Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2363
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning home and community-based services programs for dependents of military service members.
Sponsors: Representatives Muri, Seaquist, Zeiger, Morrell, Freeman, Christian, Kochmar, Dahlquist and Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/21/14
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
Home and Community-Based Services.
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) offers services for children with developmental disabilities and their families. The DDA administers federal Medicaid funding for institutional services provided for developmentally disabled persons.
Clients may opt out of institutional services in favor home and community-based services (HCBS) through certain Medicaid waiver programs, administered by the DDA. These HCBS waiver programs are provided to allow a client to receive services in-home and avoid out-of-home placement in an institutional facility.
The Children's Intensive In-Home Behavioral Support Waiver program allows children ages 8 to 20 years old with a high or severe risk of out-of-home placement, to remain in his or her family home. Services provided through this program include:
behavior management and consultation;
environmental adaptations;
motor vehicle adaptations;
therapy equipment and supplies;
personal care;
specialized diet goods and services;
in-home respite and planned out-of-home respite;
intensive intervention training for families and other individuals and partners working with the child; and
coordination and planning.
Other HCBS waivers administered by the DDA include Basic Cost Plus, Core, and Community Protection programs, which provide personal care and other home-based services.
Military Health Services.
Active military members and their families and National Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible for health care services managed by the federal Department of Defense. Military families with special needs are eligible for certain extended medical services while the member is in the military.
Summary of Bill:
Developmentally disabled children of military services members in active service or recently separated from service may apply for services under a HCBS program. If the child eligible for a HCBS program, DSHS must approve the application and must provide services for that child on the day the child lives in Washington, if the military member is a domiciliary resident of the state.
A domiciliary resident includes a person who intends to make Washington his or her principal place of residency and where the person intends to return following an absence. Factors supporting intent to reside in the state include:
voter registration;
vehicle registration;
current driver's license or Identicard; and
a home residence for personal use.
A child may request to be revalued for HCBS program eligibility within 90 days prior to receiving services to determine any changes to the level of service that may be necessary for the child.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/16/14.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.