Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment - Texas

The Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment (DMIE) was created by section 204 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA). The demonstration allows states to provide medical assistance and other support services to people with potentially severe disabilities who are at risk of becoming disabled and eligible for cash assistance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Texas proposed to redesign their project to use a public/private partnership in the provision of comprehensive behavioral health benefits to working adults at risk of becoming disabled in the Houston area. The insurance benefit will augment existing employer sponsored coverage and may provide full coverage for working individuals who do not have access to employer sponsored coverage (i.e. self-employed). It is anticipated that many people displaced by hurricane Katrina who are currently residing in the Houston area will take advantage of this program.