The administration of eligibility for community long-term care

Eligibility assessment systems for community long-term care vary widely across current programs funded by states and Medicaid and in proposals to expand federal funding. Improved equity and efficiency in both current and proposed programs will require better specification of eligibility criteria, timing and setting of assessments, language of assessment items, training of assessors, procedures for appeal and review, and consideration of the costs of care management. Recent research and demonstrations provide models and technology for more uniform approaches in national programs.