--- title: The Self-Direction Brief description: Stay informed with The Self-Direction Brief, Palco's quarterly newsletter featuring industry insights, updates, and resources to help organizations advance self-direction and LTSS. --- [Skip to content](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#main-content) [Insights for MCOs & Payers](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#insights-for-mcos-and-payers)[Industry Pulse](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#industry-pulse)[Program Integrity](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#program-integrity)[Results in Action](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#results-in-action)[What's New](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#whats-new)[Expanding Access](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#expanding-access)[Partner with Palco](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#partner-with-palco) [Connect with Palco](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-connect-with-palco?hsLang=en) Contents  |  01 / 07 [Subscribe to Our Newsletter](https://www.palcofirst.com/about/palco-email-subscription) - [Insights for MCOs & Payers](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#insights-for-mcos-and-payers) - [Industry Pulse](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#industry-pulse) - [Program Integrity](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#program-integrity) - [Results in Action](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#results-in-action) - [What's New](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#whats-new) - [Expanding Access](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#expanding-access) - [Partner with Palco](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#partner-with-palco) - [Connect with Palco](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-connect-with-palco?hsLang=en) ![Palco](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/palco-logo.svg) # The Self-Direction Brief ![Roommates preparing a meal together, including a woman using a power wheelchair.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/meeting.jpg) ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/u-motif.svg) Insights for MCOs & Payers ## Building Stronger Self-Direction, Together. Supporting better oversight, stronger program integrity, and a better experience for the people who rely on self-directed care. [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#insights-for-mcos-and-payers-article) [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#insights-for-mcos-and-payers-article) Self-direction continues to grow and evolve, creating new opportunities for health plans to improve member choice and experience while strengthening program oversight. In this quarterly update, we’re sharing insights from across the industry, measurable results from Palco-supported programs, and new tools designed to make self-direction simpler and more connected. [Explore Self-Direction With Palco](https://www.palcofirst.com/support/self-direction/) [Next: Industry Pulse →](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#industry-pulse) ![A young seedling growing on the forest floor.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/field-1440.jpg?width=1440&height=442&name=field-1440.jpg) ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/u-motif.svg) Industry Pulse ## Self-Direction is Growing. Strong Infrastructure Matters More Than Ever. [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#industry-pulse-article) [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#industry-pulse-article) ### What We're Watching As self-direction grows, so does the importance of connecting the full program experience, from eligibility and authorization to service delivery, documentation, payment, and ongoing oversight. According to AARP's September 2026 National Inventory, more than 2 million older adults and people with disabilities now self-direct their long-term services and supports. Enrollment trends vary across states, underscoring the importance of strong program infrastructure, oversight, and participant choice. Source: AARP Public Policy Institute, [National Inventory of Self-Directed Long-Term Services and Supports Programs, 2026](https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/national-inventory-self-directed-long-term-services-supports-programs-2026/), September 29, 2026. As programs expand, strong infrastructure is essential to delivering participant choice alongside the oversight, compliance, and visibility health plans need. Palco supports this balance through advanced budgeting, workforce management, customized payroll validations, on-demand reporting, ADA compliance, and fraud, waste, and abuse controls. For MCOs, the opportunity is to build programs that strengthen accountability without creating unnecessary barriers to participant choice and control. [Next: Program Integrity →](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#program-integrity) ![A teal support stops a row of falling dominoes before they reach the upright dominoes.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/domino-1440.jpg?width=1440&height=442&name=domino-1440.jpg) Program Integrity ## Moving FWA Prevention and Compliance Upstream. [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#program-integrity-article) [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#program-integrity-article) Fraud, waste, and abuse prevention is most effective when it is built into the self-direction process, rather than addressed only after a payment has been made. Palco embeds FWA safeguards and compliance controls throughout the self-direction lifecycle, helping identify administrative errors, potential misuse, and noncompliant activity before they become improper payments or downstream recovery issues. Through real-time verification, payment controls, eligibility and authorization validation, documentation requirements, participant and worker education, and data-driven oversight, Palco helps health plans strengthen program integrity while supporting compliant, participant-centered care. ### FWA & Compliance by the Numbers **36+**Automated payment-validation checkpoints **96%**Verified Visit Rate **100%**Authorization Compliance Rate **100%**Overutilization tied to configured program rules prevented Metrics reflect current Palco program-wide performance as of September 2026. Definitions and methodology may vary by program. ### Compliance Built Across the Self-Direction Lifecycle 1. Eligibility 2. Authorization 3. Service Delivery 4. Documentation 5. Payment 6. Oversight Palco integrates FWA prevention and compliance controls throughout the workflow, including: - Pre-payment validation - Eligibility and authorization controls - Duplicate and overlapping shift rules - Budget and utilization monitoring - Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) - Documentation requirements - Anomaly and outlier detection - Transaction-level audit trails - Permission-based payer visibility The result is a more proactive approach to FWA prevention, compliance, and oversight, designed to reduce preventable improper payments, administrative rework, and retrospective recovery while creating stronger evidence that services were authorized, delivered, documented, and paid appropriately. [Next: Results in Action →](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#results-in-action) ![Two people playing basketball, including a player with a prosthetic leg.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/results.jpg) ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/u-motif.svg) Results in Action ## Support That Strengthens the Entire Program. Strong self-direction requires more than technology. [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#results-in-action-article) [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#results-in-action-article) Participants need the right support to understand their program, manage responsibilities, navigate their budget, and build a reliable workforce. Palco Support Brokerage combines personalized guidance with real-time program insight to help participants successfully navigate self-direction. Services include enrollment support, employer and caregiver education, budget navigation, participant engagement, workforce guidance, and problem resolution. ### Better Support Can Help Drive: - Fewer service gaps - Stronger EVV compliance and oversight - Better budget management - More reliable workforce support - An improved participant experience ### Results Snapshot **25,000+**Members supported across six states and multiple self-direction programs. **\< 3**Business Days Enrollment. **100%**Visit compliance. **900+**Members Backlog cleared in 90 days following a program transition. [Discover the Impact of Support Brokerage](https://www.palcofirst.com/services/support-broker/) [Next: What's New →](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#whats-new) ![Palco Connect app time-entry screen.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/connect-desktop.jpg) ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/u-motif.svg) What's New ## Self-Direction Support, Now in Your Pocket. Introducing the Palco Connect App [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#whats-new-article) [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#whats-new-article) ### One Platform. More Visibility. Easier Access. The Palco Connect platform brings critical self-direction tools together in one experience, supporting time tracking, payroll management, EVV, reporting, and other aspects of program administration. With mobile access, participants and workers can more easily stay connected to the tools that help them manage self-direction, wherever they are. ### Connect Helps Bring Together: - Time Tracking - Payroll Management - Electronic Visit Verification - Real-Time Validation - Automated Alerts - Documents And Reports - 24/7 Platform Access - Language Translation [Explore Palco Connect](https://www.palcofirst.com/technology/connect/) [Next: Expanding Access →](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#expanding-access) ![Two reaching hands around the lime phone displaying Pulsewrx.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/access-desktop.svg) ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/u-motif.svg) Expanding Access ## Helping Participants Stay Connected. Reliable connectivity can make it easier for participants and workers to access the digital tools that support self-direction. [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#expanding-access-article) [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#expanding-access-article) ![Two women in yellow and orange reviewing paperwork together at a desk.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/connected-photo.jpg?width=1440&height=810&name=connected-photo.jpg) Through Palco's partnership with **Pulsewrx**, eligible participants may receive a smartphone and wireless service through the Lifeline Wireless Program. ### Available Benefits Include: - ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/cellphone.svg)Smartphone - ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/clock.svg)Talk minutes - ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/message.svg)Unlimited texting - ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/database.svg)Monthly data - ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/us-map.svg)Nationwide connectivity Eligibility may include participation in Medicaid and certain other government assistance programs or qualification based on household income. [Learn About Pulsewrx](https://www.palcofirst.com/services/cellphoneservices/) [Next: Partner with Palco →](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#partner-with-palco) ![A man using a wheelchair working at his laptop.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/partner-desktop.jpg) ![](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/palco-editorial-theme-rev3-performance-v358/assets/approved/u-motif.svg) Partner with Palco ## Built for Self-Direction. Nearly 30 years of self-direction and Financial Management Services expertise, backed by responsive support and purpose-built technology. [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#partner-with-palco-article) [Continue reading ↓](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#partner-with-palco-article) ### Nearly 30 Years Specialized self-direction and FMS experience. ### $500M+ Processed annually in consumer-directed services. ### 25,000+ Caregivers and vendors supported nationwide. ### WBENC-Certified WBE Proud to be a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council-certified Women’s Business Enterprise. ### One Integrated Approach FMS, Support Brokerage, compliance expertise, reporting, and technology purpose-built for participant-directed programs. ### Ready to Strengthen Your Self-Direction Strategy? Whether you're expanding an existing program or exploring what's next, Palco brings specialized experience, technology, and hands-on support designed to make self-direction work better. [Connect With Palco.](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-connect-with-palco?hsLang=en) [End of newsletter →](https://marketing.palcofirst.com/the-self-direction-brief-q426#editorial-end) [Privacy Policy](https://www.palcofirst.com/privacy-policy/)