This bill amends the eligibility criteria for long-term care services under RSA 151-E:3 by adding "mobility" to the list of activities of daily living that must be considered for Medicaid eligibility. Specifically, it defines "mobility" as the need for assistance in ambulation or wheelchair propulsion. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services must obtain a determination of an applicant's need for long-term care from their primary care physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, while also considering information from other healthcare providers. The bill also modifies the language regarding Medicaid eligibility, correcting the term "medicaid" to "Medicaid" and clarifying the assessment process for clinical eligibility.

The fiscal impact of this bill is estimated to be over $2.5 million annually, funded through a combination of federal and general funds. The Department of Health and Human Services has indicated that while it already seeks medical information from primary care providers, the new requirements could lead to delays in processing applications if providers do not respond promptly. This could jeopardize federal financial participation for Medicaid if eligibility determinations are not made within the required timeframe. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the assessment process for long-term care eligibility while introducing additional criteria for consideration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 151-E:3
SB612 text: 151-E:3