Senate Bill 594 Summary

• Division of aging must implement a program by July 1, 2012 to identify, recruit, train, certify, and enroll independent providers of home and community based care services, and establish a network of these providers.

• Spouses and parents of individuals at risk of institutionalization may provide limited attendant care and homemaker services (not to exceed 8 hours per day, 5 days per week) that can be reimbursed through Medicaid.

• Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services must calculate savings from home and community based services that reduce institutional care use and apply those savings toward providing services to additional individuals.

• Nursing facilities and hospitals must inform applicants and patients about long-term care options available in their area, including contact information for area agencies on aging, during admission and discharge processes.

• Area agencies on aging case managers may make presumptive eligibility determinations for the Medicaid aged and disabled waiver, allowing immediate commencement of services for applicants meeting medical and risk criteria while final eligibility is determined.