Title: An act relating to establishing a task force on long-term care financing and chronic care management.

Brief Description: Establishing a joint legislative and executive task force on long-term care financing and chronic care management.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Schual-Berke, Cody, Simpson, Campbell, Williams, Chase, Kenney, O'Brien, Clibborn, Conway, Green, Kagi and Upthegrove; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/11/05, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 3/21/05, 3/31/05 [DPA-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Deccio, Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Brandland, Franklin, Johnson, Kastama, Kline, Parlette and Poulsen.

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: People with functional disabilities who cannot complete activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, taking medications, and the use of bathroom facilities, need long-term care services. Most Americans do not purchase long-term care insurance to finance the care they may need when they are elderly or infirm. As the baby boom generation begins their retirement years, a large number of seniors will need professional care for at least part of their day. Individuals who need long-term care must purchase separate insurance, pay out-of-pocket, or have an income level that qualifies for Medicaid.

Summary of Amended Bill: An eight member joint legislative and executive task force (Task Force) on long-term care financing and chronic care management is created. The task force includes the Secretary's of the Department of Health and the Department of Social and Health Services. The Task Force must develop recommendations about public and private mechanisms for financing long-term care, particularly in rural communities. Additionally, the Task Force must focus on disability prevention interventions and chronic care management that can reduce the need for long-term care.

The Task Force is required to solicit input from stakeholders through advisory committees. Additionally, the Task Force will review the need to add additional capacity to the long-term care system, specifically for persons of all ages with functional limitations, and review laws and rules for possible elimination.

The Task Force must report on its progress in three phases: an initial report to be completed no later than January 1, 2006; a report of recommendations no later than January 1, 2007; and a final report no later than June 30, 2007.

If funding is not provided by June 30, 2005, the legislation becomes null and void.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: Technical change to language of bill.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This is a good bill and a very important area that needs attention. The change in the house bill that requires the task force to examine long-term care needs for "all ages" is arguably within the intent of the bill and that language should remain. Provider rates should not be required to remain stagnant while this issue is examined.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Morrell, prime sponsor; Christina Hulet, Governor's Office; Deb Murphy, Washington Association of Housing & Services for the Aging.