State/Agency Information

Assessing customer satisfaction, awareness and interest in VR services among the broader business community is important when determining the success of a MIG program. Vermont’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation conducted an employer survey to address these questions. The draft of the report, and a PowerPoint presentation outlining the results of the survey are provided and could be helpful to other MIG states looking into accessing their programs.

What are the long term effects of MIG programs on wages? The state of Virginia evaluated the long-term impact of Vocational Rehabilitative (VR) services on employment, earnings and services provisions. Preliminary findings indicate that VR services have a substantial positive impact on future employment probabilities but very little impact on wages. A sample of this data-filled report is attached, and could be helpful to other states conducting similar studies.

Find two fact sheets; the first presents occupational employment projections for the three job titles that make up the direct-care workforce: nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal and home care aides, and suggests that over the next decade, the nation’s direct-care workforce will constitute the largest, fastest-growing group of jobs in the country. The second provides a detailed overview of the demographic and economic characteristics of the direct-care workforce.

Find a comprehensive listing of initiatives across the country to help communities become more aging-friendly. Included in the Compendium are brief summaries of 121 community aging efforts, contacts for each, and listings organized by national affiliation and state.

How is California keeping track of its MIG program? In the attached annual and quarterly reports California outlines its accomplishments and upcoming projects for 2009. HTML links to samples are also included in the reports. These documents could serve as a guide to other MIG grantees, or to states looking to start a MIG program of their own.

The Center for Health Care Strategies works with states, health plans and federal policymakers to spearhead innovative approaches for integrating Medicare and Medicaid services. They have developed an online toolkit which includes policy-related materials, program design, financing, performance measurement and consumer engagement using hands-on tools to help guide state efforts, and sample documents from states that have successfully implemented integrated approaches. A TA brief is attached.

What are the policy changes related to the continuum of care for older people—specifically long term services and supports (LTSS) and chronic care coordination? This analysis examines major provisions in these areas which are organized into five categories: 1) national insurance for long term services and supports; 2) Medicaid options and incentives to expand LTSS; 3) other LTSS provisions; 4) chronic care coordination; and 5) nursing home reforms.

Guidance on the implementation of Section 2001 of the Affordable Care Act: Medicaid Coverage for the Lowest Income Populations is provided. This legislation establishes a new eligibility group and the option for states to begin providing medical assistance to eligible individuals as of April 1, 2010. To implement the 1902(k)(2) option to cover this group, states must submit an amendment to their State Medicaid plans.

The purpose of employment planning is to gather valuable information in order to successfully help individuals obtain jobs that match their skills, interests and aptitudes. Training is integral to making sure this is successful. Wisconsin hosts a six-session training series at three different locations, for those wishing to receive an Integrated Employment Professional certificate. The materials from this training are attached, and include a sample registration form and evaluation results.

Are first responders equipped to help people with disabilities? The state of Wyoming wants to make sure theirs are. When responding to an emergency, first responders may encounter persons with some type of disability who will require assistance. The attached handout was given to them to help inform them about different disabilities and how to address them appropriately and effectively during an emergency.