Our Issues

The MLTSS Association's recent report, Unlocking the Value of Enabling Technology in Managed LTSS , explores the policy, operational, and payment challenges that limit adoption of Enabling Technologies and recommendations to overcome them. This report is structured around 5 Key Domains: Evaluating New and Existing Technologies; Streamlining Funding Pathways; Facilitating Member, Caregiver, and Provider Education; Ensuring Member Safety and Empowerment; and Measuring the Impac

The MLTSS Association's recent report, Unlocking the Value of Enabling Technology in Managed LTSS , explores the policy, operational, and payment challenges that limit adoption of Enabling Technologies and recommendations to overcome them. This report is structured around 5 Key Domains: Evaluating New and Existing Technologies; Streamlining Funding Pathways; Facilitating Member, Caregiver, and Provider Education; Ensuring Member Safety and Empowerment; and Measuring the Impac

The MLTSS Association's recent report, Unlocking the Value of Enabling Technology in Managed LTSS , explores the policy, operational, and payment challenges that limit adoption of Enabling Technologies and recommendations to overcome them. This report is structured around 5 Key Domains: Evaluating New and Existing Technologies; Streamlining Funding Pathways; Facilitating Member, Caregiver, and Provider Education; Ensuring Member Safety and Empowerment; and Measuring the Impac

The MLTSS Association signed on to a letter submitted by the Medicare-Medicaid Integration Alliance (MMIA) on January 22 nd . This letter, sent to Daniel Brillman, Deputy Administrator of CMS and the Director of CMCS, outlined the Alliance’s position on the Implementation of HR 1 and opportunities to enhance protections for dually eligible individuals. Specifically, this letter included recommendations for CMS on how to ensure that dually eligible individuals and caregivers,

On January 29th, the MLTSS Association submitted comments to the Nebraska Legislature in response to LB832: A bill to extend the prohibition of the addition of long-term care services and supports to the Medicaid managed care program. In our comments, we emphasize the value of managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) and how managed care can support states to deliver critical services in a way that ensures high-quality care, improves coordination, and uses resources mo

On January 25, 2026, the MLTSS Association submitted comments on the Contract Year 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed rule. Many of the changes contemplated for CY 2027 in this proposed rule represent meaningful shifts in enrollment policy, contracting requirements, quality measurement, and plan operations. To be successful, these changes must be implemented on timelines that allow health plans and states sufficient opportunity to understand final requirements, make

The National MLTSS Health Plan Association  is pleased to announce the release of a new resource , Unlocking the Value of Enabling Technology in Managed LTSS . This report examines how enabling and assistive technologies can support independence, strengthen community-based care, and improve quality of life for individuals receiving long-term services and support while also helping states, plans, and providers respond to workforce shortages, rising demand, and fiscal constrain

The MLTSS Association has created a resource highlighting an operational issue in state Medicaid policy affecting some Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that are Applicable Integrated Plans (AIPs), where timing gaps in enrollment can delay alignment with an individual's Medicaid plan. These gaps may cause temporary coverage misalignment, member confusion, and risk plans’ compliance with CMS AIP requirements. In this resource, we outline the implications of this issue

Today approximately 10 percent of individuals who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are enrolled in managed care plans that fully integrate their Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The remaining dually eligible individuals must navigate a complex system of overlapping coverage and disconnected services. Despite significant regulatory and legislative activity around advancing integrated care models at both the state and federal level, many barriers remain. The N

The MLTSS Association has written a letter to CMS highlighting an operational issue in state Medicaid policy affecting some Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that are Applicable Integrated Plans (AIPs), where timing gaps in enrollment can delay alignment with an individual's Medicaid plan. These gaps may cause temporary coverage misalignment, member confusion, and risk plans’ compliance with CMS AIP requirements. In this letter, we outline the implications of this is

The MLTSS Association has launched a new workgroup focused on Self-Direction in MLTSS. This effort reflects the Association's commitment...

Maryssa Pallis is pursuing a PhD in Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she also earned a Master of Science (MS)...

On September 22nd, the MLTSS Association submitted written comments to the New Hampshire LTSS study committee as they consider...

The MLTSS Association has released a new resource comparing different integrated care options for dually eligible individuals across nine key domains. This educational resource highlights the key features, benefits, and challenges of each model. Ultimately, the MLTSS Association believes that D-SNPs are the only truly integrated and scalable model available for dually eligible individuals. We believe that the expertise, experience, and expansive reach of the D-SNP model can

The MLTSS Association has created a brief that that highlights the intersection between behavioral health and long-term care needs. This...

State Medicaid Agency Contracts (SMACs) are contracts between states and Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) operating Dual Eligible...

Are you a graduate student interested in learning more about Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term services and supports (LTSS)? Our Atkins...

On July 14 th , the MLTSS Association submitted comments on the Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Populations-Closing a Health...

On June 27th, the MLTSS Association submitted comments in response to the draft  2025-2026 Medicaid Managed Care Rate Development Guide...

Sophia is pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she focuses on Medicaid policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis/Anthropology from Pomona College in Claremont, California. Sophia brings to LTQA and the MLTSS Association experience in behavioral healthcare, health policy consulting, and state-level quality assurance initiatives. Her research and policy interests include long-term care