TennCare One of Five State Medicaid Agencies Recognized for Innovation in Long-Term Care
TN Included in the Center for Health Care Strategies’ “Profiles of State Innovation” Series
NASHVILLE – In recognition of TennCare’s statewide implementation of the new TennCare CHOICES in Long-Term Care Program, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) has identified Tennessee as one of five innovative states with demonstrated expertise in managed care approaches to long-term care in their report: Profiles of State Innovation: Roadmap for Managing Long-Term Supports and Services.
This roadmap is part of a series developed by CHCS, a national nonprofit health policy resource center, to help Medicaid stakeholders design more effective models for long-term care delivery. Through support from The SCAN Foundation, CHCS conducted an environmental scan to identify state best practices for:
- Rebalancing programs to provide more home- and community-based options instead of institutional care;
- Designing managed long-term care programs; and
- Integrating care for adults who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Tennessee was one of five states (including Arizona, Hawaii, Texas and Wisconsin) identified by CHCS as “true pioneers” in designing innovative approaches to delivering care to the elderly and adults with disabilities.
Tennessee in particular was recognized for its open communication and collaboration with the public and stakeholders in designing and implementing the new program. The report acknowledged the critical leadership of Governor Phil Bredesen in his commitment to expanding home-based care, as well as members of the Tennessee General Assembly and broad-based advocacy groups that helped to secure passage of the Long-Term Care Community Choices Act of 2008.
The full report can be viewed at
http://www.chcs.org/publications3960/publications_show.htm?doc_id=1261187