Rhode Island House Bill H5773

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

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.