If enacted, SB36 will lead to a significant restructuring of how long-term services and supports are delivered in New Hampshire. It emphasizes creating an online portal to streamline access to these services, alongside a navigator program that will assist individuals in understanding available resources. Financial eligibility for Medicaid services will also be redefined, thus impacting the number of individuals able to receive care financially. While the bill does not aim to expand Medicaid eligibility, it does intend to adjust resource limits for service eligibility, which may lead to an increase in state expenditures.
Summary
Senate Bill 36-FN strives to enhance the systems of care for healthy aging within New Hampshire, recognizing the state's rapidly growing older adult population and associated long-term care needs. The bill aims to establish a comprehensive and coordinated system of care that promotes healthy aging, ensuring that older adults and individuals with disabilities have access to essential supports and services. This includes increasing access to home and community-based services, which are less costly alternatives to institutional care. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is mandated to improve this access in alignment with federal regulations, such as the Older Americans Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Contention
Although supported by many, there are points of contention surrounding the implementation and funding of the changes outlined in SB36. Critics have raised concerns about the viability of the proposed online systems and the ability for the DHHS to implement these changes effectively under existing budget constraints. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to allow family members with legal authority to serve as paid caregivers, which some stakeholders view as a potential conflict of interest and may complicate service delivery dynamics. The overall fiscal impacts, particularly with the reliance on federal matching funds and the potential for indeterminate future costs, have also generated debate among legislators.
Implementation
SB36 proposes a timeline for implementation that includes the establishment of performance metrics for ServiceLink offices and requires that the department makes necessary changes to its operations to fulfill the bill’s objectives. This includes the creation of a public-facing online dashboard to enhance transparency regarding services and performance metrics involving long-term care. The bill also permits DHHS to engage outside vendors to assist in creating systems, reflecting the bill's emphasis on utilizing external resources for effective service delivery.
repealing the statewide use of the multi-tiered system of supports for behavioral health and wellness relative to systems of care for children's mental health.
requiring the department of health and human services to update existing relevant public health outreach programs by incorporating information to aid public understanding and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.