The wording pertaining to complaints and grievances, claims processing, member handbooks, and prior authorization standards would be revised to insure compliance with Act 68 of 1998. Physical health HMOs are responsible for both emergency transportation services and medically necessary non-emergency ambulance services to and from physical and behavioral health providers. New reporting requirements concerning the accommodation of children with special needs would be added. The Assisted Living Reform Act, would enable consumers of all income levels who have nursing home level needs to receive quality assisted living services in the residential setting of their choice. Sponsorship for The Assisted Living Reform Act has grown steadily with over 80 co-sponsors signed on to date.
Discussion continues in Harrisburg on the issue of assisted living.
In March and April, the House Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Representative O'Brien held hearings across the state on assisted living. Caregivers, advocates, and consumers testified that there must be quality assisted living services available to individuals of all income levels in whatever residential setting the individuals choose to receive the services. They supported the Assisted Living Reform Act because it makes these things possible. Some providers testified that while assisted living does need to be made available to everyone, increased regulation of providers would be detrimental to the industry. Accordingly, those providers could not support the Assisted Living Reform Act.