The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard stands as a crucial tool for evaluating and enhancing state-level performance in delivering essential services. Driven by the core principle that effective management and improvement hinge on meticulous measurement, the Scorecard offers a comprehensive comparison of LTSS systems across states. This holistic approach acknowledges the intricate and interconnected nature of various factors influencing the overall effectiveness of LTSS. Supported by organizations like The SCAN Foundation, the AARP Foundation, The Commonwealth Fund, and The John A. Hartford Foundation, this initiative aims to stimulate dialogue, encourage strategic investment, and unite diverse stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to direct attention and resources towards aspects of LTSS that most significantly impact individuals receiving care and their families.
The AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) pioneered this effort, launching the first State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports in 2011. This ongoing project, bolstered by the support of organizations including The SCAN Foundation, continues to assess and rank state LTSS systems. By benchmarking state performance, the Scorecard elevates the visibility of LTSS issues and catalyzes action at both the state and federal levels. Unlike studies that may focus on specific facets of LTSS system performance, the Scorecard adopts a broad perspective, comparing state systems across a range of performance dimensions. This reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of various components within an effective LTSS framework.
Key Updates to the LTSS Scorecard
Recent iterations of the Scorecard have introduced several important updates to refine its assessment and broaden its impact:
- Refined Vision for High-Performing Systems: The Scorecard is continuously evolving to reflect an improved understanding of what constitutes an optimal LTSS system, setting higher benchmarks for performance.
- Dimension Evolution: The assessment framework has been updated with adjustments to key dimensions. For instance, “Quality of Life and Quality of Care” has been refocused to “Safety and Quality,” emphasizing these critical aspects of service delivery. Similarly, “Effective Transitions” has been broadened to “Community Integration,” highlighting the importance of seamless transitions and community-based support.
- Indicator Enhancements: The Scorecard now incorporates 12 new core indicators to provide a more granular and comprehensive evaluation. Furthermore, 11 indicators now feature data breakdowns by Race/Ethnicity, promoting a greater understanding of disparities and equity within LTSS systems. Some previous indicators have been removed or replaced to ensure the Scorecard remains relevant and focused on the most impactful measures.
- Innovation Recognition: The Scorecard now includes “Innovation Points” to acknowledge and encourage states that are pioneering novel and effective approaches to LTSS delivery.
- Performance Tiering: To better differentiate state performance and facilitate targeted improvement efforts, the Scorecard now utilizes “Performance Tiers,” categorizing states based on their levels of achievement across the measured dimensions.
These updates underscore the commitment to ensuring the LTSS Scorecard remains a dynamic and insightful tool for driving progress in long-term care, with the support of organizations like The SCAN Foundation.
