Public Engagement Strategies Redefine “No Wrong Door” in Maryland
For over ten years Maryland has refined its NWD/ADRC initiative, known as Maryland Access Points (MAP). The term “Maryland Access Point” was chosen to remove any semblance of preferences for “aging” or “disability” being first in the name, as Maryland wanted its NWD/ADRC to be seen as access points for all individuals needing LTSS. Starting in 2008, Maryland formally initiated its branding process and hired a consultant to construct a marketing plan for consumers and providers that eliminated system fragmentation, increased awareness of LTSS, and focused on prevention of crises. The state launched a toll free number in August 2014 and a new website in February 2015. Read more about Maryland’s Promising Innovations.
Many individuals and their families find locating and accessing the right long term services and supports (LTSS) a daunting task. Individuals frequently find themselves confronted with a bewildering maze of organizations and bureaucratic requirements often during a crisis. This can lead to decisions to purchase less optimal and more expensive than necessary LTSS options, including decisions to use nursing facility care that can quickly result in exhausting an individual’s financial resources. The No Wrong Door (NWD) System, including Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), represents a collaborative effort of the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), to support state efforts to streamline access to LTSS options for all populations and all payers. In a “No Wrong Door†entry system, multiple agencies retain responsibility for their respective services while coordinating with each other to integrate access to those services through a single, standardized entry process administered and overseen by a coordinating entity. A No Wrong Door System can provide information and assistance to individuals needing either public or private resources, professionals seeking assistance on behalf of their clients, and individuals planning for their future long term care needs.
State and local leaders can learn more about building capacity for No Wrong Door Systems by using the No Wrong Door National Key Elements. We have also highlighted certain components of No Wrong Door Systems in a series of Promising Practices that showcase states that have developed or are working to develop NWD Systems.
