Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

How are states getting the word out about the latest changes to their MIG programs as they continue to grow and evolve? Nevada posts new information in their “What's New” column on the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services website. Listing the most up to date information in this manner provides a useful way of keeping visitors as up-to-date as possible about their program and provides good incentive for return visits. It is an approach that could be beneficial to other states.

How is benefits planning & assistance being incorporated into Nevada's Disability Employment Education Project? To fight the fear of losing benefits, which prevents many individuals with disabilities from seeking work or returning to work, Nevada created a benefits planning and assistance program. A sample of the marketing material, which includes services offered, eligibility and contact information, is attached. It could be a useful sample for other MIG states.

Are states providing people with disabilities the necessary tools to reach their career goals? As part of their Disability Employment Education Project, Nevada created an Employment Education Fair, designed to develop skills and knowledge on how to be competitive in the job market. Samples of marketing material, an evaluation form and a press release about the EmployAbility 2009 Education Fair are attached, and could be used as templates by other MIG states.

As part of their Disability Employment Education Project, Nevada created a career exploration fair for youth with disabilities age 14-22. It gives students the opportunity to visit with representatives from a wide range of industries, learning first-hand about the necessary skills and educational requirements related to careers of interest. An invitation for schools, as well as an evaluation form for attendees is attached, which could be useful to other states.

How is Nevada helping to create a community of special needs families who are connected and informed about the state's legislation, programs and events? Through a monthly newsletter called “Connections,” the state is able to announce events, list resources, tell personal stories, and outline state programs and policies. The newsletter is in both English and Spanish and could be a useful template for other MIG states.

Using the media to get the word out about employment events for people with disabilities is a great marketing tool. The state of Nevada created the attached press release to announce an event being held to develop work skills of individuals with disabilities. A sample of this document is attached and could serve as a template for other states looking into marketing their events or programs.

This letter was issued to provide information on new tools for community integration and to remind States of existing tools that remain strong resources in their efforts to support community living. Various technical assistance resources are listed, including a new guide for enhancing the availability of HCBS within managed care delivery systems. Progress around the HUD partnership, HCBS waiver and state plan options, grant programs, ADRCs and discharge planning are discussed as well.

Looking for job skills training materials? The state of Nevada created the attached work program samples. They include a class outline booklet, sample completion certificate, high school letter, job skills brochure, job skills flyer, programmatic report, resume template and short biography template. These templates could be useful to other MIG states interested in this approach to job skills training.

How is Nevada using an online newsletter to keep consumers and service providers updated on all things pertaining to their MIG grant Program? EmployAbility is a monthly e-newsletter which covers programs, policies, resources and events related to the Nevada Disability Employment Education Project. Event announcements often include registration forms needed. Samples are included which might be useful to other states.

Find a sample Member's Guides to a MIG program. The state of Louisiana created the attached reference guide to help consumers understand the Medicaid Purchase Plan, its benefits and services. Some of the topics included are eligibility, Medicaid rights, responsibilities to Medicaid, covered services and helpful contacts. This can serve as an example that could be useful to other states interested in providing similar information to consumers.