The Buzz

The Aging and Disability Business Institute at USAging is now accepting nominations for The John A. Hartford Foundation 2023 Business Innovation Award. The deadline for nominations is May 5.

The John A. Hartford Foundation 2023 Business Innovation Award recognizes aging and disability community-based organizations (CBOs) for their innovative approaches to reducing health care costs and improving the well-being of older adults and people with disabilities through contracts and strategic partnerships with health care entities. The goal is to scale these types of partnerships nationwide. Apply today.

Last week, the Alliance for Health Policy held a webinar to discuss telehealth policy and other considerations for using the public health emergency (PHE) flexibilities to improve person-centered, equitable care for adults. Watch the recording, as well as access the transcript and presentation.

The related PHE Flexibilities Roadmap for Policymakers resources supported by TSF and released earlier this year provide concrete and consensus-driven recommendations to federal and state policymakers on which temporary Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities should be made permanent.

Join Alliance for Health Policy this Friday 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 public health emergence (PHE) flexibilities to improve person-centered, equitable care for older adults.

This webinar further unpacks the PHE Flexibilities Roadmap for Policymakers resources supported by TSF and released earlier this year. The Roadmap provides concrete and consensus-driven recommendations to federal and state policymakers on which temporary Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities should be made permanent. View the related media advisory.

The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago conducted a 2022 survey on the health care needs and experiences of Californians age 55 and older. Our new fact sheets distill findings as they relate to care coordination, mental health, income disparities, and caregiving.

Learn about our initiative to influence access and care delivery and coordinate medical and nonmedical services in support of community living.

TSF’s Anika S. Heavener, Vice President of Innovation and Investments, spoke with Silver Solutions CEO Dan Lagani for the Age Wise podcast on the challenges facing aging populations and TSF’s priorities and hopes in 2023. Watch the episode.

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.

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.

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 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.

We are hitting the road. TSF will be in Las Vegas, Nevada, for HLTH 2022—health care’s leading innovation event. You are invited to hear about our future innovation and investments activities.

• November 14: Join TSF for a dessert bar at Sugarfina from 8-10 pm PT. Please request an invitation by contacting Gina Alferez at GAlferez@TheSCANFoundation.org.
• November 15: Meet our team at the ScaleHealth Pavilion from 2-3 pm PT.

Then it’s onto Charm City. Mission Investors Exchange National Conference (MIE) is the premier event for impact investors in philanthropy. Come discuss partnerships and investments, and hear from leading voices. Then join the TSF Innovation and Investments team for a dinner December 5, location TBD in Baltimore, Maryland. Contact Gina Alferez at GAlferez@TheSCANFoundation.org to request an invitation.

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.

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.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) included one-time funding for states to expand and enhance home and community-based services (HCBS) including modernizing infrastructure and expanding benefits. ADvancing States released two related papers on ARPA initiatives: one on increasing wages and career opportunities for direct service workers and another on expanding access to enabling technology.

Last week, Anika S. Heavener joined TSF as our first Vice President of Innovation and Investments. Most recently, Anika was a Vice President at Homethrive, where she helped the start-up reach over $40 million in total funding to support caregivers and their loved ones with the journey of aging in place. Anika will apply her extensive experience in both venture and operations to grow the Foundation’s innovation and mission-oriented investing.

Few Americans say their lives have returned to what they were pre-pandemic, according to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC). Groups that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic – such as Black and Hispanic Americans – express more reservations about returning to public life and cite the availability of effective COVID-19 treatments as essential for doing so.

“It’s critical to consider the needs of Hispanic and Black American communities beyond masking and testing, but also through the continuation of pandemic-era services like telehealth, curbside pickup, and virtual options for social activities that help those concerned about the virus to still engage with public life,” said Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation.

See the related Associated Press article.

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!

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!

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!

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!

The theme of our Innovation Award changes annually. Watch videos about past awardees: Covia, a Front Porch Partner in 2021; DayBreak Adult Care Centers in 2020; and the Berkeley Age-Friendly Continuum in 2019.

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

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 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.

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.

The Center for Health Care Strategies recently convened innovators who developed seven considerations when designing and refining complex care programs.

Also, Health Affairs will be hosting a virtual forum tomorrow that highlights key elements from its series on complex care along with the voices of patients, caregivers, and advocates who have firsthand experience in the field.

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.

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.

The 2021 Innovation Award recognized organizations that employ human-centered design principles to build and/or modify products, programs, or services that help older Californians thrive. Join our webinar tomorrow at 12 pm PT to learn how human-centered design principles were implemented by this year’s winner and honorable mentions.

At last week’s Forum, we celebrated Covia, a Front Porch Partner, for its Well Connected Program! Well Connected is a virtual community created through human-centered design principles to improve the lives of older adults. Watch a video about the Innovation Award winner and see which organizations received Honorable Mention.

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 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.

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!

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

The TSF 2021 Innovation Award seeks to recognize organizations that engage older adults in developing and crafting products and services for older Californians. Learn more and apply by July 15!

The TSF 2021 Innovation Award recognizes organizations that embrace the principles of human-centered design to improve the lives of older adults in California. These could include a range of contributions, such as:

• Research with older adults to better understand their needs, wants, and preferences;
• Ideation and iteration with older adults in product, program, or service design

Learn more about the 2021 Innovation Award and apply today!

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.

Apply now for the The John A. Hartford Foundation 2021 Business Innovation Award. The award recognizes community-based organizations for their strategic partnerships with health care entities serving older adults and people with disabilities.

Nominations due by May 14, 2021.

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.

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.

The field of complex care is creating models and innovative approaches to better serve people with complex care needs.

Grantmakers in Aging released Creating New Connections: How Philanthropy Can Support Better Care for People with Complex Health and Social Needs, which summarizes key issues and includes case studies for funders to deepen their work.

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.

TSF celebrates DayBreak Adult Care Centers as this year’s Innovation Award winner! DayBreak is a member organization of our California Advocacy Network that has delivered initiative-driven leadership to improve the lives of older adults in California.

Learn more.

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.

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.

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!

TSF supported Village Capital to explore how startup companies can improve the design of products and services for older adults.

The report found opportunities for innovation beyond health care needs – which is where most startups tend to focus – particularly considering designing for independence and community.

Today at 10 am, PT, tune into AARP’s Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall on caring for family, friends, and neighbors during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They’ll talk about creating a care plan, coordinating backup care, staying connected to isolated loved ones, and accessing local resources.

In addition, check out the following:

• We’re sharing ideas on ways to cope with the near and long-term effects of the pandemic—because we are all in this together.
• Family Caregiver Alliance has compiled a list of resources and articles for caregivers and their loved ones.
• An article from Recode shares how older adults can use technology to stay healthy and connected during this challenging time.

• Old People Are Cool, Design for Them Sucks: High-quality design has thankfully made its way into just about every category of products and services…except for things made to serve Americans age 65 and older.
  Learn what TSF is doing to improve design efforts with older adults.
• Treating the Other 1% – Americans with Unmet Needs: One percent of people with complex care needs account for 20 percent of U.

  S. health care expenditures, and they often experience multiple medical and long-term care challenges. Join Dr. Chernof for a discussion on delivering better care to these individuals.

• Learn about TSF Initiatives.
• Review past e-blast content on The Buzz.
• Explore our Resources & Tools.

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on how artificial intelligence (AI) applications can support independent living for older adults and people with disabilities.