Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#66)
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
Conduct a public education campaign on peer-to-peer models and connections available, benefits, and enrollment support. Combine this campaign with the establishment of a wellness screening website that includes a social connections component to provide information on the value of social connection and strategies to strengthen healthy social connections. Strategies could include access to outreach volunteers, peer services, and other resources. State agencies should explore current programs utilizing peer-to-peer models and how to expand access, utilization and consideration of creation programs to target older adults not currently accessing aging services.
Justification
Social isolation and loneliness are key risk factors for the development of mental health and/or substance use disorders and worsening health conditions. Peer model programming and public health education which de-stigmatizes mental health and promotes engagement can reduce ageism and stigma. It can improve disparities in equity and access to services, supports, housing, and transportation, and provide a return on investment due to reduced medical spending for worsening health conditions.
Full Proposal
Reduce social isolation among older adults and reduce risk for developing or worsening mental health and/or substance use disorders utilizing:
- A wellness screening website that includes a social connections component to provide information on the value of social connections, strategies to strengthen healthy social connections such as accessing outreach volunteers, peer services, and other resources, as well as the health benefits and expectations of volunteering and peer mentoring.
- A public education campaign on the value of peer-to-peer connections and the promotion of available online resource in the form of the wellness screening website for accessing various services provided by volunteers and peer professionals, and the promotion of available NYSOFA-championed pathways to access support.
- A public education campaign on the value of volunteering and peer mentoring for older adults to improve connections for older adults at risk for developing or worsening mental health and substance use disorder, loneliness, and risk of suicide.
- An expansion of peers working in existing certified programs overseen by OASAS and OMH. Expansion efforts should include:
- A public education campaign to target underserved areas, increasing access to Medicaid reimbursable peer services, ensuring Medicaid reimbursement rates to providers incentivize participation in peer models, the creation of a career ladder to incentivize entry into peer services workforce, mandated private third-party insurance coverage of peer services for older adults, and cross-agency training on aging services for integration into peer certification requirements.
- A collaborative infrastructure between NYSOFA, OASAS, OMH, and community-based organizations to expand programming derived from the Geriatric Demonstration Grants.
- The creation of a new position, agency, or resource at the state level to implement strategies to target older adults not currently accessing aging services.
MPA Council Commentary
Components 1, 4, and 6 of this proposal are categorized as long-term. The creation of a wellness website would require an analysis of the costs and savings to the state. Changes to the Medicaid reimbursement rate and mandates for insurance coverage may require statutory and regulatory changes and would be subject to the annual budget process and availability of resources. Components 2, 3, and 5 are categorized as near-term. The State is currently implementing multiple public education initiatives. Proposed first steps for implementation could include coordination with state agency partners and the Governor’s Office for release of campaigns. Proposed next steps for implementation could include engaging relevant programs for critical information and determination of expansion opportunities. Proposed metrics for evaluating implementation success could include public engagement with campaign materials and expansion of program engagement.