Overview: LC 855, Establish the Senior and Long-Term Care Home and Community-Based Services Access and Stabilization Act, (LC) Draft Ready for Delivery, Introduced: November 06, 2024
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to improve access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for seniors and individuals in need of long-term care. The goal is to stabilize and strengthen the HCBS system, ensuring that these essential services remain available and affordable for those who require them.
Key Provisions:
- Establishes the Senior and Long-Term Care Home and Community-Based Services Access and Stabilization Act to govern the provision of HCBS.
- Increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for HCBS providers to improve workforce recruitment and retention.
- Expands eligibility for HCBS programs to reach more individuals in need of these services.
- Invests in the development of affordable and accessible HCBS infrastructure, such as transportation and technology solutions.
- Requires the state to develop a comprehensive plan to address the long-term sustainability of the HCBS system.
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Seniors and individuals with long-term care needs who rely on HCBS to live independently in their homes and communities.
- HCBS providers, including home health aides, personal care attendants, and other direct care workers, who may benefit from improved reimbursement and workforce support.
- The state's Medicaid program, which would need to allocate additional funding to support the expanded HCBS system.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
- The bill is currently in the draft ready for delivery stage, indicating that it is prepared for formal introduction and consideration by the legislature.
- If enacted, the bill would require the state to develop and implement the necessary policies, programs, and funding mechanisms to achieve its goals within a specified timeframe.
