Committee advances DCH bill to seek 1915(c) waiver aimed at 'high utilizers'

Sen. Kirkpatrick presented Senate Bill 428, a department bill authorizing the Department of Community Health (DCH) to pursue a 1915(c) Medicaid waiver intended to provide intensive case management and supports for individuals who repeatedly use emergency rooms, jails and other crisis services.

The sponsor described the target population as individuals not currently eligible for services who cycle through emergency rooms and jails and said the waiver would allow DCH to deliver community‑based supports and nurse case managers intended to reduce institutionalizations and downstream costs. She emphasized that the bill does not include an appropriation; rather it authorizes DCH to apply for the federal waiver.

Members asked about the bill language using "may" versus "shall" to submit a waiver and about the program’s expected fiscal implications; the sponsor said the department intends to proceed but left flexibility because of potential federal changes. A committee member said the waiver could save state and hospital money by keeping people out of jails and inpatient settings when appropriate.

The committee moved and voice‑voted the bill to recommend it pass. No roll call was recorded in the hearing transcript.