H1030 - 2016 Appropriations Act. (SL 2016-94)

Overview: Sec. 12C.3 of S.L. 2016-94 directs the Division of Social Services (DSS), Department of Health and Human Services, to establish a pilot program to increase public benefits for individuals 65 years of age and older who are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid in an effort to improve health and independence and reduce health care costs. On or before January 1, 2017, DSS must partner with a not-for-profit to accomplish the following:

• Identify individuals aged 65 and older who qualify for, but are not currently enrolled in, the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Conduct an outreach program to enroll those seniors in SNAP.
• Utilize outreach specialists to provide assistance with completing public benefits applications.
• Evaluate project effectiveness and explore how data can be utilized to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Make recommendations regarding policy options available to the State to streamline access to benefits.

DSS must to make a progress report to the Office of the Governor and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by February 1 following each year the pilot program is in place. The report must include the following:

• The number of dual eligible seniors aged 65 and older who are not enrolled in SNAP.
• The number of those identified that would be included in the sample population.
• The methods of outreach directed toward the seniors in the sample population.
• The number of enrollments in SNAP as a direct result of the pilot program outreach.
• The SNAP participation rate of the seniors in the sample population.
• Other relevant findings.

The pilot program may be expanded to include other public benefit programs if funding and capacity exist.

This section became effective July 1, 2016.