HB 1656 -- TRANSITION GRANTS FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

SPONSOR:  Nance

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Senior Citizen Advocacy by a vote of 9 to 0.

This bill changes the laws regarding the assistance provided to
nursing home residents who are transitioning back into their
communities.  Subject to appropriations, MO HealthNet-eligible
nursing home residents will receive a one-time transition grant
up to $2,400, administered by the Division of Senior and
Disability Services within the Department of Health and Senior
Services, to spend on housing costs associated with moving a
senior citizen or disabled person from a nursing home back to a
residence within their community.  The division will work with
the Department of Social Services to generate additional funding
for the transition grants.

The Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department
of Mental Health will work in cooperation to develop
community-based services for persons who are moving out of
nursing homes and back into their communities.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will allow federal
funds to provide home and community-based services to help
transition nursing home residents back into a community-based
facility or a home.  Currently, residents receive $1,500 to pay
for rent, utilities, or deposits to move back into a home or
community-based setting.  The funding to cover the increase will
come from a federal three-year grant, and the state does not have
to match any funds.  However, the bill will provide the statutory
authority for the state to continue the program, subject to
appropriations, after the three years.  The bill will save the
state money by decreasing nursing home expenses because those who
can live in their homes will have the financial support to do so.
The bill will benefit approximately 100 people, including the
elderly and individuals with disabilities, with a cost savings to
the state of $18,600 per person per year since the average cost
of nursing home care is $21,000 per year.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Nance; Department of
Health and Senior Services; and Southwest Center for Independent
Living.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:10 pm