The passage of SB648 is anticipated to significantly impact individuals with disabilities in Hawaii by broadening the scope of who can receive vital support via the Medicaid waiver program. By permitting those with co-occurring mental health issues to qualify alongside those with primary developmental disabilities, the bill promotes inclusivity. This change is expected to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and care.
Summary
SB648, introduced in the Hawaii Legislature, aims to amend the eligibility criteria for the Home and Community-Based Services Medicaid Waiver. This legislation focuses on including individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who also have a comorbid mental illness. By requiring the Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Health to adjust these eligibility standards, the bill seeks to provide greater access to essential services for a group that is often underserved due to restrictive rules. Currently, individuals who exhibit certain specified conditions are deemed ineligible, which the legislature believes is an unfair limitation.
Contention
While supporters of the bill point to the necessity of updated eligibility rules in light of evolving understanding of developmental disorders and mental health, opposition may arise from concerns regarding the fiscal implications of expanded Medicaid services. There may also be debates surrounding the adequacy of funding appropriated for implementing this initiative, as the bill requires appropriations to create full-time equivalent positions for the Developmental Disabilities Division to facilitate the changes. Furthermore, stakeholders may express differing views on how best to balance the needs of service recipients with budgetary constraints.
Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To: Jointly Review Any Research Applied Behavior Analysis For Adults; Develop And Adopt Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary To Ensure That The State Medicaid Program Covers Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder; And Apply For Any Necessary Approvals From The Federal Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State Medicaid Plan To Provide Reimbursements For Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, To Medicaid-eligible Persons Over The Age Of Twenty-one Diagnosed With 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.
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.
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 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.