Disparities in person-centered outcomes among recipients of Medicaid long-term services and supports: Experiences of elders, working age adults with physical disabilities, and working age adults with developmental disabilities

Long-term services and supports (LTSS) assist people with disabilities with functional and health needs. Recent years have seen increasing understanding that the purpose of these supports must be to assist people to have the desired quality of life, including living where they desire, associating with the people they wish, and engaging in desired activities. However, few measures have existed to assess the success of LTSS in achieving these goals. This study uses one such approach, PEONIES, to identify individually-desired outcomes, necessary supports, and success of those supports in achieving the outcomes. Supports included those provided as Medicaid paid services, as well as through other community resources, family, friends, and one’s personal resources. Interviews were conducted with a representative sample of adults with disabilities receiving LTSS throughout Wisconsin.  The analyses presented here compare the experiences of working age adults with physical disabilities, working age adults with developmental disabilities, and elders. Overall, those with physical disabilities were least likely to have the necessary supports to achieve their desired outcomes, but variations by type of outcome (e.g., employment, health, living situation) were found. The presentation will highlight key areas of disparity, and will discuss potential strategies for reducing disparities and improving quality of life for all.