Eliminates a look-back period for home care for non-institutionalized Medicaid applicants; and repeals a certain provision of the social services law relating…

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◆ The sponsor's argument

Why James Skoufis says this is needed

The SFY 2020-21 budget enacted a 30-month "lookback" period for home health care Medicaid applicants. During a lookback period, the govern- ment reviews an individual's financial transactions to determine whether they have transferred assets for less than fair market value to qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care. Lookback periods had never applied to home health care before the SFY 2020-21 budget provision, and the change makes it more difficult for seniors to be eligible for Medi- caid and home care. Prior to the look-back period requirement, health care Medicaid approval was much faster, which is vital for senior citizens and those with disa- bilities since home care agencies cannot provide free care while appli- cants wait extended periods for Medicaid approval. Around-the-clock home care can cost as much as a nursing home, which will push more people into nursing homes where at least care will start immediately. This bill will repeal the look-back period for home health care Medicaid applicants so that older adults and people with disabilities will not find themselves unnecessarily locked out of services that would protect them in their homes and keep them safe from unnecessary institutionali- zation.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.