“New Freedom (NF) is a voluntary Medicaid funded program that allows eligible Participants to receive services in their home and community while managing their own service plan and budget. NF offers elders and adults with disabilities the option to manage a budget and decide for themselves what mix of services/goods will best meet their care needs.
NF provides flexibility to quickly adjust services and allows consumers to exercise more decision-making authority and to take primary responsibility for obtaining services. An individual budget and spending plan is developed based on the Participants’ assessed needs and preferences and includes goods and services (including hiring and managing employees) that will best meet the identified needs. They may use their service budgets to hire their own personal care aides as well as purchase items or services that help them live independently.”
California Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Initiative
“In 2023, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) applied for a new Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration to increase access to and improve mental health services for Medi-Cal members statewide. The demonstration, the Behavioral Health Community-Based Organized Networks of Equitable Care and Treatment (BH-CONNECT) Demonstration, takes advantage of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) 2018 guidance and associated federal funding aimed at improving care for Medi-Cal members living with significant behavioral health needs.”
Tennessee SB 2791: AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 71, Chapter 5, relative to TennCare
This bill clarifies that the intent of the general assembly by this bill is to remove barriers to employment for individuals who, but for income and resources, meet the federal Social Security definition of having a disability, by providing medical assistance to working” individuals with disabilities through a buy-in program in accordance with federal law and Medicaid eligibility, including using less-restrictive income and resource requirements through the application of the Social Security Act and cost-sharing requirements established by the bureau and approved by the federal centers for Medicare and Medicaid services.
MEDICAID – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide that legislative approval is required for certain state plan amendments and waivers and to provide legislative approval for certain state plan amendments and waivers.
“The Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver offers services in your community to support clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) with all major life activities, such as living independently and working at a job with help from an employment coach.”
“The Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities (Adult Buy-In) is a Medical Assistance program that provides Medicaid benefits for working individuals with disabilities, ages 16 and older, whose adjusted (net) individual gross income is at or below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) equals $5,097 in 2025, but because of additional disregards, income can be higher and still qualify.”
“State Plan Amendments (SPAs) are formal changes to a state’s Medicaid program submitted to the federal government for approval. These amendments update Medicaid policies, including eligibility, benefits, and provider payments. For the Commonwealth Medicaid Agency, SPAs ensure the program aligns with federal requirements and maintains federal funding eligibility. SPAs must be approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) before implementation.”
The Expect Employment Report is a comprehensive presentation of the work done by state agencies and community partners that make up the Employment First Task Force. It’s been more than a decade since Governor Haslam issued Executive Order No.28, making this report the 11th annual report.
