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).

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

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.

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.

The California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports (CCLTSS) and Regional Coalitions advocate to transform care for older adults and people with disabilities, including support for the Master Plan for Aging.

• Read a blog highlighting recent Senior Advocacy Day activities.
• Attend local forums across the state to learn more about the Master Plan for Aging.
• Visit the CCLTSS Master Plan for Aging legislation tracker.

Watch a recent National Conference of State Legislatures webinar where states share strategies for reducing long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs while providing quality care. A related report highlights the LTSS State Scorecard and long-term LTSS solutions.

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.

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.

This spring, J. Wallin Opinion Research surveyed 1,000 likely voters across California to gauge support of the Master Plan for Aging. Findings showed that voters want elected officials and state leaders to invest in the Master Plan for Aging, with a focus on equity and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn more about the survey and share key findings:

• Presentation: Understanding Voters’ Perspectives on California’s Master Plan for Aging
• Press release
• Infographic & social media toolkit

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (AP-NORC) shows strong public support for government policies to help people age in their own homes and communities. Given the choice, most Americans want to receive care and support at home as they grow older.

• Read the AP Story: Government should help Americans age at home
• Review the report

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

Join the National Conference of State Legislatures’ webinar to hear states share strategies for reducing long-term services and supports (LTSS) costs while providing quality care. Read a recent report on this work that highlights the LTSS State Scorecard.

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.

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.

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.

Eight foundation leaders herald the California’s Master Plan for Aging, calling forth the importance of partnership and priorities to ensure equity in aging with dignity and independence for all.

Read a new article from the National Conference of State Legislatures highlighting the LTSS State Scorecard as an assessment tool for state performance, and learn best practices from leading states awarded the 2020 Pacesetter Prize.

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 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.

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.

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