This webinar, hosted by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) with support from the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), is the first in a five-part virtual learning series. The series is exploring opportunities to strengthen cross-sector partnerships to improve appropriate, timely, and effective use of assisted living communities for Medi-Cal enrollees, including older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with behavioral health needs.
This first webinar provided an overview of California’s assisted living landscape — including types of facilities, resident characteristics, and services provided — and examined how this setting fits into the broader care and housing continuum for Medi-Cal enrollees. It also highlighted common pathways to access and finance assisted living for Medi-Cal enrollees, as well as identified key opportunities to expand the use of assisted living services while addressing access barriers. A preview of upcoming topics in the learning series was also shared.
Agenda
I. Welcome
Speakers: Kate Meyers, Senior Program Officer, CHCF; Emma Rauscher, Program Officer, CHCS
K. Meyers welcomed participants on behalf of CHCF and introduced the Assisted Living for Medi-Cal Enrollees: Virtual Learning Series. E. Rauscher reviewed the objectives of the series and this first webinar. She discussed: (1) CalAIM’s broad goal of helping Medi-Cal enrollees remain safe and well in home- and community-based settings; (2) the shifting responsibility of Medi-Cal managed care plans in providing institutional long-term care and home- and community-based services; (3) the promise of assisted living in the Medi-Cal care and housing continuum; and (4) the need for cross-stakeholder collaboration to better use assisted living to support populations with functional needs.
II. Assisted Living 101
Speaker: Paula Hertel, independent consultant
P. Hertel discussed how assisted living can help achieve stable housing and living supports for people with functional needs in the most appropriate, least restrictive, and cost-effective setting. She described what assisted living is, who it can serve, the various types of assisted living settings, and how appropriate use of this care option benefits all stakeholders.
III. Panel Discussion: California’s Assisted Living Landscape
Speakers: Sarah Triano, Associate Director, Long-Term Services and Supports and Disability Policy, CHCS; Katie Panarella, Program Director, Community Supports, Anthem Blue Cross; Kerry Landry, independent consultant; Mark Cimino, CEO, CiminoCare; Paula Hertel, independent consultant
S. Triano provided an overview of the major Medi-Cal financing streams for assisted living services and how these streams are used across California. She then moderated a panel discussion on opportunities, pain points, and barriers to expanding assisted living for key Medi-Cal populations.
IV. Moderated Q&A
Moderator: Zackiya Grant-Knight, Program Officer, CHCS
V. Preview of Upcoming Sessions and Wrap-Up
Speaker: E. Rauscher, CHCS
E. Rauscher provided a preview of upcoming webinars in the learning series, including what to expect from each session.
