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News on transforming care for older adults
How Can We Optimize the Health, Function, and Well-Being of the U.S. Population as it Ages?
August 02, 2023
Topic
Medicare & Medicaid
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older and those younger than 65 with a disability. Medicaid is a federal-state health coverage program for low-income Americans. Separately and together, they provide the backbone of health care for older Americans, particularly those with complex needs.
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June 24, 2020
This policy brief takes a closer look at how California has implemented federal flexibilities to ensure the state’s long-term services and supports (LTSS) system is responsive to the needs of older adults and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 7, 2021
Enacted on July 12, 2021, California’s 2021-22 budget addresses longstanding system challenges related to health care, long-term services and supports, workforce, and housing for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. It reflects the recommendations of the governor’s Master Plan for Aging issued earlier in 2021, and includes $4.6 billion to enhance access to home- and community-based services (HCBS), as outlined in California’s proposed HCBS Spending Plan.
What we are working on
Sustaining Flexibilities in Medicare and Medicaid
Adaptations made during the pandemic prove that older adults can be safely cared for at home or in their immediate community. As policymakers determine the future of aging, we believe that providers and payers should retain and expand upon COVID-19-era policies.
Paying for Nonmedical Needs
Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions and nonmedical needs spend the majority of Medicare dollars. Families struggle to care for older loved ones with these challenges and pay for the substantial out-of-pocket costs.