Arizona Disabilities Programs Ranked Best Performing in the Country

October 2016 — For the fifth consecutive year, Arizona has ranked as the best-performing state for Medicaid services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Case for Inclusion 2016 Report by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) ranks each state’s approach to promoting independence and productivity, ensuring quality and safety, keeping families together and reaching people in need.

“I am proud to say that Arizona remains the best in the country when it comes to caring for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities,” said Director Tim Jeffries. “I am extremely proud of the efforts of our outstanding colleagues in the Division of Developmental Disabilities as well as our provider partners. Under the leadership of Dr. Laura Love, colleagues who provide services to our beloved citizens and their families ensure our People First, People Always approach to all those in need. It is my pleasure to recognize them for this prestigious honor.”

Arizona providers for the disability community for Medicaid services ranked in the top five spots in three of the five key areas. Arizona’s success in keeping families together helped it maintain the top spot. More than 90 percent of Arizonans with developmental disabilities are served in a home-like setting. Arizona also ranked high in promoting independence and reaching those in need.

According to UCP, the Case for Inclusion ranks all 50 States and the District of Columbia (DC) not on their spending but on their outcomes for Americans with ID/DD. The Case for Inclusion is a tool that gives us: glimpses at how well each individual state is performing overall; how each state matches up against other states regarding key data measures; the policies and practices of top performing states that may be considered as best practices; and, most importantly, the trends and trajectory of how states are — or are not— improving. Arizona has been #1 eight times in the last ten years.