Eligibility

How is the state of Maryland helping to keep individuals with disabilities up to date on important changes in health care policies and law? On December 8, 2010, the Maryland Department of Disabilities held a summit in order to provide information on important changes regarding “Newly Eligible” Medicaid, Medicaid Buy-In, and Medicare. Reivew the the presentation.

A growing number of individuals with disabilities are leaving the workforce and obtaining SSDI. Statistics show that the household incomes of these workers are falling behind those of workers without disabilities. This brief lays out a two-pronged approach for bending these curves—increasing the employment rate for people with disabilities, reducing their reliance on federal support, and increasing their household incomes—while preserving benefits for those who are unable to work.

Most Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries complete a 5-month waiting period before cash benefits entitlement and a 24-month waiting period before Medicare benefits. The Accelerated Benefits randomized experiment tests the effects of providing beneficiaries without health insurance with a benefits package during the waiting period. Read this article for findings on the prevalence of health insurance coverage among beneficiaries and the characteristics of those without insurance.

This guide, developed by the Florida MIG program, provides an outline of the most important areas to remember when delivering an effective two-day training seminar. Sections include introduction to Supported Employment, laws and regulations, marketing and teaching adults. Also included are examples and handouts on resumes and job seekers profiles.

How is California educating relevant parties on this important new health care reform law? Please see two examples of state-wide outreach, a presentation on the changes that the Act will result in as well as a six month summary on the changes that have occurred thus far.

How is California helping youths with disabilities to connect with needed supports and services as they transition to work or postsecondary education? Explore several presentations and toolkits put out by the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP) that aim to facilitate the transition process for these youth. May be replicable by other states seeking to assist similar populations.

In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). This historic piece of legislation presents significant opportunities to improve access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. This is particularly true for homeless people and people at risk of homelessness, whose options for accessing physical and behavioral health care services, health promotion services, and chronic disease management programs have historically been limited.

How does the state of West Virginia evaluate the effectiveness of their MIG programs and services? Explore these exit survey results as well as corresponding conclusions and recommendations. This particular survey is mailed monthly to individuals after they leave the state's Medicaid Work Incentive Network; discover the variety of reasons.

Contained in these attachments are links to several examples of Webinars broadcasted in the state of Utah and aimed at individuals with disabilities interested in working while keeping their Health Care benefits. Included is information on Medicaid and working, Medicaid Work Incentive, Employment Personal Assistance Services, how employment affects recipients of Medicare and more.

How is Massachusetts educating young people with disabilities and their families on employment and disability benefits? Work Without Limits created "Going To Work," a booklet designed to educate this population on issues involving employment, Social Security disability, and health benefit programs. Individuals, employers and providers can visit the Work Without Limits website to find additional resources and information.