Idaho

Mathematica researchers examine the effects that the Medicaid Buy-In program has had on participants’ earnings. The first brief looks at whether earnings increase after enrollment. The second profiles the workers that earn the highest wages. The last brief profiles all Buy-In participants and compares earnings data by state. Each brief analyzes the traits of the workers and different state programs to identify successful strategies.

How many people served by home and community-based mental health services in your state are employed? This DataNote explores this question and illustrates a wide variance in outcomes between states, suggesting the need for further research to identify and implement best practices.

The first in a series on housing issues, this brief provides an overview of various federal and state housing financing programs that can be used to support low income workers with disabilities. The brief also summarizes the related nature of housing and employment services and the impacts of the current housing market on employees with disabilities. The series is meant to provide information to MIG grantees and help them create linkages with agencies providing direct housing services.

Thanks to the steadily increasing demand for home care, the second fastest-growing occupation in the country is that of personal and home care aides (PHCAs). Yet PHCA wages - which were low to begin with - are failing to keep up with inflation nationwide. A new publication looks at the decline in inflation-adjusted wages. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it charts the wages received by personal and home care aides in all 50 states and the nation over a seven-year period.

States are ranked in this report based on the outcomes of Medicaid services provided to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The key outcomes measured are the promotion of independence and meaningful employment, tracking quality and safety, keeping families together, and reaching those in need. Each state’s progress is measured by comparing data from the previous year. This report is issued annually with past editions available on the included website.

This comprehensive report provides data and macro level analyses on public and private residential services. The Executive Summary and Section 3 compare Medicaid utilization and expenditures for home and community-based services with services provided in institutional settings. Data are also presented in state-by-state profiles. Past editions of this annual report dating from 2000 are available at the website provided.

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.

A broad coalition of stakeholders created this example of a comprehensive state-level workforce development plan. The document suggests solutions to the following workforce challenges: recruitment and retention; education, training and development; data gathering and monitoring; status and awareness of profession; and mentoring and supervision. An executive summary and 1-page call to action targeted at key stakeholders are included.

These kits provide strategic guidance and tools such as checklists and worksheets to help people recruit and retain quality direct support professionals. One version is designed for individuals with disabilities and the other is for their families and support team members. A hard copy with interactive CD is available at the Illinois Direct Support Professional Workforce Initiative website.

Find within this resource state-by-state statistics on demographics, Medicaid, Medicare, and health insurance coverage. Of special interest are the data on Medicaid expenditures broken down by recipient type and service environment (HCBS vs. nursing home). Limited data are also given for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.