Enhanced Technical Assistance

Staff Augmentation in Challenging Times

States are operating under virtually unprecedented budgetary and operational constraints. With fewer resources, states are struggling to implement significant mandatory initiatives, such as budget savings efforts and Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions. At the same time, member agencies also face significant challenges with staffing and procurement that are essential to advancing any long-term services and supports (LTSS) initiative, while continuing day-to-day program operations. Specifically, states are facing hiring freezes, furloughs and reductions in force. Additionally, securing outside assistance via release of requests for proposals also has become more challenging. Because of these constraints, several states have asked if NASUAD could provide enhanced technical assistance that essentially augments existing state staff.

Current Technical Assistance Options

NASUAD has a long history of delivering high quality technical assistance to states. The Association provides technical assistance on a variety of Older Americans Act (OAA), Medicaid, and state aging and disability agency program operations. Technical assistance currently is offered under grant-funded efforts as well as limited state specific technical assistance funded by member assessments.

Grant-Funded Technical Assistance (TA)Resources
Grant-funded TA and tools are available in the following areas:

Older Americans Act State Planning
Information & Referral
Ombudsman
Civic Engagement
State Aging and Disability Senior Leadership
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
State Health Insurance Programs
Affordable Care Act Resources and Materials

For more information on the grant-funded TA resources, above, please visit the Initiatives section of www.nasuad.org.

Member Assessment-Funded TA

As part of basic membership services NASUAD staff offers technical assistance (i.e., technical assistance not requiring a separate contractual agreement). Examples of the technical assistance provided by the staff to member state agencies include:

Older Americans Act operations
State agency structure and operations
Disability programs
Medicaid

Member assessment TA consists of surveys and synthesis of findings, organizing state-to-state teleconferences, and reviewing and commenting on state materials.

Enhanced Technical Assistance

NASUAD now also offers enhanced TA under separate contractual arrangements intended for larger scale work such as:

1. Older Americans Act and Core State Agency Operations

Assistance with development of a State Plan
Network development strategic plan
Assistance with restructuring meals delivery services
Development of a co-pay approaches

2. State agency structure and operations

Agency (re)organization
Assistance with budgeting
Written strategic planning documents

3. Medicaid

Development of new HCBS programs or renewal of HCBS programs
Consumer direction including Fiscal Management Services
In depth market analysis for rate-setting purposes
Training on federal Medicaid requirements.

4. Grant Writing

Contracted technical assistance may be delivered by NASUAD staff, only, or by a combination of NASUAD staff and NASUAD partners.

Requesting Technical Assistance
Contact Mike Cheek, Senior Director for State Services, at mcheek@nasuad.org or 202/898/2578, extension 134.