All States/Territories

Legisbrief is a briefing papers that offers important issues of the day. This volume provides an overview of the new demonstration initiative entitled \"Money Follows the Person.\" States now have additional support from the federal government. The new federal demonstration provides new financial incentives for states to initiate system of flexible spending for long-term services and supports that enables available funds to move with the individual to the most appropriate and preferred setting.

While aggregate household net wealth grew from $25.9 trillion in 1995 to $50.1 trillion in 2004 (both in 2004 dollars), nearly 90 percent of the net gains occurred only among the top quartile of households in the wealth distribution. This paper discusses both household wealth and inequality growth, examines demographic factors behind the growth, and analyzes housing’s role in it, using the Survey of Consumer Finances data collected by the Federal Reserve Bank.

In laying the groundwork for sustainable improvements in the infrastructure for LTC policy and program implementation, Massachusetts Real Choice grantees conducted an assessment of current Service Coordination practices across State agencies. The research objective was to better understand present service coordination practices among agencies dealing with elderly and individuals with disabilities with the intention of identifying “promising practices”. This report presents the review results.

The goal of the Massachusetts Real Choice Pilot Project was to increase the quality of life and independence of participant through cost-effective flexible funding. Two pilot projects were developed under the grant to serve adults with disabilities. Attached documents include the pilot project summary, the request for proposals for organizations to participate in the pilot project, methodology of the project, and a descriptive presentation.

When accessing health care for children there is another level of advocacy and information needed. Learning to advocate, learning to research and learning how to communicate with multiple systems are all skills to be acquired. Many times families are asked to “Put your request in writing”; for the parents of children with disabilities, there are even more reasons. The New York F2F grantee developed this booklet with hints, suggestions or models for families to use when writing letters.

How did the Massachusetts Real Choice grantees involve consumers and what are the lessons learned from the process? This presentation describes the systems created for consumer involvement in the design, planning, and implementation of the Real Choice activities. The fact sheet provide suggestions on how to involve consumers in a collaborative process.

An introductory course on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) explores the core concepts, legal requirements and spirit of the ADA. This 12-topic on-line course contains relative information and real-life examples, as well as self-tests, court cases plus a glossary and resources section. Topics include the purpose, structure and enforcement of the ADA, non discrimination requirements, employment, government, public accommodation, telecommunications, provisions and a course review.

The California Quality Service Review was conducted to monitor the transition from institutional to community-based settings. This presentation provides outlines of the Quality Management Systems (QMS) plus steps and tools that the project used in order to monitor quality.

A new AAHSA report proposes that individuals and government share the burden of paying for long-term care costs. The final report recommends that the nation move away from Medicaid's welfare model of long-term care financing and adopt an insurance system that is funded by premiums, provides cash benefits so consumers have optimal flexibility in choosing care options, and offers as close to universal coverage as possible. Review the AAHSA Cabinet LTC Financing Strategy.

Many disability advocates need up to date statistics by State or county for people with disabilities. The 2005 American Community Survey provides useful current data available by State and county level. Advocates can use this data and the information can inform public planning processes.