Bill > SB608

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to include family caregiver support services as a covered benefit under specific waiver programs, such as the Acquired Brain Disorder (ABD) and Choices for Independence (CFI) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, which are designed to help individuals receive care at home or in the community rather than in institutions. These family caregiver support services could include counseling, education, and peer support to help caregivers continue providing care. Additionally, the bill eliminates the requirement for families to contribute financially (cost share) towards child care scholarships for children living in kinship care, meaning relatives who are raising children do not have to pay for their child care under this program. The bill also modifies the work requirements for child care scholarship eligibility to include participation in certain treatment programs and retirement, though there's a note that the retirement provision might conflict with federal regulations.