Bill > S354

This bill aims to promote the affordability of home care services. It amends the existing law by establishing a sliding fee scale for home care services for individuals whose income exceeds the limits set under Title XX of the Social Security Act. The bill requires the Department of Elder Affairs to annually increase the financial eligibility limits for home services, including the sliding fee scale, by the same percentage as the increase in federal social security benefits. Additionally, the Department must ensure that eligible individuals have access to affordable home care to prevent institutional long-term care placements, unless such placements are medically necessary. The bill also mandates that service recipients at or below the state median income shall pay no more than 60% of the cost of their applicable care plans. Finally, the Department is required to submit an annual report on the status of the home care program audit to the legislative committees on ways and means.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S354