NASDDDS and NASUAD Co-Author MLTSS Report

 The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) and the National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) co- authored a report titled “ MLTSS for People for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Strategies for Success.” Ari Ne’eman, of Mysupport.com, provided invaluable content and insight as well.

 The report is the second publication from the MLTSS Institute, which was established in 2016 to drive improvements in key MLTSS policy areas, facilitate sharing and learning among states, and provide direct and intensive technical assistance to states and health plans.

 The report focuses on each lifecycle phase of an MLTSS program, and highlights successful practices in the following areas:

 • Goal setting;

• Program design;

• State infrastructure alignment;

• Procurement and contracting;

• Policies and procedure development; and

• Quality management and oversight.

According to the report, because there are unique challenges in implementing a managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the report provides context on the intersection of program design and participant advocacy and outlines successful strategies for both states and health plans. Several state examples are highlighted as well.

 The report further describes that States and plans should address these elements in any I/DD-focused MLTSS program:

 ·        Clear goals and data-based design;

·        Ongoing and rigorous stakeholder engagement focusing on participants and their

families;

·        Strong collaboration among state agencies;

·        Education and training for both participants and providers; and

·        Contract terms and payment arrangements that support program goals.

 According to a recent NASUAD news release, Martha Roherty, NASUAD Executive Director, believes this report will fill a significant information gap in the field. “As we are out providing technical assistance to states seeking to implement or expand MLTSS programs to people with I/DD, we are asked for best practices across the country.  We are so pleased that this report highlights the core strategies that when thoughtfully carried out are likely to lead to a strong program that meets participants needs and leads to better health outcomes.”

  “We were pleased to partner with NASUAD on this paper” said Mary Lee Fay, NASDDDS Executive Director. “This paper aligns with and supports the work we are doing with NASUAD on building business acumen for MLTSS programs.”