Managed Care in Kansas
Bottom Line
Policy changes are made which impact access to day-to-day supports for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This paper reports on lessons learned which include the importance of including individuals with disabilities and their families in the design and implementation of these policies.
Details
The following is an abstract and published article regarding Medicaid managed long-term services and supports in Kansas.
KanCare logo
Abstract: Many adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) can access health and long-term services and supports (LTSS) through Medicaid. States are reforming their Medicaid LTSS programs from a fee-for-service model to a Medicaid managed LTSS (MLTSS) approach, anticipating improved quality of care and reduced costs, although there is limited evidence of MLTSS effectiveness. This study's objective was to contribute to the growing MLTSS research literature by describing MLTSS implementation in Kansas for adults with IDD. Thirty-one stakeholders completed in-depth semi-structured interviews, representing state or regional groups, service coordination providers, and family caregivers. Findings identify key aspects of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ new MLTSS regulations in the design and implementation of MLTSS programs.
Research Policy Brief Regarding Managed Care in Kansas
Image from the policy brief showing key recommendations.
Bottom Line
Policy changes are made which impact access to day-to-day supports for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This paper reports on lessons learned which include the importance of including individuals with disabilities and their families in the design and implementation of these policies.
Details
The following is a reference and also link to review a 3-page Research Policy Brief I developed for Kansas stakeholders.
Williamson, H.J. (2015). Research Brief: Implementation of KanCare for Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (Based Upon a Doctoral Dissertation). Tampa, FL: University of South Florida. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1135.8162
Managed Care Dissertation
Bottom Line
More efforts should be made to include all stakeholders in the design and implementation of policies which impact their lives. The paper below is my dissertation defense document for those who want more details regarding this policy research project.
Unified Theory of Family Quality of Life (Zuna, Summers, & Turnbull, 2009)
Details
For those of you who would like more details about my managed care study in Kansas, including my guiding theory for the study. You can review my dissertation in its entirety.