CMS

Guidance on the implementation of Section 2001 of the Affordable Care Act: Medicaid Coverage for the Lowest Income Populations is provided. This legislation establishes a new eligibility group and the option for states to begin providing medical assistance to eligible individuals as of April 1, 2010. To implement the 1902(k)(2) option to cover this group, states must submit an amendment to their State Medicaid plans.

The purpose of employment planning is to gather valuable information in order to successfully help individuals obtain jobs that match their skills, interests and aptitudes. Training is integral to making sure this is successful. Wisconsin hosts a six-session training series at three different locations, for those wishing to receive an Integrated Employment Professional certificate. The materials from this training are attached, and include a sample registration form and evaluation results.

How is Wyoming marketing their Medicaid Buy-In Program? The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program is Wyoming’s MIG program. To effectively market the program, the attached brochure outlines the program, qualifications, benefits, eligibility and cost to the individual. This example could be useful to other states seeking to start a MIG program as well.

What is California offering its Spanish speaking population in terms of marketing material for its MIG programs? A Spanish "Talent Knows No Limits" Program Brochure outlines the program and resources in both Spanish and English. This sample could be helpful to other MIG grantees marketing to their Hispanic population.

How are states marketing their MIG programs? California went to an outside research company to conduct a marketing study. The attached presentation and results outline the details and findings of this study. Some of the topics addressed are the current employment process, employment resources, and perceptions of messaging statements. This presentation ends by providing insights to action. Though created for California programs this study could provide valuable marketing tips to other MIG states.

How is California using online training to help instruct interested people about work incentives? Through webinars, the CHIIP staff are able to train people located anywhere in California. Find archived webinars on the "Talent has No Limits" Website. Corresponding PowerPoint presentations for the “Work Incentive Programs and Building Financial Assets for People with Disabilities” and the “250% Working Disabled Program and Options” webinars are also included.

What types of agency collaborations can benefit youth and those transitioning from school to work? The attached presentation has California asking this question as part of a multi-agency collaborative effort working to remove barriers to employment and self-sufficiency of people with disabilities. Focusing on The CHIIP program and efforts geared to empowering youth, this presentation was given at the CAPED Conference Workshop and could be helpful to other MIG grantees.

How is California empowering their youth with disabilities? One way is through the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar which connects youth with disabilities to each other, organizations, resources and opportunities. The attached activities and their corresponding samples are from the Seminar. Review "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" and "Disability History Week-Surveys" for more information and surveys and permission samples from this seminar.

The first Ticket to Work Mental Health Summit was held in New Orleans, LA on November 15–17, 2009. Mental and behavioral health decision makers engaged in presentations, networking experiences, and the opportunity to learn how the Ticket to Work program can help people with a severe mental illness with recovery through work. The archived web site holds presentation materials, Power Point slides, speaker biographies, links to speaker webcasts, and other helpful resources.

This letter provides clarification on the receipt of Federal funds under the SSA Ticket to Work program and encourages utilization of the program’s flexible funding offers. Policy clarifications regarding State Medicaid providers’ acceptance and the treatment of SSA ticket payments are included, as well as clarification regarding the prohibition of using Ticket Outcome and Milestone payments as the State share of financial participation.