Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends public information requirements, including information provided to participants of the Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Human Services to provide information necessary to determine eligibility for LIFE program services (Sec. 2). 

• Requires the Department to ensure that applicants receive all information about LIFE program requirements and eligibility (Sec. 2). 

• Prohibits an applicant from being assigned to an option for Medicaid managed care until they have received an assessment for home-based and community-based services (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Department to proportionately assign an applicant to an available placement if they fail to make a selection for Medicaid managed care (Sec. 2).

• Exempts behavioral health managed care organizations that are party to a Medicaid managed care contract with the department from the definition of “Medicaid managed care” (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the distribution of information to a LIFE program or older adult daily living center program for purposes of determining eligibility for home-based and community-based services (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes Independent Enrollment Brokers to educate or notify eligible individuals about long-term care services and support (Sec. 4).

• Requires eligible individuals to receive (Sec. 4)

• A list of frequently asked questions developed with input from LIFE Program providers;

• Contact information for their assigned LIFE Program provider in their area;

• A comparison of the services provided by the Community Health Choices Program and the LIFE Program; and

• An attestation form to sign, indicating their understanding of the LIFE Program’s services.

• Requires the LIFE Program to be offered equally to eligible individuals by Independent Enrollment Brokers (Sec. 4).

• Requires the Department to issue a quarterly report to the chairperson and minority chairperson of the aging and human services-related House and Senate committees that tracks LIFE Program enrollment in each county (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that this Act shall take effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text