HHS gives $68 million in grants to help people with disabilities, senior citizens, caregivers navigate health care options

From Senior Spectrum:

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius just announced $68 million in grants to help seniors, individuals with disabilities and caregivers better understand and navigate their health and long-term care options.

A total of nearly $3.7 million in grants has been awarded in California.

“We know how difficult it can be for individuals and caregivers to deal with a sudden illness or chronic disease while at the same time trying to navigate through a complex health care system to figure out where to go to get appropriate help,” said Sebelius.

These grants, made possible by the Affordable Care Act, are going to states, territories, tribal and community-based organizations. The funds will be used to help seniors and individuals with disabilities and their caregivers make more informed decisions about their health and long-term care.

Specifically, the funds will be used to help families understand their Medicare and Medicaid benefits — including coverage for preventive services — and navigate options for long-term care including community-based services that can help individuals remain in their homes.

The funds will also assist those people transitioning from nursing or rehabilitation facilities back home to put the supports in place to make that transition successful.

These grants are being administered collaboratively by HHS’ Administration on Aging (AoA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). AoA and CMS have provided grants to states for several years to develop person-centered, integrated systems of information and counseling to help individuals learn about and access their health and long-term services and support options.

Funds were available for states, area agencies on aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, Aging and Disability Resource Centers and tribal organizations through a competitive as well as formula process.

“When it comes to long-term health care, each patient has a unique mix of medical and social needs that must be considered,” said Dr. Donald Berwick, CMS Administrator.

“Our health care system can offer many options to meeting those needs from traditional nursing home care to home and community-based services,” added Berwick. “Helping patients and their families understand these options will help them make informed decisions about long-term care that are in the patient’s best interests.”

“These grants will further strengthen the network’s capacity to help people in a more comprehensive way in the communities where they live,” said Kathy Greenlee, assistant secretary for aging.