.
A report from the Bipartisan Policy Center shared recommendations on ways to expand Medicare benefits for those with complex care needs.
We honor caregivers of all generations, particularly younger adults who have unique needs and experiences. Check out this Vox video and story on how millennial caregivers can be recognized, get informed, and feel supported.
Family caregivers represent all ages, backgrounds, and cultures and serve as unsung heroes in the lives of older loved ones. They deserve recognition for everything they balance in their lives. Their stories also inspire conversations about what people want for their own aging experience.
We will celebrate family caregivers through Hope’s Heroes: Honoring Caregivers of All Generations, a float at the 2020 Rose Parade® presented by Honda. The parade is a beloved New Year’s Day tradition, televised live from Pasadena, Calif. Tune in on January 1, 8 am PT/11 am ET.
Craig Terasawa of Temple City, Calif., is one of eight caregivers riding on our Rose Parade float. Craig runs the family pharmacy while serving many roles: primary caregiver for his father and sister, doting husband, and active dad. Watch his video.
The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) recently highlighted the Medicare-Medicaid integration efforts of leading states.
A related toolkit from Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc., shares strategies states can implement when reforming their Medicaid long-term services and supports.
Most Americans want to age in place in their homes and community and are largely supported by family, friends, and neighbors. Learn what Minnesota is doing to ensure their publicly funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) also support older adults’ needs and preferences.
Greater Good Studio heard from Californians across the state on what is important when designing a Master Plan for Aging. A final report, Elevating Voices, synthesizes their findings and recommendations.
Find more information about the Master Plan and related publications.
The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) shared lessons learned from four hospitals that participated in a person-centered care pilot initiative.
As part of our Cal MediConnect evaluation, the latest University of California slide deck unpacks the effects of home- and community-based services (HCBS) for California dual eligibles.
Just in time for Medicare’s open enrollment, My Care, My Choice resources are now available in Traditional and Simplified Chinese, along with English and Spanish. See how it can help Californians with Medicare and Medi-Cal better understand their care choices!
A new My Care, My Choice Comparison Chart unpacks the basics of California’s health care coverage choices for dual eligibles.
Watch a video series on Mi Salud, Mi Decisión, the Spanish version of My Care, My Choice. Univision ambassadors helped more than 500 people get their results.
Californians with Medicare and Medi-Cal have many choices to get the health coverage they need, but it varies by county. This policy brief outlines available choices across the state, and describes the My Care, My Choice web resource.
Unable to watch Monday’s livestream on TSF’s California Master Plan for Aging Forum: Designing a System Built Around People and Partnerships? Read about the day’s events, and join our state’s discussion.
The City of Berkeley is the winner of TSF’s 2019 Innovation Award. Partnering with the Milken Institute this year, the Innovation Award recognizes Berkeley as a leading California city that is preparing for its older adult population.
The latest AgingToday article discusses California’s Master Plan for Aging, and why putting the Golden State’s population front and center is so important. Get the latest #MasterPlanForAging news.
New findings, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine and supported by the Six Foundations, explore mechanisms and motivations used by high-performing accountable care organizations (ACOs) to improve complex care.
California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, announced the Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee, of which Dr. Chernof and TSF Board Chair Jennie Chin Hansen have been appointed. The committee will advise a Cabinet Workgroup on Aging as it develops the Master Plan, slated for completion by October 1, 2020.
A vast majority of Californians back Governor Newsom’s Executive Order calling for a Master Plan for Aging (Master Plan), according to a new voter poll from We Stand With Seniors.
Seven of 10 voters – nearly half of whom have caregiving experience – want the state to be held accountable for the Master Plan’s investment and implementation. Findings were shared at a Sacramento briefing this morning. See the related infographic.
In a recent Perspectives, Dr. Chernof discussed the importance of designing a Master Plan that reflects what matters most to Californians. Also, read our Master Plan related policy briefs:
Millions of older adults have chronic conditions and daily living needs. Starting in 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services allows Medicare Advantage (MA) health plans unprecedented flexibility to offer special supplemental benefits for chronically ill (SSBCI) enrollees.
Anne Tumlinson Innovations and the Long-Term Quality Alliance, with funding from TSF, gathered 30 industry leaders to develop guiding principles on how these benefits can best meet consumer needs and be sustainable.
Today, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) released a report with recommendations on ways to expand supplemental benefits in Medicare, such as home-delivered meals, for those with complex care needs. Check out the Associated Press article.
A recent analysis outlines opportunities to serve complex care populations in Medicare Advantage plans. Also, see our 2018 policy brief on how the CHRONIC Care Act is a key step toward advancing person-centered care.
Read a Better Care Playbook blog post from Anne Tumlinson on the importance for health plans to cover non-medical services and coordinate resources to help individuals and families manage their care.
On June 27, the governor signed California’s 2019-20 budget. Read our fact sheet on the budget’s impact on older adults and people with disabilities. Also, check out our resource on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order on the Master Plan for Aging.
Reflecting on our 10th anniversary, Driving Change: The SCAN Foundation’s First 10 Years highlights successes during our first decade and recommits to transforming care for older adults, now and for the future.
Read our fact sheet on Governor Newsom’s Executive Order, and learn how the Master Plan has great potential to transform California’s currently fragmented service delivery system.
We’ve been in the news!
Dr. Chernof spoke on a Master Plan for Aging panel convened by KPCC’s AirTalk.
Here are a few TSF-funded resources on care integration:
Governor Newsom called for the development of a California Master Plan for Aging. Read our overview of the Executive Order. Hear more from TSF’s Sarah Steenhausen, who spoke at the State of Reform conference.
We Stand With Seniors (WSWS), our partnership with West Health to educate state leaders on the need for a comprehensive, coordinated Master Plan for Aging, commends Governor Newsom’s Executive Order. It is a “historic step in recognizing and addressing the immediate need to ensure all Californians can age with dignity and independence.” Spread the word about the Master Plan using the WSWS toolkit.
Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-14-19, calling for the development of a Master Plan for Aging. It outlines the framework for a Master Plan process, with a deadline of October 1, 2020. In Dr. Chernof’s Perspectives, he discusses the importance of designing a Master Plan that reflects what matters most to Californians.
Also, read our #MasterPlan4Aging policy briefs:
With a focus on sharing skills and resources, the Aging and Disability Business Institute (ADBI) seeks to strengthen partnerships between health care systems and community-based organizations (CBOs) that serve older adults and people with disabilities.
Want an easy way to share My Care, My Choice (MCMC) with key stakeholders, including Californians with Medicare + Medi-Cal? Head to the Advisor Tools page and download the Outreach Flyer today!
The governor released the May Revision to the proposed California budget, which updates estimates for revenue and spending through 2020 and includes staff resources for the state’s Master Plan for Aging. Read the TSF fact sheet.
Researchers at University of California, San Francisco released a new report about the experiences of California’s Medicare-Medicaid enrollees between 2015-18. Cal MediConnect beneficiaries reported higher levels of confidence and continuity of care, but key differences remain by county, race, language, and disability levels.
New research from Health Affairs finds that more than 14 million older adults will lack the financial resources to afford housing and daily living needs.
Review supporting materials, and check out the webcast from this morning’s forum.
The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) published a new report with considerations for governors and state leaders as they design and implement strategies to meet the long-term care needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
My Care, My Choice has been updated to be streamlined and simpler! See how this decision-support tool can help Californians with Medicare and Medi-Cal better understand their care choices, including those who are new to Medicare.
We Stand With Seniors… Will You? is a nonpartisan, public awareness and education campaign supported by West Health and The SCAN Foundation.
Your organization can help educate California about the looming senior care crisis and need for solutions now.
LEARN MORE
States have significant flexibility to transform their Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs in ways that advance care quality and manage costs. This toolkit from the Center for Health Care Strategies and Manatt Health shares proven, replicable strategies for states to improve person-centered, community-based options. It identifies concrete policy strategies, operational steps, and federal and state authorities that states have used to advance their LTSS reforms. The toolkit, developed with support from The SCAN Foundation and the Milbank Memorial Fund, also highlights opportunities and challenges that states faced in designing and implementing reforms.
Congratulations to you and Governor Pence for your election win after a hard-fought campaign.
You are inheriting an aging nation with a crumbling infrastructure—not worthy of the honor and respect that older Americans deserve. It is time to modernize our ideas and actions toward aging and health care, so that older Americans can get the right care at the right time for the right cost.
Here are five action items for you to lead the way on making America great for older citizens.
“Great struggles sometimes result in unexpected opportunities. In the waning moments of 2012, Congress remained in session to bridge partisan divides to solve the fiscal cliff impasse with the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA).
Signing the ATRA into law also achieved policy change on items far beyond the tax code. For example, the new law repealed the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) provision in the Affordable Care Act.” Read on…
