URGING THE MED-QUEST DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO AMEND THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE MEDICAID 1915(C) HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WAIVER.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella and 1 co-sponsor

SCR 226 urges revisions to Medicaid 1915(c) waiver eligibility, enhancing access to community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Hawaii.

The committee on HHS deferred the measure.

#departmentofhealth #departmentofhumanservices #developmentaldisabilitiesdivision #eligibilitycriteria #med-questdivision #medicaid1915(c)homeandcommunity-basedserviceswaiver #rulemaking

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 226
Title: Urging the Med-QUEST Division of the Department of Human Services and Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Health to Amend the Eligibility Criteria for the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver
Status: Deferred by the committee on HHS
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Classification: Concurrent Resolution
Subject Areas: Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Division, Eligibility Criteria, Med-QUEST Division, Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver, Rulemaking

Purpose and Intent

SCR 226 aims to encourage the Med-QUEST Division and the Developmental Disabilities Division to revise the eligibility criteria for the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. This waiver is critical for providing necessary support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities, allowing them to live in community settings rather than institutional environments.

Key Provisions

Eligibility Criteria Amendment: The resolution calls for a review and potential amendment of the current eligibility criteria for the Medicaid 1915(c) waiver. This could involve expanding access to services for individuals who may currently be excluded due to stringent requirements.

Focus on Community-Based Services: The bill emphasizes the importance of home and community-based services, which are essential for promoting independence and improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Affected Parties

Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of this resolution would be individuals with developmental disabilities who rely on Medicaid services for support in their daily lives.

Families and Caregivers: Families of individuals with developmental disabilities may also benefit from expanded access to services, which can alleviate some of the caregiving burdens.

Healthcare Providers: Providers of home and community-based services may see changes in the demand for their services based on the revised eligibility criteria.

Procedural Timeline

March 07, 2025: SCR 226 was introduced.

March 12, 2025: The bill was referred to the committees on Health and Human Services (HHS) and Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health (CPN).

March 25, 2025: A public hearing was scheduled for April 1, 2025, at 10:02 AM in Conference Room 229 and via videoconference.

April 01, 2025: The measure was deferred by both the HHS and CPN committees.

Conclusion

SCR 226 represents a significant legislative effort to enhance the accessibility of home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Hawaii. By urging the relevant departments to reconsider eligibility criteria, the resolution seeks to promote greater independence and support for affected individuals and their families. The outcome of this resolution could have lasting implications for the state's approach to developmental disability services.

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