Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB281

Introduced
3/30/17  
Refer
3/30/17  
Refer
3/30/17  
Refer
4/10/17  
Report Pass
5/18/17  
Refer
5/22/17  
Refer
5/22/17  
Report Pass
5/30/17  
Report Pass
5/30/17  
Engrossed
6/1/17  
Report Pass
6/2/17  
Report Pass
6/2/17  

Caption

Requires the Louisiana Department of Health to implement the Medicaid health home option for persons with serious mental illness (RR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

By instituting the health home model, HB 281 is expected to enhance service delivery for those suffering from serious mental health issues, providing structured support that is traditionally lacking in Medicaid services. The inclusion of a range of services—such as care management, health promotion, and transitional care—highlights a systemic shift towards a more integrated model of healthcare in Louisiana. However, the bill explicitly states that it will not expand the scope of existing Medicaid-covered services, ensuring that the change is focused on better coordination rather than increasing service breadth.

Summary

House Bill 281 mandates the implementation of the Medicaid health home state plan option in Louisiana, specifically targeting Medicaid enrollees diagnosed with serious mental illness. The bill aims to create a more cohesive and comprehensive care approach by requiring the formation of interdisciplinary teams that will manage and coordinate the health needs of participating individuals. This initiative aligns with the provisions defined under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which encourages states to develop health homes to improve care delivery for individuals with chronic conditions.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment regarding HB 281 seems to indicate a supportive stance among legislative proponents and mental health advocates, who view it as a necessary step towards addressing the substantial mental health needs within the state. Discussions surrounding the bill have been largely positive, highlighting the moral and economic imperatives tied to mitigating issues associated with untreated mental health—such as the rising burdens on the criminal justice system. The strong bipartisan support noted during voting reinforces this belief.

Contention

Despite the favorable view, there were points of contention regarding the feasibility and adequacy of resources to effectively implement the health home model statewide. Critics raised concerns about whether the Louisiana Department of Health would have the necessary infrastructure and funding to effectively establish and maintain the interdisciplinary teams required by the bill. Furthermore, skepticism persisted about whether the program would adequately address the variability in care needs across different regions of the state, potentially leading to disparities in service quality.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB647

Requires the La. Department of Health to implement the Medicaid health home option for persons with serious mental illness (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB497

Requires the Department of Health and Hospitals to implement the Medicaid health home option for persons with serious mental illness (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB1164

Creates a task force to study the delivery of integrated physical and behavioral health services for Medicaid enrollees with serious mental illness

LA HCR55

Creates a task force to study Louisiana's current statewide system of healthcare delivery for Medicaid enrollees with serious mental illness

LA SR188

Requests Louisiana Department of Health to study and determine the desirability and feasibility of implementing the health home option in the medical assistance program.

LA HCR116

Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study and determine the desirability and feasibility of implementing the health home option in the medical assistance program

LA S4555

Requires Medicaid coverage for assisted living services for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

LA A5675

Requires Medicaid coverage for assisted living services for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

LA HB536

Provides for the Louisiana Health Care Independence Act (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB261

Causes eligibility standards for the La. Medicaid Program to conform to those established by the ACA and creates the La. Health Care Independence Program (OR GF EX See Note)

Similar Bills

LA SR23

Establishes a task force to study and report on Medicaid managed care for individuals receiving long-term supports and services.

LA HR16

Directs the Louisiana Department of Health to compile certain data regarding the implementation of a Medicaid managed long-term supports and services system

LA HB152

Provides for implementation and funding of a Medicaid managed long-term services and supports system (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

LA HB374

Provides for hospital payment reform in the Medicaid program

LA HB356

Requires regular evaluation of and reporting on Medicaid administration and services (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HCR1

Amends administrative rules to cause La. Medicaid eligibility standards to conform to those established in the Affordable Care Act (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB350

Provides for a Medicaid hospital payment methodology (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HCR3

Amends administrative rules to cause La. Medicaid eligibility standards to conform to those established in the Affordable Care Act (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)