Physical Disabilities

This report provides the latest national and state data on Medicaid enrollment and spending for individuals enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare, also known as dual eligibles. Nationally, there are 7.5 million dual eligibles and while they comprise 14 percent of the Medicaid population, they account for 40 percent of Medicaid spending.

The Maine CHOICES CEO (Comprehensive Employment Opportunities) project seeks to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide plan to support more people with disabilities who work, or would like to work. The project will also improve information about, and access to, some key work incentives for Maine people with disabilities. The website features materials & resources, links to other work incentives resources and a description of the planning process.

The Hawaii Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, called Hire Abilities–Hawaii, is brand new this year but a dynamic website has already been unveiled. The site offers information about the project’s goals and strategies, advisory board and staff, and work incentive programs. It also serves as an important communication tool through the use of a public discussion board and on-line calendar. As an added feature, the site contains administrative tools to help the project team manage grant activities.

Many Real Choice System Change grantees are struggling with the issues that effect youth with disabilities that are aging out of foster care. The following attachments are promising practices and demonstrated strategies about the subject. Review either of the two reports about Transition Planning for Foster Youth with Disabilities. A resource list of organizations and websites is also included.

As part of the State of Wisconsin’s Quality Close to Home (QCTH) project, a contract was established with the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s Center for Health Systems Research and Analysis (CHSRA). This report describes the uses, methods, advantages, and disadvantages of four distinct sets of quality indicators, also called personal outcomes and performance outcomes. It also provides a overview, structural review and observations of the quality indicators.

The CT Real Choice statewide conference will be held September 16, 2005. Participants will spend the day in meaningful dialogue and discussion around one central question: “How can I help build a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive community that supports all its residents to be full participants?” The Keynote address will serve as a catalyst for an “Open Space Marketplace of Ideas” on building inclusive communities. Bring your ideas, passions, concerns and questions to share and explore.

CMS announced that a certificate of medical necessity is no longer required for power wheelchair and power operated vehicle claims. This is another step to streamline and ensure appropriate access for people with Medicare to power operated vehicles. In an interim final rule with opportunity to comment that went on display at the Federal Register, CMS clarified the requirements for prescribing, supplying, and receiving payment for these vehicles. Review the interim final rule and fact sheet.

The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program developed the outreach materials in October and November of 2004. You will find the radio scripts and sample radio ads for many of the outreach campaigns including: Clinging to Hope, Aphasia, Cleft Lip, PKU, Severe Burns, Heart Defects, Newborn Screenings, Basic 800 info spot, and the Covering Kids and Families Health Care Project. The program aired in both English and Spanish in cooperation with the Nevada Broadcasters Association.

The Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, Center for Medicaid and State Operations, CMS invites your comments on their draft Strategic Action Plan. The action plan is a is a public declaration of what is important, a statement of accountability, and provides direction to the future. Please review and send your comments to StrategicActionPlan@cms.hhs.gov

This paper assesses the effect of consumer-directed care on the emotional, physical, and financial well-being of the primary informal caregivers of the Medicaid beneficiaries who voluntarily joined Arkansas's Cash and Counseling demonstration. The implications of the demonstration find that permitting interested Medicaid beneficiaries to direct their own in-home supportive services reduces burden on informal caregivers, which may help reduce beneficiaries' nursing home use.