The Legislature and the governor have completed the budget for
FY 2005. Some attempts were successful at rectifying decreases
and problematic changes in the current(2004) budget but others
were not. This year's session of the Legislature is over and so
there is only a limited possibility they will return to fix problems
created in the 2004 budget. The following is an overview
of what's in the budget and then a list of what is left
to be addressed(this year or next).
2005 BUDGET
Prescription Advantage
There are now sufficient funds to have an open enrollment. Check with
a Council of Aging or SHINE counselor for more information about
how to apply.
Protective Services
There is a small increase in funding. The definition of
what is covered(and what mandated reporters- including all
licensed social workers- must now report) has been expanded to include
"self neglect"(ex.- the failure, inability, or resistance
of an elderly person to provide for him/herself for their
physical and social well being). Look for regulations from Elder
Affairs.
Home And Community Based Waiver
This changes the income and asset standard(an individual may
keep more)so that more people would be eligible for Medicaid
services in the community(and perhaps prevent or delay nursing
home admission).
Home Care
Some increase in funding.
Senior Centers/Councils on Aging
Slight increase in funding.
Nursing Home Bed Hold
Nursing homes will be reimbursed at ten(10) days for each medical
leave and ten(10) days total for non-medical leave. The
facility must hold a bed for any resident on Medicaid who
leaves for those reasons.
Estate Recovery
The 2004 Budget's expanded definitions were totally repealed.
Enforcement will be based on the laws and regulations in
place prior to 2004.
Family Councils
There is language which strengthens the efforts of families to
organize and to manage family councils in nursing homes
and to do so independently of the facility.
STILL TO BE ADDRESSED
Prescription Advantage
An effort to appropriate funds which would reduce the co-payment
for those below certain income levels failed.
Transfer of Assets
An effort which could have modified the extended look back periods
and the new penalty date failed(the waiver process with
the Federal government continues and we await their decision).
Clinical Admission Standard
An effort to maintain the previous standard(also know as score
3) for nursing home admission(and also adult day health and some
home care programs instead of the more stringent standard in the
2004 budget failed.
Spousal Impoverishment
There was no success at increasing the amount of funds the community
spouse is allowed to maintain when the other spouse is in a nursing
home under Medicaid. The asset amount allowed has been drastically
reduced the last several years.
Personal Needs Allowance
This is still at the same level it has been for over a decade.
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