AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- MEDICAL ASSISTANCE--LONG-TERM CARE SERVICE AND FINANCE REFORM

This bill establishes a long-term care reform system in Rhode Island that prioritizes funding for home and community-based services over institutional care for people aged 65 and older and adults with disabilities. It directs the state to allocate at least 50% of Medicaid long-term care funding toward community-based options while maintaining financial stability for existing services. The legislation creates a tiered eligibility system with common income standards for both institutional and home-based care, and includes protections for current nursing home residents who might otherwise lose coverage if they transition to community settings. Additionally, the bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted living services by 13% starting in 2027 and consolidates various home and community-based service programs into a single system.