Design Features for Employment-Supportive Personal Assistance Services in Medicaid Programs

To support the employment of persons with disabilities, state Medicaid programs are allowed to offer personal assistance services (PAS) at work as well as at home. These employment-supportive personal assistance services (EPAS) can be used to help persons with disabilities obtain or retain employment. This article explores Medicaid-funded EPAS through examination of programs in seven states and analysis of results from PAS user focus groups and employer interviews. Medicaid policy recommendations include: link EPAS with existing PAS programs in Medicaid state plans or waivers, distinguish EPAS from job- or task-related assistance that is the responsibility of the employer, and specify explicit coverage for personal care services at home, at the work site, and for work-related transportation.