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CAADS NEXT WEBINAR - TO BE ANNOUNCED
Past webinar recordings / handouts order form: Write-On :: Fill-In
CAADS FALL CONFERENCE | NOV 6-8 | Orange County
Register today for Transforming the Continuum of Care, and join us as we celebrate CAADS 40 Year Anniversary!
Adult Day Health Care: An Unbelievable Cost Containment Resource that Is Underfunded and Underutilized
For those who think Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) is just day care…think again! Yes, it’s a place for family members to drop-off their aging parents while they head off to work, run errands or simply use the time to get a little (and often much needed) respite from their 24/7 caregiving duties. But, ADHCs are so much more than a place to drop off Mom and Dad for part of a day. Read Russell D. Foster's featured article in MAZARS USA HEALTHCARE TRENDS,Sept 2017.
The Effect of Adult Day Program Attendance on Emergency Room Registrations, Hospital Admission and Days in Hospital: A Propensity-Matching Study
Research by Ronald Kelly, PhD finds a decreased reliance on costly health care services by seniors who attend adult day programs. Read Abstract and Full Article | JUN 2017 | The Gerontologist, Volume 57, Issue 3, Pages 552–562.
HELP II Loan Program -- Affordable Capital
The HELP II Loan Program, administered by the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) within the State Treasurer’s Office, offers low cost loans to assist eligible health facilities wanting to expand and improve services to their clients and the greater community. Learn more at www.treasurer.ca.gov/chffa/programs/help.
Block Grants
Graham-Cassidy ACA Repeal Plan Threatens Health Care for Seniors
Senators Graham and Cassidy released their proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act on September 13, and are looking for 50 votes to pass it before September 30. Unfortunately, as expected, the proposal places a per capita cap on the traditional Medicaid program and turns funding for ACA affordability programs and Medicaid expansion into a block grant before eliminating it completely. Read more in Justice in Aging's statement and blog about how the Graham-Cassidy plan would threaten health care for older adults.
What's New . . . SEPTEMBER 22, 2017
Adult Day Health Care:
An Unbelievable Cost Containment Resource
that Is Underfunded and Underutilized
SEPT 2017 | MAZARS USA HEALTHCARE TRENDS
Featured Article by Russell D. Foster
For those who think Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) is just day care…think again! Yes, it’s a place for family members to drop-off their aging parents while they head off to work, run errands or simply use the time to get a little (and often much needed) respite from their 24/7 caregiving duties. But, ADHCs are so much more than a place to drop off Mom and Dad for part of a day. READ FULL ARTICLE
CALL TO ACTION!
Graham-Cassidy Proposal Puts Restrictive Cap on Medicaid Funding
SEPT 20, 2017
Important Message from NADSA Policy Advisor Senator Roy C. Afflerbach, Ret.
The following Call to Action has been issued by our friends at EasterSeals. Please read the statement below then take a moment to contact your United States Senator today to urge rejection of the Graham-Cassidy proposal that would cause states to defund Home and Community Based Services for aged individuals and individuals with disabilities who are dependent upon Medicaid for ADS. This effort to repeal/replace the Affordable Care Act may be called for a vote as early as Monday. Time is of essence!
Section 124 of the so-called Graham-Cassidy amendment removes the federal funding guarantee that currently exists in Medicaid, replacing it with a restrictive cap based on a government funding formula rather than the actual needs of individuals with disabilities. The formula used to calculate the annual cap payment to states becomes even more restrictive starting in 2025.
What does this all mean? The Congressional Budget Office examined the impact of a Medicaid per capita cap and concluded that states would face Medicaid funding shortfalls and would have little choice but to eliminate or restrict eligibility for home and community-based services for seniors and adults with disabilities. Other provisions in the legislation put at risk the essential health benefits and pre-existing condition protections of current law.
Cal Duals CCI Monthly Update: September 2017
PDF | Word
Make Your Voice Heard!
NO CAPS TO MEDICAID!
SEPT 18, 2017 | National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care
The Senate is working on its own bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This bill, referred to as the Graham-Cassidy plan, converts Medicaid into a per capita cap system. A per capita cap means that states will receive a fixed amount of money per beneficiary, which will likely not include adjustments for the rising cost of health care or needs of the population.
Call your Senators and Governor and tell them, NO CAPS TO MEDICAID!
You can call your Senators by dialing the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. You can find the number for your Governor by clicking here. When calling you can discuss the following talking points:
- Medicaid is the largest single payer of long-term care in our nation.
- Medicaid is the ONLY way most people can afford long-term care.
- Medicaid allows long-term care consumers to stay in their homes.
To learn more about per capita caps and how to protect Medicaid for long-term care consumers and their families, click here.
NADSA To Move Forward with National Conference
September 25-27, in St. Petersburg, Florida
Celebrating Diversity in Adult Day Services
A Special Message from NADSA . . .
We continue to hold everyone affected by the recent hurricanes in our thoughts and prayers. In speaking with the Vinoy Hotel, we learned that minimal damage was sustained from the hurricane, and they are open for business. We are pleased to remind everyone that we will proceed with the NADSA 2017 Conference, September 25-27.
Beginning September 13, NADSA will donate $25 of each new full conference registration that comes in prior to conference to relief charities to support recovery efforts in Florida. We are also planning additional activities during the conference to help adult day centers that have been impacted by these catastrophic events.
We appreciate the calls of support we have received these last few days. We feel very fortunate to be part of such a compassionate and amazing profession. By proceeding with the conference, we will bring much-needed revenue to the state to assist in their rebuilding process. We are grateful we can help.
We will accept registrations at the regular conference rate through Monday, September 17, 2017. You may register on-site, but we prefer advance notice so we can plan.
Supporting People with Dementia and Their Caregivers in the Community
SEPT 14, 2017 | American Society on Aging | Download Publication
The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is projected to increase to 13.8 million by 2050. To help educate about and combat Alzheimer’s, ASA is pleased to introduce a special supplement to Generations, “Supporting People with Dementia and Their Caregivers in the Community.”
The supplement focuses on efforts underway to establish dementia-capable home and community-based service systems, and to develop effective, evidence-based services for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and their caregivers. The content features research and writing by dementia experts at RTI International, as well as many others well-known in the field of dementia research and advocacy. This content paves the way for service providers, families, and caregivers to provide person-centered, evidence-based, effective home- and community-based service systems for people with dementia and their caregivers.
This supplement to Generations was funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center, which is funded by the ACL and staffed by Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International.
ASA is pleased to offer this supplemental issue of Generations at no cost to you.
Transforming the Continuum of Care
CAADS FALL CONFERENCE
& ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
November 6-8, 2017 | Doubletree Anaheim - Orange County
Lodging || Event Brochure || Register: Fill-In Form :: Write-On Form
CE Eligible Sessions || Order CE's: Fill-In Form :: Write-On Form
Donate a Raffle Prize: Fill-In Form :: Write-On Form
Be an Exhibitor: Details & Contract || Be a Sponsor: Opportunities
Health Savings Accounts Won't Help Most Older Adults
SEPT 6, 2017 | Justice in Aging | Issue Brief • August 2017
Proposals to expand the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have been raised repeatedly in the health care debate. This new issue brief looks at how expanding HSAs would impact the affordability of health care coverage for low and moderate income older adults by examining how HSAs would have functioned under one proposal, the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), had it become law.
The paper finds that the combination of HSA contributions and premium costs can easily reach 20% to 30% of an older adult’s income.
It concludes that HSAs are not a path to affordable health care for older adults. Read the brief.
CBAS Updates
SEPT 1, 2017 | California Department of Aging, CBAS Branch
Status Report on the New CBAS Individual Plan of Care (IPC)
The new Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) Individual Plan of Care (IPC) form and instructions, along with the revised CBAS provisions of the Medi-Cal Provider Manual, continue to be under review by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). There are multiple steps to this review process and it is uncertain when the review will be completed. Therefore, CBAS providers are to continue using the current IPC form.
The California Department of Aging (CDA) will inform CBAS providers, managed care plans, software vendors and other interested stakeholders via an All Center Letter (ACL) and the CBAS Updates newsletter when the revised IPC form and instructions have been approved. CDA will host a webinar training to review the new IPC form and instructions before requiring implementation. We want to ensure that CBAS providers, managed care plans and software vendors have sufficient notice and training to begin using the new IPC. READ MORE
IN MEMORY OF
ESTHER DARLING
Ester Darling, lead plaintiff in the Darling v Douglas lawsuit of 2011, shown here signing the Darling v Douglas legal settlement, died peacefully in her sleep July 18, 2017, at age 80, in Woodland, CA.
Esther faced many challenges during her life but none were as life changing as the stroke she suffered in 1996. With her left side paralyzed, this once independent woman found herself unable to manage her own care.
Determined to be discharged from the post-acute nursing home despite no family to depend on, she was referred to Yolo Adult Day Health Center.
There, with additional support from In-Home Supportive Services, Esther was able to move back to her apartment. At the ADHC center she continued her therapies, received timely nursing and social work support and thrived in the company of fellow participants.
Early in 2011, during an emergency budget session of the Legislature, adult day health care was eliminated as an optional Medi-Cal benefit. Esther and 35,000 other low-income Californians feared the worst. When she was approached by Disability Rights California to serve as a plaintiff for the class action suit being filed, Esther, along with seven other plaintiffs, was more than willing to share her personal story in hopes of saving her center and the 300 other centers throughout the State.
As the ADHC case made its way through federal court, first one and then a second lead plaintiff passed away. Esther agreed to become the lead plaintiff. The case was settled in December 2011 and Esther beamed with pride as she signed the settlement agreement that meant adult day health care was saved as a Medi-Cal benefit for her and tens of thousands of others like her.
Rarely does a poor small town girl from Oklahoma get a chance to truly shape the lives of many thousands for many years to come. Esther Darling's name will forever be memorialized in the settlement and she will lovingly be remembered for her role in saving ADHC for future generations. She is resting in peace at Monument Hill in Woodland, California.
Kelley v Kent
Spousal Impoverishment
CALIFORNIA LAWSUIT HELPS SPOUSES CARE FOR LOVED ONES AT HOME
AUG 10, 2017 | Justice in Aging
Pat Kelley, a 67-year-old veteran and former Los Angeles radio announcer, needs 24-hour care as a result of primary progressive multiple sclerosis. He desperately wants to remain at home, but he and his wife have exhausted almost all of their savings paying for supplementary in-home care. They were facing a draconian choice: either impoverish themselves or move Pat into a nursing home, where Medicaid would help pay for his care. But they shouldn’t have had to.
Since 2014, a federal law has required the spouse of someone who needs Medicaid-funded in-home care to keep some additional income and assets so that they can pay the rent, buy food, and meet their other needs, while their spouse qualifies for Medicaid. This law was intended to help people like Mr. Kelley avoid unnecessary institutionalization. But California failed to implement the law.
On July 7, 2017, working with partners, we filed a lawsuit against the state of California to compel the state to implement the law.
Already, as a result of the lawsuit, on July 19, California’s Department of Health Care Services instructed counties to apply spousal impoverishment provisions to married individuals who apply for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). We’ll keep you updated as the case progresses.
Read more about the case.
Class Certified for Medicare Patients in "Observation Status" Case
AUG 8, 2017 | Justice in Aging
Nancy Niemi was hospitalized for 39 days after a visit to an emergency room. She’s 84-years-old and eligible for Medicare. The hospital, however, categorized her as an outpatient receiving “observation services” for her entire stay. Medicare covers hospital care through an inclusive payment under Part A if the stay is classified as inpatient, but patients may incur unexpected cost sharing if the stay is classified as “outpatient” observation covered under Part B. Ms. Niemi was now in debt for thousands of dollars for her entire 39-day stay, and, in addition, Medicare does not permit beneficiaries to appeal when they are classified as receiving observation services when they are in the hospital, so she had no way to challenge the lack of coverage.
Due to a federal court decision issued last week, Nancy Neimi is now a member of a nationwide class of hospital patients who may gain the right to appeal their placement on observation. Hospitals commonly classify patients under observation, and, until March of this year, often without their knowledge. This practice has left many older adults and others with thousands of dollars in surprise bills not just for the hospital stay, but also medicine and other services received while classified as under observation. Class members could number in the hundreds of thousands. One study found that, in 2009 alone, 918,180 Medicare beneficiaries experienced observation stays.
Justice in Aging filed the original lawsuit (now named Alexander v. Price) along with the Center for Medicare Advocacy in 2011. The case was initially dismissed, but plaintiffs appealed to the 2nd Circuit and prevailed. The case is now going forward on the Due Process claim. Specifically, the plaintiffs allege that Medicare must allow beneficiaries to challenge the decision they are only receiving observation services. The class certification order was issued on July 31, 2017 and can be read here.
If you have a client who you think may be a member of the class, you can submit their story here. Otherwise, no action is required at this time. We’ll keep you updated on the case as it moves forward.
Support National Level Advocacy!
AUG 8, 2017 | National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)
NADSA has launched an Advocacy / Public Policy Initiative to raise funds needed to increase our visibility in Congress and the Executive Branch, strengthen our voice on national policy issues, and support Adult Day Services providers in serving clients and families. The most important thing we can do together is to support advocacy that none of us can do alone.
NADSA’s Advocacy / Public Policy initiative has five main objectives:
- Support NADSA’s legislative presence with Congress and the Executive Branch to fight deep Medicaid funding cuts and advance the expansion of Adult Day Services as a Medicare benefit;
- Ensure that NADSA has strong visibility on the national stage with organizations that impact ADS and participants and families;
- Help NADSA work with state associations to strengthen ADS advocacy in communities across the United States;
- Support the creation and dissemination of ADS advocacy materials and tools for NADSA members and to strengthen ongoing communications on policy issues; and
- Strengthen and enhance NADSA’s annual Policy Event in Washington D.C.
While it is an uncertain time for health-related issues, there are also opportunities to make a difference. Nearly 50 advocates joined us for our annual Public Policy Event in Washington D.C. this May and were well-received by members of Congress. Our work on gaining support for Veteran’s services is realizing success. We have momentum in our favor but the threat of deep funding cuts are all too real.
There has never been a greater need for NADSA to invest in building its public policy and advocacy capacity.
To do this, we need your financial support. We need resources beyond what dues provide to ensure that current Medicaid funding is protected from deep cuts, and, also to achieve our goal of ADS as a Medicare benefit. Any donation amount is appreciated.
Please go to http://www.nadsa.org/donate/ to make your donation. We will acknowledge your contribution on the NADSA website and continue to keep you apprised of our work protecting and championing ADS.
Governor and lawmakers reach final deal on new state budget
JUN 13, 2017 | Los Angeles Times | Melanie Mason and John Myers
With a deadline looming, there's a deal between Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers on a new state budget
Your Donations Help!
Three (3) great opportunities to further support Adult Day Services:
- CAADS STATE ADVOCACY FUND
- CAADS MANAGED CARE CONSULTING FUND
- ALE NINA M. NOLCOX SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Learn more and DONATE today -- thank you!
California Association for Adult Day Services, a 501 (c) 6 non-profit grassroots-driven organization, advocates for the growth and development of adult day services in California and nationally. CAADS was the first state association formed in the United States for the purpose of advancing adult day services. Centers in membership with CAADS provide innovative day programs that support individuals with physical or mental disabilities and older adults with Alzheimer's disease and their families.
A nationally recognized leader in the field of aging, the Association is governed by the CAADS Board of Directors and provides timely information, analysis, advocacy, technical assistance, education, and networking opportunities for its members. CAADS members agree to abide by the Association's Bylaws, Code of Ethics, and Anti-trust Policy.
VIEW:
CAADS Board of Directors: 2017
CAADS Annual Report: 2016 | 2015
Bylaws | Code of Ethics | Anti-trust Policy
The CAADS Members Only page features information and technical assistance specific to Adult Day Services, as highlighted below. For membership information, click here.
- State Budget Proposals, Legislative Alerts & Advocacy
- CBAS Waiver
- Medi-Cal Issues
- Medicare and Medi-Cal Dual Beneficiaries News & CCI / CalDuals Updates
- Managed Care Health Plans & CA Dept of Managed Health Care Updates
- ADHC / CBAS Licensing & Regulations (DPH, DHCS, CDA)
- Adult Day Program (ADP) Licensing & Regulations (DSS, CCLD)
- Funding Sources
- Education & Training Materials / Webinar Recordings
- Membership Roster
 The Alliance for Leadership and Education (A.L.E.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit arm of CAADS. Its mission is to advance innovation and quality in Adult Day Service through research and analysis, education and training, and leadership for the benefit of consumers and their caregivers.
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NATIONAL ADULT DAY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (NADSA)
CAADS is a proud member of the National Adult Day Services Association.
Three representatives from California currently serve on the NADSA Board of Directors:
Corinne Jan, RN, PHN (NADSA Treasurer)
CEO, Family Bridges / Hong Fook Centers
Lydia Missaelides, MHA
Executive Director, CAADS
Amanda Sillars, MSW, LCSW
CEO, Total ADHC Solutions, Inc.
CARING FOR A VETERAN?
For help, call the VA Caregiver Support Line (toll-free):
1-855-260-3274
Mon - Fri 8 AM - 11 PM (EST) || Sat 10:30 AM - 6 PM (EST)
TO REPORT FRAUD AND ABUSE
Call DHCS Medi-Cal Fraud Hotline:
1-800-822-6222
The call is free and you can remain anonymous.
FREE FRAUD PREVENTION EDUCATION
The California Senior Medicare Patrol offers free fraud prevention education throughout the state.
To schedule a presentation, call 855-613-7080
See the SMP/Medicare fraud section at www.cahealthadvocates.org, for more information on ways to protect yourself from healthcare fraud and how to detect it.
If you come across any suspicious activity,
PLEASE REPORT IT AT
855-613-7080
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California Association for Adult Day Services
1107 9th Street, Suite 701 || Sacramento, CA 95814–3610
T: (916) 552-7400 || F: (866) 725-3123
E: caads@caads.org |
