SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5576

As of February 12, 2003

Title: An act relating to payment for state-contracted long-term care services.

Brief Description: Regarding payment for long-term care services.

Sponsors: Senators Winsley, Franklin, Reardon, Esser and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/13/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7198)

Background: When Medicaid clients seeking long-term care placement are given a financial eligibility assessment, the Department of Social and Health Services determines the amount each resident will contribute to the cost of their care. The client participation is based on whatever income the individual currently receives, minus a small amount they are allowed to keep. It is estimated that Medicaid clients in nursing homes contribute an average of $837 per month, and boarding home residents anywhere from $515 to $783 per month. The facility is paid a rate that assumes client participation is handled directly between the facility and the client.

Providers report they are often unable to collect the participation amount from families which sometimes results in the facility discharging the individual.

Summary of Bill: The department must include in the daily Medicaid rate paid to nursing homes and boarding homes the portion that is determined to be the resident's responsibility. The department must collect that amount directly from the resident.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.