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Article
COVID-19: the Time for Collaboration Between Long-Term Services and Supports, Health Care Systems, and Public Health is Now
The Milbank Quarterly
  • Walter D Dawson, Portland State University
  • Nathan A Boucher, Duke University
  • Robyn Stone, LeadingAge LTSS Center@UMassBoston
  • Courtney H. Van Houtven, Duke University
Document Type
Citation
Publication Date
2-16-2021
Subjects
  • COVID-19 (Disease) -- United States -- Health care,
  • Long-term care of the sick,
  • Aging population
Disciplines
Abstract

Policy Points To address systemic problems amplified by COVID-19, we need to restructure US long-term services and supports (LTSS) as they relate to both the health care systems and public health systems. We present both near-term and long-term policy solutions. Seven near-term policy recommendations include requiring the uniform public reporting of COVID-19 cases in all LTSS settings; identifying and supporting unpaid caregivers; bolstering protections for the direct care workforce; increasing coordination between public health departments and LTSS agencies and providers; enhancing collaboration and communication across health, LTSS, and public health systems; further reducing barriers to telehealth in LTSS; and providing incentives to care for vulnerable populations. Long-term reform should focus on comprehensive workforce development, comprehensive LTSS financing reform, and the creation of an age-friendly public health system.

Rights

© 2021 Milbank Memorial Fund

DOI
10.1111/1468-0009.12500
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/35329
Citation Information
Dawson, W. D., Boucher, N. A., Stone, R., & Van Houtven, C. H. (2021). COVID‐19: The Time for Collaboration Between Long‐Term Services and Supports, Health Care Systems, and Public Health Is Now. The Milbank Quarterly.