S257 - Appropriations Act of 2017. (SL 2017-57)

Overview: Sec. 11C.8 of S.L. 2017-57 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Social Services (DSS) to continue implementing an evidence-based pilot program to increase access to public benefits for seniors aged 65 and older who are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid to (i) improve the health and independence of seniors and (ii) reduce health care costs. DSS must continue to partner with a not-for-profit firm to engage in a data-driven campaign to identify individuals, conduct an outreach program to enroll individuals in SNAP, provide application assistance, evaluate project effectiveness, and make recommendations on policy options. Any nonrecurring funds from 2016-17 fiscal year will not revert but will remain available for continued pilot implementation along with any private or nonprofit funding. If funding and capacity is available, DSS may expand the pilot. DSS must report to the Office of the Governor and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services on the progress in the pilot program by February 1 following each year the pilot program is in place.

This section became effective July 1, 2017.