Federal Watch
June 8th, 2012
AGS is tracking developments of interest to geriatrics health professionals in order to provide weekly updates for our readers via our List Serv, americangeriatrics.org, our Facebook page, and our Twitter feed. This week, we update you on two relevant new studies: one of which deals with new business models to curb Medicare’s depleting health costs, and the second which emphasizes the caution needed in handling care for the dual eligible population. We additionally update you on HHS’s announcement in regards to its new $25 million funding opportunity to help states strengthen and expand their ability to help older adults access home and community-based long-term services and supports. Finally, we share further news on AGS’s most recent activities, and encourage you to take action by contacting your legislators, and urging them to fully address and put an end to the flawed SGR formula.
To Curb Spending On Older Adults, Hospitals Try New Business Models
Kaiser Health News reports on the “silver lining” to Medicare's spiraling health care costs, which has inspired many doctors, researchers and hospital administrators to conjure outside-the-box business models that could rein in these costs. One of the people brainstorming ideas is AGS leader, Dr. Bruce Leff, a geriatrician and health researcher at Johns Hopkins University. In a study published earlier this week in the medical journal Health Affairs, Dr. Leff writes about his work with various organizations across the country to implement six models of caring for frail older adults that have been shown to lower costs and improve care. Dr. Leff and his team of researchers provided the hospitals with training to implement the models and then let them choose which ones they wanted to try. To read more, please visit here.
Study: Caution Needed In Handling Care for Dual Eligibles
Policymakers must be cautious in formulating plans to streamline care for low-income older adults and disabled patients, according to an analysis published in the journal Health Affairs. The report emphasized that "one size will not fit all" and that specific subgroups of dual eligibles will need programs specifically designed for them. "Some of the most successful programs work well because they are targeted to subgroups of dual-eligible beneficiaries who face similar challenges," the authors noted. The "Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly" (PACE), was also cited as a success when looking at reducing hospitalization rates and preventing nursing home admissions, however the authors noted that it remains to be seen whether or how this model can be adapted to other beneficiaries with different needs and circumstances. To read further, please visit here.
HHS Announces Availability of Funding to Help Older Adults Access Long-Term Services and Supports, and Thrive in Their Communities
Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new $25 million funding opportunity made possible by the Affordable Care Act to help states strengthen and expand their ability to help older adults and people with disabilities access home and community-based long-term care services and supports. Over the next one to three years, funding will support Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in nearly every state. As AGS members witness first hand, each year, more frail older adults and their families are confronted with often challenging decisions about how to obtain the long-term services and supports they need. According to HHS, ADRCs will make it easier for people to learn about and access the services that are available in their communities and best meet their needs. The initiative was established through a partnership between the Administration for Community Living , the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration.
What AGS Did This Week
AGS is currently reviewing The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed regulation on Medicaid Payments for services furnished by certain primary care physicians. Released on May 9th, the proposed rule seeks to implement a provision in the Affordable Care Act that increases payments for certain primary care services in calendar years 2013 and 2014. AGS plans to submit commentary and feedback to CMS by Monday, June 11th and will share our final comments with you next week.
How You Can Help
AGS encourages you to Take Action by visiting AGS’ Health in Aging Advocacy Center. Contact your members of Congress today, and urge them to call for both the repeal of the SGR and comprehensive Medicare payment and delivery reform. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Susie Sherman, Senior Coordinator of Public Affairs & Advocacy, ssherman@americangeriatrics.org.
Modified On: June 8th, 2012
