Resolve, To Support Vulnerable Seniors by Funding Assisted Living Programs

Sec. 1. Sustainable funding review. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall conduct a review of possible ways to provide adequate sustainable funding for affordable assisted living facilities that hold a valid contract with the office of aging and disability services within the Department of Health and Human Services, including providing permanent increases to existing funding levels, paying the medical costs of certain residents until they are eligible for MaineCare coverage, a practice known as Rate Code 53 spending, and designating facilities as private nonmedical institutions. The department shall report back with its recommendations to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters by January 11, 2019; and be it further

Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

Office of Aging and Disability Services Central Office 0140

Initiative: Provides increased funding over current levels for the provision of assisted living services by facilities operating at a loss, including, but not limited to, services provided in Bangor, Millinocket, Camden and Sanford.

GENERAL FUND	2017-18	2018-19
All Other	$0	$500,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$500,000

summary

This resolve provides increased funding for the provision of assisted living services at facilities currently operating at a loss, including, but not limited to, facilities in Bangor, Millinocket, Camden and Sanford. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a review of possible ways to stabilize funding for affordable assisted living facilities that contract with the office of aging and disability services within the Department of Health and Human Services, including permanent increases to existing funding levels, paying the medical costs of certain residents until they are eligible for MaineCare coverage, a practice known as Rate Code 53 spending, and designating facilities as private nonmedical institutions. It directs the department to report back with its recommendations to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters by January 11, 2019.