The Aging Network in Transition: Hanging in the Balance

Despite the challenges of perennially low funding levels and the lack of federal investment in the development of infrastructure and technology for the aging network, it is showing signs of significant progress in developing relationships with a diverse array of health care organizations. This paper covers key developments that are re-shaping the network as well as efforts to better measure the quality and value of its programs and services. The report also includes: case studies highlighting the work of the aging network in Florida, Massachusetts and California, discussion of quality initiatives and congressional actions, and concluding observations.

Here’s why the Aging Network is important:

• Community-based long-term services and supports (LTSS) provided by the Aging Network are essential to keeping Medicare beneficiaries and dually-eligible beneficiaries with complex chronic conditions from repeatedly cycling in and out of high-cost health care settings;

• The Aging Network’s mission and services can be adapted to fit not only traditional home and community-based services waivers and managed Medicaid LTSS, but many other types of innovative arrangements with health care partners and financing models; and

• Over the next decade, the low-cost, community-anchored Aging Network has an opportunity to play a major role in building out a more cost-efficient, accountable, person-centered care system.