Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6296

Introduced
11/8/23  
Refer
11/8/23  

Caption

HCBS Relief Act of 2023

Impact

The implications of HB6296 are substantial for state laws governing Medicaid and healthcare funding. By providing this increased financial support, states can elevate reimbursement rates for providers, emphasizing better compensation for home health workers and direct support professionals. This could help alleviate workforce retention issues, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The bill mandates that states use these funds to supplement existing services rather than replace state funding, thereby attempting to ensure that the quality and availability of home care services will improve across jurisdictions. Reporting and oversight requirements are also included to ensure transparency in how the funds are utilized.

Summary

House Bill 6296, also known as the HCBS Relief Act of 2023, is designed to enhance federal funding for state Medicaid programs specifically aimed at home and community-based services (HCBS). This bill proposes an emergency increase of 10 percentage points to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for these services for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The legislation is reflective of ongoing efforts to improve access to care for individuals requiring home and community-based assistance, particularly in light of staffing shortages and increased demands post-pandemic. The bill underscores the significance of HCBS in providing alternatives to institutional care and promoting quality of life for individuals with disabilities and the elderly.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face opposition regarding its fiscal implications and the allocation of resources. Critics may argue that ongoing reliance on federal funding could lead to unsustainable models for state programs or a potential dip in the quality of services if the increased financial support does not align with necessary operational changes. Furthermore, there may be concerns about prioritizing funding for HCBS over other critical services that aid various demographics within Medicaid. Overall, while the bill presents an opportunity to advance home-based care and support services, it may provoke discussions on healthcare priorities and efficiency in federal-state partnerships.

Companion Bills

US SB3118

Same As HCBS Relief Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US SB3120

Disaster Relief Medicaid Act

US SB3219

Influenza Act Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2023

US SB2683

Accelerating Movement of Essential Rx Items to Create Access to National Drug Resources for US Government Services Act AMERICAN DRUGS Act

US SB1315

Veterans' Health Empowerment, Access, Leadership, and Transparency for our Heroes (HEALTH) Act of 2023

US HB10187

Rural Hospital Flexibility Act of 2024

US HB6041

Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023

US SB42

Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver for Veterans Act of 2023 or the BUILD for Veterans Act of 2023 This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) capital asset management, planning, and investment. Among other requirements, the VA must ensure it has dedicated offices or entities and sufficient staff to conduct relevant critical responsibilities for the life cycle of capital asset management at the local, regional, and central office levels; establish a staffing model to ensure a minimum base level of capital asset staffing; develop goals and metrics to assess and improve the performance of VA capital asset management programs; comprehensively review the climate resilience of its facilities, land, and other relevant capital assets; submit the Strategic Plan to Improve VA's Delivery and Management of Capital Assets; and review all relevant authorities of the VA to determine whether the provisions are meaningful, relevant, and reflect current operational needs, organization structure, and all other necessary requirements for the full life cycle of effective and efficient management of capital assets. The Inspector General of the VA must examine and report on the management and performance of relevant capital asset projects of the VA. The Government Accountability Office must review and report on the VA's progress toward meeting the goals, metrics, and other plans set forth in this bill. The bill also requires various reports from the VA relating to capital asset improvement and the implementation of capital asset directives (e.g., reports on the VA's physical infrastructure and information technology needs).

US SB3304

Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2023