Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

How can employers communicate effectively with people who have a disability? North Dakota's MIG program sees communication as an important part of helping facilitate the employment and retention of people with disabilities. They created a manual outlining ten communication tips, disability specific tips, people first language, and workplace strategies. A sample of this manual is attached and could also be useful as a template for other MIG states.

How are states getting support for the establishment of proposed funds? North Dakota created a proposal, fact sheet, alliance members list, a planning meeting invitation and a guide for the development of a letter of support for the establishment of a state-wide affordable housing fund to assist communities with their unmet housing needs. Samples of these documents are attached and could be helpful for other states looking for ideas to do the same.

Keeping everyone informed about MIG grant program policies and developments is important in keeping the programs running effectively. North Dakota created a monthly newsletter to do just this. Whether its answering frequently asked questions or listing upcoming events, ND’s Benefits Planning Network newsletter is a helpful and timely communications tool. Attached are three samples of the Newsletters, which could serve as a good example to other states planning their own.

How are states implementing proposed transition pilot projects? Ohio created application materials for school districts interested in becoming one of two Regional Transition Pilot Projects. These projects would participate in developing and implementing an inter-agency transition planning and support project for transition-age youth with disabilities. A sample of the application materials are attached and could be a helpful guide to other states instituting pilot projects.

Do you need personal assistance services at your workplace? Personal assistance services can be a big incentive for people with disabilities who want to work, and for those whose employers do not supply their own. South Dakota created the attached brochure explaining eligibility and services to consumers. This sample could be useful to MIG grantees interested in personal assistance services.

How is South Dakota getting the facts out to employers about hiring people with disabilities? One way is through an informational fact listing "Facts for Employers," "Tax Incentives for Employers" and "Resources for Employers". A sample is attached below and could serve as a template for other MIG grantees. 

How are states getting the facts out to consumers about their MIG program? South Dakota is providing readers with information about SSA Work Incentives, Taxes, Medicaid Buy In, Self Employment, Asset Development, Looking for a Job, Knowing Your Rights, and the Ticket To Work Program through fact sheets that outline the program and resources. Samples are attached and could serve as a guide to other MIG grantees.

What are states doing to address language barriers in implementing their MIG programs? The state of Michigan created a Supported Self-Employment Training Manual in Spanish that extensively covers the history, details and resources of their program. This manual also includes forms in Spanish. It is available for download and could serve as a helpful template or outline for other MIG states.

How is Pennsylvania marketing its MIG program called "Works for Me"? In October 2009, the Works For Me website went live, as did their billboards, TV ads and a direct mail campaign. Attached is a link to the website for this program which offers an audio version of each web page, sample newsletters, brochure, and billboard artwork. These samples could be useful to other states starting a MIG program of their own and/or interested in creating cohesive marketing campaigns.

As part of its MIG grant, Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health & Human Services members were asked to join at least one of six workgroups. This paper is the culmination of the work performed and the recommendations of the committed group of individuals who are the Global Waiver Task Force Employment Workgroup. Seven corresponding attachments are also attached. These samples could be helpful to other MIG grantees or states looking to start a program of their own.