When it comes to how Idaho cares for its elderly and disabled, the state is ahead of the curve in some areas and right behind the eight ball in others, according to a new AARP report taking an in-depth review of long-term care services and supports (LTSS) in the Gem State.
The report analyzes the results of AARP’s long-term care scorecard for Idaho, finding the state earning an overall rank of 19 nationally, meaning 32 states scored lower – showing where Idaho leads and lags the nation on crucial elder care matters. Idaho was one of three states across the nation chosen as a case study state because, for the most part, Gem State LTSS rankings fell right in the middle. (Minnesota was also chosen because it ranked first overall and Georgia was picked because it ranked poorly).
The Good: Idaho ranked 8th in the nation for helping elderly and disabled residents to age in their setting of choice, excelling in balancing LTSS dollars in Medicaid toward providing home and community based services (HCBS), as opposed to costly nursing home care.
The Bad: Idaho’s scored last in the nation in the functionality of its Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), where residents should be able to get the information they need to find information and resources on the care that’s right for them or a loved one. Idaho moved from having the centers located in the community, to simply having it on-line. The move has created barriers to people learning about care options. However, there is a bright spot; the Idaho Commission on Aging is actively working to improve that score and soliciting feedback to make it happen. Members of the public are encouraged to provide their comments and ideas on-line: http://www.aging.idaho.gov/documents/documents.html.
The Ugly: Idaho ranked 41st in the nation when it came to “tools and programs to facilitate consumer choice.” This score is due to Idaho’s lack of using “presumptive eligibility” to speed up access to home and community based services. Idaho faces a challenge in integrating the provision of services from its Medicaid program with those offered through the Commission on Aging. There are few formal linkages between these departments which function under separate government agencies. As a result, eligibility determinations are not coordinated.
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