The SCAN Foundation Highlights Opportunities to Improve California's Long-term Services and Supports Infrastructure Through the Affordable Care Act
The new health reform law creates a framework for care that is accessible, affordable and offered in the most appropriate settings.
LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The SCAN Foundation released today a policy brief highlighting opportunities in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that could lead to improvements in California's long-term services and supports infrastructure, allowing seniors to age with dignity and independence.
"The Affordable Care Act strengthens long-term care by creating and reinforcing linkages between medical care and supportive services," said Lisa Shugarman, PhD, director of policy at The SCAN Foundation. "California is pursuing many options both within and outside the health reform law to build up the state's long-term care system, but more can be done."
The SCAN Foundation's policy brief makes five recommendations for improving the state's long term services and supports infrastructure:
- Encourage enrollment in the Community Living Assistance and Supportive Services (CLASS) Act.
- Support increased access to Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).
- Strengthen and grow the direct care workforce.
- Help the state explore the potential to apply for enhanced Medicaid home-and community-based services options.
- Pave the way to successful care coordination and service integration for vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities.
The new health reform law is an opportunity to transform long-term services and supports away from a poverty-based model that leans towards institutionalization to one of shared decision-making, enabling seniors to age how they want and where they want.
"An improved system will be better able to absorb the new and likely substantial demand for long-term care services created by a population that will grow exponentially in the next 20 years as a result of the aging of the boomer population," said Bruce Chernof, MD, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. "Through implementation of ACA initiatives, a new system can be created that is truly greater than the sum of its parts."
To review the policy brief in its entirety, please visit www.TheSCANFoundation.org.
ABOUT THE SCAN FOUNDATION
The SCAN Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing the development of a sustainable continuum of quality care for seniors that integrates medical treatment and human services in the settings most appropriate to their needs and with the greatest likelihood of a healthy, independent life. The SCAN Foundation supports programs that stimulate public engagement, develop realistic public policy and financing options, and disseminate promising care models and technologies. For more information about The SCAN Foundation, visit www.TheSCANFoundation.org.
SOURCE The SCAN Foundation
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