Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR9

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

Impact

The resolution acknowledges the critical role of CCFFHs in offering twenty-four-hour living accommodations and personal care for individuals needing nursing facility-level care. By incentivizing these homes to participate in the Medicaid I/DD waiver program, the state seeks to address the noticeable gap in available CCFFHs that are willing to accept such individuals. This initiative could broaden options for families seeking care solutions for their loved ones and enhance the overall support network for persons with developmental challenges in Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Resolution 9, introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of 2025 in Hawaii, aims to request the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a program that incentivizes Community Care Foster Family Homes (CCFFHs) to accept individuals eligible for assistance under the State's Medicaid Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) waiver program. The resolution underscores the importance of providing support for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by offering an alternative to institutional care, thus allowing them to receive necessary care within their communities.

Conclusion

Overall, SR9 represents a proactive step by the state of Hawaii to enhance the quality of care and support available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether through financial incentives or other supportive measures, the proposed program aims to create a more inclusive and accommodating environment for individuals who might otherwise face difficulties accessing needed services.

Contention

The establishment of incentives for CCFFHs may encounter some contention regarding funding and the administration of such programs. Discussions may arise concerning the sufficient allocation of resources to ensure that these incentivized programs can operate effectively and provide the promised support. Furthermore, stakeholders might debate the mechanisms utilized to determine eligibility for these incentives and whether they adequately meet the needs of all individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Companion Bills

HI SCR13

Same As Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

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