pathways for aging

Among other things, providers brought up concerns around having to wait for reimbursements and issues with contacting the companies managing the program.

Just 223 entities have applied to a state fund for temporary emergency financial assistance — and only 11 providers got it.

One of the goals of the program is to make it easier for dual-enrolled members to align their Medicaid coverage with their Medicare coverage.

Indiana Medicaid Director Cora Steinmetz said the agency is also exploring other ways to improve how members are processed.

The Pathways for Aging program will shift care to managed health plans from the fee-for-service structure the state has been using for home and community-based services. Lawmakers and senior care organizations have raised concerns about the readiness of the program for months.

adult day services face a monumental change this summer when the state transitions to managed care. For providers, that means a Managed Care Entity will handle their claims and payments rather than the state.

Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) raised concerns about the Aged and Disabled waiver waitlist. He said he’s concerned that people who are deemed medically eligible for waiver services may be forced to wait just because of a budget limitation.

While Area Agencies on Aging can enter into individual contracts with the companies, many can’t afford the lower rate because it isn't enough to cover the cost of the work.