This resource guide is a tool to help state officials and other stakeholders understand how temporary federal and state Medicaid flexibilities and emergency federal funding streams are being deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure access to long-term services and supports (LTSS). Populations that use LTSS are particularly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe cases due to their age or because often they live with one or more chronic conditions. In addition, roughly 2.5 million older adults and other individuals with complex care needs receive care in nursing homes and other congregate care settings, which are particularly susceptible to COVID-19 outbreaks. Another 10 million individuals receive assistance at home or in their communities, which in many cases has been disrupted due to caregivers being subject to stay-at-home orders, having no access to childcare as schools shut down, not having adequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to provide care safely, and in some cases, caregivers entering isolation after becoming sick with or being exposed to COVID-19.
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