HI SR81

Department of Human Services requested to convene a working group to explore creation of a sustainability fund for Community Care Foster Family Home (CCFFH) and Expanded Adult Residential Care Home (E-ARCH) programs.

CCFFH program, started in 1979, currently serves approximately 3,000 patients and operates under a 1984 federal Medicaid waiver as a cost-effective alternative to nursing home placement.

Current CCFFH reimbursement rates are approximately one-sixth the rate of nursing home placements, failing to meet the original two-thirds cost target established by the federal waiver approval.

Working group composition to include one Senate member, one House member, and representatives from the Executive Office on Aging, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, CCFFH, and E-ARCH program.

Working group required to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2023 Regular Session.