MO HB1785

Repeals and replaces section 208.895, RSMo, requiring the Department of Health and Senior Services to process MO HealthNet home- and community-based care referrals within 15 business days and approve or deny them.

Requires the department to inform applicants of all available services including structured family caregiving as an option, and that choosing providers or family caregivers without their own assessment capacity will not delay service delivery.

Creates new section 208.896 establishing "structured family caregiving" as a covered MO HealthNet service for eligible recipients at risk of long-term care facility placement or currently in facilities seeking community transition.

Requires structured family caregiving to include qualified and trained caregivers (including family members), choice of service settings (caregiver's or participant's home), provider accountability for quality standards, and adequate daily payment rates for caregiver stipends and provider agency support.

Directs the MO HealthNet division to apply for a home- and community-based waiver amendment within 30 days and implement structured family caregiving services by July 1, 2015, pending federal approval.