Long-term Services and Supports Distinction for Case Management Organizations FAQs

What is Long-term Services and Supports Distinction for Health Plans?

NCQA LTSS Distinction for Case Management Organizations is a complementary program designed to support organizations that provide comprehensive clinical case management services and coordinate social services for LTSS populations. The program standards provide a framework for organizations to deliver efficient, effective person-centered care that meets people’s needs, helps keep people in their preferred setting and aligns with state requirements.

How does this LTSS Distinction help my organization?

Earning NCQA Accreditation of Case Management for LTSS can help organizations:

• Become more efficient. A focus on coordinated care, training and measurement can help organizations reduce errors and duplicated services.
• Integrate care better. Standards can help organizations improve communication between individuals, caregivers, providers, payers and other organizations that coordinate care.
• Provide person-centered care. Standards focus on person-centered services, which can lead to better care planning and monitoring.
• Support contracting needs. Standards align with the state needs. NCQA-Accredited organizations demonstrate that they’re ready to be trusted partners in coordinating LTSS services.

Where can I find the Standards and Guidelines?

Find the Standards and Guidelines document in the NCQA Store.

What organizations are eligible?

An organization is eligible for the NCQA LTSS Distinction if:

• It has a current NCQA Accreditation status, or
• Is seeking NCQA Case Management Accreditation.

Note: NCQA conducts LTSS Distinction Surveys at the legal-entity level.

What is the process for earning Distinction?

The first step to earning distinction is a discussion with an NCQA program expert. Purchase and review the program resources, conduct a gap analysis and submit your online application.

Align your organization’s processes with the standards. NCQA conducts the survey and determines your distinction status within 30 days of the final review.

See a step-by-step process.

What is the price for this Distinction?

Pricing is based on multiple factors. Obtain full pricing information by submitting a request through My NCQA.

How long does it take to earn Distinction?

The typical evaluation time frame is 12 months from application submission to decision, depending on an organization’s readiness. Some organizations may already be working within NCQA guidelines.

How do I get started?

If you are not currently accredited and want to learn more, contact NCQA. If you are currently accredited and want to talk to someone about your status or about renewing or adding accreditations, submit a question through My NCQA.

Where can I find information to help me get started?

• Accreditation Process and Timeline: Key steps, timing and resources for a successful accreditation.
• Standards and Guidelines: The complete standards and guidelines, including the intent and scope of review.
• Interactive Survey Tool: Contains the complete standards and guidelines; you can also determine your organization’s survey readiness—the tool calculates your potential survey score.

Are there additional resources?

• LTSS Best Practices Academy: Interactive forum for professionals to discuss strategies for coordinating quality long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs.
• LTSS Roadmap: A compilation of resources to guide organizations through meeting Case Management and Health Plan Standards for LTSS.

What other organizations have earned LTSS Distinction?

Organizations that have earned NCQA LTSS Distinction can be found in the NCQA Report Card.