Medicaid Waivers

This report is about older youth that are involved in the foster care system and have disabilities and the challenges and outcomes they experience in the areas of education, employment, and other indicators of well-being. The goal is to inform and advise state and federal policymakers in improving these outcomes through better services coordination, systems accountability, leadership development, and capacity building, focusing especially on the transition to adulthood.

The Compendium contains basic information about each of the Real Choice Systems Change Grantees receiving awards in FY 2004. It includes information for the Family-to-Family and Systems Transformation Grantees who received awards in FY 2005 and FY 2006 plus the Person-Centered Planning Implementation awards in FY 2007. It is divided into sections corresponding to the different types of grants and year of award; the report helps Grantees identify others with similar goals and activities.

This report by the GAO reviewed the extent to which HHS ensured that Section 1115 Waiver demonstrations will be budget neutral to the federal government and maintain Medicaid’s fiscal integrity. Specifically, the report examined the projected spending associated with two waivers granted to Florida and Vermont. Review the shortcomings in these specific approvals as well as recommendations for further congressional oversight and HHS procedural reform.

This report provides an overview of 33 states’ initiatives (FY02 CPASS and Real Choice Grantees) to improve their LTC systems and the enduring improvements achieved. It includes lessons learned and recommendations that can guide states that are undertaking similar initiatives. Grantees made enduring systems improvements in five major areas—many states in more. Virtually all agreed that prior to introducing new policies and programs, it is essential to obtain stakeholder buy-in and commitment.

Launched on November 17, 2006, this website assists states in applying for their waiver. The site offers training materials, a migration protocol, a copy of the application, and a technical guide. Many questions can be answered in the FAQ section. The application can be downloaded as an html file in order to save your work. States can also allow CMS to view a draft before submitting a final copy.

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.