All States/Territories

Explore Medicaid expansion under health care reform and savings for states through Medicaid “modernization.” This report examines three broad categories of savings opportunities including the greater use of coordinated care techniques, the greater use of managed care for LTC, and the upgrading of Medicaid’s administrative processes. Find national and state-specific projections of increases in Medicaid enrollees as a result of health reform legislation and of the associated Medicaid costs.

Explore preliminary results for this demonstration to test whether earlier access to health care and related services to SSDI beneficiaries would lead to improved health, increased employment and reduced reliance on SSDI benefits. The brief describes the sample selected and the impacts on health care use and unmet medical needs. Findings indicate the intervention increased the use of health care services and reduced the reported unmet health care needs of the participants.

Effective July 1, 2010, this rule makes significant clarifications regarding benchmark benefits packages. States have utilized these packages to provide expanded HCBS beyond those available through the Medicaid State Plan. Clarifications include the provision of non-emergency medical transportation, and children’s access to the full range of Medicaid EPSDT benefits. The attached file contains the official text of the rule as entered into the Federal Registry.

How are MIG programs engaging the rehabilitation professional community? The New York State Rehabilitation Association created a summit to establish collaboration with organizations who provide training, promote dialogue and reach consensus on issues facing rehabilitation professionals in all levels of staffing in New York State. A sample of their brochure outlining their mission, their agenda and registration forms for the September 2009 summit is attached.

How are states incorporating new media into their MIG grant training programs? Webinars allow for a cinematic, presentation like, learning experience that can be accessed conveniently online. The state of New York uses webinars to explain their programs to consumers and service providers, and made archives of these presentations available online. A link to the archives page of the New York Makes Work Pay site is provided below. These webinars could serve as a template for other MIG states.

Electronic and print newsletters are a popular and effective way of keeping MIG grant program details updated and available to service providers and consumers alike. New York's Working Newsletter is a monthly publication that is available both electronically and in print. It covers New York Makes Work Pay Initiative program features and updates, such as statewide developments and webinar training schedules. Two samples are attached which could serve as useful samples for other states.

Find an estimate for the US of the costs over the next 20 years of providing public transportation to the advancing wave of older adults looking to maintain their independence. Investments recommended to address needs included more bus operator training and consideration of older adults’ needs in route planning and placement of transit stops. Capital enhancements include more low-floor and kneeling buses, improved interior circulation, additional grab bars and other accessibility features.

AoA has released a toolkit that provides the Aging Network and its partners with a replicable and easy-to-use method for providing services for any diverse community. The toolkit consists of a four-step process and a questionnaire that assists professionals, volunteers and advocates with every stage of program planning, implementation and service delivery for older adult communities, their families and caregivers.

Review an analysis of the size and characteristics of the PAS workforce during the period 2005-07. Data is available by state and nationwide and is based on a three-year combined sample of data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. Data include gender, age, ethnicity, birthplace, income, and type of employment.

Explore this collaborative initiative geared towards propelling state progress in the support of a more “successful and financially secure aging experience.” The West Virginia Long Term Care Partnership seeks to bring together varied efforts to create an integrated network of thought and action, with an emphasis on collaboration and communication. Also included is a link to the proceedings of their 2010 Partner Summit, through which you can access the presentations and handouts.