The Buzz

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.

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

Every three years, based on results of the AARP Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard, we honor states making significant progress in improving LTSS for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.

In 2017, Wisconsin was awarded the Pacesetter Prize for Choice of Setting and Provider. The state exhibited more progress in this domain than any other state, moving up from No. 8 in the 2011 Scorecard to No. 6. The next Pacesetter Prize recipients will be announced in summer 2020.

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).

Every three years, based on results of the AARP Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard, we honor states making significant progress in improving LTSS for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers.

In 2017, Vermont was awarded the Pacesetter Prize for Affordability and Access. The state moved up from No. 19 in the 2011 Scorecard to No. 3, exhibiting more improvement than any other state. The next Pacesetter Prize recipients will be announced in summer 2020.

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.

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.

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

Medicare Advantage plans now have the flexibility to offer special non-medical benefits for members with complex care needs. Read guiding principles on how these benefits can best support consumers and be sustainable. Also, hear from the National MLTSS (Managed Long-Term Services and Supports) Health Plan Association, one group who helped to develop these principles.

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.

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.

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.

Transportation can be a major obstacle for those who want to age in place, but do not drive. This AARP report, part of the 2017 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard, details the value of and access to mobility managers.

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.