SB1821 Summary

• Establishes an expedited long-term care eligibility determination system to reduce processing time to 90 days or fewer by July 1, 2014, with Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Department of Human Services, and Department on Aging as joint administrators.

• Requires streamlined application and enrollment process by December 31, 2015 that minimizes burden on applicants, integrates online data sources, and provides alerts for missing or incomplete information.

• Authorizes Department of Healthcare and Family Services to issue advance payment vouchers not exceeding $50,000,000 to nursing facilities with significant outstanding Medicaid liability for pending applications, with recoupment by June 30, 2015.

• Mandates nursing facilities submit all medical assistance applications online via the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) website 30 days after completion of regional trainings.

• Provides temporary medical assistance card to applicants whose long-term care applications remain pending at least 15 days past federal processing guidelines, with immediate addition to facility roster for payment.