Revise nursing home and/or assisted living funding
Impact
The legislation expands and clarifies the funding options available for assisted living facilities by requiring the Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek amendments to state plans for incorporating assisted living under the Medicaid's Community First Choice Option. This change is anticipated to have significant implications on the resources available for assisted living services, potentially enhancing accessibility for vulnerable populations and reducing the financial strain on families seeking these services.
Summary
Senate Bill 296, known as the Senior Care Facility Access and Stabilization Act, is designed to revise funding structures related to skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Montana. It establishes clear procedures for calculating room and board costs for assisted living residents, with the aim of ensuring that individuals enrolled in the Montana Medicaid program are not overburdened by these costs. The bill also mandates adjustments to these payment levels based on income and personal needs allocations, thereby supporting a more equitable financial framework for residents accessing assisted living services.
Sentiment
There appears to be a general support for SB296 among legislators, particularly those advocating for improved senior care services. Proponents believe that the bill will address long-standing issues related to affordability and access to assisted living facilities for elderly residents. However, there are concerns among stakeholders regarding the specifics of how room and board payments will be calculated and whether the overall financial support from Medicaid will be sufficient to meet the needs of all eligible residents.
Contention
Notable points of contention arise around the implementation details, particularly in how the adjustments to the room and board costs will be managed and reported. Stakeholders express varying opinions on the adequacy of the proposed changes, with some arguing that further safeguards should be included to protect residents from financial hardship. The requirement for quarterly reporting by the Department of Public Health and Human Services is also a focal point, as this could influence ongoing evaluations of the program's effectiveness and its responsiveness to resident needs.
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.