Physical Disabilities

To date, the ACA has provided or offered $2.8 billion in funding to states. This includes funding for long-term care and health workforce needs. This report, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlights the flexibility and resources provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to improve health care benefits and protect consumers.

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.

How can states provide outreach and resources to employers in order to encourage and support them in hiring individuals with disabilities? Explore the "Abilities" newsletter archive in order to see examples of the electronic newsletter to employers produced every other month by the state of Vermont. May be helpful for other MIG states working to reach out to employers.

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 does the state of Pennsylvania direct consumers to resources on agencies and programs that help people with disabilities to work and improve their financial security? Peruse the website for information on Works for Me, a MIG program that guides consumers in finding jobs, obtaining training, keeping health insurance, getting assistive technology, and more.

In July 2010, the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured surveyed states about the current status of their Money Follows the Person (MFP) program including trends in enrollment, services and per capita spending. Explore the report for information on the findings regarding information on transitions back to the community, the average monthly cost of transitioning a MFP participant to the community, obstacles to transition, and more.

With tax revenues still declining as a result of the recession and budget reserves largely drained, the vast majority of states have made spending cuts that hurt families and reduce necessary services. Explore the reasons for these cuts as well as arguments for the continuing and increasing need for these services through the attached report.

To learn more about long-term services and supports, the key characteristics of a high-performing system, and new options and incentives in the Affordable Care Act that can support cost-effective programs to help people with disabilities remain in their homes and communities, access this article. This paper outlines the five key characteristics of a high-performing system of long-term services and supports and describes an emerging “scorecard” that could help measure states’ progress.

The Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II (State & local government services) and title III (public accommodations & commercial facilities) in the Federal Register. These requirements clarify and refine issues that have arisen over the past 20 years and contain new and updated requirements, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. The effective date of two revised rules is March 15, 2011.

Use these attached outreach materials to learn more about QSPAND, a network of quality service providers working to improve their abilities to provide client-centered services in the least restrictive environment possible. Members act as peer supporters as well as advocates for critical issues and policy changes through educating legislators and policymakers. Please access QSPAND's website, as well as newsletters and a brochure for more information.