The Budget makes significant changes to New York’s home care program by limiting level 1 personal care services to 8 hours per week and authorizing the Commissioner to set standards for “high-intensity” high-hour personal care services users, pursuant to emergency regulation. Changes in the definition of estate will increase liens and Medicaid recovery actions.
The Budget also mandates enrollment in Managed Long Term Care (or program models that “may” include long term home health care programs) for anyone over age 21 who needs home and community based services ( “as specified by the Commissioner) for more than 120 days. This is likely to be everyone receiving personal care (home attendant), certified home health agency (CHHA) services, and Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program services. Before it becomes mandatory, a federal waiver must be applied for and approved – which is unlikely before the end of 2011 at least.
Persons subject to mandatory enrollment will be assigned to a plan if don’t select one within 30 days of the date on which they are given the choice of plans. Plans are to contract directly with the State Department of Health and perform assessments for their members’ care needs every six months. The role of local districts in assessing and providing long term care is thus significantly reduced.
Reprinted from “NY Health Access”
