The bill amends Section 40-8.9-9 of the General Laws to establish a reform goal for long-term care, specifically focusing on shared living arrangements for older adults and adults with disabilities. It mandates that shared living shall provide individuals with the option to receive care from family caregivers, both related and unrelated, without imposing restrictive limitations on eligibility. The executive office of health and human services is prohibited from implementing any limitations on who can be an eligible caregiver through shared living that are more restrictive than the standards in effect on January 1, 2025.

The bill also aims to create a single home- and community-based services system that consolidates existing services. It authorizes the executive office to develop eligibility criteria and outlines payment reforms to enhance access to home-care services, improve wages for direct-care workers, and implement a long-term-care-options counseling program. Additionally, it establishes a statewide conflict-free case management network to ensure equitable access to services, promoting community integration and self-reliance for Medicaid recipients. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5773: 40-8.9-9