This plain-language brief summarizes a study of the very high number of deaths from COVID-19 among people receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) who lived in nursing homes. The brief defines excess mortality and describes the studies findings, including graphics comparing mortality rates for both younger and older LTSS receipients, compared to the general population. The brief also explains why these rates may be higher, including individual factors and barriers to services and supports.
Elevated COVID-19 Mortality Risk Among Recipients of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): A Case for Prioritizing Vaccination for This Population (PDF) makes the case for COVID vaccine prioritization for people with disabilities who are consumers of Home and Community-Based Services. Several states target segments of the disability population, such as those with specified chronic health conditions confirmed to increase the risk of COVID-related mortality, leaving many others at high risk for COVID exposure, severe disease, and mortality to wait for a later phase.
