Bill > SB622

This bill, known as the "End the Wait Act," aims to address the waitlist and registry issues in various Medicaid waiver programs in Maryland. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It requires the Maryland Department of Health to develop plans to reduce the waitlists for several Medicaid waiver programs, including the Community Pathways Waiver, Community Supports Waiver, and others, by 50% starting in fiscal year 2024. 2. The bill also requires the department to develop a plan to reduce the registry for the Autism Waiver, including conducting eligibility determinations and providing services to at least 50% of those determined eligible. 3. The bill allows Medicaid funding to be used for hiring and retaining providers to expand the capacity of these waiver programs, as well as providing community services to individuals waiting for services through these programs. 4. The bill also makes changes to the fiscal year 2023 budget, allocating $30 million for Medicaid waiver expansions, with a portion of those funds to be used for expanding provider capacity in the various waiver programs.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0622?ys=2023RS