Michigan

This issue of the "Policy Research Brief" series summarizes the results of a national study on the status, implementation, and degree of consumer control across states. Strategies, challenges, and best practices of consumer-directed services and supports are explored. Information was gathered through interviews with administrators of developmental disabilities services in 42 states.

HCBS.org NewsCLIPS highlights the important work related to Real Choice Systems Change Grantees. In each issue, we examine a topic related to home and community-based care by providing an overview of recent papers and publications. This issue of NewsCLIPS highlights three new issue briefs and a new promising practice report providing various strategies that policymakers can undertake when developing and supporting each of the peer support models.

This website is an on-line query system based on AoA-related data files and surveys, and includes population characteristics from the Census Bureau. The system allows users to produce descriptive information in graphical or tabular form, at the level of detail most suited for their needs. The four options through AGID provide different levels of focus and aggregation of the data from individual data elements within Data-at-a-Glance to full database access within Data Files.

Methods for evaluating MFP are mapped out in detail. The report explains the design of the analyses of implementation, impact, and outcomes. It also describes research questions to be answered and methods for tracking the 31 programs. Finally, the synthesis of information and format of the presentation of findings is discussed.

Tables listing the formal strategies adopted by each state to achieve compliance with the Olmstead decision and community integration lawsuits related to the case are maintained here. In 1999, the Supreme Court found that people have the right to receive care in the most integrated, least restrictive setting appropriate. This report gives more details on that decision and summarizes the impact it has had on community integration in general.

Here is an example of alternative funding of assistive technology to support employment. The fund is available through United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan and provides low interest loans for people with disabilities to purchase equipment that enables them to work from home. Examples of items and services that qualify for financing include computers and hardware, office furniture and equipment, home modifications, telecommunications systems, user training and maintenance.

PAS Center offers state-by-state participant and expenditure data for all of Medicaid and the three main HCBS programs: 1915(c) waivers, home health, and state plan personal care. The December 2008 update provides 2005 data complemented by survey results related to program policies and provider reimbursement rates.

This report estimates that public financial and personal clinical outcomes can be improved by moving dual eligibles to capitated managed care. The authors view the clinical and eligibility characteristics of dual eligibles as well-matched to the strengths of integrated care programs. The document lays out the reasoning and data behind the estimate, recommends policy changes needed to make the transition, identifies potential barriers to implementation and offers examples from KY and MN.

About 52 million people provided family caregiving worth about $375 billion in 2007. That amount exceeds Medicaid long-term care spending in each state. Caregiving services included in the estimate are personal care, help with everyday tasks, and health-related interventions. The document presents data nationally and by state and concludes with policy recommendations to support and sustain family caregivers.

Everything from program structure, eligibility, services, financing and expenditures are covered here in concise summaries. This updated edition also contains graphics showing expenditures by service and the growth of Medicaid acute care spending as compared to private health plans. The tables at the end present data broken down by state. Refer to the 2007 version for historic perspective.