Provides for implementation of a Medicaid managed long term services and supports system (OR GF EX See Note)
If enacted, HB 790 will mark a significant development in Louisiana's Medicaid program, as it will include nearly all individuals who need long-term care services, except for a small group that had previously been excluded. Proponents of the bill argue that this inclusion will enhance the quality of care available to vulnerable populations while simultaneously working toward a more sustainable Medicaid budget. By transitioning towards a managed care system, the state anticipates reducing costs associated with long-term care services and improving overall health outcomes for its beneficiaries.
House Bill 790 aims to implement a Medicaid managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) system in Louisiana, which has been identified as a priority for both public health and fiscal sustainability. The legislation mandates that the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) administer this new system through a competitive request for proposals to select managed care plans. It also outlines a timeline for the phased implementation of the MLTSS system, requiring that initial steps be completed by October 1, 2016, and full implementation by October 1, 2017. This initiative is designed to improve quality of care and expand service options for Medicaid enrollees who require long-term care due to age or disability.
General sentiment around HB 790 appears to be positive among those who advocate for Medicaid reform and increased access to long-term care services. Supporters emphasize the potential benefits in terms of efficiency, care quality, and patient choice, highlighting Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee as successful models for an MLTSS approach. However, there are concerns from advocates for vulnerable populations regarding the risks of privatization in managed care systems, including the potential for profit motives overshadowing patient care and access issues.
Notable points of contention include the perceived risks associated with privatized Medicaid managed long-term services. Critics suggest that managed care can sometimes lead to inadequate oversight and limit service availability, especially when profit-driven entities are involved. There are apprehensions about whether the goals of cost-saving and efficiency will ultimately benefit the state or if they will compromise care standards, primarily when it comes to serving the most dependent elderly and disabled residents who rely heavily on these services.