Long-Term Care/Aged, Blind & Disabled

Issue Defined

Long -Term Care and Aged, Blind and Disabled programs are for those with chronic conditions expected to last greater than 1 year and usually results in some sort of disability.

Recommendations

The use of a proactive Managed Care system can:

• Evaluate the severity of a member's chronic health needs
• Create a comprehensive care plan
• Utilize individual case manager for the sickest members
• Institute an evaluation process

Savings Outlook

Members are able to increase their quality of life by spending less time in the hospital and avoiding unnecessary or premature nursing home placement while appropriately managing their condition. The proactive management of health care results in significant cost savings by avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital stays.

Medicaid's Role in LTC and ABD Services

Medicaid is the largest public health care program addressing LTC and ABD needs.

• Medicaid Facts - Medicaid and Long-Term Care Services and Supports (February 2009). Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.
• Long-Term Care: Understanding Medicaid's Role for the Elderly and Disabled. Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.