As the acuity level of community-based care clients increases, SDSD is challenged to find simple ways to appropriately and adequately reimburse these providers. This is partially attributable to our low-unemployment economy. Moreover, many workers do not have benefits or paid time off, they work in a traditionally undervalued field. Some solutions are simply monetary, but we must also identify ways to make care giving a more attractive profession. Benefits of the system Clients get alternatives to nursing facilities with a system based on choice.
Taxpayers get a less costly program and slower cost growth than the rate of inflation.
We will be focusing on individuals who are likely to become Medicaid eligible. More will need to be done to help people stay independent, prevent impoverishment and spend-down to Medicaid eligibility. The federal government should be financial partners with states to intervene earlier with people who are near income eligibility and who will become dependent without some limited services. Oregon also looks toward a future in which the Medicare and Medicaid programs work better together. Oregon's model provides services that are desirable to consumers and control costs.