New Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab to tackle complex challenge of older adults’ access to care

The SCAN Foundation has committed nearly $8 million over three years for the Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab, a nonprofit endeavor that will focus on advancing public policies at both the state and federal level to help improve access to care for low-income older adults and people with disabilities, Tim Engelhardt, executive director of the lab, said. Among the public policy work the lab will address on the state and federal levels are improving the healthcare system’s cost and complexity — two issues that often prevent older adults and people with disabilities from accessing care. In particular, the lab aims to streamline enrollment processes. He cited Virginia, where those who receive Supplemental Social Income (SSI) have to apply separately for Medicaid. This administrative burden taxes applicants, their families and government officials, he said. A total of 12 million people in this country are dual-eligible — on Medicare and Medicaid. This heterogeneous group consists of low-income older adults and people with disabilities who have, on average, high rates of disability and chronic illness and need significant supports to live in the community. About half of people in HCBS programs are dually eligible, he noted.Follow us on social media:X: @McKHomeCareFacebook: McKnight's Home CareLinkedIn: McKnight's Home CareInstagram: mcknights_homecareFollow The SCAN Foundation on social media:LinkedIn: The SCAN FoundationX: @TheSCANFndtnShow contributors:McKnight’s Home Care Editor Liza Berger; Tim Engelhardt, executive director, Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.