National Health Policy Forum

Issue Brief

No. 822
Date: MAY 30, 2007
Title:
Trading Places: Real Choice Systems
Change Grants and the Movement to Community-Based
Long-Term Care Supports
PDF Doc.
Author: Cynthia Shirk, Consultant
Summary: The Real Choice Systems Change grant program was created to help states transform their long-term care service systems from ones that rely on institutions to ones that are more community-based. The grants are intended to help states develop the infrastructure needed for seniors and individuals with disabilities to live in integrated community settings. This issue brief provides information about Systems Change grants and the kinds of activities state Medicaid agencies have undertaken to transform their institutionally based systems. In addition, this paper reports on some of the qualitative and quantitative responses to the changes. This brief also raises critical policy questions related to public spending for long-term care in different settings that might be considered in tandem with future grant funding decisions.
Related
Materials:
See also "Medicaid Eligibility and Benefits" (The Basics, January 28, 2011).