What is this long-term care planning process all about?
The State of Wisconsin wants counties to develop a new way to
provide long-term care services to older adults and people with
disabilities who meet eligibility requirements. It is called “managed
care.”
The State’s goals for managed long-term care are:
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CHOICE – Giving people better choices about the
services and support systems available to meet their needs.
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ACCESS – Improving people's access to services.
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QUALITY – Improving the overall quality of the
long-term care system by focusing on achieving people's
health and social goals.
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COST-EFFECTIVENESS – Creating a cost-effective
long-term care system for the future.
It will also be important to promote home and community
living (as opposed to residing in nursing homes); to cater to
individual needs and preferences; to promote health and dignity;
and to eliminate waiting lists for long-term care services.
Click here for more details on the Statewide
long-term
care planning effort.
What is "managed care"?
Managed care refers to a system which provides services and
care in a cost-effective manner, keeping costs down by
coordinating or managing services. Basically it means that a
team of experts will work one-on-one with each person to put
together the best “package” of services. It is like “one
stop shopping.” A person’s services will be coordinated by
one organization and one team of professionals.
What is happening in Milwaukee County?
Milwaukee County is engaged in a planning process to develop
a blueprint for managed long-term care for adults with
disabilities under the age of 60. It is being guided by three
organizations: Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human
Services Disabilities
Services Division, iCare,
and Community
Care. Together these three organizations have experience in
managed care and providing long-term care services. The reform
plan for Milwaukee County's long-term care system is expected to
be ready early in 2008. Actual implementation is not expected
until 2009.
Long-term care services are things you need help with over a
long period of time to help meet your daily needs. Things like:
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Help with cooking and bathing
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Home delivered meals
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Transportation
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Nurse visits at home
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Home Repairs and
Help Around the House
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Help making your home accessible
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Long-term care services can also include nursing home care.
However, people with disabilities overwhelmingly prefer their
long-term care services to be provided in home settings.
People who already receive these services will continue to
receive them. They’ll just be managed differently, and there
may even be some new benefits.
Who will be eligible for managed long-term care?
If Milwaukee County has a managed long-term care program at
the end of this planning phase, there will be certain
requirements to enroll in the program. First, you must be on
Medicaid, or you must be eligible for Medicaid. You will then be
asked a series of questions about the kind of help you need to
determine whether you are eligible.
Are people aged 60 and over part of this planning effort?
People in Milwaukee County who are age 60 and over already
have “managed care.” They can choose to receive Family Care
from Milwaukee County Department on Aging or be part of
Community Care’s Wisconsin Partnership
Program.
Where can I get more information or give my opinions?
This website contains information about Milwaukee County’s
planning process and it also provides opportunities through the Your Space page for consumers and families to provide
feedback on issues related to the planning process.
Click here for a list of commonly
used acronyms relating to managed long-term care.
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