On March 31, 2006, HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt outlined new flexibilities
available to states under the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 (Pub.L. No.
109-171) to use innnovative approaches in providing long-term care services,
and how the new DRA provisions may link with other options available under
Medicaid to align the program with today's healthcare environment. The
Long-Term Care Roadmap to Medicaid Reform is on transforming long-term care to
person-centered care and describes ways states can assist individuals with
disabilities and seniors in need of long-term care services and supports by
using current law and the tools added by the DRA to expand coverage for
individuals with disabilities, increase access to community supports, and
promote personal responsibility, independence, and choice.  The document can be
found on the CMS website at

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NewFreedomInitiative/02_WhatsNew.asp#TopOfPage

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NewFreedomInitiative/downloads/LTC%20Roadmap%20to%20Reform.pdf

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