All States/Territories

This program (HWD) is Washington’s implementation of Medicaid Buy-In. The report evaluates HWD’s impact on employment and earnings, Medicaid coverage, and receipt of food stamps by comparing enrollees to traditional Medicaid participants. They found significant outcome improvements for the HWD group in several categories.

Nearly every state provides at least some funds for services for low-income older adults or people with disabilities who have too many assets to qualify for Medicaid. AARP reports on how much each state spends on both multiservice and single-service programs. It also compares funding sources, eligibility criteria, services, cost management strategies, consumer direction, and other characteristics.

STEPS teaches employer skills to people who receive in-home services through eligible programs in Oregon. Training modules go over the preparation for and completion of the hiring process. One covers communications skills and safety considerations. There are also examples of eligibility requirements, marketing materials, and referral forms.

ADAPT is a group of self-advocates working for civil rights for people with disabilities. Follow the link to see their arguments and evidence in support the Community Choice Act. The Act would establish a national program of community-based attendant services and supports, regardless of a person’s age or disability, and allow them to choose where they receive services. Materials include talking points, summaries, links to the bills, and updates on status and actions related to the Act.

Medicaid currently fills in the gaps in Medicare’s benefit package for 8.8 million enrollees with limited income and resources (dual eligibles). Shifting aspects of this financing to the Federal government could save states money and create opportunities for better care management and coordination. Data tables show how much each state could save if certain financing roles were shifted.

In March of 2006, 144 Minnesotans with disabilities and their families gathered to voice their concerns and ideas about meaningful choices and to learn about promising practices in employment and day services. People shared their experiences, strategies and best practices. Common themes from the workshops are gathered here and include definitions of meaningful daytime choice, things that contribute to it, things that prevent it, things that need to be improved, and recommendations.

Three researchers use data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation to estimate the expense of a mandatory personal assistance services (PAS) benefit under Medicaid for persons with low incomes, low assets, and significant disability. They conclude that the cost would be much lower than estimated by the Congressional Budget Office. They also argue that this step would help eliminate the institutional bias of Medicaid.

Massachusetts assesses the service providers it licenses and certifies based on quality of life areas (such as the degree to which consumer choice and control is supported) and organizational outcomes. The reports can be used to understand quality of services and to inform consumers of the array of options available. Agencies are listed alphabetically by region and each report’s executive summary describes services offered.

Are we on the brink of a revival of interest in managed long-term care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities? Four states’ experiences in experimenting with managed care are examined here, along with stakeholders’ views on these efforts. The report looks at goals, methodologies, and similarities and differences between programs. It concludes by looking at implications for other states.

The largest and fastest growing group of Social Security disability program beneficiaries is people with psychiatric disabilities. The paper finds that combining evidence-based supported employment with mental health services could reduce the rate of disability and enable those already disabled to gain employment, potentially saving personal and government money. Four policy recommendations are given to achieve this goal.