Indiana officials looking forward to making changes to the state’s managed care system say they want to speed up the eligibility process for home-based care and build up the necessary workforce. While only 45% of Indiana’s Medicaid beneficiaries receive care at home, an AARP survey shows that some 75% of Americans over age 50 desire to remain in their own home as they age.
The state has four goals for overhauling its managed care system: get seniors access to home- and community-based care within 72 hours; move its long-term services and supports into a managed model; link the payments healthcare providers receive to patient outcomes; and create an integrated data system that connects care providers, patients, families and health care facilities with the state.
Pilot programs are already underway. However, there could be legislative hurdles because Indiana currently has a moratorium that prevents additional spending through managed care providers. The moratorium is set to end this year unless lawmakers renew it.
