Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#21)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Create a limited demonstration program modeled on the successful Special Needs Assisted Living Voucher Demonstration Program for persons with dementia aimed at preventing or delaying the need for more costly, higher-level care. The program would provide a sliding-scale subsidy for ACF residents who are at risk of nursing home care due to depleted resources and to individuals not eligible for Medicaid or SSI but in need of Adult Day Care services.
Justification
The "forgotten middle" are individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid or SSI but do not have a large disposable income, need Adult Day Health services and do not have access to the services and programs they need which accurately reflect their preferred location of residence or the acuity of care their condition requires. Middle income populations have limited access to assisted living residence services or memory care, resulting in a decreased quality of care and life. Inclusion of urban, rural, and suburban counties will ensure diversification of the population receiving services.
Full Proposal
Create a limited demonstration program modeled on the successful Special Needs Assisted Living Voucher Demonstration Program for persons with dementia aimed at preventing or delaying the need for more costly, higher-level care.
- The program would provide a sliding-scale subsidy for ACF residents who are at risk of nursing home care due to depleted resources and to individuals not eligible for Medicaid or SSI but in need of Adult Day Care services.
- The program would operate in at least three counties or areas, which would represent an urban, rural and suburban setting.
- The goal would be to examine whether this approach can reduce or delay the need for nursing home care by assisting seniors to remain living in the community or in their ALR/ACF, while generating a Medicaid savings.
- In addition, there would be an assessment of the possibility of creating a similar demonstration for individuals who are at-risk for Medicaid-funded nursing home placement but would benefit from partially subsidized Adult Day Care services.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. Policymakers may reference this proposal during the annual budget process, as creation of a new voucher demonstration program would likely require legislative action and would require funding that would be subject to the annual budget process and the availability of resources. The success of any expansion of Adult Day Care services would be contingent upon sufficient direct care workforce capacity.