Policy alerts, briefs, letters & papers

Forty percent of Social Security disability beneficiaries are interested in employment according to this study by Mathematica’s Center for Studying Disability Policy. Findings indicate that beneficiaries can be categorized into three groups based on their work-related efforts and expectations. The author concludes that both government and program participants could greatly benefit from Social Security disability programs that provide greater economic incentives and supports for employment.

While intended to assist new participant direction partners, a wider audience may benefit from this review of directly-hired workers' characteristics, experiences, and training needs compared to agency-hired workers. This policy brief draws on research from two large scale participant-directed options for people with diverse disabilities: the Cash & Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) and the California In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.

Find out about the proposed changes to Section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations pertaining to agents that service home care service recipient employers. Specifically, these rules propose allowing such agents to file and deposit Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) in the aggregate under Section 3504 of the Internal Revenue Code. Review information on how to submit comments by April 13, 2010, as well as key terms used within the proposed rules.

The fragmentation of care for dually eligible beneficiaries is an ongoing concern. This brief discusses potential methods of reducing this fragmentation and improving nursing facility care for this population. Recommendations involve concentrating responsibility and accountability for prescription drug use, providing financial incentives for nursing facilities to reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and shifting responsibility for long-term nursing facility care from Medicaid to Medicare.

Review efforts to measure and reduce potentially avoidable hospitalization and improve care transitions for individuals who use long-term care. Three areas in which progress is needed are described. The authors conclude with questions deserving more research to fill gaps in knowledge on how best to improve care quality. You can also visit the LTQA website link for more information on the Quality Alliance.

Looking for a clear and concise summary of an existing MIG grant program? Attached is the Arizona Employment and Disability Partnership MIG Grant Fact Sheet which outlines, among other things, the programs’ goal, its approach, 2010 planned initiatives, and its AHCCCS Freedom to Work evaluation and member survey. This document could serve as a helpful guide to other states contemplating a MIG program or accessing an existing program.

Explore how Medicaid policies have been used in some states to expand the range and availability of services. Third in a series, this brief explains why these policies lead to so much variation in current state Medicaid long-term care programs. It also draws lessons from innovative states to suggest reforms in national Medicaid policies that would make home and community based services accessible to more program participants.

People with disabilities having to choose between meaningful work and income, and access to health insurance and needed services, is a problem being addressed by an increasing number of states through the Medicaid Buy-In program. The state of Alabama created the policy paper attached below, outlining the policy objectives and proposed design of their program. It could be a useful resource for other states proposing a MIG program of their own.

Discover strategies that were used to successfully engage local leaders and related agencies to host well attended and highly regarded Senior Benefits Expos across Massachusetts. Eight Expos were held across the state to inform and connect people to the programs and services they need, and provide them with the opportunity for on-the-spot screening and enrollment. The greatest success factor was believed to be the effective partnerships between federal, local and state agencies.

How is the state of Arizona facilitating the collaboration of it’s MIG program with the benefits planning community serving individuals with disabilities? The attached fact sheet was provided as a handout during a presentation with the asset building community meeting to solicit their collaboration in MIG initiatives. The handout identifies the commonalities between MIGs and asset building programs. It’s a collaborative example that could be helpful to other states looking to do the same.