Georgia Senate Bill SB186

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/25
• Refer: 2/19/25

Caption

Hospitals and Related Institutions; assisted living communities and personal care homes to enroll as Medicaid providers; permit

Impact

The primary impact of SB186 is on accessibility to home and community-based services for vulnerable populations. By allowing assisted living facilities to enroll as Medicaid providers, the bill ensures that people who have exhausted their resources can still receive the required level of care. Furthermore, it mandates the Department of Community Health to convene stakeholders to develop a model that facilitates this enrollment, which could reshape the landscape of healthcare support services in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 186 aims to amend the regulations governing hospitals and related institutions in Georgia, specifically to permit assisted living communities and personal care homes to enroll as Medicaid providers. The bill is designed to enable Georgians who require assisted living services to access Medicaid funding, thus allowing them to age in place and receive necessary care without the financial burden that might require transitioning to skilled nursing facilities. This intended change is crucial for residents who lack the resources to pay for assisted living arrangements directly.

Contention

One notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB186 is its potential implications for existing regulations and funding structures. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary evolution to better support aging residents in Georgia, while detractors may be concerned about the fiscal impact on the state’s Medicaid budget and the quality of care provided in such settings following the expanded enrollment. Additionally, there may be concerns about the ability of assisted living facilities to meet the regulatory standards required for Medicaid participation.