The bill proposes amendments to Section 40-8.9-9 of the General Laws, focusing on the reform of the state's long-term care system, particularly for Medicaid funding distribution. It sets a goal for at least 50% of Medicaid long-term care funds for seniors and adults with disabilities to be allocated to home- and community-based care. The executive office of health and human services is tasked with applying for waivers and state-plan amendments to achieve this goal and is required to report annually on the funding distribution. The bill emphasizes maintaining the financial viability of existing long-term care services while also ensuring the system is person-centered, promoting self-determination and individual choice. It includes provisions for eligibility criteria, continuation of care for current recipients, and the consolidation of home- and community-based services into a single system with consumer direction and shared living options.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve access to home- and community-based services by reforming Medicaid payment methodologies, which includes increasing wages for home-care workers to address high turnover rates. It mandates a one-time increase in base-payment rates for FY 2019, with a 10% increase for personal care attendant services and a 20% increase for skilled nursing and therapeutic services, effective by July 1, 2018. An annual inflation increase to the base rate for these providers is also specified starting July 1, 2019. The bill introduces a payment methodology change for FY 2022 to increase direct-care workers' wages, requires employers to pass on these increases, and mandates a long-term-care-options counseling program. It also authorizes the secretary to develop higher resource eligibility limits for persons with long-term care needs living at home and requires the implementation of service and payment reforms to encourage specialized services and avoid institutional care. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5314: 40-8.9-9