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USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute Honors Direction Home Aging & Disabilities with the John A. Hartford Foundation 2022 Business Innovation Award

 

For Immediate Release
DATE: July 12, 2022
Contact: communications@dhad.org

 

Uniontown, OH—Today, USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute presented Direction Home Aging & Disabilities (DHAD) with The John A. Hartford Foundation 2022 Business Innovation Award for its work supporting older adults and people with disabilities as they transition from acute hospital stays back to their homes. DHAD leads this work as part of an innovative contract between Medical Mutual of Ohio (MMO) and the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging, which consists of 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in Ohio, and for which DHAD serves as Network Lead Entity. The award was presented at USAging’s 47th Annual Conference and Tradeshow earlier this morning.

“The work between the AAAs and Medical Mutual of Ohio has been a true partnership, between the clinical teams, quality and population health teams—everyone has been committed to problem-solving and enhancing services to our shared members and patients,” remarked Gary Cook, DHAD CEO.

Due to its continued success, DHAD's contract with MMO has expanded beyond care transitions to incorporate multiple services, including in-home and telephonic visits as well as detailed medication reconciliation, all of which it provided to more than 3,100 individuals within MMO's membership. As a result of this partnership, MMO members have seen a significant reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions, an outcome that affects quality of life and helps reduce overall health care spending. In addition, MMO recognized its work with the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging as a key reason it received the highest rating bestowed upon Medicare Advantage plans by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. As a result of the contract's success—and an indication of its commitment to working with DHAD and other AAAs in the state—MMO awarded $50,000 to the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging to establish further innovation for Ohio's AAAs. 

“The transition from hospital to home can be challenging, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities. Through its contract with Medical Mutual of Ohio, DHAD has eased these transitions, and supported thousands of older adults and people with disabilities at a critical period," said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “USAging is proud to recognize DHAD and the network of Ohio AAAs involved in this contract for their important work in reducing readmissions—work that was recognized by their health plan partner as being part of the solution that helped it become recognized by CMS as a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan. The accolades DHAD is receiving are well-earned,” Markwood continued. “Not only has its work improved the health and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities in communities across Ohio, but it has served as a model showing that AAAs are critical partners to health plans and other health care providers and payers in integrating health and social services,” she said.

Runners-up for The John A. Hartford Foundation 2022 Business Innovation Award are the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence-MAC INC (LWCE) in Salisbury, MD, which was recognized for a partnership with TidalHealth, a local health system, to address the care transition and other needs that affect the ability to age well for older adults and people with disabilities. Also recognized as a runner-up was the Mid-America Regional Council, Department of Aging and Adult Services (MARC). Located in Kansas City, MO, MARC was acknowledged for the work it conducted as part of a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City to address the social determinants of health among older adults and people with disabilities.

“Longevity is the greatest success story of the 20th century, and it demands that our communities become age-friendly, which is why our Foundation supports USAging, its Aging and Disability Business Institute and this award recognizing programs that enhance the ability of older adults and people with disabilities to age well in their communities,” said Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of The John A. Hartford Foundation. “DHAD and the runners-up exemplify the innovative partnerships needed among community-based organizations, health systems and payers to provide critical services such as care transitions support, medication management, evidence-based health programs and social care interventions that improve health outcomes and equity. DHAD, LWCE and MARC are to be commended—and will serve as a beacon for other AAAs and community-based organizations doing this important work across the country.”

 

About The John A. Hartford Foundation
The John A. Hartford Foundation, based in New York City, is a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. The leader in the field of aging and health, the Foundation has three priority areas: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care. For more information, visit johnahartford.org and follow @johnahartford.

About USAging
USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Our members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. For more information, visit usaging.org and follow @theUSAging on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Aging and Disability Business Institute
The mission of the Aging and Disability Business Institute is to build and strengthen partnerships between aging and disability community-based organizations and the health care system. The Business Institute receives funding from The John A. Hartford Foundation, The SCAN Foundation and the Administration for Community Living and is led by USAging.

 

 

 

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