House Research Bill Summary

File Number: H.F. 705

Date: February 27, 2007

Version: As introduced

Status: Health Care and Human Services Finance Division

Authors: Loeffler and others

Subject: MR/RC Waiver, Family Support Grants, and SILS Appropriations

Analyst: Danyell Punelli LeMire, 296-5058

This publication can be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please call 651-296-6753 (voice); or the Minnesota State Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529 (TTY) for assistance. Summaries are also available on our website at: www.house.mn/hrd/hrd.htm.

Overview

The MR/RC waiver provides home and community-based services for individuals with mental retardation or related conditions who need the same level of care as provided in an ICF/MR. MR/RC waiver slots are currently capped for diversions in fiscal years 2006-07, which means only a limited number of slots may be allocated for this program during this time period. The MR/RC waiver program is a federal-state funded program, funded with 50 percent federal MA funds and 50 percent state general funds.

The Family Support Grant program provides state cash assistance for maintaining a child with mental retardation or a related condition in their family home. Funds are for those expenses that are incurred as a result of the disability, not for costs that would normally occur even if the child did not have the disability. Family Support Grants are 100 percent state funded. Some counties provide similar support programs with 100 percent county funding.

Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) services are provided to adults with mental retardation or a related condition in their home and community to maintain or increase their ability to live in the community. Each county receives an allocation from the state and must determine how to distribute the allocation among eligible clients. The SILS program is a joint state-county funded program, funded with 70 percent state general funds and 30 percent county funds. Some counties provide county dollars above the county matching requirements. Some counties also fund 100 percent of the cost for some persons not served through state supported allocations.

This bill appropriates unspecified amounts for the MR/RC waiver, Family Support Grants, and SILS programs.

1	Appropriation; MR/RC waiver. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund to the commissioner for the MR/RC waiver for the 2008-09 biennium. Specifies that this appropriation is in addition to forecast increases and is to serve an additional 200 persons beginning July 1, 2007. Specifies this appropriation is in addition to the base.
2	Appropriation; Family Support Grant program. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund to the commissioner for the Family Support Grant program to serve an additional 200 persons in each year of the 2008-09 biennium. Specifies this appropriation is in addition to the base.
3	Appropriation; Semi-Independent Living Services. Appropriates an unspecified amount from the general fund to the commissioner for the SILS program to serve an additional 200 persons in each year of the 2008-09 biennium. Specifies this appropriation is in addition to the base.