Recently, the UCSF Community Living Policy Center and the UC Berkeley Health Research for Action Center released a research brief detailing survey results from an in-depth examination of the efforts underway by Cal MediConnect (CMC) plans to move members’ care to home- and community-based settings (HCBS) and away from institutional settings.
The data examined came from Phase One of the University of California’s three-year evaluation of the CMC program. Researchers also conducted 16 additional interviews with stakeholders, including CMC plans, long-term care (LTC) facilities, and community-based HCBS agencies that serve dual eligible beneficiaries.
The brief describes the progress many CMC plans have made in successfully accelerating transitions out of institutional care, as well as challenges encountered in the process and remaining barriers.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Many CMC plans have created unique programs to facilitate successful transitions of members to lower levels of care who may not have otherwise been able to leave institutional care.
- The financial incentives for CMC plans to transition members out of LTC facilities are working.
- Increased communication and collaboration among CMC plans, LTC facilities, and HCBS agencies has been a crucial factor in promoting LTC transitions.
- The cost of housing, the lack of affordable housing, and challenges in paying for assisted living create a major barrier to locating and supporting beneficiaries in community-based settings.
For full survey findings, complete evaluation, and recommendations, click here or visit www.thescanfoundation.org.