Revision: April 4, 2024, 10:08 a.m.
Rep. Stringham, Graf. 3
March 15, 2024
2024-1161h
05/06
Amendment to HB 1593-FN
Amend the bill by replacing section 1 with the following:
1 Department of Health and Human Services; Individuals with Developmental Disabilities; Funding for Recreational Services.
I. Recreational activities typically provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in their community in preferred settings, where individuals are able to work on skill development to aid health, wellness, socialization, and safety goals. However, the department of health and human services has received clarification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that supports and services that are recreational in nature are not reimbursable services under the Medicaid program.
II. In order to ensure that costs to access recreational services are covered, and that individuals with developmental disabilities are able to participate in recreational activities within their communities, the sum of $500,000 is appropriated to the department of health and human services for the biennium ending June 30, 2025. This appropriation is in addition to any other funds appropriated to the department of health and human services. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sums out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. Any unexpended funds shall lapse to the general fund on June 30, 2025.
III. In order to be eligible to receive funds for recreational services under this section, an individual shall have graduated or exited the school system and be receiving services under the 1915(c) developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorder waiver and shall be requesting payment for an activity or service that cannot be covered by the New Hampshire Medicaid State Plan or a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Waiver.
IV. The department of health and human services shall contract with one or more organizations, such as an area agency as defined in RSA 171-A, to assist in administering these funds. With the approval of the governor, the department may utilize a sole source procurement method to implement recreational services as quickly as possible.
V. Payment for recreational services shall be limited to $600 per individual.
VI. The department of health and human services shall include language in the contracts designated in subparagraph IV to prioritize services previously included in individualized budgets.
VII. The department shall issue an interim report to the fiscal committee on or before April 1, 2025. The report shall include data on utilization, including the number of individuals seeking services in accordance with paragraphs I, II and III, the number of individuals provided services, the types of specific services provided, the total cost of the services provided, and other relevant information necessary to enable the legislature to assess the program.
VIII. The department shall issue a final report to the fiscal committee on or before September 30, 2025. The final report shall include all the information listed in paragraph VII.