Cash and Counseling

Program history, outcomes and recommendation of areas for future study are summarized. The study was commissioned to compare participant demographics to another IL program; measure cost of services and administration and see what participants purchased; gauge satisfaction and unmet needs; and understand disenrollment rates and reasons.

A central part of consumer direction is ability of the consumer to manage the budget and decide what to purchase. Evaluation data and anecdotes are given to show how this ability influences the outcomes of program participants.

How do finance institutions and HCBS influence asset building among persons with disabilities? This article explores patterns of and barriers to utilization of banking services using a case study of an Iowa credit union that has enrolled persons with disabilities under a HCBS waiver. Although not widely used by program participants, the credit union model provides savings opportunities to purchase goods and services that facilitate independent living.

The trends in state Medicaid HCBS programs, target groups, participants, and expenditures are summarized and policy recommendations are made. The paper shows the progress in providing Medicaid HCBS but also identifies many current problems and policies. Inequities in access to services and limited funds result in unmet needs. Cost issues have been a primary focus of policy makers and quality problems are largely not addressed.

Learn from 10 years of experience in administering the consumer-directed Cash & Counseling program in Arkansas. The report provides a candid history of the development, implementation, and lessons learned from the program. The author gives details on partnership development and use, changes in agency culture and operations, and data on outcomes, cost neutrality, and participant demographics. Also included are the 2003 and 2008 program budgets.

In this collection of informational materials, Ohio outlines what its Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) program is. Documents include an explanatory booklet, flyer and fact sheets. A website link with the government site that houses these documents, application forms and additional information is also included. While this material was intended for consumer use, it could serve as a guide to other states contemplating or running a similar MIG program.

This issue of the "Policy Research Brief" series summarizes the results of a national study on the status, implementation, and degree of consumer control across states. Strategies, challenges, and best practices of consumer-directed services and supports are explored. Information was gathered through interviews with administrators of developmental disabilities services in 42 states.

This paper was used as a handout at a workshop, held as a catalyst for DALTCP's major new initiative to study ways to expand consumer choice and empowerment in obtaining personal assistance services.

How can participants in consumer-directed programs connect with and hire care workers? In Arkansas, they can consult this web-based directory that is free for consumers and applicants. Worker names, availability, expected wages, services provided, and contact information are all provided.

Find out about the outcomes of people with serious mental illnesses that participate in Florida's Cash & Counseling program. Self-directed care was effective in lowering costs and time spent in psychiatric inpatient and criminal justice settings. Many program details are provided, such as financing, start up, structure, and evaluation.