A new report released by AARP last week highlights the challenges facing states in providing long-term services and supports (LTSS). The report comes at a time when states are beginning to implement LTSS options in the Affordable Care Act that increase access to Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS). The report examines findings of the third annual survey of LTSS systems across 49 states and the District of Columbia, highlighting transformations and reforms that are underway and trends across the country.
The findings in the report signify that:
- States are actively exploring ways to better serve individuals with ongoing health care and support needs;
- More states are increasing participation in HCBS options within the Affordable Care Act as well as initiatives for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare;
- There is increased demand for non-Medicaid services, including Adult Protective Services, as the caseload for adult protective services – for victims of abuse or exploitation – has increased in the last two years without increased funding in many states;
- State policymakers are committed to advancing a national dialogue for how to best address the increasing demand for services.
“It’s increasingly evident that we need to rethink how we address long-term services and supports in this country,” said Susan Reinhard, Senior Vice President for the AARP Public Policy Institute. “Long-term services and supports are critical not only to the population they serve, but also to the family caregivers who support them.”
The new report, “At the Crossroads: Providing Long-Term Services and Supports at a Time of High Demand and Fiscal Constraint” is available here: http://www.aarp.org/health/health-insurance/info-06-2013/providing-ltss-at-a-time-of-high-demand-AARP-ppi-health.html
We here at the Fairfax Elder Care Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. believe that with the rising costs and growing need for long-term care, Medicaid Asset Protection Planning is one of the best ways to provide for your future long-term care needs. Call 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for a consultation. We can meet with you, assess your financial situation, and determine strategies for your long-term care plan.
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