The Buzz

News on transforming care for older adults

    Tagged in: `california`

    August9 th
    Image of Summit Logo

    Building on the opportunity for further coordination and greater impact to address racial and ethnic disparities, our United for Health Equity in Aging Summit convened the aging and disability sectors with the racial equity and social justice movements for a day of informative panels and energizing dialogue.

    The TSF event was rooted in the lived experience of older adults from marginalized communities and we were honored to have several of them join us in person.

    Materials from the Summit, including older adult video stories and a photo gallery are now available, as well as a full livestream recording. Take a look!

    Image of panel speakers from the United Health Equity in Aging Summit. Pictured: Eric Harris, Roque Barros, LaRae Cantley, and Eunice Lin Nichols

    Image of California for All Logo

    TSF champions Multisector Plans for Aging (MPA) in California, as well as at the regional and local levels. See the latest.

    STATE

    • As the state’s MPA implementation advances, the Little Hoover Commission is reviewing efforts to ensure accountability and progress toward MPA goals. TSF President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty recently testified before the Commission to highlight successes and continued priorities. Read her testimony and watch the recording. A second hearing is scheduled for August 24 at 9:30 am PT.

    LOCAL

    • We launched a two-year rural MPA initiative, funding three members of the California Advocacy Network to develop local MPAs. Early findings from this work were highlighted in Generations, a publication of the American Society on Aging.
    • Visit California’s Data Dashboard for Aging for a map of age-friendly communities reporting activity around developing local MPAs.
    August2 nd

    We’re thrilled to share that President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty is recognized alongside 199 other entrepreneurs, investors, inventors, and artists on Forbes’ third annual 50 Over 50 list.

    The acknowledgment in the announcement about age being a superpower resonates deeply with the worldview we embrace at TSF and the positive impact we strive to make. Read more of Sarita’s reflections on LinkedIn.

    Image of Dr. Sarita Mohanty next to Forbes 50 over 50 list branding
    July27 th

    Health disparities among older adults are further exacerbated for individuals from historically marginalized communities. Efforts to address racial and ethnic disparities in aging exist, but there is an opportunity for further coordination and greater impact.

    Last week, we held our inaugural United for Health Equity in Aging Summit, convening the aging and disability sectors with the racial equity and social justice movements. Panels were informative, conversations were energizing, and the stories shared by older adults throughout the day grounded us.

    We’re still reflecting! Materials and next steps from the meeting will be shared in the coming weeks. Until then, learn about the Advancing Health Equity in Aging initiative and meet individuals from the movement.

    Graphic image taken from initiative introduction video
    July12 th

    Read the chartbook; attend the July 17 webinar.

    California’s older Medicare beneficiaries with income just above the Medi-Cal eligibility limit (near dual) have a similar demographic profile to people dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal. They also have higher rates of disability and less access to social supports than those with higher incomes. However, they are not eligible for Medi-Cal long-term services and supports and do not have the resources to pay privately for care.

    To better understand the demographics and needs of this population, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration recently released a Profile of Older Californians: Medicare Beneficiaries Near Income Eligibility for Medi-Cal. Developed by ATI Advisory, this is the third chartbook in a series that provides information on the demographics, needs, and health care experiences of California’s Medicare beneficiaries. See the other chartbooks, and the related TSF webpage:

    Join TSF on July 17 for a webinar and discussion hosted by DHCS which will build on the chartbook topics.

    Bar graph depicting CA Medicare beneficiaries who report disability

     

     

    June15 th
    Image with Juneteenth message and colors

    Last year The SCAN Foundation joined in the celebration of Juneteenth, recognizing its profound importance for Black people in the United States. We are committed to centering the experiences of older Black adults and all people of color – elevating their voices and perspectives as we pursue equity and transformative systems change.

    We’ve continued our evolution as an organization – finalizing a strategic plan that prioritizes efforts to improve the lives of people from Black communities and all older people of color. We’ve launched our first public expression of this goal with our Advancing Health Equity in Aging initiative.

    Although important health equity conversations are being had, aging is often overlooked. The initiative aims to reduce health inequities and improve the lives of older adults from historically marginalized communities. Launched in October 2022, we are harmonizing efforts by activating and sustaining a diverse, cross-sector network of leaders and accelerators – Equity Community Organizing (ECO) Groups – to develop and design solutions targeting the specific drivers of poor health outcomes. Simultaneously, we’re dedicated to engaging those with lived experience at each phase of the work.

    As a philanthropic organization, we recognize the privilege we carry and its ability to effect change. Although we’ve asserted ourselves in past efforts, this initiative is different as it has been built from the ground up. We recognize that power must be shared with community, and that community is more than capable of explaining what it needs and identifying levers to improve health and well-being.

    This Juneteenth, we honor Black older adults; we are listening to community; and we are honing our plans for long overdue efforts. We hope you’ll follow the work.

    June1 st

    The California Department of Health Care Services Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration recently released the second in a series of chartbooks developed with ATI Advisory. Each resource provides information on the demographics, needs, and health care experiences of California’s Medicare beneficiary population.

    Developing programs and services that are culturally and linguistically responsive is critical to addressing disparities and improving the care experience. Cultural and Linguistic Demographics of the California Medicare Population includes information about language and birthplace demographics. Also, read the prior chartbook, an overview of the state’s Medicare beneficiaries.

    Pie graph image illustrating the primary languages of California Medicare beneficiaries with limited English proficiency

    April26 th

    A multisector plan for aging (MPA) – called the Master Plan for Aging in California – is a state-led strategic planning resource that can help states transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for their rapidly aging population.

    In a local news segment shown across the United States, TSF President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty, MD, MPH, MBA, discussed the value of states developing their own blueprints for aging so that people’s needs are considered and accounted for across the age continuum.

    The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is currently accepting applications for participation in the second cohort of a multistate learning collaborative to advance MPAs. Up to 10 states will be invited to participate. Learn more and apply by next Monday at 2 pm PT.

    Screenshot of local news segment on Multisector Plans for Aging
    April19 th

    Health disparities among older adults abound and are further exacerbated for individuals from historically marginalized communities. Efforts to address racial and ethnic disparities in aging exist, but there is an opportunity for further cohesion, expedition, and greater impact.

    Launched in October 2022 and dedicated to engaging people with lived experience, the Advancing Health Equity in Aging initiative seeks to convene, organize, and harmonize efforts by sustaining a diverse, cross-sector network to develop and design solutions targeting the specific drivers of poor health outcomes. See who’s on our Steering Committee and learn more.

    Portrait of older woman of color

    TSF is hiring a senior policy analyst. If you or someone you know has a passion for transforming systems to better serve older adults and people with disabilities and has professional experience with state aging, health, and long-term care policies, take a look at our latest recent job posting.

    Image announcing senior policy analyst job
    Logo of the Central Coast Center for Independent Living

    During the pandemic, the Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) evolved their strategies to maximize programs’ impact on community members. Learn how the Regional Coalition is thinking about the future.

    CCCIL is part of the California Advocacy Network, a statewide movement involving nearly 1,000 organizations who serve more than 95 percent of California’s population.

    Check out other Regional Coalition feature stories.
    April12 th

    Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) can serve as blueprints for committing to a vision and implementing a world where all people are fully valued, recognized, and engaged at all ages. A recent Grantmakers In Aging brief examines the fundamentals of the MPA movement and discusses how funders can get involved and help advance the work.

    Image of Grantmakers In Aging Brief Cover Page

    California is transforming the Medi-Cal program to be more coordinated and person-centered through the California Advancing and​ Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) program. For beneficiaries who qualify, managed care plans will offer enhanced care management and various community supports through community-based organizations (CBOs).

    To help CBOs build capacity to partner with health plans and participate in the new system, the state is offering Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) — Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion and Development (CITED) grants. Register for the April 27 webinar to learn about the grants and prepare for the future. (Sponsored by TSF and the Archstone Foundation)

    March29 th

    Earlier this year, Senior Services Coalition of Alameda County convened local stakeholders for a virtual conference, Making the Difference: Striving for Equity at the Intersection of Health, Housing and Aging in the Community. Event presentations, conference materials, and recordings of the sessions are now available on the Coalition’s website.

    March23 rd

    Image of Michelle Matter

    Recounting her and her father’s experiences, recent TSF colleague Michelle Matter shares her perspective on cultural identity, “brave space,” and aging inequities through the American Society on Aging (ASA) Generations platform.

    Our partnership with UC Berkeley’s Investigative Reporting Program supports reporting on issues affecting the lives of older adults living at home and in community. A recent piece in The Sacramento Bee and affiliated publications explores reasons why nearly 1.5 million eligible older adults in California aren’t taking advantage of the state food stamp program.

    March8 th

    This month, Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) interviewed Rigo J. Saborio, TSF’s Vice President of Programs, Equity, and Community Impact. Recently elected to GIA’s Board of Directors, Rigo shared some insights on his professional journey and more.

    February15 th

    A Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA) is an umbrella term for a state-led, multiyear planning process that convenes cross-sector stakeholders to address the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

    A Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) blog from Kim McCoy Wade – Senior Advisor on Aging, Disability and Alzheimer’s for the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom – offers advice to states that are beginning the journey. Also, watch a recent Future Proof Live episode all about MPAs.

    Graphic of older adults and title of CHCS blog post

     

    January26 th

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

    The California Master Plan for Aging (MPA) released its Second Annual Report, highlighting 2022 accomplishments toward building a CA for ALL Ages & Abilities. Its new Implementation Tracker makes it easy to get updates on each MPA initiative. Also, check out our efforts to support California’s MPA and support the scaling of Multisector Plans for Aging across the country.
    Image of Year 2 Annual Report for the California Master Plan for Aging
    January19 th

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

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

    Logo of the National Conference of State Legislatures

    The American Society on Aging (ASA) is partnering with The John A. Hartford Foundation, West Health, and TSF on a blog series and programming to foster Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) across the country. The first post unpacks MPA components and how to get involved.

    Also, join the January 25 Future Proof Live webinar on MPAs, and how states can coordinate infrastructure and services through these statewide comprehensive plans to go beyond traditional health and community services.
    Map of Multisector Plan for Aging Activity Across States

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