Independence for Older adults and People with Disabilities

Question: Who produced the Declaration for Independence: A Call to Transform Health and Long-Term Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities?
Answer: The National Advisory Board (NAB) on Improving Health Care Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities.

Q: Who is the NAB?
A: Convened by Lex Frieden, who was instrumental in conceiving and drafting the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the NAB is composed of distinguished and culturally diverse community advocates, health care experts, and academics who provide guidance and policy recommendations for improving programs and services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Focused on meeting the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities, NAB members represent individuals with disabilities; children of aging parents; parents of children and adults with disabilities; and sisters, brothers, spouses, children, and friends of people with disabilities

Q: Who does the NAB impact?
A: The NAB represents millions of older adults, individuals with disabilities and their family members who have struggled with the complexities of our fragmented health care system.

Q: What role does Anthem play?
A: In 2007, Amerigroup, a subsidiary of Anthem, Inc., developed the NAB. The NAB works with and supports Anthem in achieving their mission to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. Throughout, the NAB has been instrumental in providing trusted guidance and added insight into the communities and individuals Anthem serves. Specifically, the NAB provides policy recommendations for improving programs and services for older adults and people with disabilities. Anthem supports and endorses the NAB’s Six Principles, Declaration for Independence white paper and Managed Care Toolkit.

Q: What do the NAB and Anthem wish to accomplish?
A: Our goal is to compel consumers, advocacy groups, health care organizations, legislators, stakeholders and community- based organizations to engage in efforts to modernize the health care infrastructure in America and drive long-term supports and services to the forefront of health care transformation.

Q: With whom has the NAB shared the Declaration for Independence?
A: The NAB has distributed the Declaration for Independence white paper to advocates, community-based organizations, legislators, trade associations, stakeholders, family caregivers and policy/research organizations. Getting this white paper in front of as many people as possible who could stand up for independence is critical to long-term services and supports’ advancement. We continue to encourage people to to review the white paper, pass it on and share their thoughts.

Q: How can I get involved?
A: To get involved, blog with us, share your story, view weekly news updates and provide valuable feedback. You may also view a summary video replay of the Virtual Town Hall meeting.