Welcome Introductions Housekeeping and Ground Rules Agenda Overview Packet Review Opening Remarks 1
Highlights of Systems Change activities & trends related to employment for Persons with Disabilities The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (T T W W I IA) signed into law on December 17, 1999 Increase choice in obtaining rehabilitation and vocational services to help them go to work, Removes barriers requiring people with disabilities to choose between healthcare coverage and work; and Assures more Americans with disabilities have opportunity to work and lessen their dependence on public benefits. 2
Provided funding for Medicaid Infrastructure Grants (MIG) Improve infrastructure to support competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities Facilitate enhancements to state Medicaid programs and services Promote linkages between Medicaid and other employmentrelated service agencies Develop a comprehensive system of employment supports for people with disabilities Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the workplace Established a Medicaid Buy-In (referred to in Nebraska as Medicaid Insurance for Workers with Disabilities) 3
Through MIWD, people can earn more save more and keep their health care coverage. Long-Term Outcome #1 More people with disabilities become competitively employed because they have higher expectations of competitive employment and Nebraska has stronger support systems. 4
Long-Term Outcome #2 More working-age youth and adults with disabilities who are currently receiving SSI/SSDI will transition into competitive employment and maintain Medicaid benefits to support becoming self-sufficient adults. Long-Term Outcome #3 More people with disabilities will enroll in the Disabilities (MIWD) program to support and sustain economic self-sufficiency. 5
Long-Term Outcome #4 More employers will hire person with disabilities because they better understand the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities. Long-Term Outcome #5 Nebraskans with chronic pain have more opportunities to return to work due to successful palliative care interventions and educating the health care system and payer sources on the value of those interventions. 6
MIWD Medicaid Eligibility Worker Survey results MIWD Consumer Survey results Research conducted by Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center Medicaid as a safety net for Persons with Disabilities interested in employment MIWD as a tool to maximizing employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Becki Koehler, Easter Seals Nebraska 7
Opportunities to work in partnership with consumers and community agencies to support and encourage competitive employment for Persons with Disabilities Q & A with SSA representatives Family Centered Practice trainers Planning Activity 8
Putting the pieces together - Questions/Comments/Closing Remarks Evaluations Participant Recognition and Celebration of Accomplishments Thank you! Infinite Possibilities 9