What’s new for: Aging

CMS taking comments on proposal for integrating Medicare and Medicaid

DHS has submitted a final proposal for further integrating Medicare and Medicaid coverage to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS is accepting public comments until 5 p.m. EST May 31 to inform its review of the proposal. The proposal seeks more administrative integration and greater accountability among providers and payers for total cost of care and health outcomes for people with both types of coverage. A copy of the proposal and information on submitting comments to CMS is online at www.dhs.state.mn.us/dualdemo.

One Stop Shop for Seniors expansion announced

To kick off Older Americans Month, Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon announced the launch of SHARE Minnesota, part of the One Stop Shop for Minnesota Seniors and administered through the Senior LinkAge Line® and Minnesota Board on Aging. SHARE Minnesota is a virtual network of agencies that can help find volunteer opportunities for seniors who want to volunteer but may not know where to go. More information is in a story about the expansion.

Report outlines Medicaid reform waiver development

A Medical Assistance Reform Report (PDF) recently submitted to the Minnesota Legislature discusses DHS progress redesigning Medical Assistance (MA) and coordinating with current and ongoing department initiatives. The 2011 Legislature directed DHS to reform MA, Minnesota’s Medicaid program, to achieve better outcomes for people with disabilities, seniors and other enrollees. The report contains detailed information on 12 separate initiatives, designated by the Legislature, including community integration and independence, improved health, reduced reliance on institutional care, attainment of housing and employment and reduced use of services that are less effective. More information is available at www.dhs.state.mn.us/MAreform.

Incentives promote improvements in nursing homes

For the past several years, DHS has offered nursing facilities a rate incentive to engage in projects that result in measurable quality improvements in the state’s long-term care system. This fall the Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP) is helping 50 nursing facilities throughout Minnesota participate in a nine-month program seen as having the potential to change care in nursing homes by empowering staff to respond to their instincts, employ critical thinking skills and communicate better. More information about INTERACT™ (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transitions) is available online.

Minnesota ranks first in services for elderly, people with disabilities

Minnesota ranks first nationally among states in delivering services for older adults and people with disabilities, according to a national report released Sept. 8. AARP, The Commonwealth Fund and The SCAN Foundation placed Minnesota first, outperforming other states in long-term services and supports. More information about the report can be found in a news release about the scorecard, Raising Expectations: A State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults, People with Physical Disabilities, and Family Caregivers, on the AARP website.

MinnesotaHelp.info website features community resources

MinnesotaHelp.info® is a website featuring information on community resources for Minnesotans of all ages, with a special online tool to help seniors remain independent and live in their communities.

Special telephone equipment available to help people with hearing loss

The Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program provides telephone equipment to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or have a speech or mobility impairment and need adaptive equipment in order to use the phone. More information about the TED program is available online.

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