DISPARITIES IN ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS IN CONNECTICUT'S MFP PROGRAM - Abstract - Research Findings

Sep 29, 2026

Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a Medicaid program supporting older adults moving from long-term care institutions to the community. This qualitative study examines mechanisms driving disparities for older adults living with dementia (PLWD) in access, utilization, and quality of MFP in Connecticut. Thematic analysis draws on interviews and focus groups with MFP-involved professionals, family caregivers, and older adults across distinct participation and relocation pathways. Key themes include misalignment between care needs and MFP resources and the need for self/family advocacy. Recommendations cover upstream planning, re-designing inflexible HCBS services, leveraging remote monitoring and assistive technologies, and supportive housing to better integrate PLWD into communities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Purpose and study design

Participant groups and comparison pathways

Dominant themes

Recommendations and implications

100 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.331 DISPARITIES IN ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS IN CONNECTICUT’SMFP PROGRAM Asmita Aasaavari, Ellis Dillon, Kathy Kellett, Christine Bailey, Amal Alsamawi, Richard Fortinsky, Lisa Barry, and Julie Robison, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, United States Money Follows the Person (MFP) is a Medicaid program that helps older adults move from Long-Term Care institutions to the community. In this study, we examine the mechanisms that contribute to disparities for older persons living with dementia (PLWD) in access to, utilization of, and quality of the MFP program in Connecticut. This qualitative study thematically analyzesin-depth interviews and focus groups with MFP-involved professionals (n = 23), family caregivers (n = 14), and older adults (n = 24) who (1) never applied to MFP, (2) applied but never moved,(3) applied, moved, and sustained community-living, and (4) moved but were reinstitutionalized. Dominant themes include: (1) Mismatch between many PLWDs’ care needs and MFP program resources: participants described how MFP budgets, services, and training were not designed to address the multiple supports many PLWDs need. (2) Importance of self/ family-advocacy: Learning about the MFP program, completing the application, and arranging a move required advocacy to make calls, assemble paperwork, find housing, and have family members provide informal support. Despite Connecticut’s longstanding MFP program, interviews and focus groups underscored how program procedures pose additional obstacles for PLWD and their families. Recommendations for innovative solutions include upstream planning upon nursing home admission, re-designing siloed and inflexible HCBS programs, leveraging new Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 101 technologies (e.g., remote monitoring/supports), expanding assistive technology, and developing supportive housing to better integrate PLWD into communities. Identifying better solutions for community living and improving concordance between the design of MFPandHCBS programs are paramount in meeting the unique needs of PLWD who are transitioning to the community.

FAQs

What problem does the study investigate about the MFP program in Connecticut?

It examines mechanisms that contribute to disparities for older adults living with dementia in access to, utilization of, and quality of the MFP program in Connecticut.

What are the main themes identified in the interviews and focus groups?

The study highlights a mismatch between PLWD care needs and MFP program resources, and the importance of self and family advocacy to navigate applications, moves, and informal support.

What recommendations are proposed to improve community living for PLWD?

Recommendations include upstream planning after nursing home admission, redesigning siloed and inflexible HCBS programs, using remote monitoring/supports and assistive technologies, and developing supportive housing to integrate PLWD into communities.

Sep 29, 2026

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