Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5238

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

Cooperation With Federal Government

Impact

The bill's enactment will broaden the scope of who can provide HCBS under the Rhode Island Medicaid program, allowing family members to be reimbursed for personal care services. This change is seen as a necessary response to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic which heightened the need for flexible care options and delivery mechanisms. By facilitating payments for family caregivers, the legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on families caring for special needs individuals and to ensure continuity of care in home settings.

Summary

House Bill 5238 seeks to amend the cooperation with the federal government in relation to behavioral healthcare and developmental disabilities by allowing family caregivers and legally responsible individuals to provide home and community-based services (HCBS) to developmentally disabled adults and children with special needs, and to be compensated for these services. This legislative measure, set to take effect on July 1, 2023, indicates a significant shift towards recognition and formalization of the role of family caregivers in the healthcare system, particularly for vulnerable populations requiring specialized care.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for the executive office of health and human services to pursue a Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waiver to enable these changes, which raises some concerns regarding the implications for federal compliance. As the bill shifts certain responsibilities and financial burdens from state agencies to family members, it has sparked discussions regarding the sustainability of supporting family caregivers as a viable component of the state's healthcare system. Critics may argue this could lead to inequities in access and quality of care based on family circumstances and resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H8095

Cooperation With Federal Government

RI H5773

Provides that shared living for older adults and adults with disabilities allow individuals to receive care from family caregivers, related or unrelated regardless of whether they are performing other activities, such as power of attorney for individual.

RI S0173

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to monitor and mandate changes to the price-setting practices of pharmacy benefit managers to prohibit the spread pricing payment model.

RI H5498

Requires the secretary of the executive office of health and human services to monitor and mandate changes to the price-setting practices of pharmacy benefit managers to prohibit the spread pricing payment model.

RI S0117

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

RI H5463

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

RI S2592

Authorizes the executive office of health and human services to establish a program providing coverage for nutritional assistance and medically tailored meals for certain beneficiaries where there is a clinical need.

RI S2751

Amends Article 9 of the state budget and various provisions relative to hospital licensing fees, would redefine base year for purposes of calculating disproportionate share payments for fiscal years.

RI H8210

Amends Article 9 of the state budget and various provisions relative to hospital licensing fees, would redefine base year for purposes of calculating disproportionate share payments for fiscal years.

RI S0572

Comprehensive Health Insurance Program

Similar Bills

HI SR186

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To File A Request With The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State's Existing Section 1115 Demonstration Program To Implement A Housing And Health Opportunities Demonstration Program To Enable Direct Housing Costs For Medicaid Recipients To Be Covered By The Federal Financial Participation For Medicaid.

HI SCR160

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To File A Request With The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State's Existing Section 1115 Demonstration Program To Implement A Housing And Health Opportunities Demonstration Program To Enable Direct Housing Costs For Medicaid Recipients To Be Covered By The Federal Financial Participation For Medicaid.

MS HB1565

Medicaid; seek federal waiver to provide for presumptive eligibility for persons who need mental health or substance use disorder services.

LA SB77

Provides relative to opportunities to promote work and community engagement among Medicaid recipients. (8/1/18)

LA SB5

Provides relative to opportunities to promote work and community engagement among Medicaid recipients. (Item #13) (gov sig)

CA SB1108

Medi-Cal: conditions of eligibility or coverage.

WV HB3485

Relating to Medicaid Waiver Package

WV HB5557

Relating to Medicaid Waiver Package