SB21-214 Summary

• Creates state payments to qualified hospice providers who offer residential beds to eligible medical assistance program patients unable to obtain nursing facility placements due to COVID-19 impacts, medical complexity, or behavioral health issues.

• State payment equals one-half of the statewide average nursing facility per diem rate, limited to a maximum of 28 days per eligible patient, distributed from existing appropriations.

• Qualified hospice providers must have been continuously enrolled with the state since January 1, 2021, and must comply with all billing and administrative requests for eligibility determination.

• Appropriates $684,000 from the general fund for the 2020-21 fiscal year, with any unexpended amounts carried forward to the 2021-22 fiscal year for the same purpose.

• Provision automatically repeals on July 1, 2022, making this a temporary measure for the pandemic period.