ABSTRACT
Georgia's Alternative Health Services (AHS) Project is designed to test the cost-effectiveness of a comprehensive system of community-based long term care services. Services were offered, on a voluntary basis, to elderly Medicaid recipients as an alternative to institutional care. The project, through contractual arrangements with providers, offered a range of community-based long term care services intended to prevent unnecessary or premature nursing home placement. In addition to regular Medicaid-reimbursed services, three categories of services were offered: Alternative Living Services, Adult Day Rehabilitation and Home Delivered Services. The project screened and assessed potential clients to determine eligibility and appropriateness of community-based services. The project, funded by the Health Care Financing Administration and administered by the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, began in July 1976 and offered services as a demonstration through June 1980. At the conclusion of the demonstration period, project services continued to be offered through the state Medicaid program.
