Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3174-U is enacted to read:

§3174-U.__Alternative care option

The department shall establish an alternative care option for elderly and disabled adults who qualify for care in a nursing or residential care facility reimbursed through the Medicaid program.__The alternative care option must provide reimbursement for care in the home of the elderly or disabled person or in the home of a guardian or family member of that person.__ Reimbursement must be provided at a rate that is equal to 75% of the statewide average Medicaid reimbursement rate for the type of facility for which the person qualifies.

SUMMARY

This bill provides a home-based care option for elderly or disabled persons who qualify for nursing facility care or residential care reimbursed through the Medicaid program. The reimbursement rate is 75% of the statewide average Medicaid reimbursement rate for the type of facility for which the person qualifies.