Maryland Senate Bill SB743

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Affordable Assisted Living Enhanced Care Pilot Program

Impact

This bill will primarily impact state laws concerning the provision of long-term care services and supports by introducing a model that combines affordable living with enhanced health management services. It aims to create a bundled payment system that facilitates access to necessary care for low- and moderate-income adults while reducing reliance on costly institutional care. The proposed pilot program will be rolled out at selected sites across the state, prioritizing areas with high populations of low-income elderly residents.

Summary

Senate Bill 743 establishes the Affordable Assisted Living Enhanced Care Pilot Program in Maryland, aimed at providing enhanced care services to eligible adults aged 60 and older. The bill reflects the urgency of addressing the growing need for affordable assisted living, especially given that Maryland’s population aged 60 and over is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. The program will focus on creating affordable assisted living residences that not only offer basic services but also enhanced care options to support better health outcomes for seniors.

Contention

Despite the positive intent behind SB 743, there are points of contention that could arise. Some stakeholders might raise concerns regarding the funding and long-term sustainability of the program, especially given the substantial budgetary allocations required in the initial phases. Additionally, there might be debates on the criteria for site selection and whether the urban-rural distribution of services adequately reflects the needs of the community. Ensuring equitable access and the quality of care offered in enhanced care settings will also be critical in discussions surrounding the implementation of this bill.