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.
The bill emphasizes a person-centered approach to care, promoting self-determination, family involvement, and collaboration between various agencies. It seeks to reshape how long-term services are delivered, encouraging settings that are less costly and more community-oriented. The reforms proposed in S2309 would address the existing inequities in long-term care by streamlining eligibility criteria and potentially decreasing waiting lists, making it easier for individuals to access necessary support without lengthy delays. Additionally, it addresses funding for personal care attendants and aims to raise wages to enhance workforce stability in the home care sector.
Bill S2309, introduced by Senators McKenney, Cano, Britto, Burke, and LaMountain, proposes reforms to the long-term care service and financing system in Rhode Island. The primary objective of this legislation is to restructure the allocation of Medicaid funding by mandating that at least 50% of such funds for individuals aged 65 and over and adults with disabilities be directed towards home- and community-based care instead of institutional settings. This shift aims to provide greater access to individualized healthcare options tailored to the specific needs of beneficiaries, potentially reducing the strain on long-term care facilities.
Despite its intentions, the bill may face resistance regarding its implications for funding, particularly from entities concerned about the financial viability of long-term care facilities. Some stakeholders may argue that prioritizing community-based care over institutional settings could lead to a reduction in resources for traditional long-term care facilities, thus impacting their operational capacity. Furthermore, concerns may arise about the adequacy and sustainability of funding for home-based services as demand increases, necessitating careful oversight and planning as the bill progresses.