Medicaid Infrastructure Grant PCPA Conference By Diane Cashman.

Medicaid Infrastructure Grant

PCPA Conference By

Diane Cashman

What is the MIG?

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999

Enhance employment options for people with disabilities

Authorized for 11 years 44 states participate in the MIG

What is the MIG? Continued

States will use funding to: Create state Medicaid buy-in programsSupport people with disabilities in

securing and sustaining employmentCreate significant improvements to

Medicaid services that support people with disabilities – Personal Assistance Services

TYPES OF MIG GRANTS

Basic Grant – Develop and enhance Medicaid

buy- in program

Comprehensive Grant –Develop infrastructure to support

employment for people with disabilities

MIG Grant in Pennsylvania

The Department of Public Welfare has been the administrator of the MIG since inception

Administered by the Office of Developmental Programs since July, 2009

Connie Meeker - MIG Project Director Diane Cashman - MIG Project Coordinator

MIG Grant in Pennsylvania Con’t

Pennsylvania received a basic grant of $500,000 in 2002 – 2008

Funding used to develop and enhance our Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)

Pennsylvania received a Comprehensive Grant in 2009 and 2010 of $5.3 million

PA Strategic Plan Goals

Remove public policy barriers to work Ensure needed services and supports

are available and accessible for individuals with disabilities seeking employment

Engage the business community in developing a comprehensive support system

Works For Me

Public relations campaign launch by Dep’t of Public Welfare in October, 2009

TV PSAs, radio PSAs, newspaper ads and interviews, billboards, brochures, DVDs, transit ads, and direct mail campaigns to individuals receiving SSDI, SSI or both

Works For Me – Con’t

Shows individuals with disabilities the benefits of working

Educates employers – dispels myths Aids people in finding job training,

education, health insurance, assistive technology for work, benefits planning/counseling and other supports

Works for Me – Con’t

Free resource to guide people with disabilities, providers, employers, advocates, and stakeholders

Mailed informational packets to 1600 agencies to share with individuals

Website – www.worksforme-PA.org Toll free line – 1-877-268-9894

Think Beyond the Label

National Marketing Campaign targeted at employers

Launched in February, 2010 Campaign is supported and funded by

MIG states Designed to increase awareness and

advantages of hiring people with disabilities

Think Beyond the Label – Con’t

States have individual state page on website

Website contains facts and information for employers

Dispels myths of hiring individuals with disabilities

Website – www.thinkbeyondthelabel.com

Work Incentive Planning Assistance (WIPA) Provide information about work

incentives to individuals who receive social security benefits

Help individuals to determine how earnings will impact their benefits

Explain SSA rules and regulations that pertain to work

Visit www.worksforme-PA.org for link

EMPLOYMENT NETWORKS (ENs)

ENs contract with SSA to provide employment services to support ticket-eligible beneficiaries (Ticket Holders)

Receive payments from SSA Any agency or organization that provides

employment services or hires an individual with a disability may become an EN

For more information, visit the website at www.cessi.net/ttw

Gettinghired.com

Social networking website and job portal for people with disabilities

Resources include interviewing skills, resume building skills, career compatibility assessments and job listings

Free resource for job seekers, service providers, advocacy organizations, and colleges

Funded by employers Website - www.gettinghired.com

PA Business Leadership Network (BLN)

Promotes hiring practices of qualified people with disabilities

Provides access to disability hiring information

Network for employers to share information Opportunities for training “Tuesday Talks” www.blnofpa.org

Statewide Training Initiative

Work incentives and outreach training for individuals, providers, caseworkers/SCs, educators, gov’t entities and other staff at entry points for individuals with disabilities

Focus on benefits of employment, MAWD, SSI, SSDI, Ticket to Work and work related resources

Live sessions – statewide locations Webinars

Resource Guide

Development of a statewide online resource guide

Resources for individuals seeking employment, providers, stakeholders, and employers

One center for all types of services and information regardless of where you live

Employer Outreach

E-newsletters Disability Workshops Personalized direct mailers Enhance website Press releases, media appearances

and speaking engagements for business organizations

Employer video

Projects and Initiatives

Special People in the Northeast (SPIN) Professional Career Development Series for People with Disabilities

Provider staff development coursesLocal promising practices

Projects and Initiatives

National Disability Awareness Employment Month events

Mini grants Conferences including the

Employment Symposium, Transition Conference, Edinboro Disability conference

Project Overview and Discussion

Pennsylvania Supported Education Network Designed to provide needed supports for

individuals with disabilities to further their education

Step by Step Beacons of Excellence Initiative Initiative to capture detailed data on

employment outcomes of individuals served Lark Enterprises, Inc.

Consumer run recycling business

Further Information

Diane Cashman

717-783-5755

[email protected]