All States/Territories

This report and the accompanying tables summarize ways in which states have implemented optional Medicaid programs authorized by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA). Each section of the report explains a program states have the option of implementing, which states did so, and how these changes affect people with mental disorders. The tables illustrate key characteristics of the programs in each participating state.

This online tool enables current or potential Ticket to Work (TTW) employment networks to estimate revenue they might earn through the program. Estimates are based on the number of TTW participants that will begin work each month, that receive only SSI, and that achieve certain milestones in each phase of the program. The tool is provided by CESSI, an accessibility consultant company.

This paper examines the extent to which states have balanced the delivery of Medicaid-funded LTC services and supports to people in their homes and in institutions. What is unique about this report is its primary focus on older people and adults with physical disabilities separate from other LTC populations, such as people with developmental disabilities. Explore what has been accomplished under current Medicaid law and review how federal policies impact the ability to balance service delivery.

This report presents the results of a survey of state developmental disabilities agency officials regarding the determination of initial eligibility/level of care and the “annual level of care” for services furnished under Medicaid waiver and ICF/MR programs. Forty-seven (92%) states provided information on state waiver eligibility criteria and practices. The report describes state level of care assessment approaches and provides legislative cites and contact information for state staff.

AoA announced the availability of $10,900,000 for two ADDGS Program Announcements: "Innovation Grants to Better Serve People with ADRD" and "Evidence-Based Intervention Translation Grants to Serve People with People with ADRD and their Caregivers." The goal is demonstrate how the Aging Services Network can effectively implement evidence-based service interventions that help people with ADRD to remain at home and in the community. Closing dates for applications are August 11th, 2008.

Arkansas was one of 10 states awarded funds from the CMS to improve home and community based services. The project has many goals including developing and implementing a statewide one stop system for long term care services and options. The website lists their other objectives, their strategic plan, and also has the premiere edition of their newsletter. Review the information about this collaborative effort between consumers, stakeholders, and state policy makers.

Are you looking for an example of how one state is helping connect consumers to workers? Are you looking for a personal care attendant? Are you seeking employment as a personal care attendant? This website helps Direct Service Workers find employment allowing them uploading their application; consumers can search a database of available workers. Visitors can also find tips for hiring workers, tax information, and answers to other frequently asked questions.

This quality improvement project was developed and implemented at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. The primary purpose of the Collaborative was to enhance quality of work life for home health aides while improving outcomes for home health patients. The Final Report examines three areas: patient outcomes; patient service use; aide job perceptions & retention. The Implementation Manual emerged out of the lessons learned from an evaluation of the agency-wide spread of tools and strategies.

While some health and economic data on people with disabilities are currently available, these data have limited use in providing a comprehensive assessment of how these individuals are faring. Additionally, the lack of more useful data limits the federal government’s ability to determine how well federal programs are serving individuals with disabilities. Read about ways better coordination could help facilitate the collection of such data to inform policy decisions.

Medicaid exception trusts are generally exempt under federal law from the usual rules of counting trust income and resources. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a type of exception trust established by certain third parties for the benefit of a disabled individual under age 65. This report highlights examples of state laws, forms, eligibility rules, and operating practices states use to properly administer the statutory SNT provision and make recoveries.