TO ESTABLISH A PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CARE PILOT PROGRAM THROUGH A SECTION 1115 MEDICAID DEMONSTRATION WAIVER; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

HB 1270 establishes a five-year Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Pilot Program for children under 21 with medically complex conditions. The Department of Human Services will administer this nonresidential medical care program in three densely populated counties. It aims to expand access to cost-effective, community-based care and reduce hospitalizations by utilizing a federal Medicaid waiver to cover these services as an alternative to home health or private duty nursing. The program also focuses on providing caregiver training and support, with annual evaluations to assess health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and the feasibility of a permanent statewide program.