Over 250 experts participated in the challenge, and more than 30 submissions were collected online from May to June 2015. After voting closed at the end of June, an Advisory Committee reviewed the submissions and identified six key areas to recommend for further action by the policy community.

Results of the Working Together Challenge

The Advisory Committee grouped many of the submitted ideas into six recommendations:

  1. Continue to fill gaps in the existing research.
  2. Develop options to address the added costs of living (and working) with a disability.
  3. Further research on new employment support programs to identify the most effective models.
  4. Evaluate managed care models in the context of supporting individuals with disabilities.
  5. Improve the financing and delivery of long-term services and supports (LTSS).
  6. Examine the potential impact (and cost) of a national Paid Family Leave program.

Download the full discussion paper, which describes the recommendations and ideas generated through the Working Together Challenge

Congratulations and Thank You!
The Academy would like to congratulate the following Working Together Challenge participants for their contributions and winning ideas:

  • Thomas Fraker, Senior Fellow, Mathematica Policy Research
  • Lex Frieden, Professor of Health Informatics, University of Texas Medical School – Houston
  • Denise Hoffman, Senior Researcher, Mathematica Policy Research
  • Daniel Mont, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University College London
  • Hans Riemer, Council Member, Montgomery County Council
  • Claire Winiarek, Disability Policy Engagement Director, Anthem Inc.

Each of the winers receives a complimentary registration for the Academy’s 2016 annual policy research conference, and a travel stipend to facilitate their attendance in Washington, DC (a $500-$1,000 value).

The Academy would also like to thank the following individuals for their active participation:

  • Sean Dunbar, Health Policy Director, Anthem, Inc.
  • Monique Morrissey, Economist, Economic Policy Institute
  • Zenaida Samaniego, Former Chief Actuary of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration

Note: Members of the Advisory Committee and Academy staff were not eligible for prizes.