Resolve, To Direct the Department of Health and Human Services To Address the Growing Deficit in Room and Board Allowances Paid to Agencies Providing Residential Services to Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this resolve directs the office of aging and disability services within the Department of Health and Human Services to identify the cost to the General Fund to ensure full funding of room and board costs incurred by agencies providing residential support to individuals served under the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 21, Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder; and

Whereas,  enactment of this resolve before the 90-day period expires is necessary to provide sufficient time for the department to identify the cost to the General Fund and submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services in time for the committee's review of supplemental budget legislation for fiscal year 2016-17; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Identification of General Fund cost for room and board. Resolved: That the office of aging and disability services within the Department of Health and Human Services shall identify the cost to the General Fund to fund the difference between rental subsidies paid to and actual room and board costs incurred by agencies providing residential support to individuals served under the MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 21, Home and Community Benefits for Members with Intellectual Disabilities or Autistic Disorder. By January 6, 2016, the department shall report the General Fund cost identified pursuant to this section to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the office of aging and disability services within the Department of Health and Human Services to identify the cost to the General Fund to ensure full funding of room and board costs incurred by agencies providing residential support to individuals with intellectual disabilities or autistic disorder served under MaineCare.