Provides for recognition of waiver services granted to military parents transferred to Louisiana. (8/1/16) (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Impact
If enacted, SB 37 will amend existing Louisiana laws regarding Medicaid waiver programs, specifically focusing on catering to the immediate needs of military families. It expands the eligibility criteria for waiver services which, until now, only applied to families that had been temporarily assigned to work outside of Louisiana. The changes will potentially increase the number of children receiving necessary home- and community-based services, thereby alleviating some of the stress that relocating families face when trying to secure healthcare for their children with developmental disabilities.
Summary
Senate Bill 37, introduced by Senator Gatti, aims to enhance accessibility to Medicaid waiver services for children of active duty military members who are transferred to Louisiana. The bill stipulates that these families shall be eligible to receive the next available slot for waiver services once they establish residency in Louisiana and qualify for Medicaid. This provision seeks to ensure continuity of care for children with developmental disabilities who may be dependent on such services from their previous state of deployment. By targeting military families, the bill addresses a critical need for healthcare support for those who serve the country.
Sentiment
General sentiment around the bill appears to be supportive, particularly among organizations advocating for military families and children's health services. There is a recognition of the challenges faced by military families during relocations, and supporters view this legislation as a step towards easing those burdens. However, there may also be concerns regarding the adequacy of state resources to meet the increased demand for waiver services, suggesting a need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the bill's implementation.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounds the implications of the bill for the current Medicaid framework in Louisiana. There are concerns that while the bill seeks to provide essential services to military families, it may inadvertently strain the existing healthcare system. Questions have been raised about the state's capacity to manage an increase in demand for Medicaid waiver slots, especially given the complexities associated with Medicaid administration involving multiple regulations and federal approvals. This could lead to debates over funding priorities and the allocation of resources in the state’s healthcare budget.
Requires that the Dept. of Health and Hospitals continue disability waiver benefits for family of military on active duty who have temporarily relocated to another state due to military assignment (EG NO IMPACT See Note)
Provides in-state residency status for public postsecondary tuition fees to certain members and veterans of the military. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.