According to new reports from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, states that allow disabled Medicaid beneficiaries to direct their own personal care services should provide more support to help beneficiaries find quality direct care workers and back-up assistance when it is needed.

A total of 42 states allow Medicaid beneficiaries direct their own personal assistance services. Beneficiaries value this service because they are able to choose their own direct care workers and set their own schedule. They also stated they needed more support to find suitable workers. 

This article originally appeared in the April 2008 issue of AAKP Public Policy Briefing.