The Colorado Health Foundation launched a funding initiative to support Colorado in designing a high-quality, cost-effective and person-centered long-term services and supports (LTSS) system in February 2013. A balanced LTSS system will ensure people with disabilities and chronic conditions have choice, control and access to a full array of quality services that assure optimal outcomes, such as independence, health, quality of life and community integration. This vision aligns with the Foundation’s Health Coverage strategy to address health care costs and affordability to ensure coverage expansions are sustained over time.

To support this effort, the Foundation made $6 million available over a three-year period for LTSS innovation grants that focus on one or more of the following objectives:

• Create a streamlined and sustainable entry point system, making it easier for Coloradans to access LTSS
• Improve Colorado’s LTSS client assessment and care management data system
• Promote the integration of medical, behavioral and LTSS activities to improve communication and coordination and simplify payment
• Improve the quality management system for Medicaid and non-Medicaid funded services
• Support the development of a standardized statewide and/or community needs assessment that is comparative, forward-thinking and actionable across communities.

To guide applicants’ thinking in these areas, the Colorado Health Institute developed four briefing documents.

In addition to these objectives, the LTSS initiative aims to maximize the benefit of some of the new care financing and delivery opportunities offered under the Affordable Care Act, including Accountable Care Organizations, Medical/Health Homes, Community-based Care Transition Programs, the Dual Eligible Integration Pilots and more. The initiative includes a pilot program, Colorado Linkage Lab to strengthen linkages between services provided in medical settings and the LTSS provided by community-based organizations. 

Webinar: LTSS Special Funding Opportunity - View the recorded webinar (You will need to enter your contact information into the ReadyTalk registration form then click the "submit" button to view the recorded webinar)

 Long-Term Services and Supports Infographic 

 "Long-Term Services and Supports in Colorado," Colorado Health Institute

"Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado: Learning Documents," The Colorado Health Institute

"Does Colorado Need a Needs Assessment to Improve Services for Aging or Disabled Residents?" The Colorado Health Foundation

"Strategies to Address Long-Term Services and Supports," Colorado Health Institute

•   Brief One: Improving Colorado’s Assessment Tool and Data System
•   Brief Two: Measuring Quality in Colorado’s Long-Term Services and Supports System
•   Brief Three: Integrating Medical, Behavioral, and Long-Term Services and Supports Activities
•   Brief Four: Local Needs Assessments

Program Officer: Erica Snow (303.953.3656)