Bill > A11096

This bill establishes a pilot program to provide enhanced Medicaid reimbursement to qualifying assisted living programs, which are facilities offering housing, meals, 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, while also maintaining an average annual occupancy rate of at least 80%. Participating facilities will see their capitated rates of payment, which are per-person, per-month payments made to healthcare providers, gradually increase from an initial 31% to a maximum of 50% over a five-year period, with specific percentage increases outlined for each year of participation. The program requires annual certification of compliance with these eligibility requirements, with workforce demographic information collected through voluntary self-identification and kept confidential, and allows for audits and potential removal from the program for non-compliance. Finally, the commissioner will submit an annual report to legislative leaders evaluating the program's impact and recommending its continuation or expansion.