The bill amends the Social Welfare Act of 1939, specifically section 109, to expand the range of medical services available to eligible individuals. Key insertions include provisions for street medicine services, which are defined as health and social care provided directly to unsheltered homeless individuals in their environment. Additionally, the bill outlines that eligible providers of these services can include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or medical-assistance-enrolled physicians participating in federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, or certified community behavioral health centers. The bill also emphasizes the importance of mental health screenings during the postpartum period and includes medically necessary detoxification and treatment for opioid use disorder.

Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for reimbursement rates for county-owned nursing home facilities, ensuring that the maintenance of effort rate is determined based on updated variable costs and sets limitations on annual increases. It mandates that the director must notify the public and obtain legislative approval for any proposed changes in reimbursement methods that would significantly affect payments. Overall, the bill aims to enhance healthcare access and services for vulnerable populations while ensuring proper oversight and reimbursement structures.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 400.109