Senate hearing on SB 909 highlights families— plea to expand Medicaid home‑and‑community supports for children with serious emotional disturbance

Senate Bill 909 drew emotional testimony and detailed policy discussion in a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Human Services on Feb. 27 as families and advocates urged immediate action to expand home‑and‑community‑based services for children with serious emotional disturbances.

Chair Gelser Blue opened the public hearing and summarized the bill—s aims before a series of proponents. Committee staff Matt described SB 909 as a bill that “expands access to home and community based services for individuals who are 21 with serious emotional disturbance,” said it would “expand eligibility for medical assistance regardless of family income to individuals 18 under certain conditions,” and requires the Oregon Health Authority to develop level‑of‑care criteria for admission to psychiatric facilities and to provide HCBS as alternatives to institutional placement.

Several parents and advocates testified about systemic gaps. Jessa Reinhardt, identifying herself as “a mother … and an amazing…