Reports

The Hawaii Medicaid Infrastructure Grant produced a 2 page brief describing the need for Medicaid Work Incentive Coverage (MWIC) in Hawaii. The brief also identifies coverage groups and individual eligibility.

Need an overview of the basic components of the nation’s largest health coverage program? Medicaid covers 55 million low-income individuals and is the dominant source of long-term care financing. Examine the structure of the program, who it covers, what services it provides, and spending. Because Medicaid is jointly financed by the federal and state governments programs vary across states. Tables examining the state-to-state variation in eligibility, enrollment, and spending are included.

Hawaii’s MIG, entitled “Hire Abilities”, produced a draft report presenting an analysis on how Hawaii will offer the MIG program to working people with disabilities. The draft report was posted online and made available for reader feedback. The report also addresses how six other States have implemented their MIG programs.

This project was funded to a) gather descriptive information on HCBS waivers, both comprehensive and supports, operated for people with I&DD in 17 states with the supports waivers b) determine how supports waivers have emerged as separate and distinct HCBS waivers c) better understand the range of participant characteristics and experiences that distinguish supports waivers from other HCBS waivers d) more fully appreciate how states view supports waivers as a way to address demand for HCBS.

The Real Choice System Change project at the University of Connecticut’s Center for Disabilities administered a Community Inclusion Assessment to determine the level and quality of inclusion. The papers in this series are based on a sample of 250 individuals with disabilities. Briefing Paper #3 explores a gap between the level of involvement and feelings about involvement. Findings suggest that assuring the opportunity of participation is only one step in making communities more inclusive.

The purpose of this analysis is to assess the relative need for affordable housing with supportive services in Arkansas and to compare this need with the available resources for low-income senior and disabled populations. To conduct this analysis, data was gathered from both direct sources and statistical surveys. The data was analyzed to identify the gaps between needs and resources, as well as other patterns.

The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 adds a new section 1937 to the Social Security Act (the Act). Under section 1937 a state may amend its State plan to provide alternative benefit packages to some of its recipients without regard to comparability, statewideness, freedom of choice, or certain other traditional Medicaid requirements. This paper looks briefly at how Section 1937 might be used by a state to develop a LIFE Account model.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) presents their action plan for systems change. This Plan outlines the process of transitioning individuals with developmental disabilities from developmental centers (DCs) to the community over the next 8 years (State FY 2008 through FY 2015). The Plan addresses the requirements of state legislation (S1090, PL 2006, Chapter 61) as well as the issues in the NJ P&A Olmstead lawsuit.

This study projects to 2040 the number of people ages 65 and older with disabilities and their use of long-term care services. Declining family sizes, increasing childlessness, and rising divorce rates will limit the number of family caregivers. Rising female employment rates may further reduce the availability of family care, increasing the need for paid home care. The simulations show that under the most optimistic scenario, LTC burdens on families and institutions will increase substantially.

This updated report provides the latest data on the 37 key indicators selected by the Forum for its 2004 report to portray aspects of the lives of older Americans and their families. It is divided into five subject areas: population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care.