States Encounter Obstacles Moving Elderly and Disabled Into Community

6-14-2012 National:

A multi-billion dollar federal initiative to move low-income elderly and disabled people from long-term care facilities into the community has fallen far short of its goals, as many states have struggled to cobble together housing and other services.

Launched in 2007 during the Bush administration, the states initially projected placing 35,380 Medicaid recipients in the first five years. As of March 31 at least 22,500 had made the transition, about 36 percent below the states' target.

The numbers vary sharply by state. Some, such as Texas and Ohio, have helped thousands find homes in their communities. Others, including North Carolina, Missouri and Kentucky, have moved fewer than 500 each.

In California, only 827 people have made the jump since 2008, although the state was awarded $41 million during that time. "We're not doing a good job of it here," said Deborah Doctor, legislative advocate for Disability Rights California. "It's pathetic."

Some states have found it especially difficult to move the elderly. While the vast majority of eligible people are seniors, only about one-third of the program's participants are age 65 or over, according to Mathematica Policy Research, a Princeton, N.J.-based firm hired by the government to evaluate the project. Most of the other participants are adults under 65 with physical disabilities living in nursing homes and developmentally disabled people living in institutions.

While advocates strongly support the program and its goals, many say they are disappointed with what they see as its glacial pace, given the $4 billion Congress has authorized and the fact that about900,000 people living in institutions meet the eligibility requirements.

"It's very frustrating to us," said Kate Ricks, who heads Voices for Quality Care, a multi-state long-term care advocacy group based in Maryland. "At the rate they’re getting people out, everyone who is eligible will be dead."

While advocates strongly support the program and its goals, many say they are disappointed with what they see as its glacial pace, given the $4 billion Congress has authorized and the fact that about900,000 people living in institutions meet the eligibility requirements.

"It's very frustrating to us," said Kate Ricks, who heads Voices for Quality Care, a multi-state long-term care advocacy group based in Maryland. "At the rate they’re getting people out, everyone who is eligible will be dead." ..Source.. by Jenni Bergal