The Buzz

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

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.

In his latest Perspectives, Dr. Chernof discusses opportunities to drive change and meet person-centered needs during the coronavirus and beyond.

Manatt Health highlights how states are using flexibilities available during the coronavirus pandemic, with an emphasis on continued access to long-term services and supports in the community.

Last week, the California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports wrapped up its webinar series on COVID-19. Access all the recordings and related resources.

On May 14, 2020, California Governor Newsom released the May Revision of the 2020-21 proposed budget. The revision includes cuts to and elimination of critical home- and community-based services that impact the state’s most vulnerable older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Read the TSF fact sheet.

New analysis from ATI Advisory and the Long-Term Quality Alliance shows how new non-medical supplemental benefits can play an important role in meeting the evolving and dynamic needs of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A poll from NORC shows that a majority of U.S. adults age 70 and older have canceled or delayed medical care since social distancing began due to COVID-19. It also reveals that 20 percent of older adults have had a telehealth appointment, and almost half say the experience was about the same as their in-person visits. Access the chart pack for the full findings and visualizations.

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.

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.

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.

A recent Health Affairs blog highlighted how the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) network is meeting the health and social care needs for aging populations. Also, learn about the Aging and Disability Institute’s support of partnerships between health care and community-based organizations.

Health care stakeholders are changing how they operate to confront coronavirus (COVID-19). As new policies emerge, the Better Care Playbook has created a resource center to curate federal guidance aimed at addressing COVID-19 for people with complex care needs.

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.

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 are monitoring the course of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic along with all of you. Please know that TSF remains open for business, and our team is working remotely during regular business hours (8:30 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Time).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the best source for information about COVID-19.

• Keep abreast of developments and recommendations at Coronavirus.gov.
• Check out CDC’s recommendations for older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.