Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

A series of presentations, funded by the MI-CEO grant, discuss a variety of issues related to the employment of people with disabilities in Massachusetts. Topics covered include: rates of unemployment, barriers to employment, ways to overcome barriers, the relationship of programs and services (e.g., MassHealth and Medicaid Buy-In) to employment efforts, recommendations from agency leaders, and implications for MI-CEO.

Developed by the MI–CEO Grant, a report on the employment of people with disabilities in Massachusetts intends to provide people with disabilities, advocates, policymakers, researchers and other interested parties an overview of the status and trends in employment of people with disabilities. Another report uses new longitudinal, person-level data to support the analysis of the Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) programs in Massachusetts.

In 2003, Massachusetts substantially increased premiums charged to enrollees in its CommonHealth-Working (CH-W) program. This study evaluates the impact of the premium change on enrollment. Findings indicate the premium increase had a small, but statistically significant impact on program exits. Key factors as to why the CH-W experience differs from other state programs experiencing similar enrollment declines are discussed. A report and presentation of the study are included.

Developed as a means to provide a framework for state-to-state communication, technical assistance, and for multi-state analysis of policy and program development activities this site is also intended as a resource to other public officials, analysts and advocates. The Guide has 6 sections which include 65 categories of states’ MIG comprehensive employment project activities. Within the 6 sections are subsections of summaries, recent activities and details and background information.

This memo summarizes the state of the Personal Assistance Services (PAS) program in Washington, DC as of August 2007. The memo offers findings within the current PAS program and recommendations for improvements. Also listed are the accomplishments of the program.

This report summarizes the status of the Medicaid Buy-In program in Washington, DC. It describes the role of the program and the estimated number of participants after four years. The report analysis enrollment estimates based heavily on the enrollment experiences in other state programs.

The Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) contracted with George Washington University’s Department of Health Policy, School of Public Health and Health Services (GWU) in order to evaluate the Washington, DC MIG activities. This memo summarizes all of the MIG-related activities which occurred or started in the first half of 2007.

The brief reports findings of a survey to assess how many Kansas Working Healthy Medicaid Buy-In participants would likely increase their employment and earnings under a gradual Social Security Disability Insurance offset program. 25% of the respondents would try to work and earn more if this program was available and 25% maybe would do so. Researchers suggest benefit offset programs coupled with existing Medicaid Buy-In programs have potential to increase employment and earnings for people.

The Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Research Assistance to States (MIG-RATS) Center launched a website to provide resources and support to states implementing MIGs. The website is designed to help staff find research reports and resources, learn about MIG-RATS activities and initiatives, and connect with MIG researchers. The website includes info on topics such as Medicaid Buy-In programs, outreach and marketing, and youth in transition and also provides links to tools and a calendar of events.

This report provides estimates of likely enrollments in Kentucky should the state implement a Buy-in program. The estimates are based on a statistical analysis of data from states that have implemented programs. The analysis takes into account both characteristics of the states and characteristics of the states’ programs that are likely to affect enrollments. Relevant considerations include the number of individuals with disabilities, participation rates and the state’s economy.