HB 395 -- LONG-TERM CARE TRANSITION GRANTS

SPONSOR:  Nance

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Senior Citizen Advocacy by a vote of 12 to 0.

Currently, MO HealthNet participants with disabilities
transitioning from nursing homes back into the community are
eligible for a one-time grant of up to $1,500 to offset costs
associated with housing a person with disabilities.  Subject to
appropriations, this bill increases the grant amount to $2,400,
allows senior citizens to be eligible for the grant, and moves
grant administration from the Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation within the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education to the Division of Senior and Disability Services
within the Department of Health and Senior Services in
consultation with the Department of Social Services.

The bill also changes the responsibility for developing
information and training on community-based service options for
residents transitioning into the community to the departments of
Health and Senior Services and Mental Health.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is important to increase the
MO Health Net benefits to help more people transition out of a
nursing home facility and back into their home.  The bill allows
an individual to receive in home health services and also to be
able to be integrated into the community.  It will be a cost
savings to the state because the transition grant is far less
expensive than nursing home care.  The grant is a mechanism to
keep the elderly in their homes as long as possible.  It has been
proven that the elderly need to stay in the least restrictive,
most appropriate health care environment to ensure health and
happiness.  By transitioning persons out of nursing homes, more
nursing home beds will be freed up for those individuals with
more severe long-term health care needs.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Nance; Patrice
Donehue, Silver Haired Legislature; AARP; Missouri Coalition for
Quality Care; Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging; Whole
Person, Incorporated; and Imre Komaromi, Independent Living
Resource Center.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say it creates a method
for providing transition grants so individuals can purchase goods
and services to make it easier for them to get back into their
home in their community.  The bill's language is modified to
match the federal provision for the transitioning grant.  The
grant can be used for the first month's rent, household needs,
home modifications, or other things to help them prepare for
living in their community.  The grant will be subject to
appropriations and could help a considerable number of
individuals.

Testifying on the bill was Department of Health and Senior
Services.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am