New Mexico

This report provides a state-by-state analysis of how Medicaid agencies are exercising their responsibilities for mental health services. The report is based on telephone interviews and explores how state Medicaid agencies are addressing the organization, funding, policy, management and data issues that arise from increased responsibility for mental health services. Review the findings which indicated how States have taken varying approaches to providing services.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated a demonstration project to improve the Direct Service Community Workforce to test the effectiveness of different workforce interventions on the retention and recruitment of Direct Service Workers (DSWs). This report identifies promising practices in direct service worker marketing, recruitment, and selection across the CMS grantees.

The national percentage of Medicaid spending on home and community-based services (HCBS) has more than doubled from 1992 to 2004. This report presents a summary of the main trends to emerge for the three Medicaid HCBS programs and the results of a survey of policies such as eligibility criteria and waiting lists.

For many families and individuals with disabilities, the process of applying for Waivers can seem complex and overwhelming. Developed by Parents Reaching Out this series brings together accurate information and advice from families, advocates, case managers and agencies, to provide a “road map” of sorts. Titles include a Comparison Guide for HCBS Waivers, a DD Waiver Application Handbook, Guidebook to Supplemental Security Income and the Book of Acronyms. Titles are also available in Spanish.

The New Mexico Family to Family grantees, Parents Reaching Out, have put together over a dozen tips sheets. Topics include Advocating for Yourself, Teen Scene: Communication with Health Care Providers, Preparing for Doctors Visits, Waivers, Navigating Medicaid, SSI, Preventing Medical Errors, Transitioning Health Care, HIPAA, and FAQ sabot Mi Via and EPSDT. Also includes is a brochure called Telling Your Story, Tips for Sharing your Experiences. All the fact sheets are also available in Spanish.

This report provides information about family caregivers of older Americans and the state-level programs serving them. The profiles provide information on state demographics and programs related to caregiving. They offer a snapshot of each state's caregiver support programs, services offered, funding sources, eligibility criteria, and options for consumer direction. Also, information about locating grandparent support programs is included along with highlights of recent state legislation.

The purpose of this survey analysis is to provide states with an overview of the implementation of these DRA changes across the country, specifically in terms of Long-Term Care services and the steps the states have taken. Findings address eligibility, Children with Disabilities, Money Follows the Person, HCBS State Plan Amendments, Transition from Institutions, Managed Care, SPA for Personal Care Services, Cash & Counseling, Care Coordination, Disease Management and Long-Term Care Reform.

The presentations from the November 2007 F/EA Workshop are now available. Topics included Promising Practices in Workers’ Compensation, CMS Policies, the Role of Reporting Agents in the Provision, plus Government and Vendor F/EA Operations, Design and Implementation Issues. Review the presentations by states, vendors and subject matter experts.

Grantees are required to establish measurable performance goals for their programs as well as indicators that enable them to track progress. Relating to consumer and client satisfaction with services, it is important that established goals assess visibility, trust, ease of access and responsiveness of program functions and staff. This summary contains findings of ADRCs assessments of consumer satisfaction relating to performance indicators and reported in the semi-annual report.

The Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Research Assistance to States (MIG-RATS) Center launched a website to provide resources and support to states implementing MIGs. The website is designed to help staff find research reports and resources, learn about MIG-RATS activities and initiatives, and connect with MIG researchers. The website includes info on topics such as Medicaid Buy-In programs, outreach and marketing, and youth in transition and also provides links to tools and a calendar of events.