The Buzz

The latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) poll shows 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.

“Americans want to age at home, but not all populations have the ability to do so—particularly communities of color and those of lower socioeconomic status,” said Dr. Sarita A. Mohanty, President & CEO of The SCAN Foundation. “Through the thoughtful use of the American Rescue Plan funds, states and localities can make a huge difference by creating more equitable access to key community services that make living well and safely at home a reality.”

Read the related Associated Press coverage.

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).

Check out recent Health Affairs blogs focused on improving access to quality care for people with complex health and social needs:

• Envisioning the Future of Complex Care
• Family Caregivers: The Unrecognized Strength Behind Hospital at Home
• To Improve Care for Patients with Complex Needs, Expand Home Visits
• Medicare’s Discriminatory Coverage Policies for Substance Use Disorders

Explore the latest toolkit from The National Center for Complex Health & Social Needs comprised of best practices for developing complex care programs.

Person-driven outcome (PDO) measures assess the quality of care based on what matters most to individuals. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is building PDO measures into their programs for health care entities and states to consider using in order to drive quality and accountability. Learn more.

• Watch a recent webinar highlighting how states can apply enhanced home-and community-based services funding to quality improvement activities, including PDO.
• Register for the PDO briefing on July 21.
• As part of the NCQA Quality Innovation Series, join health care professionals for the PDO course on August 4.

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.

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.

A Better Care Playbook blog highlights how older adults and people with disabilities who are homebound have lower rates of COVID-19 vaccine than the general population. Learn about steps being taken to consider the needs of homebound individuals and increase vaccination rates.

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!

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.

Review highlights from the recent Forbes Health in Action event. Our president & CEO discussed person-centered care and health care transformation in a post-pandemic world.

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.

Join our president & CEO at two national events highlighting key issues in transforming care for older adults:

• June 8 at Forbes Health in Action: Dr. Mohanty and a panel of experts will discuss challenges in reaching older adults and other vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
• June 9 at the National Health Equity Summit: Dr. Mohanty will moderate a panel on eradicating ageism as a critical component of advancing health equity.

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!

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 at Forbes Health in Action on June 8 to hear about challenges on reaching vulnerable populations during the pandemic, and its unique impact on older Americans.

Panelists:

• Sarita Mohanty, The SCAN Foundation
• John Kao, Alignment Healthcare
• Bruce Japsen, Forbes

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

Read recent articles highlighting thoughts from our new President and CEO, Dr. Sarita Mohanty, and TSF grantee work:

• The New York Times spoke with Dr. Mohanty on how COVID-19 made many families and older adults reconsider nursing home care.
• In an op-ed for The Hill, Dr. Mohanty shares why investing in a Master Plan for Aging and person-centered care models is essential.
• The Sacramento Bee article describes how the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps older adults age well in community during COVID-19 (via UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program).
• The Associated Press reported that Americans believe government should help adults age at home, according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.

Register for the Better Care Playbook webinar on May 17 featuring promising strategies for identifying unique subpopulations with complex health and social needs to better tailor health care interventions.

Register Here

A new Health Affairs blog explores how a personalized, interdisciplinary approach to home-based primary care can improve health outcomes for people with complex needs during the pandemic and beyond.

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.

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

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 a new report from the National Academy of Medicine on how care systems responded to COVID-19, outlining priority actions to move forward on person-centered care and public health efforts.

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.

Read two recent articles highlighting TSF-supported work.

• The New York Times describes re-thinking care beyond nursing homes, and how states are responding through a Master Plan for Aging.
• The Conversation/Yahoo News discusses racial and other disparities when addressing care preferences of older people, and how health systems can become more person-centered.

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.

To better serve people living with complex care needs, a recent report from by the Camden Coalition’s National Center for Complex Health and Social Needs outlines core competencies for providers in this field.

• Attend a webinar hosted by Grantmakers in Aging and Grantmakers in Health to learn more about the Core Competencies for Frontline Complex Care Providers.
• Funders can also check out Creating New Connections: How Philanthropy Can Support Better Care for People with Complex Health and Social Needs for insights on key issues and ways to deepen their work.

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.

Read a new brief from Resources for Integrated Care on key considerations for effective partnerships between health plans and community-based organizations (CBOs) to meet members’ needs, such as meal delivery, social engagement activities, and transportation.

• Learn about the growth of cross-sector partnerships in a recent blog post from the Better Care Playbook.

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.

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).

A new research brief from Scripps Gerontology Center shares insights on contracts between community-based organizations (CBOs) and health care entities to better understand key populations, services, payment, and potential challenges.

Learn about the Community Care Connections program that helps older adults with complex needs navigate medical and social services, and shows promise on reducing acute care utilization.

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.

A new article from USA TODAY explains why the holidays are a great time to start talks about growing older with aging loved ones.

A recent radio and print piece from KQED explores how decisions families make around keeping an aging parent home or moving them out for potentially better, more constant care have become all the more complicated this year.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

In Public Policy & Aging Report, Dr. Alkema envisions a post-COVID-19 landscape and highlights five actions the next president should take to ensure that all people – regardless of age, life circumstance, or ability – can live well in the place they call home.

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.

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.

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.

New polling from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows that more than one-third of U.S. family caregivers have seen their responsibilities increase due to COVID-19. Yet, 2020 has not led to any heightened awareness when it comes to preparations for growing older or providing support to others.

A related Associated Press article further distills caregivers’ current experiences. 

This Better Care Playbook blog features insights from interviews with more than 50 leaders in the field, each who share their perspectives on balancing margin versus mission tensions in complex care.

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.

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!

In the latest Public Policy & Aging Report, Dr. Alkema envisions a post-COVID-19 landscape and highlights five actions the next president should take to ensure that all people – regardless of age, life circumstance, or ability – can live well in the place they call home.

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.

Learn how three family caregivers are coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, check out our resources for millennial caregivers and families.

Community health workers (CHWs) are health professionals who connect the communities they serve with needed health and social services. The Better Care Playbook curated this diverse set of recent resources for health care organizations interested in developing and expanding CHW programs.

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.

Learn about a complex care management program that lowered costs and improved outcomes for people with complex care needs by adding key members to individuals’ care teams.

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.

With Alive Ventures, we aim to inspire and support leading entrepreneurs and innovators to gain better insights into what older adults want. Dr. Chernof discussed the opportunity with Grantmakers in Health.

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.

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.

New analysis from ATI Advisory and the Long-Term Quality Alliance shows how new nonmedical 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.

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.

Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade discussed meeting older adults’ needs during COVID-19 on a Writers Guild of America/Hollywood, Health & Society panel. Watch the recording and check out our related resources page.

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.

Hollywood, Health & Society is partnering with the Writers Guild of America to connect screenwriters and experts on a variety of COVID-19 topics. Today at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET, Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade will discuss older adults and caregiving. RSVP for the webinar.

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.

Hollywood, Health & Society is partnering with the Writers Guild of America to connect screenwriters and experts on a variety of COVID-19 topics. On April 28, Dr. Chernof and the California Department of Aging’s Kim McCoy-Wade will discuss older adults and caregiving. RSVP for the webinar.

April 16 was National Healthcare Decisions Day, a time set aside to educate and empower everyone about the importance of advance care planning. To support health care professionals at the center of the pandemic, California State University (CSU) is offering free educational tools through June 30.

Amid the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) began a series of interviews with Area Agency on Aging directors who are working across the United States.

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.

Millennial family caregivers experience unique challenges. Read perspectives in this recent Washington Post piece. Within it, Aisha Adkins expresses hope that the current COVID-19 crisis exposes what needs to be fixed in the health care system.

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.

Case managers play an increasingly vital role in today’s hospital landscape. The Care Excellence case management training for hospitals contains three series of self-paced courses.

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.

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.

We honored caregivers of all generations at the 2020 Rose Parade® earlier this year. Aging Today recently wrote about several of the caregivers whose experiences and advice we’ve shared.

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).

A webinar on the Better Care Playbook unpacks how two health care innovators are successfully engaging their communities and using consumer insights to rethink service delivery.

• 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.

Watch videos, both of our float at the Tournament of Roses® parade and of our two youngest float riders sharing what they’ve learned about caregiving.

How can services that address social needs be integrated into clinical care? A new report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine identifies current approaches and recommendations to expand social care in health care delivery. Read the related blog post.

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.

By participating in the 2020 Rose Parade® presented by Honda, we recognized family caregivers of all ages that serve as everyday heroes in the lives of older loved ones. Here are a few related media stories:

• USA Today – Watching the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day? One float will honor family caregivers with message of hope
• Forbes – Policymakers still are not paying attention to the needs of frail elders and their families
• The Orange County Register – Rose Parade float shines the spotlight on unsung humanitarians: adult caregivers

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.

Representing the baby boomer generation on our Rose Parade® float, Jerry and Judy Crotsenberg care for Judy’s mother from the family farm in Hillsboro, Wis. Read their story about how they are the epitome of a care team.

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.

Aisha, a millennial, and Cooper of Gen Z are riding on our Rose Parade® float. While caregiving, each learned about their own values and goals. Read Aisha’s and Cooper’s stories.

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.

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.

A new model in Memphis, Tenn., reduced emergency department visits nearly 70 percent and saved the health system more than $7 million by fostering secure and genuine connections between patients and providers.

The Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) shared lessons learned from four hospitals that participated in a person-centered care pilot initiative.

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

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.

Improving health means addressing upstream social factors, like access to stable housing. Read the latest report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).

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.

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.

What are special needs plans (SNPs)? Who do they help? A new primer on the Better Care Playbook explores the three different types of SNPs and the populations each serve.

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.

Help us showcase TSF initiatives at South by Southwest (SXSW) next March. Here’s how!

First, join the SXSW voting panel. Then vote on our two panels below by clicking the “Vote Up” button on each webpage.

• Organized by TSF: Old People Are Cool, Design for Them Sucks
• With The Permanente Federation: Treating the Other 1%: Americans with Unmet Needs

This summer, MemoryWell reporting unpacked “daughterhood circles” for family caregivers and the proportion of millennial caregivers from Hispanic families.

As part of Do YOU give a care?, learn how one millennial caregiver gives a 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.

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.

The Care Excellence training program helps prepare care management teams in health plans and hospitals to best serve diverse older adults with complex needs.

We worked with the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research to bring person-centered care conversations to life. Check out this video interactive to hear what matters to Ed and Annette Reus.

Aligning care around what matters to older adults is an essential element of person-centered care. Today, the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) initiative launches a digital campaign with resources that providers can use to facilitate conversations.

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.

• Health Care Quality Metrics and Measures provides an overview of compliance and quality improvement for CBOs entering into contracts with health care entities.

Do you know the four fundamental components of helping people with complex care needs? One complex care hospitalist program highlighted in the Better Care Playbook aims to address these and more.

A new video series from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement/Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation explores the transformation of care for people with involved disabilities.

Raising awareness about younger caregivers and Do YOU give a care?, MemoryWell recently shed light on the complex medical care that half of family caregivers provide. It also reported on California lawmakers’ consideration of establishing a volunteer care corps.

Institute for Healthcare Improvement released inpatient and outpatient return on investment (ROI) calculators. These tools are designed to help financial and clinical teams collect and analyze data in their organization, and ultimately make the business case for spreading age-friendly care.

One in three U.S. Millennials care for older loved ones; Online community will help manage stress and offer support

The SCAN Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to aging with dignity and independence, is launching a new consumer campaign called Do YOU give a care? to provide a community for the 10 million Millennials who provide daily care to family and friends.

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The Handbook of Geriatric Assessment, Fifth Edition, is a multidisciplinary text that takes a contemporary approach in line with person- and family-centered care.

Authored by Drs. Terry Fulmer, president of The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF), and Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, and with contributions from other foremost experts in the field, it contains the latest information on geriatric assessment for older adults.

Completely updated and revised, the Fifth Edition includes several new chapters, including demographic trends, age-friendly health systems, payment reform and impact, the Veterans Affairs health system, self-care and management, impact on familial relations, vulnerable populations, building geriatric interdisciplinary teams, advance care planning, caregiver information, spiritual assessment, older adult hunger, and transitions of care.

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.

In summer 2016, TSF led a discussion at the Aspen Ideas Festival about matching care with a person’s goals to get results. It featured Dr. Chernof and Dr. Mark McClellan, Director of the Center for Health Policy at Duke University, and was moderated by Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times. Listen to the panel here.