Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6217

Introduced
4/9/25  

Caption

Would establish within the office of healthy aging a community grant program for older adult services.

Impact

The bill mandates that a minimum grant of five thousand dollars per municipality will be provided, or a sum based on the number of non-institutionalized residents aged sixty-five and older. This funding structure encourages local governments to enhance their offerings to seniors and aligns with the federal goals outlined in the state plan on aging. The initiative reflects a broader recognition of the increasing population of older adults and the necessity of robust support systems tailored to their unique needs.

Summary

House Bill H6217 aims to enhance services for older adults by establishing a community grant program within the Office of Healthy Aging. This program is intended to provide financial incentives and support to municipalities and nonprofit organizations operating programs for residents aged sixty-five and older. Through this initiative, local governments can offer essential services to help older adults remain active participants in their communities, covering various aspects such as health promotion, social services, transportation, and caregiver support.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to benefit older adults, potential points of contention may arise regarding the eligibility criteria for municipalities and nonprofit agencies applying for grants. These entities must demonstrate their commitment by matching the funds and presenting a thorough plan that addresses local elder needs. Concerns may be raised about the adequacy of funding and whether it will effectively meet the diverse requirements of older adults in different communities.

Notable_points

The establishment of local older adult advisory committees, comprising predominantly of individuals aged sixty-five and older, represents a notable aspect of H6217. This requirement aims to empower seniors by integrating their feedback into local government decisions and ensuring programs are designed to meet their actual needs. Moreover, the bill's requirement for collaboration between municipalities and nonprofit agencies highlights a commitment to mobilizing community resources for the benefit of older residents.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6277

Joint Resolution Making An Appropriation Of $500,000 To The Office Of Healthy Aging For Grants To Fund The Aging And Disability Resource Center Network (this Resolution Would Authorize The Appropriation Of $500,000 To The Office Of Healthy Aging To Support The Aging And Disability Resource Center To Provide Long-term Supports And Services Modernization Efforts.)

RI H5224

House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations Pertaining To Services And Coordination Of State Programs Relating To Older Adult Rhode Islanders (creates A 16 Member Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations For Services And The Coordination Of State Programs For Older Adult Rhode Islanders, And Report Back By May 7, 2024, And Expire On August, 2024.)

RI H7033

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.

RI S2330

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.

RI S2628

Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program and helps control health care costs, which would be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP).

RI H8242

Establishes a universal, comprehensive, affordable single-payer health care insurance program and helps control health care costs, which would be referred to as, "the Rhode Island Comprehensive Health Insurance Program" (RICHIP).

RI H7298

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.

RI S2941

Establishes an agricultural restricted receipt account within the department of environmental management. An advisory committee would be established to determine suggested uses of the funds in said account.

RI H8134

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO ENSURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND ACTIONABLE PLAN THAT ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF RHODE ISLAND'S AGING POPULATION (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $250,000 consisting of $200,000 for a strategic planning consultant, and $25,000 each for the Rhode Island Office on Healthy Aging, and the State Division on Planning.)

RI S2348

Establishes office of inspector general which would be charged with preventing fraud and mismanagement of public funds, regardless of their source and would oversee all state programs and operations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.