The bill amends Section 40-8.9-9 of the General Laws to establish a long-term-care rebalancing system reform goal. It mandates that at least 50% of Medicaid long-term-care funding be directed towards home- and community-based care for individuals aged 65 and over and adults with disabilities. The executive office of health and human services is tasked with applying for necessary waivers and amendments to implement this plan, which includes annual reporting on funding distribution between institutional and community care, as well as current and projected waiting lists for services. The bill emphasizes a person-centered approach that promotes individual choice, family involvement, and access to a variety of supportive services in community settings, aiming to reduce reliance on institutional care.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the executive office to develop tiered eligibility criteria for long-term-care services, consolidate existing home- and community-based services into a single system, and implement payment reforms to improve access to care. It includes provisions for increasing wages for home-care workers, establishing a long-term-care-options counseling program, and creating a statewide network for conflict-free case management. The bill also includes a new provision that increases the Medicaid reimbursement rate for Tier C services provided by licensed assisted living residences by 13% starting January 1, 2027, aimed at enhancing financial support for these services. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3085: 40-8.9-9