HB 1325 gives Medicaid funding flexibility to the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to allow for more patients to stay in their homes. The AAA will still have state oversight to ensure that funds are being spent in accordance to state and federal regulations. Currently, many elderly and disabled Hoosiers awaiting Medicaid eligibility are almost completely limited to nursing homes. The process can take up to 55 days for Medicaid eligibility to be determined. Under HB 1325, the AAA would be allowed to make a quick determination whether or not the patient can be allowed to stay in their home under the supervision of a spouse or parent(s) caregiver. "In terms of long term health services for our elderly, Indiana lags behind other states," Rep. Crouch said. "We are currently ranked 45th in terms of money spent. This bill is a step in the right direction, but we need to continue making progress to give our elderly and disabled the quality of life they deserve." |
