Document Type

Chartbook

Publication Date

7-2018

Keywords

Long term services and supports, LTSS, Maine, Muskie School, adults, MaineCare, Disability and Aging, Cutler Institute, USM Aging Initiative, Policy, Health and Wellness

Abstract

All of us have likely either used, will use, or know someone who uses long term services and support (LTSS). They enable us to live with dignity and as much independence as possible and offer us the opportunity to remain involved and productive in our communities. The need for LTSS can arise suddenly after injury or illness or a life-long condition. But how ever the need arises, the impact is the same—services such as personal care, work support, home health care, and residential care provide not just for individual health and comfort, but also for interaction, inclusion, and engagement with each other. While many of us have provided help with daily living for our family and friends or have relied on our own family ourselves, there are times when formal support from professional caregivers is necessary. Private health insurance and Medicare do not typically cover extended LTSS, leaving payment for services up to the individual. Medicaid, known as MaineCare in this state, on the other hand, does cover this type of care for adults meeting financial and medical eligibility requirements.

This chartbook describes the MaineCare LTSS available to adult members, the number of members who used them in state fiscal year 2016, and the amount of spending on these services as a proportion of all spending on adult MaineCare members. In addition, this book provides demographic trends regarding Maine’s older adults; Census estimates on poverty, housing, and employment among Maine’s adults with disabilities; characteristics of Maine adults using nursing, residential care, or home and community based services; and an analysis of MaineCare spending and service utilization among adults using different types of LTSS. The information on the services available, the trends in use, and the dollars spent on them presents a snapshot of the LTSS system in State fiscal year 2016, and it can help us plan for the system we want for ourselves and our family and friends in the future.

Comments

When referencing or using any of the charts or other materials in this Chartbook, please use the Recommended Citation provided.

This chartbook was prepared under a contract between the University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services, DHHS Agreement #ADS-18-9312A

The Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) manages services for many people who require LTSS. Eligibility for different services depends on a person’s diagnosis, level of care need, and financial circumstance. Some adults may qualify for services from multiple programs within OADS.

Funding Organization

Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Aging and Disability Services

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