hcbs.org > Clearinghouse CLIPS: July 12, 2007

Dear Roland,

AoA Announces Availability of $5 Million for Nursing Home Diversion
Modernization Grants- 
This new grant provides an opportunity for States to modernize their
existing efforts by adding flexible service options which helps
individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid avoid nursing home
placement, spend down to Medicaid, and to remain in their homes and
communities. Submit letter of intent by July 20, 2007. The
application deadline is August 24, 2007.

Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grants
from Institutions
Source: Administration on Aging

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1969	
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ADRC-TAE Issue Brief:  How ADRCs Can Effectively Assist Veterans
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SUMMARY: Whether by establishing strong referral protocols with
local or state veterans agencies or by serving veterans directly,
ADRC staff should be trained to assist veterans who come to ADRCs
for information, assistance, or referral. This Issue Brief includes
an overview of veterans, the services and benefits offered by the
VA, examples of productive collaborations between veterans agencies
and ADRCs, and resources for ADRCs.

TOPIC(S): Aging Issues, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities,
Physical Disabilities, Resource Center
Source: The Lewin Group

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1974	
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ADRC-TAE Issue Brief: Online Medicaid Applications
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SUMMARY: ADRCs have used a number of strategies to streamline access
to long-term services and supports. One key strategy, used by many
ADRCs, is to provide online applications for Medicaid or screening
tools to assess eligibility for benefits. This issue brief provides
details about ADRC grant efforts related to online applications. The
report details both advantages and challenges plus provides a case
example for South Carolina.

TOPIC(S): Aging Issues, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities,
Physical Disabilities, Resource Center
Source: The Lewin Group

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1975	
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Evaluation of the Maine Aging and Disability Resource Center
Project
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SUMMARY: This final evaluation report reviews the Maine ADRC project
which began with three sites designed to demonstrate the "no wrong
door" concept. Part I of this report describes the experience of,
and recommendations from, the DASH Network in Bangor. Part II of the
report focuses on the experience of the 3 local coalitions and their
member organizations and highlights coalitions' community
development activities and recommendations for future development.

TOPIC(S): Aging Issues, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities,
Physical Disabilities, Resource Center, Single Point of Entry/No
Wrong Door
Source: Grantee produced, Maine, Muskie School of Public Service at
the University of Southern Maine

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1976	
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Maryland Service Access Information Link (SAIL) Online Application
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SUMMARY: SAIL, the Service Access and Information Link is an example
of a web-based screening and application tool that allows Maryland
applicants to complete a series of questions to help them decide
which social services benefits to start an application process for.
Consumers can start an application online for more than 9 programs,
complete a redetermination, report changes and print verification
forms. Organizations can become community partners to help customers
apply for benefits.

TOPIC(S): Resource Center, Single Point of Entry/No Wrong Door
Source: Grantee produced, Maryland

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1977	
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Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Programs as of December 31, 2005: A
Report on the Status of State
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SUMMARY: Review the efforts to adopt and improve services and
supports to people with disabilities, in conjunction with The Ticket
to Work & Work Incentives Improvement Act. This report captures
progress in the provision of personal assistance services; the
provision of Medicaid type health insurance referred to as a
Medicaid Buy-in, and; earnings data for workers with disabling
conditions. By 2005, 31 states had Medicaid Buy-In programs compared
to eight prior to passage of the Ticket legislation.

TOPIC(S): Medicaid Infrastructure Grant
Source: CMS

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1973	
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Promising Practices in HCBS:  South Carolina - Home Modifications
Specialist
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SUMMARY: South Carolina hired an environmental modifications
specialist to improve the quality of home modifications funded by
its Medicaid HCBS waivers. The specialist trains case managers to
develop specifications for ramps, and develops specifications for
other home modifications so contractors can quickly make an informed
bid. South Carolina also leveraged a state-funded home modification
program to expand the types of modifications available in its
waivers.

TOPIC(S): Accessibility, Aging Issues, Housing, Physical
Disabilities
Source: Thomson Healthcare (formerly Medstat)

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1971	
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The Minimum Data Set: Recommendations to Help States Better Support
Nursing Home Residents Who Seek Community Living
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SUMMARY: This Discussion paper summarizes the background and
recommendations for potential changes to make the Minimum Data Set
and related policies and practices more useful to states for
identifying and supporting nursing home residents who wish to return
to their homes and communities. Section Q of the MDS has, for some
years, been discussed at state and national conferences, training
sessions, on conference calls, during technical assistance visits,
and in talks among state Medicaid staff.

TOPIC(S): Long-Term Care, Money Follows the Person
Source: Rutgers/NASHP

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1972	
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Trading Place: Real Choice Systems Change Grants and the Movement to
Community Based LTC Supports
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SUMMARY: The National Health Policy Forum Issue Brief provides
information about Systems Change grants and the kinds of activities
state Medicaid agencies have undertaken to transform their
institutionally based systems. This brief raises critical policy
questions related to public spending for long-term care in different
settings that might be considered in tandem with future grant funding
decisions.

TOPIC(S): Consumer Direction, Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care
Source: National Health Policy Forum

MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1970	
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