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.
Impact
This bill's impact on state laws is significant as it seeks to enhance the availability and funding for home- and community-based care while concurrently reducing reliance on institutional care facilities. By implementing annual reporting requirements on the allocation of Medicaid funds, the bill advocates for transparency and accountability in how long-term care resources are utilized. The emphasis on community-based services is expected to lead to systemic changes in service delivery, fostering a more person-centered approach in Rhode Island's long-term care framework.
Summary
House Bill H5773 aims to reform medical assistance for long-term care services in Rhode Island to better prioritize home- and community-based options for aging individuals and adults with disabilities. The bill specifically mandates that a minimum of 50% of Medicaid long-term care funding should be allocated to home and community-based services, focusing on individual choice and community integration. This rebalancing effort encourages cost-effective care options that allow individuals to delay or avoid institutional placements, thus promoting more individualized and supportive care environments.
Contention
Notably, the bill allows for shared living arrangements where older adults and adults with disabilities can receive care from both related and unrelated caregivers, expanding the definition of who can provide care without restrictive limitations. However, this reform could generate contention regarding the adequacy of funding to adequately support such expansive programs, especially in light of existing workforce shortages in the home-care industry. Critics may raise concerns about the bill's implementation, potential funding shortfalls, and whether it adequately addresses the diverse needs of all individuals eligible for long-term care services.
All Medicaid programs operated by EOHHS would not reimburse home care providers less than fee-for-service rates adopted by rate review recommendations of the office of health insurance commissioners.
Provides the executive office of health and human services would submit to the US Department of Health and Human Services a state plan to set rates for chiropractic services.
Provides the executive office of health and human services would submit to the US Department of Health and Human Services a state plan to set rates for chiropractic services.
Prohibits contractors and subcontractors from paying employees the cash equivalent of any applicable healthcare benefit in lieu of actually purchasing the healthcare benefit unless the employee is covered under a different healthcare plan.
Increases the state’s share of supplementary assistance to individuals living in a state-licensed assisted-living residence from $332.00 to $352.00, of which $140.00 would be allocated to the personal needs allowance.
Increases the state's share of supplementary assistance to individuals living in a state-licensed assisted-living residence from $332.00 to $352.00, of which $140.00 would be allocated to the personal needs allowance.
Provides a definition for intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, includes the facilities under the nursing facility assessment, and includes a Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration waiver request.
Establishes Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rates set by the general assembly as the rate floor for Medicaid managed care by home care, home nursing care and hospice providers licensed by the DOH and continue the EEOHH.
Establishes Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rates set by the general assembly as the rate floor for Medicaid managed care by home care, home nursing care and hospice providers licensed by the DOH and continue the EEOHH.
Raises the per diem rate by thirteen percent (13%) for Medicaid reimbursement for Tier C services provide by assisted living residence beginning January 1, 2026.
Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.
Authorizes an increase in resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term-care needs who reside at home and requires semi-annual reports from Medicaid certified assisted living facilities and adult day service providers to the EOHHS.
Provides the executive office of health and human services would submit to the US Department of Health and Human Services a state plan to set rates for chiropractic services.
Provides the executive office of health and human services would submit to the US Department of Health and Human Services a state plan to set rates for chiropractic services.