Medicaid
is constantly reviewing and updating its policies, but many beneficiaries find
that it is comparatively rare for Medicaid to update its policies in a way that
is truly beneficial to them. Often, “updates” simply make things more
complicated.
5 Changes
to Medicaid
1. The Home
and Community-Based Services Plan Has Been Expanded
Previously, the Home
and Community-Based Services (HCBS) plan was only offered through
waiver programs. The most recent updates to Medicaid, however, provide home and
community-based services as part of the regular plan. This means that
individuals who qualify for Medicaid can receive in-home services that will make
it possible for them to remain at home longer or community-based services that
are much more comfortable than nursing homes as part of their regular care
routine.
2. Care
Coordination and Case Management Benefits
The demands of a chronic
condition can be overwhelming. For many elderly individuals, it’s impossible to
simply list all of the medications they take, much less keep up with the tests
and procedures that they’ve undergone. Care coordination and case management
ensures that everyone who is treating a given patient is on the same page and
that the patient is receiving quality care for all of their conditions, not just
the one covered by a specific doctor at a specific moment.
3. Community
First Choice (CFC) Plan
The CFC
state plan gives
enhanced federal funding to help provide support and services to individuals who
would otherwise require institutional care. These services are designed to
provide necessary support to individuals who, without it, would find themselves
in high-care level institutions. Providing other elements of care in place of
institutional settings is beneficial to both the patient and the program, as it
allows them to maintain their quality of life longer and permits the provider to
save money in the process.
4. Money
Follows the Person (MFP)
The MFP
program is designed
to assist individuals who are no longer in need of the services provided within
institutions. These funds help them to transition back to their community and
independent living when institutional care is no longer required. In many cases,
a lack of funding kept people in institutions long past the time when they could
have returned home with the benefit of proper care, so this provision has truly
been designed with the quality of patient care in mind.
5.
Community-based Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS) Funding
Community-based
LTSS care allows
many individuals to maintain a higher quality of life and enjoy interaction with
other individuals in their situation. The new provisions have increased funding
for states that help increase access to these programs, encouraging a shift
toward community-based services instead of institutional care in many
states.
These provisions will be of
great benefit to many aging individuals, particularly those with chronic health
conditions who wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. As their
need for care increases, they’ll be able to access the services that they need
instead of either accepting care that they don’t want in the form of an
institutional setting or putting off care that they need because they can’t
afford it. These changes to Medicaid policy will likely be the first of many as
it becomes necessary to make changes in order to sustain the program.
What
changes to Medicaid surprised you the most? What questions do you have about
these changes? Share your thoughts on Medicaid in the comments below.
About the
Author
Benny Lamm is a communication
specialist and blogger at Senior Planning Services, an industry leader in
helping seniors and their families achieve Medicaid-sponsored long-term care. He
enjoys playing the guitar, spending time with family and social
networking.
