SB 173 Summary

• Reduces asset limits for the CHOICE program (community and home options to institutional care for elderly and disabled) from $500,000 to $250,000 for applications after January 1, 2015, with an additional $20,000 asset exclusion.

• Requires annual adjustment of the $250,000 asset limit using the federal Consumer Price Index beginning January 1, 2015.

• Allows individuals unable to perform at least one activity of daily living to participate in the program under specified circumstances determined by area agencies on aging.

• Establishes nursing facility moratorium on comprehensive care beds through June 30, 2015, with exemptions for facilities under development as of June 30, 2014, replacement facilities, and continuing care retirement communities.

• Authorizes the Division of Aging to place liens on real property to recoup program service costs exceeding $20,000 for applicants after December 31, 2014, and enables annual eligibility redetermination for program participants.