CWD Annual ConferenceNovember 9, 2009

COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

Department of Medical Assistance Services

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

Disabled & Blind SSI Recipients Using SSA Work Incentives in Virginia2003-2008

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

2,000

2,200

2,400

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Section 1619(b) participants Plans for achieving self-support (PASS)

Impairment-related work expenses (IRWE)

Blind work expenses (BWE)