SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1631

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: The population of people in Washington State aged 65 and older is expanding at an unprecedented rate. State and local governments and service providers are seeing increasing numbers of individuals who are in need of information and services to meet long-term care needs. The growth in the population needing care and smaller family size in the baby boom generation has combined to decrease the ratio of caregivers to those needing care. It is estimated that in 1990 there were 11 potential caregivers for each person needing care; by 2050, that ratio will be four to one. While the state is facing the demographic pressure of an aging population and long-term care financing challenges, the national and state economies are dealing with the current economic downturn.

Summary of Bill: A Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Disability Issues (Committee) is established; with membership to come from the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Governor's Office, The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), and the Health Care Authority. The Committee must: establish a profile of Washington's current elderly and disabled population; establish an inventory of the services and supports currently available to the elderly and disabled; assess the area of the current system where additional support is needed; establish a profile of the expected elderly and disabled population in 2025, including future services and supports needed by this population; develop statutory and regulatory changes to promote the efficient use of resources; develop practices to maintain the independence of the elderly and disabled population; develop caregiver supports and resources for populations with special needs; and develop housing and transportation programs to help individuals maintain their independence.

The Committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by December 10, 2014.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Lots of work has been done around this issue of planning for the long-term care needs of the state; this focuses that work to address policy. The aging population is a large segment of the general population and we need to focus our efforts on the aging population so that we are ready for future challenges. We know the demand for future services will rise dramatically and people need more options, not just Medicaid. We need to encourage people to save for retirement and make it easy for them to do so. We appreciate that the bill recognizes that the disabled population is aging also and they will have their own aging needs that need to be addressed. We need accessible housing and transportation. Consider online training for caregivers. We would like to see an amendment in the bill that promotes transparent reimbursement models for care settings as part of the strategy for services and supports.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Tharinger, prime sponsor; Ingrid McDonald, American Assn. of Retired Persons WA; Dennis Mahar, WA State Area Agencies on Aging; David Lord, Disability Rights WA; David Knutson, WA Health Care Assn.; Giuliano Tomas Corsini Sr., Calidus Consulting.