DIRECTING THE DIVISION OF MEDICAID AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO EVALUATE ASSESSMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 19 co-sponsors

Delaware SJR 20 asks a state Medicaid division to evaluate current HCBS assessments to ensure they accurately reflect needs and guide appropriate services.

Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 9 On Its Merits

Overview

SJR 20 (Session 153, Delaware) is a joint resolution directing the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance to evaluate assessments for individuals who receive home and community-based services (HCBS). The resolution directs an evaluation rather than creating new mandates or spending, and it designates a process to review how assessments are conducted for HCBS recipients.

Purpose and intent

Directs the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance to evaluate the current assessment processes used for individuals receiving HCBS.

Aims to determine adequacy, consistency, and effectiveness of assessments in outlining needs, services, and supports for HCBS participants.

Seeks to inform potential improvements to assessment tools, procedures, or policies to ensure appropriate service planning and access to HCBS.

Key provisions and changes

Mandate: The Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance must conduct an evaluation of the assessments used for HCBS recipients.

Scope of evaluation (implied): While the text provided does not list every detail, typical evaluations would examine:

How assessments determine eligibility and service levels
The frequency and method of reassessment
Alignment with individuals’ needs, preferences, and outcomes
Timeliness and accuracy of assessments
Coordination with other services and supports

Reporting or outcome: Although not explicitly stated in the summary, such resolutions usually require a report or findings to be submitted to the General Assembly or relevant committees, outlining methodology, findings, and recommendations for improvement.

Collaboration: The resolution may involve stakeholder input or consultations with HCBS providers, beneficiaries, and advocacy groups as part of the evaluation (inferred typical practice).

Who is affected

Individuals receiving home and community-based services under Delaware’s Medicaid program.

The Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance and related state agencies responsible for HCBS assessment administration.

Potential HCBS providers and caregivers who rely on assessment-driven service plans.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and assigned to the Executive Committee in the Senate on June 9, 2026.

Timing: As a joint resolution directing an evaluation, the bill likely sets a timeframe for completing the evaluation and reporting findings, though the specific deadline is not provided in the summary.

Legislative path: If the resolution passes, the Division would proceed with the mandated evaluation and report back per any stated or implied deadline.

Potential impact and considerations

By evaluating current HCBS assessments, the bill could illuminate gaps or inconsistencies in how needs are quantified and services are authorized.

Findings could lead to recommendations for revised assessment tools, enhanced training for assessors, or policy changes to improve person-centered planning.

The resolution emphasizes accountability and continual improvement within Medicaid HCBS administration without imposing new direct spending obligations at this stage (subject to the contents of the final resolution).

If you need, I can tailor this summary to include potential reporting timelines or align it with specific committee references once the text of the resolution or any accompanying fiscal notes are available.