SB 915

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to amend the Medicaid demonstration project (Project Number 11-W-00297/3) to create the Priority Needs Access Program to (i) increase the income eligibility for adults with serious mental illness from 100 to 138 percent of the federal poverty level; (ii) expand program eligibility to individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness, substance use disorder, or a life-threatening or complex chronic medical condition; (iii) include in the benefit package inpatient hospital and emergency room services; (iv) and include the demonstration project in the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus managed care program. The bill also directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to add 144 new Community Living waiver slots, 1,847 new Family and Individual Support waiver slots, and 305 new Building Independent waiver slots; the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to establish and operate a statewide alternative transportation system for adults and children who are subject to temporary detention orders; the Department of Medical Assistance Services to ensure that children in the Medicaid and FAMIS programs are screened for adverse childhood experiences; and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to expand neurobehavioral services used to assist persons with brain injuries in returning to work and community living and avoid inappropriate institutionalization of persons with brain injuries. The bill will not become effective unless an appropriation effectuating its purposes is included in the general appropriations act passed in 2018 by the General Assembly that becomes law.