Refining Measures of State Efforts in Prevention and Health Promotion for People with Disabilities in State Long-Term Support and Service Systems

Federal mandates and initiatives (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act, Olmstead Decision) provide an impetus for states to pursue community integration for all individuals. As states continue to reform their long-term supports and services (LTSS) systems, there is a growing interest in determining their success in providing a balance between home and community based services (HCBS) and institutional alternatives for people with disabilities, specifically in prevention and health promotion programs and services.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the balance and person-centeredness of services provided to individuals with disabilities within LTSS systems in seven states through the NBIP. One important facet of LTSS systems being examined is prevention and health promotion programs and services. The NBIP is assisting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in refining and expanding measures to examine states' efforts in promoting preventive services and examining states' success in serving this population.

Findings

During the first data collection effort, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) was used to assess the universal availability and utilization of community, clinical, and preventative services. 65.4% (Nevada) to 84.5% (Massachusetts) of respondents reported having received preventative services in 2009. Findings from the second data collection effort will include BRFSS data as well as other data collected during the first data collection for comparison as well as present additional findings related to awareness of and barriers to access to programs and services for the disability community as part of the refinements made to the indicators.