Calls for Innovation to Drive Health System Reforms, Lower Costs
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The John A. Hartford Foundation and The SCAN Foundation announce the publication of a Brookings Institution report, “Achieving Better Chronic Care at Lower Costs Across the Health Care Continuum for Older Americans,” which examines one of the most urgent issues affecting health care policy today.
The synthesis of a conference at Brookings’ Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform sponsored by The SCAN Foundation and The John A. Hartford Foundation, the report identifies new payment and care delivery systems as key vehicles to promote better care and spotlights leading health policy and care delivery innovators.
“Chronic illness is the top driver of medical costs, as well as disability and premature death among seniors,” said Christopher Langston, PhD, program director for The John A. Hartford Foundation, a champion of better health care for older adults. “These innovative models can help patients meet their treatment goals and achieve a better quality of life while coping with long-term illness.”
The report explores urgently needed reforms such as a larger and better-trained geriatric workforce, expanded use of team care, health IT, and care coordination. It also emphasizes quality over quantity of care, improving medical services, social supports, and long-term care options for older adults with chronic disease.
“The new federal health reform law lays the fundamental groundwork for improving our nation’s long-term care infrastructure,” said Bruce Chernof, MD, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, which works to raise awareness about the need for long-term care reform. “A more coordinated, person-centered system for those with chronic conditions and functional impairment is both cost-efficient and conducive to aging with dignity.”
The report can be found on The Hartford Foundation and The SCAN Foundation websites.
About The SCAN Foundation
The SCAN Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing the development of a sustainable continuum of quality care for seniors that integrates medical treatment and human services in the settings most appropriate to their needs and with the greatest likelihood of a healthy, independent life. The SCAN Foundation supports programs that stimulate public engagement, develop realistic public policy and financing options, and disseminate promising care models and technologies. For more information about The SCAN Foundation, visit www.TheSCANFoundation.org.
About The John A. Hartford Foundation
Founded in 1929, The John A. Hartford Foundation is a committed champion of health care training, research, and service system innovations that will ensure the well-being and vitality of older adults. Its overall goal is to improve the health of older Americans. Today, the Foundation is America’s leading philanthropy with a sustained interest in aging and health. For more information about The John A. Hartford Foundation, visit www.jhartfound.org.
CONTACT:
The John A. Hartford Foundation
Amy Berman, 212-832-7788
[email protected]
or
The SCAN Foundation
Victoria Ballesteros, 888-569-7226
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America New York
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Seniors Health Fitness & Nutrition Public Policy/Government Healthcare Reform Public Policy White House/Federal Government Consumer General Health Managed Care
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