MEDICAID FOR EMPLOYED PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Connecting the Medicaid BuyIn Dots with the Employer

1
MEDICAID FOR EMPLOYED PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIESConnecting the Medicaid Buy-In Dots
with the Employer

• Employment Policy Group
• Center for Disabilities and Development

2
The Developmental Environment

• Projected low unemployment rates in the
  long-term.
• A conservative, pro-business legislature.
• More than 310,000 workers needed in the next ten
  years just to fill jobs that open due to
  retirement and turnover.

3
The Developmental Environment

• Most public systems of care separate Medicaid
  from the employer context.
• Medicaid programs are not typically structured to
  be integrated with employer health care benefits.
  
• More workers are required if the economy is going
  to grow.

4
The Developmental Environment

• Employers do not know where to turn.
• The Governors Strategic Planning Council and the
  Governors 21st Century Workforce Council offered
  recommendations on how people with disabilities
  can play a role in addressing the looming labor
  shortage
• Businesses in the know are emphasizing wellness
  and family-centered practices.

5
Developmental Environment

• The mutual interests of business and Iowans with
  disabilities wanting to enter the workforce.
• Public-private partnerships to enhance the
  economic growth and workforce development of many
  communities.

6
Development Principles

• Assure that Medicaid Buy-In serves as a
  recruitment tool.
• Not just another welfare program but an
  economic development strategy.
• Keep it simple.
• Allow for a greater accumulation of assets.

7
Getting the Word Out

• Emphasize coverage statewide
• Highlight workforce needs in the state
• Op-Ed placements in a variety of newspapers
• News conferences at strategic supporting sites

8
Getting the Word Out

• Establish a statewide identity with business
  constituencies
• Use of associational strategies
• Regular participation in trade association
  committees
• Presentations at Business Groups
• Newsletters

9
Getting the Word Out

• Developed a News Release Announcement
• Standard Frequently Asked Questions Sheet
• Bios of Business Champions
• Purpose of Medicaid Buy-In framed in business
  parlay
• Contacts of participating agencies
• Relevant archive news clips highlighting
  workforce development

10
The Results

• Integration of perspectives of medical assistance
  programs and the employer.
• Gearing health care to employment and workplace
  supports.

11
The Results

• Public programs playing a supportive role as
  required by the workplace.
• Focus on anticipatory health-related responses.
• Health care coverage equally oriented to
  functioning, symptoms and diagnosis.

12
The Results

• Expanded involvement with business.
• Weaving Medicaid Buy-In and employers health
  care resources together.
• Integration between health care and essential
  support services for employers.

13
The Results

• A restructuring of Medicaid-funded programs from
  the employer outward.
• Employee assistance programs are critical.
• Expanded role for Medicaid agencies in the
  career-development process.

14
Questions?

• Jack Hillyard, Director
• Employment Policy Group
• Center for Disabilities and Development
• 108 Third Street, Suite 350
• Des Moines Iowa 50309-4770
• Telephone [phone]
• Email jack-hillyard_at_uiowa.edu
• Web page http//e-epg.info