H.B. 897 Summary

• Establishes a joint task force between the Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration and the Department of Human Services' med-QUEST division to review medicaid navigation, access, and coverage issues for individuals with autism or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

• Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular session, including identification of affected populations, policy changes to improve medicaid access, screening tools, and support service improvements.

• Task force shall analyze and recommend whether waivers or policy approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are necessary to make 16 specified services accessible, including assistive technology, vocational services, day habilitation, respite care, and supported employment.

• Department of Human Services shall seek any recommended waivers or policy approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services if the task force recommends them and if an appropriation is obtained for state portions of increased medicaid expenditures.

• Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2023-2024 for the Department of Human Services to procure consultant technical assistance for writing medicaid waivers and developing budgets for recommended service expansions.