SB12-018 Summary

• Creates a voluntary alternative Medicaid program for eligible elderly (age 55+) who receive 70% of traditional Medicaid benefits in exchange for provider choice flexibility and waiver of state estate recovery rights.

• Participants receive a monthly-funded debit card with one-twelfth of their annual allocated benefit amount (70% of expected care costs) and must pay all additional care expenses from personal resources.

• State Department of Health Care Policy and Financing determines expected care costs based on physician assessment, conducts annual eligibility redeterminations, and provides only case management services related to eligibility and care level assessment.

• Participants may purchase services from any provider at rates set by the provider and bear responsibility for researching and selecting services; state waives all estate recovery for medical assistance paid during program participation.

• Program implementation is contingent on obtaining federal waiver authorization, with the statute set to automatically repeal July 1, 2016 if federal approval is denied or approved.