An Act relative to assisted living and the frail elder waiver

This bill requires Massachusetts to apply for federal approval to establish an assisted living option as an alternative to nursing homes for Medicaid-eligible individuals at risk of institutional care. It mandates that the combined cost of assisted living services and Supplemental Security Income benefits must not exceed 80% of the cost of comparable nursing home care, using existing MassHealth waiver data. The bill also requires three reports: one on federal application status and fiscal impact within 120 days, and two on implementation barriers and community access within 180 days. These reports will guide how MassHealth integrates assisted living into its waiver programs, ensuring equal access for members needing long-term care services.