Bill > HB1344

This bill aims to increase access to respite care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their caregivers by modifying the basic plus waiver services. The legislature recognizes that respite care is a crucial service that provides essential breaks for both caregivers and care recipients, and many people need additional support to live independently. Specifically, the bill requires the state department to submit a waiver amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by September 1, 2025, to add respite care to the list of aggregate services under the basic plus waiver. Once approved by CMS, the department must update the waiver to include respite care, with the stipulation that up to 30 percent of the total aggregate services budget can be used for respite care. This means that after a person's annual assessed hours are exhausted, they can access additional respite care funds without needing prior administrative approval. The bill highlights the importance of supporting both caregivers and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by providing more flexible and accessible respite care services.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1344&Year=2025&Initiative=false