Case Study: Self-directed Waiver Program

The Client:
New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department

The Project:
Mi Via: New Mexico’s Self-directed Waiver Program.

The Challenge:
Three New Mexico State agencies and a group of visionary stakeholders collaborated to develop Mi Via – a waiver program serving elders and people with physical disabilities, persons with developmental disabilities, medically fragile children, people with HIV/AIDS, and those with traumatic brain injuries. Mi Via Participants are authorized to purchase goods and services within an approved annual budget.
This program includes Robert Wood Johnson funded Cash and Counseling model. PPL is the State’s Financial Management Agent, assisting participants with budget utilization and management tasks and paying service providers and other vendors.

 

The PPL Approach:
PPL recognized that New Mexico needed a Financial Management Agent to be a partner in the development as well as the implementation and execution of Mi Via. PPL:

• Worked with management teams from three State agencies to develop program rules and structure;
• Developed tools to assist support coordinators help participants create service and support plans and budgets;
• Developed budgeting methodology and financial controls that support management and participant reporting requirements, utilization management, and State cost efficiency goals;
• Customized PPL’s information technology platforms to the state’s unique program requirements;
• Established a local office to support program users and provide ongoing outreach and training on all topics - including program requirements, tax requirements, and budget utilization information;

 

The Result:

• Since start-up in March 2007, 362 individuals have joined Mi Via;
• PPL pays timesheets on behalf of employees, and issues vendor payments for goods and services for 30 service categories.
• PPL works in partnership with support coordinator staff and the State to ensure a successful Mi Via experience for participants;
• Another 400 people are currently in the Mi Via pipeline - transferring from traditional waiver services to Mi Via;
• PPL continues to work with the State and other stakeholders to implement program design improvements;
• The focus on developing sound business rules has provided Mi Via participants with a degree of flexibility and control they have come to cherish. Our client reports: “We expected PPL to take a professional approach to statewide billing agent services. However, PPL has taken “professional” to a whole new level. We could not be more pleased with their services.”