Work Ability > Health Care > EPAS
EPAS
EMPLOYMENT-RELATED PERSONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EPAS)
EPAS is personal assistance for people with disabilities on Medicaid who are working and because of their disability, need personal assistance to work. EPAS services are covered benefits provided to support integrated and competitive employment opportunities for individuals with a moderate to severe levels of disabilities.
SECTION INDEX
How to Qualify for the EPAS Program
How to Apply for the EPAS Program
Other Sources of Personal Assistance Services
Download Material
EPAS Application (pdf version) (doc version)
EPAS Fact Sheet Assistance (pdf version) (doc version)
EPAS Brochure 7 Assistance (pdf version)
EPAS BASICS
The EPAS Program is designed to provide personal assistance for people
who may have physical, mental, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities
that are working in integrated employment settings. The assistance provided
is for tasks directly related to maintaining employment.
The EPAS Program strives for a consumer-directed system that allows for a person to have range provider options.
An individual may choose between:a) A licensed Home Health Agency, or
b) A qualified person hired by the EPAS Participant.
Agency Option (Home Health Agency Model)
The State maintains a list of licensed provider agencies so that you may
choose one that suits your needs.
http://health.utah.gov/licensing/lists/hf/type/HomeHealthCare.htm
Self-Directed Option (Fiscal Employer Agent
Model)
Under this model EPAS participants can choose to take on the responsibility
of being an Employer. They have the opportunity to find their own employees,
screen applicants, check references, and select someone to hire. As an
employer, they can choose what to pay their employee as long as it is
in the range determined by the EPAS Program. Under this model they will
choose a fiscal employer agent that will complete the usual federal and
state tax forms and collect and disburse employment taxes and payroll
on their behalf.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE EPAS PROGRAM
An individual with disabilities must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a job, or job offer;
- You must be working at least 40 hours a month, or 10 hours a week;
- You must have a disability, as defined by Social Security or by the Utah Department of Health Medicaid Office;
- You must be or become a Medicaid recipient; and
- Need assistance with daily living activities to maintain your job.
Here are a few examples of daily living activities:
EPAS LIMITATIONSEating
Bathing
Dressing
Hygiene
Transferring
Mobility
Meal Preparation
Shopping
Money
Medication Management
Transportation (on the job)
Symptom Management
EPAS may not be used for assistance related to comple job tasks, including job coaching, job training, or as a reasonable accommodation that an employer is required to provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE EPAS PROGRAM
You may download the EPAS APPLICATION and either mail or fax it to:
Mandee Buckley
EPAS Program Specialist
1595 West 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Phone: (801) 887-9387
Fax: (801) 887-9389
E-mail at mbuckley@utah.gov
OTHER SOURCES OF PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and other similar kinds of support are also available to persons eligible for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver services, the Physical Disabilities Waiver, the Mental Retardation and Related Conditions Waiver, the Brain Injury Waiver, and Aging Waiver. However, an individual may not receive EPAS services during the same period they are receiving Waiver services.
Directory
of PAS Programs by State
Phone (801) 887-9529
Address 1595 W. 500 South, SLC, UT 84104
E-mail ecerna@utah.gov
Directions
© 2003 Utah Work Incentives Initiative