Long-Term Services and Supports: A Primer for Case Managers: Part 1

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) announced that, beginning in 2019, Medicare Advantage health plans may begin offering additional benefits for nonmedical home services. In 2019, this change impacts the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) landscape dramatically. This two-part article describes LTSS, its traditional demographic and health care footprint, the regulatory and accreditation landscape, quality measurement and outcomes, and the critical importance of maintaining care continuity for individuals receiving LTSS. The objectives are to: PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING(S):: Applicable to all health care sectors where case management is practiced.

Historically, once Medicare recognizes a product or service, managed health plans and commercial insurance carriers follow suit. Professional case managers must become fluent in the language of LTSS, the implications of these CMS changes, and the impact on case management practice across the care continuum.

Professional case managers should understand LTSS, especially as it pertains to care transitions and continuity of health care services to our most vulnerable clients.