New AARP report discusses state LTC reform

Summary:  This AARP Public Policy Institute research paper examines the extentto which states have balanced the delivery of Medicaid-funded long-termcare (LTC) services and supports to people in their homes (or in morehome-like settings in their communities) and in institutions. What isunique about this report is its primary focus on older people andadults with physical disabilities separate from other LTC populations,such as people with developmental disabilities. The paper explores whatstates have been able to accomplish under current Medicaid law andaddresses the impact that federal policies have on the states’ abilityto balance service delivery. 

This report is designed to stimulate LTC reform that will improveand increase options for older adults and people with disabilities. Theability of some states to accomplish substantial reforms for olderpeople and adults with physical disabilities—as well as successes inthe mental retardation/developmental disabilities movement, which haveled to increased home and community-based services options formany—demonstrates that obstacles to change can be overcome.

Get the report:  http://www.aarp.org/research/longtermcare/programfunding/2008_10_ltc.html