Substitute Senate Bill No. 433 seeks to enhance long-term care options for Medicaid beneficiaries and individuals with limited income, specifically those earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level who do not qualify for Medicaid for aged, blind, and disabled persons. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to develop a strategic plan by July 1, 2026, aimed at rebalancing Medicaid long-term care supports and services. Key insertions include the requirement for the Commissioner to consider regional trends, service gaps, and care quality in the strategic plan, as well as to improve outreach to eligible individuals for home-care programs. The bill also specifies that "limited income" refers to individuals earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new responsibility for the Long-Term Care Planning Committee to study and report on methods to expand long-term care options by December 1, 2027. This report will include recommendations for necessary appropriations or legislation and assess potential state savings from reduced reliance on skilled nursing facilities. The bill also extends the reporting deadline for the Committee's findings by one year, emphasizing a commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement of long-term care services. The implementation of these provisions is expected to incur initial costs of at least $100,000 for the Department of Social Services and the Office of Policy and Management.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 364:
APP Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 707: