1057 Availability of discussion document on managed long-term services and supports; public input meetings

DEPARTMENT OF AGING

DEPARTMENT OF
HUMAN SERVICES

Availability of Discussion Document on Managed Long-Term Services and Supports; Public Input Meetings

[45 Pa.B. 2728]
[Saturday, June 6, 2015]

 On February 27, 2015, Governor Tom Wolf unveiled a package of legislative and budgetary actions to provide choice and protections for seniors as they age. As a result, the Department of Human Services (Department) in partnership with the Department of Aging will pursue the implementation of managed long-term care and engage stakeholders to ensure that the system is person-centered, breaks down barriers and fills in the gaps that currently exist in the long-term care services and supports system. This initiative, which was recommended by the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Commission, will result in a more strategic care delivery system and improved health outcomes for seniors and people with disabilities.

 The University of Pittsburgh was engaged by the Department to develop a discussion document as the basis for policy development and contracting for a managed care program for Medicaid beneficiaries who require long-term services and supports (LTSS). This discussion document outlines key decision points and offers recommendations for a Medicaid managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) program based on a review of the literature and relevant experiences from other states that have implemented or experimented with these types of programs. The overall objectives of the MLTSS initiative are to:

 • Improve care coordination in the LTSS system to ensure consumers have access to comprehensive person-centered supports and services.

 • Improve and expand service delivery in the LTSS system to ensure that consumers have access to appropriately qualified providers of care.

 • Improve quality and outcomes in the LTSS system by utilizing alternative care delivery systems to provide the right service, at the right time and in the right location.

 • Enhance transitions from more to less intensive settings to ensure continuity of care and prevent unnecessary readmissions.

 • Make the LTSS system more fiscally sustainable.

 The discussion document is available at http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/foradults/managedlongtermsupports/index.htm or by contacting the Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living at [phone]. Persons who wish to request a copy of the discussion document in an alternate format, contact the Department at the number previously listed.

 The Department will hold six public input meetings throughout this Commonwealth to receive comments on the Department's wish to move forward with the implementation of the MLTSS.

Location, Date and Time of Public Input Meeting

Erie—Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, PA 16507
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh—Thursday, June 11, 2015
Allegheny County Courthouse
Gold Room
436 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Altoona—Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Blair County Convention Center
One Convention Center Drive
Altoona, PA 16602
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Scranton—Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Hilton Scranton and Conference Center
100 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Harrisburg—Tuesday, June 23, 2015
PaTTAN—Harrisburg
Conference Room 1
6340 Flank Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17112
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Philadelphia—Friday, June 26, 2015
Temple University Center City
1515 Market Street—Room 222
Philadelphia, PA 19102
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 Additional opportunities to provide input, including interactive webinars, will be announced.

Registering for a Public Input Meeting

 Persons who wish to provide verbal comments at a public input meeting must register prior to the date. Registration is not required for persons attending to listen, but the Department is requesting those interested in attending to register to help ensure there is adequate seating. If there are capacity limitations, priority will be given to those who have registered to attend.

 To register to present verbal comments or attend the public input meeting, go to http://www.dhs.state.pa.us/foradults/managedlongtermsupports/index.htm and follow the registration instructions. Individuals may also register by calling [phone] or [phone] (TDD users).

 Verbal comments at the public input meeting will be limited to 5 minutes to allow others time to share their comments. To assist the Department in accurately capturing verbal comments, individuals are asked to submit a written copy of their comments by submitting a copy at the public input meeting, e-mailing them or mailing them to the address noted as follows.

Submitting Written Comments and Feedback

 Interested persons are invited to submit written comments regarding this notice and the discussion document. Comments should be addressed to April Leonhard, Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Living, Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management, P. O. Box 8025, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8025. Comments may also be submitted to the Department at [e-mail]. Commentators are instructed to use subject header ''MLTSS'' when submitting electronic comments. Comments must be submitted by July 15, 2015.

 Persons with a disability who require an auxiliary aid or service may submit comments using the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at [phone] (TDD users) or [phone] (voice users).

TERESA OSBORNE, 
Secretary of Aging

THEODORE DALLAS, 
Secretary of Human Services

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 15-1057. Filed for public inspection June 5, 2015, 9:00 a.m.]