The Colorado Health Care Affordability Act is generating new revenue to expand public health insurance coverage to more Coloradans. Among the health care programs included in the Act is expanded coverage to working adults with disabilities through a Medicaid Buy-In Program.
The 2010 Medicaid Infrastructure Grant to Support the Competitive Employment of People with Disabilities (MIG)- awarded to Colorado by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services supports State efforts to build Medicaid infrastructure and enhance employment options for people with disabilities.
How much total funding did we receive?
• Colorado received $L5 million in MIG funding for 2010 and 2011. How will the funds be used?
• Outreach: To help clients, employers, advocates, families, direct service workers, educators and community partners across the state understand the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities as well as available employment suppmts. During the next year, we will host public meetings, employer events, local visits to service providers and regional training conferences.
• Training: To develop customized program trainings for target populations that include persons with disabilities, e1nployers and service providers. Trainings will range from basic to advanced and will be delivered in various formats. Example formats may include training in person, via webinar or on DVD.
• Needs Assessment: To ensure that the Medicaid Buy-In is best suited to Colorado’s needs, the MIG has- and will continue to- fund effmts to gather input from stakeholders statewide through conferences, interviews and surveys. The MIG is also funding a review of the strengths, challenges, and lessons learned in other Buy-In states. The Department will compile, analyze and repmt on all relevant data.
• Steering Committee and Work groups: A steering conunittee and multiple work groups have been established, made up of diverse stakeholders. Together, these groups will advise the Department on MIG effmts to address the development of the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities, employment supports, training, outreach and communication.
• Employment Infrastructure Change for Workers with Disabilities: The MIG will help fund employment systems change and education with the goal of a complete, inclusive and coordinated employment system- including informed benefits planners and robust employment supports information- for people with disabilities.
How can I provide input, join a work group or attend a forum as announced?
• Please contact Kimberley Smith.
CONTACT: Kimberley Smith
303-866-3991
800-659-2656 (TTY/TDD)
Medicaid Infrastructure Grant.pdf
