Reports

This report describes the process evaluation findings related to ADRC implementation approaches in three expansion sites, presents an initial evaluation of the role and functioning of the ADRC Coalition, and describes the formation of the collaboration between the AAA and the Regional Offices of MHDDAD. A framework includes benchmarks for successful collaboration development, and program logic modeling is discussed as an evaluation framework to guide future process and outcome evaluations.

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.

In 2006, Maine’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant was awarded funds to provide outreach about Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage to MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Option dual eligible members. Methods for raising awareness and education about the transition to Medicare Part D were implemented. To identify the usefulness of outreach efforts and to learn about experiences with transitioning prescription drug coverage, a telephone survey was conducted. A report highlights the findings.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor worked with a coalition from public and private sectors to recommend steps to support people with disabilities who work, or who wish to work. The full and abridged reports identify information on resources, opportunities, and short- and long-term activities to increase the number of workers with disabilities. Additionally, key findings for the MaineCare Workers with Disabilities Option are available in the Reader’s Guide.

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.

A series of presentations, funded by the MI-CEO grant, discuss a variety of issues related to the employment of people with disabilities in Massachusetts. Topics covered include: rates of unemployment, barriers to employment, ways to overcome barriers, the relationship of programs and services (e.g., MassHealth and Medicaid Buy-In) to employment efforts, recommendations from agency leaders, and implications for MI-CEO.

Developed by the MI–CEO Grant, a report on the employment of people with disabilities in Massachusetts intends to provide people with disabilities, advocates, policymakers, researchers and other interested parties an overview of the status and trends in employment of people with disabilities. Another report uses new longitudinal, person-level data to support the analysis of the Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) programs in Massachusetts.

Each day, decisions affecting residents’ ability to age successfully in their communities are made by housing officials, transportation planners, planning and zoning specialists, parks and recreation officials, and economic development leaders. This guide provides local leaders with tools to build collaborations, a quick-reference kit for practitioners looking for tools, resources, best practices and it also includes a topic-specific list of studies, articles, and leading organizations.

States now have more discretion in changing Medicaid policies; consumers and advocates want to make sure they have a voice in that. This AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Paper examines the processes states have in place to solicit public input into Medicaid policy changes developed and implemented through Section 1115 waivers or State Plan Amendments (SPAs). Recommendations are offered on how federal and state governments can improve or enhance existing opportunities for public involvement.

According to a report by the Kaiser Foundation, Medicaid has become the major payer for long-term services and supports to low-income individuals, and a safety-net for those who become impoverished as a result of long-term care needs. In addition to concerns about the high costs of long-term care, recent developments have drawn attention to challenges facing Medicaid as a provider of long-term care. This paper describes these challenges and other issues facing the Medicaid program going forward.