If enacted, SB1615 could significantly reshape the landscape of healthcare support available for residents with dual diagnoses. By allowing individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability alongside a mental illness to qualify for Medicaid waivers, the bill seeks to ensure that more individuals receive needed assistance. This legislative change would potentially enhance mental health services, reduce barriers to care, and promote well-being among affected individuals, who may otherwise be left without adequate resources.
Summary
Senate Bill 1615 aims to amend the eligibility criteria for the Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid Waiver in Hawaii to include individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who also have comorbid mental illnesses. The bill was introduced to address concerns raised about existing administrative rules that classify individuals as ineligible if their impairments are attributed to a range of mental and neurological conditions but have an underlying eligible intellectual disability. The intention of this measure is to broaden access to essential services for those who require support due to both developmental disabilities and associated mental health challenges.
Contention
While the bill is poised to provide expanded access to critical services, it may face scrutiny regarding the implementation and fiscal implications of expanding the Medicaid waiver program. Concerns typically arise about the financial burden on state budgets, particularly relating to the appropriations included in the bill. Additionally, some stakeholders may express apprehension about the adequacy of funding and resources available to effectively support the increased population of eligible individuals, prompting debates around the sustainability of such funding measures.
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.
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.
Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To Jointly Review Any Research Regarding Applied Behavioral Analysis For Adults; And To Develop And Adopt All Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary For The State Medicaid Program To Cover Medically-needed Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To Jointly Review Any Research Regarding Applied Behavioral Analysis For Adults; And To Develop And Adopt All Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary For The State Medicaid Program To Cover Medically-needed Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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.
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.
Relating to the administration and operation of Medicaid, including Medicaid managed care and the delivery of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports to certain persons.
Relating to improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term care services and supports.
Relating to the system redesign for delivery of Medicaid acute care services and long term services and supports to persons with an intellectual or developmental disability and a pilot for certain populations with similar functional needs receiving services in managed care.
Relating to improving the delivery and quality of certain health and human services, including the delivery and quality of Medicaid acute care services and long-term services and supports.