Substitute Senate Bill No. 989 Summary

• Commissioner of Social Services shall conduct a two-part study of Medicaid reimbursement rates: first examining rates for physician specialists, dentists, and behavioral health providers (report due February 1, 2024), then reviewing other Medicaid services including ambulance, federally qualified health centers, specialty hospitals, complex nursing care, and methadone maintenance (report due January 1, 2025).

• Nonprofit private provider organizations contracting with state agencies for health and human services may retain savings from purchase of service contracts at the end of each fiscal year, provided they submit applications showing how savings will be reinvested in quality improvements, deferred maintenance, and asset improvements, with agency approval required within 90 days.

• Commissioner of Social Services shall design and implement a Medicaid reimbursement program for certified community health workers providing services to HUSKY Health members, including care coordination, navigation of health systems, prenatal and postpartum supports, and health promotion.

• Nursing homes with available vehicles may provide nonemergency transportation of nonambulatory residents to family members' homes within 15 miles, with physician or advanced practice nurse approval at least five business days in advance, without state reimbursement.

• State Ombudsman and Commissioners of Public Health and Social Services shall convene a working group to review nursing home waiting list requirements and file recommendations by January 1, 2024, including consideration of electronic waiting list systems.