Data-Driven Advocacy: Michigan’s Success in Becoming a No-Wait State
Jim McGuireInterim CEODirector of Research, Policy Development & Advocacy Area Agency on Aging 1-B, Southfield, MI
Christine VanlandinghamFund and Product Development OfficerRegion IV Area Agency on Aging, St. Joseph, MI
Data-Driven Advocacy:
Dying while waiting for services
Non-Medicaid Adults often the most in need.
A 2014 study in southeast Michigan found that those who languished on wait lists and never got help were:
• five times more likely to enter a nursing home than their counterparts who went on a wait list but did receive services
• had a much higher mortality rate.
Data-Driven Advocacy:
Simply asking for more money is not an effective advocacy strategy
Use data to:• Define the problem
• Ask for solution to the problem
• Describe the Value Proposition
• Demonstrate Return on Investment
Get them to wear the pin!
Data-Driven Advocacy:
Don’t lose focus on Older Americans Act Programs
• Don’t sacrifice advancement of core OAA programs while in pursuit of emergent opportunities.
• Don’t give up on Title III-B! There’s still milk left in that cow.
• First new Title III-B dollar vs. first managed care dollar.
Data-Driven Advocacy:
Title III-B dollars save Medicaid money
• OAA programs delay or prevent the need for costlier Medicaid-funded care.
• Title III-B provides a range of services essential to older adults’ ability to maintain independence.
• Sequestration and other cuts have reduced Title III-B funding to levels not seen since before FY 2002.
Data-Driven Advocacy:
Built institutions vs. HCBS Strategy
• During the 1950s and early 1960s, elementary schools could not be built fast enough to keep up with demand
• Not going to be able to build enough nursing homes – or afford the cost of institutional care to keep up with long-term-care needs.
Data-Driven Advocacy:
What worked in Michigan
Coalition Building
Silver Key CoalitionA group of individuals and organizations committed to supporting the desire of older adults and adults with a disability to remain living at home for as long as possible.
Data-Driven Advocacy:
What worked in Michigan
Laser focus on Non-Medicaid in-home services
Data-driven messaging
• Bi-partisan support• Meet and pin every Legislator• Coalition testimony• Brief Reports in off season
Data-Driven Advocacy:
What worked in Michigan
Legislative Strategy
• Counties with no wait list• Wait lists increased with funding• No FY 16 increase – Flint, Detroit
Schools, business tax breaks• Unmet Need is real purpose• No measurement of outcomes –
Darn you NAPIS
Data-Driven Advocacy:
Obstacles in Michigan
Sustainability• Donations• Hold network accountable for performance• Over-perform
Data-Driven Advocacy:
What’s next in Michigan
• Continued education of legislators - Perils of term limits
• Dedicated sources of revenue
Data-Driven Advocacy:
What’s next in Michigan
Can this work nationwide: Yes!
Other OAA Parts have their own advocacy interest groups, III-B needs one• NANASP, Meals on Wheels Foundation• Elder Justice• Native Americans
Nation
No Wait Nation
Would require a multi-year effort to launch• Spade work to document unmet needs• Develop Value Proposition• Document surge in demand• Coalesce – form a national coalition (grant funded?)
No Wait Nation – [or other tag?]
• AoA, ACL not build for advocacy, NASUAD support key• Get ACL support and into President’s budget• Re-name and brand III-B – Senior Independence Services• Need tag line – Identification of outcomes
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