View Research by Author - Marsha Regenstein

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/MarshaRegenstein

A national telephone survey of 500 employers found that employers most frequently say they are looking for an entry-level worker who is reliable and has a positive attitude rather than a worker with specific skills. Among the findings in the brief is that many employers are willing to hire people leaving public assistance if they present an array of characteristics that companies value highly.

Because of the complex care younger persons with disabilities frequently require, most states are proceeding slowly to move them into managed care. This paper examines the policy choices made by states in adapting managed care to persons with disabilities. The report compares capitation arrangements, voluntary versus mandatory participation, enrollment, mainstream versus specialized programs, mental and substance abuse services, rate setting, and quality assurances.

A national telephone survey of 500 employers found that employers most frequently say they are looking for an entry-level worker who is reliable and has a positive attitude rather than a worker with specific skills. Close to 70 percent of employers rate welfare recipients positively in terms of attitude and reliability indicating that the lack of experience and education of many welfare recipients may not be as big a barrier to entry-level work as previously thought.

There are two Highlights for each state. The Highlights that focus on health cover Medicaid, other public insurance programs, the health care marketplace, and the role of public providers. The Highlights capture policies in place and planned in 1996 and early 1997.

The state reports describe the safety net and health care programs in place for low-income people on the eve of welfare reform. The reports also analyze the particular circumstances that are shaping the state's response to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The state reports are based on case studies in the respective state.

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