Policy alerts, briefs, letters & papers

The Community Living Policy Center (CLPC) released a brief describing how short-term extensions of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program have curtailed state efforts in transitioning individuals out of institutions. The CLPC based their findings on CMS data on annual transitions in each state.

This issue brief discusses state policy trends using data from KFF’s 18th annual 50-state survey. It discusses policy areas such as implementation of electronic visit verification and value based payment models. The brief highlights key findings across the topics areas of HCBS program flexibility, MLTSS, and response to federal regulations

This brief includes the latest (FY 2018) Medicaid HCBS enrollment and spending data from KFF’s 18th annual 50-state survey. It contains data about per-enrollee spending on HCBS by target population and HCBS waiver waiting lists. This issue brief also includes tables with detailed state-level data. One key finding analyzed here is that most HCBS enrollees receive services provided at the state option.

Like many states, Michigan is facing a looming workforce shortage as their aging population grows. This policy brief from the Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency highlights the challenges and opportunities in addressing the state's direct care workforce (DCW) issues. Challenges that have led to this shortage include low wage levels, lack of affordable comprehensive training, and low job appreciation and respect. This paper identifies various strategies for overcoming these issues.

This brief focuses on how providers can recruit and retain a direct care workforce. Considerations include inclusive hiring practices, cultivating an organizational environment of inclusivity, and providing appropriate training. Companion briefs in this series discuss direct care worker training and organizational cultural competence.

This brief highlights how providers can train their workforce in cultural competency. Key recommendations include establishing formal policies, focusing on the elements most relevant for LTSS, using adult learner-centered methods of training, and identifying which programs work best for your organization's setting. Additional briefs in this series focus on organizational cultural competence and recruiting and retaining a diverse direct care workforce.

This brief describes how LTSS providers can build cultural competence within their organization. It covers key considerations including identifying areas for improvement, supporting diversity across the organization, addressing linguistic competence, and engaging community partners. Other briefs in this series provide specific considerations for training, recruitment, and retention of direct care workers.

The Financial Alignment Initiative (FAI) is intended to improve the quality of care and reduce spending for low-income people who are dually eligible. Mathematica researchers conducted a study to identify reasons for the varying participation rates across states. This brief explores the details of two major factors: passive enrollment and demonstration/MLTSS alignment.

On July 31, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania announced, by an executive order, an overhaul of the state services and systems to protect the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. The executive order establishes an Office of Advocacy and Reform, Child Advocate, and Council on Reform. The executive order also lists responsibilities of the state agencies and the Governor’s Office of Performance through Excellence.

CMS released a bulletin addressing frequently asked questions regarding Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements to beneficiaries receiving in-home care. This bulletin responds to questions surrounding beneficiaries with live-in caregivers, services delivered partially in the beneficiary's home, the provision of medical supplies, equipment, and appliances as a component of the Medicaid home health benefit, and the use of web-based timesheets as an EVV method.