Describes the experiences of 240 early clients in Personal Preference, the state's cash and counseling demonstration. Notes that 76 percent were still enrolled at the time of the nine-month interview, 17 percent had dropped out, and 7 percent had died. More than 7 out of 10 cash recipients said...

This report presents the first impact analysis results from a three-state demonstration in which disabled Medicaid enrollees eligible for personal assistance services get a cash allowance so they can hire whom they please or use the money to buy equipment or supplies, instead of obtaining...

This paper assesses the effectiveness of means-tested and social insurance programs in the United States. The U.S. benefit system has a major impact on poverty rates, reducing the percentage of the poor in 2004 from 29 to 13.5 percent. The system reduces poverty the most for persons with...

Describes the design and implementation of the Personal Preferences program in New Jersey, which provides consumer-directed supportive services for some Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities. Provides lessons for other states seeking to develop a similar program on various aspects of...

This report details implementation, goals and features, and consumer satisfaction with New Jersey’s Cash and Counseling program, called Personal Preference. The model proved administratively feasible and politically tenable during the evaluation period. Data from discussions with program...