The Buzz

A new brief from AARP Public Policy Institute presents the vision and framework for the 2023 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard. The brief discusses AARP’s approach to the 2023 edition of the Scorecard, reflects on changes since the Scorecard was first published in 2011, and considers how future editions may best meet today’s needs.

A new analysis by ATI Advisory shows that more Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offering Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in 2022. Learn more about which plans are offering which benefits.

More states are interested in developing Master Plans for Aging (MPAs). Read New York’s announcement, and a recent blog highlighting a podcast on lessons learned in Colorado and Texas.

To advance MPA activities, the Center for Health Care Strategies seeks Letters of Intent for states to participate in a learning collaborative. The deadline for submission is Monday, January 31.

Learn the who, what, where, and how of home and community-based services (HCBS) in a new fact sheet from AARP as part of a series on transforming long-term services and supports (LTSS) as part of the LTSS State Scorecard.

The nation’s long-term care system must become more accessible and affordable if it’s to meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

To accelerate progress, AARP Public Policy Institute has launched LTSS Choices: A Series on Advancing Transformation in Long-Term Services and Supports.

Related: Watch a video on supporting family caregivers, and read a Health Affairs blog about current policy options.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Our recent AARP Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard blog identifies opportunities for reshaping how services are delivered to older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers.