Bill > S09392

This bill establishes a pilot program to provide enhanced Medicaid reimbursement to qualifying assisted living programs, which are facilities offering housing and supportive services to individuals who need assistance with daily living activities. To be eligible, an assisted living facility must employ at least fifty people, and at least 70% of its staff must voluntarily self-identify as Black, Hispanic, or Asian, with this demographic information kept confidential. Additionally, facilities must maintain an average annual occupancy rate of at least 80%. The program will gradually increase the capitated rates of payment, which are per-person payments made to healthcare providers, over five years, starting with a 4% increase in the first year, bringing the rate from 31% to 35%, followed by further increases of 5% in subsequent years until it reaches 50% by the fifth year. The commissioner of health will oversee the program, including verifying compliance and submitting an annual report on its fiscal impact and outcomes.