Medicaid Infrastructure Grant
Research Assistance to States
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MIG-RATS Mission and History
 
In April 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the concept for a state-based research resource center (MIG-RATS) to support activities under the Medicaid Infrastructure Grants (MIGs).  The original vision called for establishing a resource center to support ongoing state research activities and would be based on voluntary participation and a core mission of being (1) responsive to states' research needs and (2) accessible to all states. 
 
Based on input collected from the MIG states during the fall of 2006, MIG-RATS identified four key areas in which MIG states desired research support and assistance: 
  • Facilitation of multi-state research efforts
  • Facilitation of access to data not available through state sources
  • Access to research information from other states and projects
  • Guidance on research processes, strategies, and analyses

In 2008, CMS requested a re-assessment of MIG states’ needs from MIG-RATS. An inventory was administered to MIG state researchers in August, 2008 that included sections to 1) re-assess states’ internal research capacity and perceived usefulness of a variety of types of research support, and 2) solicit input on new directions for the four activity areas. Responses were received from 33 of 40 MIG states (83%). Findings from the inventory indicate that: 

  • Coordination of interests, coordination of activities, and assistance in accessing federal data remain the highest priority supports states want to receive from MIG-RATS.
  • Internal research capacity among the MIG states has increased since the initial inventory, with only nine percent indicating internal research capacity at the ‘freshman’ level as opposed to twenty-three percent in 2006.
  • States with lower research capacity continue to have significantly different needs for support; notably access to direct technical assistance and assistance with research design.
  • The overall findings of the re-assessment support continued focus on the four main activity areas although opportunities for expansion of specific activities were identified.
To see the full report on state research needs and interests in 2008, click here: MIGRATS Needs Assessment Report (January 2009)
 
For the 2007 report, click here:  MIGRATS Needs Assessment Report (June 2007)
 
 
MIG-RATS Organizational Structure
 
The MIG-RATS represent an innovative collaboration among state researchers, Mathematica Policy Research (MPR), and CMS.  Overall, the center provides a mechanism to enhance states' capacities to use quantitative information to shape programs and policies for promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities.  CMS provides financial support for the center and a federal perspective on policy issues.   MPR has developed several databases related to employment and public program participation that can have direct application to state research efforts.  MIG-RATS staff provide leadership and organization for states to identify their research needs, share ideas, and develop strategies for using available data to improve their programs. 
 
The MIG-RATS also provide opportunities for MIG state researchers to have direct voices on the availability of data to the MIG states. MIG-RATS staff work to identify sources of state-level aggregate data and make them available to MIG researchers. In addition, the Integrated Data Request (IDR) Committee has developed a process by which MIG states can request specific analyses to be run on the integrated dataset on Medicaid Buy-In participants to inform their individual projects. IDR committee members are responsible for reviewing proposals and selecting projects for analysis. Current representatives on the IDR Committee as of May 2009 are:
  • Patty Kates (Illinois)
  • Lobat Hashemi (Massachusetts)
  • Jean Hall (Nebraska)
  • Kathleen Turner (North Carolina)
  • Barry Delin (Wisconsin)
  • Su Liu (MPR)
  • Bonnie O'Day (MPR)
  • Anne Reither (MIG-RATS)
Anne Reither and Amy Porter serve as Co-Directors for the MIG-RATS.  Mathematica Policy Research (MPR) staff members, including Su Liu and Sarah Prenovitz, provide additional reseach and technical support. 
 
MIG-RATS Contact Information
 
For more information, please contact Anne Reither at areither@gmail.com or 435 757-9314 or Amy Porter at Amy.Porter@ct.gov or 860 424-4864.
 
 Photo by Joe Razes.