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
The MIG-RATS strive to address these requests through a series of activities and resources. Much of this effort includes coordinating and enhancing states' resources and facilitating state-to-state research collaboration. The MIG-RATS also encourage state feedback and suggestions to improve our effort to recognize the key research needs of the MIG states. To see the full report on state research needs and interests, 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. Two committees with state representation are actively involved in shaping state access to information from MPR's set of integrated dataset of Medicaid Buy-In participants. The Data Dissemination Advisory (DDA) Committee provides input and guidance to MPR and CMS on technical specifications for analyses that would be generally useful for all MIG states and formats for publishing this information. Current representatives on the DDA Committee as of July 2007 are:
- Karen Ward (Alaska)
- Eric Glunt (California)
- Tamara Amsbaugh (Iowa)
- Melissa Money-Beecher (Nebraska)
- Elaina Goldstein (Rhode Island)
- George Julnes (Utah)
In addition, the Integrated Data Request (IDR) Committee is developing a process by which MIG states can request specific analyses to be run on the integrated dataset to inform their individual projects. When the proposal process is finalized, IDR committee members will be responsible for reviewing proposals and selecting projects for analysis. Current representatives on the IDR Committee as of July 2007 are:
- Patty Kates (Illinois)
- Lobat Hashemi (Massachusetts)
- Barry Delin (Wisconsin)
Anne Reither and Amy Porter serve as Co-Directors for the MIG-RATS. Mathematica Policy Research (MPR) staff members, including Su Liu, Gilbert Gimm, and Krista Harrison, provide additional reseach and technical support.
MIG-RATS Contact Information