OK HB2596

Amends Section 1011.7 of the Oklahoma Statutes to require the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to develop and administer a plan for implementing alternatives for long-term care.

Establishes a cash and counseling program focused on increasing personal responsibility, efficiency in utilization, and consumer satisfaction within the long-term care plan.

Cash and counseling program must include provisions ensuring existing benefits are not terminated or decreased, consumers receive monthly budgets based on individual needs, and authority for consumers to use budgets for personal care services and home modifications.

Requires counselors to be available to work with consumers to develop and revise individual budgets.

Becomes effective November 1, 2010.