Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

OPPAGA Report: The Nursing Home Diversion Program Has Successfully Delayed Nursing Home Entry

Report 06-45, May 2006




Report Summary

  • The Nursing Home Diversion program has successfully delayed participants' entry into nursing homes. Frail elders participating in the Nursing Home Diversion program were more likely to delay entry into a nursing home than similar frail elders who were not enrolled in any Medicaid community-based waiver programs. Program participants also experienced shorter nursing home stays and were more likely to return to their homes to continue program services.
  • Although Nursing Home Diversion costs have exceeded the Medicaid Program's costs for other frail elders, these cost differences have narrowed due to recent rate reductions. When compared to other waiver programs, the Nursing Home Diversion program has higher costs but is more successful in delaying nursing home placements. Although the state could potentially serve Nursing Home Diversion participants in other programs, doing so could compromise their quality of life and strain the capacity of these other programs.


Related Reports
  1. The State Could Consider Several Options to Maximize Its Use of Funds for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
    Report 10-33 March 2010
  2. The Alzheimer's Disease Waiver Program Does Not Delay Nursing Home Entry More Effectively Than Other Waivers and Costs the State More Per Participant Than Most Waivers That Serve Similar Persons
    Report 10-23 February 2010
  3. Transition to Aging Resource Centers Complete; Enhancement of Elder Service System Continues
    Report 09-15 March 2009
  4. Several Factors Can Delay Eligibility Determination for Medicaid Long-Term Care
    Report 07-12 February 2007
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, nursing homes, home and community-based care, elder affairs, medicaid waivers, aged and disabled, Long-Term Care, Nursing Home, Diversion, Elder Affairs, Home and Community Based Services, Medicaid Waiver, Assisted Living