Bill > SB72

This bill establishes a presumptive eligibility program for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) for elderly individuals and people with physical disabilities in Montana. Under this program, eligible individuals can receive temporary services while their full Medicaid application is being processed. The services include personal care, meal delivery, emergency response systems, medical equipment, assistive technology, and other services aimed at preventing institutionalization or helping patients transition from hospitals. Screening can be conducted by trained staff from various entities like area agencies on aging, tribal organizations, hospitals, or other approved entities. Applicants must complete an application, self-attest to meeting income, resource, and residency requirements, and undergo a functional assessment. The presumptive eligibility period lasts until a final Medicaid eligibility determination is made or at the end of the month following the initial determination, whichever comes first. An individual can only receive these services once within a 12-month period, and there is no right to an administrative hearing for presumptive eligibility. The bill also requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services to submit the necessary waiver applications to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement the program, and the bill will become effective once those applications are approved.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0724