Policy Clarification:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Dear Ticket to Work Colleagues:

CESSI, Division of Axiom, the Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach for the Ticket to Work program, is pleased to announce on behalf of the Social Security Administration the release of a policy clarification letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

On Thursday, January 28, 2010, CMS issued a letter to State Medicaid Directors clarifying that Ticket Outcome and Milestone payments to Employment Networks (ENs) do not conflict with regulatory requirements and do not constitute an overpayment of Federal dollars for services provided because EN payments are payment for an outcome, rather than for a Medicaid service rendered. Of particular note, the letter indicates that State agencies and/or providers interested in participating in the Ticket to Work program as ENs are encouraged to do so.

We know that many organizations have been waiting for this policy clarification in order to make the final decision to become an EN or, if already an EN, to accept Ticket assignments and receive payments. To obtain the EN RFP, visit: www.ssa.gov/work/enrfp.html. For assistance with completing the application to become an EN, please contact a CESSI Account Manager at 877-743-8237 (v/tty) or visit www.cessi.net/ttw. Existing ENs should contact MAXIMUS at 866-949-ENVR (3687) or 866-833-2967 (tty) with any questions.

To read the entire letter, please click here for the PDF.

Regards,

The Ticket to Work Team