Committee hears extension for paid family caregiver pilot while state designs cross‑disability waiver

Summary

Senate Bill 2305, to extend the paid family caregiver pilot program while the Department of Health and Human Services develops a cross‑disability waiver, received broad support at a House Human Services Committee hearing from families, advocates and legislators who said the pilot helps medically complex people remain at home.

Senate Bill 2305, which would extend the paid family caregiver pilot program and provide an appropriation while the state develops a cross‑disability Medicaid waiver, was heard by the House Human Services Committee. Senator Kathy Hogan, prime sponsor and advocate for the pilot, and multiple families, providers, and advocates testified in support of continuing the pilot until the cross‑disability waiver becomes operational.

Proponents said the pilot fills a gap created by workforce shortages and helps keep medically complex children and adults in family homes rather than in institutional settings. Supporters asked the committee to maintain and extend the pilot while DHHS completes planning and federal approvals for the cross‑disability waiver.

Senator Kathy Hogan summarized the pilot’s background, noting the program began in April 2024 and received 444 applications; 50 applicants had been determined eligible and an 82‑child waiting list remained, according to…

Committee hears extension for paid family caregiver pilot while state designs cross‑disability waiver

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading