CWD Annual Conference November 9, 2009

1. CWD Annual ConferenceNovember 9, 2009 COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Medical Assistance Services

2. Work Incentives Specialist Advocate (WISA) • Service provider who has successfully completed the Work Incentives Specialist Training • Three two-day training sessions • Homework and final exam • Authorized by DRS to provide WISA services

3. What do WISAs do? • Assist eligible individuals to achieve specific, appropriate work incentive-related goals • Collaborate with CWICs • Collaborate with other service providers • Receive technical assistance and training from vaACCSES

4. Who do WISAs serve? • Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program clients • Other Virginians with disabilities who are eligible for non-VR WIS services funded by Virginia’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)

5. How? • Use the counselor-client approach to build rapport • Provide valid information in an understandable format • Provide individualized answers for unique situations • Consult with CWIC when necessary • Dispel fear and confusion – encourage informed choice

6. WISA Services Provides WISA assistance to VR and non-VR clients in accessing and using: • Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) • Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) • Medicaid While Working –Section 1619B • Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) • Subsidy • MEDICAID WORKS (Medicaid Buy-In) • WorkWORLD Benefits Analysis

7. WIS Services Program for VR Clients • WIS services are accessed through DRS VR counselor • Services are available to current VR clients who receive SSI/SSDI • Services are paid for with VR program funds • Services are outcome-based (WISA is paid after work incentive is acquired)

8. WIS Services Program for non-VR Clients Services are available to Virginians with disabilities who: • Receive SSDI or SSI • Are employed or who want to become employed at the time WIS services are provided • Do not have an open vocational rehabilitation case with DRS

9. WIS Services Program for non-VR Clients • WIS services must be prior approved by the program administrator • Services are paid for with Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funds • Services are outcome-based (WISA is paid after work incentive is acquired by client)

10. Work Incentive Training (WIT)Project “SSI/SSDI & Work Incentives” “Understanding the Myriad of Rules Governing SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare & Related Work Incentives for People with Disabilities” • Principle trainer: Sharon Brent, National Disability Institute • SSA AWIC, SSA Public Affairs Officer and regional CWIC often attend & present

11. WIT Project • For professionals, consumers & families • Two full-day training sessions and 2-3 hour family & friends sessions • 10-12 sessions around Virginia each year • Total through 3rd quarter = 311 participants which includes 81 beneficiaries and family members. • Most attendees are Direct Support Professionals from ESOs and CSBs

12. WIT Project • Training sessions include information on advocacy, benefits management, program eligibility and resources • SSI and SSDI • Work incentives and Ticket to Work • Medicaid and Medicare • WorkWORLD • Earned income tax credit • HUD and much more