NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILS ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO HOST VIRTUAL TOWNHALL ON MEDICAID MANAGED CARE IN COLLABORATION WITH AETNA BETTER HEALTH
*         SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
Washington, DC - National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is teaming up with Aetna Better Health, a CVS Health Company, to host a virtual townhall to explore Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The townhall-style event, which will be held on September 24, 2020 at 3:30 pm EST, will feature a panel discussion by DD Council leaders and open mic discussion to hear from the public.
"We are excited to hear the perspectives of those in states where great change has been happening around Managed Care, "said Donna Meltzer, CEO of the NACDD. "We are grateful for Aetna's collaboration in this learning opportunity and hope that together we can continue making progress in supporting community living for people with I/DD."
The NACDD is a national non-profit member organization serving the nation's 56 State and Territorial Councils on Developmental Disabilities and works through its members to ensure that all people with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to direct their own lives in the community. "When people with I/DD determine where they want to work, live, learn and play they tend to be healthier overall. Medicaid Managed Care when done right, can have a huge impact," said Meltzer.
"We believe all individuals with I/DD have the right to live, work and socialize in their communities," said Josh Boynton, Head of Complex Care & Strategic Alliances, Aetna Better Heath. "We are committed to a person-centered living approach that enhances our members' quality of life and will meet their unique needs through a customized approach that ensures access to covered services, community resources, innovative practices and technology."
Aetna Medicaid's program for members with I/DD is a fully integrated system of holistic services and support, including physical and behavioral health, and Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS), as well as education, employment, housing and family supports, to maintain our person-centered living approach. Understanding that individuals with I/DD often have longstanding personal relationship with providers and community advocacy groups, Aetna partners with these providers and organizations to ensure the service planning process is inclusive, transparent and collaborative. "We consider providers and advocacy groups to be subject matter experts," said Boynton. "They play an instrumental role in the circle of support in addition to our members' family and friends."
"We look forward to participating in the upcoming NACDD townhall event and sharing best practices about how Aetna Medicaid members with I/DD are served by managed care while achieving the principles of independence, community living and quality of life," said Boynton.

For Zoom information please email xxxxxx@nacdd.org<mailto:xxxxxx@nacdd.org>

Robin Troutman
Deputy Director
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC  20006
202.506.5813 Ext. 105 (Phone)
www.nacdd.org<http://www.nacdd.org/>
www.onevotenow.org<http://www.onevotenow.org>
Pronouns: she/her
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