The Buzz

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.

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.

ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) shared resources on the non-medical 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.

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.

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.

A new report shares takeaways from the 2020 Social Isolation Impact Summit convened by the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A spring report from the California Department of Aging highlights progress and learnings from Together We ENGAGE.

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.

Today, TSF spoke to the Vermont Legislature about the value of a Master Plan for Aging. See what Vermont is doing to plan for population aging and what we recommended.

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.

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:

1. The CHRONIC Care Act of 2018: Advancing Care for Adults with Complex Needs
2. It’s 2019! California Needs a Master Plan for Its Diverse Aging Population
3. Developing California’s Master Plan for Aging: Examples from Other States and Relevant California Efforts

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.

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.

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.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives, which reflects on the recently held 2019 Master Plan for Aging Forum. Watch a recording of the event.

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.

On September 16, TSF is hosting the invitation-only California Master Plan for Aging Forum: Designing a System Built Around People and Partnerships. Register now to watch Monday’s livestream starting at 9:30 am PT.

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.

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.

• Read Dr. Chernof’s related Perspectives.
• Watch the recent We Stand With Seniors Capitol briefing.
• Join the new Together We ENGAGE Pledge for Action campaign, encouraging all Californians to share ideas for how to build an age-friendly California.

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:

• Elements of the Executive Order
• Transforming a Fragmented System Through Statewide Leadership and Coordination
• Examples from Other States and Relevant California Efforts 

Join We Stand With Seniors for a lunch briefing and panel on August 1. Findings will be presented from a new survey that unpacks voters’ priorities and perspectives on the state’s Master Plan for Aging efforts.

State Treasurer Fiona Ma shared her perspective in a recent op-ed.

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.

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!

• TSF’s Gretchen Alkema spoke to The Sacramento Bee about the need for more coordination across state services.

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:

• The Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation hosted a fall symposium on state duals demonstrations, which resulted in 10 recommendations.
• The Center for Health Care Strategies and Manatt Health Strategies toolkit shares approaches for states seeking to reform their Medicaid long-term services and supports systems.

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.

• Get Dr. Chernof’s perspective.
• Learn how the Master Plan can transform California’s currently fragmented system.
• Review details of other states’ master plans.
• Spread the word about the Master Plan using the We Stand With Seniors toolkit!

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:

• California’s Master Plan for Aging: Transforming a Fragmented System Through Statewide Leadership and Coordination
• Developing California’s Master Plan for Aging: Examples from Other States and Relevant California Efforts

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.

Earlier this year, We Stand With Seniors (WSWS) hosted a film screening and panel in Sacramento. Watch the highlights video, emphasizing why California needs a Master Plan for Aging.

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.

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.
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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.