Baltimore, Maryland 21244 410-786-3000
http://www.hcfa.gov
The Health Care Financing Administration is now he Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CMS runs the Medicare and Medicaid programs — two national health care programs that benefit about 75 million Americans. And with the Health Resources and Services Administration, CMS runs the Children’s Health Insurance Program, a program that is expected to cover many of the approximately 10 million uninsured children in the United States. CMS spends over $360 billion a year buying health care services for beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. CMS:
assures that the Medicaid, Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance programs are properly run by its contractors and state agencies;
establishes policies for paying health care providers;
conducts research on the effectiveness of various methods of health care management, treatment, and financing; and
assesses the quality of health care facilities and services and taking enforcement actions as appropriate.
Programs:
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/twwiia/twwiiahp.htm
Passage of this law marks the most significant advancement for people with disabilities since enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This landmark legislation modernizes the employment services system for people with disabilities and makes it possible for millions of Americans with disabilities to join the workforce without fear of losing their Medicare and Medicaid coverage. States, advocacy groups and consumers should be aware of the following:
The TWWIIA provides:
Increased opportunities for states to limit barriers to employment for people with disabilities by improving access to health care coverage available under Medicare and Medicaid, administered by HCFA. Beginning October 1, 2000, qualifying States were eligible to receive monies under two grant programs designed to support working individuals with disabilities.
Medicaid Infrastructure Grant Program
- $150 million available over the first five years for states to design, establish and operate health care delivery systems that support the employment of individuals with disabilities.
- States cannot use infrastructure grant funds to provide direct services to individuals with disabilities. To be eligible, States must provide personal assistance services under the Medicaid program sufficient to support the competitive employment of disabled individuals.
Medicaid Demonstration to Increase Independence and Employment
- Funded at $250 million over six years. Under the demonstration, States can provide Medicaid services to workers with potentially severe impairments that are likely to
lead to blindness or disability. This demonstration gives States the opportunity to evaluate whether providing these workers with early access to Medicaid services delays the progression to actual disability.
- States define the number of individuals with potentially severe disabilities that they decide to cover, and which potentially severe impairments they will target.
Improved access to employment training and placement services for people with disabilities who want to work administered by the Social Security Administration:
http://www.ssa.gov/work. (For more information on the SSA portion of TWWIIA, see the Social Security Administration resource link listed below.)
Medicaid
http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/medicaid.htm
Medicaid is a jointly funded, federal-state health insurance program for certain low-income and needy people. It covers approximately 36 million individuals including children, the aged, blind, and/or disabled, and people who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments. Although there are broad federal requirements for Medicaid, states have a wide degree of flexibility to design their program. States have authority to:
establish eligibility standards;
determine what benefits and services to cover;
set payment rates.
Programs:
Home and Community-Based Services 1915(c) Waivers http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/hpg4.htm
Medicaid home and community-based service (HCBS) waivers afford states the flexibility to develop and implement creative alternatives to placing Medicaid-eligible individuals in hospitals, nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation. The HCBS waiver program recognizes that many individuals at risk of being placed in these facilities can be cared for in their homes and communities, preserving their independence and ties to family and friends at a cost no higher than that of institutional care.
Americans with Disabilities Act/Olmstead Decision http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/olmstead/olmshome.htm
In July 1999, the Supreme Court issued the Olmstead v. L. C. decision. The Courts decision in that case clearly challenges federal, state, and local governments to develop more opportunities for individuals with disabilities through more accessible systems of cost-effective community-based services. The Olmstead decision interpreted Title II of the ADA and its implementing regulation, requiring states to administer their services, programs, and activities "in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities."
Medicaid can be an important resource to assist States in meeting these goals.
However, the scope of the ADA and the Olmstead decision are not limited to Medicaid beneficiaries or to services financed by the Medicaid program. The ADA and the Olmstead decision apply to all qualified individuals with disabilities regardless of age.
HCFA has begun consultation with states and with people with disabilities. HCFA plans to review relevant Federal Medicaid regulations, policies and previous guidance to assure that they are compatible with the requirements of the ADA and Olmstead decision, and facilitate states efforts to comply with the law. HCFA is working closely with other
involved Federal agencies to ensure that these reviews are consistent with the requirements of the statute and are focused on the needs of persons with disabilities.
ADA / Olmstead Decision Questions and Answers http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/olmstead/olmsfaq.htm
This page contains ADA/Olmstead information generated by questions HCFA has received from states, stakeholders and other interested entities.
Disability.gov
http://www.disability.gov
The Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities created this site to provide one-stop online access to resources, services, and information available throughout the Federal government. The New Freedom Initiative for People with Disabilities is also part of President George W. Bush's administration goals, which calls for government to use information technology to deliver government services anytime, anywhere. The site supports the administrations efforts to reduce barriers to the employment of people with disabilities.
Programs:
Each of these categories provides disability related sub topic links.
Employers’ Resource
http://disability.gov/CSS/SecLevel.asp?intCategoryId=16
Employment
http://disability.gov/CSS/SecLevel.asp?intCategoryId=6
Income Support
http://disability.gov/CSS/SecLevel.asp?intCategoryId=12
Self Employment
http://disability.gov/CSS/SecLevel.asp?intCategoryId=2 disAbility Online
Employment and Training Administration Department of Labor
http://wdsc.doleta.gov/disability/
The mission of disAbility Employment and initiatives unit within the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration is:
1. To provide leadership in the development of national policy related to programs and services under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that impact individuals with disabilities;
2. To provide guidance on accessibility issues and accommodations in One-Stop Center systems;
3. To facilitate the integration and coordination of WIA partnering agencies, especially those designed to serve individuals with disabilities, into the new workforce development system;
4. To represent ETA in collaborative multi-agency design and policy formulation on issues of employment and training for this target population, including working closely with the President's Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities; and
5. To design, develop, and administer innovative grant programs that further career and competitive employment goals of individuals with disabilities and/or support integration of One-Stop Center system.
Programs:
Grants and Contracts
http://wdsc.doleta.gov/disability/htmldocs/grants.html
The Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration provides specialized employment and training services for individuals with disabilities through grants with 16 organizations. These disability partnerships include national organizations authorized under Title IV, Part D, Section 451, and Title III of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and are administered by the Office of National Programs. Grants were awarded July 1, 1998 for one year, plus two option years.
These disability partnership programs are designed to increase the number and quality of job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and to empower them to integrate more fully into society. Many of these programs provide outreach services, training, job development and placement services. The organizations generally operate their programs in multi-state sites and have strong linkages with local rehabilitation agency services and other private providers.
One-Stop Career Center
http://wdsc.doleta.gov/disability/htmldocs/onestop.html It provides links to relative WIA One-Stop information.
Disability Library
http://wdsc.doleta.gov/disability/htmldocs/library.html It provides links to disability-related legislation and documents.
Success Stories
http://wdsc.doleta.gov/disability/htmldocs/success.html
It provides “success stories” on individuals with disabilities and meaningful employment opportunities.
Employment and Training Administration U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210 202-219-6871
http://www.doleta.gov/
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) seeks to build up the labor market through the training of the workforce and the placement of workers in jobs through employment services.
ETA's mission is to contribute to the more efficient and effective functioning of the U.S. labor market by providing high quality job training, employment, labor market information, and income maintenance services primarily through State and local workforce development systems.
This web site is designed to direct adults, youth, dislocated workers, and workforce development professionals to information on these programs and services. Employers will find information on several areas, including tax credits and other hiring incentives, how to find and train employees, assistance with plant closures and downsizing, legislation text, and ETA grants and contracts.
Programs:
Adult Training Programs
http://www.doleta.gov/programs/adtrain.asp
Funded by the Workforce Investment Act, these programs teach job skills and provide job placement services for economically disadvantaged adults.
One-Stop Centers
http://usworkforce.org/onestop/
An integrated, high quality delivery system for an array of employment and training services designed to enhance the effectiveness and coordination of employer and job- seeker services. One-Stop Centers connecting employment, education, and training services into a coherent network of resources at the local, state, and national level.
Youth Training Programs
http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services/default.asp
These programs are designed to enhance youth education, encourage school completion through alternative educational programs, and provide exposure to the world of work through apprenticeship and career exploration. Youth programs are administered by the U.S.
Department of Labor and funded in state and local communities. The web site provides information and assistance about various youth employment and training activities authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
Guide to Disability Rights Laws U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/misc/disability/disrits.htm
It includes information on the following disability rights laws: Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act, Air Carrier Access Act, Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Rehabilitation Act, Architectural Barriers Act, along with other sources of Disability Rights Information.
National Council on Disability 1331 F St., NW, Suite 850 Washington, DC 20004 202-272-2004
202-272-2074 (TTY) mquigley@ncd.gov http://www.ncd.gov/
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. NCD is composed of 15 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In its 1986 report Toward Independence, NCD first proposed that Congress should enact a civil rights law for people with disabilities. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. NCD's overall purpose is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
The Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Room 424E, H.H. Humphrey Building
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201 202-690-6443
DALTCP2@OSASPE.DHHS.GOV http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/home.htm
The Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy (DALTCP) is in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/ ) within the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). DALTCP is charged with developing, analyzing, evaluating and coordinating HHS policies and programs which support the independence, productivity, health and long-term care needs of children, working age adults and older persons with disabilities. The office works closely with the Administration on Aging, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, the Health Care Financing Administration and others.
The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) advises the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on policy development in health, disability, human services, and science, and provides advice and analysis on economic policy. ASPE leads special initiatives, coordinates the Department's evaluation, research and demonstration activities, and manages cross-Department planning activities such as strategic planning, legislative planning and review of regulations. Integral to this role, ASPE conducts research and evaluation studies, develops policy analyses and estimates the cost and benefits of policy alternatives under consideration by the Department or Congress. The DALTCP site includes information on topics such as:
Disability Issues (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/sitemap.htm#disability)
Employment (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/sitemap.htm#employment)
Home & Community Based Services (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/hcbslist.htm)
Insurance Issues (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/sitemap.htm#insurance)
Long-Term Care Issues (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/sitemap.htm#ltc)
Medicaid Issues (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/sitemap.htm#medicaid)
Medicare Issues (http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/daltcp/sitemap.htm#medicare) Office of Disability Employment Policy
U.S. Department of Labor 1331 F Street, N.W. Suite 300 Washington, DC 20004
202-376-6200; 202-376-6205 (TTD) http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep/
In the FY 2001 budget, Congress approved a new Office of Disability Employment Policy for the Department of Labor. Programs and staff of the former President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities have been integrated in this new office. The mission of ODEP, under the leadership of an Assistant Secretary, will be to bring a heightened and permanent long-term focus to the goal of increasing employment of persons with disabilities.
This will be achieved through policy analysis, technical assistance, and development of best practices, as well as outreach, education, constituent services, and promoting ODEP's mission among employers.
To support the President's New Freedom Initiative, ODEP will provide competitive grants to One-Stop Career Centers to make the centers more accessible to people with significant
disabilities in a variety of ways. The centers will be expected to utilize assistive technology, provide appropriate staff training and use best practices in order to provide greater access to people with significant disabilities and provide them the services they need to get into the economic mainstream.
Programs:
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep/public/jan.htm
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a toll-free consulting service of the U. S.
Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. JAN provides information on workplace accommodations and on the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service is available via a toll-free number: 1-800-ADA-WORK (1- 800-232-9675 ) or 1-800-526-7234. In addition, a Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) is available on JAN's web site.
Employer Assistance Referral Network (EARN)
http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep/public/programs/earn.htm
The Employer Assistance Referral Network (EARN), a national toll-free telephone and electronic information referral service, became available to the public March 2001, and is designed to assist employers in locating and recruiting qualified workers with disabilities.
EARN, which is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, can also provide technical assistance on general disability employment-related issues. EARN can be reached at 1-866- EARN NOW (327-6669) or via its web site (www.earnworks.com).
High School/High Tech Program
http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep/public/programs/high.htm
The High School/High Tech Program provides opportunity for students with disabilities to explore exciting careers in science, mathematics and technology. The Program is one of several initiatives of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
One important element of the High School/High Tech (HS/HT) Program is exposure. HS/
HT students across the nation are learning first-hand what it's like to work in high tech environments. Site visits, mentoring, shadowing, and paid summer internships all provide students with opportunities to learn more about careers in scientific, engineering and technology-related fields. Another important element of High School/High Tech is planning.
Students are encouraged to develop career goals and to take the academic preparation necessary to achieve their goals. Working in a dynamic environment, seeing mentors at work, and planning a course for the future are what students with disabilities are doing to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.
With both public and private funding and the cooperation of businesses, federal and state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and local school districts, the High School/High Tech Program is active throughout the United States.
Workforce Recruitment Program
http://www.dol.gov/dol/odep/public/programs/workforc.htm
Coordinated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Defense, the Workforce Recruitment Program aims to provide summer work experience, and in some cases full-time employment, for college students with disabilities. The program develops partnerships with other federal agencies, each of whom makes a commitment to provide summer jobs and a staff recruiter. Each year, recruiters interview about 1,000 students with disabilities at college and university campuses across the nation, and develop a
database listing the qualifications of each student. As of 1996, private sector employers have been able to utilize the database.
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-0498 800-872-5327
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) supports programs that assist in educating children with special needs, provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities, and supports research to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Programs:
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/IDEA/
The U.S. Department of Education helps states and school districts meet their responsibility to provide a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities.
Two landmark federal court decisions in the early 1970's established the constitutional right of children with disabilities to equal educational opportunity. In 1975 a federal law, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), P.L. 94-142, was enacted to provide a framework for appropriately serving these children as well as federal financial assistance to help pay for their education.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA ’97) were signed into law on June 4, 1997. This Act strengthens academic expectations and accountability for the nation's 5.8 million children with disabilities and bridges the gap that has too often existed between what children with disabilities learn and what is required in regular curriculum.
Rehabilitation Services Administration http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities to obtain employment through the provision of such supports as counseling, medical and psychological services, job training, and other individualized services. RSA's major formula grant program provides funds to state vocational rehabilitation agencies to provide employment-related services for individuals with disabilities, giving priority to individuals who are severely disabled. RSA maintains close liaison with Federal counterpart agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Labor, National Institute of Mental Health, the President's Committee on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities, the Office of Special Education Programs, the Office of Adult and Vocational Education, and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite S-2220 Washington, DC 20210