Leveraging Payment and Delivery System Reforms to Improve Chronic Care and Long Term Services and Supports
Many states are implementing comprehensive payment and delivery system reforms, including accountable care models, dual eligible demonstrations, and strategies states are pursuing through the State Innovation Model (SIM) initiative. Some states are taking advantage of these initiatives to transform their LTSS and chronic care delivery systems. This session will feature Arkansas’s efforts to implement health homes and prospective payment models for LTSS and behavioral health services, and Minnesota’s efforts to coordinate chronic care through several federal-state reform initiatives.
Moderator
Pam Parker, Policy Consultant, Office of the Assistant Commissioner-Health Care, Minnesota Department of Human Services
Speakers
Marie Zimmerman, Health Care Policy Director, Office of the Assistant Commissioner – Health Care, Minnesota Department of Human Services
Mimi Toomey, Senior Advisor on Long Term Services and Support, HHS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation; and Director, Office of Policy Analysis and Development, Administration for Community Living
Rene Montgomery, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Policy and Planning, Arkansas Department of Human Services
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
